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THE 


HISTORY 


OF 


COLUMBIA  County, 


WISCONSIN, 


CONTAINING 


AN  ACCOUNT  OF  ITS  SETTLEMENT,  GROWTH,  DEVELOPMENT  AND  RESOURCES ;    AN  EXTENSIVE  AND 
MINUTE  SKETCH  OF  ITS  CITIES,  TOWNS  AND  VILLAGES— THEIR  IMPROVEMENTS,  INDUSTRIES, 
MANUFACTORIES,  CHURCHES,  SCHOOLS  AND  SOCIETIES;  ITS  WAR  RECORD,  BIOGRAPH- 
ICAL SKETCHES,  PORTRAITS  OF  PROMINENT  MEN  AND  EARLY  SETTLERS;  THE 
THE   WHOLE   PRECEDED  BY  A    HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN,  STATISTICS 
OF  THE  STATE,  AND  AN  ABSTRACT  OF  ITS  LAWS  AND  CON- 
STITITION    AND   OF   THE  CONSTITUTION 
OF  THE    rXITED   STATES. 


iXjXjTjst:£?.j^t:exd- 


CHICAGO: 
WESTERN     HISTORICAL     COMPANY. 

MDCCCIXXX. 


V 


PREFACE. 


rpHE  object  of  this  work  is  to  place  upon  record  in  a  reliable  manner  and  in  a  permanent 
J-  form,  whatever  incidents  of  importance  have  transpired  within  the  limits  of  Columbia 
County  since  its  first  settlement.  As  preliminary  to  this,  a  brief  history  of  Wisconsin  is 
given,  including,  respectively,  the  Antiquities  of  the  State;  an  account  of  its  Indian  tribes  :  :. 
sketch  of  pre-Territorial  times ;  an  outline  of  Wisconsin  when  a  Territory  ;  and  a  narrative  of 
each  Administration  since  the  admission  of  the  State  into  the  Union.  This  is  followed  by  arti- 
cles on  the  Topography  and.  Geology  of  the  State  ;  on  its  Climatology;  on  its  Trees,  Shrubs, 
and  Vines ;  on  the  Fauna  of  Wisconsin ;  on  the  Educational  Interests  of  the  State ;  on  its 
Agriculture,  Mineral  Resources,  and  Railroads;  on  Lumber  Manufacture,  Banking,  Commerce 
and  Manufactures;  and  on  the  Public?  Domain  and  Health.  These  are  from  the  pens  of  able 
and  well-known  Wisconsin  writers.  Following  these  articles,  are  Statistics  of  the  State,  and 
an  Abstract  of  its  Laws  and  Constitution,  allcJ  (Vf  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States. 

In  the  history  of  the  county,  facts  and  figures,  incidents  and  reminiscences,  anecdotes  and 
sketches  are  given,  with  a  variety  and  completeness,  it  h  thought,  commensurate  with  their 
importance.  This  has  necessitated,  on  the  part  of  the  editor-Jn-ehief  and  his  assistants,  a  per- 
severing effort:  but  their  labor  has  been  cheered  by  the  cordial  assistance  and  good  will  of 
many  friends  to  the  enterprise  T^ithin  the  county,  to  all  of  whom  grateful  acknowledgements 
are  tendered.  They  .have  enabled  us  to  give  to  the  present  generation  a  valuable  reflex,  it  is 
believed,  of  the  times  and  deeds  of  pioTieer  days,  and  to  crept  to  pioneer  men  and  women  of 
Columbia  County  a  lasting  monument.  We  desire,  also,  to  express  our  sincere  thanks  to  Prof. 
R.  D.  Irving,  of  the  University  of  WisCofisJn,  for  assistance  rendered  in  furnishing  articles 
upon  the  geology  of  the  county  and  its  various  fotfrnsi  and  to  the  officers  of  the  State  Historical 
Society  for  numerous  favors  received  at  their  hands.- 

July,  1880.  ^y_  jj_  ^^,_ 


CON-TENTS. 


Pagf.. 

Antiquities '...  19 

Indian  Tribes 21 

Pre-Territorial  Annals 29 

Wisconsin  Territory 41 

Wisconsin  :isaStatc 52 

First  Administration 52 

SecoD"!  Administration 57 

Third  Administration 59 

Fourth  Administration G2 

Fifth  Administration * 64 

Sixth  Administration 66 

Seventh  Administration 67 

War  of  Secession  Commenced 69 

Eighth  Administration 76 

Ninth  Administration 85 

Statistics  of  Volunteers 90 

Tenth  Administration 92 

"Eleventh  Administration 9Z 

Twelfth  Administration 94 

Thirteenth  Administration 97 

Fourteenth  Administration 99 

Fifteenth  Administration 104 

Sixteenth  Administration 109 

Topography  and  Geology 110 

The  Archaean  Age 112 

Paleozoic  Time — Silurian  Age 115 

Devonian  Age IIU 

Glacial   Period 120 

Climatology 121 

STrees,  Shrubs  and  Vines 128 

Fauna IM 

Fish  and  Fish  (Culture i:J4 

Large  Animals — Time  of  their  Disap- 

pearanco 13s 

Peculiarities  of  the  Bird  Fauna i:i9 

Educational .- 140 

Original  School  Code 140 

ARitatioafar  Free  Schools 141 

School.  Systeiju    under   State    Govern- 
ment  ■..^ 141 

School  Fund  Income 142 

■  State  Universityvr-^ 14:i 

Agricultural  College 144 

Normal  Schools 144 

Teachers'  Institutes 146 

-Graded  Schools , 146 


HISTORY   OF    WIvSCOIVSIX. 

Page. 
Educational : 

Township  System 146 

Free  High  Schools 147 

School  Offices 147 

State  Teachers'  Certificates 147 

Teachers'  Associations 148 

Libraries 148 

State  Superintendents T48 

College  Sketches 149 

Female  Colleges 150 

Academies  and  Seminaries 151 

Commercial  Schools 151  I 

Agriculture 151 

Mineral  Resources 162  ' 

Lead  and  Zinc 162 

Iron 1G5  ! 

Copper 168 

Gold  and  Silver 168  j 

Brick  Clavs 168 

Cement  Rock 170  | 

Limestone— Glass  Sand 171  / 

Feat— Building  Stones 172  ; 

Railroads 173  I 

Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul 173  ' 

Chicago  &  Northwestern 176  I 

Wisconsin  Central 178  | 

Western    Union 179  | 

West  Wisconsin 180  [ 

Milwaukee,  Lake  Shore  &  Western 180 

Green  Bay  &  Minnesota 181  | 

Wisconsin  Valley 181  , 

Sheboygan  &  Fond  du  Lac 181  i 

Mineral  Point 182  I 

Madison  &  Portage 182  ' 

North  Wisconsin 183  ■ 

Praitie  du  Chien  &  McGregor 183  | 

Chippewa  Falls  &  Western 183 

Narrow  Gauge 183  ! 

Conclusion 184 

Lumber 185 

Banking 191 

Commerce  and  Manufactures 198 

Furs 199 

Lead  and  Zinc — Iron 200 

Lumber 201 

Grain  202 


Page. 

Commerce  and  Manufactures: 

Pairy   Products 203 

Pork  and  Beef. 203 

Hops 2W 

Tobacco — Cranberries 205 

Liquors 205 

Miscellaneous 206 

Water  Powers 206 

Manufactures 208 

Conclusion 20S 

The  Public  Domain 21U 

Health 230 

Geographical  Position 230 

Physical  Features 230 

Geology 231 

Drainage 232 

Climatology 232 

Rain  Character 233 

Isotherms 234 

Barometrical 234 

Winds 235 

Climatological  Changes  from  Settling 

in  the  State 235 

Influence  of  Nationalities 2;i7 

Occupations— Food — Education,  etc 238 

History  of  Diseasi- 238 

Ratio  of  Sickness,  Ft.  Howard  and  Win- 
nebago  239 

Education  of  the  Blind 241 

Institute  of  Di*af  and  Dumb 241 

Industrial  School  for  Boys 242 

State   Prison 242 

State  Hospital  for  the  Insane 242 

Northern  Hospital  for  the  Insane 243 

Citj- of  Milwaukee 243 

Health  Resorts 244 

Change  of  Diseases 246 

Pulmonarj'  Diseases 248 

Statistics 249 

Population,  1875,  of  Townships,  Alpha- 
betically Arranged  by  Counties 249 

Population  by  Counties 258 

Nativity  by  Counties 259 

Valuation  of  Property 260 

Acreage  of  Principal  Crops 261,262 


ABSTRACT  OF  ^%'IS€OXSi:V  STATE  liAWS. 


Page. 

Action^ : 283 

Arrest 2S3 

Attocbment 284 

Adoption  of  Children 276 

Assignm^'nt  of  Mortgage 274 

Assessment  and  Collection  of  Taxes 267 

AssesBDientof  Taxes 268 

Bills  of  Exchange  or  Promissory  Notes 272 

Borrowed  Money 267 

Capital  Punishment 278 

Collection  of  Taxes 270 

Commercial  Terms 285 

Common  Schools 266 

IMmages  for  Trespass 279 


Page. 

Elections  and  General  Elections 263 

Estrays 279 

Exemptions 2S4 

Fences 280 

Forms  of  Conveyances 273 

Forms  of  Mortgages 274 

Garnishment 284 

Highways  and  Bridges 270 

Hours  of  Labor 273 

Interest 277 

Intoxicating  Liquors 271 

Judgments 284 

Jurisdiction  of  Courts 277 

Jurors 278 


I  Page. 

j  Landlord  and  Tenant 281 

I  Limitation  of  Actions 285 

Marks  and  Brands 281 

I  Married  Women 283 

I  Stay  Law 284 

I  Surveyora  and  Surveys 282 

!  Support  of  Poor 282 

j  Suggestions  to  Persons  Purchasing  Books 

I      by  Subscription 285 

i  Title  of  Real  Property  by  Descent 27."> 

'  Weights  and  Pleasures 278 

Wills 276 

Wolf  Scalps 278 


PORTRAITS. 

Pagk..  Page. 

Wm.  Armstrong 397  J"  J.  J.  GuppeyV, 379 

John  t^.  Adams oO-'i  *  Jos.  HartmauL 703 

Josiah  Arnold 469  '  M.  C.  Hobart...v-. 919 

A.  Bryte .- .5.')9  [Carl  Haertel....^ 361 

S.  M.  Carr 847    Geo.  W.  Jenkins.^ 811 

'F.  C.  Curtis 793  i  Hugh  Jamiesonje^ 775 

W.W.  Coming 613  '  T.  L.  Kennan..^ 649 

C.  ColHpp 415J  R.  O.  Loomis....i/. 901 

Jeremiah  Drake 523  '^  J.  T.  Lewie k/ 487 

Reea  Evans 721-' Jas.  McCloud «tf. 577 

Wm.  E.  Field 739/ Hugh  McFarlane 433 


Pa^e. 

W.  Meacher 631 

G.  H.  Merrell .,; 325 

II.  L.  Merrell j^ 307 

W.  H.  Proctor y. 937 

H.  W.  Roblier i^ 86.5 

L.  A.  Squire {^ 829 

S.  M.Smith \^ 541 

A.J.  Turner ^^*... 461 

R.  B,  Wentworth u. 595 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


p    HISTOKY    OF   COMMBIA    COCWTV 

CHAPTER  I,  Pa8».  I  ^-''•JXHW. 

GwlogicHi  Formalione  of  Countv  ..,,.  I  CHAPTER  VII  Paoe 


RWe?f!':!'/""'°""""«°fTo"n; 

Watersheds......'.*.*. 

Artesian  Wells..... 

Altitudes. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Surface  Features 

Mound-Builders 

Indian  Occupancy      ii 

John  Nicolct...      ■"" 

Firet  White  Man..* 

Karl.v  Visits 

The  Portage  froni*i*79*3"to**im vj, 

ninnebago  War  "  ">" 330 

fort  Winnebago ■'^ 

<'I1APTKR  III,    ^  :"' 

Black  Hawk  W 


329 
.BS 

•■535  I 


495 
497 


347 


353  I 
.3.-J 
360  1 


Episode  of  the  Black**Haw|i  ■'»:;■' 
.'"I  ed  States  Land  Surveys  .  3n,, 

I  u.ted  States  Land  Districts ?,S 

TSoo'-^^'^^^o'-^WaCoun*;,.*''* 

cHA!iiSiV:"*""'^^'^"^p^-"-^ 


366 


....  371 


S81 
383 
385 

,  386 


First  .Settler  in  the  County, 
Pioneer  Life.. 

??Tr'j;V™  °f''''^"'<^"nty.*.*.".*.*.*;;: Sg 

■'cijjr;;<^:^'^'«''c™"";.;d***^i; 

Territorial    State  and'congres'sionai* 
Hej.resontation....  B"»"'onai 

cwAi!^^'?':!^;^^: ''^^"••■••■••■■•■•~  ^^ 

>..v  Thos.  .;.McKrnn""  l'*^""^"-*""-    „,„ 

Mrs.  Margaret  C.  Lo*\v...  . . ! ^ 

John  T.  I)e  LaRonde lf,\ 

.>atterlee  Clark...  J"'* 

Mrs.  John  H.  Kenzi;^":;:*"*:::;:::;:;  m 

412 

427 

429 

430 

432 

4.36 

439 


CHAPTER  VII 

The  Dells 

County  Statistics   

County  Map  and  Atl*^".*: 

Curling 

S?i,"?,'''?^'°  Bii'ie"sMi*e;y:;:::: 

Fish  Culture....  ' 

Railroads 

Dark  Deeds ** 

Abstract  Ofhce  ^"^ 

chaptfVvm?'^t*'°''^''°™''-----'.^ 

"  P^VuVu'euJ'*"-"-'-  !>"-        ^      , 

Elbert  Dickeson:;:::::;;; tf^J 

La  Fayette  Hill  "'»  I 

John  A.  Brown..*; ' ™' 

Jeremiah  Drake      °"' 

Joseph  M.  Doty *" 

Baroa  Steuben  Do*t*y.*.*.'.*.*.*.*.*.*.* tl' 

William  T.  Whirry  ?'? 

Emmons  Taylor ..'. ■'}'?, 

Jacob  Low °1'' 

Carl  Ha.rtel...*. 5''' 

William  Wier   ^'^ 

516 

SIC 

517 

617 


Squire  .Sherwood  faae! 
John  Converse 

Alfieil  Topliff.. 

Harrison  S.  Haskeil"** 

.Samu.-l  Stephen  Brannaa'.*.*.*.;: rL 

Andrew   Dunn  ''"' 

Thomas  J.  l;merion *'"" 

.'oseph  Bailey 

Henry  Merrell.. 

i«!i""  f'l!"f'^''  •''"indler.*.*.*.'.*.*.*.*.*.* ,1^ 

ToZ^!  t  """'•" ■■•■■■■■•■-« 

John  Pard 


The  Schuize  Band  ^^''^■ 

Post  Office..  651 

Hotels 6.52 

Public  Halls...*.'.* 653 

Local  Militia..........* '^^ 

Orders  and  Societies *'' 

Cemeteries ®66 

Portage  of  To*d*«'v ''^^ 

Twenty.flve  year;*A*g*o':::.*: ^^ 

I'overnment  "69 

Plats  and  Additions* "70 

Post  Office....  073 

Schools 67S 

Keiigious  'in*8ii*t*ui'i*ons:;';.;;; liZ* 

Manufacturing  Interests  "* 

Banks ^  'nierests „g^ 

Library  Assoc'i'a't'i'oil'.*.*.*;:.*.*.';;; fl 

Hotels "88 

Opera  House.. ''^^ 

Fire  Department*.*.;*.*.;*.*.*. Ji* 

Lodge.sand  .Societies "J" 

Cemeteries...  "'U' 

....  692 

....  693 
...  69G 

Town  of  Arlington „„„ 

tillage  of  Arlington .  S.^* 

Town  of  Caled.inia ;; I!!? 


Local  Reminiscences 
CHA'pTEitlT""''  '""'"' 


,.r,.'\!l^''™'  S«eany,, 
CHAPTER  IX. 


Henry  Merrell... 

•i,  1'-  Kingston .*.* 

Robert  L.  Ream.. 
Hugh  McFarlane... 

.V.  II.  Wood 

Wni.  T.  Whirry..;; 

•^,'"P'i''»  Chamberlain .„„ 

Moses  M  Strong S? 

Charles  Whittlesey..      Jf' 

Freedom  Simons.."..      j*^ 

Political  Divisions... 

i,"'"">' p«i«rN  is-16  io"*i*8*8n.;; ill 

Probate  and  Co'i*i*n*t*y*  *Oou*rii il? 

IV'Unty  Buildings  .„.  t?5 

Agriculture *^'' 

Agriciiliural  .Societies.*;;.;;.".* T?^ 

'-■ie'ty...  .!!.".'..':'°'''    K'"'g"'ti*o'n**si; 


529 

529 

529 

Columbia  County  Press...  ■;.,, 

Common  Schools  °'" 

County  Board  of  :Supe*rvi*8*o*re;.*.*:*: ?!« 

Authors  and  Artists •'** 

Presideut  Hayes  and  Pa,^;;;::;-;;:|=^ 

Roster  of  Volunteers.*.*;; ?S 

chapter'x- ''T'-"  "f  ■^"■""y 

Early  Settlement... 

Growth  of  Portage...;; t'?' 

Portage  Thirtv  Year,  ir ?«?  I 

I  ortag. 


Claim  T' 


.Thirty  Years  Ago*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*; if, 

in  1S60 ??' 


1860. 
wenty.i.ne 


599 
600 


1  Veeder.*.*.* „!!?    „,,  'i''''""rn  City 

and  Veele-r/;;;;,"*"  S"      CH.U>TER  XV."^ 


601 
603 
filO 


Richard  Freeman 

The  Ouppey  Plat  and  Veeder 'cTaim 

Tr^ar:?."-''''''"'-""-'™^ 

The  Schools...     

Religious  instit*u*t*ioii*8;;;;;;*.;;;; S.J^ 

Manufacturers  "^'' 

Ferries  and  Bridges.;;; *.?^ 

Fire^Departmentand  Fi;e**Rec*oi.d;,*.';.:  640 

W^nsin^l^li, -Hi^r:^-;-;;;^-;.;;...  «» 

646 


Town  of  Columbus.  l?l 

lown  of  Courlland....;;; ™I 

>■    age  of  Cambria .*.*; 4\f 

I'Uageor  Randolph / l]i 

Town  of  Dekoria       ■     I" 

Village  of  Dekorra.*.*.*;;;;;;;: Ifi 

tillage  of  Poynelte ™ 

cH^fey;-;;'  ^*'"'-i«6«...::::;;:;;;;;;;;  J^? 

Town  of  Fountain  Prairie 747 

^,ili»ge  of  Fall  River l" 

lown  of  Hampden Z?i 

lown  of  Leeds i'» 

Town  of  l.ewiston  ....;*.*.*.*.*.;'.'.'. ?»» 

Town  of  Lodi  "''- 

Village  of  Lodi  .;;;*.*.*.*.;;;;;;;;; 4«j 

Village  of  Okee  ''* 

CH.\PTER  XIV       '^'^ 

Town  of  Lowrille ,„, 

Town  of  Marcellon J'f 

Town  of  .Vewport...  VI 

Village  of  NewDort.___* °^ 


port.. 


.  807 


8:i3 
837 

837 
839 


Arlington 

Columbus ;;; 

courtiand ";;;;;;;;; 

Caledonia ;;;; 

I'ekorra ;;;;;;;; 

Fonntain  Prairie...; 

Hampden 

Lewiston .; ' 


Paoe. 

1018 

9,'.5 

1021 

106B 

1(189 

1064 


BKMJHAPHICAt  SKETCHES. 

Page. 

■■■1085  ;  Randolph 

..  988  I  Se.... 


Town  of  Otsego 

Village  of  Otsem.; "" 

Village  of  Rio..  ...      

pillage  of  Doyleetown.. 

Town  of  Pac  lie ^,., 

Town  of  Randolph ;*. JJi 

Town  of  Scott..... "" 

Town  of  Springvaie.. 

Town  of  West  Point 

Village  of  W.vocena 

Village  of  Pardeeville        


844 

853 
857 
860 
863 
871 


Lowville.... 

Lodi 

Leeds ; 

Marcellon .; 

Newport 

Otsego , 


982    Portage**ciiy*;;; 
015  I  Pacific 


..1015 


...1007 
...  94C  I 
...1009 
...  997  I 
...  875 
..1093  ' 


I  Scott.. 

Springvaie ;  ;;;.".*;' 

Winnebago ;;;;; 

Wyocena 

West  Point .*.*.*;**** 


Page. 

1039 

104'.» 

939 

1081 

1070 

1002 


*      '  '^-  ^-  ••^rhulze,  residence ;.'.'.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.;*.*.*.*.*.*;  |^ 


.  067 


r'r'i??!".*^:?  Constitution ^?J; 


IIISCKM.,AlVIi:oi78. 


V.  S.  Constitution;;-:::"::::-;;:— :;;;;:;;;g^  |  ^'»'-f  Wlsconsm  ^r  Cvemor  and  Pre^"^ 

Errata "" 306-307] 


C.  D.  Stiles,  residence ^""^ 

Geo.  8.  Tillottson,  residence...*.*.*:™:.:;::;::*;  75? 


Population  of  the  State ^^^^ 

■  873 


V 


J 


R.6.E. 


^DA.M  S 


CO.    i 


3r^«    Q   (J  ^    T  T  E 


Igreejv    i^ake 

J R.ll.E. 


HISTOEY    OF   WISCONSIN. 

BY      C.     W.     BUTTERFIELD. 


I.— WISCONSIN    ANTIQUITIES. 

The  first  explorers  of  the  valleys  of  the  Great  Lakes  and  the  Mississippi  and  its  tributaries. 
seem  not  to  have  noticed,  to  any  considerable  extent,  the  existence  within  these  vast  areas  of 
monuments  of  an  extinct  race.  Gradually,  however,  as  the  tide  of  emigration  broke  through  the 
barriers  of  the  Alleghanies  and  spread  in  a  widely  extended  flow  over  what  are  now  the  States  of 
the  Northwest,  these  prehistoric  vestiges  attracted  more  and  more  the  attention  of  the  curious 
and  the  learned,  until,  at  the  present  time,  almost  every  person  is  presumed  to  have  some  general 
knowledge,  not  only  of  their  existence,  but  of  some  of  their  striking  peculiarities.  Unfortunately, 
these  signs  of  a  long  since  departed  people  are  fast  disappearing  by  the  never  ceasing  operations 
of  the  elements,  and  the  constant  encroachments  of  civilization.  The  earliest  notices  of  the 
animal  and  vegetable  kingdom  of  this  region  are  to  be  found  in  its  rocks ;  but  Wisconsin's  earli- 
est records  of  men  can  only  be  traced  in  here  and  there  a  crumbling  earth-work,  in  the  fragment 
of  a  skeleton,  or  in  a  few  stone  and  copper  implements — dim  and  shadowy  relics  of  their 
handicraft. 

The  ancient  dwellers  in  these  valleys,  whose  history  is  lost  in  the  lapse  of  ages,  are  desig- 
nated, usually,  as  the  Mound-Builders;  not  that  building  mounds  was  probably  their  distinctive 
employment,  but  that  such  artificial  elevations  of  the  earth  are,  to  a  great  extent,  the  only  evi- 
dences remaining  of  their  actual  occupation  of  the  country.  As  to  the  origin  of  these  people, 
all  knowledge  must,  possibly,  continue  to  rest  upon  conjecture  alone.  Nor  were  the  habitations 
of  this  race  confined  to  the  territory  o-f  which  Wisconsin  now  forms  a  part,  At  one  time,  they 
must  have  been  located  in  many  ulterior  regions.  The  earth- works,  tumuli,  or  "mounds,"  as  they 
are  generally  designated,  are  usually  symmetrically  raised  and  often  inclosed  in  mathematical 
figures,  such  as  the  square,  the  octagon,  and  the  circle,  with  long  lines  of  circumvallation. 
Besides  these  earth-works,  there  are  pits  dug  in  the  solid  rock ;  rubbish  heaps  formed  in  the 
prosecution  of  mining  operations ;  and  a  variety  of  implements  and  utensils,  wrought  in  copper 
or  stone,  or  moulded  in  clay.  Whence  came  the  inhabitants  who  left  these  evidences  to  succeed- 
ing generations  ?  In  other  words,  who  were  the  Mound-Buflders  ?  Did  they  m'igrate  from  the 
Old  World,  or  is  their  origin  to  be  sought  for  elsewhere.'  And  as  to  their  manners  and  customs 
and  civilization — what  of  these  things  ?  Was  the  race  finally  swept  from  the  New  World  to  give 
place  to  Red  men,  or  was  it  the  one  from  which  the  latter  descended  .'  These  momentous  ques- 
tions are  left  for  the  ethnologist,  the  archseologist,  and  the  antiquarian  of  the  future  to  answer — 
if  they  can. 


20  HISTORY  or  WISCONSIN. 

Inclosures  and  mounds  of  the  prehistoric  people,  it  is  generally  believed,  constituted  but 
parts  of  one  system ;  the  former  being,  in  the  main,  intended  for  purposes  of  defense  or  religion ; 
the  latter,  for  sacrifice,  for  temple  sites,  for  burial  places,  or  for  observatories.  In  selecting  sites 
for  many  of  these  earth-works,  the  Mound-Builders  appear  to  have  been  influenced  by  motives 
which  prompt  civilized  men  to  choose  localities  for  their  great  marts;  hence,  Cincinnati,  St. 
Louis,  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  other  cities  of  the  West  are  founded  on  ruins  of  pre-existing 
structures.  River  terraces  and  river  bottoms  seem  to  have  been  the  favorite  places  for  these 
earth-works.  In  such  localities,  the  natural  advantages  of  the  country  could  be  made  available 
with  much  less  trouble  than  in  portions  of  the  country  lying  at  a  distance  from  water-courses. 
In  Wisconsin,  therefore,  as  in  other  parts,  the  same  general  idea  of  selecting  points  contiguous 
to  the  principal  natural  thoroughfares  is  found  to  have  prevailed  with  the  Mound-Builders ;  for 
their  works  are  seen  in  the  basin  of  the  Fox  river  of  the  Illinois,  in  that  of  Rock  river  and  its 
branches,  in  the  valley  of  Fox  river  of  Green  bay,  in  that  of  the  Wisconsin,  as  well  as  near 
the  waters  of  the  Mississippi. 

While  a  few  circumvallations  and  immense  mounds,  such  as  are  common  to  certain  other 
portions  of  the  United  States,  are  discoverable  in  Wisconsin,  yet  by  far  the  largest  number  of 
earthworks  have  one  peculiarity  not  observable,  except  m  a  few  instances,  outside  the  State. 
This  characteristic  is  a  very  striking  one  The  fact  is  revealed  that  they  are  imitative  in  form- 
resembling  beasts,  reptiles,  birds,  fish,  man.  All  these,  for  convenience,  are  usually  classed 
under  the  general  name  of  "animal  mounds,"  although  some  are  in  the  similitude  of  trees,  some 
of  war  clubs,  others  of  tobacco  pipes.  Generally,  these  figures  are  in  groups,  though  sometimes 
they  are  seen  alone.  For  what  purpose  these  earth-works  were  heaped  up— they  rise  above  the 
surface  two,  four,  and  sometimes  six  feet— or  what  particular  uses  they  were  intended  to  subserve, 
is  unknown  It  is,  however,  safe  to  affirm  that  they  had  some  significance.  A  number  resemble 
the  bear-  a  few,  the  buffalo;  others,  the  raccoon.  Lizards,  turtles,  and  even  tadpoles,  are  out- 
lined in  the  forms  of  some.  The  war  eagle,  and  the  war  club  has  each  its  representative.  All 
this  of  course,  could  not  have  been  a  mere  happening-the  work  of  chance.  The  sizes  of  these 
mounds  are  as  various  as  their  forms.  One  near  CassviUe,  in  Grant  county,  very  complete  in 
its  representation  of  an  animal,  supposed  to  be  of  the  elephant  species,  was  found,  upon  measure- 
ment to  have  a  total  length  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  feet.  Another  in  Sauk  county,  quite 
perfect  in  its  resemblance  to  the  form  of  a  man,  was  of  equal  length-a  veritable  colossus; 
prone,  it  is  true,  and  soon  to  disappear,  if  it  has  not  already  been  destroyed,  by  ravages  of  a 

superior  civilization.  r       j         i.         i 

In  portions  of  Wisconsin,  as  well  as  in  a  few  places  outside  the  State,  are  found  earth-works 
of  another  kind,  but  quite  as  remarkable  as  the  "animal  mounds,"  which,  from  their  supposed 
use  have  been  styled  "garden  beds."  They  are  ridges,  or  beds,  about  six  inches  m  height  and 
four  feet  in  width,  ranged,  with  much  apparent  method,  in  parallel  rows,  sometimes  rectangular 
in  shape,  sometimes  of  various  but  regular  and  symmetrical  curves,  and  occupying  fields  of  from 

ten  to  a  hundred  acres.  . 

The  Mound-Builders  have  left  many  relics,  besides  their  earthworks,  to  attest  their  presence 
in  Wisconsin  in  ages  past.  Scattered  widely  are  found  stone  and  copper  axes,  spear-heads,  and 
arrow-heads,  also  various  other  implements— evidently  their  handiwork.  As  these  articles  are 
frequently  discovered  many  feet  beneath  the  surface,  it  argues  a  high  antiquity  for  the  artificers. 
Whether  they  had  the  skill  to  mould  their  copper  implements  is  doubtful.  Such  as  plainly  show 
the  work  of  hammering,  indicate  an  art  beyond  that  possessed  by  the  Red  men  who  peopled 
America  upon  its  first  discovery  by  Europeans.  In  a  few  instances,  fragments  of  human  skulls 
have  been  found  so  well  preserved  as  to  enable  a  comparison  to  be  drawn  bet>^en  the  crania  of 


THE   INDIAN   TRIBES   OF   WISCONSIN.  21 

this  ancient  race  and  those  of  modern  ones  ;  the  results,  however,  of  these  comparisons  throw 
tittle,  if  any,  light  upon  "  the  dark  backward  and  abysm  "  of  mound-building  times. 

The  evidences  of  an  extinct  people  of  superior  intelligence  is  very  strikingly  exhibited  in 
the  ancient  copper  mines  of  the  Lake  Superior  region.  Here  are  to  be  found  excavations  in  the 
solid  rock;  heaps  of  rubble  and  dirt;  copper  utensils  fashioned  into  knives,  chisels,  and  spear 
and  arrow-heads;  stone  hammers;  wooden  bowls  and  shovels;  props  and  levers  for  raising  and 
supporting  the  mass  copper;  and  ladders  for  ascending  and  descending  the  pits.  These  mines 
were  probably  worked  by  people  not  only  inhabiting  what  is  now  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  but 
territory  farther  to  the  southward.  The  copper  was  here  obtained,  it  is  believed,  which  has  been 
found  in  many  places,  even  as  far  away  as  the  northern  shore  of  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  wrought 
into  various  implements  and  utensils.  But  there  are  no  traces  in  Wisconsin  of  a  "  copper  age  " 
succeeding  a  "  stone  age,"  discernadle  in  any  prehistoric  relics.  They  all  refer  alike  to  one 
age — the  indefinite  past ;  to  one  people — the  Mound-Builders. 

II.— THE  INDIAN  TRIBES  OF  WISCONSIN. 

When,  as  early,  it  is  believed,  as  1634,  civilized  man  first  set  foot  upon  the  territory  now 
included  within  the  boundaries  of  Wisconsin,  he  discovered,  to  his  surprise,  that  upon  this  wide 
area  met  and  mingled  clans  of  two  distinct  and  wide-spread  families — the  Algonquins  and 
Sioux.  The  tribes  of  the  former,  moving  westward,  checked  the  advance  of  the  latter  in  their 
excursions  eastward.  As  yet  there  had  been  no  representatives  of  the  Huron-Iroquois  seen  west 
of  Lake  Michigan — the  members  of  this  great  family,  at  that  date  dwelling  in  safety  in  the 
extensive  regions  northward  and  southward  of  the  Erie  and  Ontario  lakes.  Already  had  the 
French  secured  a  foot-hold  in  the  extensive  valley  of  the  St.  Lawrence ;  and,  naturally  enough, 
the  chain  of  the  Great  Lakes  led  their  explorers  to  the  mouth  of  Green  bay,  and  up  that  water- 
course and  its  principal  tributary.  Fox  river,  to  the  Wisconsin,  an  affluent  of  the  Mississippi. 
On  the  right,  in  ascending  this  bay,  was  seen,  for  the  first  time,  a  nation  of  Indians,  lighter  in 
complexion  than  neighboring  tribes,  and  remarkably  well  formed,  now  well  known  as  the 
Menomonees. 

This  nation  is  of  Algonquin  stock,  but  their  dialect  differed  so  much  from  the  surrounding 
tribes  of  the  same  family,  it  having  strange  guttural  sounds  and  accents,  as  well  as  peculiar  inflec- 
tions of  verbs  and  other  parts  of  speech,  that,  for  a  long  time,  they  were  supposed  to  have  a 
distinct  language.  Their  traditions  point  to  an  emigration  from  the  East  at  some  remote 
period.  When  first  visited  by  the  French  missionaries,  these  Indians  subsisted  largely  upon  wild 
rice,  from  which  they  took  their  name.  The  harvest  time  of  this  grain  was  in  the  month  of 
September.  It  grew  spontaneously  in  little  streams  with  slimy  bottoms,  and  in  marshy  places. 
The  harvesters  went  in  their  canoes  across  these  watery  fields,  shaking  the  ears  right  and  left  as 
they  advanced,  the  grain  falling  easily,  if  ripe,  into  the  bark  receptacle  beneath.  To  clear  it 
from  chaff  and  strip  it  of  a  pellicle  inclosing  it,  they  put  it  to  dry  on  a  wooden  lattice  above  a 
small  fire,  which  was  kept  up  for  several  days.  When  the  rice  was  well  dried,  it  was  placed 
in  a  skin  of  the  form  of  a  bag,  which  was  then  forced  into  a  hole,  made  on  purpose,  in  the 
ground.  They  then  tread  it  out  so  long  and  so  well,  that  the  grain  being  freed  from  the  chaff, 
was  easily  winnowed.  After  this,  it  was  pounded  to  meal,  or  left  unpounded,  and  boiled  in 
water  seasoned  with  grease.  It  thus  became  a  very  palatable  diet.  It  must  not  be  inferred  that 
this  was  the  only  food  of  the  Menomonees;  they  were  adepts  in  fishing,  and  hunted  with  skill 
the  game  which  abounded"  in  the  forests. 

For  many  years  after    their  discovery,   the    Menomonees  had    their  homes  and  hunting 


22  HISTORY   OF   WISCOJ^'SIN. 

grounds  upon,  or  adjacent  to,  the  Menomonee  river.  Finally,  after  the  lapse  of  a  century  and  a 
quarter,  down  to  1760,  when  the  French  yielded  to  the  English  all  claims  to  the  country,  the 
territory  of  the  Menomonees  had  shifted  somewhat  to  the  westward  and  southward,  and  their 
principal  village  was  found  at  the  head  of  Green  bay,  while  a  smaller  one  was  still  in  existence 
at  the  mouth  of  their  favorite  stream.  So  slight,  however,  had  been  this  change,  that  the  country 
of  no  other  of  the  surrounding  tribes  had  been  encroached  upon  by  the  movement. 

In  1634,  the  Menomonees  probably  took  part  in  a  treaty  with  a  representative  of  the  French, 
who  had  thus  early  ventured  so  far  into  the  wilds  of  the  lake  regions.  More  than  a  score  of 
years  elapsed  before  the  tribe  was  agam  visited  by  white  men, — that  is  to  say,  there  are  no 
authentic  accounts  of  earlier  visitations.  In  1660,  Father  Rene  Menard  had  penetrated  the  Lake 
Superior  country  as  far,  at  least,  as  Kewenaw,  in  what  is  now  the  northern  part  of  Michigan, 
whence  some  of  his  French  companions  probably  passed  down  the  Menomonee  river  to  the 
waters  of  Green  bay  the  following  year ;  but  no  record  of  the  Indians,  through  whose  territory 
fhey  passed,  was  made  by  these  voyagers.  Ten  years  more — 1670 — brought  to  the  Menomonees 
(who  doubtless  had  already  been  visited  by  French  fur-traders)  Father  Claudius  Allouez,  to  win 
them  to  Christianity.  He  had  previously  founded  a  mission  upon  the  bay  of  Chegoimegon,  now 
Chaquamegon,  or  Ashland  bay,  an  arm  of  Lake  Superior,  within  the  present  State  of  Wisconsin, 
in  charge  of  which,  at  that  date,  was  Father  James  Marquette.  Proceeding  from  the  "  Sault"  on 
the  third  of  November,  Allouez,  early  in  December,  1669,  reached  the  mouth  of  Green  bay,  where, 
on  the  third,  in  an  Indian  village  of  Sacs,  Pottawattamies,  Foxes  and  Winnebagoes,  containing  about 
six  hundred  souls,  he  celebrated  the  holy  mass  for  the  first  time  upon  this  new  field  of  his  labors, 
— eight  Frenchmen,  traders  with  the  Indians,  whom  the  missionary  found  there  upon  his  arrival, 
taking  part  in  the  devotions.  His  first  Christian  work  with  the  Menomonees  was  performed  in 
May  of  the  next  year.  Allouez  found  this  tribe  a  feeble  one,  almost  exterminated  by  war.  He 
spent  but  little  time  with  them,  embarking,  on  the  twentieth  of  that  month,  after  a  visit  to  some 
Pottawattamies  and  Winnebagoes,  "  with  a  Frenchman  and  a  savage  to  go  to  Sainte  Mary  of  the 
Sault."  His  place  was  filled  by  Father  Louis  Andr(5,  who,  not  long  after,  erected  a  cabin  upon 
the  Menomonee  river,  which,  with  one  at  a  village  where  his  predecessor  had  already  raised  the 
standard  of  the  cross,  was  soon  burned  by  the  savages;  but  the  missionary,  living  almost  con- 
stantly in  his  canoe,  continued  for  some  time  to  labor  with  the  Menomonees  and  surrounding 
tribes.  The  efforts  of  Andr6  were  rewarded  with  some  conversions  among  the  former ;  for  Mar- 
quette, who  visited  them  in  1673,  found  many  good  Christians  among  them. 

The  record  of  ninety  years  of  French  domination  in  Wisconsin — beginning  in  June,  167 1, 
and  ending  in  October,  1761 — brings  to  light  but  little  of  interest  so  far  as  the  Menomonees  are 
concerned.  Gradually  they  extended  their  intercourse  with  the  white  fur  traders.  Gradually 
and  with  few  interruptions  (one  in  1728,  and  one  in  1747  of  a  serious  character)  they  were 
drawn  under  the  banner  of  France,  joining  with  that  government  in  its  wars  with  the  Iroquois; 
in  its  contests, in  1712,  1729,  1730,  and  1751,  with  the  Foxes;  and.  subsequently,  in  its  conflicts 
with  the  English. 

The  French  post,  at  what  is  now  Green  Bay,  Brown  county,  Wisconsin,  was,  along  with  the 
residue  of  the  western  forts,  surrendered  to  the  British  in  1760,  although  actual  possession  of  the 
former  was  not  taken  until  the  Fall  of  the  next  year.  The  land  on  which  the  fort  stood  was 
claimed  by  the  Menomonees.  Here,  at  that  date,  was  their  upper  and  principal  village,  the 
lower  one  being  at  the  mouth  of  the  Menomonee  river.  These  Indians  soon  became  reconciled 
to  the  English  occupation  of  their  territory,  notwithstanding  the  machinations  of  French  traders 
who  endeavored  to  prejudice  them  against  the  new  comers.  The  Menomonees,  at  this  time, 
were  very  much  reduced,  having,  but  a  short  time  previous,  lost  three  hundred  of  their  warriors 


23 

THE   INDIAN   TRIBES  OF   WISCONSIN. 


r  ,    •      1  Vf.  in  the  late  war  in  which  they  had  been  engaged  by  the 
by  the  small  pox,  and  most  of  the.rchexnU^^^^^^^^^^  J  ^^  ^^^^.^^^^  ^^^,,^^  f,, 

,h'en  French  commander  there,  ^^^^^^f^l^^^^^^^  one  half  the  price  they  had  previously 

French  traders;  as  they  could  purchase    upphsonie,  ^^^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^^_     p^^^^^^,^ 

naid      It  was  not  long  before  the  sincerity  of  the  ^e"°"  The  garrison,  however,  at  Green 

V  r'of  1763  broke  out.  and  the  post  of  ^-^7;^;;\Vo:rd"'' Jm elomone'es  and  other  tribes, 
bay  was  not  only  not  attacked  by  the  ^^f ^'^^/l^^^Xfcroche  ;  thence  making  their  way  to 
croULakeMichiganinsafetytotl^vdlg^   f^^^^^^^^^  .^.^^.^^   ^^,,    ,, 

:SrteSor=r;.:K="crand  «g.tin^  on  the  same  .Side  during  the  war  of 

'^^^;L,in  July,   .Sr.  an  -r-  ^^  .rrv.  ^^^  ^:^'l^r^-' ^ 

country,  the  Menomonees  were  ^^-^\2^'J ^^^ZZ,  to  b'lild  a  fort.     "  My  Brother  -•>  was 

commander  of  the  troops  asked  P™  °;;/,;^^  ^^.^eil-fire  among  us?     You   are  too  strong 

the  response,  "  how  can  we  oppose  Y^^J  1°^;'';^^^  ,  o^der  and   ball  to  make  the 

for  us.     Even  if  we  wanted  to  «??-;  J°;^;7^,';;;rers  shall  not  be  disturbed.     You  can  choose 
attempt.     One  favor  we  ask  is,  that  our  French  bo  ^  ^^^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  anticipated 

any  place  you  please  for  your  fort,  and  ^^f  ^^j^^^'^^^^.^^ent  of  the   United  States  in   that 
f.om  the  Menomonees,  --^  ^^  ^^^^.tTruch    o  the'^^^^^  now  springing  up  between  the 

regard  were  fully  realized,     ^^hat  added  muc  ,8,^-thc  annual  contribution, 

Menomonees  and  the  An^encans  was  the  fact  thathe^^  ^^.^^^  ^^^^.^^^  breech-clout, 

iSlrtTr  ir  niror^^tfe^S:"^^  for  eLch  family  a  copper  kettle,  knives,  axes,  guns 
and  ammunition,  was  withheld  by  them  ^,,       ^on  of  the  Menomonee  territory,  that 

It  was  found  by  the  Americans,  ^VO^  '^I'l'  °       ?     ^  ^^^atmen  who  had  settled  at  t.ie 
some  of  the  women  of  that  tribe  were  mam  d    o    -j-s   a"^  ^,  ,,^,,  ,,,,e  Canadians  of 

head  of  the  bay,  there  being  no  whi  e  -™- ^  ^^^^^^  ,,n  treated,  which  was  expressed  by 
French  extraction;  hence  the  -^^  >'  '  ^^^J^,,  ,,,,,_  At  this  period  there  was  a  consider- 
the  Menomonees  upon  the  arrival  of  the  Anienca  ^^  ^^^^^^  frequently  wm- 

abie  trade  carried  on  with  ^^^"^"f'.urarUey  with  this  ribe  was  "  made  and  concluded"  on 
tered  on  the  Mississippi.  ^^^  «"  ^  VnT^  iL  William  Clark,  Ninian  Edwards,  and 
the  thirtieth  day  of  March,  1817,  J  "^^^^^^  behalf  of  the  United  States  of  America,  of  the 
Auguste  Chouteau,  commissioners  on  the  Par  ^nd  b  ^,  ^,^  „,her  part.     By  the 

one'part,'-  and  the  chiefs  and  warrior.  Reputed  by    he        ^  ^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^    ^^^^ 

terms  of  this  compact  all  injuries  -Jj;;^  ^^ "^^^.^^^.i  ,,  tbe  United  States  ;  all  prisoners  to  be 
lands,  heretofore  ceded  to  other  g^"^^"'  '  7;^,'^,„  ,f  the  United  States,  "  and  of  no  other 
deliv;red  up  ;  and  the  tribe  placed  -fjV'^'^ll'^lll^,,,,,  ,,ere  now  fully  and  fairly,  and  for 
nation,  power,  or  sovereign  whats  ever.       Th    Me  ^^   ......distinction  to  the  term 

the  first  time,  entitled  to  be  ^-wn  -     ^^/^^^^.^  f^^„,,,  allegiance-"  British  Indians" 
which  had  been  so  long  vised  as  descr'ptive  ^^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^,^^  ^^^^^  .f  .^,  Gen- 

The  territory  of  the  Menomonees  when  the  tn  ^^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^,^^  „ 

eral  Government,  had  become  g-^^fy^'^^^^^^-^.i^r  and  those  flowing  south  into  Green  bay  and 
ridge  between  the  waters  f^"-"/;"^^"  ^tliga'T  on  the  south,  by  the  Milwaukee  nver,  and  on 
the  Mississippi;  on  the  east,  by  Lake  Michiga  ^  ^,^^y  ^^^^^  p 

the  west  by  the  Mississippi  and  Black  -er-     1  h  s  wa    U.^  ^^^^  ^y  ^^^^^^^  ^^.^^  ^^^^^^^ 
tically  restricted  to  the  occupation  of  the  western  s  ^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^  ^^  ^  ^^^^^^^,,, 

mouth  of  Green  bay  on  the  north  and  the  M^^^^^f  ^^^^  ,,„,th  to  the  Chippewa  country: 
indefinite  area  west.     Their  general  claim,  as  late        i«-S, 


24 

HISTOKY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

east  to  Green  bay  and  Lake  Michigan;  south  to  the  Milwaukee  river,  and  west  to  Black  river 
And  what  IS  most  surprising  is  that  the  feeble  tribe  of  176 1  had  now,  in  less  than  three  quarters 
of  a  century,  become  a  powerful  nation,  numbering  between  three  and  four  thousand 

The  Menomoriee  territory,  as  late  as  ,831,  still  preserved  its  large  proportions.  Its  eastern 
division  was  bounded  by  the  Milwaukee  river,  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  Green  bay  Fox 
river,  and  Winnebago  lake;  its  western  division,  by  the  Wisconsin  and  Chippewa  rivers  on  the 
west ;  Fox  river  on  the  south  ;  Green  bay  on  the  east,  and  the  high  lands  whence  flow  the  streams 
into  Lake  Superior,  on  the  north.  This  year,  however,  it  was  shorn  of  a  valuable  and  large  part 
by  the  tnbe  ceding  to  the  United  States  all  the  eastern  division,  estimated  at  two  and  one  half 
million  acres.  The  following  year,  the  Menomonees  aided  the  General  Government  in  the  Black 
Hawk  war. 

That  the  Menomonees  might,  as  much  as  possible,  be  weaned  from  their  wandering  habits 
^eir  permanent  home  was  designated  to  be  a  large  tract  lying   north  of  Fox  river  and  east  of 

.  T''  Ti'""  '""""'■^  '"""'"■  """''  ''^'  '■""•■""^  ^°'  '^"''''  '^""''»g  g™"nds  until  such  time 
as  the  General  Government  should  desire  to  purchase  it.  In  .836,  another  portion,  amounting  to 
four  m.  hon  acres,  lying  between  Green  bay  on  the  east  and  Wolf  river  on  the  west,  was  dis- 
posed of  to  the  United  States,  besides  a  strip  three  miles  in  width  from  near  the  portage  north 
on  each  side  of  the  Wisconsin  river  and  forty-eight  miles  long -still  leaving  them  in  peace! 
ablejossession   of  a  country  about  one  hundred   and   twenty  miles   long,    and   about    eighty 

Finally,  in  1848,  the  Menomonees  sold  all  their  lands  in  Wisconsin  to  the  General  Govern 
ment,  preparatory  to  their  movement  to  a  reservation  beyond  the  Mississippi  cf  six  hundred 
housand  acres;  but  the  latter  tract  was  afterward  re-ceded  to  the  United  States;  for,  no'twith- 
standing  there  were  treaty  stipulations  for  the  removal  of  the  tribe  to  that  tract,  there  were 
obstacles  in  the  way  of  their  speedy  migration,  resulting,  finally,  in  their  being  permitted  to  remain 
m  Wisconsin.  Lands,  to  the  amount  of  twelve  townships,  were  granted  them  fortheir  permanen" 
homes,  on  the  upper  Wolf  nver,  in  what  is  now  Shawano  and  Oconto  counties- a  portion  bu 
a  very  small  one,  of  what  was  once  their  extensive  possessions.  To  this  reservation  they  rem'oved 
m  October  1852.  I  hus  are  the  Menomonees,  the  only  one  of  the  original  tribes  of  Wisconsin 
who,  as  a  whole,  have  a  local  habitation  within  its  limits.  This  tribe  refused  to  join  the  Sioux  in 
theiroutbreakini86i,  and  several  of  their  warriors  served  as  volunteers  in  the  United  States 
army  during  the  late  civil  war. 

It  is  now  over  two  centuries  since  the  civilized  world  began  to  gain  knowledge  of  the  exist- 
ence, in  the  far  West,  of  a  tribe  of  Indians  known  as  the  W.NNK.BAOoES-that  is,  .:.«  o/^AeZ- 
pointing,  possibly,  to  their  early  migration  from  the  shores  of  the  Mexican  gulf,  or  the  Pacific' 
The  territory  now  included  within  the  limits  of  Wisconsin,  and  so  much  of  the  State  of  Michigan 
as  lies  north  of  Green  bay.  Lake  Michigan,  the  Straits  of  Mackinaw  and  Lake  Huron  were    in 
early  times  inhabited  by  several  tribes  of  the  Algonquin  race,  forming  a  barrier  to  the  Dako'tas 
or  Sioux,  who  had  advanced  eastward  to  the  Mississippi.     But  the  Winnebagoes,  although  one  of 
the  tribes  belonging  to  the   family  of  the  latter,  had  passed  the  great  river,   at  some  unknown 
period,  and  settled  upon  the  head  waters  of  Green  bay.     Here,  this  "sea-tribe,"  as  early  it  is 
believed  as  1634,  was  visited  by  an  agent  of  France  and  a  treaty  concluded  with  them      The  tribe 
afterward  called  themselves  Hochungara,  or  Ochunkoraw,  but  were  styled  by  the  Sioux,  Hotanke 
or  Sturgeon.     Nothing  more  is  heard  of  the  Ouenibigoutz,  or  Winnebegouk  (as  the  Winnebagoes 
were  early  called  by  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  and  the  Algonquin   tribes,  meaning  men  from  the 
fetid  or  salt  water,  translated  by  the  French,   Puants)  for  the  next  thirty-five   years,  although 
there  is  no  doubt  that  the  tribe  had  been  visited  meanwhile  by  adventurous  Frenchmen,  when  on 
the  second  of  December,  1669,  some  of  that  nation  were  noted  at  a  Sac  (Sauk  or  Saukis)  village 
on  Green  bay,  by  Father  .\liouez.  -  ° 


25 
THE  INDIAN   TRIBES  OF   WISCONSIN. 


A,  .arlv  at  least  as  1670,  the  French  were  actively  engaged  among  the  Winnebagoes  trading_ 

"  W    fold  affai-  says  one  of  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  who  arrived  among  them  tn  September  of 

hlVr-'v^foinkirs  there  in  a  pretty  bad  posture,  and  the   minds  of  the  -ages  much 

rLinst  the  French   who  were  there  trading ;  ill-treating  them  m  deeds  and  words,  p.llag- 

soured  agamst  the  frencn,  M.u     c  .„;t,  ^f  them    ind  conducting  themselves  toward 

„(■  tUp  Winnphaffoes  over  two  hundred  years  ago. 
^'^  ^TTe  Fox  r    er  o     G  een  biy  was  found  at  that' date  a  difficult  stream  to  nav.gate.     Two 

The  Fox  "ver  01  >  ^,  ^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^„^je„d  with, 

Jesuits  who  amended  the  m  er  m    67  ^  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^  ..  ^^^^^  ^.^^^^^  ,^^,^  ^,„ 

when  they  had  advanced    o'^e  day  s  journey  which  "  they  had  to  walk   with 

.that  the   sivags  honored;  "never   failing,  in  passing,   to  make  him   some  sacrifice  of 
an  idol  that  the   savages  no  assistance,  they  had,  m 

""''T  °^  r:ed  :i;eTnTefsVf  t^?  vV,^^;^^^^^^  wlllrLe  in  this'strU  ;  or  else,  if  they  had  to 
"'  H7o\lthim  toatd  le^^  this  perilous  navigation."  The  devout  missionaries  caused 
Tetol  "to  be  Ul^ed  1:;;  by  the  strength'of  arm,  and  cast  into  the  depths  of  the  river,  to  appear 

no  more  "  to  ^1-;  J^^^  --JJ^.^^^  ,^,,„,,,  i„  December,  1669,  by  AUouez,  was  a  roving  one 
The  missK)n  of  S^-  Franc's  xa  ^^^  ^^^^^^.^^  ^^^^^      ^^^^_.^^  ^^^  ^^^^  P^^ 

among  the  tribes  inhabiting   '^^j'^;;™',,,,/;,,  A,,,  niission-house  was  erected  at  what  is 

Z:^:'Z:T:^r^^'^^^^^^  ^oon   a^er  destroyed   by  fire,   but   was   rebuilt 

-^J^eWim^ebago^l^Uns^J.^^^^^ 

the  J^^^/tf^^^'^*^'^^;^";  "^f-t  jrLt  tepsof  the  missionaries,  and  sometimes  preceding  them, 
with  white  men;  for,  following   he  footepo  ^^  ^^^^^_^^.^^     ^^^.^^^^  ^^^^^^^   ^^^^.^^^^^ 

-^::^X2^^:^Z^^--  early  dLe,  farther  than  that  they  lived  near  the  head 

''"Tdirrct' trade  with  the  French  upon  the  St.  Lawrence  was  not  carried  on  by  the  Winne- 
bago^ tl^  g:^   ex..  untU.e.g.^ 
an  advance  party  «I  ^^  .ff ^  J' J^^^^^t^Lr"  t^^  to  them;  generally,   however,  the 

-:^s^:t;r:or^r^^^^^^ 

s-t  w^  f:™::::^^  -traded  ^4.^.- . -; --.^^^^ 

six  hundred.  They  were  afterward  found  to  have  moved  up  F-  ^--'J°^;;  ^^^  ,^^„  ,,,,, 
bago  lake,  which  stream  and  lake  were  their  ancient  ^f '  ^"^/^^j'^^'^wLt.  Their  inter- 
either  by  fear  or  the  prowess  of  more  powerful  tr.bes   of  ^^^^  ^^  °^^^;^°"  ,„     ,  ,,,  ,Uvays  so. 


^^  HISTORY  OF  WrSCOXSEN-. 

Green  bay   the  Winnebagoes  were  found  to  number  one  hundred  and  fifty  warriors  o^.ly  ■   their 
nearest  vdlage  being  at  the  lower  end  of  Winnebago  lake.     They  had  in  all  not  less  than'  three 
towns      The,r  country,  at  th.s  period,  included   not  only  that   lake,  but  all   the  streams  flowing 
.nto    t,esi,ec,aly   Fox   nver;    afterward   extended   to    the  Wisconsin  and    Rock  rivers      They 
read.iychangedthe.rcourseoftrade-asking  now  of  the  commandant   at   the  fort   forEn-WisJ 
traders  to  be   sent  among  them.     In  the   Indian  outbreak  under  Pontiac   in   1763,  they   iuined 
with  the  Menomonees  and  other  tribes  to  befriend  the  British   garrison  at  the  hefd  of  the  bay 
assisting  mconducnng  them  to  a  place  of  safety.     They  continued  their  friendship  to  the  En^^lish 
during  the  Revolution,  by  joining  with  them  against  the  colonies,  and  were   active  in  the  Indian 
war  of  ,790-4,  taking  part  in  the  attack  on   Fort  Recovery,  upon   the  Maumee,  in  the   present 
State  of  Ohio,  m  1793.     They  fought  also  on  the  side  of   the  British  in   the  war  of   1812-1V 
aiding,  ,n    1S14,  to  reduce   Prairie  du   Chien.     They  were   then  estimated   at  4.500      When   in 
1816   the  government  of  the  United   States   sent    troops   to  take   possession  of  the   Green  bay 
country  by  establishing  a  garrison  there,  some  trouble  was  anticipated  from   these  Indians,  who 
at  that  date,  had  the  reputation  of  being  a  bold  and  warlike  tribe.     A  deputation  from  the  nation 
came  do^y,I   Fox  nver  and   remonstrated  with  the  American  commandant   at  what  was  thought 
to  be  an  intrusion.      1  hey  were  desirous  of  knowing  why  a  fort   was  to  be   established  so  near 
them.     The  reply  was  that,  although  the  troops  were   armed  for  war  if  necessary,  their  purpose 
was  peace.     Their  response  was  an  old  one  :     "  If  your  object  is  peace,  you  have  too  many  men  ■ 
If  war,  you  have  too  few.       However,  the  display  of  a  number  of  cannon  which  had  not  yet  been' 
mounted,  satisfied  the  Winnebagoes  that   the  Americans   were  masters  of  the  situation    and  the 
deputation  gave  the  garrison  no  farther  trouble.     On  the  3d  of  June,  1816,  at  St.  Louis,  the  tribe 
made  a  treaty  of  peace  and  friendship  with  the  General  Government;  but  they  continued  to  levy 
tribute  on  all  white  people   who  passed    up  Fox  river.      English   annuities  also   kept  up  a  bad 
•feeling.     At  this  time,  a  portion  of  the  tribe  was  living  upon  the  Wisconsin  river,  away  from  the 
rest  of  the  nation,  which  was  still  seated   upon   the  waters   flowing  into  Green  bay      In  ,820 
they  had  five  villages  on  Winnebago   lake  and  fourteen  on   Rock  river.     In  18-5   the   claim  of 
the    Winnebagoes    was    an    extensive  one,  so    far   as    territory  was    concerned,    'its   southeast 
boundary  stretched  away  from  the   source  of  Rock  river  to  within   forty   miles  of  its  moutli    in 
Illinois,  where  they   had  a  village.     On  the  west  it  extended  to  the  heads  of  the  small  stream, 
flowing  into  the   Mississippi.     To   the  northward,  it   reached   Black  river   and  the  upper  Wis 
consul,  in  other  words,  to  the  Chippewa  territory,  but  did  not  extend  across    Fox  river  although 
they  contended   for  the  whole  of  Winnebago  lake.     In    1S29,  a  large  part  of  their  territory  in 
southwest  Wisconsin,  lying  between  Sugar  river  and  the  Mississippi,  and  extending  to  the  Wis- 
consin nver,  was  sold  to  the  General  Government ;  and,  three  years  later  all  the  residue  lying 
south  and  east  of  the  \Visconsin  and  the  Fox  river  of  Green  bay  ;  the  Winnebago  prophet  having 
before  t  .atdate  supported  the  Sacs  in  their  hostility.     Finally,  in  the  brief  language  of  the  treaty 
between  this  tribe  (which  had  l^ecome  unsettled  and  wasteful)  and  the  United  States  of  the  first 
of  November,  1S37,"  The  Winnebago   Nation  of  Indians  "  ceded  to   the  General   Government 
all  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi."     Not  an  acre  was   reserved.     And  the  Indians  agreed 
that,  within  eight   months  from  that  date,  they  would  move   west  of  "  the   areat  river  "     This 
arrangement,  however,  was  not  carried  out  fully.     In  1S42,  there  were  only  756  at  Turkey  river 
Iowa,  their  new  home,  with  as  many  in  Wisconsin,  and  smaller  bands  e'  ewhere.    All  had  become 
lawless   and  roving.     Some  removed  in  1848;  while  a  party  to  the  number  of  over  eight  hun- 
dred  left  the  State  as  late  as  1873.     The  present  home  of  the  tribe  is   in  Nebraska,  where  they 
have  a  reservation  north  of  and  adjacent  to  the  Omahas,  containing  over  one  hundred  thousand 
—^      However,   since   their   first   removal  beyond  the   Mississippi,  they   have    several    times 


acres 


27 
THE   IISTDIAN   TRIBES  OF  WISCONSIN. 


changed  their  place  of  abode.     Their  number,  all  told,  is  less  than  twenty-five  hundred. 

Whe  1  e  territory,  now  constituting  the  northern  portion  of  W.sconsm,  became  very 
,eneIllkn-no  the' civilized  inhabitants  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  Unxted  Spates,  U  was 
So  be  occupied  by  Indians  called  the  Ch.ppewas.  Their  hunfng-grounds  extended  south 
Z  Lake  Superior  to  [he  heads  of  the  Menomonee,  the  Wisconsin  and  Ch.ppewa  rwers ;  also 
r  he^  eastwa  d  and  westward.  At  an  early  day  they  were  engaged  ,n  a  war  wUh  the  S.oux- 
a  war  indtld  which  was  long  continued.  The  Chippewas,  however,  persistently  mamtamed 
thr   posit  on -still  occupying  the    same   region  when   the  General   Government  extended  Us 

rtdi'uon  over  the  whole  country  south  of  the  Great  Lakes  and  west  to  the  M.ss.ss.ppu 
^  By  r  aties  with  the  Chippewas  at  different  periods,  down  to  the  y^^ ^'^  fl^^^^" ^^ 
ernment  had  recognized  them  as  the  owners  of  about  one  quarter  of  which  i.  now  the  entire 
Sta^  Tl  e  same  policy  was  pursued  toward  this  tribe  as  with  neighboring  ones,  in  the  purchase 
o  their  lands  by  the  United  States.  Gradually  they  parted  with  their  extensive  possessions,  until 
^n  84  the  last'acre  within  what  is  now  Wisconsin  was  disposed  of.  It  was  the  intention  o  the 
Genera  Government  to  remove  the  several  bands  of  the  Chippewas  who  had  thus  ceded  their 
knds  to  a  tract  reserved  for  them  beyond  the  Mississippi;  but  this  determination  was  afterward 
Chan,  d  so  as    o"  now  t^^  remain   upon   certain   reservations  within  the  limits  of  their  old- 

tehuntTng  grounds.     These  reservations  they  continue   to   occupy.     They  are  located  m  Bay 
Zd  \shland   Chippewa  and  Lincoln  counties.     The  clans  are  known,  respectively,  as  the  Red 
C   ff  band     it  Bd  River  band,  the  Lac  Courte  Oreille  band,  and  the  Lac  de  Flambeau  band. 

Of  all  the  tribes  inhabiting  what  is  now  Wisconsin  when  its  territory  was  first  visited  by 
white  men,  the  S.^cs  (Sauks  or  Saukies)  and  Foxes  (Outagamies)  are,  in  history,  the  most  noted. 
They  are  <;f  the  Algonquin  family,  and  are  first  mentioned  in   1665,  by  Father  Allouez,  but  as 
separate  tribes.     Afterward,  however,  because  of  the  identity  of  their  language,  and  their  asso- 
c  at  ons  thev  were  and  still  are  considered  as  one  nation.     In  December,  1   69,  Allouez  found 
upon  the  shores  of  Green  bay  a  village  of  Sacs,  occupied  also  by  members  of  other  tribes;  and 
Tw   n  r67o  he  visited  a  villlge  of  the  same  Indians  located  upon  the  Fox  nver  of  Green  bay 
atadistance  offour  leagues  from  its  mouth.     Here  a  device  of  these  Indians  for  ca  ching  fish 
a  rest d  the  attention  of  the  missionary.     "From  one  side  of  the  river  to  the  other,"  he  writes 
"they  n-de  a  barricade,  planting  great  stakes,  two  fathoms  from  the  water,  ,n  such  a  manner 
tl  at  Ihere  is,  as  it  were,  a  bridge  above  for  the  fishes,  who  by  the  aid  of  a  little  bow-net,  easily 
take  sturgeons  and  all  other  kinds  of  fish  which  this  pier  stops,  although  the  water  does  not 
cea  e  to  flow  between  the  stakes."     When  the  Jesuit  father  first  obtained,  five  years  previous  a 
knowledge  of  this  tribe,  they  were  represented  as  savage  above  all  others,  great  in  numbers,  and 
wXut  any  permanent  dwelling  place.     The  Foxes  were  of  two  stocks :  one  calling    hernselves 
Ou  agamiel  or  Foxes,  whence  our  English  name;  the  other,  Musquak.nk,  or  men  of  red  clay 
the  na^Tie  now  used  by  the  tribe.     They  lived  in  early  times  with  their  kindred    he  Sacs  east  of 
DetroT  and  as  some  lay  near  the  St.  Lawrence.     They  were  driven  west,  and  settled  at  Saginaw 
a  rre  derived  from  the  Sacs.     Thence  they  were  forced  by   the  Iroquo.s  to  Green  bay;  but 
were  romDelled  to  leave  that  place  and  settle  on  Fox  river. 

Allouez  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  April,  1670,  arrived  at  a  village  of  the  Foxes,  situated  on 
Wolf  Hver,  a  northern  tributary  of  the  Fox.  "The  nation,"  he  declares,  "is  -nowned  for 
being  numerous  ;  they  have  more  than  four  hundred  men  bearing  arms ;  the  number  of  women 
and  child  en  is  greater,  on  account  of  polygamy  which  exists  among  them-each  man  hav  ng 
ommoX  four  wives,  some  of  them  six,  and  others  as  high  as  ten."  The  missionary  found  that 
,  e  Foxt  ad  retrelted  to  those  parts  to  escape  the  persecutions  of  the  Iroquois.  Allouez 
1  tabUshed  among  these  Indians  his  mission  of  St.  Mark,  rejoicing  in  the  fact  that  in  less  than 


°  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN, 

two  years  he  had  baptized  "sixty  children  and  some  adults  "     Th.  Fn 

la  Barre,  m  1684,  sent  warriors  aga.nst  the  Five  Nations  Th  ^*'',^°""'/'  '^e  summons  of  De 
more  serious  campaign  ;  but  soo'n  after  bee  me  tsZ  to  The  V  \  /"'  '"  Denonville's 
had  plundered  several  on  their  way  to  trade  with  the  Si„.  v     n  ?        ""'  ""^'^  ''  '^93,  they 

and  ammunition  to  their  ancient  enemies-  nuntfj; '"'".'"' ^'^^  ""^  ^^"^'"S  "™^ 
southward  in  crossing  from  Lake  Michigan  tHhe  MU.  '      !?  '"  "^'^  P°^'^g-  '«   'he 

ciied  to  the  French;  but  the  reconciliation  w^      f    M.ss.ss.pp,.     Afterward  they  became  recon- 

defended  by  only  L  handful  of  me^    as  atTack^dt^he"^  •'"  '^'-''  '""'  °^^-^-  ^'^- 

tens  and  Kickapoos.  However,  in  t  e  end  bTLL^  i  f  H,  ^^i"""""  "'^'^  ''''  ^^ ^- 
protected  themselves  but  were  e;abled  to  act  on  the  oV  .'      *"""''  ^'^  garrison  not  only 

besieging  force.  '"'  °"  '^'  °'^""^'^^'  destroymg  the  greater  part  of  the 

The  nation  continued  their  ill  will  to  the  French      Ti,» 
m  j;,6  had  been  invaded  and  they  were  reduced  tsueTopeTcr^B^tr  J'"  \'f  '^"'^^^ 
of  long  contmuance.     In  17 18,  the  Foxes  nnmh.r.^  fi      u      !  ''^"'  '^"™dship  was  not 

and  children.-  They  are  spoken  of  at  4^^^^  1  '  '"^'"'^  "'"  ""'^  "abounded  in  women 
or  lnd,an  corn.  In  U,  ^noZ:i:^^J:::'^!^Z^:'-T^  T"^  ^"^^  ^"-''-" 
the  Menomonees  had  also  become  hostile    so    too     he  s"         ^  '     "'^^""^i'^ 

Foxes.     The    result  of  the    enterorise   wn^'  '  '  "^^^  '^^'^  "°^^  'he  allies  of  the 

Menomonees;  the  burninrofTeT::a:r;f  "LT  T"  T."  ''^  '^^'^^^  °^  '^  ""-her  of 
of  the  Sacs  upon  the  Fox  river)  thafuibe  a  si  lli""'.'"!  ^''''' P'"'"^  ''''  ^""'^d  village 
of  the  fields  of  the  Foxes.  Th  ^  .^e  a'  1  lick  H  V'  ""^  '°^"^  '  ^"'^  ''^'^  •^"'-^'-n 
X   30,  and  defeated.     I„  ,734.  bo^the  Sa      and  Fo!     "  °""  ^'""'^^  '^  ^'^^  ^^-'^h,  in 

this  time  the  French  were  no    as  successfu    as  on  "e  "  '"  .'"'"'  "'''  ''^  ^""^  '"^^^  hut 

Foxes  were  "connected  with  the  TernmL  of  Car/'M  "'''■'""'•     '"  '''''  '"'^  ^acs  and 
being  friendly  to  the  French.        °°'""'^'"'  °^  ^^^^^'^  =      hut  ,t  .s  certain  they  were  far  from 

The  conflict  between  P"rance  Tnn'  rr«.,f   u  -^  ■ 
Foxes  allied  with  the  formerTowertat     'heT"r?"^r""^  ■"   '''''  '"^""^  'he  Sacs  and 
they  were  the  bitter  enemies  o7 Ihe  Sncl       \t  ^ e    ^         Tf  "°'  '°"^  P^^^'°"^  '«  'h.s  time 
interests  of  France  in  North   America   these  trLc         °>'^  ''°"'"'  '°  disastrous  to  the 

querors.askingthatEnglishtrade:;m/ghTes     t    hlL      11  '"  'f  ^'!"^'°"  ^°  ^^^ '^- 

d.v,ded   numbered,  in  ,76:,  about  seven  hundr  d  wa  "ors      NeiZr"  '^h'  IT  ''°"'  ^'^"^"^ 
Pontiac's  war,  but  they  befriended  the  English      The  sL^  ^^-^  ^^e  tubes  took  part  m 

ward  ;  but  the  Foxes-at  least  a  portion  of  them     Itill  ■     .    ""^''''"^  ^^''^''  '"^  'he  west- 

Green  bay,  which  perpetuates  thdr  name  rfrw  t Lrra't::  hT°"  '''  ^Tl  °'  '''  ^'^"  °'' 
occupants  of  the  upper  Wisconsin-  also  tn  7  """^  .y^^"^'^/^'"'  however,  and  the  former  were 
their  chief  town  wa^c^ate"  FunheT'd^/r'f  "''^  ''^'^""  ^^'-^  'he  portage,  where 
Foxes,  while  their  lower  one  was  sitt  ted  neaHts  t.  ,"'  V'  ""^  '''  "P^^^  ^'"^^^  °f  'he 
du  Chien.  At  this  date,  1766,  th  northern  To  t  on"r  T'  "  "''  °'  ^'^  P"""^"'  ^''^  «'"  Po- 
part watered  by  the  strelm's  flawing  nothTnto  Lke  S  "  ""^  )'''"°"""'  '"'^'"^'"^  ^"  'hat 
The  country  around  nearly  the  who^o  Green  b  't"T'  ""'  '''  ^"""^  "'  "^^  Ch.ppewas. 
The  territory  of  Winnebago  lake  and  L  ^  "?  ^'  ''""''"^  ^'"^""'^  ''^  'h^  Menomonees 
Of  the  Wisconsin  river  Js  the  dlSm^pTa;::?  Z  ^ts^Td^r """"-^^-     '^'^^  --" 

Eng,S."lttZ:it;l7:ft':tt'^"th^"  '°^^^  continued  the  firm  friends  of  the 
was  included  in  what  is  now  Wi^con  n  a  d  tlTt  ""'"7'  °"''  '  ^"""  P^"  °'  "^^^  '""'-^ 
ceded  this  to  the  Un.ted  States  so  t  It  the  nlT"  "  "  "'"""  ^°""^""'-  ^"  '«°4.  they 
State.     From  that  date,  there.re!  the:::;i;:::--r  ^r^^^-  ^^ -:::S 


29 
PEE-TEREITOEIAL   ANNALS  OV   WISCONSIN^ 

,...„ „uo„s . W.CO...  A ""----:. iir^-r:;::;:,;: i;r ^"" ;; 

War- comes  in,  notwithstanding,  as  a  par  ,  "^~    J^    Wisconsin  is  the  nation  known  as  the 
Deserving  a  place  in  a  notice  of  the  Ind    n    "bes    f  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^.^agoes  upon  Green 

POTTAWATTAMIES.     As  early  as  1639,  they  were    he  n  ^^^  ^^^  subsequent 

bay  They  were  still  upon  its  southern  shore,  m  ^-^JJ^^S^;-  ^  •  ^.  At  the  expiration  of  the 
o'that  date  they  occupied,  at  least  in  °-;  f/ j^, ^^ ^n  te-  ^^  '^^  vicinity- upon  the 
first  quarter  of  the  eighteenth  century,  a  P^^  o"  Y  »    '  ^^  ^^^^  Pottawattamie  islands, 

islands  at  the  mouth  of  the  bay^  ^^'''^l^^^^^^^Z  Already  had  a  large  portion  of  thrs  tnbe 
and  considered  as  the  ancient  abode  °f  ^^^f-  ^"^'^^"^pj^  „f  Lake  Michigan,  the  other  near  Detroit, 
emigrated  southward,  one  band  -J^-S  ^  f^^^  ;  ^^^^ii^^  ,,  ,,hat  is  now  Wisconsin  -  was  their 
One  peculiarity  of  this  tribe -at  least  of  such  ^  res  ^  ^^  ^^^  Pottawattarmes. 

intimate  association  with  neighboring  band^^    When  ^9  ^^^^^^^_  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^.^,  Sacs 

located  upon  tha  southeast  shore  of  Green  bay  w^^^^^  .Sequent  to  that  date,  a  band  of 

and  Foxes  and  Winnebagoes.  l°'^^'X'^'''^'2  2el  were  Ottawas  and  Chippewas.  These 
these  Indians  were  located  at  f'^^^'^^^J^'^'^.'^.'.e  tribes  and  of  other  nations,  giving  the 
"united  tribes"  claimed  all  the  ''-^]°l'^^  2'^'^"^,,,^^  country  by  the  General  Government, 
United  States,  when  possession  was  taken  of  th    we  t  ^^^^^^  ^^^.  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^^^ 

no  little  trouble.     F-^^^y- ^^^  ^^^^'[' ^^^  Ilfch  gan,  within  the  present  State  of  Wisconsin 

:tX  t^.i^  -- ^{HS;t^:  ^::^:^i  -  :•-==: 

southeastern  Wisconsin  or  in  other  portions  ^^^^^  ^'^  ^^  (,,,,,,,   Sacs    and    Foxes,   and 

Besides   the   five   bribes  -  Menomoe  -     ^^^^^^^^^     .Hr'terntory  now  constituting  the 

Pottawattamies-many  others,  -l-''^  "J^^^P^^J  ^'^  ',,  Us  territory.  Of  these,  some  are  only 
State  was  first  visited  by  white  --' ^ ""  "^^^nsin  ;  others -such  as  the  Hurons,  lU.no.s, 
known  as  having  once  lived  in  ^v^Iat  ^  J^^'^^Zd  Sioux,  are  recognized  as  Indians  once 
Kickapoos,  Mascouten.  Miarnis,  N^^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^,^,,,  ,,  ,,  ,,,,  .s  known  of  their 

dwelling  m  this  region  ,  yet  ^^  ^ransi      y  ^1^^  State. 

history,  that  they  scarcely  can  be  claimed  ^  /^^^""^    f  ^^^^       3o^e  of  the  following  years,  was 
Commencing  in  18.3,  and  -^^^o    NY     k  of  the  remains  or  portions  of  four  tribes  : 
the  migration  to  Wisconsin  from  the  State  of  Ne  ^^^.^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^^^         ,     ( 

the  Oneidas,  Stockbridges,  Munsees  and Jro  ^eno-         ^^^^^_^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^   ^^^^  ^^^^ 

Green   Bay,  where   they  still   reside.     Their^rese  ^^_^      ^^^^  Stockbridges  and  Munsees 

wholly  within  the  present  counties  of  Br°-n  and  U  ^^^^     ^^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^    , 

who  first  located  above  Green  Bay,  ^ ,  ^;;f  ^^^  ^:  Ji,„  ^,i,ing  the  southwest  township  of  the 
side  of  Winnebago  lake.     They  now  occupy  a  reserva  j  ^^^^,     ^_^.^^^^      ^^^  Brothertowns 

Menomenee  reservation,  in  ^b-ano  county  and  are  *  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^.^^  ^^  Winnebago 

first  located  on  the  east  .de  of  Fox  r.vr,b^  and  became  citizens  of  Wisconsin 

lake,  where,  m   1839,  they   oroKc   up        ^ 
''"'''''■  i„  _pRE-TERRITORIAL  ANNALS  OF  WISCONSIN. 

When,  in   .3.  -  first  white  rn.  setj^t  upon  ^  port.n  ^^^^^^^Z^If^^ 
luting  Ihe  State  of  Wisconsm,  the  who  .  <;°°""' "  ,  .d  o,e,  all  th.  eountty^     J.»"  «-""'. 

.•-"-"-»>■  \'''™::::r:tarS"Xt. ...  .ent ..,.,.  ,.>,.  a™.,  the 

a  Frenchman,  who  had    Deen 


30 

HISTORY   OP   WISCONSIN. 


had  heard  strange  stories.     On  his  outwar'^d     oyl^^Zt^T^^^^^^^  °^  ^^'^"^  '^ 

-a  tr.be  seated  upon  the  eastern   side  of  the   lake  which  ''^'^,""^°"^~^»'«  of  the  French 

empowered  to  negotiate  a  peace  with  them     '•  When     e  In  ['  if"  "^"'''  ""^  ^'^°^^'    ^'^^ 

some  of  his  Indian  attendants  to  announce  hi  clin  IToltT  'r'T  '°"-'  '''^^^- 
to  meet  the  expectant  crowd  with  a  pistol  in  each  hand'     Th"  °f^^^™^^l<.  ^nd  advanced 

ing  that  it  was  a  manito,  or  spirit,  armed  whh  Ider  and  ith  '""  k"'  f"'""  ''''  ^"-'"- 
regaled  him  with  so  bountiful  a  hospitality  that  a  hundred  'h.'"^  '  'l"'  "'^  '''''''  ^"^  ^^-"''o" 
a  single  feast."  Such  was  the  advent  of  ^hlri"  ten  \  ""''  '""  ""^  '"""-'^  ^' 
Wisconsin.  ^^''"^   Frenchman  mto  what  is  now   the  State  of 

"  Upon  the  borders  of  Green  bay,"  wrote  the  Tesuit   Pn„i  i     t 
monees;  still  farther  on,   the   Winn Lgoes,   a  "ed/m^^^^^^^^^^ 

Frenchmen,"  he  continues,  "  call  them  U,e  '  NatTon  of  f.  ^^^^  '"'^  "''^'  ""^'^^""s.  Some 
word  Winipeg  signifies  '  sticking  wa  e.'  Now  ley  hus  calf tf^'  '"^""  '''  ^'S^^-" 
these  people  call  themselves  MvLebagoes'bTcauseU,^  T"  °'  '''' '^^  '  therefore, 

we  have  no  knowledge;  consequentlyle  ;.ust  no   c  ^ther!,^^^^^^^ 

'Nation  of  the  Sea.' -  From  tl'ese  Men  of  tL  Sea  Nicol/  ^f'°"  ^^  Stinkards,' but  the 
river  of  Green  Bay,  until  nigh  the  portage  to  th!  W  .  ^'"''"^   westward,  ascended   Fox 

floated  easily  to  the  Missislpp,   the  <  g'reat  .fa  e^'"of"h"'    T  ^'"^"^  '^  '^^"''^  ^-^ 

sea.  This  adventurous  Fren^h.an,  wfe^'sr  r  r  d^^f e"; mj'  tl  '^'  '"  T "°°'  ^°^  '^^ 
.mmortality  to  De  Soto,  turned  his  face  to  the  eastward  ret  "I .  '""■  '^'  ^''  -'"^" 
finally  returned  in  safety  to  Quebec      This  was  the  f  r.^    '  T  '''^'  '°  ^'■^^"  bay,  and 

only  fourteen  years  after^he  landing  of  the  Srii  3^      n'Th:"^^^^  '^  "°^^-  ^^— "- 

Wisconsin,  for  twenty-four  yea^s  after  iudiscoverv  7'  ''  °'  '''"■  ^"S'^"'^" 

length,  in   ,658,  two  daring  fur  traders  p  ne      te^  to  I    I    ?  ^'^  ''''''  inhabitants.     At 

probably  set  foot  upon  what  is  now  W's"  s  ^t  as  hi  Zd'"'  ^"^^""^"^'^  ''--•  They 
rounding  tribes.  They  saw,  among  other  thinalt  .  7  "^^  ''''■""'  ^'"'P^  ^"^^^g  the  sur- 
the  southwest,  Indians  that  t'he  Iroquo  had  Rn  from  thT  T""'  ''^""'^  '''  '^'^^'  '°"-d 
Lake  Huron.  These  Frenchmen  heard  of  the  ^r.  us  So,"  an^d"  f  "'°"  '''  ""'""  ^"^^^^^  °^ 
as  Nicolet  had  supposed-on  which  they  dwelt      This  wa'th:  M  ''""'  "^'"~"°'  '^^  -^' 

.s  the  world  indebted  for  a  knowledge  o'f  its  existence  as  De  So  :';T"  '  '"'  '°  '""  '''"''' 
and  soon  became  well-nigh,  if  not  entirely,  forgotten     '  Fron.    he  e  '  "''  "'^''  "^^'^' 

mer  of  x66o,  the  two  returned  to  Quebec,  with 'he  hundred  H  "PP^^^°""'"*^^'  i"  the  Sum- 
peltry.  This  was,  indeed,  the  dawn-th^ugl  e  edi  y  fit  trV^.^''^'^  '"""'  '''^'^  ^^'"'^ 
the  great  Northwest.     Nineteen  years   after  flaXdn  r^l-'   ''"' "^"' ''^"^  ^°"^™ef«  of 

"Griffin,"  laden  with  furs,  left  on!  of  thf  :i;df a  the^Tnl  irrGr'^'b^  '"^'  '"  '^^^'  '^^ 
spreading  her  sails  for  Niagara,  but  never  more  to  be  heard  of  '''  °"  "'  ^'^'"^"- 

probably,  as  Kewenaw,  in  th'e  ;r:::*:t  S  a  tf  M Tctln  "tI"  "  ^'°"  ^^  '"  "  '^^  ^---^' 
that  he  or  his  French  companions  visited  anv  nnr.Vn      r    ,  "°  P°""^'"  "^''^^"«'  however, 

.vear,  r66r,  some  of  his  aLociate;  r  itbly^'ass^^r^^^^^^^^^  "m"^  '''"°'"'"=  ^'"'^"^'^  ^'^--' 
Following  Menard   came   Father  Claude  '  llouez  arri^  ^,^"°"^°"^^  ■"'->■  to  Green  bay. 


PRE-TERRITOEIAL   ANJTALS   OF   WISCONSIN.  31 

first  structure  erected  by  civilized   man  in  Wisconsin.     At  La   Pointe,  in  the   present  Ashland 
county,  he  established  the  mission  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

The  next  Catholic  mission  in  what  is  now  Wisconsin  was  that  of  St.  Francis  Xavier,  founded 
also  by  Allouez.  Upon  the  second  of  December,  1669,  he  first  attended  to  his  priestly  devotions 
upon  the  waters  of  Green  bay.  This  mission,  for  the  first  two  years  of  its  existence,  was  a 
migratory  one.  The  surrounding  tribes  were  all  visited,  including  the  Pottawattamies,  Menom- 
onees,  Winnebagoes,  and  Sacs  and  Foxes.  However,  in  i67i,one  hundred  and  five  years  before 
the  Declaration  of  Independence,  there  was  erected,  at  what  is  now  Depere,  Brown  coun^,  a 
chapel  for  the  mission  of  St.  Francis  Xavier.  Thus  early  did  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  in  their  plain 
garbs  and  unarmed,  carry  the  cross  to  many  of  the  benighted  heathen  occupying  the  country 
circumscribed  by  Lakes  Michigan,  Huron  and  Superior,  and  the  "great  river" — the  Mississippi. 

French  domination  in  Wisconsin  dates  from  the  year  1671,  the  very  year  in  which  it  seems 
the  indomitable  LaSalle,  upon  his  first  expedition,  passed  the  mouth  of  Green  bay,  but  did  not 
enter  it.  France  then  took  formal  possession  of  the  whole  of  the  country  of  the  upper  lakes. 
By  this  time,  the  commerce  with  the  western  tribes  had  so  attached  them  to  her  interests  that 
she  determined  to  extend  her  power  to  the  utmost  limits — vague  and  indeterminate  as  they 
were — of  Canada.  An  agent — Daumont  de  St.  Lusson — was  dispatched  to  the  distant  tribes, 
proposing  a  congress  of  Indian  nations  at  the  Falls  of  Ste.  Mary,  between  Lake  Huron  and  Lake 
Superior.  The  invitation  was  extended  far  and  near.  The  principal  chiefs  of  Wisconsin  tribes, 
gathered  by  Nicolas  Perrot  in  Green  bay,  were  present  at  the  meeting.  Then  and  there,  with 
due  ceremony,  it  was  announced  that  the  great  Northwest  was  placed  under  the  protection  of 
the  French  government.  And  why  not.'  She  had  discovered  it  —  had  to  a  certain  extent 
explored  it — had  to  a  limited  extent  established  commerce  with  it — and  her  missionaries  had 
proclaimed  the  faith  to  the  wondering  savages.  But  none  of  her  agents — none  of  the  fur- 
traders— none  of  the  missionaries — had  yet  reached  the  Mississippi,  the  "great  river," concerning 
which  so  many  marvels  had  been  heard,  although  it  is  claimed  that,  in  1669,  it  had  been  seen 
by  the  intrepid  La  Salle.  But  the  time  for  its  discovery,  or  properly  re-discovery,  was  at  hand,  if, 
indeed,  it  can  be  called,  with  propriety,  a  re-discovery,  since  its  existence  to  the  westward  was 
already  known  to  every  white  man  particularly  interested  in  matters  appertaining  to  the  North- 
west. Now,  however,  for  the  first  time,  its  upper  half  was  to  be,  to  a  certain  extent,  explored. 
For  the  first  time,  a  white  man  was  to  behold  its  vast  tribute,  above  the  Illinois  river,  rolling 
onward  toward  the  Mexican  gulf.  Who  was  that  man  .''  His  name  was  Louis  Joliet ;  with  him 
was  Father  James  Marquette. 

Born  at  Quebec,  in  1645,  educated  by  the  Jesuits,  and  first  resolving  to  be  a  priest,  then 
turning  fur-trader,  Joliet  had,  finally,  been  sent  with  an  associate  to  explore  the  copper  mines  of 
Lake  Superior.  He  was  a  man  of  close  and  intelligent  observation,  and  possessed  considerable 
mathematical  acquirements.  At  this  time,  1673,  he  was  a  merchant,  courageous,  hardy,  enter- 
prising. He  was  appointed  by  French  authorities  at  Quebec  to  "  discover  "  the  Mississippi.  He 
passed  up  the  lakes  to  Mackinaw,  and  found  at  Point  St.  Ignace,  on  the  north  side  of  the  strait. 
Father  James  Marquette,  who  readily  agreed  to  accompany  him.  Their  outfit  was  very  simple: 
two  birch-bark  canoes  and  a  supply  of  smoked  meat  and  Indian  corn.  They  had  a  company  of 
five  men  with  them,  beginning  their  voyage  on  the  seventeenth  of  May,  1673.  Passing  the  straits, 
they  coasted  the  northern  shores  of  Lake  Michigan,  moved  up  Green  bay  and  Fox  river  to  the 
portage.  They  crossed  to  the  Wisconsin,  down  which  they  paddled  their  frail  canoes,  until,  on 
the  seventeenth  of  June,  they  entered— "  discovered  " — the  Mississippi.  So  the  northern,  the 
eastern  and  the  western  boundary  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin  had  been  reached  at  this  date ; 
therefore,  it  maybe  said  that  its  territory  had  been  explor,.d  sufficiently  for  the  forming  of  a 


32  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

pretty  correct  idea  of  its  general  features  as  well  as  of  its  savage  inhabitants.  After  dropping 
down  the  Mississippi  many  miles,  Joliet  and  Marquette  returned  to  Green  bay,  where  the  latter 
remained  to  recruit  his  e.xhausted  strength,  while  Joliet  descended  to  Quebec,  to  report  his 
"discoveries"  to  his  superiors. 

Then  followed  the  expedition  of  LaSalle  to  the  west,  from  the  St.  Lawrence,  when,  in  1679, 
he  and  Father  Louis  Hennepin  coasted  along  the  western  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  frequently 
landing ;  then,  the  return  of  Henri  de  Tonty,  one  of  LaSalle's  party  down  the  same  coast  to  Green 
bay,  in  1680,  from  the  Illinois;  the  return,  also,  the  same  year,  of  Hennepin,  from  up  the  Mis- 
sissippi, whither  he  had  made  his  way  from  the  Illinois,  across  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  by  the 
Wisconsin  and  Fox  rivers  to  Green  bay,  in  company  with  DuLhut,  or  DuLuth,  who,  on  his  way 
down  the  "  great  river  "  from  Lake  Superior,  had  met  the  friar  ;  and  then,  the  voyage,  in  1683,  from 
Lake  Michigan  to  the  Mississippi  river,  by  the  same  route,  of  LeSueur,  and  his  subsequent 
establishment  at  La  Pointe,  in  what  is  now  Ashland  county,  Wisconsin,  followed  several  years 
after  by  a  trip  up  the  Mississippi.  The  act  of  Daumont  de  St.  Lusson,  at  the  Sault  Sainte  Mary, 
in  167 1,  in  taking  possession  of  the  country  beyond  Lake  Michigan,  not  being  regarded  as  suffi- 
ciently definite,  Nicolas  Perrot,  in  1689,  at  Green  bay,  again  took  possession  of  that  territory,  as 
well  as  of  the  valleys  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  rivers,  and  extending  the  dominion  of  New 
France  over  the  country  on  the  Upper  Mississippi,  and  "to  other  places  more  remote."  The 
voyage  of  St.  Cosme,  in  1699,  when  he  and  his  companions  frequently  landed  on  the  west  coast 
of  Lake  Michigan,  upon  what  is  now  territory  of  Wisconsin,  completed  the  explorations  in  the 
west  for  the  seventeenth  century. 

Following  in  the  footsteps  of  early  explorations,  of  self  sacrificing  attempts  of  the  Jesuits  to 
carry  the  cross  to  the  wild  tribes  of  the  West,  of  the  first  visits  of  the  lawless  coureurs  de  bois, 
was  the  military  occupation — if  such  it  can  be  called — of  what  is  now  Wisconsin  by  the  French. 
The  ninety  years  of  domination  by  France  in  this  region  were  years  of  only  nominal  possession. 
The  record  of  this  occupation  is  made  up  of  facts  concerning  the  Indian  policy  of  the  French 
rulers;  their  contests  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes;  their  treaties,  at  various  times,  with  different 
tribes  ;  their  interest  m,  and  protection  of,  the  fur  trade  ,  and  kindred  subjects.  The  Indian 
tribes  were,  at  most,  only  the  allies  of  France.  Posts — mere  stockades  without  cannon,  more  for 
protection  to  fur-traders  than  for  any  other  purpose — were  erected  upon  the  Mississippi  at  two 
points  at  least,  upon  what  is  now  territory  of  Wisconsin.  On  the  west  side  of  Fox  river  of 
Green  bay,  "half  a  league  from  its  mouth,"  was  a  French  post,  as  early  as  1721,  where  resided, 
besides  the  commandant  and  an  uncouth  scj^uad  of  soldiers,  a  Jesuit  missionary ;  and  near  by 
were  collected  Indians  of  different  tribes.  Of  course,  the  omnipresent  fur-trader  helped  to 
augment  the  sum-total  of  its  occupants.  This  post  was,  not  long  after,  destroyed,  but  another 
was  established  there.  When,  however,  France  yielded  her  inchoate  rights  in  the  West  to  Great 
Britain — when,  in  1761,  the  latter  took  possession  of  the  country — there  was  not  a  French  post 
within  what  is  now  Wisconsin.  The  "fort"  near  the  head  of  Green  bay,  had  been  vacated  for 
some  years;  it  was  found  "rotten,  the  stockade  ready  to  fall,  and  the  houses  without  cover;" 
emblematic  of  the  decay — the  fast-crumbling  and  perishing  state — of  French  supremacy,  at  that 
date,  in  America.  Wisconsin,  when  England's  control  began,  was  little  better  than  a  howling 
wilderness.  There  was  not  within  the  broad  limits  of  what  is  now  the  State,  a  single  bona  fide 
settler,  at  the  time  the  French  Government  yielded  up  its  possession  to  the  English  ;  that  is  to 
say,  there  were  none  according  to  the  present  acceptation  of  the  term  "settler." 

The  military  occupation  of  Wisconsin  by  the  British,  after  the  Seven  Years'  War,  was  a  brief 
one.  La  Bay — as  the  post  at  what  is  now  the  city  of  Fort  Howard,  Brown  county,  was  called — 
was,  on  the  twelfth  of  October,  1761,  taken  possession  of  by  English  troops,  under  Captain 
Belfour,  of  the  Eightieth   regiment.     Two  dnys  after,  that  officer  departed,  leaving   Lieutenant 


PRE-TERRITORIAL   ANNALS  OF   WISC0NSI2S.  33 

James  Gorrell,  in  command,  with  one  sergeant,  one  corporal  and  fifteen  privates.  There  also 
remained  at  the  post  a  French  interpreter  and  two  English  traders.  The  name  of  the  fortifica- 
tion was  changed  to  Fort  Edward  Augustus.  This  post  was  abandoned  by  the  commandant  on 
the  twenty-first  of  June,  1763,  on  account  of  the  breaking  out  of  Pontiac's  War  and  the  capture 
of  the  fort  at  Mackinaw  by  the  savages.  The  cause  of  this  war  was  this  :  The  Indian  tribes 
saw  the  danger  which  the  downfall  of  the  French  interests  in  Canada  was  sure  to  bring  to  them. 
They  banded  together  under  Pontiac  to  avert  their  ruin.  The- struggle  was  short  but  fierce — 
full  of  "  scenes  of  tragic  interest,  with  marvels  of  suffering  and  vicissitude,  of  heroism  and  endur- 
ance;" but  t'.ie  white  man  conquered.  The  moving  incidents  in  this  bloody  drama  were  enacted 
to  the  eastward  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  coming  no  nearer  than  Mackinaw,  which,  as  just 
mentioned,  the  savages  captured;  but  it  resulted  in  the  evacuation  of  its  territory  by  British 
troops,  who  never  after  took  possession  of  it,  though  they  continued  until  1796  a  nominal 
military  rule  over  it,  after  Mackinaw  was  again  occupied  by  them. 

An  early  French  Canadian  trading  station  at  the  head  of  Green  bay  assumed  finally  the 
form  of  a  permanent  settlement  —  the  first  one  in  Wisconsin.  To  claim,  however  that  any 
French  Canadian  is  entitled  to  the  honor  of  being  the  first  permanent  white  settler  is  assuming 
for  him  more  than  the  facts  seem  to  warrant.  The  title  of  "  The  Father  and  Founder  of  Wis- 
consin "  belongs  to  no  man. 

After  Pontiac's  War,  one  of  the  noted  events  in  this  region  was  the  journey  of  Jonathan 
Carver,  who,  in  1766,  passed  up  Fox  river  to  the  portage,  and  descended  the  Wisconsin  to  the 
Mississippi.  He  noticed  the  tumbling-down  post  at  what  is  now  Green  Bay,  Brown  county. 
He  saw  a  few  families  living  in  the  fort,  and  some  French  settlers,  who  cultivated  the  land 
opposite,  and  appeared  to  live  very  comfortably.  That  was  the  whole  e.xtent  of  improvements 
in  what  is  now  Wisconsin.  The  organization  of  the  Northwest  Fur  Company  ;  the  passage  of 
an  act  by  the  British  Parliament  by  which  the  whole  Northwest  was  included  in  the  Province  of 
Quebec;  the  joining  of  the  Indians  in  this  region  with  the  British,  against  the  Americans,  in  the 
War  of  the  Revolution;  the  exploration  of  the  lead  region  of  the  Upper  Mississippi  by  Julian 
Dubuque;  the  passage  of  the  ordinance  of  1787;  the  first  settlement  of  the  territory  northwest 
of  the  River  Ohio;  and  the  Indian  war  which  followed,  are  all  incidents,  during  British  occu- 
pation, of  more  or  less  interest  for  the  student  of  Wisconsin  history.  He  will  find  that,  by  the 
treaty  of  1783  and  of  1795,  with  Great  Britain,  all  the  inhabitants  residing  in  this  region  were  to 
be  protected  by  the  United  States  in  the  full  and  peaceable  possession  of  their  property,  with  the 
right  to  remain  in,  or  to  withdraw  from  it,  with  their  effects,  within  one  year.  All  who  did  not 
leave  were  to  be  deemed  American  citizens,  allowed  to  enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  citizenship,  and 
to  be  under  the  protection  of  the  General  Government.  He  will  also  find  that  less  than  two 
years  was  the  whole  time  of  actual  military  occupation  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin  by  British 
soldiers,  and  that  English  domination,  which  should  have  ended  at  the  close  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, was  arbitrarily  continued  until  the  Summer  of  1796,  when  the  western  posts,  none  of  which 
were  upon  territory  circumscribed  by  Lakes  Michigan  and  Superior  and  the  Mississippi  river, 
were  delivered  into  the  keeping  of  the  United  States.  Thus  the  supremacy  of  Great  Britain  over 
the  Northwest  was,  after  an  actual  continuance  of  thirty-five  years,  at  an  end. 

Although  the  General  Government  did  not  get  possession  of  the  region  northwest  of  the  Ohio, 
throughout  its  full  extent,  for  thirteen  years  subsequent  to  its  acquirement  by  the  treaty  of  peace 
of  1783  with  Great  Britain,  nevertheless,  steps  were  taken,  very  soon,  to  obtain  concessions  from 
such  of  the  colonies  as  had  declared  an  ownership  in  any  portion  of  it.  None  of  the  claimants, 
seemingly,  had  better  rights  than  Virginia,  who,  by  virtue  of  conquests,  largely  her  own,  of  the 
Illinois  settlements  and  posts,  extended  her  jurisdiction  over  that  country,  erecting  into  a  county 


34  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

so  much  of  the  region  northwest  of  the  Ohio,  as  had  been  settled  by  Virginians  or  might  after- 
ward be  settled  by  them.  But  as,  previous  to  her  yielding  all  rights  to  territory  beyond  that 
river,  she  had  not  carried  her  arms  into  the  region  north  of  the  Illinois  or  made  settlements  upon 
what  is  now  the  soil  of  Wisconsin,  nor  included  any  portion  of  it  within  the  bounds  of  an  organ- 
ized county,  it  follows  that  her  dominion  was  not  actually  extended  over  any  part  of  the  area 
included  within  the  present  boundaries  of  this  State;  nor  did  she  then  claim  jurisdiction  north 
of  the  Illinois  river,  but  on  the  other  hand  expressly  disclaimed  it. 

Virginia  and  all  the  other  claimants  finally  ceded  to  the  United  States  their  rights,  such  as 
they  were,  beyond  the  Ohio,  except  two  reservations  of  limited  extent ;  and  the  General  Govern- 
ment became  the  undisputed  owner  of  the  "Great  West,"  without  any  internal  claims  to  posses- 
sion save  those  of  the  Indians.  Meanwhile,  the  United  States  took  measures  to  extend  its  juris- 
diction over  the  whole  country  by  the  passage  of  the  famous  ordinance  of  1 787,  which  established 
a  government  over  "the  territory  of  the  United  States,  northwest  of  the  River  Ohio."  But  this 
organic  law  was,  of  course,  nugatory  over  that  portion  of  the  region  occupied  by  the  British, 
until  their  yielding  possession  in  1796,  when,  for  the  first  time,  Anglo-American  rule  commenced, 
though  nominally,  in  what  is  now  Wisconsin.  By  the  ordinance  just  mentioned,  "the  United 
States,  in  congress  assembled,"  declared  that  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  should,  for  the 
purposes  of  temporary  government,  be  one  district ,  subject,  however,  to  be  divided  into  districts, 
as  future  circumstances  might,  in  the  opinion  of  Congress,  make  it  expedient.  It  was  ordained 
that  a  governor,  secretary  and  three  judges  should  be  appointed  for  the  Territory;  a  general 
assembly  was  also  provided  for;  and  it  was  declared  that  religion,  morality,  and  knowledge, 
being  necessary  to  good  government  and  the  happiness  of  mankind,  schools  and  the  means  of 
education  should  forever  be  encouraged.  It  was  also  ordained  that  there  should  be  neither 
slaTery  nor  involuntary  servitude  in  the  said  Territory,  "  otherwise  than  in  the  punishment  of 
crimes  whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted."  Thus  was  established  the  first  Magna 
Charta  for  the  five  great  States  since  that  tine  formed  out  of  "  the  territory  northwest  of  the 
River  Ohio,"  and  the  first  rules  and  regulations  for  their  government. 

Under  this  act  of  Congress,  Arthur  St.  Clair  was  appointed  governor  of  the  Northwestern 
Territory,  as  it  was  called,  and  Samuel  H.  Parsons,  James  M.  Varnum,  and  John  Armstrong, 
judges, — the  latter  not  accepting  the  office,  John  Cleves  Symmes  was  appointed  in  his  place. 
Winthrop  Sargeant  was  appointed  secretary.  At  different  periods,  counties  were  erected  to 
include  various  portions  of  the  Territory.  By  the  governor's  proclamation  of  the  15th  of 
August,  1796,  one  was  formed  to  include  the  whole  of  the  present  area  of  Northern  Ohio,  west  of 
Cleveland  ;  also,  all  of  what  is  now  the  State  of  Indiana,  north  of  a  line  drawn  from  Fort  Wayne 
"  west-northerly  to  the  southern  part  of  Lake  Michigan  ;  "  the  whole  of  the  present  State  of 
Michigan,  except  its  extreme  northwest  corner  on  Lake  Superior;  a  small  corner  in  the  north- 
east, part  of  what  is  now  Illinois,  including  Chicago;  and  so  much  of  the  present  State  of  Wis- 
consin as  is  watered  by  the  streams  flowing  into  Lake  Michigan,  which  of  course  included  an 
extensive  portion,  taking  in  many  of  its  eastern  and  interior  counties  as  now  constituted.  This 
vast  county  was  named  Wayne.  So  the  few  settlers  then  at  the  head  of  Green  bay  had  their 
local  habitations,  constructively  at  least,  in  "  Wayne  county.  Northwestern  Territory."  It  was 
just  at  that  date  that  Great  Britain  vacated  the  western  posts,  and  the  United  States  took  quiet 
possession  of  them.  But  the  western  portion  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  including  all  its  territory 
watered  by  streams  flowing  northward  into  Lake  Superior,  and  westward  and  southwestward  into 
the  Mississippi,  was  as  yet  without  any  county  organization  ;  as  the  county  of  St.  Clair,  including 
the  Illinois  country  to  the  southwatrd,  reached  no  farther  north  than  the  mouth  of  Little  Macki- 
naw creek,  where   it  empties  into  the  River  Illinois,  in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Illinois.     The 


PRE-TERRITOEIAL   ANNALS   OF   WISCONSIN.  35 

"  law  of  Paris,"  which  was  in  force  under  French  domination  in  Canada,  and  which  by  the 
British  Parliament  in  1774,  had  been  continued  in  force  under  English  supremacy,  was  still  "  the 
law  of  the  land  "  west  of  Lake  Michigan,  practically  at  least. 

From  and  after  the  fourth  day  of  July,  1800,  all  that  part  of  the  territory  of  the  United 
States  northwest  of  the  Ohio  river,  which  lay  to  the  westward  of  a  line  beginning  upon  that 
stream  opposite  to  the  mouth  of  Kentucky  river  and  running  thence  to  what  is  now  Fort 
Recovery  in  Mercer  county,  Ohio  ;  thence  north  until  it  intersected  the  territorial  line  between 
the  United  States  and  Canada,  was,  for  the  purposes  of  temporary  government,  constituted  a 
separate  territory  called  Indiana.  It  included  not  only  the  whole  of  the  present  State  of  Illinois 
and  nearly  all  of  what  is  now  Indiana,  but  more  than  half  of  the  State  of  Michigan  as  now 
defined,  also  a  considerable  part  of  the  present  Minnesota,  and  the  whole  of  what  is  now  Wis- 
consin. 

The  seat  of  government  was  established  at  "Saint  Vincennes  on  the  Wabash,"  now  the  city 
of  Vincennes,  Indiana.  To  this  extensive  area  was  added  "  from  and  after "  the  admission  of 
Ohio  into  the  Union,  all  the  territory  west  of  that  State,  and  east  of  the  eastern  boundary  line  of 
the  Territory  of  Indiana  as  originally  established  ;  so  that  now  all  "  the  territory  of  the  United 
States,  northwest  of  the  River  Ohio,"  was,  excepting  the  State  of  Ohio,  included  in  Indiana  Ter- 
ritory. On  the  thirtieth  day  of  June,  1805,  so  much  of  Indiana  Territory  as  lay  to  the  north  of 
a  lihe  drawn  east  from  the  southerly  bend  or  extreme  of  Lake  Michigan  to  Lake  Erie,  and  east 
of  a  line  drawn  from  the  same  bend  through  the  middle  of  the  first  mentioned  lake  to  its  north- 
ern extremity,  and  thence  due  north  to  the  northern  boundary  of  the  United  States,  was,  for  the 
purpose  of  temporary  government,  constituted  a  separate  Territory  called  Michigan.  Of  course 
no  part  of  the  present  State  of  Wisconsin  was  included  therein  ;  but  the  whole  remained  in  the 
Territory  of  Indiana  until  the  second  day  of  March,  1809,  when  all  that  part  of  the  last  men- 
tioned Territory  which  lay  west  of  the  Wabash  river,  and  a  direct  line  drawn  from  that  stream 
and  "  Post  Vincennes,"  due  north  to  the  territorial  line' between  the  United  States  and  Canada, 
was,  by  an  act  approved  on  the  third  of  February  previous,  constituted  a  separate  Territory,  called 
Illinois.  Meanwhile  jurisdiction  had  been  extended  by  the  authorities  of  Indiana  Territory 
over  the  country  lying  west  of  Lake  Michigan,  to  the  extent,  at  least,  of  appointing  a  justice  of 
the  peace  for  each  of  the  settlements  of  Green  Bay  and  Prairie  du  Chien.  All  of  what  is  now 
Wisconsin  was  transferred  to  the  Territory  of  Illinois,  upon  the  organization  of  the  latter,  except 
a  small  portion  lying  east  of  the  meridian  line  drawn  through  Vincennes,  which  remained  a  part 
of  Indiana  Territory.  This  fraction  included  nearly  the  whole  area  between  Green  bay  and 
Lake  Michigan. 

When,  in  1816,  Indiana  became  a  State,  "the  territory  of  the  United  States  northwest  of  the 
River  Ohio,"  contained,  besides  Ohio  and  Indiana,  the  Territories  of  Illinois  and  Michigan,  only  ; 
so  the  narrow  strip,  formerly  a  part  of  Indiana  Territory,  lying  east  of  a  line  drawn  due  north 
from  Vincennes,  and  west  of  the  western  boundary  line  of  Michigan  Territory,  belonged  to  nei- 
ther, and  was  left  without  any  organization.  However,  upon  tlw  admission  of  Illinois  into  the 
Union,  in  1818,  all  "the  territory  of  the  United  States,  northwest  of  the  River  Ohio,"  lying  west 
of  Michigan  Territory  and  north  of  the  States  of  Indiana  and  Illinois,  was  attached  to  and  made 
a  part  of  Michigan  Territory  ;  by  which  act  the  whole  of  the  present  State  of  Wisconsin  came 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  latter.  During  the  existence  of  the  Territory  of  Illinois,  a  kind  of 
jurisdiction  was  had  over  the  two  settlements  in  what  is  now  Wisconsin  —  rather  more  ideal  than 
real,  however. 

In  1834,  Congress  greatly  increased  the  limits  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  by  adding  to  it, 
for  judicial  purposes,  a  large  extent  of  country  west  of  the  Mississippi- — reaching  south  as  far  as 


36  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN". 

the  present  boundary  line  between  the  present  States  of  Iowa  and  Missouri ;  north,  to  the  terri- 
torial line  between  the  United  States  and  Canada ;  and  west,  to  the  Missouri  and  White  Earth 
rivers.     It  so  continued  down  to  the  fourth  of  July,  1836. 

A  retrospective  glance  at  the  history  of  this  region  for  forty  years  previous  to  the  last  men- 
tioned year,  including  the  time  which  elapsed  after  the  surrender  of  the  western  posts,  in  1796, 
by  the  British,  discloses  many  facts  of  interest  and  importance. 

The  Anglo-Americans,  not  long  after  the  region  of  country  west  of  Lake  Michigan  became 
a  part  of  Indiana  Territory,  began  now  and  then  to  cast  an  eye,  either  through  the  opening  of 
the  Great  Lakes  or  the  Mississippi,  upon  its  rolling  rivers,  its  outspread  prairies,  and  its  dense 
forests,  and  to  covet  the  goodly  land  ;  but  the  settlers  at  Green  Bay  and  Prairie  du  Chien  were 
mostly  French  Canadians  at  this  date,  although  a  few  were  Americans.  The  General  Govtrn- 
inent,  however,  began  to  take  measures  preparatory  to  its  occupation,  by  purchasing,  in  1804,  a 
tract  in  what  is  now  the  southwest  portion  of  the  State,  of  the  Indians,  and  by  holding  the  various 
tribes  to  a  strict  account  for  any  murders  committed  by  them  on  American  citizens  i)assing 
through  their  territories  or  trading  with  them.  Comparative  peace  reigned  in  the  incipient  settle- 
ments at  the  head  of  Green  bay  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  which  was  changed  by  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war  of  1812,  with  Great  Britain. 

The  English  early  succeeded  in  securing  the  Wisconsin  Indian  tribes  as  their  allies  in  this 
war;  and  the  taking  of  Mackinaw  by  the  British  in  July,  1812,  virtually  put  the  latter  in  posses- 
sion of  what  is  now  the  eastern  portion  of  the  State.  Early  in  1814,  the  government  authorities 
of  the  United  States  caused  to  be  fitted  out  at  St.  Louis  a  large  boat,  having  on  board  all  the 
men  that  could  be  mustered  and  spared  from  the  lower  country,  and  sent  up  the  Mississippi  to 
protect  the  upper  region  and  the  few  settlers  therein.  The  troops  landed  at  Prairie  du  Chien, 
•and  immediately  proceeded  to  fortify.  Not  long  after,  Colonel  McKay,  of  the  British  army, 
crossing  the  country  by  course  of  the  Fo.\  and  Wisconsin  rivers,  with  over  five  hundred  British 
and  Indians,  received  the  surrender  of  the  whole  force.  The  officers  and  men  were  paroled  and 
sent  down  the  river.  This  was  the  only  battle  fought  upon  Wisconsin  soil  during  the  last  war 
with  England.  The  post  at  Prairie  du  Chien  was  left  in  command  of  a  captain  with  two  compa- 
nies from  Mackinaw.  He  remained  there  until  after  the  peace  of  1815,  when  the  place  was 
evacuated  by  the  British. 

When  it  became  generally  known  to  the  Indian  tribes  in  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  that  the 
contest  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain  was  at  an  end,  they  generally  e.xpressed 
themselves  as  ready  and  willing  to  make  treaties  with  the  General  Government — eager,  in  fact, 
to  establish  friendly  relations  with  the  power  they  had  so  recently  been  hostile  to.  This  was, 
therefore,  a  favorable  moment  for  taking  actual  possession  of  the  country  between  the  Missis- 
sippi and  Lake  Michigan  ;  and  United  States  troops  were  soon  ordered  to  occupy  the  two  prom- 
inent points  between  Green  Bay  and  Prairie  du  Chien.  At  the  former  place  was  erected  Fort 
Howard ;  at  the  latter  Fort  Crawford.  At  Green  Bay,  half  a  hundred  (or  less)  French  Cana- 
dians cultivated  the  soil;  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  there  were  not  more  than  thirty  houses,  mostly 
occupied  by  traders,  while  on  the  prairie  outside  the  village,  a  number  of  farms  were  cultivated. 
Such  was  Wisconsin  when,  at  the  close  of  the  last  war  with  Great  Britain,  it  began  in  earnest  to 
be  occupied  by  Americans.  The  latter  were  few  in  number,  but  in  1818,  they  began  to  feel,  now 
that  the  country  was  attached  to  Michigan  Territory  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States  were 
extended  over  them,  that  they  were  not  altogether  beyond  the  protection  of  a  government  of  their 
own,  notwithstanding  they  were  surrounded  by  savage  tribes.  Their  happiness  was  increased 
upon  the  erection,  by  proclamation  of  Lewis  Cass,  governor  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  of 
three  Territorial  counties:  Michilimackinac,  Brown  and  Crawford.     Their  establishment  dates 


PRE-TERRITORIAL    ANNALS   OF    WISCONSIN.  37 

the  twenty-sixth  of  October,  iSiS.  The  county  of  Michilimackinac  not  only  included  all  of  the 
present  State  of  Wisconsin  lying  north  of  a  line  drawn  due  west  from  near  the  head  of  the  Little 
Noquet  bay,  but  territory  east  and  west  of  it,  so  as  to  reach  from  Lake  Huron  to  the  Missis- 
si[)pi  river.  Its  county  seat  was  established  "at  the  Borough  of  Michilimackinac."  The  whole 
area  in  Michigan  Territory  south  of  the  county  of  Michilimackinac  and  west  of  Lake  Michigan 
formed  the  two  counties  of  Brown  and  Crawford:  the  former  to  include  the  area  east  of  a  line 
drawn  due  north  and  south  through  the  middle  of  the  portage  between  the  Fox  river  of  Green 
bay  and  the  Wisconsin ;  the  latter  to  include  the  whole  region  west  of  that  line.  Prairie  du 
Chien  was  designated  as  the  county  seat  of  Crawford;  Green  Bay,  of  Brown  county.  On  the 
22d  of  December,  1826,  a  county  named  Chippewa  was  formed  from  the  northern  portions  of 
Michilimackinac,  including  the  southern  shores  of  Lake  Superior  throughout  its  entire  length, 
and  extending  from  the  straits  leading  from  that  lake  into  Lake  Huron,  west  to  the  western 
boundary  line  of  Michigan  Territory,  with  the  county  seat  "  at  such  point  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Sault  de  Ste.  Marie,  as  a  majority  of  the  county  commissioners  to  be  appointed  shall  designate." 
Embraced  within  this  county, — its  southern  boundary  being  the  ])arallel  46°  31'  north  latitude, — 
was  all  the  territory  of  the  present  State  of  Wisconsin  now  bordering  on  Lake  Superior. 

Immediately  upon  the  erection  of  Brown  and  Crawford  counties,  they  were  organized,  and 
their  offices  filled  by  appointment  of  the  governor.  County  courts  were  established,  consisting 
of  one  chief  and  two  associate  justices,  either  of  whom  formed"^  quorum.  They  were  required 
to  hold  one  term  of  court  annually  in  their  respective  counties.  These  county  courts  had  origi- 
nal and  exclusive  jurisdiction  in  all  civil  cases,  both  in  law  and  equity,  where  the  matter  in  dis- 
pute exceeded  the  jurisdiction  of  a  justice  of  the  peace,  and  did  not  exceed  the  value  of  one 
thousand  dollars.  They  had,  however,  no  jurisdiction  in  ejectment.  They  had  exclusive  cog- 
nizance of  all  offenses  the  punishment  whereof  was  not  capital,  and  the  same  power  to  issue 
remedial  and  other  process,  writs  of  error  and  mandamus  excepted,  that  the  supreme  court  had 
at  Detroit.     Appeals  from  justices  of  the  peace  were  made  to  the  county  courts. 

The  establishing  of  Indian  agencies  by  the  General  Government ;  the  holding  of  treaties 
with  some  of  the  Indian  tribes ;  the  adjustment  of  land  claims  at  Green  Bay  and  Prairie  du 
Chien  ;  the  appointment  of  postmasters  at  these  two  points,  were  all  indications  of  a  proper 
interest  being  taken  by  the  United  States  in  the  affairs  of  the  country.  But  a  drawback  to  this 
region,  was  the  fact  that,  in  all  civil  cases  of  over  a  thousand  dollars,  and  in  criminal  cases  that 
were  capital,  as  well  as  in  actions  of  ejectment,  and  in  the  allowance  of  writs  of  error,  and  man- 
damus, recourse  must  be  had  to  the  supreme  court  at  Detroit ;  the  latter  place  being  the  seat  of 
government  of  Michigan  Territory.  However,  in  January,  1S23,  an  act  of  congress  provided 
for  a  district  court,  and  for  the  appointment  of  a  judge,  for  the  counties  of  Brown,  Crawford, 
and  Michilimackinac.  This  court  had  concurrent  jurisdiction,  civil  and  criminal,  with  the 
supreme  court  of  the  Territory,  in  most  cases,  subject,  however,  to  have  its  decisions  taken  to  the 
latter  tribunal  by  a  writ  of  error.  The  law  provided  for  holding  one  term  of  court  in  each  year, 
in  each  of  the  counties  named  in  the  act ;  so,  at  last,  there  was  to  be  an  administration  of  justice 
at  home,  and  the  people  were  to  be  relieved  from  all  military  arbitrations,  which  frequently  had 
been  imposed  upon  them.  James  Duane  Doty  was  appointed  judge  of  this  court  at  its  organiza- 
tion. A  May  term  of  the  court  was  held  in  Prairie  du  Chien;  a  June  term  in  Green  Bay;  a 
July  term  in  "  the  Borough  of  Michilimackinac,"  in  each  year.  In  1824,  Henry  S.  Baird,  of 
Brown  county,  was  appointed  district  attorney.  Doty  held  the  office  of  judge  until  May,  1832, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  David  Irvin.  This  court  continued  until  1S36,  when  it  was  abrogated 
by  the  organization  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin. 

For  a  long  time  it  had  been  known  that  there  were  lead  mines  in  what  is  now  the  south- 


38  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN.  * 

western  portion  of  the  State;  but  it  was  not  until  the  year  1825,  and  the  two  following  years,  that 
very  general  attention  was  attracted  to  them,  which  eventuated  in  the  settlement  of  different 
places  in  that  region,  by  Americans,  who  came  to  dig  for  lead  ore.  This  rapid  increase  of 
settlers  awakened  the  jealousy  of  the  Winnebago  Indians,  at  what  they  deemed  an  unauthorized 
intrusion  upon  their  lands,  which,  with  other  causes  operating  unfavorably  upon  their  minds, 
aroused  them  in  June,  1S27,  to  open  acts  of  hostility.  Murders  became  frequent.  Finally,  the 
militia  of  Prairie  du  Chien  were  called  out.  On  the  twenty-ninth  of  August,  Brigadier-General 
Henry  Atkinson,  of  the  United  States  army,  with  a  strong  force  of  regulars,  ascended  the  Wis- 
consin river  to  put  an  end  to  any  further  spread  of  Winnebago  disturbances.  He  was  joined  on 
the  first  of  September,  by  one  hundred  and  thirty  Galena  volunteers,  mounted,  and  under  com- 
mand of  General  Henry  Dodge.  The  Winnebagoes  were  awed  into  submission.  Thus  ended 
the  "  Winnebago  War.''  It  was  followed  by  the  erection  at  the  portage  of  Fort  Winnebago,  bv 
the  United  States. 

After  the  restoration  of  tranquillity,  the  United  States  proceeded  by  treaty  with  the  Indians, 
to  secure  the  right  to  occupy  the  lead  regions.  This  was  in  1828.  The  next  year,  the  General 
Government  purchased  of  the  Winnebagoes,  Southwestern  Wisconsin,  which  put  an  end  to  all 
trouble  on  account  of  mining  operations.  On  the  ninth  of  October,  1829,  a  county  was  formed, 
by  the  legislative  council  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  comprising  all  that  part  of  Crawford 
county  lying  south  of  the  Wisconsin  river.  This  new  county  was  called  Iowa.  The  county 
seat  was  temporarily  established  at  Mineral  Point.  Following  this  was  a  treaty  in  1831,  with  the 
Menomonees,  for  all  their  lands  east  of  Green  bay,  Winnebago  lake,  and  the  Fo.x  and  Milwaukee 
rivers. 

There  was  now  a  crisis  at  hand.  The  most  prominent  event  to  be  recorded  in  the  pre-Ter- 
ritorial  annals  of  Wisconsin  is  known  as  the  Black  Hawk  War.  This  conflict  of  arms  between 
the  Sacs  and  Fo.xes  and  the  United  States  arose  from  a  controversy  in  regard  to  lands.  By  a 
treaty  made  at  Fort  Harmar,  just  across  the  River  Muskingum  from  Marietta,  Ohio,  in  January, 
1789,  the  Pottawattamie  and  Sac  tribes  of  Indians,  among  others,  were  received  into  the  friend- 
ship of  the  General  Government,  and  a  league  of  peace  and  unity  established  between  the  con- 
tracting parties  On  the  third  of  November,  1804,  a  treaty  at  St.  Louis  stipulated  that  the 
united  Sac  and  Fox  tribes  should  be  received  into  the  friendship  of  the  United  States,  and  also 
be  placed  under  their  protection.  These  tribes  also  agreed  to  consider  themselves  under  the  pro- 
tection of  the  General  Government  and  of  no  other  power  whatsoever.  At  this  treaty  lands  were 
ceded  which  were  circumscribed  by  a  bouridary  beginning  at  a  point  on  the  Missouri  river 
opposite  the  mouth  of  the  Gasconade,  and  running  thence  in  a  direct  course  so  as  to  strike  the 
River  Jefferson  at  the  distance  of  thirty  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  down  that  stream  to  the  Missis- 
sippi. It  then  ran  up  the  latter  river  to  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  up  that  stream  to  a 
point  thirty-six  miles  in  a  direct  line  from  its  mouth ;  thence  by  a  straight  course  to  a  point 
where  the  Fox  river  of  the  Illinois  leaves  the  small  lake  then  called  Sakaegan,  and  from  that 
point  down  the  Fox  to  the  Illinois,  and  down  the  latter  to  the  Mississippi.  The  consideration  for 
this  cession  was  the  payment  of  goods  to  the  value  of  two  thousand  two  hundred  and  thirty-four 
dollars  and  fifty  cents,  and  a  yearly  annuity  of  one  thousand  dollars — six  hundred  to  be  paid  to 
the  Sacs  and  four  hundred  to  the  Foxes — to  be  liquidated  in  goods  valued  at  first  cost.  After- 
ward, Fort  Madison  was  erected  just  above  the  Des  Moines  rapids  in  the  Mississippi,  on  the  ter- 
ritory ceded  at  the  last  mentioned  treaty.  Then  followed  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  and  the 
Sacs  and  Foxes  agreed  to  take  no  part  therein.  However,  a  portion  afterward  joined  the 
English  against  the  Americans  along  with  other  Western  tribes.  At  the  restoration  of  peace  the 
Sacs  and  Foxes  held  treaties  with  the  United  States.     There  was  a  renewal  of  the  treaty  of  1804. 


PKE-TEKRITORIAL   AKNALS   OF   WISCONSIN.  39 

Such  in  brief  is  a  general  outline  of  affairs,  so  far  as  those  two  tribes  were  concerned,  down  to  the 
close  of  the  last  war  with  England.  From  this  time,  to  the  year  1830,  several  additional  treaties 
were  made  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  by  the  General  Government:  one  in  1822,  by  whicli  they  relin- 
quished their  right  to  have  the  United  States  establish  a  trading  house  or  factory  at  a  convenient 
point  at  which  the  Indians  could  trade  and  save  themselves  from  the  imposition  of  traders,  for 
which  they  were  paid  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  in  merchandise.  Again,  in  1824,  they 
sold  to  the  General  Government  all  their  lands  in  Missouri,  north  of  Missouri  river,  for  which 
they  received  one  thousand  dollars  the  same  year,  and  an  annuity  of  one  thousand  dollars  for  ten 
years.  In  1830,  they  ceded  to  the  United  States  a  strip  of  land  twenty  miles  wide  from  the  Mis- 
sissippi to  the  Des  Moines,  on  the  north  side  of  their  territory.  The  time  had  now  come  for  the 
two  tribes  to  leave  the  eastern  shore  of  the  Mississippi  and  retire  across  the  "  great  water." 
Keokuk,  the  Watchful  Fox,  erected  his  wigwam  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  and  was  followed 
by  a  large  part  of  the  two  tribes.  But  a  band  headed  by  Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah,  or  the 
Black  Sparrow  Hawk,  commonly  called  Black  Hawk,  refused  to  leave  their  village  near  Rock 
Island.  They  contended  that  they  had  not  sold  their  town  to  the  United  States ;  and,  upon 
their  return  early  in  1831,  from  a  hunt  across  the  Mississippi,  finding  their  village  and  fields  in 
possession  of  the  whites,  they  determined  to  repossess  their  homes  at  all  hazards.  This  was 
looked  upon,  or  called,  an  encroachment  by  the  settlers  ;  so  the  governor  of  Illinois  took  the 
responsibility  of  declaring  the  State  invaded,  and  asked  the  United  States  to  drive  the  refractory 
Indians  beyond  the  Mississippi.  The  result  was,  the  Indian  village  was  destroyed  by  Illinois 
volunteers.  This  and  the  threatened  advance  across  the  river  by  the  United  States  commander, 
brought  Black  Hawk  and  his  followers  to  terms.  They  sued  for  peace — agreeing  to  remain 
forever  on  the  west  side  of  the  Mississippi.     But  this  truce  was  of  short  duration. 

Early  in  the  Spring  of  1832,  Black  Hawk  having  assembled  his  forces  on  the  Mississippi,  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  locality  where  Fort  Madison  had  stood,  crossed  that  stream  and  ascended 
Rock  river.  This  was  the  signal  for  war.  The  governor  of  Illinois  made  a  call  for  volunteers ; 
and,  in  a  brief  space  of  time,  eighteen  hundred  had  assembled  at  Beardstown,  Cass  county. 
They  marched  for  the  mouth  of  Rock  river,  where  a  council  of  war  was  held  by  their  officers 
and  Brigadier-General  Henry  Atkinson,  of  the  regular  force.s.  The  Indians  were  sent  word  by 
General  Atkinson  that  they  must  return  and  recross  the  Mississippi,  or  they  would  be  driven 
back  by  force.  "  If  you  wish  to  fight  us,  come  on,"  was  the  laconic  but  defiant  reply  of  the  Sac 
chief.  When  the  attempt  was  made  to  compel  these  Indians  to  go  back  across  the  "  great  river," 
a  collision  occurred  between  the  Illinois  militia  and  Black  Hawk's  braves,  resulting  in  the  dis- 
comfiture of  the  former  with  the  loss  of  eleven  men.  Soon  afterward  the  volunteers  were  dis- 
charged, and  the  first  campaign  of  Black  Hawk's  War  was  at  an  end.     This  was  in  May,  1832. 

In  June  following,  a  new  force  had  been  raised  and  put  under  the  command  of  General 
.\tkinson,  who  commenced  his  inarch  up  Rock  river.  Before  this,  there  had  been  a  general 
"forting"  in  the  lead  region,  including  the  whole  country  in  Southwest  Wisconsin,  notwithstand- 
ing which,  a  number  of  settlers  had  been  killed  by  the  savages,  mostly  in  Illinois.  Squads  of 
volunteers,  in  two  or  three  instances,  had  encountered  the  Indians ;  and  in  one  with  entire  suc- 
cess— upon  the  Pecatonica,  in  what  is  now  Lafayette  county,  Wisconsin — every  savage  (and 
there  were  seventeen  of  them)  being  killed.  The  loss  of  the  volunteers  was  three  killed  and 
wounded.  Atkinson's  march  up  Rock  river  was  attended  with  some  skirmishing;  when,  being 
informed  that  Black  Hawk  and  his  force  were  at  Lake  Koshkonong,  in  the  southwest  corner  of 
what  is  now  Jefferson  county,  Wisconsin,  he  immediately  moved  thither  with  a  portion  of  his 
army,  where  the  whole  force  was  ordered  to  concentrate.  But  the  Sac  chief  with  his  people  had 
flown.     Colonels  Henry  Dodge  and  James  D.  Henry,  with  the  forces  under  them,  discovered  the 


40  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

trail  of  the  savages,  leading  in  the  direction  of  the  Wisconsin  river.  It  was  evident  that  the 
retreating  force  was  largef  and  that  it  had  but  recently  passed.  The  pursuing  troops  hastened 
their  march.  On  the  twenty-first  of  July,  1832,  they  arrived  at  the  hills  which  skirt  the  left  bank 
of  that  stream,  in  what  is  now  Roxbury  town  (township),  Dane  county.  Here  was  Black 
Hawk's  whole  force,  including  women  and  children,  the  aged  and  infirm,  hastening  by  every 
effort  to  escape  across  the  river.  But  that  this  might  nov/  be  effected,  it  became  necessary  for 
that  chief  to  make  a  firm  stand,  to  cover  the  retreat.  The  Indians  were  in  the  bottom  lands 
when  the  pursuing  whites  made  their  appearance  upon  the  heights  in  their  rear.  Colonel  Dodge 
occupied  the  front  and  sustained  the  first  attack  of  the  Indians.  He  was  soon  joined  by  Henry 
with  his  force,  when  they  obtained  a  complete  victory.  The  action  commenced  about  five 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  and  ended  at  sunset.  The  enemy,  numbering  not  less  than  five  hundred, 
sustained  a  loss  of  about  sixty  killed  and  a  large  number  wounded.  The  loss  of  the  Americans 
was  one  killed  and  eight  wounded.  This  conflict  has  since  been  known  as  the  battle  of  Wis- 
consin Heights. 

During  the  night  following  the  battle.  Black  Hawk  made  his  escape  with  his  remaining  force 
and  people  down  the  Wisconsin  river.  The  women  and  children  made  their  way  down  stream 
in  canoes,  while  the  warriors  marched  on  foot  along  the  shore.  The  Indians  were  pursued  in 
their  flight,  and  were  finally  brought  to  a  stand  on  the  Mississippi  river,  near  the  mouth  of  the 
Bad  Axe,  on  the  west  boundary  of  what  is  now  Vernon  county,  Wisconsin.  About  two  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  the  second  of  August,  the  line  of  march  began  to  the  scene  of  the  lust  con- 
flict in  the  Black  Hawk  War.  Dodge's  command  formed  the  advance,  supported  by  regular 
troops,  under  Colonel  Zachary  Taylor,  afterward  president  of  the  United  States.  Meanwhile  an 
armed  steamboat  had  moved  up  the  Mississippi  and  lay  in  front  of  the  savages;  so  they  were 
attacked  on  all  sides  by  the  exasperated  Americans.  The  battle  lasted  about  two  hours,  and 
was  a  complete  victory  for  the  whites.  Black  Hawk  fled,  but  was  soon  after  captured.  This 
ended  the  war. 

The  survey  of  public  lands  by  the  General  Government ;  the  locating  and  opening  of  land 
offices  at  Mineral  Point  and  Green  Bay;  the  erection  of  Milwaukee  county  from  a  part  of 
Brown,  to  include  all  the  territory  bounded  on  the  east  and  south  by  the  east  and  south  lines  of 
the  present  State,  on  the  north  by  what  is  now  the  north  boundary  of  Washington  and  Ozaukee 
counties  and  farther  westward  on  the  north  line  of  township  numbered  twelve,  and  on  the  west 
by  the  dividing  line  between  ranges  eight  and  nine ;  and  the  changing  of  the  eastern  boundary 
of  Iowa  county  to  correspond  with  the  western  one  of  Milwaukee  county;  —  are  some  of  the 
important  events  following  the  close  of  the  Black  Hawk  war.  There  was  an  immediate  and 
rapid  increase  of  immigration,  not  only  in  the  mining  region  but  in  various  other  parts  of  what 
is  now  Wisconsin,  more  especially  in  that  portion  bordering  on  Lake  Michigan.  The  interior 
was  yet  sparsely  settled.  By  the  act  of  June  28,  1S34,  congress  having  attached  to  the  Territory 
of  Michigan,  for  judicial  purposes,  all  the  country  "west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and  north  of 
the  State  of  Missouri,"  comprising  the  whole  of  what  is  now  the  State  of  Iowa,  all  of  the  present 
State  of  Minnesota  west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and  more  than  half  of  what  is  now  the  Terri- 
tory of  Dakota,  the  legislative  council  of  Michigan  Territory  extended  her  laws  over  the  whole 
area,  dividing  it  on  the  6th  of  September,  1834,  by  a  line  drawn  due  west  from  the  lower  end  of 
Rock  island  to  the  Missouri  river  into  two  counties:  the  country  south  of  that  line  constituting 
the  county  of  Des  Moines;  north  of  the  line,  to  be  known  as  the  county  of  Dubuque.  This 
whole  region  west  of  the  Mississippi  was  known  as  the  Iowa  district.  Immediately  after  the 
treaty  of  1832  with  the  Sacs  and  Foxes,  the  United  States  having  come  into  ownership  of  a  large 
tract  in  this  district,  several  families  crossed  the  Mississippi,  and  settled  on  the  purchase,  but  as 


WISCONSIN   TERRITORY.  41 

the  time  provided  for  the  Indians  to  give  possession  was  the  first  of  June,  1S33,  these  settlers 
were  dispossessed  by  order  of  the  General  Government.  So  soon,  however,  as  the  Indians  yielded 
possession,  settlements  began,  but,  from  the  date  just  mentioned  until  September,  1834,  after  the 
district  was  attached,  for  judicial  purposes,  to  Michigan  Territory,  it  was  without  any  municipal 
law  whatever.  The  organization  of  the  counties  of  Dubuque  and  Des  Moines  on  the  sixth  of 
that  month,  secured,  of  course  a  regular  administration  of  justice.  In  1835,  in  order  to  facili- 
tate intercourse  between  the  two  remote  military  posts  of  Fort  Howard  at  Green  Bay,  and  Fort 
Crawford  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  a  military  road  was  commenced  to  connect  the  two  points ;  so, 
one  improvement  followed  another.  On  the  9th  of  January,  1836,  a  session  (the  first  one)  of 
the  seventh  legislative  council  of  Michigan  Territory  • —  that  is,  of  so  much  of  it  as  lay  to  the 
westward  of  Lake  Michigan — was  held  at  Green  Bay,  and  a  memorial  adopted,  asking  Congress 
for  the  formation  of  a  new  Territory  west  of  that  lake ;  to  include  all  of  Michigan  Territory  not 
embraced  in  the  proposed  State  of  Michigan.  Congress,  as  will  now  be  shown,  very  soon  com- 
plied with  the  request  of  the  memorialists. 

IV.— WISCONSIN  TERRITORY. 

The  establishing  of  a  separate  and  distinct  Territory  west  of  Lake  Michigan,  was  the  result 
of  the  prospective  admission  of  Michigan  into  the  Union  (an  event  which  took  place  not  until 
the  twenty-sixth  of  January,  1837),  as  the  population,  in  all  the  region  outside  of  the  boundaries 
determined  upon  by  the  people  for  that  State,  would  otherwise  be  left  without  a  government,  or, 
at  least,  it  would  be  necessary  to  change  the  capital  of  the  old  Michigan  Territory  farther  to  the 
westward  ;  so  it  was  thought  best  to  erect  a  new  territory,  to  be  called  Wisconsin  (an  Indian 
word  signifying  wild  rushing  water,  or  channel,  so  called  from  the  principal  eastern  tributary  of 
the  Mississippi  within  its  borders),  which  was  done  by  an  act  of  congress,  approved  April  20, 
1836,  to  take  effect  from  and  after  the  third  day  of  July  following.  The  Territory  was  made  to 
include  all  that  is  now  embraced  within  the  States  of  Wisconsin,  Iowa,  Minnesota,  and  a  part  of 
the  Territory  of  Dakota,  more  particularly  described  within  boundaries  commencing  at  the  north- 
east corner  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  running  thence  through  the  middle  of  Lake  Michigan  to  a 
point  opposite  the  main  channel  of  Green  bay ;  thence  through  that  channel  and  the  bay  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Menomonee  river  ;  thence  up  that  stream  to  its  head,  which  is  nearest  the  lake  of  the 
Desert ;  thence  to  the  middle  of  that  lake ;  thence  down  the  Montreal  river  to  its  mouth  ;  thence 
with  a  direct  line  across  Lake  Superior  to  where  the  territorial  line  of  the  United  States  last  touches 
the  lake'northwest;  thence  on  the  north,  with  the  territorial  line,  to  the  White  Earth  river;  on  the 
west  by  a  line  drawn  down  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  that  stream  to  the  Missouri  ri\^er, 
and  down  the  middle  of  the  main  channel  of  the  last  mentioned  stream  to  the  northwest  corner  of 
the  State  of  Missouri ;  and  thence  with  the  boundaries  of  the  States  of  Missouri  and  Illinois,  as 
already  fixed  by  act  of  congress,  to  the  place  or  point  of  beginning.  Its  counties  were  Brovvn, 
Milwaukee,  Iowa,  Crawford,  Dubuque,  and  Des  Moines,  with  a  portion  of  Chippewa  and  Michili- 
mackinac  left  unorganized.  Although,  at  this  time,  the  State  of  Michigan  was  only  engaged,  so 
to  speak,  to  the  Union,  to  include  the  two  peninsulas  (many  of  its  citizens  preferring  in  lieu 
thereof  the  lower  one  only,  with  a  small  slice  off  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State  of  Ohio  as 
now  constituted),  yet  the  marriage  ceremony  was  performed,  as  has  been  stated,  a  few  months 
afterward. 

The  act  of  congress  establishing  the  Territorial  government  of  Wisconsin  was  very  full  and 
complete.  It  first  determined  its  boundaries ;  then  it  declared  that  all  authority  of  the  govern- 
ment of  Michigan  over  the  new  Territory  should  cease  on  the  fourth  day  of  July,  1836,  with  a 


42  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

proper  reservation  of  rights  in  favor  of  the  Indians.  It  provided  for  subsequently  dividing  tne 
Territory  into  one  or  more,  should  congress  deem  it  wise  so  to  do.  It  also  declared  that  the 
executive  power  and  authority  in  and  over  the  Territory  should  be  vested  in  a  governor,  at  the  same 
time  defining  his  powers.  It  provided  for  the  appointment  of  a  secretary,  stating  what  his  duties 
should  be.  The  legislative  power  was  vested  in  the  governor  and  legislative  assembly,  the  latter 
to  consist  of  a  council  and  house  of  representatives,  answering  respectively  to  the  senate  and 
assembly,  as  states  are  usually  organized.  There  was  a  provision  for  taking  the  census  of  the 
several. counties,  and  one  giving  the  governor  power  to  name  the  time,  place,  and  manner  of 
holding  the  first  election,  and  to  declare  the  number  of  members  of  the  council  and  house  of 
representatives  to  which  each  county  should  be  entitled.  He  was  also  to  determine  where  the 
first  legislative  assembly  should  meet,  and  a  wise  provision  was  that  the  latter  should  not  be  in 
session  in  any  one  year  more  than  seventy-five  days. 

One  section  of  the  act  declared  who  should  be  entitled  to  vote  and  hold  office;  another 
defined  the  extent  of  the  powers  of  the  legislature,  and  a  third  provided  that  all  laws  should  be 
submitted  to  congress  for  their  approval  or  rejection.  There  was  a  section  designating  what 
offices  should  be  elective  and  what  ones  should  be  filled  by  the  governor.  There  were  others 
regulating  the  judiciary  for  the  Territory  and  declaring  what  offices  should  be  appointed  by  the 
United  States,  providing  for  their  taking  the  proper  oaths  of  office  and  regulating  their  salaries. 
One,  perhaps  the  most  important  of  all,  declared  that  the  Territory  should  be  entitled  to  and  enjoy 
all  the  rights,  privileges,  and  advantages  granted  by  the  celebrated  ordinance  of  1787.  There 
was  also  a  provision  for  the  election  of  a  delegate  to  the  house  of  representatives  of  the  United 
States ;  and  a  declaration  that  all  suits  and  indictments  pending  in  the  old  courts  should  be  con- 
tinued in  the  new  ones.  Five  thousand  dollars  were  appropriated  for  a  library  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  legislative  assembly  of  the  Territory  and  of  its  supreme  court. 

For  the  new  Territory,  Henry  Dodge  was,  on  the  30th  of  April,  1S36,  by  Andrew  Jackson, 
then  President  of  the  United  States,  commissioned  governor.  John  S.  Horner  was  commissioned 
secretary  ;  Charles  Dunn,  chief  justice ;  David  Irvin  and  William  C.  Frazer,  associate  judges ; 
W.  W.  Chapman,  attorney,  and  Francis  Gehon,  marshal.  The  machinery  of  a  territorial  gov- 
ernment was  thus  formed,  which  was  set  in  motion  by  these  officers  taking  the  prescribed  oath  of 
office.  The  next  important  step  to  be  taken  was  to  organize  the  Territorial  legislature.  The 
provisions  of  the  organic  act  relative  to  the  enumeration  of  the  population  of  the  Territory  were 
that  previously  to  the  first  election,  the  governor  should  cause  the  ceusus  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  several  counties  to  be  taken  by  the  several  sheriffs,  and  that  the  latter  should  make  returns  of 
the  same  to  the  Executive.  These  figures  gave  to  Des  Moines  county,  6,257  ;  Iowa  county, 
5,234;  Dubuque  county,  4,274;  Milwaukee  county,  2,893;  Brown  county,  2,706;  Crawford 
county,  850.  The  entire  population,  therefore,  of  Wisconsin  Territory  in  the  summer  of  1836, 
as  given  by  the  first  census  was,  in  precise  numbers,  twenty-two  thousand  two  hundred  and  four- 
teen, of  which  the  two  counties  west  of  the  Mississippi  furnished  nearly  one  half.  The  apportion- 
ment, after  the  census  had  been  taken,  made  by  the  governor,  gave  to  the  different  counties  thir- 
teen councilmen  and  twenty-six  representatives.  Brown  county  got  two  councilmen  and  three 
representatives;  Crawford,  two  representatives,  but  no  councilmen;  Milwaukee,  two  councilmen 
and  three  representatives  ;  Iowa,  Dubuque  and  Des  Moines,  each  three  councilmen  ;  but  of  repre- 
sentatives, Iowa  got  six ;  Dubuque,  five,  and  Des  Moines,  seven.  The  election  was  held  on  the 
tenth  of  October,  1836,  exciting  considerable  interest,  growing  out,  chiefly,  of  local  considera- 
tions. The  permanent  location  of  the  capital,  the  division  of  counties,  and  the  location  of  county 
seats,  were  the  principal  questions  influencing  the  voters.  There  were  elected  from  the  county 
of  Brown,  Henry  S.  Baird  and  John  P.  Arndt,  members  of  the  council;   Ebenezer  Childs,  Albert 


WISCONSIN   TERRITORY.  43 

G.  Ellis  and  Alexander  J.  Irwin,  members  of  the  house  of  representatives;  from  Milwaukee, 
the  councilmen  were  Gilbert  Knapp  and  Alanson  Sweet ;  representatives,  William  B.  Sheldon, 
Madison  W.  Cornwall  and  Charles  Durkee  :  from  Iowa,  councilmen,  EbenezerBrigham,  John  B. 
Terry  and  James  R.  Vineyard ;  representatives,  William  Boyles,  G.  F.  Smith,  D.  M.  Parkinson, 
Thomas  McKnight,  T.  Shanley  and  J.  P.  Cox  :  from  Dubuque,  councilmen,  John  Foley,  Thomas 
McCraney  and  Thomas  McKnight ;  representatives,  Loring  Wheeler,  Hardin  Nowlin,  Hosea  T, 
Camp,  P.  H.  Engle  and  Patrick  Quigley :  from  Des  Moines,  councilmen,  Jeremiah  Smith,  Jr., 
Joseph  B.  Teas  and  Arthur  B.  Inghram  ;  representatives,  Isaac  Leffler,  Thomas  Blair,  Warren  L. 
Jenkins,  John  Box,  George  W.  'Feas,  Eli  Reynolds  and  David  R.  Chance :  from  Crawford,  repre- 
sentatives, James  H.  Lockwood  and  James  B.  Dallam. 

Belmont,  in  the  present  county  of  LaFayette,  then  in  Iowa  county,  was,  by  the  governor, 
appointed  the  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  legislature  ;  he  also  fixed  the  time — the  twenty-fifth 
of  October.  A  quorum  was  in  attendance  in  both  branches  at  the  time  decided  upon  for  their 
assembling,  and  the  two  houses  were  speedily  organized  by  the  election  of  Peter  Hill  Fngle,  of 
Dubuque,  speaker  of  the  house,  and  Henry  S.  Baird,  of  Brown,  president  of  the  council.  Each 
of  the  separate  divisions  of  the  government — the  executive,  the  judicial,  and  the  legislative — 
was  now  in  working  order,  except  that  it  remained  for  the  legislature  to  divide  the  Territory  into 
judicial  districts,  and  make  an  assignment  of  the  judges ;  and  for  the  governor  to  appoint  a  Ter- 
ritorial treasurer,  auditor  and  attorney  general.  The  act  of  congress  establishing  the  Terri- 
tory required  that  it  should  be  divided  into  three  judicial  districts.  The  counties  of  Crawford 
and  Iowa  were  constitued  by  the  legislature  the  first  district,  to  which  was  assigned  Chief  Justice 
Dunn.  The  second  district  was  composed  of  the  counties  of  Des  Moines  and  Dubuque  ;  to  it 
was  assigned  Associate  Judge  Irvin.  The  third  district  was  formed  of  the  counties  of  Brown 
and  Milwaukee,  to  which  was  assigned  Associate  Judge  Frazer. 

Governor  Dodge,  in  his  first  message  to  the  Territorial  legislature,  directed  attention  to  the 
necessity  for  defining  the  jurisdiction  and  powers  of  the  several  courts,  and  recommended  that 
congress  should  be  memorialized  to  extend  the  right  of  pre-emption  to  actual  settlers  upon  the 
public  lands  and  to  miners  on  mineral  lands;  also,  to  remove  the  obstructions  in  the  rapids 
of  the  Upper  Mississippi,  to  construct  harbors  and  light-houses  on  Lake  Michigan,  to  improve 
the  navigation  of  Fox  river  and  to  survey  the  same  from  its  mouth  to  Fort  Winnebago,  to 
increase  the  amount  of  lands  granted  to  the  Territory  for  school  purposes,  and  to  organize  and 
arm  the  militia  for  the  protection  of  the  frontier  settlements.  The  first  act  passed  by  the  legis- 
lature was  one  privileging  members  from  arrest  in  certain  cases  and  conferring  on  themselves 
power  to  punish  parties  for  contempt.  The  second  one  established  the  three  judicial  districts 
and  assigned  the  judges  thereto.  One  was  passed  to  borrow  money  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  session ;  others  protecting  ad  lands  donated  to  the  Territory  by  the  United  States  in  aid 
of  sc~hools,  and  creating  a  common  school  fund.  A  memorial  to  congress  was  adopted  request- 
ing authorization  to  sell  the  school-section  in  each  township,  and  appropriate  the  money  arising 
therefrom  for  increasing  the  fund  for  schools. 

During  this  session,  five  counties  were  "set  off"  west  of  the  Mississippi  river:  Lee,  Van 
Buren,  Henry,  Louisa,  Muscatine,  and  Cook;  and  fifteen  east  of  that  stream  :  Walworth,  Racine, 
Jefferson,  Dane,  Portage,  Dodge,  Washington,  Sheboygan,  Fond  du  Lac,  Calumet,  Manitowoc, 
Marquette,  Rock,  Grant  and  Green. 

The  principal  question  agitating  the  legislature  at  its  first  session  was  the  location  of  the 
capital.  Already  the  people  west  of  the  Mississippi  were  speculating  upon  the  establishment  of 
a  Territory  on  that  side  the  river,  prospects  for  which  would  be  enhanced  evidently,  by  placing 
the    seat  of   government   somewhat  in   a   central  position  east    of  that  stream,  for  Wisconsin 


44  .         HISTORY   OF  WISCOXSIX. 

Territory.  Now,  as  Madison  waS  a  point  answering  such  requirements  she  triumphed  over  all 
competitors;  and  the  latter  numbered  a  dozen  or  more — including,  among  others,  Fond  du  Lac, 
Milwaukee,  Racine,  Relmont,  Mineral  Point,  Green  Bay,  and  Cassville.  The  struggle  over  this 
question  was  one  of  the  most  exciting  ever  witnessed  in  the  Territorial  legislature.  Madison 
was  fixed  upon  as  the  seat  of  government,  but  it  was  provided  that  sessions  of  the  legislature 
should  be  held  at  Burlington,  in  Des  Aloines  county,  until  the  fourth  of  March,  1839,  unless  the 
public  buildings  in  the  new  capital  should  be  sooner  completed.  After  an  enactment  that  the 
legislature  should  thereafter  meet  on  the  first  Monday  of  November  of  each  year,  both  houses, 
on  the  ninth  day  of  December,  1836,  adjourned  sine  die. 

In  the  act  of  congress  establishing  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  it  was  provided  that  a  delegate 
to  the  house  of  representatives  of  the  United  States,  to  serve  for  the  term  of  two  years,  should 
be  elected  by  the  voters  qualified  to  elect  members  of  the  legislative  assembly-,  and  that  the 
first  election  should  be  held  at  such  time  and  place  or  places,  and  be  conducted  in  such  manner 
as  the  governor  of  the  Territory  should  appoint  and  direct.  In  pursuance  of  this  enactment. 
Governor  Dodge  directed  that  the  election  for  delegate  should  be  at  the  time  and  places 
appointed  for  the  election  of  members  of  the  legislative  assembly — the  loth  of  October,  1836. 
The  successful  candidate  for  that  office  was  George  W.  Jones,  of  Sinsinawa  Mound,  Iowa 
county —  in  that  portion  which  was  afterward  "set  off"  as  (irant  county.  Jones,  under  the  act 
of  1819,  had  been  elected  a  delegate  for  Michigan  Territory,  in  October,  1835,  and  took  his 
seat  at  the  ensuing  session,  in  December  of  that  year.  By  the  act  of  June  15,  1836,  the  consti- 
tution and  State  government  which  the  people  of  Michigan  had  formed  for  themselves  was 
accepted,  ratified  and  confirmed,  and  she  was  declared  to  be  one  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  so  that  the  term  of  two  years  for  which  Jones  had  been  elected  was  cut  short,  as,  in 
the  nature  of  the  case,  his  term  could  not  survive  the  existence  of  the  Territory  he  represented. 
But,  as  he  was  a  candidate  for  election  to  represent  the  new  Territory  of  Wisconsin  in  congress 
as  a  delegate,  and  was  successful,  he  took  his  seat  at  the  commencement  of  the  second  session  of 
the  twenty-fourth  congress — December  12,  1836,  notwithstanding  he  had  been  elected  only  a 
little  over  two  months. 

The  first  term  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  Territory  was  held  at  Belmont  on  the  8th  day  of 
December.  There  were  present,  Charles  Dunn,  chief  justice,  and  David  Irvin,  associate  judge. 
John  Catlin  was  appointed  clerk,  and  Henry  S.  Baird  having  previously  been  commissioned 
attorney  general  for  the  Territory  by  Governor  Dodge,  appeared  before  the  court  and  took  the 
oath  of  office.  Causes  in  which  the  United  States  was  party  or  interested  were  looked  after  by 
the  United  States  attorney,  who  received  his  appointment  from  the  president;  while  all  cases 
in  which  the  Territory  was  interested  was  attended  to  by  the  attorney  general,  whose  commission 
was  signed  by  the  governor.  The  appointing  of  a  crier  and  reporter  and  the  admission  of 
several  attorneys  to  jiractice,  completed  the  business  for  the  term.  The  annual  term  appointed 
for  the  third  Monday  of  July  of  the  following  year,  at  Madison,  was  not  held;  as  no  business  for 
the  action  of  the  court  had  matured. 

At  the  time  of  the  complete  organization  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  when  the  whole 
machinery  had  been  put  fairly  in  motion ;  when  its  first  legislature  at  its  first  session  had,  after 
passing  forty-two  laws  and  three  joint  resolutions,  in  forty-six  days,  adjourned;  —  at  this  time, 
the  entire  portion  west  of  the  Mississippi  had,  in  round  numbers,  a  population  of  only  eleven 
thousand;  while  the  sparsely  settled  mineral  region,  the  military  establishments — Fort  Craw- 
ford, Fort  Winnebago,  and  Fort  Howard  —  and  the  settlements  at  or  near  them,  with  the  village 
of  Milwaukee,  constituted  about  all  there  was  of  the  Territory  east  of  that  river,  aggregating 
about  twelve  thousand  inhabitants.     There  was  no  land  in  market,  except  a  narrow  strip  along 


WISCONSIN   TERRITORY.  45 

the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  Green  bay.  The  residue  of  the  country 
south  and  east  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  rivers  was  open  only  to  preemption  by  actual  settlers. 
The  Indian  tribes  still  claimed  a  large  portion  of  the  lands.  On  the  north  and  as  far  west  as 
the  Red  river  of  the  north  were  located  the  Chippewas.  The  southern  limits  of  their  posses- 
sions were  defined  by  a  line  drawn  from  a  point  on  that  stream  in  about  latitude  46°  30'  in  a 
southeasterly  direction  to  the  head  of  Lake  St.  Croix ;  thence  in  the  same  general  direction  to 
what  is  now  Stevens  Point,  in  the  present  Portage  county,  Wisconsin  ;  thence  nearly  east  to 
Wolf  river;  and  thence  in  a  direction  nearly  northeast  to  the  Menomonee  river.  The  whole 
country  bounded  by  the  Red  river  and  Mississippi  on  the  east ;  the  parallel  of  about  43°  of 
latitude  on  the  south;  the  Missouri  and  White  Earth  river  on  the  west;  and  the  Territorial  line 
on  the  north,  was  occupied  by  the  Sioux.  In  the  southwest  part  of  the  Territory,  lying  mostly 
south  of  latitude  43°  —  in  the  country  reaching  to  the  Missouri  State  boundary  line  south,  and 
to  the  Missouri  river  west  —  were  the  homes  of  the  Pottawattamies,  the  lowas,  and  the  Sacs  and 
Foxes.  Between  the  Wisconsin  river  and  the  Mississippi,  and  extending  north  to  the  south 
line  of  the  Chippewas  was  the  territory  of  the  Wmnebagoes.  East  of  the  Winnebagoes  in  the 
country  north  of  the  Fox  river  of  Green  bay  were  located  the  Menomonees,  their  lands 
extending  to  Wolf  river.  Such  was  the  general  outline  of  Indian  occupancy  in  Wisconsin 
Territory  at  its  organization.  A  portion  of  the  country  east  of  Wolf  river  and  north  of  Green 
bay  and  the  Fox  river ;  the  whole  of  the  area  lying  south  of  Green  bay,  Fox  river  and  the 
Wisconsin ;  and  a  strip  of  territory  immediately  west  of  the  Mississippi,  about  fifty  miles  in 
width,  and  extending  from  the  Missouri  State  line  as  far  north  as  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
present  State  of  Iowa,  constituted  the  whole  extent  of  country  over  which  the  Indians  had 
no  claim. 

The  second  session  of  the  first  legislative  assembly  of  the  Territory  began  at  Burlington, 
now  the  county  seat  of  Des  Moines  county,  Iowa,  on  the  6th  of  November,  1837.  The  governor, 
in  his  message,  recommended  a  codification  of  the  laws,  the  organization  of  the  militia,  and  other 
measures  of  interest  to  the  people.  An  act  was  passed  providing  for  taking  another  census,  and 
one  abolishing  imprisonment  for  debt.  By  a  Joint  resolution,  congress  was  urged  to  make  an 
appropriation  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  in  money,  and  two  townships  of  land  for  a  "  University 
of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin."  The  money  was  not  appropriated,  but  the  land  was  granted  — 
forty-six  thousand  and  eighty  acres.  This  was  the  fundamental  endowment  of  the  present  State 
university,  at  Madison.  A  bill  was  also  passed  to  regulate  the  sale  of  school  lands,  and  to 
prepare  for  organizing,  regulating  and  perfecting  schools.  Another  act,  which  passed  the 
legislature  at  this  session,  proved  an  apple  of  discord  to  the  people  of  the  Territory.  The 
measure  was  intended  to  provide  ways  and  means  whereby  to  connect,  by  canals  and  slack- 
water,  the  waters  of  Lake  Michigan  with  those  of  the  Mississippi,  by  way  of  Rock  river,  the 
Catfish,  the  four  lakes  and  the  Wisconsin,  by  the  incorporation  of  the  Milwaukee  and  Rock 
river  canal  company.  This  company  was  given  authority  to  apply  to  congress  for  an  appro- 
priation in  money  or  lands  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  the  work,  which  was  to  have  its  eastern 
outlet  in  the  Milwaukee  river,  and  to  unite  at  its  western  terminus  with  Rock  river,  near  the 
present  village  of  Jefferson,  in  Jefferson  county.  The  result  was  that  a  grant  of  land  of  odd- 
numbered  sections  in  a  strip  of  territory  five  miles  on  each  side  of  the  line  of  the  proposed  canal 
was  secured,  and  in  July,  1S39,  over  forty  thousand  acres  were  sold  at  the  minimum  price  'Of 
two  dollars  and  fifty  cents  per  acre.  However,  owing  mainly  to  the  fact  that  purchasers  were 
compelled  to  pay  double  the  government  price  for  their  lands  —  owing  also  to  the  circumstance 
of  an  antagonism  growing  up  between  the  officers  of  the  canal  company  and  the  Territorial 
■officers  intrusted  with  the  disposition  of  the  lands,  and  to  conflicts  between'the  beneficiaries  of 


46  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

the  grant  and  some  of  the  leading  politicians  of  the  time  —  the  whole  scheme  proved  a  curse 
and  a  blight  rather  than  a  blessing,  and  eventuating,  of  course,  in  the  total  failure  of  the  project. 
There  had  been  much  Territorial  and  State  legislation  concerning  the  matter ;  but  very  little 
work,  meanwhile,  was  done  on  the  canal.  It  is  only  within  the  year  1875  that  an  apparent 
quietus  has  been  given  to  the  subject,  and  legislative  enactments  forever  put  at  rest. 

Fourteen  counties  were  set  off  during  this  session  of  the  legislature  at  Burlington  —  all 
west  of  the  Mississippi.  They  were  Benton,  Buchanan,  Cedar,  Clinton,  Delaware,  Fayette, 
Jackson,  Johnson,  Jones,  Keokuk,  Linn,  Slaughter,  Scott  and  Clayton.  One  hundred  and  five 
acts  and  twenty  joint  resolutions  were  passed.  On  the  20th  of  January,  1838,  both  houses 
adjourned  until  the  second  Monday  of  June  following. 

The  census  of  the  Territory  having  been  taken  in  May,  the  special  session  of  the  first  legis- 
lature commenced  on  the  eleventh  of  June,  1838,  at  Burlington,  pursuant  to  adjournment,  mainly 
for  the  purpose  of  making  a  new  apportionment  of  members  of  the  house.  This  was  effected  by 
giving  twelve  members  to  the  counties  east  of  the  Mississippi,  and  fourteen  to  those  west  of  that 
stream,  to  be  contingent,  however,  upon  the  division  of  the  Territory,  which  measure  was  not 
only  then  before  congress,  but  had  been  actually  passed  by  that  body,  though  unknown  to  the 
Territorial  legislature.  The  law  made  it  incumbent  on  the  governor,  in  the  event  of  the  Terri- 
tory being  divided  before  the  next  general  election,  to  make  an  apportionment  for  the  part 
remaining, — enacting  that  the  one  made  by  the  act  of  the  legislature  should,  in  that  case,  have 
no  effect.  Having  provided  that  the  next  session  should  be  held  at  Madison,  the  legislative  body 
adjourned  sine  die  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  June,  1838,  the  public  buildings  at  the  new  capital 
having  been  put  under  contract  in  April,  previous.  Up  to  this  time,  the  officers  of  the  Territory 
at  large,  appointed  by  the  president  of  the  United  States  at  its  organization,  had  remained 
unchanged,  except  that  the  secretary,  John  S.  Horner,  had  been  removed  and  his  place  given  to 
William  B.  Slaughter,  by  appointment,  dated  February  16,  1837.  Now  there  were  two  other 
changes  made.  On  the  nineteenth  of  June,  Edward  James  was  commissioned  marshal,  and  on 
the  fifth  of  July,  Moses  M.  Strong  was  commissioned  attorney  of  the  United  States  for  the  Ter- 
ritory. By  an  act  of  congress,  approved  June  12,  183S,  to  divide  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin, 
and  to  establish  a  Territorial  government  west  of  the  Mississippi,  it  was  provided  that  from  and 
after  the  third  day  of  July  following,  all  that  part  of  Wisconsin  Territory  lying  west  of  that  river 
and  west  of  a  line  drawn  due  north  from  its  headwaters  or  sources  to  the  Territorial  line,  for  the 
purposes  of  a  Territorial  government  should  be  set  apart  and  known  by  the  name  of  Iowa.  It 
was  further  enacted  that  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  should  thereafter  extend  westward  only  to 
the  Mississippi.  It  will  be  seen  therefore  that  all  that  portion  of  the  present  State  of  Minnesota, 
extending  eastward  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  St.  Croix  and  northward  to  the  United  States 
boundary  line,  was  then  a  part  of  Wisconsin  Territory,  even  after  the  organization  of  the  Terri- 
tory of  Iowa.  The  census  taken  in  May,  just  previous  to  the  passage  of  this  act,  gave  a  total 
population  to  the  several  counties  of  the  Territory,  east  of  the  Mississippi,  of  18,149. 

On  the  third  Monday  of  July,  1838,  the  annual  terms  of  the  supreme  court  —  the  first  one 
after  the  re-organization  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin — was  held  at  Madison.  There  were 
present  Chief  Justice  Dunn  and  Associate  Judge  Frazer.  After  admitting  five  attorneys  to 
practice,  hearing  several  motions,  and  granting  several  rules,  the  court  adjourned.  All  the  terms 
of  the  Supreme  Court  thereafter  were  held  at  Madison. 

At  an  election  held  in  the  Territory  on  the  tenth  day  of  September,  1838,  James  Duane  Doty 
received  the  highest  number  of  votes  for  the  office  of  delegate  to  congress,  and  was  declared  by 
Governor  Dodge  duly  elected,  by  a  certificate  of  election,  issued  on  the  twenty-seventh  day  of 
October  following.     Upon  the  commencement  of  the  third  session  of  the  twenty- fifth  congress 


WISCONSIN   TERRITORY.  47 

on  Monday,  December  lo,  1838,  Isaac  E.  Crary,  member  from  Michigan,  announced  to  the  chair 
of  the  house  of  representatives  that  Doty  was  in  attendance  as  delegate  from  Wisconsin  Terri- 
tory, and  moved  that  he  be  qualified.  Jones,  the  former  delegate,  then  rose  and  protested 
against  Doty's  right  to  the  seat,  claiming  that  his  (Jones')  term  had  not  expired.  The  basis  for 
his  claim  was  that  under  the  act  of  1817,  a  delegate  must  be  elected  only  for  one  congress,  and 
not  for  parts  of  two  congressional  terms;  that  his  term  as  a  delegate  from  Wisconsin  did  not 
commence  until  the  fourth  of  March,  1837,  and  consequently  would  not  expire  until  the  fourth 
of  March,  1839.  The  subject  was  finally  referred  to  the  committee  of  elections.  This  com- 
mittee, on  the  fourteenth  of  January,  1839,  reported  in  favor  of  Doty's  right  to  his  seat  as  dele- 
gate, submitting  a  resolution  to  that  effect  which  passed  the  house  by  a  vote  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty-five  to  twenty-five.  Whereupon  Doty  was  qualified  as  delegate  from  Wisconsin  Territory, 
and  took  his  seat  at  the  date  last  mentioned. 

On  the  8th  of  November,  Andrew  G.  Miller  was  appointed  by  Martin  Van  Buren,  then 
president  of  the  United  States,  associate  judge  of  the  supreme  court,  to  succeed  Judge  Frazer, 
who  died  at  Milwaukee,  on  the  i8th  of  October.  During  this  year,  Moses  M.  Strong  succeeded 
W.  W.  Chapman  as  United  States  attorney  for  the  Territory. 

On  the  26th  day  of  November,  1838,  the  legislature  of  the  re-organized  Territory  of  Wis- 
consin— being  the  first  session  of  the  second  legislative  assembly — met  at  Madison.  Governor 
Dodge,  in  his  message,  recommended  an  investigation  of  the  banks  then  in  operation,  memorial- 
izing congress  for  a  grant  of  lands  for  the  improvement  of  the  Fox  river  of  Green  bay  and  the 
Wisconsin;  the  revision  of  the  laws;  the  division  of  the  Territory  into  judicial  districts;  the 
justice  of  granting  to  all  miners  who  have  obtained  the  ownership  of  mineral  grounds  under  the 
regulations  of  the  superintendent  of  the  United  States  lead  mines,  either  by  discovery  or  pur- 
chase, the  right  of  pre-emption;  and  the  improvement  of  the  harbors  on  Lake  Michigan. 

The  attention  of  this  Legislature  was  directed  to  the  mode  in  which  the  commissioners  of 
public  buildings  had  discharged  their  duties  There  was  an  investigation  of  the  three  banks 
then  in  operation  in  the  Territory — one  at  Green  Bay,  one  at  Mineral  Point,  and  the  other  at 
Milwaukee.  A  plan,  also,  for  the  revision  of  the  laws  of  the  Territory  was  considered.  A  new 
assignment  was  made  for  the  holding  of  district  courts.  Chief  Justice  Dunn  was  assigned  to  the 
first  district,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Iowa,  Grant  and  Crawford ;  Judge  Irvin  to  the  second, 
composed  of  the  counties  of  Dane,  Jefierson,  Rock,  Walworth  and  Green;  while  Judge  Miller 
was  assigned  to  the  third  district,  composed  of  Milwaukee,  Brown  and  Racine  counties — includ- 
ing therein  the  unorganized  counties  of  Washington  and  Dodge,  which,  for  judicial  purposes, 
were,  when  constituted  by  name  and  boundary,  attached  to  Milwaukee  county,  and  had  so 
remained  since  that  date.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  22d  of  December,  to  meet  again  on 
the  2ist  of  the  following  month,  ".\lthough,"  said  the  president  of  the  council,  upon  the  occasion 
of  the  adjournment,  "but  few  acts  of  a  general  character  have  been  passed,  as  the  discussions  and 
action  of  this  body  have  been  chiefly  confined  to  bills  of  a  local  nature,  and  to  the  passage  of 
memorials  to  the  parent  government  in  behalf  of  the  great  interests  of  the  Territory;  yet  it  is 
believed  that  the  concurrent  resolutions  of  the  two  houses  authorizing  a  revision  of  the  laws,  is  a 
measure  of  infinite  importance  to  the  true  interests  of  the  people,  and  to  the  credit  and  charac- 
ter of  the  Territory." 

Tbe  census  of  the  Territory  having  been  taken  during  the  year  1838,  showed  a  population 
of  18,130,  an  increase  in  two  years  of  6,447. 

The  second  session  of  the  second  legislative  assembly  commenced  on  the  twenty-first  day  of 
January,  1839,  agreeable  to  adjournment.  The  most  important  work  was  the  revision  of  the  laws 
which  had  been  perfected  during  the  recess,  by  the  committee  to  whom  the  work  was  intrusted. 


48  HISTORY  OF  WISCONSIN. 

consisting  of  three  members  from  each  house  :  from  the  council,  M.  L.  Martin,  Marshall  M. 
Strong,  and  James  Collins  ;  from  the  house  of  representatives,  Edward  V.  Whiton,  Augustus 
Story,  and  Barlow  Shackleford.  The  act  legalizing  the  revision,  took  effect  on  the  fourth  day  of 
July  following.  The  laws  as  revised,  composed  the  principal  part  of  those  forming  the  Revised 
Statutes  of  1839,  a  valuable  volume  for  all  classes  in  the  territory — and  especially  so  for  the 
courts  and  lawyers — during  the  next  ten  years.  The  sine  die  adjournment  of  this  legislature  took 
place  on  the  nth  of  March,  1839. 

On  the  8th  of  March  of  this  year,  Henry  Dodge,  whose  term  for  three  years  as  governor 
was  about  to  expire,  was  again  commissioned  by  the  president  of  the  United  States,  as  governor 
of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin.  At  the  July  term  of  the  supreme  court,  all  the  judges  were  pre- 
sent, and  several  cases  were  heard  and  decided.  A  seal  for  the  court  was  also  adopted.  The 
attorney  general  of  the  Territory  at  this  time  was  H.  N.  Wells,  who  had  been  commissioned  by 
Governor  Dodge,  on  the  30th  of  March  previous,  in  place  of  H.  S.  Baird,  resigned.  Wells  not 
being  in  attendance  at  this  term  of  the  court,  Franklin  J.  Munger  was  appointed  by  the  judge 
attorney  general  for  that  session.  The  clerk,  John  Collin  having  resigned,  Simeon  Mills  was 
selected  by  the  court  to  fill  his  place.  From  this  time,  the  supreme  court  met  annually,  as  pro- 
vided by  law,  until  Wisconsin  became  a  State. 

The  next  legislature  assembled  at  Madison,  on  the  second  of  December,  1839.  This  was 
the  third  session  of  the  second  legislative  assembly  of  the  Territory.  The  term  for  which  mem- 
bers of  the  house  were  elected,  would  soon  expire  ;  it  was  therefore  desirable  that  a  new  appor- 
tionment should  be  made.  As  the  census  would  be  taken  the  ensuing  June,  by  the  United  States, 
it  would  be  unnecessary  for  the  Territory  to  make  an  additional  enumeration.  A  short  session 
was  resolved  upon,  and  then  an  adjournment  until  after  the  completion  of  the  census.  One  of 
the  subjects  occupying  largely  the  attention  of  the  members,  was  the  condition  of  the  capitol, 
and  the  conduct  of  the  commissioners  intrusted  with  the  money  appropriated  by  congress  to 
defray  the  cost  of  its  construction.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  thirteenth  of  January, 
1840,  to  meet  again  on  the  third  of  the  ensuing  August.  The  completion  of  the  census  showed 
a  population  for  the  Territory  of  thirty  thousand  seven  hundred  and  forty-four,  against  eighteen 
thousand  one  hundred  and  thirty,  two  years  previous.  Upon  the  re-assembling  of  the  legisla- 
ture— which  is  known  as  the  extra  session  of  the  second  legi-lative  assembly — at  the  time  agreed 
upon,  some  changes  were  made  in  the  apportionment  of  members  to  the  house  of  representa- 
tives ;  the  session  lasted  but  a  few  days,  a  final  adjournment  taking  place  on  the  fourteenth  of 
August,  1840.  At  the  July  term  of  the  supreme  court,  Simeon  Mills  resigned  the  office  of 
clerk,  and  La  Fayette  Kellogg  was  appointed  in  his  place.  Kellogg  continued  to  hold  the  posi- 
tion until  the  state  judiciary  was  organized.  At  the  ensuing  election,  James  Duane  Doty  was 
re-elected  Territorial  delegate,  taking  his  seat  for  the  first  time  under  his  second  term,  on  the 
eighth  day  of  December,  1840,  at  the  commencement  of  the  second  session  of  the  twenty-sixth 
congress. 

The  first  session  of  the  third  legislative  assembly  commenccv-  on  the  seventh  of  December, 
1840,  with  all  new  members  in  the  house  except  three.  .^11  had  recently  been  elected  under  the 
new  apportionment.  Most  of  the  session  was  devoted  to  the  ordinary  routine  of  legislation. 
There  was,  however,  a  departure,  in  the  passage  of  two  acts  granting  divorces,  from  the  usual 
current  of  legislative  proceedings  in  the  Territory.  There  was,  also,  a  very  interesting  contested 
election  case  between  two  members  from  Brown  county.  Such  was  the  backwardness  in  regard 
to  the  building  of  the  capitol,  at  this  date,  that  a  large  majority  of  the  members  stood  ready  to 
remove  the  seat  of  government  to  some  other  place.  However,  as  no  particular  point  could  be 
agreed  upon,  it  remained  at  Madison.     The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  nineteenth  of  February, 


WISCONSIN   TERRITORY.  49 

1841,  having  continued  a  term  of  seventy-five  days,  the  maximum  time  limited  by  the  organic  act. 
Francis  J.  Dunn,  appointed  by  Martin  Van  Buren,  was  commissioned  in  place  of  William 
B.  Slaughter,  as  secretary  of  the  Territory,  on  the  25th  of  January,  1841,  but  was  himself  super- 
ce"ded  by  the  appointment  of  A.  P.  Field,  on  the  23d  day  of  April  following.  On  the  15th  of 
March,  Daniel  Hugunin  was  commissioned  as  marshal  in  place  of  Edward  James,  and  on  the 
27th  of  April,  Thomas  W.  Sutherland  succeeded  Moses  M.  Strong  as  United  States  attorney 
for  the  Territory.  On  the  26th  of  June,  Governor  Dodge  commissioned  as  attorney  general  of 
the  Territory,  M.  M.  Jackson.  On  the  13th  of  September  following.  Dodge  was  removed  from 
office  by  John  Tyler,  then  president  of  the  United  States,  and  James  Duane  Doty  appointed  in 
his  place.  The  appointment  of  Doty,  then  the  delegate  of  the  Territory  in  congress,  by  the 
president  of  the  United  States  as  governor,  and  the  consequent  resignation  of  the  latter  of  his 
seat  in  the  house  of  representatives,  caused  a  vacancy  which  was  filled  by  the  election  of  Henry 
Dodge  to  that  office,  on  the  27th  of  September,  1841;  so  that  Doty  and  Dodge  changed  places. 
Dodge  took  his  seat  for  the  first  time,  at  the  commencement  of  the  second  session  of  the  twenty- 
fifth  congress — Monday,  December  7,  1841. 

About  this  time,  the  Milwaukee  and  Rock  river  canal  imbroglio  broke  out  afresh.  The 
loan  agent  appointed  by  the  governor  to  negotiate  a  loan  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  for 
the  work,  reported  that  he  had  negotiated  fifty-six  thousand  dollars  of  bonds,  which  had  been 
issued ;  but  he  did  not  report  what  kind  of  money  was  to  be  received  for  them.  Now,  the  canal 
commissioners  claimed  that  it  was  their  right  and  duty  not  to  recognize  any  loan  which  was  to 
be  paid  in  such  currency  as  they  disapproved  of.  This  dispute  defeated  the  loan,  and  stopped 
all  work  on  the  canal.  During  the  year  184T,  Thomas  W.  Sutherland  succeeded  Moses  M. 
Strong  as  United  States  attorney.  The  second  session  of  the  third  legislative  assembly  began 
at  Madison,  on  the  sixth  of  December,  1841.  Governor  Doty,  in  his  message  to  that  body, 
boldly  avowed  the'doctrine  that  no  law  of  the  Territory  was  effective,  until  expressly  approved 
by  congress.  "The  act,"  said  he,  "establishing  the  government  of  Wisconsin,  in  the  third  sec- 
tion, requires  the  secretary  of  the  Territory  to  transmit  annually,  on  or  before  the  first  Monday 
in  December,  '  two  copies  of  the  laws  to  the  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives,  for  the 
use  of  congress.'  The  sixth  section  provides  that  'all  laws  of  the  governor  and  legislative 
assembly  shall  be  submitted  to,  and,  if  disapproved  by  the  congress  of  the  United  States,  the 
same  shall  be  null  and  of  no  effect.'  "  "These  provisions,"  he  added,  "it  seems  to  me,  require 
the  laws  to  be  actually  submitted  to  congress  before  they  take  effect.  They  change  the  law  by 
which  this  country  was  governed  while  it  was  a  part  of  Michigan.  That  law  provided  that 
the  laws  should  be  reported  to  congress,  and  that  they  should  '  be  in  force  in  the  district  until 
the  organization  of  the  general  assembly  therein,  unless  disapproved  of  by  congress.'  "  The 
governor  concluded  in  these  words :  "  The  opinion  of  my  predecessor,  which  was  expressed  to 
the  first  legislature  assembled  after  the  organization  of  this  government,  in  his  message  delivered 
at  Belmont  on  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  October,  1836,  fully  sustains  this  view  of  the  subject  which 
I  have  presented.  He  said:  'We  have  convened  under  an  act  of  congress  of  the  United  States 
establishing  the  Territorial  government  of  Wisconsin,  for  the  purpose  of  enacting  such  laws  as 
may  be  required  for  the  government  of  the  people  of  this  Territory,  after  their  approval  by  con- 
gress.'" This  construction  of  the  organic  act  resulted  in  a  lengthy  warfare  between  the  gov- 
ernor and  the  legislative  assembly. 

At  this  session,  the  Milwaukee  and  Rock  river  canal  again  raised  a  tumult.  "  Congress 
had  made  a  valuable  grant  of  land  to  the  Territory  in  trust.  The  Territory  was  the  trustee; 
the  canal  company  the  cestui  que  trust.  The  trust  had  been  accepted,  and  a  large  portion  of 
the  lands  had  been  sold,  one  tenth  of  the  purchase  money  received,  and  ample  securities  held 


60  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

for  the  balance."  The  Territory  now,  by  its  legislature,  repealed,  all  the  laws  authorizing  a  . 
loan,  and  all  which  contemplated  the  e.tpenditure  of  any  money  on  its  part  in  constructing  the 
canal.  The  legislature  resolved  that  all  connection  ought  to  be  dissolved,  and  the  work  on 
the  canal  by  the  Territory  abandoned,  and  that  the  latter  ought  not  further  to  execute  the 
trust.  They  resolved  also  that  the  congress  be  requested  to  divert  the  grant  to  such  other 
internal  improvements  as  should  be  desigiiated  by  the  Territory,  subject  to  the  approval  of 
congress;  and  that,  if  the  latter  should  decline  to  make  this  diversion,  it  was  requested  to  take 
back  the  grant,  and  dispose  of  the  unsold  lands.  On  the  eleventh  of  February,  1S42,  a  tragedy 
was  enacted  in  the  legislative  council,  causing  great  e.xcitement  over  the  whole  Territory.  On 
that  day,  Charles  C.  P.  Arndt,  a  member  from  Brown  county,  was,  while  that  body  was  in 
session,  shot  dead  by  James  R.  Vineyard,  a  member  from  Grant  county.  The  difficulty  grew 
out  of  a  debate  on  motion  to  lay  on  the  table  the  nomination  of  Enos  S.  Baker  to  the  office  of 
sheriff  of  Grant  co\inty.  Immediately  before  adjournment  of  the  council,  the  parties  who  had 
come  together,  after  loud  and  angry  words  had  been  spoken,  were  separated  by  the  by-standers. 
When  an  adjournment  had  been  announced,  they  met  again ;  whereupon  Arndt  struck  at  Vine- 
yard. The  latter  then  drew  a  pistol  and  shot  Arndt.  He  died  in  a  few  moments.  Vineyard 
immediately  surrendered  himself  to  the  sheriff  of  the  county,  waived  an  examination,  and  was 
committed  to  jail.  After  a  short  confinement,  he  was  brought  before  the  chief  justice  of  the 
Territory,  on  a  writ  oi  /labcas  corpus,  and  admitted  to  bail.  He  was  afterward  indicted  for  man- 
slaughter, was  tried  and  acquitted.  Three  days  after  shooting  Arndt,  Vineyard  sent  in  his 
resignation  as  member  of  the  council.  That  body  refused  to  receive  it,  or  to  have  it  read  even ; 
but  at  once  expelled  him.  The  second  and  last  session  of  the  third  legislative  assembly  came 
to  a  close  on  the  eighteenth  of  February,  1842. 

The  first  session  of  the  fourth  legislative  assembly  commenced  on  the  fifth  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1842.  The  members  had  been  elected  under  a  new  apportionment  based  upon  a  census 
taken  in  the  previous  June,  which  showed  a  total  population  for  the  Territory  of  forty-six  thou- 
sand six  hundred  and  seventy-eight — an  increase  of  nearly  ten  thousand  in  two  years.  A  politi- 
cal count  showed  a  decided  democratic  majority  in  each  house.  Governor  Doty's  political 
proclivities  were  with  the  whig  party.  The  contest  between  him  and  the  legislature  now 
assumed  a  serious  character.  He  refused  to  "hold  converse  "  with  it,  for  the  reason  that,  in  his 
opinion,  no  appropriation  had  been  made  by  congress  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  session,  and, 
as  a  consequence,  none  could  be  held.  The  legislature  made  a  representation  to  congress,  then 
in  session,  of  the  objections  of  the  governor,  and  adjourned  on  the  tenth  of  December,  to  meet 
again  on  the  thirteenth  of  January,  1843.  It  was  not  until  the  fourth  of  February  following  that 
a  quorum  in  both  houses  had  assembled,  when  the  legislature,  through  a  joint  committee,  waited 
on  the  governor,  and  informed  him  that  they  had  again  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  were 
then  ready  to  proceed  to  business.  Previous  to  this  time,  congress  had  made  an  appropriation 
to  cover  the  expenses  of  the  legislature  now  in  session,  which  it  was  supposed  would  remove  all 
conflict  about  its  legality.  But  the  governor  had,  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  January  previous,  issued 
a  proclamation,  convening  a  special  session  of  the  legislature  on  the  sixth  of  March,  and  still 
refused  to  recognize  the  present  one  as  legal.  Both  houses  then  adjourned  to  the  day  fixed  by 
the  executive.     A  final  adjournment  took  place  on  the  seventeenth  of  April  following. 

The  term  of  two  years  for  which  Henry  Dodge  was  elected  as  delegate,  having  expired  at 
the  close  of  the  third  session  of  the  twenty-seventh  congress,  he  was,  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  Sep- 
tember, 1843,  re-elected,  taking  his  seat  for  the  first  time  on  his  second  term  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  first  session  of  the  twenty-eighth  congress,  Monday,  December  4,  1843.  On 
the  thirtieth  of  October  of  this  year,  George  Floyd  was  commissioned  by  President  Tyler  as 


WISCONSIN   TERRITORY.  51 

secretary  of  the  Territory,  in  place  of  A.  P.  Field. 

The  second  session  of  the  fourth  legislative  assembly  of  the  Territory,  commencing  on  the 
fourth  of  December,  1843,  and  terminating  on  the  thirty-first  of  January,  1844 — a  period  of  fifty- 
nine  days — accomplished  but  little  worthy  of  especial  mention,  except  the  submission  of  the 
question  of  the  formation  of  a  State  government  to  a  vote  of  the  people,  to  be  taken  at  the  gene- 
ral election  to  be  held  in  September  following.  The  proposition  did  not  succeed  at  the  ballot- 
box.  The  third  session  of  the  fourth  legislative  assembly  did  not  commence  until  the  sixth  of 
January,  1845,  as  the  time  had  been  changed  to  the  first  Monday  in  that  month  for  annual  meet- 
ings. Governor  Doty  having  persisted  in  spelling  Wisconsin  with  a  "k"  and  an  "a" — Wis- 
/Jonsan — and  some  of  the  people  having  adopted  his  method,  it  was  thought  by  this  legislature 
a  matter  of  sufficient  importance  to  be  checked.  So,  by  a  joint  resolution,  the  orthography — 
WisiTons/n — employed  in  the  organic  act,  was  adopted  as  the  true  one  for  the  Territory,  and  has 
ever  since  been  used.  Before  the  commencement  of  this  session  Doty's  term  of  office  had 
expired.  He  was  superseded  as  governor  of  the  Territory  by  N.  P.  Tallmadge,  the  latter  having 
been  appointed  on  the  twenty-first  of  June,  1S44.  On  the  thirty-first  of  August,  Charles  M. 
Prevost  was  appointed  marshal  of  the  Territory,  in  place  of  Daniel  Hugunin.  There  was  the 
utmost  harmony  between  Governor  Tallmadge  and  the  legislature  of  the  Territory  at  its  session 
in  1845. 

His  message,  which  was  delivered  to  the  two  houses  in  person,  on  the  seventeenth  of  January, 
was  well  received.  Among  other  items  of  interest  to  which  he  called  the  attention  of  the  legis- 
lative assembly,  was  one  concerning  the  construction  of  a  railroad  to  connect  Lake  Michigan  with 
the  Mississippi.  "The  interests  of  the  Territory,"  said  he,  "  seem  inperiously  to  demand  the  con- 
struction of  a  railroad,  or  other  communication,  from  some  suitable  point  on  Lake  Michigan  to 
the  Mississippi  river.  Much  difference  of  opinion  seems  to  exist  as  to  what  it  shall  be,  and  how 
it  is  to  be  accomplished.  There  is  a  general  impression,"  continued  the  governor,  "that  the  con- 
struction of  the  Milwaukee  and  Rock  river  canal,  which  was  intended  to  connect  those  waters,  is 
abandoned.  It  remains  to  be  seen  what  shall  be  substituted  for  it."  The  session  terminated  on 
the  twenty-fourth  of  February,  1845. 

James  K.  Polk  having  been  inaugurated  president  of  the  United  States  on  the  fourth  of 
March,  1845,  Henry  Dodge  was  again  put  into  the  gubernatorial  chair  of  the  Territory,  receiving 
his  appointment  on  the  eighth  of  April,  1845.  Other  changes  were  made  by  the  president  during 
the  same  year,  John  B.  Rockwell  being,  on  the  fourteenth  of  March,  appointed  marshal,  and  W. 
P.  Lynde,  on  the  fourteenth  of  July,  United  States  attorney  for  the  Territory,  Governor  Tall^ 
madge,  on  the  twenty-second  of  January  of  this  year,  having  commissioned  the  latter  also  as 
attorney  general.  On  the  twenty-second  of  September,  Morgan  L.  Martin  was  elected  delegate 
to  the  twenty-ninth  congress,  as  the  successor  of  Henry  Dodge. 

The  fourth  and  last  session  of  the  fourth  legislative  assembly  was  organized  on  the  fifth  of 
January,  1846.  This  session,  although  a  short  one,  proved  very  important.  Preliminary  steps 
were  taken  for  the  formation  of  a  State  government.  The  first  Tuesday  in  April  next  succeeding 
was  the  day  fixed  upon  for  the  people  to  vote  for  or  against  the  proposition.  When  taken  it 
resulted  in  a  large  majority  voting  in  favor  of  the  measure.  An  act  was  passed  providing  for  taking 
the  census  of  the  Territory,  and  for  the  apportionment  by  the  governor  of  delegates  to  form  a 
State  constitution,  based  upon  the  new  enumeration.  The  delegates  were  to  be  elected  on  the  first 
Monday  in  September,  and  the  convention  was  to  assemble  on  the  first  Monday  in  October,  1846. 
The  constitution  when  formed  was  to  be  submitted  to  the  vote  of  the  people  for  adoption  or 
rejection,  as,  at  the  close  of  the  session,  the  terms  of  members  of  the  council  who  had  been  elected 
for  four  years,  and  of  the  house,  who  had  been  elected  for  two  years,  all  ended.    The  legislature 


52  HISTORY  OF  "wiscoxsm. 

re-organized  the  election  districts,  and  conferred  on  the  governor  the  power  and  duty  of  making 
an  apportionment,  based  on  the  census  to  be  taken,  for  the  next  legislative  assembly,  when,  on 
the  third  of  February,  1846,  both  houses  adjourned  sine  die.  On  the  twenty-second  of  January, 
Governor  Dodge  appointed  A.  Hyatt  Smith  attorney  general  of  the  Territory.  On  tlie  twenty- 
fourth  of  February,  John  Catlin  was  appointed  Territorial  secretary  by  the  president. 

The  census  taken  in  the  following  June  showed  a  population  for  the  Territory  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty-five  thousand  two  hundred  and  seventy-seven.  Delegates  having  been  elected  to 
form  a  constitution  for  the  proposed  new  State,  met  at  Madison  on  the  fifth  day  of  October. 
After  completing  their  labors,  they  adjourned.  This  event  took  place  on  the  sixteenth  of 
December,  1846.  The  constitution  thus  formed  was  submitted  to  a  popular  vote  on  the  first 
Tuesday  of  April,  1847,  and  rejected.  The  first  session  of  the  fifth  legislative  assembly  com- 
menced on  the  fourth  of  January  of  that  year.  But  little  was  done.  Both  houses  finally 
adjourned  on  the  eleventh  of  February,  1847.  John  H.  Tweedy  was  elected  as  the  successor 
of  Morgan  L.  Martin,  delegate  to  the  thirtieth  congress,  on  the  sixth  of  September  following.  On 
the  twenty-seventh  of  that  month,  Governor  Dodge  issued  a  proclamation  for  a  special  session 
of  the  legislature,  to  commence  on  the  eighteenth  of  the  ensuing  month,  to  take  action  concern- 
ing the  admission  of  Wisconsin  into  the  Union.  The  two  houses  assembled  on  the  day  named 
in  the  proclamation,  and  a  law  was  passed  for  the  holding  of  another  convention  to  frame  a 
constitution  ;  when,  after  nine  days'  labor,  they  adjourned.  Delegates  to  the  new  convention 
were  elected  on  the  last  Monday  of  November,  and  that  body  met  at  Madison  on  the  fifteenth 
of  December,  1847.  A  census  of  the  Territory  was  taken. this  year,  which  showed  a  population 
of  two  hundred  and  ten  thousand  five  hundred  and  forty-six.  The  result  of  the  labors  of  the 
second  constitutional  convention  was  the  formation  of  a  constitution,  which,  being  submitted 
to  the  people  on  the  second  Monday  of  March,  184S,  was  duly  ratified. 

The  second  and  last  session  of  the  fifth  legislative  assembly  —  the  last  legislative  assembly 
of  Wisconsin  Territory — commenced  on  the  seventh  of  February,  1848,  and  adjourned  «'«<•  <//> 
on  the  thirteenth  of  March  following.  On  the  twentieth  of  the  same  month,  J.  H.  Tweedy, 
delegate  from  Wisconsin,  introduced  a  bill  in  congress  for  its  admission  into  the  Union.  The 
bill  was  finally  passed;  and  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  May,  1S48,  Wisconsin  became  a  State. 
There  had  been  seventeen  sessions  of  the  legislative  assembly  of  the  Territory,  of  an  average 
duration  of  forty  days  each  :  the  longest  one  lasted  seventy-six  days  ;  the  shortest,  ten  days.  So 
long  as  the  Territory  had  an'existence,  the  apportionment  of  thirteen  members  for  the  council,  and 
twenty-six  for  the  house  of  representatives,  was  continued,  as  provided  in  the  organic  act. 
There  had  been,  besides  those  previously  mentioned,  nine  additional  counties  "  set  off  "  by  the 
legislative  assembly  of  the  Territory,  so  that  they  now  numbered  in  all  twenty-eight :  Milwaukee, 
Waukesha,  Jefferson,  Racine,  Walworth,  Rock,  Green,  Washington,  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Calu- 
met, Brown,  Winnebago,  Fond  du  Lac,  Marquette,  Sauk,  Portage,  Columbia,  Dodge,  Dane,  Iowa, 
La  Fayette,  Grant,  Richland,  Crawford,  Chippewa,  St.  Croix,  and  La  Pointe. 

v.— WISCONSIN   AS    A    STATE. 

First  Administration.  —  Nelson  Dewey,  Governor — 1848,  1849. 

The  boundaries  prescribed  in  the  act  of  congress,  entitled  "An  Act  to  enable  the  people  of 
Wisconsin  Territory  to  form  a  Constitution  and  State  Government,  and  for  the  admission  of  such 
State  into  tlie  Union,"  approved  August  6,  1846,  were  accepted  by  the  convention  which  formed 
the  constitution  of  Wisconsin,  and  are  described  in  that  instrument  as  "  beginning  at  the  north- 
east corner  of  the  State  of  Illinois  —  that  is  to  say,  at  a  point  in  the  center  of  Lake  Michigan 


WISCOKSIX    AS    A    STATE.  53 

where  the  line  of  forty-two  degrees  and  thirty  minutes  of  north  latitude  crosses  the  same  ;  thence 
running  with  the  boundary  line  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  through  Lake  Michigan  [and]  Green 
bay  to  the  mouth  of  the  Menomonee  river ;  thence  up  the  channel  of  the  said  river  to  the  Brule 
river ;  thence  up  said  last  mentioned  river  to  Lake  Brule ;  thence  along  the  southern  shore  of 
Lake  Brule,  in  a  direct  line  to  the  center  of  the  channel  between  Middle  and  South  islands,  in 
the  Lake  of  the  Desert;  thence  in  a  direct  line  to  the  head  waters  of  the  Montreal  river,  as 
marked  upon  the  survey  made  by  Captain  Cram  ;  thence  down  the  main  channel  of  the  Mon- 
treal river  to  the  middle  of  Lake  Superior;  thence  through  the  center  of  Lake  Superior  to  the 
mouth  of  the  St.  Louis  river ;  thence  up  the  main  channel  of  said  river  to  the  first  rapids  in  the 
same,  above  the  Indian  village,  according  to  Nicollett's  map ;  thence  due  south  to  the  main 
branch  of  the  River  St.  Croix  ;  thence  down  the  main  channel  of  said  river  to  the  Mississippi  ; 
thence  down  the  center  of  the  main  channel  of  that  river  to  the  northwest  corner  of  the  State 
of  Illinois;  thence  due  east  with  the  northern  boundary  of  the  State  of  Illinois  to  the  place  of 
beginning  "  The  territory  included  within  these  lines  constitutes  the  State  of  Wisconsin, 
familiarly  known  as  the  "Badger  State."  All  that  portion  of  Wisconsin  Territory,  as  formerly 
constituted,  lying  west  of  so  much  of  the  above  mentioned  boundary  as  e.xtends  from  the  middle 
of  Lake  Superior  to  the  mouth  of  the  St.  Croix  river,  not  being  included  in  Wisconsin,  the  limits 
of  the  State  are,  of  course,  not  identical  with  those  of  the  Territory  as  they  previously  existed. 

The  State  of  Wisconsin,  thus  bounded,  is  situated  between  the  parallel  of  forty-two  degrees 
thirty  minutes  and  that  of  forty-seven  degrees,  north  latitude,  and  between  the  eighty-seventh 
and  ninety-third  degrees  west  longitude,  nearly.  For  a  portion  of  its  northern  border  it  has 
Lake  Superior,  the  largest  body  of  fresh  water  in  the  world  ;  for  a  part  of  its  eastern  boundary  it 
has  Lake  Michigan,  almost  equal  in  size  to  Lake  Superior  ;  while  the  Mississippi,  the  largest 
river  in  the  world  but  one,  forms  a  large  portion  of  its  western  boundary.  The  State  of  Michi- 
gan lies  on  the  east ;  Illinois  on  the  south  ;  Iowa  and  Minnesota  on  the  west.  Wisconsin  has  an 
average  length  of  about  two  hundred  and  sixty  miles;  an  average  breadth  of  two  hundred  and 
fifteen  miles. 

The  constitution  of  Wisconsin,  adopted  by  the  people  on  the  second  Monday  of  March, 
1848,  provided  for  the  election  of  a  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  secretary  of  state,  treasurer, 
attorney  general,  members  of  the  State  legislature,  and  members  of  congress,  on  the  second 
Monday  of  the  ensuing  May.  On  that  day — the  8th  of  the  month  —  the  election  was  held, 
which  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Nelson  Dewey,  for  governor  ;  John  E.  Holmes,  for  lieutenant 
governor;  Thomas  McHugh,  for  secretary  of  state;  Jairus  C.  Fairchild,  for  state  treasurer; 
and  James  S.  Brown,  for  attorney  general.  The  State  was  divided  into  nineteen  senatorial,  and 
sixty-six  assembly  districts,  in  each  of  which  one  member  was  elected  ;  it  was  also  divided  into 
two  congressional  districts,  in  each  of  which  one  member  of  congress  was  elected  — -William 
Pitt  Lynde  in  the  first  district,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Jefferson, 
Racine,  Walworth,  Rock,  and  Green  ;  Mason  C.  Darling,  in  the  second  district,  composed  of  the 
counties  of  Washington,  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Calumet,  Brown,  Winnebago,  Fond  du  Lac, 
Marquette,  Sauk,  Portage,  Columbia,  Dodge,  Dane,  Iowa,  La  Fayette,  Grant,  Richland,  Craw- 
ford, Chippewa,  St.  Croix,  and  La  Pointe  —  the  counties  of  Richland,  Chippewa  and  La  Pointe 
being  unorganized. 

The  first  session  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  commenced  at  Madison,  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment for  the  State,  on  Monday,  the  5th  day  of  June,  1848.  Ninean  E.  Whiteside  was  elected 
speaker  of  the  assembly,  and  Henry  Billings  president  of  the  senate, /r«;  tempore.  The  democrats 
were  largely  in  the  majority  in  both  houses.  The  legislature,  in  joint  convention,  on  the  7th  of 
June,  canvassed,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  constitution,  the  votes  given  on  the 
8th  of  May  previous,  for  the  State  officers  and  the  two  representatives  in  congress.     On  the  same 


54  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

day,  the  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  secretary  ot  state,  treasurer,  and  attorney  general,  were 
sworn  into  office  in  presence  of  both  houses.  All  these  officers,  as  well  as  the  representatives  in 
congress,  were  democrats.  Dewey's  majority  over  John  H.  Tweedy,  whig,  was  five  thousand  and 
eighty-nine.  William  P.  Lynde's  majority  in  the  first  district,  for  congress,  over  Edward  V. 
Whiten,  whig,  was  two  thousand  four  hundred  and  forty-seven.  Mason  C.  Darling's  majority  in 
the  second  district,  over  Alexander  L.  Collins,  whig,  was  two  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 
six.  As  the  thirtieth  congress,  to  which  Lynde  and  Darling  were  elected  would  expire  on  the  4th 
of  March,  1849,  their  terms  of  office  would,  of  course,  end  on  that  day.  The  former  took  his 
seat  on  the  5th  of  June,  the  latter  on  the  9th  of  June,  184S. 

The  constitution  vested  the  judicial  power  of  the  State  in  a  supreme  court,  circuit  courts, 
courts  of  probate,  and  in  justices  of  the  peace,  giving  the  legislature  power  to  vest  such  juris- 
diction as  should  be  deemed  necessary  in  municipal  courts  ;  also,  conferring  upon  it  the  power 
to  establish  inferior  courts  in  the  several  counties,  with  limited  civil  and  criminal  jurisdiction. 
The  State  was  divided  into  five  judicial  circuits;  and  judges  were  to  be  elected  at  a  time  to  be 
provided  for  by  the  legislature  at  its  first  session.  It  was  provided  that  there  should  be  no 
election  for  a  judge  or  judges,  at  any  general  election  for  State  or  county  officers,  nor  within 
thirty  days  either  before  or  after  such  election. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  1848,  Governor  Dewey  delivered  his  first  message  to  a  joint  convention 
of  the  two  houses.  It  was  clear,  concise,  and  definite  upon  such  subjects  as,  in  his  opinion 
demanded  immediate  attention.  His  views  were  generally  regarded  as  sound  and  statesmanlike 
by  the  people  of  the  State.  "  You  have  convened,"  said  he,  "under  the  provisions  of  the  con- 
stitution of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  to  perform  as  representatives  of  the  people,  the  important 
duties  contemplated  by  that  instrument."  "  The  first  session  of  the  legislature  of  a  free  people," 
continued  the  governor,  "  after  assuming  the  political  identity  of  a  sovereign  State,  is  an  event  of 
no  ordinary  character  in  its  history,  and  will  be  fraught  with  consequences  of  the  highest 
importance  to  its  future  welfare  and  prosperity.  Wisconsin  possesses  the  natural  elements, 
fostered  by  the  judicious  system  of  legislation,"  the  governor  added,  "  to  become  one  of  the 
most  populous  and  prosperous  States  of  the  American  Union.  With  a  soil  unequaled  in  fertility, 
and  productive  of  all  the  necessary  comforts  of  life,  rich  in  mineral  wealth,  with  commercial 
advantages  unsurpassed  by  any  inland  State,  possessing  extensive  manufacturing  facilities,  with  a 
salubrious  climate,  and  peopled  with  a  population  enterprising,  industrious,  and  intelligent,  the 
course  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  must  be  onward,  until  she  ranks  among  the  first  of  the  States 
of  the  Great  West.  It  is,"  concluded  the  speaker,  "under  the  most  favorable  auspices  that  the 
State  of  Wisconsin  has  taken  her  position  among  the  families  of  States.  With  a  population 
numbering  nearly  one  quarter  of  a  million,  and  rapidly  increasing,  free  from  the  incubus  of  a 
State  debt,  and  rich  in  the  return  yielded  as  the  reward  of  labor  in  all  the  branches  of  industrial 
pursuits,  our  State  occupies  an  enviable  position  abroad,  that  is  highly  gratifying  to  the  pride  of 
our  people."  Governor  Dewey  then  recommended  a  number  of  measures  necessary,  in  his 
judgment,  to  be  made  upon  changing  from  a  Territorial  to  a  State  government. 

The  first  important  business  of  the  legislature,  was  the  election  of  two  United  States 
senators.  The  successful  candidates  were  Henry  Dodge  and  Isaac  P.  Walker,  both  democrats, 
Their  election  took  place  on  the  8th  of  June,  1848,  Dodge  taking  his  seat  in  the  senate  on  the 
23d  of  June,  and  Walker  on  the  26th  of  June,  1848.  The  latter  drew  the  short  term  ;  so  that 
his  office  would  expire  on  the  4th  day  of  March,  1849,  at  the  end  of  the  thirtieth  congress  : 
Dodge  drew  the  long  term,  his  office  to  expire  on  the  4th  day  of  March,  1851,  at  the  end  of  the 
thirty-first  congress.  The  residue  of  the  session  was  taken  up  in  passing  such  acts  as  were 
deemed  necessary  to  put  the  machinery  of  the  new  State  government,  in  all  its  branches,  in  fair 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  55 

running  order.  One  was  passed  providing  for  the  annual  meeting  of  the  legislature,  on  the 
second  Wednesday  of  January  of  each  year  ;  another  prescribing  the  duties  of  State  officers  ; 
one  dividing  the  State  into  three  congressional  districts.  The  first  district  was  composed  of  the 
counties  of  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Walworth,  and  Racine  ;  the  second,  of  the  counties  of  Rock, 
Green,  La  Fayette,  Grant,  Dane,  Iowa,  Sauk,  Richland,  Crawford,  Adams,  Portage,  Chippewa,  La 
Pointe,  and  St.  Croix;  the  third,  of  the  counties  of  Washington,  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Brown, 
Winnebago,  Calumet,  Fond  du  Lac,  Marquette,  Dodge,  Jefferson,  and  Columbia.  Another  act 
provided  for  the  election  of  judges  of  the  circuit  courts,  on  the  first  Monday  of  August,  1848. 
By  the  same  act,  it  was  provided  that  the  first  term  of  the  supreme  court  should  be  held  in' 
Madison  on  the  second  Monday  of  January,  1849,  and  thereafter  at  the  same  place  on  the  same 
day,  yearly  ;  afterward  changed  so  as  to  hold  a  January  and  June  term  in  each  year.  An  act 
was  also  passed  providing  for  the  election,  and  defining  the  duties  of  State  superintendent  of 
public  instruction.  That  officer  was  to  be  elected  at  the  general  election  to  be  holden  in  each 
year,  his  term  of  office  to  commence  on  the  first  Monday  of  January  succeeding  his  election. 
Another  act  established  a  State  university;  another  exempted  a  homestead  from  a  forced  sale; 
another  provided  for  a  revision  of  the  statutes.  The  legislature,  after  a  session  of  eighty-five 
days,  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  twenty-first  of  August,  1848. 

The  State,  as  previously  stated,  was  divided  into  five  judicial  circuits  :  Edward  V.  Whiton 
being  chosen  judge  at  the  election  on  the  first  Monday  in  August,  1848,  of  the  first  circuit,  com- 
posed of  the  counties  of  Racine,  Walworth,  Rock,  and  Green,  as  then  constituted ;  Levi  Hubbell 
of  the  second,  composed  of  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Jefferson,  and  Dane  ;  Charles  H.  Larrabee, 
of  the  third,  composed  of  Washington,  Dodge,  Columbia,  Marquette,  Sauk,  and  Portage,  as  then 
formed;  Alexander  W.  Stow,  of  the  fourth,  composed  of  Brown,  Manitowoc,.  Sheboygan,  Fond 
du  Lac,  Winnebago,  and  Calumet ;  and  Mortimer  M.  Jackson,  of  the  fifth  circuit,  composed  of 
the  counties  of  Iowa,  LaFayette,  Grant,  Crawford  and  St.  Croix,  as  then  organized ;  the  county 
of  Richland  being  attached  to  Iowa  county;  the  county  of  Chippewa  to  the  county  of  Craw- 
ford; and  the  county  of  LaPointe  to  the  county  of  St.  Croix,  for  judicial  purposes. 

In  the  ensuing  Fall  there  was  a  presidential  election.  There  were  then  three  organized 
political  parties  in  the  State  :  whig,  democratic,  and  free-soil — each  of  which  had  a  ticket  in 
the  field.  The  democrats  were  in  the  majority,  and  their  four  electors  cast  their  votes  for  Lewis 
Cass  and  William  O.  Butler.  At  this  election,  Eleazer  Root  was  the  successful  candidate  for  State 
superintendent  of  public  instruction.  In  his  election  party  politics  were  not  considered.  There 
were  also  three  members  for  the  thirty-first  congress  chosen :  Charles  Durkee,  to  represent  the 
first  district;  Orsamus  Cole,  the  second;  and  James  D.  Dotv,  the  third  district.  Durkee 
was  a  free-soiler;  Cole,  a  whig  ;  Doty,  a  democrat  —  with  somewhat  decided  Doty  proclivities. 
The  act  of  the  legislature,  exempting  a  homestead  from  forced  sale  of  any  debt  or  liability 
contracted  after  January  i,  1849,  approved  the  twenty-ninth  of  July  previous,  and  another  act 
for  a  like  exemption  of  certain  personal  property,  approved  August  10,  1848,  were  laws  the  most 
liberal  in  their  nature  passed  by  any  State  of  the  Union  previous  to  those  dates.  It  was  prophe- 
sied that  they  would  work  wonderful  changes  in  the  business  transactions  of  the  new  State— for 
the  worse;  but  time  passed,  and  their  utility  were  soon  evident:  it  was  soon  very  generally 
acknowledged  that  proper  exemption  laws  were  highly  beneficial — a  real  "good  to  the  greatest 
number  of  the  citizens  of  a  State. 

So  much  of  Wisconsin  Territory  as  lay  west  of  the  St.  Croix  and  the  State  boundary  north 
of  it,  was,  upon  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  into  the  Union,  left,  for  the  time  being,  without  a 
government — unless  it  was  still  "Wisconsin  Territory."  Henry  Dodge,  upon  being  elected  to  the 
United  States  senate  from  Wisconsin,  vacated,  of  course,  the  office  of  governor  of  this  fraction. 
John   H.  Tweedy,  delegate  in  congress  at  the   time  Wisconsin  became  a  State,  made  a  formal 


66 


HISTORY  OF   WISCOSTSIN. 


resignation  of  his  office,  thus  leaving  the  fractional  Territory  unrepresented.  Thereupon  John 
Catlin,  secretary  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  as  a  whole,  and  now  claiming,  by  virtue  of  that 
office,  to  be  acting  governor  of  the  fractional  part,  issued  a  proclamation  as  such  officer  for  an 
election  on  the  thirtieth  of  October,  1848,  of  a  delegate  in  congress.  Nearly  four  hundred  votes 
were  polled  in  the  district,  showing  "Wisconsin  Territory"  still  to  l-.ave  a  population  of  not  less 
than  two  thousand.  H.  H.  Sibley  was  elected  to  that  office.  On  the  fifteenth  of  January,  1849, 
he  was  admitted  to  a  seat  as  "delegate  from  Wisconsin  Territory."  This  hastened  the  formation 
of  the  Territory  of  Minnesota — a  bill  for  that  purpose  having  become  a  law  on  the  third  of 
March,  when  "  Wisconsin  Territory"  ceased  finally  to  exist,  being  included  in  the  new  Territory. 

The  year  1848 — the  first  year  of  the  existence  of  Wisconsin  as  a  State — was  one  of  general 
prosperity  to  its  rapidly  increasing  population.  The  National  Government  effected  a  treaty  with 
the  Menomoneee  Indians,  by  which  their  title  was  extinguished  to  the  country  north  of  the  Fox 
river  of  Green  bay,  embracing  all  their  lands  in  the  State.  This  was  an  important  acquisition, 
as  it  opened  a  large  tract  of  country  to  civilization  and  settlement,  which  had  been  for  a  consid- 
erable time  greatly  desired  by  the  jjeople.  The  State  government  at  the  close  of  the  year  had 
been  in  existence  long  enough  to  demonstrate  its  successful  operation.  The  electric  telegraph 
had  already  reached  the  ca[)ital ;  and  Wisconsin  entered  its  second  year  upon  a  flood  tide  of 
prosperity. 

Under  the  constitution,  the  circuit  judges  were  also  judges  of  the  supreme  court.  An  act 
of  the  legislature,  approved  June  29,  1848,  providing  for  the  election  of  judges,  and  for  the 
classification  and  organization  of  the  judiciary  of  the  State,  authorized  the  election,  by  the  judges, 
of  one  of  their  number  as  chief  justice.  Judge  Alexander  W.  Stow  was  chosen  to  that  office, 
and,  as  chief  justice,  held,  in  conjunction  with  Associate  Judges  Whiton,  Jackson,  Larrabee,  and 
Hubbell,  the  first  session  of  the  supreme  court  at  Madison,  commencing  on  the  eighth  day  of 
January,  1849. 

The  second  session  of  the  State  legislature  commenced,  according  to  law,  on  the  tenth  of 
January,  1849,  Harrison  C.  Hobart  being  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  Governor  Dewey,  in 
his  message,  sent  to  both  houses  on  the  nth,  referred  to  the  rapidly  increasing  population  of  the 
State,  and  the  indomitable  energy  displayed  in  the  development  of  its  productive  capacity.  He 
recommended  the  sale  of  the  university  lands  on  a  long  credit,  the  erection  of  a  State  prison, 
and  the  modification  of  certain  laws.  On  the  seventeenth  of  January,  the  two  houses  met  in 
joint  convention  to  elect  an  United  States  senator  in  place  of  Isaac  P  Walker,  who  had  drawn 
the  short  term.  The  democrats  had  a  small  majority  on  joint  ballot,  ^\'alker  was  re-elected; 
this  time,  for  a  full  term  of  six  years,  from  the  4th  of  March,  1849.  The  legislature  at  this 
session  passed  many  acts  of  public  utility;  some  relating  to  the  boundaries  of  counties;  others, 
to  the  laying  out  of  roads ;  eighteen,  to  the  organization  of  towns.  The  courts  were  cared  for ; 
school  districts  were  organized;  special  tax:  were  authorized,  and  an  act  passed  relative  to  the 
sale  and  superintendence  of  the  school  and  university  lands,  prescribing  the  powers  and  duties 
of  the  commissioners  who  were  to  have  charge  of  the  same.  These  commissioners,  consisting 
of  the  secretary  of  state,  treasurer  of  state,  and  attorney  general,  were  not  only  put  in  charge 
of  the  school  and  university  lands  held  by  the  State,  but  also  of  funds  arising  from  the  sale  of 
them.  This  law  has  been  many  times  amended  and  portions  of  it  repealed.  The  lands  at 
present  subject  to  sale  are  classified  as  school  lands,  university  lands,  agricultural  college  lands, 
Marathon  county  lands,  normal  school  lands,  and  drainage  lands,  and  are  Subject  to  sale  at 
private  entry  on  terms  fixed  by  law.  Regulations  concerning  the  apportionment  and  investment 
of  trust  funds  are  made  by  the  commissioners  in  pursuance  of  law.  All  lands  now  the  property 
of  the  State  subject  to  sale,  or  that   have  been  State  lands  and  sold,  were  derived  from  the  Gen- 


WISCONSIN"   AS  A  STATE.  57 

eral  Government.     Lands  owned  by  the  State  amount,  at  the  present  time,  to  about  one  and  one 
half  million  acres. 

A  joint  resolution  passed  the  legislature  on  the  31st  of  March,  1849,  instructing  Isaac  P. 
Walker  to  resign  his  seat  as  United  States  senator,  for  "  presenting  and  voting  for  an  amend- 
ment to  the  general  appropriation  bill,  providing  for  a  government  in  California  and  New  Mexico, 
west  of  the  Rio  Grande,  which  did  not  contain  a  provision  forever  prohibiting  the  introduction 
of  slavery  or  involuntary  "servitude  "  in  those  Territories.  The  senator  refused  to  regard  these 
instructions.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  second  of  April,  1849,  after  a  session  of  eighty- 
three  days. 

In  July,  1848,  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  elected  M.  Frank,  Charles  C.  Jordan,  and  A.  W. 
Randall,  commissioners  to  collate  and  revise  all  the  public  acts  of  the  State,  of  a  general  and 
permanent  nature  in  force  at  the  close  of  the  session.  Randall  declining  to  act,  Charles  M. 
Baker  was  appointed  by  the  governor  in  his  place.  The  commissioners  commenced  their  labors 
in  August,  1848,  and  were  engaged  in  the  revision  the  greater  part  of  the  time  until  the  close  of 
the  session  of  the  legislature  of  1S49.  It  was  found  impossible  for  the  revisers  to  conclude  their 
labors  within  the  time  contemplated  by  the  act  authorizing  their  appointment ;  so  a  Joint  select 
committee  of  the  two  houses  at  their  second  session  was  appointed  to  assist  in  the  work.  The 
laws  revised  by  this  committee  and  by  the  commissioners,  were  submitted  to,  and  approved  by, 
the  legislature.  These  laws,  with  a  few  passed  by  that  body,  which  were  introduced  by  individual 
members,  formed  the  Revised  Statutes  of  Wisconsin  of  1849  —  a  volume  of  over  nine  hundred 
pages. 

At  the  general  election  held  in  November  of  this  year,  Dewey  was  re-elected  governor. 
S.  W.  Beall  was  elected  lieutenant  governor;  William  A.  Barstow,  secretary  of  state;  Jairus  C. 
Fairchild  was  re-elected  treasurer ;  S.  Park  Coon  was  elected  attorney  general ;  and  Eleazer 
Root,  re-elected  superintendent  of  public  instruction.  All  these  officers  were  chosen  as  dem- 
ocrats, except  Root,  who  ran  as  an  independent  candidate,  the  term  of  his  office  having  been 
changed  so  as  to  continue  two  years  from  the  first  day  of  January  next  succeeding  his  election. 
By  the  revised  statutes  of  1849,  all  State  officers  elected  for  a  full  term  went  into  office  on  the 
first  of  January  next  succeeding  their  election. 

The  year  1849  developed  in  an  increased  ratio  the  productive  capacity  of  the  State  in  every 
department  of  labor.  The  agriculturist,  the  artisan,  the  miner,  reaped  the  well-earned  reward  of 
his  honest  labor.  The  commercial  and  manufacturing  interests  were  extended  in  a  manner 
highly  creditable  to  the  enterprise  of  the  people.  The  educational  interest  of  the  State  began  to 
assume  a  more  systematic  organization.  The  tide  of  immigration  suffered  no  decrease  during 
the  year.  Within  the  limits  of  Wisconsin,  the  oppressed  of  other  climes  continued  to  find 
welcome  and  happy  homes. 

Second  Administration. — Nelson  Dewey,  Governor  (Second  Term) — 1850,  1851. 

On  the  first  day  of  January,  1850,  Nelson  Dewey  took  the  oath  of  office,  and  quietly  entered 
upon  his  duties  as  governor,  for  the  second  term.  The  third  legislature  convened  on  the  ninth. 
Moses  M.  Strong  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  Both  houses  had  democratic  majorities. 
Most  of  the  business  transacted  was  of  a  local  character.  By  an  act  approved  the  fifth  of  Feb- 
ruary, the  "  January  term  "  of  the  supreme  court  was  changed  to  December.  The  legislature 
adjourned  after  a  session  of  only  thirty-four  days.  An  act  was  passed  organizing  a  sixth  judicial 
circuit,  from  and  after  the  first  Monday  in  July,  1850,  consisting  of  the  counties  of  Crawford, 
Chippewa,  Bad  Axe,  St.  Croix  and  La  Pointe,  an  election  for  judge  to  be  holden  on  the  same 
day.     Wiram  Knowlton  was  elected  judge  of  that  circuit. 


58  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

The  first  charitable  institution  in  Wisconsin,  incorporated  by  the  State,  was  the  "Wisconsin 
Institute  for  the  Education  of  the  Blind."  A  school  for  that  unfortunate  class  had  been  opened 
in  Janesville,  in  the  latter  part  of  1859,  receiving  its  support  from  the  citizens  of  that  place  and 
vicinity.  By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  approved  February  9,  1850,  this  school  was  taken  under 
the  care  of  the  Institute,  to  continue  and  maintain  it,  at  Janesville,  and  to  qualify,  as  far  as  might 
be,  the  blind  of  the  State  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  a  free  government;  for  obtaining 
the  means  of  subsistence ;  and  for  the  discharge  of  those  duties,  social  and  political,  devolving 
upon  American  citizens.  It  has  since  been  supported  from  the  treasury  of  the  State.  On  the 
seventh  of  October,  1850,  it  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  pupils,  under  the  direction  of  a 
board  of  trustees,  appointed  by  the  governor.  The  Institute,  at  the  present  time,  has  three 
departments:  in  one  is  given  instruction  such  as  is  usually  taught  in  common  schools;  in 
another,  musical  training  is  imparted ;  in  a  third,  broom-making  is  taught  to  the  boys, — sewing, 
knitting  and  various  kinds  of  fancy  work  to  the  girls,  and  seating  cane-bottomed  chairs  to  both 
boys  and  girls.  On  the  thirteenth  of  April,  1874,  the  building  of  the  Institute  was  destroyed  by 
fire.     A  new  building  has  since  been  erected. 

The  taking  of  the  census  by  the  United  States,  this  year,  showed  a  population  for  Wisconsin 
of  over  three  hundred  and  five  thousand — the  astonishing  increase  in  two  years  of  nearly  ninety- 
five  thousand!  In  1840,  the  population  of  Wisconsin  Territory  was  only  thirty  thousand.  This 
addition,  in  ten  years,  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  transcended  all  previous 
experience  in  the  settlement  of  any  portion  of  the  New  World,  of  the  same  extent  of  territory. 
It  was  the  result  of  a  steady  and  persistent  flow  of  men  and  their  families,  seeking  permanent 
homes  in  the  young  and  rising  State.  Many  were  German,  Scandinavian  and  Irish ;  but 
the  larger  proportion  were,  of  course,  from  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States  of  the  Union.  The 
principal  attractions  of  Wisconsin  were  the  excellency  and  cheapness  of  its  lands,  its  valuable 
mines  of  lead,  its  extensive  forests  of  pine,  and  the  unlimited  wa'.er-power  of  its  numerous 
streams. 

By  the  Revised  Statutes  of  1849,  Wisconsin  was  divided  into  three  congressional  districts — 
the  second  congressional  apportionment — each  of  which  was  entitled  to  elect  one  representative 
in  the  congress  of  the  United  States.  The  counties  of  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Walworth  and 
Racine  constituted  the  first  district;  the  counties  of  Rock,  Green,  La  Fayette,  Grant,  Iowa, 
Dane,  Sauk,  Adams,  Portage,  Richland,  Crawford,  Chippewa,  St.  Croix  and  La  Pointe,  the  second 
district;  the  counties  of  Washington,  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Brown,  Winnebago,  Calumet,  Fond 
du  Lac,  Marquette,  Columbia,  Dodge  and  Jefferson,  the  third  district.  At  the  general  election 
in  the  Autumn  of  this  year,  Charles  Durkee,  of  the  first  district ;  Benjamin  C.  Eastman,  of  the 
second  ;  and  John  B.  Macy,  of  the  third  district,  were  elected  to  represent  the  State  in  the 
thirty-second  congress  of  the  United  States.  Durkee,  it  will  be  remembered,  represented  the 
same  district  in  the  previous  congress :  he  ran  the  second  time  as  an  independent  candidate. 
Eastman  and  Macy  were  elected  upon  democratic  tickets.  The  General  Government  this  year 
donated  to  the  State  all  the  swamp  and  overflowed  lands  within  its  boundaries. 

The  year  1850  to  the  agriculturist  of  Wisconsin  was  not  one  of  unbounded  prosperity, 
owing  to  the  partial  failure  of  the  wheat  crop.  In  the  other  branches  of  agriculture  there  were 
fair  returns.  The  State  was  visited  during  the  year  by  cholera ;  not,  however,  to  a  very  alarming 
extent. 

The  fourth  session  of  the  legislature  of  the  State  commenced  on  the  8th  of  January, 
1851.  Frederick  W.  Horn  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  majority  in  the  legisla- 
ture was  democratic.  Governor  Dewey,  in  his  message,  referred  to  the  death  of  the  president  of 
the  United  States,  Zachary  Taylor;    said   that  the  treasury  and  finances  of  the  State  were  in  a 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  69 

sound  condition ;  and  then  adverted  to  many  topics  of  interest  and  importance  to  the  people  of 
Wisconsin.  It  was  an  able  document.  One  of  the  important  measures  of  the  session  was  the 
election  of  an  United  States  senator,  in  the  place  of  Henry  Dodge,  whose  term  of  office  would 
expire  on  the  4th  of  March,  next  ensuing.  In  joint  convention  of  the  legislature  held  on  the 
20th  of  January,  Dodge  was  re-elected  for  a  full  term  of  six  years.  On  the  2  2d,  the  governor 
approved  a  joint  resolution  of  the  legislature,  rescinding  not  only  so  much  of  the  joint  resolu- 
tion of  the  legislative  assembly  of  Wisconsin,  passed  March  31,  1849,  as  censured  Isaac  J. 
Walker,  but  also  the  instructions  in  those  resolutions  relative  to  his  resigning  his  seat  in  the 
senate  of  the  United  States, 

Among  the  important  bills  passed  at  this  session  of  the  legislature  was  one  providing  for 
the  location  and  erection  of  a  State  prison.  Another  one — the  apportionment  bill — was  vetoed 
by  the  governor,  and  having  been  passed  on  the  last  day  of  the  session,  failed  to  become  a  law. 
The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  eighteenth  of  March,  185 1,  after  a  session  of  seventy  days. 

On  the  I  St  day  of  January,  185 1,  Timothy  O.  Howe  took  his  seat  as  one  of  the  associate 
judges  of  the  supreme  court,  he  having  been  elected  judge  of  the  fourth  circuit  in  place  of  Alex- 
ander W.  Stow.  The  office  of  chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court,  which  had  been  filled  by  Judge 
Stow,  therefore  became  vacant,  and  so  remained  until  the  commencement  of  the  next  term — June 
18,  1851 — when  Levi  Hubbell,  judge  of  the  second  circuit,  was,  by  the  judges  present,  pursuant 
to  the  statute,  elected  to  that  office. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature  approved  March  14,  185 1,  the  location  and  erection  of  a  State 
prison  for  Wisconsin  was  provided  for — the  point  afterward  determined  upon  as  a  suitable 
place  for  its  establishment  being  Waupun,  Dodge  county.  By  a  subsequent  act,  the  prison  was 
declared  to  be  the  general  penitentiary  and  prison  of  the  State  for  the  reformation  as  well  as  for 
the  punisliment  of  offenders,  in  which  were  to  be  confined,  employed  at  hard  labor,  and  governed 
as  provided  for  by  the  legislature,  all  offenders  who  might  be  committed  and  sentenced  accord- 
ing to  law,  to  the  punishment  of  solitary  imprisonment,  or  imprisonment  therein  at  hard  labor. 
The  organization  and  management  of  this  the  first  reformatory  and  penal  State  institution  in 
Wisconsin,  commenced  and  has  been  continued  in  accordance  with  the  demands  of  an  advanced 
civilization  and  an  enlightened  humanity. 

On  the  29th  of  September,  185 1,  Judge  Hubbell  was  re-elected  for  the  full  term  of  six  years 
as  judge  of  the  second  judicial  circuit,  to  commence  January  i,  1852. 

At  the  general  election  in  November,  1851,  Leonard  J.  Farwell  was  chosen  governor; 
Timothy  Burns,  lieutenant  governor;  Charles  D.  Robinson,  secretary  of  State  ;  E.  H.  Janssen, 
State  treasurer;  E.  Estabrook,  attorney  general;  and  Azel  P.  Ladd,  superintendent  of  public 
instruction.  All  these  officers  were  elected  as  democrats  except  Farwell,  who  ran  as  a  whig ; 
his  majority  over  D.  A.  J.  Upham,  democrat,  was  a  little  rising  of  five  hundred. 

Third  Administration.— L.  J.   Farwell,  Governor — 1852-1853. 

Governor  Farwell's  administration  commenced  on  the  fifth  day  of  January,  1852.  Previous 
to  this — on  the  third  day  of  the  month — Edward  V.  Whiton  was  chosen  by  the  judges  of  the 
supreme  court,  chief  justice,  to  succeed  Judge  Hubbell.  On  the  fourteenth  of  that  month,  the 
legislature  assembled  at  Madison.  This  was  the  beginning  of  the  fifth  annual  session.  James 
McM.  Shafter  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  In  the  senate,  the  democrats  had  a 
majority;  in  the  assembly,  the  whigs.  The  governor,  in  his  message,  recommended  the  memorial- 
izing of  congress  to  cause  the  agricultural  lands  within  the  State  to  be  surveyed  and  brought 
into  market;  to  cause,  also,  the  mineral  lands  to  be  surveyed  and  geologically  examined,  and 
offered  for  sale;  and  to  make  liberal  appropriations  for  the  improvement  of  rivers  and  harbors. 
The  question  of  "  bank  or  no  bank  "  having  been  submitted  to  the  people  in  November  previous, 


60  HISTOr.Y   OF   WISCONSIN. 

and  decided  in  favor  of  banks,  under  the  constitution,  the  power  was  thereby  given  to  the  legis- 
lature then  in  session  to  grant  bank  charters,  or  to  pass  a  general  banking  law.  Farwell  recom- 
mended that  necessary  measures  be  taken  to  carry  into  effect  this  constitutional  provision.  A 
larger  number  of  laws  was  passed  at  this  session  than  at  any  previous  one.  By  a  provision  of 
the  constitution,  the  legislature  was  given  power  to  provide  by  law,  if  they  should  think  it  expe- 
dient and  necessary,  for  the  organization  of  a  separate  supreme  court,  to  consist  of  one  chief 
justice  and  two  associate  justices,  to  be  elected  by  the  qualified  electors  of  the  State,  at  such 
time  and  in  such  manner  as  the  legislature  might  provide.  Under  this  authority,  an  act  was 
passed  at  this  session  providing  for  the  election  of  a  chief  justice  and  two  associates,  on  the  last 
Monday  of  the  September  following,  to  form  a  supreme  court  of  the  State,  to  supplant  the  old 
one,  provision  for  the  change  being  inserted  in  the  constitution.  There  was  also  an  act  passed 
to  apportion  and  district  anew  the  members  of  the  senate  and  assembly,  by  which  the  number 
was  increased  from  eighty-five  to  one  hundred  and  seven:  twenty-five  for  the  senate;  eighty- 
two  for  the  assembly.  An  act  authorizing  the  business  of  banking  passed  the  legislature  and 
was  approved  by  the  governor,  on  the  19th  of  April.  By  this  law,  the  ofiice  of  bank-comptroller 
was  created — the  officer  to  be  first  appointed  by  the  governor,  and  to  hold  his  office  until  the  first 
Monday  in  January,  1854.  At  the  general  election  in  the  Fall  of  1853,  and  every  two  years 
thereafter,  the  office  was  to  be  filled  by  vote  of  the  people.  Governor  Farwell  afterward,  on  the 
20th  of  November,  appointed  James  S.  Baker  to  that  office.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the 
nineteenth  of  April,  1852. 

The  second  charitable  institution  incorporated  by  the  State  was  the  "  Wisconsin  Institute 
for  the  Education  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb."  It  was  originally  a  private  school  for  deaf  mutes, 
near,  and  subsequently  in,  the  village  of  Delavan,  Walworth  county.'  By  an  act  of  the  legislature 
approved  April  19,  1852,  it  was  made  the  object  and  duty  of  the  corporation  to  establish,  con- 
tinue and  maintain  this  school  for  the  education  of  the  deaf  and  dumb,  "  at  or  near  the  village 
of  Delavan,  to  qualify,  as  near  as  might  be,  that  unfortunate  class  of  persons  for  the  enjoyment 
of  the  blessings  of  a  free  government,  obtaining  the  means  of  subsistence,  and  the  discharge  of 
those  duties,  social  and  political,  devolving  upon  American  citizens."  It  has  since  been  sup- 
ported by  annual  appropriations  made  by  the  legislature.  A  complete  organization  of  the 
school  was  effected  in  June,  1852,  under  the  direction  of  a  board  of  trustees  appointed  by  the 
governor  of  the  State.  The  institute  has  for  its  design  the  education  of  such  children  of  the 
State  as,  on  account  of  deafness,  can  not  be  instructed  in  common  schools.  Instruction  is  given 
by  signs,  by  the  manual  alphabet,  by  written  language,  and  to  one  class  by  articulation.  Two 
trades  are  taught:  cabinet-making  and  shoe-making. 

During  this  year,  considerable  interest  was  manifested  in  the  projecting  of  railroads.  At 
the  September  election,  E.  V.  A\'hiton  was  elected  chief  justice  of  the  new  supreme  court  and 
Samud  Crawford  and  Abram  D.  Smith  associate  justices.  Under  the  law,  the  chief  justice  was 
to  serve  a  term  of  four  years  from  the  first  day  of  June  ne.\t  ensuing;  while  the  two  associates 
were  to  cast  lots — one  to  serve  for  six  years,  the  other  for  two  years,  from  June  i,  1853.  Craw- 
ford drew  the  short  term — Smith  the  long  term.  At  the  subsequent  general  election  for  mem- 
bers to  the  thirty-third  congress,  Daniel  Wells,  Jr.,  was  chosen  from  the  first  district ,  B.  C. 
Eastman  from  the  second.-  and  J.  B.  Macy  from  the  third  district.  All  were  democrats.  A 
democratic  electoral  ticket  was  chosen  at  the  same  time.  The  electors  cast  their  votes  for  Pierce 
and  Butler. 

During  1852,  the  citizens  of  Wisconsin  enjoyed  unusual  prosperity  in  the  ample  products 
and  remuneration  of  their  industry  and  enterprise.  Abundant  harvests  and  high  markets;  an 
increase  in  moneyed  circulation,  and  the  downward  tendency  of  the  rates  of  interest;  a  prevail- 
ing confidence  among  business  men   and   in   business  enterprises;  a  continual  accession  to  the 


WISCONSIiSr   AS   A   STATE.  61 

population  of  the  State  by  immigration ;  the  energetic  prosecution  of  internal  improvements 
under  the  skillful  management  of  companies;  the  extension  of  permanent  agricultural  improve- 
ments; and  the  rapid  growth  of  the  various  cities  and  villages;  were  among  the  encouraging 
prospects  of  the  year. 

The  sixth  session  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature  commenced  on  the  twelfth  of  January,  1853. 
On  the  twenty-sixth  of  the  same  montli,  William  K.  Wilson,  of  Milwaukee,  preferred  charges 
in  the  assembly  against  Levi  Hubbell,  judge  of  the  second  judicial  circuit  of  the  State,  of 
divers  acts  of  corruption  and  malfeasance  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office.  A  resolu- 
tion followed  appointing  a  committee  to  report  articles  of  impeachment,  directing  the  members 
thereof  to  go  to  the  senate  and  impeach  Hubbell.  Upon  the  trial  of  the  judge  before  the 
senate,  he  was  acquitted.  An  act  was  passed  to  provide  for  the  election  of  a  State  prison  commis- 
sioner by  the  legislature  at  that  session — to  hold  his  office  until  the  first  day  of  the  ensuing 
January.  The  office  was  then  to  be  filled  by  popular  vote  at  the  general  election  in  November, 
1853 — and  afterwards  biennially — the  term  of  office  to  be  two  years  from  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
uary next  succeeding  the  election  by  the  people.  On  the  28th  of  March,  the  legislature,  in 
joint  convention,  elected  John  Taylor  to  that  office.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  fourth 
day  of  April  until  the  sixth  of  the  following  June,  when  it  again  met,  and  adjourned  sine  die  on 
the  thirteenth  of  July,  both  sessions  aggregating  one  hundred  and  thirty-one  days. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature  approved  February  9,  1853,  the  "Wisconsin  State  Agricultural 
Society,"  which  had  been  organized  in  March,  1851,  was  incorporated,  its  object  being  to  promote 
and  improve  the  condition  of  agriculture,  horticulture,  and  the  mechanical,  manufacturing  and 
household  arts.  It  was  soon  after  taken  under  the  fostering  care  of  the  State  by  an  appropria- 
tion made  by  the  legislature,  to  be  expended  by  the  society  in  such  manner  as  it  might  deem 
best  calculated  to  promote  the  objects  of  its  incorporation;  State  aid  was  continued  down  to  the 
commencement  of  the  rebellion.  No  help  was  extended  during  the  war  nor  until  1873 ;  since 
which  time  there  has  been  realized  annually  from  the  State  a  sum  commensurate  with  its  most 
pressino' needs.  The  society  has  printed  seventeen  volumes  of  transactions  and  has  held  annually 
a  State  fair,  except  during  the  civil  war.  Besides  these  fairs,  its  most  important  work  is  the 
holding  annually,  at  the  capital  of  the  State,  a  convention  for  the  promotion  of  agriculture  gen- 
erally. The  meetings  are  largely  participated  in  by  men  representing  the  educational  and 
industrial  interests  of  Wisconsin. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature  approved  March  4,  1853,  the  "State  Historical  Society  of 
AVisconsin  "  was  incorporated — having  been  previously  organized — the  object  being  to  collect, 
embody,  arrange  and  preserve  in  authentic  form,  a  library  of  books,  pamphlets,  maps,  charts, 
manuscripts,  papers,  paintings,  statuary  and  other  materials  illustrative  of  the  history  of  the 
State;  to  rescue  from  oblivion  the  memory  of  its  early  pioneers.,  and  to  obtain  and  preserve 
narratives  of  their  exploits,  perils,  and  hardy  adventures ;  to  exhibit  faithfully  the  antiquities, 
and  the  past  and  present  condition,  and  resources  of  Wisconsin.  The  society  was  also  author- 
ized to  take  proper  steps  to  promote  the  study  of  history  by  lectures,  and  to  diffuse  and  publish 
information  relating  to  the  description  and  history  of  the  State.  The  legislature  soon  after  took 
the  society  under  its  fostering  care  by  voting  a  respectable  sum  for  its  benefit.  Liberal  State 
aid  has  been  continued  to  the  present  time.  The  society,  besides  collecting  a  library  of  historical 
books  and  pamphlets  the  largest  in  the  West,  has  published  eight  volumes  of  collections  and  a 
catalogue  of  four  volumes.  Its  rooms  are  in  the  capitol  at  Madison,  and  none  of  its  property 
can  be  alienated  without  the  consent  of  the  State.  It  has  a  valuable  collection  of  painted  por- 
traits and  bound  newspaper'files;   and  in  its  cabinet  are  to  be  found  many  prehistoric  relics. 

On  the  first  day  of  June,  1853,  the  justices  of  the  new  supreme  court  went  into  office:  Associate 


62  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

Justice  Crawford,  for  two  years;  Chief  Justice  Whiton,  for  four  years,  Associate  Justice  Smith 
for  six  years  as  previously  mentioned.  The  first  (June)  term  was  held  at  Madison.  La  Fayette 
Kellogg  was  appointed  and  qualified  as  clerk.  On  the  21st  of  September,  Timothy  Burns,  lieu- 
tenant governor  of  Wisconsin,  died  at  La  Crosse.  As  a  testimonial  of  respect  for  the  deceased 
the  several  State  departments,  in  accordance  with  a  proclamation  of  the  governor,  were  closed 
for  one  day — October  3,  1853.  In  the  Fall  of  this  year,  democrats,  whigs  and  free-soilers,  each 
called  a  convention  to  nominate  candidates  for  the  various  State  offices  to  be  supported  by  them 
at  the  ensuing  election  in  November.  The  successful  ticket  was,  for  governor,  William  A.  Bars- 
tow  ;  for  lieutenant  governor,  James  T.  Lewis ,  for  secretary  of  State,  Alexander  T.  Gray,  for 
State  treasurer,  Edward  H.  Janssen;  for  attorney  general,  George  B.  Smith  ;  for  superintendent 
of  public  instruction,  Hiram  A.  Wright;  for  State  prison  commissioner,  A.  W.  Starks;  and 
for  bank  comptroller,  William  M.  Dennis.     They  were  all  democrats. 

The  year  1853  was,  to  the  agriculturists  of  the  State,  one  of  prosperity.  Every  branch  of 
industry  prospered.  The  increase  of  commerce  and  manufactures  more  than  realized  the  expec- 
tations of  the  most  sanguine. 

Fourth  Administration. — William  A.  Barstow,  Governor — 1854-1855. 

On  Monday,  the  second  of  January,  1S54,  William  A.  Barstow  took  the  oath  of  ofifice  as 
governor  of  Wisconsin. 

The  legislature  commenced  its  seventh  regular  session  on  the  eleventh  of  January.  Fred* 
erick  W.  Horn  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  Both  houses  were  democratic.  The 
legislature  adjourned  on  the  3d  of  April  following,  after  a  session  of  eighty-three  days. 

In  the  early  part  of  March,  a  fugitive  slave  case  greatly  excited  the  people  of  Wisconsin. 
A  slave  named  Joshua  Glover,  belonging  to  B.  S.  Garland  of  Missouri,  had  escaped  from  his 
master  and  made  his  way  to  the  vicinity  of  Racine.  Garland,  learning  the  whereabouts  of  his 
personal  chattel,  came  to  the  State,  obtained,  on  the  9th  of  March,  1854,  from  the  judges  of  the 
district  court  of  the  United  States  for  the  district  of  Wisconsin,  a  warrant  for  the  apprehension 
of  Glover,  which  was  put  into  the  hands  of  the  deputy  marshal  of  the  United  States.  Glover 
was  secured  and  lodged  in  jail  in  Milwaukee.  A  number  of  persons  afterward  assembled  and 
rescued  the  fugitive.  Among  those  who  took  an  active  part  in  this  proceeding  was  Sherman  M. 
Booth,  who  was  arrested  therefor  and  committed  by  a  United  States  commissioner,  but  was 
released  from  custody  by  Abram  D.  Smith,  one  of  the  associate  justices  of  the  supreme  court 
of  Wisconsin,  upon  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus.  The  record  of  the  proceedings  was  thereupon 
taken  to  that  court  in  full  bench  by  a  writ  of  certiorari  to  correct  any  error  that  might  have  been 
committed  before  the  associate  justice.  At  the  June  term,  1854,  the  justices  held  that  Booth 
was  entitled  to  be  discharged,  because  the  commitment  set  forth  no  cause  for  detention. 

Booth  was  afterward  indicted  in  the  United  States  district  court  and  a  warrant  issued  for 
his  arrest.  He  was  again  imprisoned;  and  again  he  applied  to  the  supreme  court  —  then,  in 
term  time — for  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus.  This  was  in  July,  1S54.  In  his  petition  to  the  supreme 
court.  Booth  set  forth  that  he  was  in  confinement  upon  a  warrant  issued  by  the  district  court  of 
the  United  States  and  that  the  object  of  the  imprisonment  was  to  compel  him  to  answer  an 
indictment  then  pending  against  him  therein.  The  supreme  court  of  the  State  held  that  these 
facts  showed  that  the  district  court  of  the  United  States  had  obtained  jurisdiction  of  the  case 
and  that  it  was  apparent  that  the  indictment  was  for  an  offense  of  which  the  federal  courts  had 
exclusive  jurisdiction.  They  could  not  therefore  interfere;  and  his  application  for  a  discharge 
was  denied. 

Upon  the  indictment,  Booth  was  tried  and  convicted,  fined  and  imprisoned,  for  a  violation 
of  th-;  fugitive  slave  law.     Again  the  prisoner  applied  to  the  supreme  court  of  Wisconsin, — his 


WISCONSIN   AS   A   STATE.  63 

last  application  bearing  date  January  26,  1855.  He  claimed  discharge  on  the  ground  of  the 
unconstitutionality  of  the  law  under  which  he  had  been  indicted.  The  supreme  court  held  that 
the  indictment  upon  which  he  had  been  tried  and  convicted  contained  three  counts,  the  first  of 
which  was  to  be  considered  as  properly  charging  an  offense  within  the  act  of  congress  of  Septem- 
ber 18,  1850,  known  as  the  "fugitive  slave  law,"  while  the  second  and  third  counts  did  not  set 
forth  or  charge  an  offense  punishable  by  any  statute  of  the  United  States ;  and  as,  upon  these  last- 
mentioned  counts  he  was  found  guilty  and  not  upon  the  first,  he  must  be  discharged. 

The  action  of  the  supreme  court  of  Wisconsin  in  a  second  time  discharging  Booth,  was 
afterward  reversed  by  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States  ;  and,  its  decision  being  respected 
by  the  State  court.  Booth  was  re-arrested  in  i860,  and  the  sentence  of  the  district  court  of  the 
United  States  executed  in  part  upon  him,  when  he  was  pardoned  by  the  president. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  approved  March  30,  1854,  a  "  State  Lunatic  Asylum  "  was  directed 
to  be  built  at  or  in  the  vicinity  of  Madison,  the  capital  of  the  State,  upon  land  to  be  donated  or 
purchased  for  that  purpose.  By  a  subsequent  act,  the  name  of  the  asylum  was  changed  to  the 
"  Wisconsin  State  Hospitalfor  the  Insane.'  This  was  the  third  charitable  institution  established 
by  the  State.  The  hospital  was  Opened  for  patients  in  July,  i860,  under  the  direction  of  a 
board  of  trustees  appointed  by  the  governor.  All  insane  persons,  residents  of  Wisconsin,  who, 
under  the  law  providing  for  admission  of  patients  into  the  hospital  for  treatment,  become  resi- 
dents therein,  are  maintained  at  the  expense  of  the  State,  provided  the  county  in  which  such 
patient  resided  before  being  brought  to  the  hospital  pays  the  sum  of  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  a 
week  for  his  or  her  support.  Any  patient  can  be  supported  by  relatives,  friends  or  guardians,  if 
the  latter  desire  to  relieve  the  county  and  State  from  the  burden,  and  can  have  special  care  and 
be  provided  with  a  special  attendant,  if  the  expense  of  the  same  be  borne  by  parties  interested. 
The  hospital  is  beautifully  located  on  the  north  shore  of  Lake  Mendota,  in  Dane  county,  about 
four  miles  from  Madison. 

At  the  general  election  in  the  Fall  of  1854,  for  members  from  Wisconsin  to  the  thirty-fourth 
congress,  Daniel  Wells,  Jr.  was  chosen  from  the  first  district ;  C.  C.  Washburn,  from  the  second, 
and  Charles  Billinghurst  from  the  third  district.  Billinghurst  and  Washburn  were  elected  as 
republicans^that  party  having  been  organized  in  the  Summer  previous.     Wells  was  a  democrat. 

The  year  1854  was  one  of  prosperity  for-Wisconsin,  to  all  its  industrial  occupations.  Abund- 
ant crops  and  increased  prices  were  generally  realized  by  the  agriculturist.  It  was  a  year  also  of 
general  health.  It  was  ascertained  that  the  amount  of  exports  during  the  year,  including  lumber 
and  mineral,  exceeded  thirteen  millions  of  dollars. 

The  eighth  regular  session  of  the  State  legislature  commenced  on  the  loth  of  January, 
1855.  C.  C.  Sholes  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  senate  was  democratic ;  the 
assembly,  republican.  On  joint  ballot,  the  republicans  had  but  one  majority.  On  the  istof 
February,  Charles  Durkee,  a  republican,  was  elected  United  States  senator  for  a  full  term  of  six 
years  from  the  4th  of  March  next  ensuing,  to  fill  the  place  of  Isaac  P.  Walker  whose  term  would 
expireVJn  that  day.  Among  the  bills  passed  of  a  general  nature,  was  one  relative  to  the  rights  of 
married  women,  providing  that  any  married  woman,  whose  husband,  either  frOm  drunkenness  or 
profligacy,  should  neglect  or  refuse  to  provide  for  her  support,  should  have  the  right,  in  her  own 
name,  to  transact  business,  receive  and  collect  her  own  earnings,  and  apply  the  same  for  her  own 
support,  and  education  of  her  children,  free  from  the  control  and  interference  of  her  husband. 
The  legislature  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  second  of  April,  after  a  session  of  eighty-three  days. 
Orsamus  Cole  having  been  elected  in  this  month  an  associate  justice  of  the  supreme  court  in 
place  of  Judge  Samuel  Crawford,  whose  term  of  office  would  expire  on  the  thirty-first  of  May  of 
that  year,  went  into  office  on  the  first  day  of  June  following,  for  a  term  of  six  years.  His  office 
would  therefore  end  on  the  thirty-first  of  May,  1861. 


64  HISTORY   OF   WISCOXSIN. 

On  the  27th  of  May,  1S55,  Hiram  A.  Wright,  sujierintendent  of  public  instruction,  died  at 
Prairie  du  Chien.  On  the  18th  of  June  following,  the  governor  appointed  A.  Constantine  Barry  to 
fill  his  place.  On  the  sth  of  July,  Garland,  the  owner  of  the  rescued  fugitive  slave  Glover, 
having  brought  suit  in  the  United  States  district  court  for  the  loss  of  his  slave,  against  Booth, 
the  trial  came  on  at  Madison,  resulting  in  the  jury  bringing  in  a  verdict  under  instructions  from 
the  judge,  of  one  thousand  dollars,  the  value  of  a  negro  slave  as  fixed  by  act  of  congress  of  1850. 

The  constitution  of  the  State  requiring  the  legislature  to  provide  by  law  for  an  enumeration 
of  the  inhabitants  in  the  year  1855,  an  act  was  passed  by  that  body,  approved  March  31,  of  this 
year,  for  that  purpose.  The  result  showed  a  population  for  Wisconsin  of  over  five  hundred  and 
fifty-two  thousand.  In  November,  at  the  general  election,  the  democratic  ticket  for  State  offi- 
cers was  declared  elected:  William  A.  Barstow,  for  governor;  Arthur  McArthur,  for  lieutenant 
governor;  David  W.  Jones,  for  secretary  of  State;  Charles  Kuehn,  for  State  treasurer ;  Wil- 
liam R.  Smith,  for  attorney  general;  A.  C.  Barry,  for  superintendent  of  public  instruction; 
William  M.  Dennis,  for  bank  comptroller;  and  Edward  McGarry  for  State  prison  commissioner. 
The  vote  for  governor  was  very  close;  but  the  State  canvassers  declared  Barstow  elected  by  a 
small  majority.  The  opposing  candidate  for  that  office  was  Coles  Bashford,  who  ran  as  a 
republican 

The  year  1855  was  a  prosperous  one  to  the  farmers  of  Wisconsin  as  well  as  to  all  industrial 
occupations.     There  were  abundant  crops  and  unexampled  prices  were  realized. 

Fifth  Administration. — Coles  Bashford,  Governor — i856-i8:;7. 

On  the  seventh  day  of  January,  1856.  William  A.  Barstow  took  and  subscribed  an  oath  of 
office  as  governor  of  Wisconsin,  while  Coles  Bashford,  who  had  determined  to  contest  the  right 
of  Barstow  to  the  governorship,  went,  on  the  same  day,  to  the  supreme  court  room,  in  Madison, 
and  had  the  oath  of  office  administered  to  him  by  Chief  Justice  Whiton.  Bashford  afterward 
called  at  the  executive  office  and  made  a  formal  demand  of  Barstow  that  he  should  vacate  the 
gubernatorial  chair;  but  the  latter  respectfully  declined  the  invitation.  These  were  the  initiatory 
Steps  of  "  Bashford  7's.  Barstow,"  for  the  office  of  governor  of  Wisconsin. 

The  fight  now  commenced  in  earnest.  Oa  the  eleventh,  the  counsel  for  Bashford  called 
upon  the  attorney  general  and  requested  him  to  file  an  information  in  the  nature  of  a  ^uo 
7t:'a/-/-<7«fe  against  Barstow.  On  the  fifteenth  that  officer  complied  with  the  request.  Thereupon 
a  summons  was  issued  to  Barstow  to  appear  and  answer.  On  the  twenty-second,  Bashford,  by 
his  attorney,  asked  the  court  that  the  information  filed  by  the  attorney  general  be  discontinued 
and  that  he  be  allowed  to  file  one,  which  request  was  denied  by  the  court.  While  the  motion 
was  being  argued,  Barstow,  by  his  attorneys,  entered  his  appearance  in  the  case. 

On  the  second  of  February,  Barstow  moved  to  quash  all  proceedings  for  the  reason  that  the 
court  had  no  jurisdiction  in  the  matter.  This  motion  was  denied  by  the  court ;  that  tribunal  at 
the  same  time  deciding  that  the  filing  of  the  motion  was  an  admission  by  Barstow  that  the  alle- 
gations contained  in  the  information  filed  by  the  attorney  general  were  true.  4 

On  the  twenty-first  of  Febiuary,  the  time  appointed  for  pleading  to  the  information,  Bar- 
stow, by  his  attorneys,  presented  to  the  court  a  stipulation  signed  by  all  the  parties  in  the  case,  to 
the  effect  that  the  board  of  canvassers  had  determined  Barstow  elected  governor;  that  the  secre- 
tary of  State  had  certified  to  his  election  ;  and  that  he  had  taken  the  oath  of  office.  They  submit- 
ted to  the  court  whether  it  had  jurisdiction,  beyond  the  certificates,  of  those  facts  and  the  canvass 
SO  made  to  inquire  as  to  the  number  of  votes  actually  given  for  Barstow, — Bashford  offering  to 
prove  that  the  certificates  were  made  and  issued  through  mistake  and  fraud,  and  that  he,  instead 
of  Barstow,  received  the  greatest  number  of  votes.  This  stipulation  the  court  declined  to  enter- 
tain or  to  pass  upon  the  questions  suggested ;  as  they  were  not  presented  in  legal  form.     Barstow 


WISCONSIN  AS   A  STATE.  65 

was  thereupon  given  until  the  twenty-fifth  of  February  to  answer  the  information  that  had  been 
filed  against  him  by  the  attorney  general. 

On  the  day  appointed,  Barstow  filed  his  plea  to  the  effect  that,  by  the  laws  of  Wisconsin 
regulating  the  conducting  of  general  election  for  State  officers,  it  was  the  duty  of  the  board  of 
canvassers  to  determine  who  was  elected  to  the  office  of  governor;  and  that  the  board  had  found 
that  he  was  duly  elected  to  that  office.  It  was  a  plea  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court.  A  demurrer 
was  interposed  to  this  plea,  setting  forth  that  the  matters  therein  contained  were  not  sufficient  in 
law  to  take  the  case  out  of  court ;  asking,  also,  for  a  judgment  against  Barstow,  or  that  he  answer 
further  the  information  filed  against  him.  The  demurrer  was  sustained ;  and  Barstow  was 
required  to  answer  over  within  four  days ;  at  the  e.xpiration  of  which  time  the  counsel  for  Barstow 
withdrew  from  the  case,  on  the  ground,  as  they  alleged,  that  they  had  appeared  at  the  bar  of  the 
court  to  object  to  the  jurisdiction  of  that  tribunal  in  the  matter.,  and  the  court  had  determined 
to  proceed  with  the  case,  holding  and  e.xercising  full  and  final  jurisdiction  over  it;  and  that  thej 
could  take  no  further  steps  without  conceding  the  right  of  that  tribunal  so  to  hold.  Thereupon, 
on  the  eighth  of  March,  Barstow  entered  a  protest,  by  a  communication  to  the  supreme  court, 
against  any  further  interference  with  the  department  under  his  charge  by  that  tribunal,  "  either 
by  attempting  to  transfer  its  powers  to  another  or  direct  the  course  of  executive  action."  The 
counsel  for  Bashford  then  moved  for  judgment  upon  the  default  of  Barstow. 

A  further  hearing  of  the  case  was  postponed  until  March  i8,  when  the  attorney  general 
filed  a  motion  to  dismiss  the  proceedings  ;  against  which  Bashford.  by  his  counsel,  protested  as 
being  prejudicial  to  his  rights.  It  was  the  opinion  of  the  court  that  the  attorney  general  could 
not  dismiss  the  case,  that  every  thing  which  was  well  pleaded  for  Bashford  in  his  information  was 
confessed  by  the  default  of  Barstow.  By  strict  usage,  a  final  judgment  ought  then  to  have  fol- 
lowed ;  but  the  court  came  to  the  conclusion  to  call  upon  Bashford  to  bring  forward  proof,  showing 
his  right  to  the  office.  Testimony  was  then  adduced  at  length,  touching  the  character  of  the 
returns  made  to  the  State  canvassers;  after  hearing  of  which  it  was  the' opinion  of  the  court  that 
Bashford  had  received  a  plurality  of  votes  for  governor  and  that  there  must  be  a  judgment  in 
his  favor  and  one  of  ouster  against  Barstow  ;   which  were  rendered  accordingly. 

The  ninth  regular  session  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  commenced  on  the  ninth  of 
January,  1856.  William  Hull  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  senate  had  a  repub- 
lican majority,  but  the  assembly  was  democratic.  On  the  eleventh  Barstow  sent  in  a  message  to 
a  joint  convention  of  the  two  houses.  On  the  twenty-first  of  March  he  tendered  to  the  legisla- 
ture his  resignation  as  governor,  giving  for  reasons  the  action  of  the  supreme  court  in  "  Bashford 
vs.  Barstow,"  which  tribunal  was  then  hearing  testimony  in  the  case.  On  the  same  day  Arthur 
McArthur,  lieutenant  governor,  took  and  subscribed  an  oath  of  office  as  governor  of  the  State, 
afterwards  sending  a  message  to  the  legislature,  announcing  that  the  resignation  of  Barstow 
made  it  his  duty  to  take  the.  reins  of  government.  On  the  twenty-fifth,  Bashford  called  on 
McArthur,  then  occupying  the  executive  office,  and  demanded  possession — at  the  same  time 
intimating  that  he  preferred  peaceable  measures  to  force,  but  that  the  latter  would  be  employed 
if  necessary.  The  lieutenant  governor  thereupon  vacated  the  chair,  when  the  former  took  the 
gubernatorial  seat,  exercising  thereafter  the  functions  of  the  office  until  his  successor  was  elected 
and  qualified.  His  right  to  the  seat  was  recognized  by  the  senate  on  the  twenty-fifth,  and  by  the 
assembly  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  March,  1856.  This  ended  the  famous  case  of  "  Bashford  vs. 
Barstow,"  the  first  and  only  "  war  of  succession  "  ever  indulged  in  by  Wisconsin. 

The  legislature,  on  the  thirty-first  of  March,  adjourned  over  to  the  third  of  September,  to 
dispose  of  a  congressional  land  grant  to  the  State.  Upon  re-assembling,  an  important  measure 
was  taken  up — that  of  a  new  apportionment  for  the  legislature.    It  was  determined  to  increase  the 


66  HISTORY   OF   WTSrONSTN. 

number  of  members  from  one  hundred  and  seven  to  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven.  The  session 
closed  on  the  thirteenth  of  October.  The  general  election  for  members  to  the  thirty-fifth  congress, 
held  in  November,  resulted  in  the  choice  of  John  H.  Potter,  from  the  first  district ;  C.  C.  Washburn 
from  the  second  ;  and  Charles  Billinghurst,  from  the  third  district.  They  were  all  elected  as 
republicans.  The  presidential  canvass  of  this  year  was  an  exciting  one  in  the  State.  The 
republicans  were  successful.  Electors  of  that  party  cast  their  five  votes  for  Fremont  and 
Dayton. 

The  year  1856  was  not  an  unprosperous  one,  agriculturally  speaking,  although  in  some 
respects  decidedly  unfavorable.  In  many  districts  the  earlier  part  of  the  season  was  exceedingly 
dry,  which  materially  diminished  the  wheat  crop.  Other  industrial  interests  were  every  where 
in  a  flourishing  condition. 

The  legislature  commenced  its  tenth  regular  session  at  Madison,  on  the  fourteenth  day  of 
January,  1857,  with  a  republican  majority  in  both  houses.  Wyman  Spooner  was  elected  speaker 
of  the  assembly.  For  the  first  time  since  the  admission  of  the  State  into  the  Union,  a  majority  of 
the  members  of  both  houses,  together  with  the  governor,  were  opposed  to  the  democratic  party. 
On  the  twenty-third  the  senate  and  assembly  met  in  joint  convention,  for  the  purpose  of  electing 
a  United  States  senator  in  place  of  Henry  Dodge,  whose  term  of  office  would  expire  on  the 
fourth  of  March  next  ensuing.  James  R.  Doolittle,  republican,  was  the  successful  candidate  for 
that  office,  for  a  full  term  of  six  years,  from  the  fourth  of  March,  1857.  The  legislature 
adjourned  on  the  ninth  of  March,  1857.  At  the  Spring  election.  Judge  Whiton  was  re-elected 
chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court  for  a  term  of  six  years. 

The  second  reformatory  State  institution  established  in  Wisconsin,  was,  by  an  act  of  the 
legislature,  approved  March  7,  1857,  denominated  a  House  of  Refuge  for  Juvenile  Delinquents, 
afterward  called  the  State  Reform  School,  now  known  as  the  Wisconsin  Industrial  School  for 
Boys,  and  is  located  at  Waukesha,  the  county  seat  of  Waukesha  county.  The  courts  and 
several  magistrates  in  any  county  in  \Visconsin  may,  in  their  discretion,  sentence  to  this  school 
any  male  child  between  the  ages  of  ten  and  sixteen  years,  convicted  of  vagrancy,  petit  larceny, 
or  any  rnisdemeanor ;  also  of  any  offense  which  would  otherwise  be  punishable  by  imprisonment 
in  the  State  prison  ;  or,  of  incorrigible  or  vicious  conduct  in  certam  cases.  The  term  of  commit- 
ment must  be  to  the  age  of  twenty-one  years. 

At  the  State  election  held  in  November  of  this  year,  the  republicans  elected  A.  W.  Randall 
governor;  S.  D.  Hastings,  State  treasurer,  and  Edward  M.  McGraw,  State  prison  commis- 
sioner. The  democrats  elected  E.  D.  Campbell,  lieutenant  governor  ;  D.  W.  Jones,  secretary 
of  State  ;  Gabriel  Bouck,  attorney  general  ;  L.  C.  Draper,  superintendent  of  public  instruc- 
tion, and  J.  C.  Squires,  bank  comptroller. 

The  year  1857  was  a  disastrous  one  to  Wisconsin,  as  well  as  to  the  whole  country,  in  a  finan- 
cial point  of  view.  Early  in  the  Fall  a  monetary  panic  swept  over  the  land.  A  number  of 
prominent  operators  in  the  leading  industrial  pursuits  were  obliged  to  succumb.  Agriculturally 
the  year  was  a  fair  one  for  the  State. 

Sixth  .Administration. — Alexander  W.  Randall,  Governor — 1858-1859. 

Randall's  administration  began  on  the  fourth  day  of  January,  1858,  when  for  the  first  time 
he  was  inaugurated  governor  of  the  State.  On  the  eleventh,  of  January  the  legislature 
commenced  its  eleventh  regular  session,  with  a  republican  majority  in  both  houses.  Frederick 
S.  Lovell  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  legislature  adjourned  sine  die  on  the 
seventeenth  of  March,  after  an  unusually  long  session  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  days.  "  That 
a  large  majority  of  the  members  were  men  of  integrity,  and  disposed  for  the  public  weal,  can  not 


"WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  67 

be  doubted ;  but  they  were  nearly  all  new  mambers,  and  without  former  legislative  experience. 
They  set  out  to  accomplish  a  great  good,  by  holding  up  to  public  scorn  and  execration  the  whole- 
sale briberies  and  iniquities  of  the  immediate  past  ;  but  they  lacked  concentration  of  effort,  and. 
for  want  of  union  and  preconcerted  action,  they  failed  to  achieve  the  great  triumph  they  sought, 
by  providing  a  '  sovereign  remedy  '  for  the  evils  they  exposed." 

At  the  regular  session  of  the  legislature  of  1856,  an  act  was  passed  for  a  general  revisi-n  of 
the  laws  of  the  State.  Under  this,  and  a  subsequent  act  of  the  adjourned  session  of  that  year, 
three  commissioners — David  Taylor,  Samuel  J.  Todd,  and  F.  S.  Lovell — were  appointed  "to 
collect,  compile  and  digest  the  general  laws  "  of  Wisconsin.  Their  report  was  submitted  to  the 
legislature  of  1858,  and  acted  upon  at  a  late  day  of  the  session.  The  laws  revised,  which  received 
the  sanction  of  the  legislature,  were  published  in  one  volume,  and  constitute  what  is  know  as  the 
Revised  Statutes  of  iSj8. 

At  the  Fall  election,  John  F.  Potter  from  the  first  district,  and  C.  C.  Washburn  from  the 
second  district,  both  republicans,  were  elected  to  the  thirty-sixth  congress ;  while  C.  H. 
Larrabee,  democrat,  was  elected  to  represent  the  third  district. 

The  twelfth  regular  session  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature  commenced  on  the  twelfth  of 
January,  1859,  with  a  republican  majority  in  both  houses.  William  P.  Lyon  was  elected  speaker 
of  the  assembly.  The  legislature  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  twenty-first  of  March,  1859,  after  a 
session  of  sixty-nine  days.  At  the  regular  spring  election,  Byron  Paine  was  chosen  associate 
justice  of  the  supreme  court,  for  a  full  term  of  six  years,  as  the  successor  of  Associate  Justice 
Smith.  As  it  was  a  question  when  the  term  of  the  latter  ended  —  whether  on  the  31st  day  of 
May,  1859,  or  on  the  first  Monday  in  January,  i860  —  he  went  through  with  the  formality  of 
resigning  his  office,  and  the  governor  of  appointing  Paine  as  his  successor,  on  the  20th  of  June, 
1859.  On  the  twelfth  of  April,  1859,  Edward  V.  \^'hiton,  chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court 
died  at  his  residence  in  Janesville.  The  office  was  filled  by  executive  appointment  on  the  19th 
of  the  same  month — the  successor  of  Judge  Whiton  being  Luther  S.  Dixon.  Late  in  the  Sum- 
mer both  political  parties  put  into  the  field  a  full  state  ticket.  The  republicans  were  successful 
— electing  for  governor,  Alexander  W.  Randall;  for  lieutenant  governor,  B.  G.  Noble;  for 
secretary  of  state,  L.  P.  Harvey;  for  state  treasurer,  S.  D.  Hastings,  for  attorney  general,  James 
H.  Howe ;  for  bank  comptroller,  G.  Van  Steenwyck  ;  for  superintendent  of  public  instruction, 
J.  L.  Pickard ;  for  state  prison  commissioner,  H.  C.   Heg. 

Seventh  Administration. — Alexander  W.  Randall,  Governor  (second  term),  1860-1861. 

Alexander  W.  Randall  was  inaugurated  the  second  time  as  governor  of  Wisconsin,  on 
Monday,  January  2, 'i860.  One  week  subsequent,  the  thirteenth  regular  session  of  the  legis- 
lature commenced  at  Madison.  For  the  first  time  the  republicans  had  control,  not  only  of  all 
the  State  offices,  but  also  of  both  branches  of  the  legislature.  William  P.  Lyon  was  elected 
speaker  of  the  assembly.  A  new  assessment  law  was  among  the  most  important  of  the  acts 
passed  at  this  session.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  second  of  April.  At  the  sprints  elec- 
tion, Luther  S.  Dixon,  as  an  independent  candidate,  was  elected  chief  justice  of  the  supreme 
court  for  the  unexpired  term  of  the  late  Chief  Justice  Whiton.  In  the  presidential  election  which 
followed,  republican  electors  were  chosen  —  casting  their  five  votes,  in  the  electoral  college,  for 
Lincoln  and  Hamlin.  At  the  same  election,  John  F.  Potter,  from  the  first  district ;  Luther 
Hanchett,  from  the  second,  and  A.  Scott  Sloan,  from  the  third  district,  were  elected  members  of 
the  thirty-seventh  congress.  Hanchett  died  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  November,  1862,  when, 
on  the  twentieth  of  December  following,  W.  D.  Mclndoe  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy.  All 
these  congressional  representatives  were  republicans.     Wisconsin,  in   i860,  was  a  strong  repub- 


68  HISTORY  OF  WISCONSIN. 

lican  State.     According  to  the  census  of  this  year,  it  had  a  population  of  over  seven  hundred 
and  seventy-seven  thousand. 

On  the  ninth  of  January,  1861,  the  fourteenth  regular  session  of  the  State  legislature  com- 
menced at  Madison.  Both  branches  were  republican.  Amasa  Cobb  was  elected  speaker  of  the 
assembly.  On  the  tenth,  both  houses  met  in  joint  convention  to  hear  the  governor  read  his 
annual  message.  It  was  a  remarkable  document.  Besides  giving  an  excellent  synopsis  of  the 
operations  of  the  State  government  for  i860,  the  governor  entered  largely  into  a  discussion  of 
the  question  of  secession  and  disunion,  as  then  proposed  by  some  of  the  southern  states  of  the 
Union.     These  are  his  closing  words  : 

"  The  right  of  a  State  to  secede  from  the  Union  can  never  be  admitted.  .  The  National 
Gfovernment  can  not  treat  with  a  State  while  it  is  in  the  Union,  and  particularly  while  it  stands 
in  an  attitude  hostile  to  the  Union.  So  long  as  any  State  assumes  a  position  foreign,  inde- 
pendent and  hostile  to  the  government,  there  can  be  no  reconciliation.  The  government  of  the 
United  States  can  not  treat  with  one  of  its  own  States  as  a  foreign  power.  The  constitutional 
laws  extend  over  every  Stat?  alike.  They  are  to  be  enforced  in  every  State  alike.  A  State  can 
not  come  into  the  Union  as  it  pleases,  and  go  out  when  it  pleases.  Once  in,  it  must  stay  until 
the  Union  is  destroyed.  There  is  no  coercion  of  a  State.  But  where  a  faction  of  a  people  arrays 
itself,  not  against  one  act,  but  against  all  laws,  and  against  all  government,  there  is  but  one 
answer  to  be  made  :     '  The  Government  must  be  sustained ;  the  lazvs  shall  be  enforced .' '  " 

On  the  twenty-third  of  January  the  legislature  met  in  joint  convention  to  elect  a  United 
States  senator  to  fill  the  place  of  Charles  Durkee,  whose  term  of  office  would  expire  on  the 
fourth  of  March  next  ensuing.  The  successful  candidate  was  Timothy  O.  Howe,  republican, 
who  was  elected  for  a  full  term  of  six  ypars  from  the  4th  of  March,  18^1.  One  of  the  important 
acts  passed  at  this  session  of  the  legislature  apportioned  the  State  into  senate  and  assembly 
districts,  by  which  the  whole  number  of  members  in  both  houses  was  increased  from  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-seven  to  one  hundred  and  thirty-three.  Another  act  apportioned  the  State  into 
six  congressional  districts  instead  of  three.  By  this  —  the  third  congressional  apportionment  — 
each  district  was  to  elect  one  representative.  The  first  district  was  composed  of  the  counties 
of  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Walworth,  Racine,  and  Kenosha  ;  the  second,  of  the  counties  of  Rock, 
Jefferson,  Dane,  and  Columbia;  the  third,  of  Green,  La  Fayette,  Iowa,  Grant,  Crawford,  Rich- 
land, and  Sauk;  the  fourth,  of  Ozaukee,  Washington,  Dodge,  Fond  du  Lac,  and  Sheboygan;  the 
fifth,  Manitowoc,  Calumet,  Winnebago,  Green  Lake,  Marquette,  Waushara,  Waupaca,  Outa- 
gamie, Brown,  Kewaunee,  Door,  Oconto,  and  Shawano ;  and  the  sixth,  of  the  counties  of  Bad 
Axe,  La  Crosse,  M.nroe,  Juneau,  Adams,  Portage,  Wood,  Jackson,  Trempealeau,  Buffalo,  Pepin, 
Pierce,  St.  Croix,  Dunn,  Eau  Claire,  Clark,  Marathon,  Chippewa,  Dallas,  Polk,  Burnett,  Douglas, 
La  Pointe,  and  Ashland.     The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  seventeenth  of  April,  1861. 

At  the  spring  elections  of  this  year,  Orsamus  Cole  was  re-elected  as  associate  justice  of  the 
supreme  court.  On  the  ninth  of  May  following.  Governor  Randall  issued  a  proclamation  convening 
the  legislature  in  extra  session  on  the  fifteenth  of  the  same  month.  "  The  extraordinary  condition 
of  the  country,"  said  he,  "  growing  out  of  the  rebellion  against  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  makes  it  necessary  that  the  legislature  of  this  State  be  convened  in  special  session,  to 
provide  more  completely  for  making  the  power  of  the  State  useful  to  the  government  and  to 
other  loyal  States."  The  fifteenth  or  extra  session  began  on  the  fifteenth  of  May,  as  designated 
in  the  governor's  proclamation.  The  message  of  the  governor  was  devoted  entirely  to  the  war. 
''  At  the  close  of  the  last  annual  session  of  the  legislature,''  said  he,  "  to  meet  a  sudden  emer- 
gency, an  act  was  passed  authorizing  me  to  respond  to  the  call  of  the  president  of  the  United 
States, '  for  aid  in  maintaining  the  Union  and  the  supremacy  of  the  laws,  or  to  suppress  rebellion 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  69 

or  insurrection,  or  to  repel  !nva  ion  witiiin  the  United  States,'  and  I  was  authorized,  and  it  was 
made  my  duty,  to  take  such  measures  as,  in  my  judgment,  should  provide  in  the  speediest  and 
most  efficient  manner  for  responding  to  such  call :  and  to  this  end  I  was  authorized  to  accept 
the  services  of  volunteers  for  active  service,  to  be  enrolled  in  companies  of  not  less  than 
seventy-five  men  each,  rank  and  file,  and  in  regiments  of  ten  companies  each.  I  was  also 
authorized  to  provide  for  uniforming  and  equipping  such  companies  as  were  not  provided  with 
uniforms  and  equipments."  "  The  first  call  of  the  president  for  immediate  active  service,"  con- 
tinued the  governor,  "  was  for  one  regiment  of  men.  My  proclamation,  issued  immediately  after  the 
pas-sage  of  the  act  of  the  legislature,  was  answered  within  less  than  ten  days,  by  companies  enough, 
each  containing  the  requisite  number  of  men,  to  make  up  at  least  five  regiments  instead  of  o.-e. 
I  then  issued  another  proclamation,  announcing  the  offers  that  had  been  made,  and  advising 
that  thereafter  companies  might  be  enrolled  to  stand  as  minute  men,  ready  to  answer  further 
calls,  as  they  might  be  made,  but  without  expense  to  the  State,  except  as  they  were  mustered 
into  service.  In  less  than  one  month  from  the  date  of  my  first  proclamation,  at  least  five  thou- 
sand men,  either  as  individuals  or  enrolled  companies,  have  offered  their  services  for  the  war, 
and  all  appear  anxious  for  active  service  in  the  field."  "  The  time  for  deliberation,"  concludes 
the  governor,  '•  must  give  way  to  the  time  for  action.  The  constitution  of  the  United  States 
must  be  sustained  in  all  its  first  intent  and  wholeness.  The  right  of  the  people  of  every  State 
to  go  into  every  other  State  and  engage  in  any  lawful  pursuit,  without  unlawful  interference  or 
molestation;  the  freedom  of  speech  and  of  the  press;  the  right  of  trial  by  jury;  security  from 
unjustifiable  seizure  of  persons  or  papers,  and  all  constitutional  privileges  and  immunities,  must 
receive  new  guarantees  of  safety." 

The  extra  session  of  the  legislature  passed,  wtih  a  single  exception,  no  acts  except  such  as 
appertained  to  the  military  exigencies  of  the  times.  Both  houses  adjourned  sine  die  on  the 
twenty-seventh  of  May,  1861.  As  the  administration  of  Governor  Randall  would  close  with  the 
year,  and  as  he  was  not  a  candidate  for  re-election,  there  was  much  interest  felt  throughout  the 
State  as  to  who  his  successor  should  be.  Three  State  tickets  were  put  in  nomination :  union, 
republican,  and  democratic.  The  republican  ticket  was  successful,  electing  Louis  P.  Harvey, 
governor;  Edward  Salomon,  lieutenant  governor;  James  T.  Lewis,  secretary  of  state;  S.  D. 
Hastings,  state  treasurer;  James  H.  Howe,  attorney  general;  W.  H.  Ramsey,  bank  comp- 
troller; J.  L.  Pickard,  superintendent  of  public  instruction;  and  A.  P.  Hodges,  state  prison 
commissioner. 

The  War  of  Secession  —  L.\st  Year  of  Randall's  Ad.ministration. 

When  Wisconsin  was  first  called  upon  to  aid  the  General  Government  in  its  efforts  to 
sustain  itself  against  the  designs  of  the  secession  conspirators,  the  commercial  affairs  of  the 
State  were  embarrassed  to  a  considerable  degree  by  the  depreciation  of  the  currency.  The 
designs  of  the  secessionists  were  so  far  developed  at  the  ending  of  the  year  i860  as  to  show  that 
resistance  to  the  national  authority  had  been  fully  determined  on.  It  is  not  a  matter  of  wonder, 
then,  that  Governor  Randall  in  his  message  to  the  legislature,  early  in  January,  1861,  should 
have  set  forth  the  dangers  which  threatened  the  Union,  or  should  have  denied  the  right  of  a 
State  to  secede  from  it.  "Secession,"  said  he,  "is  revolution;  revolution  is  war ;  war  against 
the  government  of  the  United  States  is  treason."  "It  is  time,"  he  continued,  "  now,  to  know 
whether  we  have  any  government,  and  if  so,  whether  it  has  any  strength.  Is  our  written 
constitution  more  than  a  sheet  of  parchment .''  The  nation  must  be  lost  or  preserved  by  its  own 
strength.  Its  strength  is  in  the  patriotism  of  the  people.  It  is  time  now  that  politicians  became 
patriots;  that  men  show  their  love  of  country  by  every  sacrifice,  but  that  of  principle,  and  by 


"^^  HISTOBY   OF   "WISCONSIN. 

unwavering  devotion  to  its  interests  and  integrity."  "The  hopes,"  added  the  governor,  most 
eloquently,  "  of  civilization  and  Christianity  are  suspended  now  upon  the  answer  to  this  question 
of  dissolution.  The  capacity  for,  as  well  as  the  right  of,  self-government  is  to  pass  its  ordeal, 
and  speculation  to  become  certainty.  Other  systems  have  been  tried,  and  have  failed  ;  and  all 
along,  the  skeletons  of  nations  have  been  strewn,  as  warnings  and  land-marks,  upon  the  great 
highway  of  historic  overnment.  Wisconsin  is  true,  and  her  people  steadfast.  She  will  not 
destroy  the  Union,  nor  consent  that  it  shall  be  done.  Devised  by  great,  and  wise,  and  good 
men,  in  days  of  sore  trial,  it  must  stand.  Like  some  bold  mountain,  at  whose  base  the  great  seas 
break  their  angry  floods,  and  around  whose  summit  the  thunders  of  a  thousand  hurricanes  have 
rattled  —  strong,  unmoved,  immovable  —  so  may  our  Union  be,  wiiile  treason  surges  at  its  base, 
and  passions  rage  around  it,  unmoved,  immovable  —  here  let  it  stand  forever."  These  are  the 
words  of  an  exalted  and  genuine  patriotism.  But  the  governor  did  not  content  himself  with 
eloquence  alone.  He  came  down  to  matters  of  business  as  well.  He  urged  the  necessity  of 
legislation  that  would  give  more  efficient  organization  to  the  militia  of  the  State.  He  warned 
the  legislators  to  make  preparations  also  for  the  coming  time  that  should  try  the  souls  of  men. 
"  The  signs  of  the  times,"  said  he,  "  indicate  that  there  may  arise  a  contingency  in  the  condition 
of  the  government,  when  it  will  become  necessary  to  respond  to  a  call  of  the  National  Government 
for  men  and  means  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  the  Union,  and  to  thwart  the  designs  of  men 
engaged  in  organized  treason.  While  no  unnecessary  expense  should  be  incurred,  yet  it  is  the 
part  of  wisdom,  both  for  individuals  and  States,  in  revolutionary  times,  to  be  prepared  to  defend 
our  institutions  to  the  last  extremity."  It  was  thus  the  patriotic  governor  gave  evidence  to  the 
members  of  both  houses  that  he  "  scented  the  battle  afar  off." 

On  the  1 6th  of  January,  a  joint  resolution  of  the  legislature  was  passed,  declaring  that  the 
people  of  Wisconsin  are  ready  to  co-operate  with  the  friends  of  the  Union  every  where  for  its 
preservation,  to  yield  a  cheerful  obedience  to  its  requirements,  and  to  demand  a  like  obedience 
from  all  others ;  that  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin,  profoundly  impressed  with  the  value  of  the 
Union,  and  determined  to  preserve  it  unimpaired,  hail  with  joy  the  recent  firm,  dignified  and 
patriotic  special  message  of  the  president  of  the  United  States ;  that  they  tender  to  him,  through 
the  chief  magistrate  of  their  own  State,  whatever  aid,  in  men  and  money,  may  be  required  to 
enable  him  to  enforce  the  laws  and  uphold  the  authority  of  the  Federal  Government,  and  in 
defense  of  the  more  perfect  Union,  which  has  conferred  prosperity  and  happiness  on  the 
American  people.  "  Renewing,"  said  they,  "  the  pledge  given  and  redeemed  by  our  fathers,  we 
are  ready  to  devote  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred  honors  in  upholding  the  Union  and 
the  constitution." 

The  legislature,  in  order  to  put  the  State  upon  a  kind  of  "  war  footing,"  passed  an  act  for 
its  defense,  and  to  aid  in  enforcing  the  laws  and  maintaining  the  authority  of  the  General 
Government.  It  was  under  this  act  that  Governor  Randall  was  enabled  to  organize  the  earlier 
regiments  of  Wisconsin.  By  it,  in  case  of  a  call  from  the  president  of  the  United  States  to  aid 
in  maintaining  the  Union  and  the  supremacy  of  the  laws  to  suppress  rebellion  or  insurrection,  or 
to  repel  invasion  within  the  United  States,  the  governor  was  authorized  to  provide,  in  the  most 
efficient  manner,  for  responding  to  such  call — to  accept  the  services  of  volunteers  for  service, 
in  companies  of  seventy-five  men  each,  rank  and  file,  and  in  regiments  of  ten  companies  each, 
and  to  commission  officers  for  them.  The  governor  was  also  authorized  to  contract  for 
uniforms  and  equipments  necessary  for  putting  such  companies  into  active  service.  One 
hundred  thousand  dollars  were  appropriated  for  war  purposes;  and  bonds  were  authorized  to 
be  issued  for  that  amount,  to  be  negotiated  by  the  governor,  for  raising  funds.  It  will  be  seen, 
therefore,  that  the  exigencies  of  the  times  —  for  Fort  Su.nter  had  not  yet  been  surrendered  — 


WISCONSIN  AS   A   STATE.  71 

were  fully  met  by  the  people's  representatives,  they  doing  their  whole  duty,  as  they  then  under- 
stood it,  in  aid  of  the  perpetuity  of  the  Union. 

Having  defended  Fort  Sumter  for  thirty-four  hours,  until  the  quarters  were  entirely  burned, 
the  main  gates  destroyed,  the  gorge-wall  seriously  injured,  the  magazine  surrounded  by  flames, 
and  its  door  closed  from  the  effects  of  the  heat,  four  barrels  and  three  cartridges  of  powder  only 
being  available,  and  no  provisions  but  pork  remaining,  Robert  Anderson,  major  of  the  first 
artillery.  United  States  army,  accepted  terms  of  evacuation  offered  by  General  Beauregard, 
marched  out  of  the  fort  on  Sunday  afternoon,  the  fourteenth  of  April,  1861,  with  colors  flying 
and  drums  beating,  bringing  away  company  and  private  property,  and  saluting  his  flag  with  fifty  guns. 
This,  in  brief,  is  the  story  of  the  fall  of  Sumter  and  the  opening  act  of  the  War  of  the  Rebellion. 
"  Whereas,"  said  Abraham  Lincoln,  president,  in  his  proclamation  of  the  next  day,  "  the 
laws  of  the  United  States  have  been  for  some  time  past,  and  now  are,  opposed,  and  the  execution 
thereof  obstructed,  in  the  States  of  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Florida,  Mississippi, 
Louisiana,  and  Texas,  by  combinations  too  powerful  to  be  suppressed  by  the  ordinary  course  of 
judicial  proceedings,  or  by  the  powers  vested  in  the  marshals  by  law."  Now,  in  view  of  that 
fact,  he  called  forth  the  militia  of  the  several  States  of  the  Union,  to  the  aggregate  number  of 
seventy-five  thousand,  in  order  to  suppress  those  combinations,  and  to  cause  the  laws  to  be  duly 
executed.  "  A  call  is  made  on  you  by  to-night's  mail  for  one  regiment  of  militia  for  immediate 
service,"  telegraphed  the  secretary  of  war  to  Randall,  on  the  same  day. 

In  Wisconsin,  as  elsewhere,  the  public  pulse  quickened  under  the  excitement  of  the  fall  of 
Sumter.  "  The  dangers  which  surrounded  the  nation  awakened  the  liveliest  sentiments  of 
patriotism  and  devotion.  For  the  time,  party  fealty  was  forgotten  in  the  general  desire  to  save 
the  nation.  The  minds  of  the  people  soon  settled  into  the  conviction  that  a  bloody  war  was  at 
hand,  and  that  the  glorious  fabric  of  our  National  Government,  and  the  principles  upon  which 
it  is  founded,  were  in  jeopardy,  and  with  a  determination  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  any 
country,  they  rushed  to  its  defense.  On  every  hand  the  National  flag  could  be  seen  displayed, 
and  the  public  enthusiasm  knew  no  bounds;  in  city,  town,  and  hamlet,  the  burden  on  every 
tongue  was  war."  "We  have  never  been  accustomed,"  said  Governor  Randall,  "  to  consider  the 
military  arm  as  essential  to  the  maintenance  of  our  government,  but  an  exigency  has  arisen 
that  demands  its  employment."  "The  time  has  come,"  he  continued,  "  when  parties  and  plat- 
forms must  be  forgotten,  and  all  good  citizens  and  patriots  unite  together  in  putting  down  rebels 
and  traitors."  "What  is  money,''  he  asked,  "what  is  life,  in  the  presence  of  such  a  crisis.''" 
Such  utterances  and  such  enthusiasm  could  but  have  their  effect  upon  the  legislature,  which,  it 
will  be  remembered,  was  still  in  session  ;  so,  although  that  body  had  already  voted  to  adjourn, 
sine  die,  on  the  fifteenth  of  April,  yet,  when  the  moment  arrived,  and  a  message  from  the  governor 
was  received,  announcing  that,  owing  to  the  extraordinary  exigencies  which  had  arisen,  an  amend- 
ment of  the  law  of  the  thirteenth  instant  was  necessary,  the  resolution  to  adjourn  was  at  once 
rescinded.  The  two  houses  thereupon  not  only  increased  the  amount  of  bonds  to  be  issued  to 
two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  but  they  also  passed  a  law  exempting  from  civil  process,  during 
the  time  of  service,  all  persons  enlisting  and  mustering  into  the  United  States  army  from  Wis- 
consin. When,  on  the  seventeenth,  the  legislature  did  adjourn,  the  scene  was  a  remarkable  one. 
Nine  cheers  were  given  for  the  star  spangled  banner  and  three  for  the  Governor's  Guard,  who 
had  just  then  tendered  their  services — the  first  in  the  State — under  the  call  for  a  regiment  of 
men  for  three  months'  duty. 

"  For  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  this  federal  government,"  are  the  words  of  the  gover- 
nor, in  a  proclamation  issued  on  the  sixteenth  of  April,  "organized  treason  has  manifested  itself 
within  several  States  of  the  Union,  and  armed  rebels  are  making  war  against  it."  "  The 
treasuries  of  the  country,"  said  he,  "  must  no  longer  be  plundered ;  the  public  property  must  be 


72  HISTOKY   OF  WISCOXSTN 

protected  from  aggressive  violence ;  that  already  seized  must  be  retaken,  and  the  laws  must 
be  executed  in  every  State  of  the  Union  alike."  "A  demand,"  he  added,  "  made  upon  Wiscon- 
sin by  the  president  of  the  United  States,  for  aid  to  sustain  the  federal  arm,  must  meet  with  a 
prompt  response."  The  patriotism  of  the  State  was  abundantly  exhibited  in  their  filling  up 
a  regiment  before  some  of  the  remote  settlements  had  any  knowledge  of  the  call.  On  the  twenty- 
second,  Governor  Randall  reported  to  the  secretary  of  war  that  the  First  regiment  was  ready 
to  go  into  rendezvous.  The  place  designated  was  "Camp  Scott,"  at  Milwaukee;  the  day,  the 
twenty-seventh  of  April.  Then  and  there  the  several  companies  assembled — the  regiment  after- 
ward completing  its  organization. 

With  a  wise  foresight.  Governor  Randall  ordered,  as  a  reserve  force  and  in  advance  of  another 
call  for  troops  by  the  president,  the  formation  of  two  more  regiments — the  Second  and  Third, 
and,  eventually,  the  Fourth.  Camps  at  Madison,  Fond  'du  Lac,  and  Racine,  were  formed  for 
their  reception,  where  suitable  buildings  were  erected  for  their  accommodation.  Companies 
assjcrned  to  the  Second  regiment  were  ordered  to  commence  moving  into  "Camp  Randall,"  at 
Madison,  on  the  first  day  of  May.  On  the  seventh,  the  secretary  of  war,  under  call  of  the  presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  for  forty-two  thousand  additional  volunteers — this  time  for  three  years, 
or  during  tlie  war — telegraphed  Governor  Randall  that  no  more  three  months'  volunteers  were 
wanted;  that  such  companies  as  were  recruited  must  re-enlist  for  the  new  term  or  be  disbanded. 

At  the  extra  session  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin,  which,  as  already  mentioned,  com- 
menced on  the  fifteenth  of  May,  called  by  Governor  Randall  immediately  upon  his  being  notified 
of  the  second  call  of  the  president  for  troops,  on  the  third  of  May,  the  law  hurriedly  passed  at 
the  close  of  the  regular  session,  and  under  which  the  governor  had  organized  the  First  regi- 
ment, was  found  inadequate  to  meet  the  second  call  for  troop.s.  "  A  bill  was  introduced,  and  became 
a  law,  authorizing  the  governor  to  raise  six  regiments  of  infantry,  inclusive  of  tliose  he  had  organ- 
ized or  placed  at  quarters.  When  the  six  regiments  were  mustered  into  the  United  States  service, 
he  was  authorized  to  raise  two  additional  regiments,  and  thus  to  keep  two  regiments  continually 
in  reserve  to  meet  any  future  call  of  the  General  Government.  He  was  authorized  to  quarter 
and  subsist  volunteers  at  rendezvous — to  transport,  clothe,  subsist  and  quarter  them  in  camp  at 
the  expense  of  the  State.  Arms  and  munitions  were  to  be  furnished  by  the  United  States. 
Recruits  were  to  be  mustered  into  State  service,  and  into  United  States  service,  for  three  years. 
Two  assistant  surgeons  to  eacli  regiment  were  to  be  appointed,  and  paid  by  the  State.  The  regi- 
ments, as  they  came  into  camp,  were  to  be  instructed  in  drill  and  various  camp  duties,  to  secure 
efficiency  in  the  field.  The  troops,  so  called  in,  were  to  be  paid  monthly  by  the  State,  the  same 
pay  and  emoluments  as  the  soldiers  in  the  United  States  army,  from  the  date  of  enlistment.  The 
paymaster  general  was  authorized  to  draw  funds  irom  the  State  treasury  for  the  payment  of 
the  State  troops,  and  the  expense  incurred  in  subsisting,  transporting  and  clothing  them.  The 
governor  was  authorized  to  jmrchase  military  stores,  subsistence,  clothing,  medicine,  field  and 
camp  equipage,  and  the  sum  of  one  million  dollars  was  appropriated  to  enable  the  governor  to 
carry  out  the  law." 

Other  laws  were  passed  relating  to  military  matters.  One  authorized  the  governor  to  pur- 
chase two  thousand  stand  of  arms;  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  were  appropriated  to  pay  lor  the 
same.  Another  authorized  counties,  towns,  cities  and  incorporated  villages  to  levy  taxes  for 
the  purpose  of  providing  for  the  support  of  families  of  volunteers  residing  in  their  respective 
limits.  The  one  i)assed  at  the  previous  session,  exempting  volunteers  from  civil  process  yhile  in 
the  service,  was  amended  so  as  to  include  all  who  might  thereafter  enlist.  One  granted  five  dollars 
per  month  as  extra  pay  to  enlisted  volunteers  having  families  dependent  upon  them  for  support, 
payable  to  their  families.     Another   authorized  the  governor  to  employ  such  aids,  clerks  and 


1' 


1 


WISCONSIN  AS  A   STATE.  73 

messengers,  as  he  deemed  necessary  for  the  public  interests.  Still  another  authorized  the  pay- 
ment of  those  who  had  enlisted  for  three  months,  but  had  declined  to  go  in  for  three  years. 
The  expenses  of  the  extra  session  were  ordered  to  be  paid  out  of  the  "  war  fund."  One  million 
dollars  in  bonds  were  authorized  to  be  issued  for  war  purposes  to  form  that  fund.  The  governor, 
secretary  of  state  and  state  treasurer  were  empowered  to  negotiate  them.  By  a  joint  resolu- 
tion approved  the  twenty-first  of  May,  the  consent  of  the  legislature  was  given  to  the  governor 
to  be  absent  from  the  State  during  the  war,  for  as  long  a  time  as  in  his  discretion  he  might  think 
proper  or  advisable,  in  connection  with  the  military  forces  of  the  State.  For  liberality,  zeal  and 
genuine  patriotism,  the  members  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature,  for  the  year  1861,  deserve  a  high 
commendation.  All  that  was  necessary  upon  their  final  adjournment  at  the  close  of  the  extra 
session  to  place  the  State  upon  a  "  vvar  footing,"  was  the  organization  by  the  governor  of  the 
various  military  departments.  These  he  effected  by  appointing  Brigadier  General  William  L. 
Utley,  adjutant  general;  Brigadier  General  W.  W.  Tredway,  quartermaster  general;  Colonel 
Edwin  R.  Wadsworth,  commissary  general;  Brigadier  General  Simeon  Mills, jsaymaster  gen- 
eral; Brigadier  General  E.  B.  Wolcott,  surgeon  general;  "Major  E.  L.  Buttrick,  judge  advocate; 
and  Colonel  William  H.  Watson,  military  secretary. 

On  the  seventeenth  of  May,  the  First  regiment,  at  "Camp  Scott,"  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service,  and  the  war  department  informed  that  it  awaited  marching  orders.  The 
regimental  officers  were  not  all  in  accordance  with  the  law  and  mode  adopted  afterwards.  On 
the  seventh  of  the  month  Governor  Randall  had  appointed  Rufus  King  a  brigadier  general,  and 
assigned  the  First,  Second,  Third  and  Fourth  regiments  to  his  command  as  the  Wisconsin 
brigade ;  although  at  that  date  only  the  First  and  Second  had  been  called  into  camp.  This 
brigade  organization  was  not  recognized  by  the  General  Government.  The  secretary  of  war 
telegraphed  the  governor  of  Wisconsin  that  the  quota  of  the  State,  under  the  second  call  of  the 
president,  was  two  regiments — so  that  the  whole  number  under  both  calls  was  only  three  —  one 
(the  First)  for  three  months,  two  (the  Second  and  Third)  for  three  years.  Notwithstanding  this, 
Governor  Randall  proceeded  to  organize  the  Fourth. 

As  a  number  of  the  companies  ordered  into  "  Camp  Randall  "  on  the  first  day  of  May  to 
form  the  Second  regiment  had  only  enlisted  for  three  months,  the  order  of  the  secretary  of  vi^ar 
of  the  seventh  of  that  month  making  it  imperative  that  all  such  companies  must  re-enlist  for 
three  years  or  during  the  war,  or  be  disbanded,  the  question  of  extending  their  term  of  enlist- 
ment was  submitted  to  the  companies  of  the  regiment,  when  about  five  hundred  consented  to 
the  change.  The  quota  of  the  regiment  was  afterward  made  up,  and  the  whole  mustered  into 
the  service  of  the  United  States  for  three  years  or  during  the  war,  under  the  president's  second 
call  for  troops.  This  was  on  the  eleventh  of  June,  1S61.  The  Third  regiment  having  had  its 
companies  assigned  early  in  May,  they  were  ordered  in  June  into  "Camp  Hamilton"  at  Fond 
du  Lac,  where  the  regiment  was  organized,  and,  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  June,  mustered  into  the 
United  States'  service  as  a  three  years  regiment.  This  filled  Wisconsin's  quota  under  the  second 
call  of  President  Lincoln.  By  this  time  war  matters  in  the  State  began  to  assume  a  systematic 
course  of  procedure — thanks  to  the  patriotism  of  the  people,  the  wisdom  of  the  legislature,  and 
the  untiring  energy  and  exertions  of  the  governor  and  his  subordinates. 

The  determination  of  the  secretary  of  war  to  accept  from  Wisconsin  only  two  three-years 
regiments  under  the  second  call  for  troops  was  soon  changed,  and  three  more  were  authorized, 
making  it  necessary  to  organize  the  Fourth,  Fifth  and  Sixth.  The  Fourth  was  called  into  "  Camp 
Utley  "  at  Racine  on  the  sixth  of  June,  and  was  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States 
on  the  ninth  of  the  foUov/ing  month.  By  the  twenty-eighth  of  June,  all  the  companies  of  the 
Fifth   had   assembled  at  "  Camp  Randall,"  and  on   the  thirteenth  of  July  were  mustered  in  as 


74 


HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 


United  States  troops.  By  the  first  of  July,  at  the  same  place,  the  complement  for  the  Sixth 
regiment  had  been  made  up,  and  the  companies  were  mustered  for  three  years  into  the  service 
of  the  General  Government,  on  the  sixteenth  of  the  same  month.  Governor  Randall  did  not 
stop  the  good  work  when  six  regiments  had  been  accepted,  but  assigned  the  necessary  companies 
•to  form  two  more  regiments — the  Seventh  and  Eighth;  however,  he  wisely  concluded  not  to  call 
them  into  camp  until  after  harvest,  unless  specially  required  to  do  so.  "  If  they  are  needed 
sooner,"  said  the  governor,  in  a  letter  to  the  president  on  the  first  of  July,  "  a  call  will  be  imme- 
diately responded  to,  and  we  shall  have  their  uniforms  and  equipments  ready  for  them."  "By 
the  authority  of  our  legislature,"  added  the  writer,  'I  shall,  after  the  middle  of  August,  keep 
two  regiments  equipped  and  in  camp  ready  for  a  call  to  service,  and  will  have  them  ready  at  an 
earlier  day  if  needed." 

About  the  latter  part  of  June,  W.  P.  Alexander,  of  Beloit,  a  good  marksman,  was  commis- 
sioned captain  to  raise  a  company  of  sharpshooters  for  Berdan's  regiment.  He  at  once  engaged 
in  the  work.  The  company  was  filled  to  one  hundred  and  three  privates  and  three  officers.  It 
left  the  State  about  the  middle  of  September  under  Captain  Alexander,  and  was  mustered  into 
the  service  at  Wehawken  on  the  twenty-third  day  of  that  month,  as  Company  "G  "  of  Berdan's 
regiment  of  sharpshooters.  On  the  twenty-sixth  of  July,  a  commission  was  issued  to  G.  Van 
Deutsch,  of  Milwaukee,  to  raise  a  company  of  cavalry.  He  succeeded  in  filling  his  company  to 
eighty-four  men.  He  left  the  State  in  September,  joining  Fremont.  The  company  was  after- 
ward attached  to  the  fifth  cavalry  regiment  of  Missouri. 

About  the  20th  of  August,  Governor  Randall  was  authorized  to  organize  and  equip  as  rapidly 
as  possible  five  regiments  of  infantry  and  five  batteries  of  artillery,  and  procure  for  them  necessary 
clothing  and  equipments  according  to  United  States  regulations  and  prices,  subject  to  the  inspec- 
tion of  officers  of  the  General  Government.  The  five  regiments  were  to  be  additional  to  the 
eight  already  raised.  One  regiment  was  to  be  German.  During  the  last  week  of  August  the 
companies  of  the  Seventh  regiment  were  ordered  into  "  Camp  Randall,"  at  Madison.  They  were 
mustered  into  the  service  soon  after  arrival.  On  the  28th  of  August  orders  were  issued  for  the 
reorganization  of  the  First  regiment  for  three  years,  its  term  of  three  months  having  expired. 
The  secretary  of  war  having  signified  his  acceptance  of  the  regiment  for  the  new  term,  its  mus- 
tering into  the  service  was  completed  on  the  nineteenth  of  October.  This  made  six  infantry  regi- 
ments in  addition  to  the  eight  already  accepted,  or  fourteen  in  all.  On  the  same  day  orders  were 
issued  assigning  companies  to  the  Eighth  regiment, — the  whole  moving  to  "  Camp  Randall,"  at 
Madison,  the  first  week  in  September,  where  their  mustering  in  was  finished  on  the  thirteenth. 

The  Ninth,  a  German  reginent,  was  recruited  in  squads,  and  sent  into  camp,  where  they  were 
formed  into  companies,  and  the  whole  mustered  in  on  the  26th  of  October,  i86i,at  "  Camp  Sigel," 
Milwaukee.  Companies  were  assigned  the  Tenth  regiment  on  the  iSth  of  September,  and 
ordered  into  camp  at  Milwaukee,  where  it  was  fully  organized  about  the  first  of  October,  being 
mustered  into  the  service  on  the  fourteenth  of  that  month.  The  Tenth  infantry  was  enlisted  in 
September,  1861,  and  mustered  in  on  the  fourteenth  of  October,  1861,  at  "Camp  Holton,"  Mil- 
waukee. The  Eleventh  regiment  was  called  by  companies  into  "  Camp  Randall  "  the  latter  part 
of  September  and  first  of  October,  1861,  and  mustered  in  on  the  eighteenth.  The  Twelfth  was 
called  in  to  the  same  camp  and  mustered  in  by  comp-nies  between  the  twenty-eighth  of  October 
and  the  fifth  of  November,  1861.  The  Thirteenth  rendezvoused  at  "Camp  Treadway,"  Janes- 
ville,  being  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  on  tlie  seventeenth  of  October,  1S61.  These 
thirteen  regiments  were  all  that  had  been  accepted  and  mustered  into  the  United  States  serv'oe 
while  Randall  was  governor. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  rebellion  a  great  desire  had  been  manifested  for  the  organ- 


wiscoNsnir  as  a  state.    •  75 

ization  of  artillery  companies  in  Wisconsin,  and  this  desire  was  finally  gratified.  Each  battery 
was  to  number  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  and,  as  has  been  shown,  five  had  been  authorized  by 
the  General  Government  to  be  raised  in  Wisconsin.  The  First  battery  was  recruited  at  La 
Crosse,  under  the  superintendence  of  Captain  Jacob  T.  Foster,  and  was  known  as  the  "  La  Crosse 
Artillery."  It  rendezvoused  at  Racine^early  in  October,  1861,  where  on  the  tenth  of  that  month, 
it  was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service.  The  Second  battery.  Captain  Ernest  Herzberg, 
assembled  at  "  Camp  Utley,"  Racine,  and  was  mustered  in  with  the  First  battery  on  the  tenth. 
The  Third,  known  as  the  "  Badger  Battery,"  was  organized  by  Captain  L.  H.  Drury,  at  Madison 
and  Berlin,  and  was  mustered  into  the  service  on  the  same  day  and  at  the  same  place  as  the  First 
and  Second.  The  Fourth  battery,  recruited  and  organized  at  Beloit,  under  the  supervision  of 
Captain  John  F.  Vallee,  was  mustered  in  on  the  first  of  October,  1S61,  at  Racine.  The  Fifth 
battery  was  recruited  at  Monroe,  Green  county,  under  the  superintendence  of  Captain  Oscar  F- 
Pinney,  moving  afterward  to  "  Camp  Utley,"  Racine,  where,  on  the  first  of  October,  it  was  mus- 
tered in,  along  with  the  Fourth.  So  brisk  had  been  the  recruiting,  it  was  ascertained  by  the 
governor  that  seven  companies  had  been  raised  instead  of  five,  when  the  secretary  of  war  was 
telegraphed  to,  and  the  extra  companies — the  Sixth  and  Seventh  accepted  ;  the  Sixth,  known  as 
the  "  Buena  Vista  Artillery,"  being  recruited  at  Lone  Rock,  Richland  county,  in  September, 
Captain  Henry  Dillon,  and  mustered  in  on  the  second  of  October,  1861,  at  Racine;  the  Seventh, 
known  as  the  "Badger  State  Flying  Artillery,"  having  organized  at  Milwaukee,  Captain  Richard 
R.  Griffiths,  and  mustered  in  on  the  fourth  of  the  same  month,  going  into  camp  at  Racine  on  the 
eighth.  This  completed  the  mustering  in  of  the  first  seven  batteries,  during  Governor  Randall's 
administration  ;  the  whole  mustered  force  being  thirteen  regiments  of  infantry ;  one  company  of 
cavalry  ;  one  of  sharpshooters  ;  and  these  seven  artillery  companies.  "  Wisconsin,"  said  the  gov- 
ernor, in  response  to  a  request  as  to  the  number  of  regiments  organized,  "  sent  one  regiment 
for  three  months, — officers  and  men  eight  hundred  and  ten.  The  other  regiments  f  jt  the  war  up 
to  the  Thirteenth  (including  the  First,  re-organized),  will  average  one  thousand  men  each;  one 
company  of  sharpshooters  for  Berdan's  regiment,  one  hundred  and  three  men  ;  and  seven 
companies  of  light  artillery."  Of  cavalry  from  Wisconsin,  only  Deutsch's  company  had  been 
mustered  into  the  United  States,  although  three  regiments  had  been  authorized  by  the  General 
Government  before  the  close  of  Randall's  administration.  The  governor,  before  the  expiration 
of  his  office,  was  empowered  to  organize  more  artillery  companies — ten  in  all ;  and  five  additional 
regiments  of  infantry — making  the  whole  number  eighteen.  On  the  tenth  of  December,  he 
wrote  :  "  Our  Fourteenth  infantry  is  full  and  in  camp.  *  *  *  Fifteenth  has  five  companies 
in  camp,  and  filling  up.  Sixteenth  has  eight  companies  in  camp,  and  will  be  full  by  the  25th  of 
December.  Seventeenth  Has  some  four  hundred  men  enlisted.  Eighteenth  will  be  in  camp,  full, 
by  January  i.  Seven  maximum  companies  of  artillery  in  camp.  *  *  *  Three  regiments  of 
cavalry — two  full  above  the  ma.ximum  ;  the  third,  about  eight  hundred  men  in  camp."  It 
will  be  seen,  therefore,  that  a  considerable  number  of  men  in  the  three  branches  of  the  service 
was  then  in  camp  that  had  not  been  mustered  into  the  service  ;  and  this  number  was  considerably- 
increased  by  the  6th  of  January,  1862,  the  day  that  Randall's  official  term  expired;  but  no  more 
men  were  mustered  in,  until  his  successor  came  into  office,  than  those  previously  mentioned. 

The  First  regiment — three  months'— left  "  Camp  Scott,"  Milwaukee,  on  the  ninth  of  June, 
1 86 1,  for  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania — eight  hundred  and  ten  in  number;  John  C.  Starkweather, 
colonel.  The  regiment  returned  to  Milwaukee  on  the  seventeenth  of  August,  1861,  and  was 
mustered  out  on  the  twenty-second. 

The  First  regiment  re-organized  at  "Camp  Scott,"  Milwaukee.  Its  mustering  into  the 
service,  as  previously  mentioned,  was  completed  on  the  nineteenth  of  October.     On  the  twenty- 


76  ■       HISTORY   OF   WTSCONSIK. 

eighth,  it  started  for  Louisville,  Kentucky — nine  hundred  and  forty-five  strong — under  command 
of  its  former  colonel,  John  C.  Starkweather.  The  Second  regiment,  with  S.  Park  Coon  as 
colonel,  left  "Camp  Randall,"  Madison,  for  Washington  city,  on  the  eleventh  of  June,  1861 — 
numbering,  in  all,  one  thousand  and  fifty-one.  The  Third  regiment  started  from  "  Camp 
Hamilton,"  Fond  du  Lac,  for  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania,  under  command  of  Charles  S.  Hamilton, 
as  colonel,  on  the  twelfth  of  July,  1861,  with  a  numerical  strength  of  nine  hundred  and  seventy- 
nine.  The  Fourth  regiment  —  Colonel  Halbert  E.  Payne  —  with  a  numerical  strength  of  one 
thousand  and  fifty-three,  departed  on  the  fifteenth  of  July,  1861,  from  "Camp  Utley,"  Racine, 
for  Baltimore,  Maryland.  The  Fifth  regiment  left  "  Camp  Randall,"  Madison,  one  thousand 
and  fifty-eight  strong,  commanded  by  Colonel  Amasa  Cobb,  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  July,  1861, 
for  Washington  city.  On  the  twenty-eighth  of  July,  1861,  the  Sixth  regiment,  numbering  one 
thousand  and  eighty-four,  moved  from  Madison,  having  been  ordered  to  Washington  city.  It 
was  commanded  by  Colonel  Lysander  Cutter.  The  Seventh  regiment — Joseph  Van  Dor,  Colonel 
— with  a  numerical  strength  of  one  thousand  and  sixteen  men — officers  and  privates,  received 
orders,  as  did  the  Fifth  and  Sixth,  to  move  forward  to  Washington.  They  started  from  Madison 
on  the  morning  of  the  twenty-first  of  September,  1861,  for  active  service.  The  Eighth  infantry, 
nine  hundred  and  seventy-three  strong,  commanded  by  Colonel  Robert  C.  Murphy,  left  Madison, 
en  route  for  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  on  the  morning  of  the  twelfth  of  October,  1861.  The  Ninth,  or 
German  regiment,  with  Frederick  Salomon  in  command  as  colonel,  did  not  leave  "Camp  Sigel," 
for  active  service,  while  Randall  was  governor.  The  Tenth  infantry  moved  from  "  Camp 
Holton,"  Milwaukee,  commanded  by  Colonel  Alfred  R.  Chapin,  on  the  ninth  of  November,  i86i, 
destined  for  Louisville,  Kentucky,  with  a  total  number  of  nine  hundred  and  sixteen  officers  and 
privates.  On  the  twentieth  of  November,  1861,  the  Eleventh  regiment  "broke  camp"  at 
Madison,  starting  for  St.  Louis,  under  command  of  Charles  L.  Harris,  as  colonel.  Its  whole 
number  of  men  was  nine  hundred  and  sixteen.  The  Twelfth  regiment,  at  "  Camp  Randall," 
Madison  —  Colonel  George  E.  Bryant,  and  the  Thirteenth,  at  "  Camp  Tredway,"  Janesville  — 
Colonel  Maurice  Maloney — were  still  in  camp  at  the  expiration  of  the  administration  of  Governor 
Randall:  these,  with  the  Ninth,  were  all  that  had  not  moved  out  of  the  State  for  active  service, 
of  those  mustered  in  previous  to  January  6,  1S61,  — making  a  grand  total  of  infantry  sent  from 
Wisconsin,  up  to  that  date,  by  the  governor,  to  answer  calls  of  the  General  Government,  for 
three  years' service  or  during  the  war,  of  nine  thousand  nine  hundred  and  ninety-one  men,  in  ten 
regiments,  averaging  very  nearly  one  thousand  to  each  regiment.  Besides  these  ten  regiments 
of  infantry  for  three  years'  service,  Wisconsin  had  also  sent  into  the  field  the  First  regiment,  for 
three  months'  service,  numbering  eight  hundred  and  ten  men ;  Alexander's  company  of  sharp- 
shooters, one  hundred  and  six;  and  Deutsch's  company  of  cavalry,  eighty-four:  in  all,  one 
thousand.  Adding  these  to  the  three  years'  regiments,  and  the  whole  force,  in  round  numbers, 
was  eleven  thousand  men,  furnished  by  the  State  in  1861. 

Eighth  Administration. — L()Uis  P.  Harvey  and  Edward  Salomon,  Governors — 1862-1863. 

Louis  P.  Harvey  was  inaugurated  governor  of  Wisconsin  on  the  sixth  of  January,  1862. 
The  fifteenth  regular  session  of  the  legislature  of  the  State  began  on  the  eighth  of  the  same 
month.  In  the  senate,  the  republicans  were  in  the  majority;  but  in  the  assembly  they  had 
only  a  plurality  of  members,  there  being  a  number  of"  Union"  men- in  that  branch  —  enough, 
indeed,  to  elect,  by  outside  aid,  J.  W.  Beardsley,  who  ran  for  the  assembly,  upon  the  "  Union  " 
ticket,  as  speaker.  Governor  Harvey,  on  the  tenth,  read  his  message  to  the  legislature  in  joint 
convention.  "  No  previous  legislature,"  are  his  opening  words,  "  has  convened  under  equal 
incentives  to  a  disinterested  zeal  in  the  public  service The  occasion,"  he  adds,  "pleads 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  77 

with  you  in  rebuke  of  all  the  meaner  passions,  admonishing  to  the  exercise  of  a  conscientious 
patriotism,  becoming  the  representatives  of  a  Christian  people,  called  in  God's  providence  to 
pass  through  the  furnace  of  a  great  trial  of  their  virtue,  and  of  the  strength  of  the  Government." 
On  the  seventh  of  April  following,  the  legislature  adjourned  until  the  third  of  June  next  ensuing. 
Before  it  again  assembled,  an  event  occurred,  casting  a  gloom  over  the  whole  State.  The 
occasion  was  the  accidental  drowning  of  Governor  Harve}'. 

Soon  after  the  battle  of  Pittsburgh  Landing,  on  the  seventh  of  April,  1862,  the  certainty 
that  some  of  the  Wisconsin  regiments  had  suffered  severely,  induced  the  governor  to  organize 
a  reli.'f  party,  to  aid  the  wounded  and  suffering  soldiers  from  the  State.  On  the  tenth,  Harvey 
and  others  started  on  their  tour  of  benevolence.  Arriving  at  Chicago,  they  found  a  large  num- 
ber of  boxes  had  been  forwarded  there  from  different  points  in  the  State,  containing  supplies  of 
various  kinds.  At  Mound  City,  Paducah,  and  Savannah,  the  governor  and  his  party  adminis- 
tered to  the  wants  of  the  sick  and  wounded  Wisconsin  soldiers.  Having  completed  their  mission 
of  mercy,  they  repaired  to  a  boat  in  the  harbor  of  Savannah,  to  avvait  the  arrival  of  the  Minne- 
haha^ which  was  to  convey  them  to  Cairo,  on  their  homeward  trip.  It  was  late  in  the  evening  of 
the  nineteenth  of  April,  1862,  and  very  dark  when  the  boat  arrived  which  was  to  take  the 
governor  and  his  friends  on  board  ;  and  as  she  rounded  to,  the  bow  touching  the  Dunleith,  on 
which  was  congregated  the  party  ready  to  depart,  Governor  Harvey,  by  a  misstep,  fell  overboard 
between  the  two  boats,  into  the  Tennessee  river.  The  current  was  strong,  and  the  water  more 
than  thirty  feet  deep.  Every  thing  was  done  that  could  be,  to  save  his  life,  but  all  to  no 
purpose.  His  body  was  subsequently  found  and  brought  to  Madison  for  interment.  Edward 
Salomon,  lieutenant  governor,  by  virtue  of  a  provision  of  the  constitution  of  the  State,  upon  the 
death  of  Harvey,  succeeded  to  the  office  of  governor  of  Wisconsin.  On  the  third  day  of  June, 
the  legislature  re-assembled  in  accordance  with  adjournment  on  the  seventh  of  April  previous, 
Governor  Salomon,  in  his  message  of  that  day,  to  the  senate  and  assembly,  after  announcing 
the  sad  event  of  the  death  of  the  late  governor,  said:  "  The  last  among  the  governors  elected 
by  the  people  of  this  State,  he  is  the  first  who  has  been  removed  by  death  from  our  midst.  The 
circumstances  leading  to  and  surrounding  the  tragic  and  melancholy  end  of  the  honored  and 
lamented  deceased,  are  well  known  to  the  people,  and  are,  with  his  memory,  treasured  up  in 
their  hearts."  He  died,"  added  Salomon,  "  while  in  the  exercise  of  the  highest  duties  of  philan- 
thropy and  humanity,  that  a  noble  impulse  had  imposed  upon  him."  The  legislature,  on  the 
thirteenth  of  June,  by  a  joint  resolution,  declared  that  in  the  death  of  Governor  Harvey,  the 
State  had  "  lost  an  honest,  faithful,  and  efficient  public  officer,  a  high-toned  gentleman,  a  warm- 
hearted philanthropist,  and  a  sincere  friend."  Both  houses  adjourned  sine  die,  on  the  seventeuth 
of  June,  1862. 

Business  of  great  public  importance,  in  the  judgment  of  the  governor,  rendering  a  special 
session  of  the  legislature  necessary,  he  issued,  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  August,  1S62,  his  proc- 
lamation to  that  effect,  convening  both  houses  on  the  tenth  of  September  following.  On  that 
day  he  sent  in  his  message,  relating  wholly  to  war  matters.  He  referred  to  the  fact  that  since 
the  adjournment  of  the  previous  session,  six  hundred  thousand  more  men  had  been  called  for  by 
the  president  of  the  United  States,  to  suppress  the  rebellion.  "It  is  evident,"  said  he,  "that  to 
meet  further  calls,  it  is  necessary  to  rely  upon  a  system  of  drafting  or  conscription,  in  Wisconsin." 
The  governor  then  proceeded  to  recommend  such  measures  as  he  deemed  necessary  to  meet 
the  exigencies  of  the  times.  The  legislature  levied  a  tax  to  aid  volunteering,  and  passed  a  law 
giving  the  right  of  suffrage  to  soldiers  in  the  military  service.  They  also  authorized  the  raising 
of  money  for  payment  of  bounties  to  volunteers.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  twenty- 
sixth  of  September,  1S62,  after  a  session  of  sixteen  days,  and  the  enacting  of  seventeen  laws. 


78  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

On  the  7th  of  October,  James  H.  Howe,  attorney  general,  resigned  his  office  to  enter  the 
army.  On  the  14th  of  that  month,  Winfield  Smith  was  appointed  by  the  governor  to  fill  the 
vacancy. 

At  the  general  election  in  the  Fall  of  this  year,  six  congressmen  were  elected  to  the  thirty- 
eighth  congress:  James  S.  Brown  from  the  first  district;  I.  C.  Sloan,  from  the  second;  Amasa 
Cobb,  from  the  third  ;  Charles  A.  Eldredge,  from  the  fourth  ;  Ezra  Wheeler,  from  the  fifth ;  and 
W.  D.  Mclndoe,  from  the  sixth  district.  Sloan,  Cobb,  and  Mclndoe,  were  elected  as  republi- 
cans ;  Brown,  Eldridge,  and  Wheeler,  as  democrats. 

The  sixteenth  regular  session  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature,  commenced  on  the  fourteenth  of 
January,  1S63.  J.  Allen  Barber  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  majority  in  both 
houses  was  republican.  Governor  Salomon  read  his  message  on  the  fifteenth,  to  the  joint 
convention,  referring,  at  length,  to  matters  connected  with  the  war  of  the  rebellion.  A  large 
number  of  bills  were  passed  by  the  legislature  for  the  benefit  of  soldiers  and  their  families.  On 
the  twenty-second,  the  legislature  re-elected  James  R.  Doolittle,  to  the  United  States  senate  for 
six  years,  from  the  fourth  of  March  next  ensuing.  The  legislature  adjourned  sine  die  on  the 
second  of  April  following.  In  the  Spring  of  this  year,  Luther  S.  Dixon  was  re-elected  chief 
justice  of  the  supreme  court,  running  as  an  independent  candidate. 

By  a  provision  of  the  Revised  Statutes  of  185S,  as  amended  by  an  act  passed  in  1S62,  and 
interpreted  by  another  act  passed  in  1875,  the  terms  of  the  justices  of  the  supreme  court, 
elected  for  a  full  term,  commence  on  the  first  Monday  in  January  next  succeeding  their  election. 

At  the  Fall  election  there  were  two  tickets  in  the  field  :  democratic  and  union  republican. 
The  latter  was  successful,  electing  James  T.  Lewis,  governor ;  Wyman  Spooner,  lieutenant 
governor;  Lucius  Fairchild,  secretary  of  state;  S.  D.  Hastings,  state  treasurer;  Winfield 
Smith,  attorney  general ;  J.  L.  Pickard,  state  superintendent ;  W.  H.  Ramsay,  bank  comp- 
troller ;  and  Henry  Cordier,  state  prison  commissioner. 

War  of  Secession — Harvey  and  Salomon's  Administration. 

When  Governor  Randall  turned  over  to  his  successor  in  the  gubernatorial  chair,  the  military- 
matters  of  Wisconsin,  he  had  remaining  in  the  State,  either  already  organized  or  in  process  of 
formation,  the  Ninth  infantry,  also  the  Twelfth  up  to  the  Nineteenth  inclusive;  three  regiments 
of  cavalry ;  and  ten  batteries — First  to  Tenth  inclusive.  Colonel  Edward  Daniels,  in  the  Summer 
of  1 86 1,  was  authorized  by  the  war  department  to  recruit  and  organize  one  battalion  of  cavalry 
in  Wisconsin.  He  was  subsequently  authorized  to  raise  two  more  companies.  -Governor  Ran- 
dall, in  October,  was  authorized  to  complete  the  regiment — the  First  cavalry — by  the  organiza- 
tion of  six  additional  companies.  The  organization  of  the  Second  cavalry  regiment  was  author- 
ized in  the  Fall  of  1861,  as  an  "independent  acceptance,"  but  was  finally  turned  over  to  the 
State  authorities.  Early  in  November,  1861,  the  war  department  issued  an  order  discontinuing 
enlistments  for  the  cavalry  service,  and  circulars  were  sent  to  the  different  State  executives  to 
consolidate  all  incomplete  regiments.  Ex-Governor  Barstow,  by  authority  of  General  Fremont, 
which  authority  was  confirmed  by  the  General  Government,  had  commenced  the  organization  of 
a  cavalry  regiment  —  the  Third  Wisconsin  —  when  Governor  Randall  received  information  that 
the  authority  of  Barstow  had  been  revoked.  The  latter,  however,  soon  had  his  authority 
restored.  In  October,  Governor  Randall  was  authorized  .by  the  war  department  to  raise  three 
additional  companies  of  artillery  —  Eighth  to  Tenth  inclusive.  These  three  batteries  were  all 
filled  and  went  into  camp  by  the  close  of  1861.  Governor  Randall,  therefore,  besides  sending 
out  of  the  State  eleven  thousand  men,  had  in  process  of  formation,  or  fully  organized,  nine 
regiments  of  infantry,  three  regiments  of  cavalry,  and  ten  companies  of  artillery,  left  behind  in 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  79 

various  camps  in  the  State,  to  be  turned  over  to  his  successor. 

The  military  officers  of  Wisconsin  were  the  governor,  Louis  P.  Harvey,  commander-in- 
chief;  Brigadier  General  Augustus  Gaylord,  adjutant  general ;  Brigadier  General  W.  W.  Tred- 
way,  quartermaster  general ;  Colonel  Edwin  R.  Wadsworth,  commissary  general ;  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Simeon  Mills,  paymaster  general;  Brigadier  General  E.  B.  Wolcott,  surgeon  general;  Major 
M.  H.  Carpenter,  judge  advocate ;  and  Colonel  William  H.  Watson,  military  secretary.  As  the 
General  Government  had  taken  the  recruiting  service  out  of  the  hands  of  the  executives  of  the 
States,  and  appointed  superintendents  in  their  place,  the  offices  of  commissary  general  and 
paymaster  general  were  no  longer  necessary;  and  their  time,  after  the  commencement  of  the 
administration  in  Wisconsin  of  1862,  was  employed,  so  long  as  they  continued  their  respective 
offices,  in  settling  up  the  business  of  each.  The  office  of  commissary  general  was  closed  about 
the  first  of  June,  1862;  that  of  paymaster  general  on  the  tenth  of  July  following.  On  the  last 
of  August,  1S62,  Brigadier  General  Tredway  resigned  the  position  of  quartermaster  general,  and 
Nathaniel  F.  Lund  was  appointed  to  fill  his  place. 

Upon  the  convening  of  the  legislature  of  the  State  in  its  regular  January  session  of  this 
year — 1862,  Governor  Harvey  gave,  in  his  message  to  that  body,  a  full  statement  of  what  had 
been  done  by  Wisconsin  in  matters  appertaining  to  the  war,  under  the  administration  of  his 
predecessor.  He  stated  that  the  State  furnished  to  the  service  of  the  General  Government 
under  the  call  for  volunteers  for  three  months,  one  regiment  —  First  Wisconsin ;  under  the  call 
for  volunteers  for  tliree  years,  or  the  war,  ten  regiments,  numbering  from  the  First  re-organized 
to  the  Eleventh,  excluding  the  Ninth  or  German  regiment.  He  gave  as  the  whole  number  of 
officers,  musicians  and  privates,  in  these  ten  three-year  regiments,  ten  thousand  one  hundred  and 
seventeen.  He  further  stated  that  there  were  then  organized  and  awaiting  orders,  the  Ninth,  in 
"  Camp  Sigel,"  Milwaukee,  numbering  nine  hundred  and  forty  men,  under  Colonel  Frederick 
Salomon ;  the  Twelfth,  in  "  Camp  Randall,"  one  thousand  and  thirty-nine  men,  under  Colonel 
George  E.  Bryant ;  the  Thirteenth,  in  "  Camp  Tredway,"  Janesville,  having  nine  hundred  and 
nineteen  men,  commanded  by  Colonel  M.  Maloncy ;  and  the  Fourteenth,  at  "  Camp  Wood," 
Fond  du  Lac,  eight  hundred  and  fifty  men,  under  Colonel  D.  E.  Wood. 

The  Fifteenth  or  Scandinavian  regiment,  Colonel  H.  C.  Hag,  seven  hundred  men,  and  the 
Sixteenth,  Colonel  Benjamin  Allen,  nine  hundred  men,  were  at  that  time  at  "Camp  Randall,"  in 
near  readiness  for  marching  orders.  The  Seventeenth  (Irish)  regiment.  Colonel  J.  L.  Doran,  and 
the  Eighteenth,  Colonel  James  S.  Alban,  had  their  full  number  of  companies  in  readiness,  lacking 
one,  and  had  been  notified  to  go  into  camp  —  the  former  at  Madison,  the  latter  at  Milwaukee. 
Seven  companies  of  artillery,  numbering  togetlier  one  thousand  and  fifty  men,  had  remained  for 
a  considerable  time  in  "  Camp  Utley,"  Racine,  impatient  of  the  delays  of  the  General  Govern- 
ment in  calling  them  to  move  forward.  Three  additional  companies  of  artillery  were  about 
going  into  camp,  numbering  three  hundred  and  thirty-four  men.  Besides  these,  the  State  had 
furnished,  as  already  mentioned,  an  independent  company  of  cavalry,  then  in  Missouri,_raised 
by  Captain  Von  Deutsch,  of  eighty-one  men  ;  a  company  of  one  hundred  and  four  men  for  Ber- 
dan's  sharpshooters;  and  an  additional  company  for  the  Second  regiment,  of  about  eighty  men. 
Three  regiments  of  cavalry — the  First,  Colonel  E.  Daniels  ;  the  Second,  Colonel  C.  C.  Washburn  ; 
and  the  Third,  Colonel  W.  A.  Barstow ;  were  being  organized.  They  numbered  together,  two  thou- 
sand four  hundred  and  fifty  men.  The  Nineteenth  (independent)  regiment  was  rapidly  organ- 
izing under  the  direction  of  the  General  Government,  by  Colonel  H.  T.  Sanders,  Racine.  Not 
bringing  this  last  regiment  into  view,  the  State  had,  at  the  commencement  of  Governor  Harvey's 
administration,  including  the  First,  three-months'  regiment,  either  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States  or  organizing  for  it,  a  total  of  twenty-one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-three  men. 


80  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

The  legislature  at  its  regular  session  of  1862,  passed  a  law  making  it  necessary  to  present 
all  claims  which  were  made  payable  out  of  the  war  fund,  within  twelve  months  from  the  time  they 
accrued  ;  a  law  was  also  passed  authorizing  the  investment  of  the  principal  of  the  school  fund  in 
the  bonds  of  the  state  issued  for  war  purposes  ;  another,  amendatory  of  the  act  of  the  extra  session 
of  1861,  granting  exemption  to  persons  enrolled  in  the  military  service,  so  as  to  except  persons 
acting  as  fiduciary  agents,  either  as  executors  or  administrators,  or  guardians  or  trustees,  or 
persons  defrauding  the  State,  or  any  school  district  of  moneys  belonging  to  the  same ;  also  author- 
izing a  stay  of  proceedings  in  foreclosures  of  mortgages,  by  advertisements.  "  The  State  Aid 
Law"  was  amended  so  as  to  apply  to  all  regiments  of  infantry,  cavalry,  artillery  and  sharpshooters, 
defining  the  rights  of  families,  fixing  penalties  for  the  issue  of  false  papers,  and  imposing  duties  on 
military  officers  in  the  field  to  make  certain  reports.  These  amendments  only  included  regi- 
ments and  companies  organized  up  to  and  including  the  Twentieth,  which  was  in  process  of 
organization  before  the  close  of  the  session.  A  law  was  also  passed  suspending  the  sale  of  lands 
mortgaged  to  the  State,  or  held  by  volunteers  ;  another  defining  the  duties  of  the  allotment  com- 
missioners appointed  by  the  president  of  the  United  States,  and  fixing  their  compensation.  One 
authorized  the  issuing  of  bonds  for  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  war  purposes  ;  one  author- 
ized a  temporary  loan  from  the  general  fund  to  pay  State  aid  to  volunteers  ;  and  one,  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  joint  committee  to  investigate  the  sale  of  war  bonds;  while  another  authorized  the 
governor  to  appoint  surgeons  to  batteries,  and  assistant  surgeons  to  cavalry  regiments. 

The  legislature,  it  will  be  remembered,  took  a  recess  from  the  seventh  of  April  to  the  third 
of  June,  1862.  Upon  its  re-assembling,  «..  ict  was  passed  providing  ur  the  discontinuance  of  the 
active  services  of  the  paymaster  general,  quartermaster  general  and  commissary  general. 
Another  act  appropriated  twenty  thousand  dollars  to  enable  the  governor  to  care  for  the  sick 
and  wounded  soldiers  of  the  State.  There  was  also  another  act  passed  authorizing  the  auditing, 
by  the  quartermaster  general,  of  bills  for  subsistence  and  transportation  of  the  Wisconsin  cavalry 
regiments.  At  the  extra  session  called  by  Governor  Salomon,  for  the  tenth  of  September,  1862, 
an  amendment  was  made  to  the  law  granting  aid  to  families  of  volunteers,  by  including  all  regi- 
ments of  cavalry,  infantry,  or  batteries  of  artillery  before  that  time  raised  in  the  State,  or  that 
might  afterward  be  raised  and  mustered  into  the  United  States  service.  It  also  authorized  the 
levying  of  a  State  tax  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  dollars  to  be  placed  to  the  credit 
of  the  war  fund  and  used  in  the  payment  of  warrants  for  "State  Aid"  to  families  of  volunteers. 
.\nother  law  authorized  commissioned  officers  out  of  the  State  to  administer  oaths  and  take 
acknowledgments  of  deeds  and  other  papers.  One  act  authorized  soldiers  in  the  field,  although 
out  of  the  State,  to  exercise  the  right  of  suffrage  ;  and  another  gave  towns,  cities,  incorporated 
villages  and  counties  the  authority  to  raise  money  to  pay  bounties  to  volunteers. 

On  the  fifth  of  August,  1862,  Governor  Salomon  received  from  the  war  department  a  dispatch 
stating  that  orders  had  been  issued  for  a  draft  of  three  hundred  thousand  men  to  be  immediately 
called  into  the  service  of  the  United  States,  to  serve  for  nine  months  unless  sooner  discharged  ; 
that  if  the  State  quota  under  a  call  made  July  2,  of  th.it  year,  for  three  hundred  thousand  vol- 
unteers, was  not  filled  by  the  fifteenth  of  August,  the  deficiency  would  be  made  up  by  draft ;  and 
that  the  secretary  of  war  would  assign  the  quotas  to  the  States  and  establish  regulations  for  the 
draft.  On  the  eighth  of  that  month,  the  governor  of  the  Stale  was  ordered  to  immediately  cause 
an  enrollment  of  all  able-bodied  citizens  between  eighteen  and  forty-five  years  of  age,  by  counties. 
Governor  Salomon  was  authorized  to  appoint  proper  officers,  and  the  United  States  promised  to 
pay  all  reasonable  expenses.  The  quota  for  Wisconsin,  under  the  call  for  nine  months'  men,  was 
eleven  thousand  nine  hundred  and  four.  The  draft  was  made  by  the  governor  in  obedience  to 
the  order  he  had  received  from  Washington  ;  but  such  had  been  the  volunteering  under  the  stim- 


"WISCONSIN"   AS  A  STATE.  81 

iilus  caused  by  a  fear  of  it,  that  only  four  thousand  five  hundred  and  thirty-seven  men  were 
drafted.  This  was  the  first  and  only  draft  made  in  Wisconsin  by  the  State  authorities. 
Subsequent  ones  were  made  under  the  direction  of  the  provost  marshal  general  at  Wash- 
ington. 

The  enlisting,  organization  and  mustering  into  the  United  States  service  during  Randall's 
administration  of  thirteen  regiments  of  infantry — the  First  to  the  Thirteenth  inclusive,  and  the 
marching  of  ten  of  them  out  of  the  State  before  the  close  of  1861,  also,  of  one  company  of  cavalry 
under  Captain  "Von  Deutsch  and  one  company  of  sharpshooters  under  Captain  Alexander,  con- 
stituted the  effective  aid  abroad  of  Wisconsi'i  during  that  year  to  suppress  the  rebellion.  But  for 
the  year  1862,  this  aid,  as  to  number  of  organizations,  was  more  than  doubled,  as  will  now  be 
shown. 

The  Ninth  regiment  left  "  Camp  Sigel,''  Milwaukee,  under   command  of  Colonel  Frederick 
Salomon,  on  the  twenty-second  of  January,  1862,  numbering  thirty-nine  officers  and  eight  hun 
dred  and  eighty-four  men,  to  report  at  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas. 

The  Twelfth  infantry  left  Wisconsin  under  command  of  Colonel  George  E.  Bryant,  ten 
hundred  and  forty-five  strong,  the  eleventh  of  January,  1862,  with  orders  to  report  at  Weston, 
Missouri. 

The  Thirteenth  regiment — Colonel  Maurice  Maloney — left  "Camp  Tredway,"  Janesville,  on 
the  eighteenth  of  January,  1862,  nine  hundred  and  seventy  strong,  under  orders  to  report  at 
Leavenworth,  Kansas,  where  it  arrived  on  the  twenty-third. 

The  Fourteenth  regiment  of  infantry  departed  from  "  Camp  Wood,"  Fond  du  Lac,  under 
command  of  Colonel  David  E.  Wood,  for  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  on  the  eighth  of  March,  1S62,  it 
having  been  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  on  the  thirtieth  of  January  previous.  Its 
total  strength  was  nine  hundred  and  seventy  officers  and  men.  It  arrived  at  its  destination  on 
the  tenth  of  March,  and  went  into  quarters  at  "  Benton  Barracks." 

The  Fifteenth  regiment,  mostly  recruited  from  the  Scandinavian  population  of  Wisconsin, 
was  organized  at  "  Camp  Randall,"  Madison — Hans  C.  Heg  as  colonel.  Its  muster  into  the 
United  States  service  was  completed  on  the  fourteenth  of  February,  1862,  it  leaving  the  State  for 
St.  Louis,  Missouri,  on  the  second  of  March  following,  with  a  total  strength  of  eight  hundred  and 
one  officers  and  men. 

The  Sixteenth  regiment  was  organized  at  "Camp  Randall,"  and  was  mustered  into  the 
service  on  the  last  day  of  January,  1862,  leaving  the  State,  with  Benjamin  Allen  as  colonel,  for 
St.  Louis  on  the  thirteenth  of  March  ensuing,  having  a  total  strength  of  one  thousand  and 
sixty-six. 

The  reg.mental  organization  of  the  Seventeenth  infantry  (Irish),  Colonel  John  L.  Doran, 
was  effected  at  "  Camp  Randall,"  and  the  mustering  in  of  the  men  completed  on  the  fifteenth  of 
March,  1862,  the  regiment  leaving  the  State  on  the  twenty-third  for  St.  Louis 

The  Eighteenth  regiment  organized  at  "  Camp  Trowbridge,"  Milwaukee — James  S.  Alban, 
colonel — completed  its  muster  into  the  United  States  service  on  the  fifteenth  of  March,  1862, 
and  left  the  State  for  St.  Louis  on  the  thirtieth,  reaching  their  point  of  destination  on  the  thirty- 
first. 

The  Nineteenth  infantry  rendezvoused  at  Racine  as  an  independent  regiment,  its  colonel, 
Horace  T.  Sanders,  being  commissioned  by  the  war  department.  The  men  were  mustered  into 
the  service  as  fast  as  they  were  enlisted.  Independent  organizations  being  abolished,  by  an 
order  from  Washington,  the  Nineteenth  was  placed  on  the  same  footing  as  other  regiments  in  the 
State.  On  the  twentieth  of  April,  1862,  the  regiment  w4s  ordered  to  "  Camp  Randall  "  to  guard 
rebel  prisoners.  Here  the  mustering  in  was  completed,  numbering  in  all  nine  hundred  and 
seventy-three.     They  left  the  State  for  Washington  on  the  second  of  June. 


82  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

The  muster  into  the  United  States  service  of  the  Twentieth  regiment^Bertine  Pinckney, 
colonel — was  completed  on  the  twenty-third  of  August,  iS6?,  at  "Camp  Randall,"  the  original 
strength  being  nine  hundred  and  ninety.  On  the  thirtieth  of  August  the  regiment  left  the  State 
for  St.  Louis. 

The  Twenty-first  infantry  was  organized  at  Oslikosh,  being  mustered  in  on  the  fifth  of  Sep- 
tember, 1S62,  with  a  force  of  one  thousand  and  two,  all  told — Benjamin  J.  Sweet,  colonel — 
leaving  the  State  for  Cincinnati  on  the  eleventh. 

The  Twenty-second  regiment — Colonel  William  L.  Utley — was  organized  at  "  Camp  Utiey," 
Racine,  and  mustered  in  on  the  second  of  September,  1862.  Its  original  strength  was  one  thou- 
sand and  nine.     It  left  the  State  for  Cincinnati  on  the  si.xteenth. 

On  the  thirtieth  of  .August,  1862,  the  Twenty-third  regiment — Colonel  Joshua  J.  Guppey — 
was  mustered  in  at  "Camp  Randall,"  leaving  Madison  for  Cincinnati  on  the  fifteenth. 

The  Twenty-fourth  infantry  rendezvoused  at  "Camp  Sigel,"  Milwaukee.  Its  muster  in  was 
completed  on  the  twenty-first  of  .August,  1862,  the  regiment  leaving  the  State  under  Colonel 
Charles  H.  Larrabee,  for  Kentucky,  on  the  fifth  of  September,  one  thousand  strong. 

On  the  fourteenth  of  September,  1862,  at  "  Camp  Salomon,"  LaCrosse,  the  Twenty-fifth 
regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service — Milton  Montgomery,  colonel.  They  left  the  State  on 
the  nineteenth  with  orders  to  report  to  General  Pope,  at  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  to  aid  in  suppress- 
ing the  Indian  difficulties  in  that  State.  Their  entire  strength  was  one  thousand  and  eighteen. 
The  regiment,  after  contributing  to  the  preservation  of  tranquillity  among  the  settlers,  and 
deterring  the  Indians  from  hostilities,  returned  to  Wisconsin,  arriving  at  "  Camp  Randall  "  on  the 
eighteenth  of  December,  1862. 

The  Twenty-sixth — almost  wholly  a  German  regiment — was  mustered  into  the  service  at 
''Camp  Sigel,"  Milwaukee,  on  the  seventeenth  of  September,  1862.  The  regiment,  under  com- 
mand of  Colonel  William  H.  Jacobs,  left  the  State  for  Washington  city  on  the  sixth  of  October, 
one  thousand  strong. 

The  Twenty-seventh  infantry  was  ordered  to  rendezvous  at  "  Camp  Sigel,"  Milwaukee,  on 
the  seventeenth  of  September,  1862  ;  but  the  discontinuance  of  recruiting  for  new  regiments  in 
August  left  the  Twenty-seventh  with  only  seven  companies  full.  An  order  authorizing  the 
recruiting  of  three  more  companies  was  received,  and  under  the  supervision  of  Colonel  Conrad 
Krez  the  organization  was  completed,  but  the  regiment  at  the  close  of  the  year  had  not  been 
mustered  into  the  service. 

On  the  twenty-fourth  of  October,  1862,  the  Twenty-eighth  regiment — James  M.  Lewis,  of 
Oconomowoc,  colonel — was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  at  "Camp  Washburn,"  Mil- 
waukee. Its  strength  was  nine  hundred  and  sixty-one.  In  November,  the  regiment  was 
employed  in  arresting  and  guarding  the  draft  rioters  in  Ozaukee  county.  It  left  the  State  for 
Columbus,  Kentucky,  on  the  twentieth  of  December,  where  they  arrived  on  the  twenty-second; 
remaining  there  until  the  fifth  of  January,  1863. 

The  Twenty-ninth  infantry — -Colonel  Ciiarles  R.  Gill — was  organized  at  "  Camp  Randall," 
where  its  muster  into  the  United  States  service  was  completed  on  the  twenty-seventh  of  Sep- 
tember, 1862,  the  regiment  leaving  the  State  for  Cairo,  Illinois,  on  the  second  of  November. 

The  Thirtieth  regiment,  organized  at  "Camp  Randall"  under  the  supervision  of  Colonel 
Daniel  J.  Dill,  completed  its  muster  into  the  United  States  service  on  the  twenty-first  of  October, 
1862,  with  a  strength  of  nine  hundred  and  six.  On  the  sixteenth  of  November,  one  company  of 
the  Thirtieth  was  sent  to  Green  Bay  to  protect  the  draft  commissioner,  remaining  several  weeks. 
On  the  eighteenth,  seven  companies  moved  to  Milwaukee  to  assist  in  enforcing  the  draft  in  Mil- 
waukee county,  while  two  companies  remained  in  "Camp  Randall"  to  guard  Ozaukee  rioters. 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  83 

On  the  twenty-second,  six  companies  from  Milwaukee  went  to  West  Bend,  Washington  county, 
one  company  returning  to  "Camp  Randall."  After  the  completion  of  the  draft  in  Washington 
county,  four  companies  returned  to  camp,  while  two  companies  were  engaged  in  gathering  up 
the  drafted  men. 

The  final  and  complete  organization  of  the  Thirty-first  infantry — Colonel  Isaac  E.  Mess- 
more — was  not  concluded  during  the  year  1862. 

The  Thirty-second  regiment,  organized  at  "  Camp  Bragg,"  Oshkosh,  with  James  H.  Howe 
as  colonel,  was  mustered  into  the  service  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  September,  1862  ;  and,  on  the 
thirtieth  of  October,  leaving  the  State,  it  proceeded  by  way  of  Chicago  and  Cairo  to  Memphis, 
Tennessee,  going  into  camp  on  the  third  of  November.  The  original  strength  of  the  Thirty- 
second  was  nine  hundred  and  ninety-three. 

The  Thirty-third  infantry — Colonel  Jonathan  B.  Moore — mustered  in  on  the  eighteenth  of 
October,  1862,  at  "  Camp  Utley,"  Racine,  left  the  State,  eight  hundred  and  ninety-two  strong, 
moving  by  way  of  Chicago  to  Cairo. 

The  Thirty-fourth  regiment,  drafted  men,  original  strength  nine  hundred  and  sixty-one — 
Colonel  Fritz  Anneke — had  its  muster  into  service  for  nine  months  completed  at  "Camp  Wash- 
burn," Milwaukee,  on  the  last  day  of  the  year  1862. 

Of  the  twenty-four  infantry  regiments,  numbered  from  the  Twelfth  to  the  Thirty-fourth 
inclusive,  and  including  also  the  Ninth,  three — the  Ninth,  Twelfth,  and  Thirteenth — were  mus- 
tered into  the  United  States  service  in  1861.  The  whole  of  the  residue  were  mustered  in  during 
the  year  1862,  except  the  Twenty-seventh  and  the  Thirty-first.  All  were  sent  out  of  the  State 
during  1862,  except  the  last  two  mentioned  and  the  Twenty-fifth,  Thirtieth,  and  Thirty-fourth. 
The  First  regiment  of  cavalry  —  Colonel  Edward  Daniels — perfected  its  organization  at 
"  Camp  Harvey,"  Kenosha.  Its  muster  into  the  United  States  service  was  comjjleted  on  the 
eighth  of  March,  1862,  the  regiment  leaving  the  State  for  St.  Louis  on  the  seventeenth,  with  a 
strength  of  eleven  hundred  and  twenty-four. 

The  muster  of  the  Second  Wisconsin  cavalry  was  completed  on  the  twelftli  of  March,  1862, 
at  "Camp  Washburn,"  Milwaukee,  the  regiment  leaving  the  State  for  St.  Louis  on  the  twenty- 
fourth,  eleven  hundred  and  twenty-seven  strong.  It  was  under  the  command  of  Cadwallader  C. 
Washburn  as  colonel. 

The  Third  Wisconsin  cavalry — Colonel  William  A.  Barstow — was  mustered  in  at  "  Camp 
Barstow,"  Janesville.  The  muster  was  completed  on  the  31st  of  January,  1862,  the  regiment 
leaving  the  State  on  the  26th  of  March  for  St.  Louis,  with  a  strength  of  eleven  hundred  and 
eighty-six. 

The  original  project  of  forming  a  regiment  of  light  artillery  in  Wisconsin  was  overruled 
by  the  war  department,  and  the  several  batteries  were  sent  from  the  State  as  independent 
organizations. 

The  First  battery — Captain  Jacob  T.  Foster — perfected  its  organization  at  "Camp  Utley," 
where  the  company  was  mustered  in,  it  leaving  the  State  with  a  strength  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty-five,  on  the  23d  of  January,  1862,  for  Louisville,  where  the  battery  went  into  "Camp 
Irvine,"  near  that  city.  The  Second  battery — Captain  Ernest  F.  Herzberg — was  mustered  into 
the  service  at  "Camp  Utley,"  October  10,  iS6r,  the  company  numbering  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
three.  It  left  the  State  for  Baltimore,  on  the  21st  of  January,  1862.  The  Third  battery — Cap- 
tain L.  H.  Drury — completed  its  organization  of  one  hundred  and  seventy  at  "Camp  Utley,"  and 
was  mustered  in  October  10,  1861,  leaving  the  State  for  Louisville,  on  the  23d  of  January, 
1862.  The  Fourth  battery — Captain  John  F.  Vallee — rendezvoused  at  "Camp  Utley."  Its 
muster  in  was  completed  on  the  istof  October,  1861,  its  wliole  force  being  one  hundred  and  fifty 
one.     The  company  left  the  State  for  Baltimore  on  the  21st  of  January,  1862.     The   Fifth  bat- 


84  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

tery,  commanded  by  Captain  Oscar  F.  Pinney,  was  mustered  in  on  the  ist  of  October,  1861,  at 
"Camp  Utley,"  leaving  the  State  for  St.  Louis,  on  the  15th  of  March,  1862,  one  hundred  and 
fifty-five  strong.  The  Sixth  battery^Captain  Henry  Dillon — was  mustered  in  on  the  2d  of 
October,  1861,  at  "  Camp  Utley,"  leaving  the  State  for  St.  Louis,  March  15,  1862,  with  a  numer- 
ical strength  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-seven.  The  Seventh  battery — Captain  Richard  R.  Grif- 
fiths— was  mustered  in  on  the  4th  of  October,  1861,  at  "  Camp  Utley,"  and  proceeded  on  the  15th 
of  March,  1862,  with  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  batteries  to  St.  Louis.  The  Eighth  battery,  com- 
manded by  Captain  Stephen  J.  Carpenter,  was  mustered  in  on  the  8th  of  January,  1862,  at 
"Camp  Utley,"  and  left  the  State  on  the  iSth  of  March  following,  for  St.  Louis,  one  hundred  and 
sixty-one  strong.  The  Ninth  battery,  under  command  of  Captain  Cyrus  H.  Johnson,  was  organ- 
ized at  Burlington,  Racine  county.  It  was  mustered  in  on  the  7th  of  January,  1862,  leaving 
"  Camp  Utley  "  for  St.  Louis,  on  the  i8th  of  March.  At  St.  Louis,  their  complement  of  men — 
one  hundred  and  fifty-five — was  made  up  by  the  transfer  of  forty-five  from  another  battery.  The 
Tenth  battery — Captain  Yates  V.  Bebee — after  being  mustered  in  at  Milwaukee,  on  the  loth  of 
February,  1862,  left  "  Camp  Utley,"  Racine,  on  the  i8th  of  March  for  St.  Louis,  one  hundred  and 
seventeen  strong.  The  Eleventh  battery — Captain  John  O'Rourke — was  made  up  of  the  "  Oconto 
Irish  Guards  "  and  a  detachment  of  Illinois  recruits.  The  company  was  organized  at  "  Camp 
Douglas,"  Chicago,  in  the  Spring  of  1862.  Early  in  1862,  William  A.  Pile  succeeded  in  enlisting 
ninety-nine  men  as  a  company  to  be  known  as  the  Twelfth  battery.  The  men  were  mustered  in 
and  sent  forward  in  squads  to  St.  Louis.  Captain  Pile's  commission  was  revoked  on  the  i8th 
of  July.  His  place  was  filled  by  William  Zickrick.  These  twelve  batteries  were  all  that  left  the 
State  in  1862.  To  these  are  to  be  added  the  three  regiments  of  cavalry  and  the  nineteen  regi- 
ments of  infantry,  as  the  effective  force  sent  out  during  the  year  by  Wisconsin. 

The  military  officers  of  the  State,  at  the  commencement  of  1863,  were  Edward  Salomon, 
governor  and  commander-in-chief;  Brigadier  General  Augustus  Gaylord,  adjutant  general; 
Colonel  S.  Nye  Gibbs,  assistant  adjutant  general ;  Brigadier  General  Nathaniel  F.  Lund, 
quartermaster  general;  Brigadier  General  E.  B.  Wolcott,  surgeon  general;  and  Colonel  W.  H. 
Watson,  military  secretary.  The  two  incomplete  regiments  of  1862  —  the  Twenty-seventh  and 
Thirty-first  volunteers  —  were  completed  and  in  the  field  in  March,  1863.  The  former  was 
mustered  in  at  "Camp  Sigel  "  —  Colonel  Conrad  Krez  —  on  the  7th  of  March,  and  left  the  State, 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-five  strong,  on  the  16th  for  Columbus,  Kentucky ;  the  latter,  under 
command  of  Colonel  Isaac  E.  Messmore,  with  a  strength  of  eight  hundred  and  seventy-eight, 
left  Wisconsin  on  the  ist  of  March,  for  Cairo,  Illinois.  The  Thirty-fourth  (drafted)  regiment 
left  "Camp  Washburn,"  Milwaukee,  on  the  31st  of  January,  1863,  for  Columbus,  Kentucky, 
numbering  nine  hundred  and  sixty-one,  commanded  by  Colonel  Fritz  Anneke.  On  the  17th  of 
February,  1863,  the  Twenty-fifth  regiment  left  "Camp  Randall"  for  Cairo,  Illinois.  The 
Thirtieth  regiment  remained  in  Wisconsin  during  the  whole  of  1863,  performing  various 
duties  —  the  only  one  of  the  whole  thirty-four  that,  at  the  end  of  that  year,  had  not  left  the  State. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  1863,  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin,  as  before  stated,  convened 
at  Madison.  Governor  Salomon,  in  his  message  to  that  body,  gave  a  summary  of  the  transac- 
tions of  the  war  fund  during  the  calendar  year;  also  of  what  was  done  in  1862,  in  the  recruiting 
of  military  forces,  and  the  manner  in  which  the  calls  of  the  president  were  responded  to.  There 
were  a  number  of  military  laws  passed  at  this  session.  A  multitude  of  special  acts  authorizing 
towns  to  raise  bounties  for  volunteers,  were  also  passed. 

No  additional  regiments  of  infantry  besides  those  already  mentioned  were  organized  in 
1863,  although  recruiting  for  old  regiments  continued.  On  the  3d  of  March,  1863,  the  congress 
of  the  United  States  passed  the  "Conscription  Act."     Under  this  act,  Wisconsin  was  divided 


WISCONSIN  AS   A   STATE.  85 

into  six  districts.  In  the  first  district,  I.  M.  Bean  was  appointed  provost  marshal;  C.  M.  Baker, 
commissioner;  and  J.  B.  Dousman,  examining  surgeon.  Headquarters  of  this  district  was  at 
Milwaukee.  In  the  second  district,  S.  J.  M.  Putnam  was  appointed  provost  marshal ;  L.  B. 
Caswell,  commissioner;  and  Dr.  C.  R.  Head,  examining  surgeon.  Headquarters  of  this 
district  was  at  Janesville.  In  the  third  district,  J.  G.  Clark  was  appointed  provost  marshal ;  E. 
E.  Byant,  commissioner;  and  John  H.  Vivian,  examining  surgeon.  Headquarters  at  Prairie 
du  Chien.  In  the  fourth  district,  E.  L.  Phillips  was  appointed  provost  marshal ;  Charles 
Burchard,  commissioner;  and  L.  H.  Cary,  examining  surgeon.  Headquarters  at  Fond  du 
Lac.  In  the  fifth  district,  C.  R.  Merrill  was  appointed  provost  marshal ;  William  A.  Bugh, 
commissioner ;  and  H.  O.  Crane,  examining  surgeon.  Headquarters  at  Green  Bay.  In  the 
sixth  district,  B.  F.  Cooper  was  appointed  provost  marshal;  L.  S.  Fisher,  commissioner;  and 
D.  D.  Cameron,  examining  surgeon.  Headquarters  at  LaCrosse.  The  task  of  enrolling  the 
State  was  commenced  in  the  month  of  May,  and  was  proceeded  with  to  its  completion.  The 
nine  months'  term  of  service  of  the  Thirty-fourth  regiment,  drafted  militia,  having  expired,  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service  on  the  8th  of  September. 

The  enrollment  in  Wisconsin  of  all  persons  liable  to  the  "Conscription"  amounted  to 
121,202.  A  draft  was  ordered  to  take  place  in  November.  Nearly  fifteen  thousand  were 
drafted,  only  six  hundred  and  twenty-eight  of  whom  were  mustered  in  ;  the  residue  either 
furnished  substitutes,  were  discharged,  failed  to  report,  or  paid  commutation. 

In  the  Summer  of  1861,  Company  "  K,"  Captain  Langworthy,  of  the  Second  Wisconsin 
infantry,  was  detached  and  placed  on  duty  as  heavy  artillery.  His  company  was  designated  as 
"A,"  First  Regiment  Heavy  Artillery.  This  was  the  only  one  organized  until  the  Summer  of 
1863;  but  its  organization  was  effected  outside  the  State.  Three  companies  were  necessary  to 
add  to  company  "  A  "  to  complete  the  battalion.  Batteries  "  B,"  "  C  "  and  "  D  "  were,  therefore, 
organized  in  Wisconsin,  all  leaving  the  State  in  October  and  November,  1863. 

Ninth  Administration — James  T.  Lewis,  Governor — 1864-1865. 

James  T.  Lewis,  of  Columbia  county,  was  inaugurated  governor  of  Wisconsin  on  the  fourth 
of  January,  1864.  In  an  inaugural  address,  the  incoming  governor  pledged  himself  to  use  no 
executive  patronage  for  a  re-election ;  declared  he  would  administer  the  government  without 
prejudice  or  partiality  ;  and  committed  himself  to  an  economical  administration  of  affairs  con- 
nected with  the  State.  On  the  thirteenth  the  legislature  met  in  its  seventeenth  regular  session. 
W.  W.  Field  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  republican  and  union  men  were  in 
the  majority  in  this  legislature.     A  number  of  acts  were  passed  relative  to  military  matters. 

On  the  1st  day  of  October,  J.  L.  Pickard  having  resigned  as  superintendent  of  public 
instruction,  J.  G.  McMynn  was,  by  the  governor,  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy.  On  the  fif- 
teenth of  November,  Governor  Lewis  appointed  Jason  Downer  an  associate  justice  of  the 
supreme  court,  to  fill  a  vacancy  caused  by  the  resignation  of  Judge  Byron  Paine,  who  had 
resigned  his  position  to  take  effect  on  that  day,  in  order  to  accept  the  position  of  lieutenant 
colonel  of  one  of  the  regiments  of  Wisconsin,  to  which  he  had  been  commissioned  on  the  tenth 
of  August  previous.  The  November  elections  of  this  year  were  entered  into  with  great  zeal  by 
the  two  parties,  owing  to  the  fact  that  a  president  and  vice  president  of  the  United  States  were 
to  be  chosen.  The  republicans  were  victorious.  Electors  of  that  party  cast  their  eight  votes 
for  Lincoln  and  Johnson.  The  members  elected  to  the  thirty  -  ninth  congress  from  Wisconsin 
at  this  election  were  :  from  the  first  district,  H.  E.  Paine  ;  from  the  second,  I.  C.  Sloan  ;  from 
the  third,  Amasa  Cobb;    from  the  fourth,  C.  .\.  Eldredge;    from  the  fifth,  Philetus  Sawyer;    and 


86  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

from    the    sixth    district,   W.    D.    Mclndoe.     All   were    republicans  except   Eldredge,   who  was 
elected  as  a  democrat. 

The  Eighteenth  regular  session  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature  began  in  Madison  on  the  elev- 
enth of  January,  1865.  W.  W.  Field  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  legislature 
was,  as  to  its  political  complexion,  "Republican  Union."  On  the  tenth  of  April,  the  last  day  of 
the  session,  Governor  Lewis  informed  the  legislature  that  General  Lee  and  his  army  had  sur- 
rendered. "  Four  years  ago,"  said  he,  "  on  the  day  fixed  for  adjournment,  the  sad  news  of  the 
fall  of  Fort  Sumter  was  transmitted  to  the  legislature.  To-day,  thank  God!  and  next  to  Him 
the  brave  officers  and  soldiers  of  our  army  and  navy,  I  am  permitted  to  transmit  to  you  the 
official  intelligence,  just  received,  of  the  surrender  of  General  Lee  and  his  army,  the  last  prop 
of  the  rebellion.  Let  us  rejoice,  and  thank  the  Ruler  of  the  Universe  for  victory  and  the  pros- 
pects of  an  honorable  peace."  In  February  preceding,  both  houses  ratified  the  constitutional 
amendment  abolishing  slavery  in  the  United  States.  At  the  Spring  election,  Jason  Downer  was 
chosen  associate  justice  of  the  supreme  court  for  a  full  term  of  six  years.  The  twentieth  of 
April  was  set  apart  by  the  governor  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving  for  the  overthrow  of  the  rebellion 
and  restoration  of  peace.  At  the  Fall  election  both  parties,  republican  and  democratic,  had 
tickets  in  the  field.  The  republicans  were  victorious,  electing  Lucius  Fairchild,  governor; 
Wyman  Spooner,  lieutenant  governor;  Thomas  S.  Allen,  secretary  of  state;  William  E.  Smith, 
state  treasurer;  Charles  R.  Gill,  attorney  general;  John  G.  McMynn,  superintendent  of 
public  instruction;  J.  M.  Rusk,  bank  comptroller;  and  Henry  Cordier,  state  prison  commis- 
sioner. 

War  of  Secession  —  Lewis'  Administration. 

The  military  officers  for  1864  were  besides  the  governor  (who  was  commander-in-chief) 
Brigadier  General  Augustus  Gaylord,  adjutant  general;  Colonel  S.  Nye  Gibbs,  assistant  adju- 
tant general ;  Brigadier  General  Nathaniel  F.  Lund,  quartermaster  and  commissary  general, 
and  chief  of  ordnance;  Brigadier  General  E.  B.  Wolcott,  surgeon  general;  and  Colonel  Frank 
H.  Firmin,  military  secretary.  The  legislature  met  at  Madison  on  the  13th  of  January,  1864. 
"In  response  to  the  call  of  the  General  Government,"  said  the  governor,  in  his  message  to  that 
body,  "  Wisconsin  had  sent  to  the  field  on  the  first  day  of  November  last,  exclusive  of  three 
months'  men,  thirty  -  four  regiments  of  infantry,  three  regiments  and  one  company  of  cavalry, 
twelve  batteries  of  light  artillery,  three  batteries  of  heavy  artillery,  and  one  company  of  sharp- 
shooters, making  an  aggregate  of  forty-one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five  men." 

Quite  a  number  of  laws  were  passed  at  this  session  of  the  legislature  relative  to  military 
matters :  three  were  acts  to  authorize  towns,  cities  and  villages  to  raise  money  by  tax  for  the 
payment  of  bounties  to  volunteers;  one  revised,  amended  and  consolidated  all  laws  relative  to 
extra  pay  to  Wisconsin  soldiers  in  the  service  of  the  United  States ;  one  provided  for  the  proper 
reception  by  the  State,  of  Wisconsin  volunteers  returning  from  the  field  of  service;  another 
repealed  the  law  relative  to  allotment  commissioners.  One  was  passed  authorizing  the  gov- 
ernor to  purchase  flags  for  regiments  or  batteries  whose  flags  were  lost  or  destroyed  in  the 
service:  another  was  passed  amending  the  law  suspending  the  sale  of  lands  mortgaged  to  the 
State  or  held  by  volunteers,  so  as  to  apply  to  drafted  men;  another  provided  for  levying  a  State 
tax  of  $200,000  for  the  support  of  families  of  volunteers.  A  law  was  passed  authorizing  the 
governor  to  take  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  of  Wisconsin,  and  appropriated  ten 
thousand  dollars  for  that  purpose.  Twu  other  acts  authorized  the  borrowing  of  money  for  repel- 
ling invasion,  suppressing  insurrection,  and  defending  the  State  in  time  of  war.  One  act  pro- 
hibited the  taking  of  fees  for  procuring  volunteers'  extra  bounty  ;  another  one  defined  the  resi- 
dence of  certain  soldiers  from  this  S:   te  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  who  had  received 


WISCONSIN   AS   A   STATE.  ,87 

local  bounties  from  towns  other  than  their  proper  places  of  residence. 

At  the  commencement  of  1864,  there  were  recruiting  in  the  State  the  Thirty- fifth  regiment 
of  infantry  and  the  Thirteenth  battery.  The  latter  was  mustered  in  on  the  29th  of  December, 
1863,  and  left  the  State  for  New  Orleans  on  the  28th  of  January,  1864.  In  February,  authority 
was  given  by  the  war  department  to  organize  the  Thirty-sixth  regiment  of  infantry.  On  the 
27th  of  that  month,  the  mustering  'n  of  the  Thirty-fifth  was  completed  at  "  Camp  Washburn  " 
— Colonel  Henry  Orff — the  regiment,  one  thousand  and  sixty-six  strong,  leaving  the  State  on  the 
1 8th  of  April,  1864,  for  Alexandria,  Louisiana.  The  other  regiments,  recruited  and  mustered 
into  the  service  of  the  United  States  during  the  year  1864,  were:  the  Thirty-sixth — Colonel 
Frank  A.  Haskell;  the  Thirty-seventh — Colonel  Sam  Harriman  ;  the  Thirty-eighth — Colonel 
James  Bintliff;  the  Thirty -ninth  —  Colonel  Edwin  L.  Buttrick;  the  Fortieth  —  Colonel  W. 
Augustus  Ray;  the  Forty-first  —  Lieutenant  Colonel  George  B.  Goodwin;  the  Forty-second — 
Colonel  Ezra  T.  Sprague ;  the  Forty-third — Colonel  Amasa  Cobb. 

The  regiments  mustered  into  the  service  of  the  United  States  during  the  year  1865  were: 
the  Forty-fourth — Colonel  George  C.  Symes  ;  the  Forty-fifth — Colonel  Henry  F.  Belitz;  Forty- 
sixth — Colonel  Frederick  S.  Lovell ;  Forty-seventh — Colonel  George  C.  Ginty ;  Forty-eighth — 
Colonel  Uri  B.  Pearsall;  Forty-ninth — Colonel  Samuel  Fallows;  Fiftieth — Colonel  John  G. 
Clark;  Fifty-first — Colonel  Leonard  Martin;  Fifty-second — Lieutenant  Colonel  Hiram  J.  Lewis  ; 
and  Fifty-third — Lieutenant  Colonel  Robert  T.  Pugh. 

All  of  the  fifty-three  regiments  of  infantry  raised  in  Wisconsin  during  the  war,  sooner  or 
later  moved  to  the  South  and  were  engaged  there  in  one  way  or  other,  in  aiding  to  suppress  the 
rebellion.  Twelve  of  these  regiments  were  assigned  to  duty  in  the  eas'.ern  division,  which  con- 
stituted the  territory  on  both  sides  of  the  Potomac  and  upon  the  seaboard  from  Baltimore  to 
Savannah.  These  twelve  regiments  were:  the  First  (three  months),  Second,  Third,  Fourth, 
Fifth,  Sixth,  Seventh,  Nineteenth,  Twenty-sixth,  Thirty-sixth,  Thirty-seventh,  and  Thirty-eighth. 
Ten  regiments  were  assigned  to  the  central  division,  including  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Northern 
Alabama,  and  Georgia.  These  ten  were:  the  Tenth,  Twenty-first,  Twenty-second,  Twenty- 
fourth,  Thirtieth,  Forty-third,  Forty-fourth,  Forty-fifth,  Forty-sixth,  and  Forty-seventh.  Added 
to  these  was  the  First  (re-organized).  Thirty-one  regiments  were  ordered  to  the  western  division, 
embracing  the  country  west  and  northwest  of  the  central  division.  These  were :  the  Eighth, 
Ninth,  Eleventh,  Twelfth,  Thirteenth,  Fourteenth,  Fifteenth,  Sixteenth,  Seventeenth,  Eighteenth, 
Twentieth,  Twenty-third,  Twenty-fifth,  Twenty-seventh,  Twenty-eighth,  Twenty-ninth,  Thirty-first, 
Thirty-second,  Thirty-third,  Thirty-fourth,  Thirty-fifth,  Thirty-ninth,  Fortieth,  Forty-first,  Forty- 
second,  Forty-eighth,  Forty-ninth,  Fiftieth,  Fifty-first,  Fifty-second,  and  Fifty-third.  During  the 
war  several  transfers  were  made  from  one  district  to  another.  There  were  taken  from  the  eastern 
division,  the  Third  and  Twenty-sixth,  and  sent  to  the  central  division;  also  the  Fourth,  which 
was  sent  to  the  department  of  the  gulf.  The  Twelfth,  Thirteenth,  Fifteenth,  Sixteenth,  Seven- 
teenth, Eighteenth,  Twenty-fifth,  Thirtieth,  Thirty-first  and  Thirty-second  were  transferred  fronn 
the  western  to  the  central  department. 

The  four  regiments  of  cavelry  were  assigned  to  the  western  division  —  the  First  regiment 
being  afterward  transferred  to  the  central  division.  Of  the  thirteen  batteries  of  light  artillery,  the 
Second,  Fourth,  and  Eleventh,  were  assigned  to  the  eastern  division ;  the  First  and  Third,  to 
the  central  division ;  the  Fiftli,  Sixth,  Seventh,  Eighth,  Ninth,  Tenth,  Twelfth,  and  Thirteenth, 
to  the  western  division.  During  the  war,  the  First  was  transferred  to  the  western  division ;  while 
the  Fifth,  Sixth,  Eighth,  Tenth,  and  Twelfth,  were  transferred  to  the  central  division.  Of  the 
twelve  batteries  of  the  First  regiment  of  heavy  artillery  —  "A,"  "E,"  "F,"  "G,"  H, '  I,' 
"K,"  "L,"  and  "M,"  were  assigned  to  duty  in  the  eastern  division  ;  "B"  and  "C,"  to  the  central 


88  HISTORY   or   WISCONSIN. 

division;    and   "D."   to  tlie  western  division.     Company  "G,"  First  regiment  Berdan's  sharp- 
shooters, was  assigntii  to  the  eastern  division. 

The  military  officers  of  the  State  for  1865  were  the  same  as  the  previous  year,  except  that 
Brigadier  General  Lund  resigned  his  position  as  quartermaster  general,  James  M.  Lynch  being 
appointed  in  his  place.  The  legislature  of  this  year  met  in  Madison  on  the  nth  of  January. 
"To  the  calls  of  the  Government  for  troops,"  said  Governor  Lewis,  in  his  message,  "no  State 
has  responded  with  greater  alacrity  than  has  Wisconsin.  She  has  sent  to  the  field,  since  the 
commencement  of  the  war,  forty-four  regiments  of  infantry,  four  regiments  and  one  company  of 
cavalry,  one  regim.ent  of  heavy  artillery,  thirteen  batteries  of  light  artillery,  and  one  company  of 
sharpshooters,  making  an  aggregate  (exclusive  of  hundred  day  men)  of  seventy-five  thousand 
one  hundred  and  thirty-three  men." 

Several  military  laws  were  passed  at  this  session:  one  authorizing  cities,  towns,  and  villages 
to  pay  bounties  to  volunteers;  another,  incorporating  the  Wisconsin  Soldiers'  Home;  two  others, 
amending  the  act  relative  "to  the  commencement  and  prosecution  of  civil  actions  against  persons 
in  the  military  service  of  the  country."  One  was  passed  authorizing  the  payment  of  salaries, 
clerk  hire,  and  expenses,  of  the  offices  of  the  adjutant  general  and  quartermaster  general  from 
the  war  fund ;  another,  amending  the  act  authorizing  commissioned  officers  to  take  acknowledg- 
ment of  deeds,  affidavits  and  depositions;  another,  amending  the  act  extending  the  right  of 
suffrage  to  soldiers  in  the  field.  One  act  provides  for  correcting  and  completing  the  records  of 
the  adjutant  general's  office,  relative  to  the  military  history  of  the  individual  members  of  the 
several  military  organizations  of  this  State ;  another  fixes  the  salary  of  the  adjutant  general  and 
the  quartermaster  general,  and  their  clerks  and  assistants;  another  prohibits  volunteer  or  sub- 
stitute brokerage.  One  act  was  passed  supplementary  and  explanatory  of  a  previous  one  of  the 
same  session,  authorizing  towns,  cities,  or  villages,  to  raise  money  to  pay  bounties  to  volunteers; 
another,  amending  a  law  of  1864,  relating  to  the  relief  of  soldiers'  families;  and  another,  pro- 
viding for  the  establishment  of  State  agencies  for  the  relief  and  care  of  sick,  wounded,  and 
disabled  Wisconsin  soldiers.  There  was  an  act  also  passed,  authorizing  the  borrowing  of  money 
for  a  period  not  exceeding  seven  months,  to  repel  invasion,  suppress  insurrection,  and  defend  the 
State  in  time  of  war, — the  amount  not  to  exceed  $850,000. 

On  the  13th  of  April,  1865,  orders  were  received  to  discontinue  recruiting  in  Wisconsin,  and 
to  discharge  all  drafted  men  who  had  not  been  mustered  in.  About  the  first  of  May,  orders 
were  issued  for  the  muster  out  of  all  organizations  whose  term  of  service  would  expire  on  or 
before  the  first  of  the  ensuing  October.  As  a  consequence,  many  Wisconsin  soldiers  were  soon 
on  their  way  home.  State  military  officers  devoted  their  time  to  the  reception  of  returning 
regiments,  to  their  payment  by  the  United  States,  and  to  settling  with  those  who  were  entitled  to 
extra  pay  from  the  State.  Finally,  their  employment  ceased  —  the  last  soldier  was  mustered  out 
—the  War  of  the  Rebellion  was  at  an  end.  Wisconsin  had  furnished  to  the  federal  army  during 
the  conflict  over  ninety  thousand  men,  a  considerable  number  more  than  the  several  requisitions 
of  the  General  Government  called  for.  Nearly  eleven  thousand  of  these  were  killed  or  died  of 
wounds  received  in  battle,  or  fell  victims  to  diseases  contracted  in  the  military  service,  to  say 
nothing  of  those  who  died  after  their  discharge,  and  whose  deaths  do  not  appear  upon  the  mili- 
tary records.  Nearly  twelve  million  dollars  were  expended  by  the  State  authorities,  and  the 
people  of  the  several  counties  and  towns  throughout  the  State,  in  their  efforts  to  sustain  the 
National  Government. 

Wisconsin  feels,  as  well  she  may,  proud  of  her  record  made  in  defense  of  national  existence. 
Shoulder  to  shoulder  with  the  other  loyal  States  of  the  Union,  she  stood — always  ranking  among 
the  foremost.     From  her  workshops,  her  farms,  her  extensive  pineries,  she  poured  forth  stalwart 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  89 

men,  to  fill  up  the  organizations  which  she  sent  to  the  field.  The  blood  of  these  brave  men 
drenched  almost  every  battle-field  from  Pennsylvania  to  the  Rio  Grande,  from  Missouri  to 
Georgia.  To  chronicle  the  deeds  and  exploits — the  heroic  achievements — the  noble  enthusiasm 
— of  the  various  regiments  and  military  organizations  sent  by  her  to  do  battle  against  the  hydra- 
headed  monster  secession  —  would  be  a  lengthy  but  pleasant  task ;  but  these  stirring  annals 
belong  to  the  history  of  our  whole  country.  Therein  will  be  told  the  story  which,  to  the  latest 
time  in  the  existence  of  this  republic,  will  be  read  with  wonder  and  astonishment.  But  an  out- 
line of  the  action  of  the  State  authorities  and  their  labors,  and  of  the  origin  of  the  various 
military  organizations,  in  Wisconsin,  to  aid  in  the  suppression  of  the  rebellion,  must  needs 
contain  a  reference  to  other  helps  employed — mostly  incidental,  in  many  cases  wholly  charitable, 
but  none  the  less  effective :  the  sanitary  operations  of  the  State  during  the  rebellion. 

Foremost  among  the  sanitary  operations  of  Wisconsin  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion  was 
the  organization  of  the  surgeon  general's  department  — -  to  the  end  that  the  troops  sent  to  the 
field  from  the  State  should  have  a  complete  and  adequate  supply  of  medicine  and  instruments  as 
well  as  an  efficient  medical  staff.  In  1861,  Governor  Randall  introduced  the  practice  of  appoint- 
ing agents  to  travel  with  the  regiments  to  the  field,  who  were  to  take  charge  of  the  sick.  The 
practice  was  not  continued  by  Governor  Harvey.  On  the  17th  of  June,  1862,  an  act  of  the 
legislature  became  a  law  authorizing  the  governor  to  take  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers 
of  Wisconsin,  and  appropriated  twenty  thousand  dollars  for  that  purpose.  Under  this  law 
several  expeditions  were  sent  out  of  the  State  to  look  after  the  unfortunate  sons  who  were 
suffering  from  disease  or  wounds.  Soldiers'  aid  societies  were  formed  throughout  the  State  soon 
after  the  opening  scenes  of  the  rebellion.  When  temporary  sanitary  operations  were  no  longer 
a  necessity  in  Wisconsin,  there  followed  two  military  benevolent  institutions  intended  to  be  of  a 
permanent  character :  the  Soldiers'  Home  at  Milwaukee,  and  the  Soldiers'  Orphans'  Home  at 
Madison.  The  latter,  however,  has  been  discontinued.  The  former,  started  as  a  State  institu- 
tion, is  now  wholly  under  the  direction  and  support  of  the  General  Government. 

Whether  in  the  promptitude  of  her  responses  to  the  calls  made  on  her  by  the  General  Govern- 
ment, in  the  courage  or  constancy  of  her  soldiery  in  the  field,  or  in  the  wisdom  and  efficiency  with 
which  her  civil  administration  was  conducted  during  the  trying  period  covered  by  the  war  of  the 
rebellion,  Wisconsin  proved  herself  the  peer  of  any  loyal  State. 

TABULAR   STATEMENT. 

We  publish  on  the  following  pages  the  report  of  the  Adjutant  General  at  the  dose  of  the  war, 
but  before  all  the  Wisconsin  organizations  had  been  mustered  out.  It  shows  how  many  brave  men 
courageously  forsook  homes,  friends  and  the  comforts  of  peaceful  avocations,  offering  their  lives 
in  defense  of  their  country's  honor.  Twenty-two  out  of  every  hundred  either  died,  were  killed  or 
wounded.  Thirteen  out  of  every  hundred  found  a  soldier's  grave,  while  only  60  per  cent  of  them 
marched  home  at  the  end  of  the  war.  Monuments  may  crumble,  cities  fall  into  decay,  the  tooth 
of  time  leave  its  impress  on  all  the  works  of  man,  but  the  memory  of  the  gallant  deeds  of  the 
army  of  the  Union  in  the  great  war  of  the  rebellion,  in  which  the  sons  of  Wisconsin  bore  so 
conspicuous  a  part,  will  live  in  the  minds  of  men  so  long  as  time  and  civilized  governments  endure. 


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60 


92  HISTORY  OF  WISCONSIN. 

Tenth  Administration. — Lucius  Fairchild,   Governor — 1866-1867. 

The  inauguration  of  the  newly  elected  State  officers  took  place  on  Monday,  January  i, 
1866.  The  legislature,  in  its  nineteenth  regular  session,  convened  on  the  tenth.  H.  U.  Barron 
was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  "  Union  "  and  "  Republican  "  members  were  in  a 
majority  in  both  branches  of  the  legislature.  "  Our  first  duty,"  said  Governor  Fairchild  in  his 
message,  "is  to  give  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  all  His  mercies  during  the  year  that  is  past." 
"  The  people  of  no  nation  on  earth,"  he  continued,  "  have  greater  cause  to  be  thankful  than 
have  our  people.  The  enemies  of  the  country  have  been  overthrown  in  battle.  The  war  has 
settled  finally  great  questions  at  issue  between  ourselves."  Among  the  joint  resolutions  passed 
at  this  session  was  one  submitting  the  question  of  a  constitutional  convention  to  frame  a  new 
constitution  for  the  State,  to  the  people.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the  twelfth  of  April, 
having  been  in  session  ninety-three  days.  .\t  the  general  election  in  November  of  this  year, 
there  were  elected  to  the  Fortieth  congress  :  H.  E.  Paine,  from  the  first  district ;  B.  F.  Hopkins, 
from  the  second;  Amasa  Cobb,  from  the  third;  C.  A.  Eldredge,  from  the  fourth;  Philetus 
Sawyer,  from  the  fifth,  and  C.  C.  Washburn,  from  the  sixth  district.  All  were  republicans 
except  Eldredge,  who  was  elected  as  a  democrat.  The  proposition  for  a  constitutional  conven- 
tion was  voted  upon  by  the  people  at  this  election,  but  was  defeated. 

The  twentieth  session  of  the  legislature  commenced  on  the  ninth  of  January,  1867. 
Angus  Cameron  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The  legislature  was  strongly  "  Repub- 
lican-Union." The  message  of  Governor  Fairchild  was  read  by  him  in  person,  on  the  tenth. 
On  the  twenty-third,  the  two  houses,  in  joint  convention,  elected  Timothy  O.  Howe  United 
States  senator  for  the  term  of  six  years,  commencing  on  the  fourth  of  March  next  ensuing. 
This  legislature  p  issed  an  act  submitting  to  the  people  at  the  next  Fall  election  an  amendment 
to  section  twenty-one  of  article  four  of  the  constitution  of  the  State,  providing  for  paying  a 
salary  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  to  each  member  of  the  legislature,  instead  of  a  per 
diem  allowance,  as  previously  given.  A  sitie  die  adjournment  took  place  on  the  eleventh  of  April, 
after  a  service  of  ninety-three  days. 

To  provide  for  the  more  efficient  collection  of  license  fees  due  the  State,  an  act,  approved 
on  the  day  of  adjournment,  authorized  the  governor  to  appoint  an  agent  of  the  treasury,  to 
superintend  and  enforce  the  collection  of  fees  due  for  licenses  fixed  by  law.  This  law  is  still  in 
force,  the  agent  holding  his  office  at  the  pleasure  of  the  executive  of  the  State. 

On  the  27th  of  March,  Chief  Justice  Dixon  resigned  his  office  but  was  immediately 
appointed  by  the  governor  to  the  same  position.  At  the  election  in  April  following,  associate 
Justice  Cole  was  re-elected,  without  opposition,  for  six  years  from  the  first  Monday  in  January 
following.  On  the  i6tli  of  August,  Associate  Justice  Downer  having  resigned,  Byron  Paine  was 
appointed  by  the  governor  in  his  place. 

The  republican  State  ticket,  in  the  Fall,  was  elected  over  the  democratic — resulting  in  the 
choice  of  Lucius  Fairchild  for  governor;  Wyman  Spooner,  for  lieutenant  governor;  Thomas 
S.  Allen,  Jr.,  secretary  of  state;  William  E.  Smith,  for  state  treasurer;  Charles  R.  Gill,  for 
attorney  general ;  A.  J.  Craig,  for  superintendent  of  public  instruction  ;  Jeremiah  M.  Rusk, 
for  bank  comptroller,  and  Henry  Cordier,  for  state  prison  commissioner.  E.xcept  Craig,  all 
these  officers  were  the  former  incumbents.  The  amendment  to  section  21  of  article  4  of  the 
constitution  of  the  State,  giving  the  members  a  salary  instead  of  a  per  diem  allowance,  was 
adopted  at  this  election.  As  it  now  stands,  each  member  of  the  legislature  receives,  for 
his  services,  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  annum,  and  ten  cents  for  every  mile  he 
travels  in  going  to  and  returning  from  the  place  of  the  meetings  of  the  legislature,  on  the  most 


WISCONSIN   AS   A   STATE.  93 

■usual  route.     In  case  of  any  extra  session  of  the   legislature,  no  additional  compensation  shall 
be  allowed  to  any  member  thereof,  either  directly  or  indirectly. 

Eleventh  Administration. — Lucius  Fairchild,  Governor  (second  term) — 1868-1869. 

The  Eleventh  Administration  in  Wisconsin  commenced  at  noon  on  the  6th  day  of  January, 
1868.  This  was  the  commencement  of  Governor  Fairchild's  second  term.  On  the  eighth  of 
January,  1868,  began  the  twenty-first  regular  session  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin.  A.  M. 
Thomson  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  Of  the  laws  of  a  general  nature  passed  by  this 
legislature,  was  one  abolishing  the  office  of  bank  comptroller,  transferring  his  duties  to  the 
state  treasurer,  and  another  providing  for  the  establishing  of  libraries  in  the  various  townships 
of  the  State.  A  visible  effect  was  produced  by  the  constitutional  amendment  allowing  members 
a  salary,  in  abreviating  this  session,  though  not  materially  diminishing  the  amount  of  bfnsiness 
transacted.     A  sine  die  adjournment  took  place  on  the  sixth  of  March. 

At  the  election  in  April,  1868,  Chief  Justice  Dixon  was  chosen  for  the  unexpired  balance  of 
his  own  term,  ending  on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  1870.  At  the  same  election,  Byron  Paine 
was  chosen  associate  justice  for  the  unexpired  balance  of  Associate  Justice  Downer's  term, 
ending  the  ist  day  of  January,  1872. 

At  the  Fall  election  in  this  year,  republican  electors  were  chosen  over  those  upon  the 
democratic  ticket,  for  president  and  vice  president ;  and,  as  a  consequence.  Grant  and  Colfax 
received  the  vote  'of  Wisconsin.  Of  the  members  elected  at  the  same  time,  to  the  forty-first 
congress,  all  but  one  were  republicans — Eldredge  being  a  democrat.  The  successful  ticket 
was  :  H.  E.  Paine,  from  the  first  district ;  B.  F.  Hopkins,  from  the  second  ;  Amasa  Cobb,  from 
the  third  ;  C.  A.  Eldredge,  from  the  fourth;  Philetus  Sawyer,  from  the  fifth,  and  C.  C.  Washburn, 
from  the  sixth  district.  These  were  all  members,  form  their  respective  districts,  in  the  previous 
congress — the  only  instance  since  Wisconsin  became  a  State  of  a  re-election  of  all  the  incum- 
bents. 

On  the  thirteenth  of  January,  1869,  began  the  twenty-second  regular  session  of  the  State 
legislature.  A.  M.  Thomson  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  A  very  important  duty 
imposed  upon  both  houses  was  the  election  of  a  United  States  senator  in  the  place  of  James  R. 
Doolittle.  The  republicans  having  a  majority  in  the  legislature  on  joint  ballot,  the  excitement 
among  the  members  belonging  to  that  party  rose  to  a  high  pitch.  The  candidates  for  nomina- 
tion were  Matthew  H.  Carpenter  and  C.  C.  Washburn.  The  contest  was,  up  to  that  time, 
unparalleled  in  Wisconsin  for  the  amount  of  personal  interest  manifested.  Both  gentlemen  had 
a  large  lobby  influence  assembled  at  Madison.  Carpenter  was  successful  before  the  republican 
nominating  convention,  on  the  sixth  ballot.  On  the  twenty-seventh  of  January,  the  two  houses 
proceeded  to  ratify  the  nomination  by  electing  him  United  States  senator  for  six  years,  from  the 
fourth  of  March  following.  One  of  the  most  important  transactions  entered  into  by  the  legis- 
lature of  1869  was  the  ratification  of  the  suffrage  amendment  to  the  constitution  of  the  United 
States.  Both  houses  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  eleventh  of  March — a  very  short  session.  At  the 
spring  election,  on  the  6th  of  April,  Luther  S.  Dixon  was  re-elected  without  opposition,  chief 
justice  of  the  supreme  court,  for  a  term  of  six  years,  from  the  first  Monday  in  January  next 
ensuing.  In  the  Fall,  both  democrats  and  republicans  put  a  State  ticket  in  the  field  for  the 
ensuing  election :  the  republicans  were  successful,  electing  Lucius  Fairchild,  governor ;  Thad- 
deus  C.  Pound,  lieutenant  governor;  Llywelyn  Breese,  secretary  of  state ;  Henry  Baetz,  state 
treasurer  ;  S.  S.  Barlow,  attorney  general ;  george  F.  Wheeler,  state  prison  commissioner  ; 
and  A.  L.  Craig,  superintendent  of  public  instruction.  The  office  of  bank  comptroller  expired 
on  the  31st  day  of  December,  1869,  the  duties  of  the  office  being  transferred  to  the  state 
treasurer. 


94  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

At  this  election,  an  amendment  to  sections  5  and  9  of  article  five  of  the  constitution  of 
the  Slate  was  ratified  and  adopted  by  the  people.  Under  this  amendment,  the  governor 
receives,  during  his  continuance  in  office,  an  annual  compensation  of  five  thousand  dollars,  which 
is  in  full  for  all  traveling  or  other  expenses  incident  to  his  duties.  The  lieutenant  governor 
receives,  during  his  continuance  in  office,  an  annual  compensation  of  one  thousand  dollars. 

Twelfth  Administration. — Lucius    Fairchild,  Governor  (third   ierm) — 1870-1871. 

On  the  third  of  January,  1870,  commenced  the  twelfth  administration  in  Wisconsin,  Gov- 
ernor Fairchild  thus  entering  upon  liis  third  term  as  chief  executive  of  the  State ;  the  only 
instance  since  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  into  the  Union,  of  the  same  person  being  twice 
re-elected  to  that  office.  It  was  an  emphatic  recognition  of  the  value  of  his  services  in  the 
gubernatorial  chair.  On  the  twelfth  of  January,  the  twenty-third  regular  session  of  the  legis- 
lature of  the  State  commenced  at  Madison.  James  M.  Bingham  was  elected  speaker  of  the 
assembly.  Before  the  expiration  of  the  month,  Governor  Fairchild  received  official  information 
that  over  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  of  the  war  claim  of  Wisconsin  upon  the  General  Govern- 
ment had  been  audited,  considerable  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  having  the  previous  year 
been  allowed.  In  the  month  of  March,  an  energetic  effort  was  made  in  the  legislature,  by 
members  from  Milwaukee,  to  remove  the  seat  of  government  from  Madison  to  their  city;  but 
the  project  was  defeated  by  a  considerable  majority  in  the  assembly  voting  to  postpone  the 
matter  indefinitely.  According  to  section  eight  of  article  one  of  the  constitution,  as  originally 
adopted,  no  person  could  be  held  to  answer  for  a  criminal  offense  unless  on  the  presentment  or 
indictment  of  a  grand  jury,  except  in  certain  cases  therein  specified.  The  legislature  of  1869 
proposed  an  amendment  against  the  "  grand  jury  system  "  of  the  constitution,  and  referred  it  to  the 
legislature  of  1870  for  their  approval  or  rejection.  The  latter  took  up  the  proposition  and 
agreed  to  it  by  the  proper  majority,  and  submitted  it  to  the  people  at  the  next  election  for  their 
ratification.  The  sine  die  adjournment  of  both  houses  took  place  on  the  seventeenth  of  March, 
1870.  On  the  first  day  of  January,  previous,  the  member  of  congress  from  the  second  district 
of  the  State,  B.  F.  Hopkins,  died,  and  David  Alwood,  republican,  was  elected  to  fill  the 
vacancy  on  the  fifteenth  of  February  following. 

Early  in  1870,  was  organized  the  "  Wisconsin  Academy  of  Sciences,  Arts  and  Letters."  By 
an  act  of  the  legislature  approved  March  16,  of  that  year,  it  was  incorporated,  having  among  its 
specific  objects,  researches  and  investigations  in  the  various  departments  of  the  material,  meta- 
physical, ethical,  ethnological  and  social  sciences;  a  progressive  and  thorough  scientific  survey 
of  the  State,  with  a  view  of  determining  its  mineral,  agricultural  and  other  resources;  the 
advancement  of  the  useful  arts,  through  the  application  of  science,  and  by  the  encouragement 
of  original  invention;  tlie  encouragement  of  the  fine  arts,  by  means  of  honors  and  prizes 
awarded  to  artists  for  original  works  of  superior  merit;  the  formation  of  scientific,  economical 
and  art  museums ;  the  encouragement  of  philological  and  historical  research ;  the  collection  and 
preservation  of  historic  records,  and  the  formation  of  a  general  library;  and  the  diffusion  of 
knowledge  by  the  publication  of  original  contributions  to  science,  literature  and  the  arts.  The 
academy  has  already  published   four  volumes  of  transactions,  under  authority  of  the  State. 

The  fourth  charitable  institution  established  by  Wisconsin  was  the  "  Northern  Hospital  for 
the  Insane,"  located  at  Oshkosh,  Winnebago  county.  It  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  the  legis- 
lature approved  March  10,  1870.  The  law  governing  the  admission  of  patients  to  this  hospital 
is  the  same  as  to  the  Wisconsin  State  Hospital. 


WISCONSrjJ'   AS   A   STATE.  95 

On  the  third  day  of  July,  1870,  A.  J.  Craig,  superintendent  of  public  instruction,  died  of 
consumption,  and  Samuel  Fallows  was,  on  the  6th  of  that  month,  appointed  by  the  governor 
to  fill  the  place  made  vacant  by  his  death.  The  census  taken  this  year  by  the  General  Govern- 
ment, showed  the  population  of  Wisconsin  to  be  over  one  million  sixty-four  thousand.  At  the 
Fall  election  for  members  to  the  forty-second  congress,  Alexander  Mitchell  was  chosen  to 
represent  the  first  district;  G.  W.  Hazelton,  the  second;  J.  A.  Barber,  the  third;  C.  A. 
Eldredge,  the  fourth;  Philetus  Sawyer,  the  fifth;  and  J.  M.  Rusk,  the  sixth  district.  Mitchell 
and  Eldredge  were  democrats;  the  residue  were  republicans.  The  amendment  to  section  8,  of 
article  7  of  the  constitution  of  the  State,  abolishing  the  grand  jury  system  was  ratified  by  a 
large  majority.  Under  it,  no  person  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  a  criminal  offense  without  due 
process  of  law,  and  no  person,  for  the  same  offense,  sliall  be  put  twice  in  jeopardy  of  punishment, 
nor  shall  be  compelled  in  any  criminal  case  to  be  a  witness  against  himself.  All  persons  shall, 
before  conviction,  be  bailable  by  sufficient  sureties,  except  for  capital  offenses  when  the  proof  is 
evident  and  the  presumption  great;  and  the  privilege  of  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be 
suspended  unless,  vi^hen  in  cases  of  rebellion  or  invasion,  the  public  safety  may  require  it. 

Governor  Fairchild,  in  his  last  annual  message  to  the  legislature,  delivered  to  that  body  at 
its  twenty-fourth  regular  session  beginning  on  the  eleventh  of  January,  187 1,  said  that  Wisconsin 
State  polity  was  so  wisely  adapted  to  the  needs  of  the  people,  and  so  favorable  to  the  growth 
and  prosperity  of  the  commonwealth,  as  to  require  but  few  changes  at  the  hands  of  the  legisla- 
ture, and  those  rather  of  detail  than  of  system.  At  the  commencement  of  this  session,  William 
E.  Smith  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  A  very  carefully-perfected  measure  of  this 
legislature  vvas  one  providing  for  the  trial  of  criminal  offenses  on  information,  without  the  inter- 
vention of  a  Grand  Jury.  A  state  commissioner  of  immigration,  to  be  elected  by  the  people,  was 
provided  for.  Both  bodies  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  March.  On  the  thirteenth 
of  January  preceding.  Associate  Justice  Ryro  1  Paine,  of  the  supreme  court,  died;  whereupon 
tlie  governor,  on  the  20th  of  the  same  month,  appointed  in  his  place,  until  the  Spring  election 
should  be  held,  William  Penn  Lyon.  The  latter,  at  the  election  in  April,  was  chosen  by  the 
people  to  serve  the  unexpired  time  of  Associate  Justice  Paine,  ending  the  first  Monday  of  Jan- 
uary, 1872,  and  for  a  full  term  of  six  years  from  the  same  date.  On  the  3d  of  April,  Ole  C. 
Johnson  was  appointed  by  the  governor  state  commissioner  of  immigration,  to  serve  until  his 
successor  at  the  next  general  election  could  be  chosen  by  the  people.  To  the  end  that  the 
administration  of  public  charity  and  correction  should  thereafter  be  conducted  upon  sound 
principles  of  economy,  justice  and  humanity,  and  that  the  relations  existing  between  the  State 
and  its  dependent  and  criminal  classes  might  be  better  understood,  there  was,  by  an  act  of  the 
legislature,  approved  March  23,  1871,  a  "state  board  of  charities  and  reform''  created  —  to 
consist  of  five  members  to  be  appointed  by  the  governor  of  the  State,  the  duties  of  the  members 
being  to  investigate  and  supervise  the  whole  system  of  charitable  and  correctional  institutions 
supported  by  the  State  or  receiving  aid  from  the  State  treasury,  and  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
December  in  each  year  to  report  their  proceedings  to  the  executive  of  the  State.  This  board 
was  thereafter  duly  organized  and  its  members  have  since  reported  annually  to  the  governor 
their  proceedings  and  the  amount  of  their  expenses,  as  required  by  law. 

The  "Wisconsin  State  Horticultural  Society,''  although  previously  organized,  first  under  the 
name  of  the  "  Wisconsin  Fruit  Growers'  Association,"  was  not  incorporated  until  the  24th  of 
March,  1871 — the  object  of  the  society  being  to  improve  the  condition  of  horticulture,  rural 
adornment  and  landscape  gardening.  By  a  law  of  1868,  provision  was  made  for  the  publication 
of  the   society's   transactions   in  connection   with  the  State  agricultural  society ;  but  by  the  act 


96  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN 

of  1871,  this  law  was  repealed  and  an  appropriation  made  for  their  yearly  publication  in  separate 
form;  resulting  in  the  issuing,  up  to  the  present  time,  of  nine  volumes.  The  society  holds 
annual  meetings  at  Madison. 

At  the  November  election  both  republicans  and  democrats  had  a  full  ticket  for  the  suffrages 
of  the  people.  The  republicans  were  successful,  electing  for  governor,  C.  C.  Washburn;  M.  H. 
Pettitt,  for  lieutenant  governor;  Llywelyn  Breese,  for  secretary  of  state  ;  Henry  Baetz,  for  state 
treasurer;  Samuel  Fallows,  for  superintendent  of  public  instruction;  S.  S.  Barlow,  for  attorney 
general ;  G.  F.  Wheeler,  for  state  prison  commissioner  ;  and  O.  C.  Johnson,  for  state  commis- 
sioner of  immigration.  At  this  election  an  amendment  to  article  four  of  the  constitution  of  the 
State  was  ratified  and  adopted  by  the  people.  As  it  now  stands,  the  legislature  is  prohibited 
from  enacting  any  special  or  private  laws  in  the  following  cases  :  1st.  For  changing  the  names  of 
persons  or  constituting  one  person  the  heir-at-law  of  another.  2d.  For  laying  out,  opening,  or 
altering  highways,  except  in  cases  of  State  roads  extending  into  more  than  one  county,  and  mili- 
tary roads  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  which  lands  may  be  granted  by  congress.  3d.  For 
authorizing  persons  to  keep  ferries  across  streams,  at  points  wholly  within  this  State.  4th.  For 
authorizing  the  sale  or  mortgage  of  real  or  personal  property  of  minors  or  others  under  disability. 
5th.  For  locating  or  changing  any  county  seat.  6th.  For  assessment  or  collection  of  taxes  or  for 
extending  the  time  for  the  collection  thereof  7th.  For  granting  corporate  powers  or  privileges, 
except  to  cities.  8th.  For  authorizing  the  apportionment  of  any  part  of  the  school  fund.  9th. 
For  incorporating  any  town  or  village,  or  to  amend  the  charter  thereof  The  legislature  shall 
provide  general  laws  for  the  transaction  of  any  business  that  may  be  prohibited  in  the  foregoing 
cases,  and  all  such  laws  shall  be  uniform  in  their  operation  throughout  the  State. 

Industrially  considered,  the  year  1871  had  but  little  to  distinguish  it  from  the  average  of 
previous  years  in  the  State,  except^hat  the  late  frosts  of  Spring  and  the  drouth  of  Summer  dimin- 
ished somewhat  the  yield  of  certain  crops.  With  the  exception  of  slight  showers  of  only  an  hour 
or  two's  duration,  in  the  month  of  September,  no  rain  fell  in  Wisconsin  from  the  eighth  of  July  to 
the  ninth  of  October — a  period  of  three  months.  The  consequence  was  a  most  calamitous  event 
which  will  render  the  year  1871  memorable  in  the  history  of  the  State. 

The  great  drouth  of  the  Summer  and  Fall  dried  up  the  streams  and  swamps  in  Northern 
Wisconsin.  In  the  forests,  the  fallen  leaves  and  underbrush  which  covered  the  ground  became 
very  ignitable.  The  ground  itself,  especially  in  cases  of  alluvial  or  bottom  lands,  was  so  dry  and 
parched  as  to  burn  readily  to  the  depth  of  a  foot  or  more.  For  many  days  preceding  the  com- 
mencement of  the  second  week  in  October  fires  swept  through  the  timbered  country,  and  in  some 
instances  over  prairies  and  "  openings."  Farmers,  saw-mill  owners,  railroad  men  and  all  others 
interested  in  exposed  property,  labored  day  and  night  in  contending  against  the  advance  of 
devouring  fires,  which  were  destroying,  notwithstanding  the  ceaseless  energies  of  the  people,  an 
occasional  mill  or  house  and  sweeping  off,  here  and  there,  fences,  haystacks  and  barns.  Over  the 
counties  lying  upon  Green  bay  and  a  portion  of  those  contiguous  thereto  on  the  south,  southwest 
and  west,  hung  a  general  gloom.  No  rain  came.  All  energies  were  exhausted  from  "  fighting 
fire."  The  atmosphere  was  every  where  permeated  with  smoke.  The  waters  of  the  bay  and 
even  Lake  Michigan,  in  places,  were  so  enveloped  as  to  render  navigation  difficult  and  in  some 
instances  dangerous.  It  finally  became  very  difficult  to  travel  upon  highways  and  on  railroads. 
Time  drew  on — but  there  came  no  rain.  The  ground  in  very  many  places  was  burned  over. 
Persons  sought  refuge — some  in  excavations  in  the  earth,  others  in  wells. 

The  counties  of  Oconto,  Brown,  Kewaunee,  Door,  Manitowoc,  Outagamie  and  Shawano 
were  all  more  or  less  swept  by  this  besom  of  destruction  ;  but  in  Oconto  county,  and  for  some 
distance  into   Menomonee  county,  Michigan,  across  the   Menomonee  river,  on  the  west  shore  of 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  97 

the  bay  and  throughout  the  whole  length  and  breadth  of  the  peninsula, — that  is,  the  territory 
lying  between  the  bay  and  Lake  Michigan, — the  fires  were  the  most  devastating.  The  first  week 
in  October  passed  ;  then  came  an  actual  whirlwind  of  fire — ten  or  more  miles  in  width  and  of 
indefinite  length.  The  manner  of  its  progress  was  extraordinary.  It  destroyed  a  vast  amount  of 
property  and  many  lives.  It  has  been  described  as  a  tempestuous  sea  of  flame,  accompanied  by 
a  most  violent  hurricane,  which  multiplied  the  force  of  the  destructive  element.  Forests,  farm 
improvements  and  entire  villages  were  consumed.  Men,  women  and  children  perished — awfully 
perished.  Even  those  who  fled  and  sought  refuge  from  the  fire  in  cleared  fields,  in  swamps, 
lakes  and  rivers,  found,  many  of  them,  no  safety  there,  but  were  burned  to  death  or  died  of  suf- 
focation. 

This  dreadful  and  consuming  fire  was  heralded  by  a  sound  likened  to  that  of  a  railroad 
train  —  to  the  roar  of  a  waterfall- — to  the  noise  of  a  battle  at  a  distance.  Not  human  beings 
only,  but  horses,  oxen,  cows,  dogs,  swine —  every  thing  that  had  life  —  ran  to  escape  the  impend- 
ing destruction.  The  smoke  was  suffocating  and  blinding  ;  the  roar  of  the  tempest  deafening ; 
the  atmosphere  scorching.  Children  were  separated  from  their  parents,  and  trampled  upon  by 
crazed  beasts.  Husbands  and  wives  rushed  in  wild  dismay,  they  knew  not  where.  Death  rode 
triumphantly  upon  that  devastating,  fiery  flood.  More  than  one  thousand  men,  women  and 
children  perished.  More  than  three  thousand  were  rendered  destitute — utterly  beggared. 
Mothers  were  left  with  fatherless  children  ;  fathers  with  motherless  children.  Every  where  were 
homeless  orphans.  All  around  lay  suff"ering,  helpless  humanity,  burned  and  maimed.  Such  was 
the  sickening  spectacle  after  the  impetuous  and  irresistible  wave  of  fire  swept  over  that  portion 
of  the  State.  This  appalling  calamity  happened  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  October.  The  loss  of 
property  has  been  estimated  at  four  million  dollars. 

At  the  tidings  of  this  fearful  visitation.  Governor  Fairchild  hastened  to  the  burnt  district,  to 
assist,  as  much  as  was  in  his  power,  the  distressed  sufferers.  He  issued,  on  the  13th  of  the 
month,  a  stirring  appeal  to  the  citizens  of  Wisconsin,  for  aid.  It  was  promptly  responded  to 
from  all  portions  of  the  State  outside  the  devastated  region.  Liberal  contributions  in  money, 
clothing  and  provisions  were  sent  —  some  from  other  States,  and  even  from  foreign  countries. 
Northwestern  Wisconsin  also  suffered  severely,  during  these  months  of  drouth,  from  large  fires. 

A  compilation  of  the  public  statutes  of  Wisconsin  was  prepared  during  the  year  1871,  by 
David  Taylor,  and  published  in  two  volumes,  generally  known  as  the  Revised  Statutes  of  187 1. 
It  was  wholly  a  private  undertaking  ;  but  the  legislature  authorized  the  secretary  of  state  to 
purchase  five  hundred  copies  for  the  use  of  the  State,  at  its  regular  session  in  1872. 

Thirteenth  Administration.  —  C.  C.  Washburn,  Governor — 1872-1873. 

The  thirteenth  gubernatorial  administration  in  Wisconsin  commenced  on  Monday,  January 
I,  1872.  The  only  changes  made,  in  the  present  administration  from  the  previous  one,  were  in 
the  offices  of  governor  and  lieutenant  governor. 

The  twenty-fifth  regular  session  of  the  legislature  began  on  the  loth  of  January,  with  a 
republican  majority  in  both  houses.  Daniel  Hall  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  The 
next  day  the  governor  delivered  to  a  joint  convention  of  the  legislature  his  first  annual  message 
—  a  lengthy  document,  setting  forth  in  detail  the  general  condition  of  State  affairs.  The  recent 
great  conflagrations  were  referred  to,  and  relief  suggested.  The  work  of  this  session  of  the  Leg- 
islature was  peculiarly  difficult,  owing  to  the  many  general  laws  which  the  last  constitutional 
amendment  made  necessary.  The  apportionment  of  the  State  into  new  congressional  districts 
was  another  perplexing  and  onerous  task.  Eight  districts  were  formed  instead  of  six,  as  at  the 
commencement  of  the  last  decade.     By  this,  the  fourth  congressional  apportionment,  each  district 


98  IirSTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

elects  one  member.  The  first  district  consists  of  the  counties  of  Rock,  Racme,  Kenosha,  Wal- 
worth, and  Waukesha;  the  second,  of  Jefferson,  Dane,  Sauk,  and  Columbia;  the  thirds  of  Grant, 
Iowa,  LaFayette,  Green,  Richland,  and  Crawford  ;  the  fourth,  of  Milwaukee,  Ozaukee,  and  Wash- 
ington ;  the  fifth,  of  Dodge,  Fond  du  Lac,  Sheboygan  and  Manitowoc;  the  sixth,  of  Green  Lake, 
Waushara,  Waupaca,  Outagamie,  Winnebago,  Calumet,  Brown,  Kewaunee  and  Door ;  the  sev- 
enth, of  Vernon,  La  Crosse,  Monroe,  Jackson,  Trempealeau,  Buffalo,  Pepin,  Pierce,  St.  Croix,  Eau 
Claire,  and  Clark ;  the  eighth,  of  Oconto,  Shawano,  Portage,  Wood,  Juneau,  Adams,  Marquette, 
Marathon,  Dunn,  Chippewa,  Barron,  Polk,  Burnett,  Bayfield,  Douglas,  and  Ashland.  To  this 
district  have  since  been  added  the  new  counties  of  Lincoln,  Taylor,  Price,  Marinette  and  New. 

After  a  session  of  seventy-seven  days,  the  legislature  finished  its  work,  adjourning  on  the 
twenty-seventh  of  March.  At  the  ensuing  November  election,  the  republican  ticket  for  presi- 
dent and  vice  president  of  the  United  States  was  successful.  The  ten  electors  chosen  cast  their 
votes  in  the  electoral  college  for  Grant  and  Wilson.  In  the  eight  congressional  districts,  six 
republicans  and  two  democrats  were  elected  to  the  forty-third  congress ;  the  last  mentioned 
from  the  fourth  and  fifth  districts.  C.  G.  Williams  represented  the  first  district;  G.  W.  Hazel- 
ton  the  second;  J.  Allen  Barber  the  third;  Alexander  Mitchell  the  fourth;  C.  A.  Eldredge  the 
fifth  ;  Philetus  Sawyer  the  sixth  ;  J.  M.  Rusk  the  seventh  ;  and  A.  G.  McDill  the  eighth  district. 

Throughout  Wisconsin,  as  in  all  portions  of  the  Union  outside  the  State,  a  singular  pesti- 
lence prevailed  among  horses  in  the  months  of  November  and  December,  1872,  very  few  escap- 
ing. Horses  kept  in  warm,  well  ventilated  stables,  avoiding  currents  of  air,  with  little  or  no 
medicine,  and  fed  upon  nutritious  and  laxative  food,  soon  recovered.  Although  but  few  died, 
yet  the  loss  to  the  State  was  considerable,  especially  in  villages  and  cities,  resulting  from  the  diffi- 
culty to  substitute  other  animals  in  the  place  of  the  horse  during  the  continuance  of  the  disease. 

The  twenty-sixth  regular  session  of  the  State  legislature  commenced  on  the  eighth  day  of 
January,  1873,  with  a  republican  majority  in  both  houses.  Henry  D.  Barron  was  elected 
speaker  of  the  assembly.  On  the  ninth,  Governor  Washburn's  message  —  his  second  annual 
one  —  was  delivered  to  the  two  houses.  It  opened  with  a  brief  reference  to  the  abundant  returns 
from  agricultural  pursuits,  to  the  developments  of  the  industries  of  the  state,  to  the  advance  in 
manufacturing,  to  the  rapid  extension  in  railways,  and  to  the  general  and  satisfactory  progress  in 
education,  throughout  Wisconsin.  He  followed  with  several  recommendations- — claiming  that 
"many  vast  and  overshadowing  corporations  in  the  United  States  are  justly  a  source  of  alarm," 
and  that  "  the  legislature  can  not  scan  too  closely  every  measure  that  should  come  before  it 
which  proposed  to  give  additional  rights  and  privileges  to  the  railways  of  the  state."  He  also 
recommended  that  the  "  granting  of  passes  to  the  class  of  state  officials  who,  through  their  public 
office,  have  power  to  confer  or  withhold  benefits  to  a  railroad  company,  be  prohibited."  The 
message  was  favorably  commented  upon  by  the  press  of  the  state,  of  all  parties.  "  If  Governor 
Washburn,"  says  one  of  the  opposition  papers  of  his  administration,  "  is  not  a  great  statesman, 
he  is  certainly  not  a  small  politician."  One  of  the  first  measures  of  this  legislature  was  the  elec- 
tion of  United  States  senator,  to  fill  the  place  of  Timothy  O.  Howe,  whose  term  of  office  weuld 
expire  on  the  fourth  of  March  next  ensuing  On  the  twenty-second  of  January  the  two  houses 
met  in  joint  convention,  when  it  was  announced  that  by  the  previous  action  of  the  senate  and 
assembly,  Timothy  O.  Howe  was  again  elected  to  that  office  for  the  term  of  six  years.  On  the 
twentieth  of  March,  the  legislature  adjourned  sine  die,  after  a  session  of  seventy-two  days. 

Milton  H.  Pettit:,  the  lieutenant  governor,  died  on  the  23d  day  of  March  following  the 
adjournment.  By  this  sudden  and  unexpected  death,  the  State  lost  an  upright  and  conscientious 
jniblic  officer. 


WISCOlSrSTN'   AS   A  STATE.  99 

Among  the  important  acts  passed  by  this  legislature  was  one  providing  for  a  geological  sur- 
vey of  the  State,  to  be  begun  in  Ashland  and  Douglas  counties,  and  completed  within  four  years, 
by  a  chief  geologist  and  four  assistants,  to  be  appointed  by  the  governor,  appropriating  for  the 
work  an  annual  payment  of  thirteen  thousand  dollars.  An  act  providing  for  a  geological  survey, 
of  the  State,  passed  by  the  legislature,  and  approved  March  25,  1853,  authorized  the  governor  to 
appoint  a  state  geologist,  who  was  to  select  a  suitable  person  as  assistant  geologist.  Their 
duties  were  to  make  a  geological  and  mineralogical  survey  of  the  State.  Under  this  law  Edward 
Daniels,  on  the  first  day  of  April,  1853,  was  appointed  state  geologist,  superseded  on  the  12th 
day  of  August,  1854,  by  James  G.  Percival,  who  died  in  office  on  the  2d  of  May,  1856,  at  Hazel 
Green.  By  an  act  approved  March  3,  1857,  James  Hall,  Ezra  Carr  and  Edward  Daniels  were 
appointed  by  the  legislature  geological  commissioners.  By  an  act  approved  April  2,  r86o.  Hall 
was  made  principal  of  the  commission.  The  survey  was  interrupted  by  a  repeal,  March  21, 1862, 
of  previous  laws  promoting  it.  However,  to  complete  the  survey,  the  matter  was  reinstated  by 
the  act  of  this  legislature,  approved  March  29,  the  governor,  under  that  act,  appointing  as  chief 
geologist  Increase  A.  Lapham,  April  10,  1873. 

Another  act  changed  the  management  of  the  state  prison  —  providing  for  the  appointment 
by  the  governor  of  three  directors;  one  for  two  years,  one  for  four  years,  and  one  for  six  years, 
in  place  of  a  state  prison  commissioner,  who  had  been  elected  by  the  people  every  two  years, 
along  with  other  officers  of  the  State. 

At  the  Spring  election,  Orsamus  Cole,  who  had  been  eighteen  years  upon  the  bench,  was 
re-elected,  without  opposition,  an  associate  justice  of  the  supreme  court,  for  a  term  of  six  years 
from  the  first  Monday  in  January  following.  The  two  tickets  in  the  field  at  the  Fall  election 
were  the  republican  and  the  people's  reform.  The  latter  was  successful ;  the  political  scepter 
passing  out  of  the  hands  of  the  republicans,  after  a  supremacy  in  the  State  continuing  unbroken 
since  the  beginning  of  the  seventh  administration,  when  A.  W.  Randall  (governor  for  a  second 
term)  and  the  residue  of  the  State  officers  were  elected  —  all  republicans. 

The  general  success  among  the  cultivators  of  the  soil  throughout  the  state  during  the  year, 
notwithstanding  "the  crisis,"  was  marked  and  satisfactory;  but  the  financial  disturbances  during 
the  latter  part  of  the  Fall  and  the  first  part  of  the  Winter,  resulted  in  a  general  depreciation  of 
prices. 

Fourteenth  Administration. — William  R.  Taylor,  Governor — 1874-75. 

The  fourteenth  administration  of  Wisconsin  commenced  at  noon  on  Monday,  the  fifth  day 
of  January,  1874,  by  the  inauguration  of  William  R.  Taylor  as  governor;  Charles  D.  Parker, 
lieutenant  governor;  Peter  Doyle,  secretary  of  state;  Ferdinand  Kuehn,  state  treasurer; 
A.  Scott  Sloan,  attorney  general;  Edward  Searing,  superintendent  of  public  instruction; 
and  Martin  J.  Argard,  state  commissioner  of  immigration.  These  officers  were  not 
elected  by  any  distinctive  political  party  as  such,  but  as  the  representatives  of  a  new 
political  organization,  including  "  all  Democrats,  Liberal  Republicans,  and  other  electors 
of  Wisconsin,  friendly  to  genuine  reform  through  equal  and  impartial  legislation,  honesty 
in  office,  and  rigid  economy  in  the  administration  of  affairs."  Among  the  marked  characteristics 
of  the  platform  agreed  upon  by  the  convention  nominating  the  above-mentioned  ticket  was  a 
declaration  by  the  members  that  they  would  "  vote  for  no  candidate  for  office  whose  nomination 
is  the  fruit  of  his  own  importunity,  or  of  a  corrupt  combination  among  partisan  leaders  ;" 
another,  "  that  the  sovereignty  of  the  State  over  corporations  of  its  own  creation  shall  be  sacredly 
respected,  to  the  full  extent  of  protecting  the  people  against  every  form  of  monopoly  or  extor- 
tion," not  denying,  however,  an  encouragement  to  wholesome  enterprise  on  the  part  of  aggre- 


100  HISTORY   or  WISCONSIN. 

gated  capital — this  "plank"  having  special  reference  to  a  long  series  of  alleged  grievances 
assumed  to  have  been  endured  by  the  people  on  account  of  discriminations  in  railroad  charges 
and  a  consequent  burdensome  taxation  upon  labor — especially  upon  the  agricultural  industry  of 
the  State. 

The  twenty-seventh  regular  session  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature  commenced  at  Madison  on 
the  fourteenth  of  January.  The  two  houses  were  politically  antagonistic  in  their  majorities ;  the 
senate  was  republican,  while  the  assembly  had  a  "reform"  majority.  In  the  latter  branch, 
Gabriel  Bouck  was  elected  speaker.  Governor  Taylor,  on  the  fifteenth,  met  the  legislature  in 
joint  convention  and  delivered  his  message.  "  An  era,"  said  he,  "of  apparent  prosperity  without 
parallel  in  the  previous  history  of  the  nation,  has  been  succeeded  by  financial  reverses  affecting 
all  classes  of  industry,  and  largely  modifying  the  standard  of  values."  "Accompanying  these 
financial  disturbances,"  added  the  governor,  "  has  come  an  imperative  demand  from  the  people 
for  a  purer  political  morality,  a  more  equitable  apportionment  of  the  burdens  and  blessings  of 
government,  and  a  more  rigid  economy  in  the  administration  of  public  affairs." 

Among  the  important  acts  passed  by  this  legislature  was  one  generally  known  as  the 
"  Potter  Law,"  from  the  circumstance  of  the  bill  being  introduced  by  Robert  L.  D.  Potter,  sen- 
ator, representing  the  twenty-fifth  senatorial  district  of  the  state.  The  railroad  companies  for 
a  number  of  years  had,  as  before  intimated,  been  complained  of  by  the  people,  who  charged  them 
with  unjust  discriminations  and  e.xorbitantly  high  rates  for  the  transportation  of  passengers  and 
merchandize.  All  the  railroad  charters  were  granted  by  acts  at  different  times  of  the  State  leg- 
islature, under  the  constitution  which  declares  that  "  corporations  may  be  formed  under  general 
laws,  but  shall  not  be  created  by  a  special  act,  exeept  for  municipal  purposes  and  in  cases 
where,  in  the  judgment  of  the  legislature,  the  objects  of  the  corporations  can  not  be  attained 
under  general  laws.  All  general  laws,  or  special  acts,  enacted  under  the  provisions  of  this 
section,  may  be  altered  or  repealed  by  the  legislature  at  any  time  after  their  passage."  The 
complaints  of  the  people  seem  to  have  remained  unheeded,  resulting  in  the  passage  of  the 
"Potter  Law."  This  law  limited  the  compensation  for  the  transportation  of  passengers,  classi- 
fied freight,  and  regulated  prices  for  its  transportation  within  the  State.  It  also  required  the 
governor  on  or  before  the  first  of  May,  1874,  by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  senate,  to  appoint 
three  railroad  commissioners ;  one  for  one  year,  one  for  two  years,  and  one  for  three  years, 
whose  terms  of  office  should  commence  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  May,  and  that  the  governor, 
thereafter,  on  the  first  day  of  May,  of  each  year,  should  appoint  one  commissioner  for  three 
years.  Under  this  law,  the  governor  appointed  J.  H.  Osborn,  for  three  years;  George  H.  Paul, 
for  two  years  ;  and  J.  W.  Hoyt,  for  one  year.  Under  executive  direction,  this  commission  inau- 
gurated its  labors  by  compiling,  classifying,  and  putting  into  convenient  form  for  public  use  for 
the  first  time,  all  the  railroad  legislation  of  the  State. 

At  the  outset  the  two  chief  railroad  corporations  of  the  State — the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and 
St.  Paul,  and  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern — served  formal  notice  upon  the  governor  of  Wis- 
consin that  they  would  not  respect  the  provisions  of  the  new  railroad  law.  Under  his  oath  of 
office,  to  support  the  constitution  of  the  State,  it  was  the  duty  of  Governor  Taylor  to  expedite 
all  such  measures  as  should  be  resolved  upon  by  the  legislature,  and  to  take  care  that  the  laws 
be  faithfully  executed.  No  alternative,  therefore,  was  le*'t  the  chief  executive  but  to  enforce  the 
law  by  all  the  means  placed  in  his  hands  for  that  purpose.  He  promptly  responded  to  the  noti- 
fication of  the  railroad  companies  by  a  proclamation,  dated  May  i,  1874,  in  which  he  enjoined 
compliance  with  the  statute,  declaring  that  all  the  functions  of  his  office  would  be  exercised  in 
faithfully  executing  the  laws,  and  invoking  the  aid  of  all  good  citizens  thereto.  "  The  law  of  the 
land,"  said  Governor  Taylor,  "must  be  respected  and  obeyed."     "  While  none,"  continued  he, 


WISCONSIN   AS   A  STATE.  101 

"  are  so  weak  as  to  be  without  its  protection,  none  are  so  strong  as  to  be  above  its  restraints.  If 
provisions  of  the  law  be  deemed  oppressive,  resistance  to  its  mandates  will  not  abate,  but  rather 
multiply  the  anticipated  evils."  '"It  is  the  right,"  he  added,  ''of  all  to  test  its  validity  through 
the  constituted  channels,  but  with  that  right  is  coupled  the  duty  of  yielding  a  general  obedience 
to  its  requirements  until  it  has  been  pronounced  invalid  by  competent  authority," 

The  railroad  companies  claimed  not  merely  the  unconstitutionality  of  the  law,  but  that  its 
enforcement  would  bankrupt  the  companies,  and  suspend  the  operation  of  their  lines.  The 
governor,  in  reply,  pleaded  the  inviolability  of  his  oath  of  office  and  his  pledged  faith  to  the  people. 
The  result  was  an  appeal  to  the  courts,  in  which  the  State,  under  the  direction  of  its  governor, 
was  compelled  to  confront  an  array  of  the  most  formidable  legal  talent  of  the  country.  Upon 
the  result  in  Wisconsin  depended  the  vitality  of  much  similar  legislation  in  neighboring  Slates, 
and  Governor  Taylor  and  his  associate  representatives  of  State  authority  were  thus  compelled 
to  bear  the  brunt  of  a  controversy  of  national  extent  and  consequence.  The  contention  extended 
both  to  State  and  United  States  courts,  the  main  question  involved  being  the  constitutional 
power  of  the  State  over  corporations  of  its  own  creation.  In  all  respects,  the  Siate  was  fully 
sustained  in  its  position,  and,  ultimately,  judgments  were  rendered  against  the  corporations  in 
all  the  State  and  federal  courts,  including  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States,  and  estab- 
lishing finally  the  complete  and  absolute  power  of  the  people,  through  the  legislature,  to  modify 
or  altogether  repeal  the  charters  of  corporations. 

Another  act  of  the  session  of  1874  abolished  the  office  of  State  commissioner  of  immigra- 
tion, "on  and  after  "  the  first  Monday  of  January,  1876.  The  legislature  adjourned  on  the 
twelfth  of  March,  1874,  after  a  session  of  fifty-eight  days. 

The  office  of  state  prison  commissioner  having,  by  operation  of  law,  become  vacant  on  the 
fifth  day  of  January,  1874,  the  governor,  on  the  twenty-third  of  that  month,  appointed  for  State 
prison  directors,  Joel  Rich,  for  twj  years;  William  E.  Smith,  for  four  years;  and  Nelson  Dewey, 
for  six  years:   these  to  take  the  place  of  that  officer. 

On  the  sixteenth  of  June,  Chief  Justice  Dixon,  whose  term  of  office  would  have  expired  on 
the  first  Monday  in  January,  1876,  resigned. his  seat  upon  the  bench  of  the  supreme  court, 
Governor  Taylor  appointing  Edward  G.  Ryan  in  his  place  until  his  successor  should  be  elected 
and  qualified.  At  the  November  election  of  this  year,  the  members  chosen  to  the  forty-fourth 
congress  were  —  Charles  G.  Williams,  from  the  first  district;  Lucian  B.  Caswell,  from  the 
second;  Henry  S.  Magoon,  from  the  third ;  William  Pitt  Lynde,  from  the  fourth;  Samuel  D. 
Burchard,  from  the  fifth;  A.  M.  Kimball,  from  the  sixth;  Jeremiah  M.  Rusk,  from  the  seventh, 
and  George  W.  Cate,  from  the  eighth  district.  Lynde,  Burchard  and  Cate  were  "  reform  ;  "  the 
residue  were  republican. 

At  the  same  election,  an  amendment  to  section  3  of  article  11  of  the  constitution  of  the 
State  was  duly  ratified  and  adopted  by  the  people.  Under  this  section,  as  it  now  stands,  it  is 
the  duty  of  the  legislature,  and  they  are  by  it  empowered,  to  provide  for  the  organization  of 
cities  and  incorporated  villages,  and  to  restrict  their  power  of  taxation,  assessment,  borrowing 
money,  contracting  debts,  and  loaning  their  credit,  so  as  to  prevent  abuses  in  assessments  and 
taxation,  and  in  contracting  debts,  by  such  municipal  corporations.  No  county,  city,  town, 
village,  school  district,  or  other  municipal  corporation,  shall  be  allowed  to  become  indebted  in 
any  manner,  or  for  any  purpose,  to  any  amount,  including  existing  indebtedness  in  the  aggregate, 
exceeding  five  per  centum  on  the  value  of  the  taxable  property  therein,  to  be  ascertained  by  the 
last  assessment  for  State  and  county  taxes  previous  to  the  incurring  of  such  indebtedness.  Any 
county,  city,  town,  village,  school  district,  or  other  municipal  corporation,  incurring  any  indebt- 
edness as  aforesaid,  shall,  before,  or  at  the  time  of  doing  so,  provide  for  the  collection  of  a  direct 


102  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

annual  tax  sufficient  to  pay  fhe  interest  on  such  debt  as  it  falls  due,  and  also  to  pay  and  discharge 
the  principal  thereof  within  twenty  years  from  the  time  of  contracting  the  same. 

In  1872,  the  first  appropriation  for  fish  culture  in  Wisconsin  was  made  by  the  legislature, 
subject  to  the  direction  of  the  United  States  commissioner  of  fisheries.  In  1874,  a  further  sum 
was  appropriated,  and  the  governor  of  the  State  authorized  to  appoint  three  commissioners, 
whose  duties  were,  upon  receiving  any  spawn  or  fish,  by  or  through  the  United  States  commis- 
sioner of  fish  and  fisheries,  to  immediately  place  such  spawn  in  the  care  of  responsible  pisci- 
culturists of  the  State,  to  be  hatched  and  distributed  in  the  different  waters  in  and  surrounding 
Wisconsin.  Two  more  members  have  since  been  added  by  law  to  the  commission ;  their  labors 
have  been  much  extended,  and  liberal  appropriations  made  to  further  the  object  they  have  in 
view — with  flattering  prospects  of  their  finally  being  able  to  stock  the  streams  and  lakes  of  the 
State  with  the  best  varieties  of  food  fish. 

The  year  1874,  in  Wisconsin,  was  characterized  as  one  of  general  prosperity  among  farmers, 
excepting  the  growers  of  wheat.  The  crop  of  that  cereal  was  light,  and,  in  places,  entirely 
destroyed  by  the  chinch-bug.  As  a  consequence,  considerable  depression  e.xisted  in  business  in 
the  wheat-growing  districts.  Trade  and  commerce  continued  throughout  the  year  at  a  low  ebb, 
the  direct  result  of  the  monetary  crisis  of  1873. 

The  legislature  commenced  its  twenty-eighth  regular  session  on  the  thirteenth  of  January, 
1875,  with  a  republican  majority  in  both  houses.  F.  W.  Horn  was  elected  speaker  of  the 
assembly.  The  governor  delivered  his  message  in  person,  on  the  fourteenth,  to  the  two  houses. 
"  Thanking  God  for  all  His  mercies,"  are  his  opening  words,  "  I  congratulate  you  that  order  and 
peace  reign  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  our  State.  Our  material  prosperity  has  not 
fulfilled  our  anticipations  But  let  us  remember  that  we  bear  no  burden  of  financial  depression 
not  common  to  all  the  States,  and  that  the  penalties  of  folly  are  the  foundation  of  wisdom."  In 
regard  to  the  "  Potter  Law,"  the  governor  said,  "  It  is  not  my  opinion  that  this  law  expressed  the 
best  judgment  of  the  legislature  which  enacted  it.  While  the  general  principles  upon  which  it 
is  founded  command  our  unqualified  approbation,  and  can  never  be  surrendered,  it  must  be 

conceded  that  the  law  is  defective  in  some  of  its  details The  great  object  sought  to  be 

accomplished  by  our  people," continued  the  speaker,  "is  not  the  management  of  railroad  property 
by  themselves,  but  to  prevent  its  mismanagement  by  others."  Concerning  the  charge  that 
Wisconsin  was  warring  upon  railways  within  her  limits,  the  governor  added,  "  She  has  never 
proposed  such  a  war.  She  proposes  none  now.  She  asks  only  honesty,  justice  and  the  peace  of 
mutual  good  will.  To  all  men  concerned,  her  people  say  in  sincerity  and  in  truth  that  every 
dollar  invested  in  our  State  shall  be  lawfully  entitled  to  its  just  protection,  whencesoever  the 
danger  comes.  In  demanding  justice  for  all,  the  State  will  deny  justice  to  none.  In  forbidding 
mismanagement,  the  State  will  impose  no  restraints  upon  any  management  that  is  hjnest  and 
just.  In  this,  the  moral  and  hereditary  instincts  of  our  people  furnish  a  stronger  bond  of  good 
faith  than  the  judgments  of  courts  or  the  obligations  of  paper  constitutions.  Honest  capital 
may  be  timid  and  easily  frightened;  yet  it  is  more  certain  to  seek  investment  among  a  people 
whose  laws  are  at  all  times  a  shield  for  the  weak  and  a  reliance  for  the  strong  —  where  the 
wholesome  restnints  of  judicious  legislation  are  felt  alike  by  the  exalted  and  the  humble,  the 
rich  and  the  poor." 

The  first  important  business  to  be  transacted  by  this  legislature  was  the  election  of  a  United 
States  senator,  as  the  term  for  which  M.  H  Carpenter  had  been  elected  would  expire  on  the 
fourth  of  March  ensuing.  Much  interest  was  manifested  in  the  matter,  not  only  in  the  two 
houses,  but  throughout  the  State.     There  was  an  especial  reason  for  this;  for,  although  the  then 


"WISCONSIN   AS  A  STATE.  103 

incumbent  was  a  candidate  for  re-election,  with  a  republican  majority  in  the  legislature,  yet  it 
was  well  known  that  enough  members  of  that  party  were  pledged,  before  the  commencement  of 
the  session,  to  vote  against  him,  to  secure  his  defeat,  should  they  stand  firm  to  their  pledges. 
The  republicans  met  in  caucus  and  nominated  Carpenter  for  re-election;  but  the  recalcitrant 
members  held  themselves  aloof.  Now,  according  to  usual  precedents,  a  nomination  by  the  domi- 
nant party  was  equivalent  to  an  election;  not  so,  however,  in  this  case,  notwithstanding  the  friends 
of  the  nominee  felt  sanguine  of  his  election  in  the  end.  The  result  of  the  first  ballot,  on  the 
twenty-sixth  of  January,  was,  in  the  senate,  thirteen  for  the  republican  candidate ;  in  the 
assembly,  forty-six  votes,  an  aggregate  of  only  fifty-nine.  He  lacked  four  votes  in  the  assembly 
and  an  equal  number  in  the  senate,  of  having  a  majority  i.i  each  house.  On  the  twenty-seventh, 
the  two  houses,  in  joint  convention,  h.iving  met  to  compare  the  record  of  the  voting  the  day 
previous,  and  it  appearing  that  no  one  person  had  received  a  majority  of  the  votes  in  each  house 
for  United  States  senator,  they  proceeded  to  their  first  joint  ballot.  The  result  was,  no  election. 
The  balloting  was  continued  each  day,  until  the  third  of  February,  when,  on  the  eleventh  joint 
trial,  Angus  Cameron,  of  LaCJrosse,  having  received  sitxty-eight  votes,  to  Carpenter's  fifty-nine, 
with  five  scattering,  was  declared  elected. 

As  in  the  previous  session  so  in  this, — one  of  the  most  absorbing  subjects  before  the  legisla- 
ture was  that  of  railroads;  the  "  Potter  Law"  receiving  a  due  share  of  attention  in  both  houses. 
The  result  was  an  amendment  in  some  important  particulars  without  changing  the  right  of  State 
control :  rates  were  modified.  The  law  as  amended  was  more  favorable  to  the  railroad  compa- 
nies and  was  regarded  as  a  compromise.  The  legislature  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  6th  of  March. 
This  was  the  shortest  session  ever  held  in  the  State  except  one  of  twenty-five  years  previous. 

On  the  i6th  of  February,  O.  W.  Wight  was  appomted  by  the  governor  chief  geologist  of 
Wisconsin,  in  place  of  I.  A.  Lapham,  whose  appointment  had  not  been  acted  upon  by  the  Senate. 
On  the  24th  of  the  same  month,  J.  \V.  Hoyt  was  appointed  railroad  commissioner  for  three 
years  from  the  first  day  of  May  following,  on  which  day  his  one-year  term  in  the  same  office  would 
expire.  At  the  regular  Spring  election  on  the  6th  of  April  following,  Edward  G.  Ryan  was 
elected,  without  opposition,  chief  justice  of  the  supreme  court  for  the  unexpired  term  of  Chief 
Justice  Dixon,  ending  the  first  Monday  in  January,  1876,  and  for  a  full  term  of  six  years  from 
the  last  mentioned  date;  so  that  his  present  term  of  office  will  expire  on  the  1st  Monday  in  Jan- 
uary, 1882.  An  act  providing  for  taking  the  census  of  Wisconsin  on  or  before  the  ist  of  July, 
1875,  was  passed  by  the  legislature  and  approved  the  4th  of  March  pievious.  It  required  an 
enumeration  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  State  except  Indians,  who  were  not  entitled  to  the  right 
of  suffrage.  The  result  of  this  enumeration  gave  a  total  population  to  Wisconsin  of  one  million 
two  hundred  and  thirty-six  thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty-nine. 

At  the  November  election,  republican  and  "  reform  '  tickets  were  in  the  field  for  State 
officers,  resulting  in  the  success  of  the  latter,  except  as  to  governor.  For  this  office  Harrison 
Ludington  was  chosen  by  a  majority,  according  to  the  State  board  of  canvassers,  over  William 
R.  Taylor,  of  eight  hundred  and  forty-one.  The  rest  of  the  candidates  elected  were :  Charles 
D.  Parker,  lieutenant  governor;  Petei  Doyle,  secretary  of  state,  Ferdinand  Kuehn,  treasurer 
of  state,  A.  Scott  Sloan,  attorney  general;  and  Edward  Searing,  superintendent  of  public 
instruction.  The  act  abolishing  the  office  of  state  commissionei  of  immigration  was  to  take 
effect  "on  and  after"  the  close  of  this  administration;  so,  01  course,  no  person  was  voted  for  to 
fill  that  position  at  the  Fall  election  of  1S75. 

During  this  administration  the  principle  involved  in  -a  long-pending  controversy  between  the 
State  and  Minnesota  relating  to  valuable  harbor  privileges  at  the  head  of  Lake  Superior,  was  suc- 
cessfully and  finally  settled  in  favor  of  Wisconsin.     The  influence  of  the  executive  was  largely 


104  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN". 

instrumental  in  initiating  a  movement  which  resulted  in  securing  congressional  appropriaiions 
amounting  to  $800,000  to  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  river  improvement.  A  change  was  inaugu- 
rated in  the  whole  system  of  timber  agencies  over  State  and  railroad  lands,  by  which  the  duties  of 
agents  were  localized,  and  efficiency  was  so  well  established  that  many  important  trespasses  were 
brought  to  light  from  which  over  $60,000  in  penalties  was  collected  and  paid  into  the  Treasury, 
while  as  much  more  was  subsequently  realized  from  settlements  agreed  upon  and  proceedings 
instituted.  By  decisive  action  on  the  part  of  the  governor  an  unsettled  printing  claim  of  nearly 
a  hundred  thousand  dollars  was  met  and  defeated  in  the  courts.  During  this  period  also  appro- 
priations were  cut  down,  and  the  rate  of  taxation  diminished.  Governor  Taylor  bestowed  unre- 
mitting personal  attention  to  details  of  business  with  a  view  of  promoting  the  public  interests 
with  strict  economy,  while  his  countenance  and  support  was  extended  to  all  legitimate  enter- 
prises. He  required  the  Wisconsin  Central  railroad  company  to  give  substantial  assurance  that 
it  would  construct  a  branch  line  from  Stevens  Point  to  Portage  City  as  contemplated  by  congress, 
before  issuing  certificates  for  its  land  grants. 

The  closing  year  of  the  century  of  our  national  existence — 1S75,  was  one  somewhat  discour- 
aging to  certain  branches  of  the  agricultural  interests  of  Wisconsin.  The  previous  Winter  had 
been  an  unusually  severe  one.  A  greater  breadth  of  corn  was  planted  than  in  any  previous  year 
in  the  State,  but  the  unusually  late  season,  followed  by  frosts  in  August  and  September,  entirely 
ruined  thousands  of  acres  of  that  staple. 

Fifteenth  Administration. — ^Harrison  Ludington,  Covernor— 1876-1877. 

The  fifteenth  administration  of  Wisconsin  commenced  at  noon  on  Monday,  January  3,  1876, 
by  the  inauguration  of  State  officers — Harrison  Ludington,  as  previously  stated,  having  been 
elected  upon  the  republican  ticket,  to  fill  the  chief  executive  office  of  the  State  ;  the  others,  to 
the  residue  of  the  offices,  upon  the  democratic  reform  ticket :  the  governor,  like  three  of  his 
predecessors — Farwell,  Bashford,  and  Randall  (first  term) — having  been  chosen  by  a  majority 
less  than  one  thousand  ;  and,  like  two  of  his  predecessors — Farwell  and  Bashford — when  all  the 
other  State  officers  differed  with  him  in  politics. 

The  twenty-ninth  regular  session  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  began  on  the  12th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1876,  at  Madison.  The  republicans  were  in  the  majority  in  both  houses.  Samuel  S. 
Fifield  was  elected  speaker  of  the  assembly.  On  the  13th,  Governor  Ludington  delivered  in 
person,  to  a  joint  convention  of  that  body,  his  message,  communicating  the  condition  of  affairs  of 
the  State,  and  recommending  such  matters  for  the  consideration  of  the  legislators  as  were  thought 
expedient :  it  was  brief;  its  style  condensed  ;  its  striking  peculiarity,  a  manly  frankness.  "  It  is 
not  the  part  of  wisdom,"  said  he,  in  his  concluding  remarks,  "to  disguise  the  fact  that  the  people 
of  this  State,  in  common  with  those  of  all  sections  of  the  Union,  have  suffered  some  abatement  of 
the  prosperity  that  they  have  enjoyed  in  the  past.''  "We  have  entered,"  he  continued,  "upon 
the  centennial  of  our  existence  as  an  independent  nation.  It  is  fit  that  we  should  renew  the  spirit 
in  which  the  Republic  had  its  birth,  and  our  determination  that  it  shall  endure  to  fulfill  the  great 
purposes  of  its  existence,  and  to  justify  the  noble  sacrifices  of  its  founders."  The  legislature 
adjourned  .f/«f  <//V  on  the  14th  of  March,  1876,  after  a  session  of  sixty-three  days.  The  chief 
measures  of  the  session  were;  The  amendment  of  the  railroad  laws,  maintaining  salutary  restric- 
tions while  modifying  those  features  which  were  crippling  and  crushing  an  important  interest  of 
the  State  ;  and  the  apportionment  of  the  State  into  senate  and  assembly  districts.  It  is  a  pro- 
vision of  the  constitution  of  the  State  that  the  number  of  the  members  of  the  assembly  shall 
never  be  less  than  fifty-four,  nor  more  than  one  hundred  ;  and  that  the  senate  shall  consist  of  a 
number  not  more  than  one-third  nor  less  than  one-fourth  of  the  number  of  the  members  of  the 


WfSCONSIN  AS  A   STATE.  ,  105 

assembly.  Since  the  year  1862,  the  aggregate  allotted  to  both  houses  had  been  one  hundred  and 
thirty-three,  the  maximum  allowed  by  the  constitution ;  one  hundred  in  the  assembly  and  thirty- 
three  in  the  senate.  The  number  of  this  representation  was  not  diminished  by  the  apportion- 
ment of  1876.  One  of  the  railroad  laws  abolished  the  board  of  railroad  commissioners,  confer- 
ring its  duties  upon  a  railroad  commissioner  to  be  appointed  by  the  governor  every  two  years. 
Under  this  law.  DanaC.  J^amb  was  appointed  to  that  office,  on  the  loth  of  March,  1876.  On  the 
2d  day  of  February,  previous,  George  W.  Burchard  was  by  the  governor  appointed  state  prison 
director  for  six  years,  in  place  of  Joel  Rich,  whose  term  of  office  had  expired.  On  the  same  day 
T.  C.    Chamberlin   was  appointed  chief  geologist  of  Wisconsin  in  place  of  O.  W.  Wight. 

The  application  of  Miss  Lavinia  Goodell,  for  admission  to  the  bar  of  Wisconsin,  was 
rejected  by  the  supreme  court  of  the  State,  at  its  January  term,  1876.  "We  can  not  but  think," 
iaid  Chief  Justice  Ryan,  in  the  decree  of  refusal,  "  we  can  not  but  think  the  common  law  wise 
in  e.xcluding  women  from  the  profession  of  the  law."  "The  profession,"  he  added,  "enters 
largely  into  the  well-being  of  society,  and,  to  be  honorably  filled,,  and  safely  to  society,  exacts 
the  devotion  of  life.  The  law  of  nature  destines  and  qualifies  the  female  sex  for  the  bearing 
and  nurture  of  the  children  of  our  race,  and  for  the  custody  of  the  homes  of  the  world,  and 
their  maintenance  in  love  and  honor.  And  all  life-long  callings  of  women  inconsistent  with 
these  radical  and  social  duties  of  their  sex,  as  is  the  profession  of  the  law,  are  departures  from 
the  order  of  Nature,  and,  when  voluntary,  are  treason  against  it."  By  a  law  since  passed,  no 
person  can  be  denied  admission  to  any  court  in  the  State  on  account  of  sex  j  and  Miss  Goodell 
has  been  admitted  to  practice  in  the  Supreme  Court. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  approved  March  13,  1876,  a  State  board  of  health  was  estab- 
lished, the  appointment  of  a  superintendent  of  vital  statistics,  was  provided  for,  and  certain 
duties  were  assigned  to  local  boards  of  health.  The  State  board  was  organized  soon  after; 
the  governor  having  previously  appointed  seven  persons  as  its  members.  The  object  of  the 
organization,  which  is  supported  by  the  State,  is,  to  educate  the  people  of  Wisconsin  into  a  better 
knowledge  of  the  nature  and  causes  of  disease,  and  a  better  knowledge  and  observance  of 
hygienic  laws. 

By  a  law  passed  in  1868,  as  amended  in  1870  and  1873,  the  secretary  of  state,  state 
treasurer,  and  attorney  general,  were  constituted  a  State  board  of  assessment,  to  meet  in  the 
city  of  Madison,  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  May,  1874,  and  biennally  thereafter,  to  make  an 
equalized  valuation  of  the  property  in  the  State,  as  a  guide  to  assessment  for  taxation.  In  the 
tables  of  equalized  valuations  compiled  by  this  board  in  1876,  the  whole  amount  of  taxable 
property  in  Wisconsin,  is  set  down  at  $423,596,290  ;  of  which  sum  $337,073,148,  represents  real 
estate  and  $86,523,142  personal  property. 

This  being  the  year  for  the  election  of  president  and  vice  president  of  the  United  States, 
the  two  political  parties  in  Wisconsin — republican  and  democratic — had  tickets  in  the  field. 
At  the  election  on  Tuesday,  November  7,  the  republican  presidential  electors  received  a 
majority  of  the  votei  cast  in  the  State,  securing  Wisconsin  for  Hayes  and  Wheeler.  The  eight 
congressional  districts  elected  the  same  day  their  members  to  the  forty-fifth  congress,  whose 
terms  of  office  would  expire  on  the  4th  of  March,  1879.  Charles  G.  Williams  was  elected  in  the 
first  district;  Lucien  B.  Caswell,  in  the  second;  George  C.  Hazelton,  in  the  third;  William  P. 
Lynde,  in  the  fourth;  Edward  S.  Bragg,  in  the  fifth;  Gabriel  Bouck,  in  the  sixth;  H.  L. 
Humphrey,  in  the  seventh ;  and  Thad.  C.  Pound,  in  the  eighth  district.  A  majority  of  the 
delegation  was  republican,  the  representatives  from  the  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth  districts  only,  being 
democrats. 


106 


HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN'. 


There  was  a  general  and  spontaneous  exhibition  of  patriotic  impulses  throughout  the  length 
and  breadth  of  Wisconsin,  on  the  part  of  both  native  and  foreign-born  citizens,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  centennial  year,  and  upon  the  fourth  of  July.  The  interest  of  the  people  of 
the  State  generally,  in  the  Exposition  at  Philadelphia,  was  manifested  in  a  somewhat  remarkable 
manner  from  its  inception  to  its  close.  By  an  act  of  congress,  approved  March  3,  187 1,  pro- 
vision was  made  for  celebrating  the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  American  Independence,  by 
holding  in  that  city,  in  1876,  an  exhibition  of  arts,  manufactures,  and  the  products  of  the  soil 
and  mines  of  the  country.  A  centennial  commission,  consisting  of  one  commissioner  and  one 
alternate  commissioner,  from  each  State  and  Territory,  was  authorized  to  be  appointed,  to  carry 
out  the  provisions  of  the  act.  David  Atwood,  as  commissioner,  and  E.  D.  Holton,  as  alternate, 
were  commissioned  by  the  president  of  the  United  States,  from  Wisconsin.  This  commission 
gradually  made  progress  in  preparing  for  an  international  exposition.  "  The  commission  has 
been  organized,"  said  Governor  Washburn,  in  his  message  to  the  legislature  in  January,  1873, 
"  and  has  made  considerable  progress  in  its  work.  The  occasion  will  be  one  to  which  I'hc 
American  people  can  not  fail  to  respond  in  the  most  enthusiastic  manner."  The  president  of 
the  United  States,  by  proclamation,  in  July,  1873,  announced  the  exhibition  and  national  celebra- 
tion, and  commended  them  to  the  people  of  the  Union,  and  of  all  nations.  "  It  seems  fitting," 
said  Governor  Taylor,  in  his  message  to  the  Wisconsin  legislature  in  1874,  "  that  such  a  cele- 
bration of  this  important  event,  should  be  held,  and  it  is  hoped  it  will  be  carried  out  in  a  manner 
worthy  of  a  great  and  enlightened  nation."  By  the  close  of  1874,  a  large  number  of  foreign 
governments  had  signified  their  intention  to  participate  in  the  exhibition. 

The  legislature  of  Wisconsin,  at  its  session  in  1875,  deeming  it  essential  that  the  State, 
with  its  vast  resources  in  agricultural,  mineral,  lumbering,  manufacturing,  and  other  products 
and  industries,  should  be  fully  represented  at  Philadelphia,  passed  an  act  which  was  approved 
March  3,  1875,  to  provide  for  a  "Board  of  State  Centennial  Managers."  Two  thousand  dollars 
were  appropriated  to  pay  its  necessary  expenses.  The  board  was  to  consist  of  five  members  to 
be  appointed  by  the  governor  ;  and  there  were  added  thereto,  as  ex-officio  members,  the  United 
States  centennial  commissioner  and  his  alternate.  The  duties  of  the  members  were  to  dis- 
seminate information  regarding  the  Exhibition;  to  secure  the  co-operation  of  mdustrial,  scien- 
tific, agricultural,  and  other  associations  in  tlie  State;  to  appoint  co-operative  local  committees, 
representing  the  different  industries  of  the  State  ;  to  stimulate  local  action  on  all  measures 
intended  to  render  the  exhibition  successful,  and  a  worthy  representation  of  the  industries  of 
the  country ;  to  encourage  the  production  of  articles  suitable  for  the  Exhibition ;  to  distribute 
documents  issued  by  the  centennial  commission  among  manufacturers  and  others  in  the  State  ; 
to  render  assistance  in  furthering  the  financial  and  other  interests  of  the  exhibition  ;  to  furnish 
information  to  the  commission  on  subjects  that  might  be  referred  to  the  board ;  to  care  for  the 
interests  of  the  State  and  of  its  citizens  in  matters  relating  to  the  exhibition  ;  to  receive  and 
pronounce  upon  applications  for  space  ;  to  apportion  the  space  placed  at  its  disposal  among  the 
exhibitors  from  the  State ;  and  to  supervise  such  other  details  relating  to  the  representation  of 
citizens  of  Wisconsin  in  the  Exhibition,  as  might  from  time  to  time  be  delegated  by  the  United 
States  centennial  commission. 

The  board  was  required  to  meet  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  April,  1875,  at  the  capitol,  in 
Madison,  to  organize  and  adopt  such  by-laws  and  regulations  as  might  be  deemed  necessary  for 
the  successful  prosecution  of  the  work  committed  to  their  charge  Governor  Taylor  appointed 
Eli  Stilson,  J.  I.  Case,  J.  B.  Parkinson,  T.  C.  Pound,  and  E.  A.  Calkins,  members  of  the  board. 
Its  organization  was  perfected,  at  the  appointed  time,  by  the  election  of  J.  B.  Parkinson  as  pre- 
sident, and  W.  W.  Field,  secretary.     The  ex-officio  members  of  the  board,  were  David  Atwood, 


WISCONSIN   AS   A   STATE.  lOT 

United  States  commissioner,  and  E.  D.  Helton,  alternate  From  this  time  forward,  the  board 
was  untiring  in  its  efforts  to  secure  a  full  and  proper  representation  of  the  varied  interests  of 
Wisconsin  in  the  centennial  exhibition  of  1876.  E.  A.  Calkins  having  resigned  his  position  as 
member  of  the  board,  Adolph  Meinecke  took  his  place  by  appointment  of  the  governor  July 
24,  1875.  Governor  Ludington,  in  his  message  to  the  legislature  in  January,  1876,  spoke  in 
commendation  of  the  coming  exhibition.  "The  occasion,"  said  he,  "will  afford  an  excellent 
opportunity  to  display  the  resources  and  products  of  the  State,  and  to  attract  hither  capital  and 
immigration." 

Soon  after  the  organization  of  the  United  States  centennial  commission,  a  national  organ- 
ization of  the  women  of  the  country  was  perfected.  A  lady  of  Philadelphia  was  placed  at  its 
head;  and  a  presiding  officer  from  each  State  was  appointed.  Mrs.  A.  C.  Thorp  assumed  the 
duties  of  chairman  for  Wisconsin,  in  March,  1875,  appointing  assistants  in  various  parts  of  the 
State,  when  active  work  was  commenced.  This  organization  was  efficient  in  Wisconsin  in 
arousing  an  interest  in  the  general  purposes  and  objects  of  the  exhibition. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  approved  March  3,  1876,  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars 
was  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  board  of  centennial  managers,  for  the  purpose  of  arranging 
for,  and  making  a  proper  exhibition  of,  the  products,  resources,  and  advantages  of  the  State  at 
the  exposition.  The  treasurer  of  Wisconsin  was,  by  this  act,  made  an  ex-officio  member  of  the 
board.  By  this  and  previous  action  of  the  legislature — by  efforts  put  forth  by  the  board  of 
managers — by  individual  enterprise — by  the  untiring  labors  of  the  "Women's  Centennial  Execu- 
tive Committee,"  to  whom,  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  approved  the  4th  of  March,  1875,  one 
thousand  dollars  were  appropriated — Wisconsin  was  enabled  to  take  a  proud  and  honorable 
position  in  the  Centennial  Exposition — a  gratification  not  only  to  the  thousands  of  her  citizens 
who  visited  Philadelphia  during  its  continuance,  but  to  the  people  generally,  throughout  the 
State. 

In  Wisconsin,  throughout  the  centennial  year,  those  engaged  in  the  various  branches  of 
agriculture  and  other  useful  avocations,  were  reasonably  prosperous.  The  crop  of  wheat  and 
oats  was  a  light  yield,  and  of  poor  quality ;  but  the  corn  crop  was  the  largest  ever  before  raised 
in  the  State,  and  of  superior  quality.  The  dairy  and  hog  product  was  large,  and  commanded 
remunerative  prices.  Fruits  were  unusually  plenty.  Trade  and  business  enterprises,  however, 
generally  remained  depressed. 

By  section  five  of  article  seven  of  the  constitution  of  Wisconsin,  the  counties  of  the  State 
were  apportioned  into  five  judicial  circuits  :  the  county  of  Richland  being  attached  to  Iowa, 
Chippewa  to  Crawford,  and  La  Pointe  to  St.  Croix.  In  1850,  the  fifth  circuit  was  divided,  and  a 
sixth  circuit  formed.  In  1864,  Crawford  and  Richland  were  made  part  of  the  fifth  circuit.  By 
an  act  which  took  effect  in  1854,  a  seventh  circuit  was  formed.  On  the  first  day  of  January, 
1855,  the  sixth  circuit  was  divided,  and  an  eighth  and  ninth  circuit  formed,  the  county  of 
Columbia  being  made  a  part  of  the  last  mentioned  one.  In  the  same  year  was  also  formed  a 
tenth  circuit;  and,  in  1858,  Winnebago  county  was  attached  to  it;  but,  in  1870,  that  county  was 
attached  to  the  third  circuit.  In  1858,  Kewaunee  county  was  attached  to  the  fourth  circuit. 
An  eleventh  circuit  was  formed  in  1864,  from  which,  in  1865,  Dallas  county  was  detached,  and 
made  part  of  the  eighth.  By  an  act  which  took  effect  on  the  first  day  of  January,  187 1,  the 
twelfth  circuit  was  formed.     In  1876,  a  thirteenth  circuit  was  "  constituted  and  re-organized." 

At  that  time,  the  whole  sixty  counties  of  the  State  stood  apportioned  in  the  thirteen  judicial 
circuits  as  follows:  First  circuit,  Walworth,  Racine,  and  Kenosha;  second  circuit,  Milwaukee, 
and  Waukesha;  third  circuit,  Green  Lake,  Dodge,  Washington,  Ozaukee,  and  Winnebago; 
fourth   circuit,   Sheboygan,  Calumet,   Kewaunee,   Fond   du   Lac,   and   Manitowoc ;  fifth   circuit. 


108  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

Grant,  Iowa,  La  Fayette,  Richland,  and  Crawford  ;  sixth  circuit,  Clark,  Jackson,  Monroe,  La 
Crosse,  and  Vernon;  seventh  circuit,  Portage,  Marathon,  Waupaca,  Wood,  Waushara,  Lincoln, 
and  Taylor;  eighth  circuit,  Dunn,  Pepin,  Pierce,  and  St.  Croix;  ninth  circuit,  Adams,  Columbia, 
Dane,  Juneau,  Sauk  and  Marquette ;  tenth  circuit,  Outagamie,  Oconto,  Shawano,  Door,  and 
Brown  eleventh  circuit,  Ashland,  Barron,  Bayfield,  Burnett,  Chippewa,  Douglas,  and  Polk ; 
twelfth  circuit,  Rock,  Green,  and  Jefferson;  and  the  thirteenth  circuit,  Buffalo,  Eau  Claire,  and 
Trempeleau,  Marinette  and  New  are  now  in  the  tenth  ;  Price  is  in  the  seventh  circuit. 

The  thirtieth  regular  session  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  commenced,  pursuant  to  law, 
on  the  loth  of  January,  1877.  The  republicans  had  working  majorities  in  both  houses.  J.  B. 
Cassoday  was  elected  Speaker  of  the  Assembly.  Governor  Ludington  delivered  his  message  to 
the  joint  convention  of  the  legislature  the  following  day.  "  We  should  not  seek,"  said  he,  in 
his  concluding  remarks,  "to  conceal  from  ourselves  the  fact  that  the  prosperity  which  our  people 
have  enjoyed  for  a  number  of  years  past,  has  suffered  some  interruption.  Agriculture  has  ren- 
dered less  return  ;  labor  in  all  departments  has  been  less  productive,  and  trade  has  consequently 
been  less  active,  and  has  realized  a  reduced  percentage  of  profit."  "  These  adverse  circum- 
stances," continued  the  governor,  "will  not  be  wholly  a  misfortune  if  we  heed  the  lesson  that 
they  convey.  This  lesson  is  the  necessity  of  strict  economy  in  public  and  private  affairs.  We 
have  been  living  upon  a  false  basis ;  and  the  time  has  now  come  when  we  must  return  to  a  solid 
foundation."  The  legislature  adjourned  sine  <&•  on  the  8th  of  March,  after  a  session  of  fifty- 
eight  days,  passing  three  hundred  and  one  acts — one  hundred  and  thirteen  less  than  at  the 
session  of  1876  The  most  important  of  these,  as  claimed  by  the  dominant  party  which  passed 
it,  is  one  for  the  maintenance  of  the  purity  of  the  ballot  box,  known  as  the  "  Registry  Law."  On 
the  3d  day  of  April,  at  the  regular  Spring  election,  William  P.  Lyon  was  re-elected,  without 
opposition,  an  associate  justice  of  the  supreme  court  for  six  years  from  the  first  Monday  in 
January,  1878,  his  term  of  office  expiring  on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  1884. 

Under  a  law  of  1876,  to  provide  for  the  revision  of  the  statutes  of  the  State,  the  justices  of 
the  supreme  court  were  authorized  to  appoint  three  revisors.  The  persons  receiving  the  appoint- 
ment were  David  Taylor,  William  F.  Vilas  and  J.  P.  C.  Cottrill.  By  an  amendatory  law  of  1877, 
for  the  purpose  of  having  the  revision  completed  for  the  session  of  1878,  the  justices  of  the 
supreme  court  were  authorized  to  appoint  two  additional  revisors,  and  assign  them  special  duties 
on  the  commission.  H.  S.  Orton  was  appointed  to  revise  the  criminal  law  and  proceedings,  and 
J.  H.  Carpenter  to  revise  the  probate  laws. 

Governor  Ludington  declined  being  a  candidate  for  renomination.  His  administration  was 
characterized  as  one  of  practical  efficiency.  As  the  chief  executive  officer  of  Wisconsin,  he  kept 
in  view  the  best  interests  of  the  State.  In  matters  coming  under  his  control,  a  rigid  system  of 
economy  prevailed. 

There  were  three  tickets  in  the  field  presented  to  the  electors  of  Wisconsin  for  their  suffrages 
at  the  general  election  lield  on  the  sixth  of  November,  1877  :  republican,  democratic,  and  the 
"greenback"  ticket.  The  republicans  were  successful,  electing  William  E.  Smith,  governor ; 
James  M.  Bingham,  lieutenant  governor;  Hans  B.  Warner,  secretary  of  state;  Richard  Guenther, 
treasurer;  Alexander  Wilson,  attorney  general ;  and  William  C.  Whitford,  state  superintendent 
of  public  instruction.  At  the  same  election  two  amendments  to  the  constitution  of  the  State 
were  voted  upon  and  both  adopted.  The  first  one  amends  section  four  of  article  seven ;  so  that, 
hereafter,  "  the  supreme  court  shall  consist  of  one  chief  justice  and  four  associate  justices,  to  be 
elected  by  the  qualified  electors  of  the  State.  The  legislature  shall,  at  its  first  session  after  the 
adoption  of  this  amendment,  provide  by  law  for  the  election  of  two  associa  e  justices  of  said 
court,  to  hold  their  offices  respectively  for  terms  ending  two  and  four  years,  respectively  after  the 


WISCONSIN  AS  A  STATE.  109 

end  of  the  term  of  the  justice  of  the  said  court  then  last  to  expire.  And  thereafter  the  chief 
justices  and  associate  justices  of  said  court  shall  be  elected  and  hold  their  offices  respectively 
for  the  term  of  ten  years."  The  second  one  amends  section  two  of  article  eight ;  so  that,  heie- 
after,  "  no  money  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury  except  in  pursuance  of  an  appropriation  by 
law.  No  appropriation  shall  be  made  for  the  payment  of  any  claim  against  the  State,  except 
claims  of  the  United  States,  and  judgments,  unless  filed  within  six  years  after  the  claim  accrued." 
The  year  1S77,  in  Wisconsin,  was  notable  for  excellent  crops.  A  depression  in  monetary 
matters  continued,  it  is  true,  but  not  without  a  reasonable  prospect  of  a  change  for  the  better 
within    the   near   future. 

Sixteenth  Administration. — William  E.  Smith,  Governor — 1878 — 1879. 

At  noon,  on  Monday,  January  7,  1878,  began  the  sixteenth  administration  of  Wisconsin,  by 
the  inauguration  of  the  State  officers  elect.  On  the  9th  of  the  same  month,  commenced  the 
thirty-first  regular  session  of  the  Legislature.  A.  R.  Barrows  was  elected  Speaker  of  the  Assembly. 
On  the  day  following.  Governor  Smith  delivered  his  message — a  calm,  business-like  document — to 
the  Legislature.  Both  Houses  adjourned  sine  die  on  the  21st  of  March  following.  On  the  ist  day 
of  April,  Harlow  S.  Orton  and  David  Taylor  were  elected  Associate  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court; 
the  term  of  the  first  named  to  expire  on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  1888  ;  that  of  the  last  men- 
tioned, on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  1SS6.  In  obedience  to  a  proclamation  of  the  Governor, 
the  Legislature  convened  on  the  4th  day  of  June,  A.  D.  1878,  in  extra  session,  to  revise  the  statutes, 
A.  R.  Barrows  was  elected  Speaker  of  the  Assembly.  The  Legislature  adjourned  sine  die  on  the 
7th  of  the  same  month.  In  November  following,  the  members  chosen  to  the  Forty-sixth  Congress 
were  C.  G.  Williams,  in  the  First  District ;  L.  B.  Caswell,  in  the  Second  ;  George  C.  Hazelton,  in 
the  Third  ;  P,  V.  Deuster,  in  the  Fourth ;  E.  S.  Bragg,  in  the  Fifth  ;  Gabriel  Bouck,  in  the  Sixth ; 
H.  L.  Humphrey,  in  the  Seventh ;  and  T.  C.  Pound,  in  the  Eighth.  The  thirty-second  regular 
session  of  the  Legislature  commenced  on  the  8th  day  of  January,  1879.  D.  M.  Kelly  was  elected 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly  ;  the  next  day,  the  message  of  the  Governor — a  brief,  but  able  State 
paper — was  delivered  to  both  Houses.  On  the  21st,  Matthew  H.  Carpenter  was  elected  United 
States  Senator  for  six  years,  from  the  4th  of  March  thereafter,  in  place  of  Timothy  O.  Howe. 
The  Legislature  adjourned  st7ie  die  on  the  5th  of  March,  1S79.  ^'^  'he  ist  day  of  April  following, 
Orsamus  Cole  was  elected  Associate  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court,  for  a  term  of  ten  years. 

Wisconsin  has  many  attractive  features.  It  is  a  healthy,  fertile,  well-watered  and  well-wooded 
State.  Every  where  within  its  borders  the  rights  of  each  citizen  are  held  sacred.  Intelligence  and 
education  are  prominent  characteristics  of  its  people.  All  the  necessaries  and  many  of  the  comforts 
and  luxuries  of  life  are  easily  to  be  obtained.  Agriculture,  the  chief  source  of  wealth  to  so  many 
nations,  is  here  conducted  with  profit  and  success.  Generally  speaking,  the  farmer  owns  the 
land  he  cultivates.  Here,  the  laboring  man,  if  honest  and  industrious,  is  most  certain  to  secure 
a  competence  for  himself  and  family.  Few  States  have  made  more  ample  provisions  for  the 
unfortunate — the  deaf  and  dumb,  the  blind,  and  the  insane — than  has  Wisconsin.  Nor  has  she 
been  less  interested  in  her  reformatory  and  penal  institutions.  In  her  educational  facilities,  she 
already  rivals  the  most  advanced  of  her  sister  States.  Her  markets  are  easily  reached  by  rail- 
ways and  water-navigation,  so  that  the  products  of  the  country  find  ready  sale.  Her  commerce 
is  extensive  ;  her  manufactures  remunerative;  her  natural  resources  great  and  manifold.  In 
morality  and  religion,  her  standard  is  high.  Her  laws  are  lenient,  but  not  lax,  securing  the 
greatest  good  to  those  who  are  disposed  to  live  up  to  their  requirements.  Wisconsin  has,  in 
fact,  all  the  essential  elements  of  prosperity  and  good  government.  Exalted  and  noble,  there- 
fore, must  be  her  future  career. 


TOPOGRAPHY   AND    GEOLOGY. 


By  T.  C.  CHAMBERLIN,  A.  M.,  State  Geologist. 


The  surface  features  of  Wisconsin  are  simple  and  symmetrical  in  character,  and  present  a  con- 
figuration intermediate  between  the  mountainous,  on  the  one  hand,  and  a  monotonous  level,  on  the 
other.  The  highest  summits  within  the  state  rise  a  little  more  than  1,200  leet  above  its  lowest  sur- 
faces. A  few  exceptional  peaks  rise  from  400  to  600  feet  above  their  bases,  but  abrupt  elevations  of 
more  than  200  or  300  feet  are  not  common.  Viewed  as  a  whole,  the  state  may  be  regarded  as  oc- 
cupying a  swell  of  land  lying  between  three  notable  depressions;  Lake  Michigan  on  the  east,  about 
578  feet  above  the  mean  tide  of  the  ocean.  Lake  Superior  on  the  north,  about  600  feet  above  the 
sea,  and  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  river,  whose  elevation  at  the  Illinois  state  line  is  slightly  below 
that  of  Lake  Michigan.  From  these  depressions  the  surface  slopes  upward  to  the  summit  altitudes 
of  the  state.  But  the  rate  of  ascent  is  unequal.  From  Lake  Michigan  the  surface  rises  by  a  long, 
gentle  acclivity  westward  and  northward.  A  similar  slope  ascends  from  the  Mississippi  valley  to 
meet  this,  and  their  junction  forms  a  north  and  south  arch  extending  nearly  the  entire  length  of  th*; 
state.  From  Lake  Superior  the  surface  ascends  rapidly  to  the  watershed,  which  it  reaches  within 
about  thirty  miles  of  the  lake. 

If  we  include  the  contiguous  portion  of  the  upper  peninsula  of  Michigan,  the  whole  elevation 
maybe  looked  upon  as  a  very  low,  rude,  three-sided  pyramid,  with  rounded  angles.  The  apex  is 
near  the  Michigan  line,  between  the  headwaters  of  the  Montreal  and  Brule  rivers.  The 
northern  side  is  short  and  abrupt.  The  southeastward  and  southwestward  sides  are  long,  and 
decline  gently.  The  base  of  this  pyramid  may  be  considered  as,  in  round  numbers,  600  feet 
above  the  sea,  and  its  extreme  apex  1,800  feet. 

Under  the  waters  of  Lake  Michigan  the  surface  of  the  land  passes  below  the  sea  level 
before  the  limits  of  the  state  are  reached.  Under  Lake  Superior  the  land-surface  descends  to 
even  greater  depths,  but  probably  not  within  the  boundaries  of  the  state.  The  regularity  of  the 
southward  slopes  is  interrupted  in  a  very  interesting  way  by  a  remarkable  diagonal  valley 
occupied  by  Green  bay  and  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  rivers.  This  is  a  great  groove,  traversing 
the  state  obliquely,  and  cutting  down  the  central  elevation  half  its  height.  A  line  passing  across 
the  surface,  from  Lake  Michigan  to  the  Mississippi,  at  any  other  point,  would  arch  upward  from 
about  400  to  1,000  feet,  according  to  the  location,  while  .-xlong  the  trough  of  this  valley  it  would 
reach  an  elevation  barely  exceeding  200  feet.  On  the  northwest  side  of  this  trough,  in  general, 
the  surface  rises  somewhat  gradually,  giving  at  most  points  much  amplitude  to  the  valley,  but 
on  the  opposite  side,  the  slope  ascends  rapidly  to  a  well  marked  watershed  that  stretches  across 
the  state  parallel  to  the  valley.  At  Lake  Winnebago,  this  diagonal  valley  is  connected  with  a 
scarcely   less   notable  one,  occupied  by   the   Rock   river.     Geologically,   this   Green-bay-Rock- 


TOPOGRAPHY  AND   GEOLOGY.  Ill 

river  valley  is  even  more  noticeable,  since  it  lies  along  the  trend  of  the  underlying  strata,  and 
was  in  large  measure  plowed  out  of  a  soft  stratum  by  glacial  action.  Where  it  crosses  the  water- 
shed, near  Horicon  marsh,  it  presents  the  same  general  features  that  are  seen  at  other  points, 
and  in  an  almost  equally  conspicuous  degree.  Except  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  this 
valley  is  confined  on  the  east  by  an  abrupt  ascent,  and,  at  many  points,  by  a  precipitous,  rocky 
acclivity,  known  as  "The  Ledge" — which  is  the  projecting  edge  of  the  strata  of  the  Niagara 
limestone.  On  the  watershed  referred  to — between  the  St.  Lawrence  and  Mississippi  basins — ■ 
this  ledge  is  as  conspicuous  and  continuous  as  at  other  points,  so  that  we  have  here  again  the 
phenomenon  of  a  valley  formed  by  excavation,  running  up  over  an  elevation  of  300  feet,  and 
connecting  two  great  systems  of  drainage. 

On  the  east  side  of  this  valley,  as  already  indicated,  there  is  a  sharp  ascent  of  200  feet, 
on  an  average,  from  the  crest  of  which  the  surface  slopes  gently  down  to  Lake  Michigan.  The 
uniformity  of  this  slope  is  broken  by  an  extended  line  of  drift  hills,  lying  obliquely  along  it  and 
extending  from  Kewaunee  county  southward  to  the  Illinois  line  and  known  as  the  Kettle  range. 
A  less  conspicuous  range  of  similar  character  branches  off  from  this  in  the  northwest  corner  of 
Walworth  county  and  passes  across  the  Rock  river  valley,  where  it  curves  northward,  passing 
west  of  Madison,  crossing  the  great  bend  in  the  Wisconsin  river,  and  bearing  northeastward 
into  Oconto  county,  where  it  swings  round  to  the  westward  and  crosses  the  northern  part  of  the 
state.  As  a  general  topographical  feature  it  is  not  conspicuous  and  is  rather  to  be  conceived  as 
a  peculiar  chain  of  drift  hills  winding  over  the  surface  of  the  state,  merely  interrupting  in  some 
degree  the  regularity  of  its  slopes  There  will  be  occasion  to  return  to  this  feature  in  our 
discussion  of  the  drift.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  southeastward  slope  is  interrupted  by 
valleys  running  Mross  it,  rudely  parallel  to  Lake  Michigan,  and  directing  its  drainage  northward 
and  southward,  instead  of  directing  it  down  the  slope  into  the  lake. 

The  Mississippi  slope  presents  several  conspicuous  ridges  and  valleys,  but  their  trend  is 
toward  the  great  river,  and  they  are  all  due,  essentially,  to  the  erosion  of  the  streams  that 
channel  the  slope.  One  of  these  ridges  constitutes  the  divide  south  of  the  Wisconsin  river, 
already  referred  to.  Another  of  these,  conspicuous  by  reason  of  its  narrowness  and  sharpness, 
lies  between  the  Kickapoo  and  the  Mississippi,  and  extends  through  Crawford,  Vernon  and 
Monroe  counties.  Still  another  is  formed  by  the  quartzite  ranges  of  Sauk  county  and  others 
of  less  prominence  give  a  highly  diversified  chaiacter  to  the  slope. 

Scattered  over  the  surface  of  the  state  are  prominent  hills,  some  swelling  upward  into  rounded 
domes,  some  rising  symmetrically  into  conical  peaks,  some  ascending  precipitously  into  castel- 
lated towers,  and  some  reaching  prominence  without  regard  to  beauty  of  form  or  convenience  of 
description.  A  part  of  these  hills  were  formed  by  the  removal  by  erosion  of  the  surrounding 
strata,  and  a  part  by  the  heaping  up  of  drift  material  by  the  glacial  forces.  In  the  former  case, 
they  are  composed  of  rock;  in  the  latter,  of  clay,  sand,  gravel  and  bowlders.  The  two  forms 
are  often  combined.  The  highest  peak  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state  is  the  West 
Blue  mound,  which  is  1,151  feet  above  Lake  Michigan;  in  the  eastern  part,  Lapham's  peak,  824 
feet,  and  in  the  central  part,  Rib  hill,  1263  feet.  The  crest  of  Penokee  range  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  state  rises  1,000  feet,  and  upwards,  above  Lake  Michigan. 

The  drainage  systems  correspond  in  general  to  these  topograpical  features,  though  several 
minor  eccentricities  are  to  be  observed.  The  streams  of  the  Lake  Superior  system  plunge 
rapidly  down  their  steep  slopes,  forming  numerous  falls,  some  of  them  possessing  great  beauty, 
prominent  among  which  are  those  of  the  Montreal  river.  On  the  southern  slope,  the  rivers,  in  the 
upper  portion  of  their  courses,  likewise  descend  rapidly,  though  less  so,  producing  a  succession 
of  rapids   and  cascades,  and   an   occasional  cataract.     In   the   lower  part  of  their  courses,  the 


112  HISTORY   OF   AVISCONSIN. 

descent  becomes  much  more  gentle  and  many  of  them  are  navigable  to  a  greater  or  less  extent. 
The  rivers  west  of  the  Wisconsin  pursue  an  essentially  direct  course  to  the  Mississippi, 
attended  of  course  with  minor  flexures.  The  Wisconsin  river  lies,  for  the  greater  part  of  its 
course,  upon  the  north  and  south  arch  of  the  state,  but  on  encountering  the  diagonal  valley 
above  mentioned  it  turns  southwestward  to  the  "  Father  of  Waters."  The  streams  east  of  the 
Wisconsin  flow  southerly  and  southeasterly  until  they  likewise  encounter  this  valley  when  they 
turn  in  the  opposite  direction  and  discharge  northeasterly  into  Lake  Michigan,  through  Green 
bay.  Between  the  Green-bay-Rock-river  valley  and  Lake  Michigan,  the  drainage  is  again  in 
the  normal  southeasterly  direction.  In  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  the  rivers  flow  in  a  gen- 
eral southerly  direction,  but,  beyond  the  state,  turn  westward  toward  the  Mississippi. 

If  the  courses  of  the  streams  be  studied  in  detail,  many  e.Kceedingly  interesting  and  instruc- 
tive features  will  be  observed,  due  chiefly  to  peculiarities  of  geological  structure,  some  of  which 
will  1)6  apiiarent  by  inspecting  the  accompanying  geological  map.  Our  space,  however, 
forbids  our  entering  upon  the  subject  here. 

The  position  of  the  watershed  between  the  great  basins  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  St.  Law- 
rence is  somewhat  peculiar.  On  the  Illinois  line,  it  lies  only  three  and  one  half  miles  from  Lake 
Michigan  and  about  i6o  feet  above  its  surface.  As  traced  northward  from  this  point,  it  retires 
from  the  lake  and  ascends  in  elevation  till  it  approaches  the  vicinity  of  Lake  Winnebago,  when 
it  recurves  upon  itself  and  descends  to  the  portage  between  the  Fox  and  the  Wisconsin  rivers, 
whence  it  pursues  a  northerly  course  to  the  heights  of  Michigan,  when  it  turns  westward  and 
passes  in  an  undulating  course  across  the  northern  part  of  the  state.  It  will  be  observed  that 
much  the  greater  area  of  the  state  is  drained  by  the  Mississippi  system. 

The  relationship  which  the  drainage  channels  have  been  observed  to  sustain  to  the  topo- 
graphical features  is  partly  that  of  cause  and  partly  that  of  eff'ect.  The  general  arching  of  the 
surface,  giving  rise  to  the  main  slopes,  is  due  to  deep-seated  geological  causes  that  produce  an 
upward  swelling  of  the  center  of  the  state.  This  determined  the  general  drainage  systems.  On 
the  other  hand,  the  streams,  acting  upon  strata  of  varying  hardness,  and  presenting  different  atti- 
tudes, wore  away  the  surface  unequally  and  cut  for  themselves  anomalous  channels,  leaving 
corresponding  divides  between,  which  gave  origin  to  the  minor  irregularities  that  diversify  the 
surface.  In  addition  to  this,  the  glacier — that  great  ice  stream,  the  father  of  the  drift — planed 
and  plowed  the  surface  and  heaped  up  its  debris  upon  it,  modifying  both  the  surface  and  drainage 
features  Looked  at  from  a  causal  standpoint,  we  see  the  results  of  internal  forces  elevating,  and 
external  agencies  cutting  down,  or,  in  a  word,  the  face  of  the  state  is  the  growth  of  geologic  ages 
furrowed  by  the  teardrops  of  the  skies. 


GEOLOGICAL    HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

In  harmony  with  the  liistorical  character  of  this  atlas,  it  may  be  most,  acceptable  to  weave 
our  brief  sketch  of  the  geological  structure  of  the  state  into  the  form  of  a  narrative  of  its  growth. 

THE    ARCH^AN    AGE. 

I.AURKNTIAN    PERIOD. 

The  physical  history  of  Wisconsin  can  be  traced  back  with  certainty  to  a  state  of  complete 
submergence  beneath  the  waters  of  the  ancient  ocean,  by  which  the  material  of  our  oldest  and 
deepest  strata  were  deposited.  Let  an  extensive  but  shallow  sea,  covering  the  whole  of  the 
present  territory  of  the  state,  be  pictured  to  the  mind,  and   let   it  be  imagined  to  be   depositing 


TOPOGKAPHY  AND  GEOLOGY  113 

mud  and  sand,  as  at  the  present  day.  and  we  have  before  us  the  first  authentic  stage  of  the  history 
under  consideration.     Back  of  that,  the  history  is   lost  in  the   mists  of  geologic  antiquity.     The 
thickness  of  the  sediments   that  accumulated   in   that  early  period  was  immense,  being  measured 
by  thousands  of  feet.     These  sediments  occupied  of  course  an  essentially  horizontal  position,  and 
were,  doubtless,  in  a  large  degree  hardened  into  beds  of  impure  sandstone,  shale,  and  other  sedi- 
mentary rock.     But  in  the  progress  of  time  an  enormous  pressure,  attended  by  heat,  was  brought 
to  bear  upon  them  laterally,  or  edgewise,  by  which  they  were  folded  and  crumpled,  and  forced 
up  out  of  the  water,  giving  rise  to  an  island,  the   nucleus  of  Wisconsin.     The  force  which  pro-, 
duced  this  upheaval  is  believed  to  have  arisen  from  the  cooling  and  consequent  contraction  of 
the  globe.     The  foldings  may  be  imaged  as  the  wrinkles  of  a  shrinking  earth.     But  the  contor- 
tion of  the  beds  was  a  scarcely  more  wonderful  result  than  the  change  in  the  character  of  the 
rock  which  seems  to  have  taken  place  simultaneously  with  the  folding,  indeed,  as  the  result  of  the 
heat  and  pressure  attending  it.     The  sediments,  that  seem  to  have  previoysly  taken  the  form  of 
impure  sandstone  and  shale  for  the  most  part,  underwent  a  change,  in  which  re-arrangement  and 
crystalization  of  the  ingredients  played  a  conspicuous  part.    By  this  metamorphism,  granite,  gneiss,- 
mica  schist,  syenite,  hornblende  rocks,  chloritic  schists  and  other  crystalline  rocks  were  formed. 
These  constitute  the  Laurentian  formation  and  belong  to  the  most  ancient  period  yet   distinctly 
recognized  in  geology,  although  there  were  undoubtedly  more  ancient  rocks.     They  are  therefore 
very  fittingly  termed  Archa;an — ancient — rocks  (formerly  Azoic.)     No  remains  of  life  have  been 
found  in  this  formation  in  Wisconsin,  but  from  the  nature  of  rocks  elsewhere,  believed  to  be  of  the 
same  age,  it  is  probable  that  the  lowest  forms  of  life  existed  at  this  time.     It  is  not  strange  that 
the  great  changes  through  which  the  rocks  have  passed  should  have  so  nearly  obliterated  all 
traces  of  them.     The  original  extent  of  this  Laurentian  island  can  not  now  be  accurately  ascer- 
tained, but  it  will  be  sufficiently  near  the  truth  for  our  present  purposes  to  consider  the  formation 
as  it  is  now  exposed,  and  as  it  is  represented  on  the  maps  of  the  geological  survey,  as  showing 
approximately  the  original  extent.     This  will  make  it  include  a  large  area  in  the  north-central 
portion  of  the  state  and  a  portion  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  of  Michigan.     All  the  rest  of  the  state 
was  beneath  the  ocean,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  greater  portion  of  the  United  States 
The  height  of  this  island  was  doubtless  considerable,  as  it  has  since  been  very  much  cut  down  by 
denuding  agencies.     The  strata,  as  now  exposed,  mostly  stand  in  highly  inclined  attitudes  and 
present  their  worn  edges   to  view.     The  tops  of  the  folds,  of  which  they  are  the  remnants,  seem 
to  have  been  cut  away,  and  we  have  the  nearly  vertical  sides  remaining. 

HURONIAN    PERIOD. 

As  soon  as  the  Laurentian  island  had  been  elevated,  the  waves  of  the  almost  shoreless 
ccean  began  to  beat  against  it,  the  elements  to  disintegrate  it,  and  the  rains  of  the  then  tropical 
climate  to  wash  it;  and  the  sand,  clay  and  other  debris,  thus  formed,  were  deposited  beneath  the 
waters  around  its  base,  giving  rise  to  a  new  sedimentary  formation.  There  is  no  evidence  that 
there  was  any  vegetation  on  the  island :  the  air  and  water  were,  doubtless,  heavily  charged  with 
carbonic  acid,  an  efficient  agent  of  disintegration :  the  climate  was  warm  and  doubtless  very 
moist  —  circumstances  which  combined  to  hasten  the  erosion  of  the  island  and  increase  the 
deposition  in  the  surrounding  sea.  \\\  addition  to  these  agencies,  we  Judge  from  the  large  amount 
of  carbonaceous  matter  contained  in  some  of  the  beds,  that  there  must  have  been  an  abundance 
of  marine  vegetation,  and,  from  the  limestone  beds  that  accuiaiulated,  it  is  probable  that  there 
was  marine  animal  life  also,  since  in  later  ages  that  was  the  chief  source  of  limestone  strata. 
The  joint  accumulations  from  these  several  sources  gave  rise  to  a  series  of  shales,  sandstones 
and  limestones,  whose  combined  thickness  was  several  thousand  feet. 


114  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

At  length  the  process  of  upheaval  and  metamorphism  that  closed  the  Laurentian  period 
was  repeated,  and  these  sandstones  became  quartzites;  tlic  limestones  were  crystalized,  the 
shales  were  changed  to  slates  or  schists,  and  intermediate  grades  of  sediments  became  diorites, 
quartz- porphyries  and  other  forms  of  crystalline  rocks.  The  carbonaceous  matter  was  changed 
in  part  to  graphite.  There  were  also  associated  with  these  deposits  extensive  beds  of  iron  ore, 
which  we  now  find  chiefly  in  the  form  of  magnetite,  hematite  and  specular  ore.  These  constitute 
the  Huronian  rocks.  From  the  amount  of  iron  ore  they  contain,  they  are  also  fittingly  termed 
the  iron-bearing  series.  As  in  the  preceding  case,  the  strata  were  contorted,  flexed  and  folded, 
and  the  whole  island  was  further  elevated,  carrying  with  it  these  circumjacent  strata,  by  which 
its  e.xtent  was  much  enlarged.  The  area  of  the  island  after  receiving  this  increment  was  con- 
siderably greater  than  the  surface  represented  as  Laurentian  and  Huronian  on  the  accompanying 
map,  since  it  was  subsequently  covered  to  a  considerable  extent  by  later  formations.  Penokee 
range,  in  Ashland  county,  is  the  most  conspicuous  development  of  the  Huronian  rocks  in  the 
state.  The  upturned  edge  of  the  formation  forms  a  bold  rampart,  extending  across  the  country 
for  sixty  miles,  making  the  nearest  approach  to  a  mountain  range  to  be  found  within  the  state. 
A  belt  of  magnetic  schist  may  be  traced  nearly  its  entire  length.  In  tlie  northern  part  of 
Oconto  county  , there  is  also  an  important  development  of  this  formation,  being  an  extension 
of  the  Menomonee  iron-bearing  series.  A  third  area  is  found  in  Barron  county,  which  includes 
deposits  of  pipestone.  In  the  south  central  part  of  the  state  there  are  a  considerable  number 
of  small  areas  and  isolated  outliers  of  quartzite  and  quartz-porphyry,  that,  without  much  doubt, 
belong  to  this  series.  The  most  conspicuous  of  these  are  the  Baraboo  quartzite  ranges,  in 
Sauk  and  Columbia  counties,  and  from  thence  a  chain  of  detached  outliers  extends  northeasterly 
through  several  counties.  The  most  southerly  exposure  of  the  formation  is  near  Lake  Mills,  in 
Jefferson  county. 

THE    COPPER-BEARING    SERIES. 

Previous  to  the  upheaval  of  the  Huronian  strata,  there  occurred  in  the  Lake  Superior  region 
events  of  peculiar  and  striking  interest.  If  we  may  not  speak  with  absolute  assurance,  we  may 
at  least  say  with  reasonable  probability,  that  the  crust  of  the  earth  was  fissured  in  that  region, 
and  thaf  there  issued  from  beneath  an  immense  mass  of  molten  rock,  that  spread  itself  over  an 
area  of  more  than  three  hundred  miles  in  length  and  one  hundred  miles  in  width.  The  action 
was  not  confined  to  a  single  overflow,  but  eruption  followed  eruption,  sometimes  apparently  in 
quick  succession,  sometimes  evidently  at  long  intervals.  Each  outpouring,  when  solidified, 
formed  a  stratum  of  trap  rock,  and  where  these  followed  each  other  without  any  intervening 
deposit,  a  series  of  trappean  beds  were  formed.  In  some  cases,  however,  an  interval  occurred, 
during  which  the  waves,  acting  upon  the  rock  previously  formed,  produced  a  bed  of  sand,  gravel 
and  clay,  which  afterward  solidified  into  sandstone,  conglomerate  and  shale.  The  history  of 
these  beds  is  lithographed  on  their  surface  in  beautiful  ripple-marks  and  other  evidences  of  wave- 
action.  After  the  cessation  of  the  igneous  eruptions,  there  accumulated  a  vast  thickness  of 
sandstone,  shale  and  conglomerate,  so  that  the  whole  series  is  literally  miles  in  thickness. 

The  eruptive  portions  have  been  spoken  of  as  traps,  for  convenience;  but  they  do  not  now 
possess  the  usual  characteristics  of  igneous  rocks,  and  appear  to  have  undergone  a  chemical 
metamorphism  by  which  the  mineral  ingredients  have  been  changed,  the  leading  ones  now  being 
an  iron  chlorite  and  a  feldspar,  with  which  are  associated,  as  accessory  minerals,  quartz,  epidote, 
prenite,  calcite,  laumontite,  analcite,  datolite,  magnetite,  native  copper  and  silver,  and,  more 
r.irely,  other  minerals.  The  rock,  as  a  whole,  is  now  known  as  a  melaphyr.  The  upper  portion 
of  each  bed  is  usually  characterized  by  almond-sized  cells  filled  with  the  minerals  above  men- 
tioned, giving  to  the  rock  an  amygdaloidal  nature.     The  native  copper  was  not  injected  in  a 


TOPOGRAPHY  AND  GEOLOGY.  115 

molten  state,  as  has  very  generally  been  supposed,  but  was  deposited  by  chemical  means  after 
the  beds  were  formed  and  after  a  portion  of  the  chemical  change  of  the  minerals  above  mentioned 
had  been  accomplished.  The  same  is  true  of  the  silver.  The  copper  occurs  in  all  the  different 
forms  of  rock  —  the  melaphyrs,  amygdaloids,  sandstones,  shales  and  conglomerates,  but  most 
abundantly  in  the  amygdaloids  and  certain  conglomerates. 

This  series  extends  across  the  northern  portion  of  the  state,  occupying  portions  of  Ashland, 
Bayfield,  Douglas,  Burnett  and  Polk  counties.  When  the  Huronian  rocks  were  elevated,  they 
carried  these  up  with  them,  and  they  partook  of  the  folding  in  some  measure.  The  copper- 
bearing  range  of  Keweenaw  Point,  Michigan,  extends  southwestward  through  Ashland,  Burnett 
and  Polk  counties,  and  throughout  this  whole  extent  the  beds  dip  north-norlhwesterly  toward 
Lake  Superior,  at  a  high  angle;  but  in  Douglas  and  Bayfield  counties  there  is  a  parallel  range 
in  which  the  beds  incline  in  the  opposite  direction,  and  undoubtedly  form  the  opposite  side  of  a 
trough  formed  by  a  downward  flexure  of  the  strata. 

PALEOZOIC    T  I  M  E  — SI  LU  RIAN    AGE. 

Potsdam    Sandstone. 

After  the  great  Archaean  upheaval,  there  followed  a  long  period,  concerning  wnich  very  little 
is  known — a  "  lost  interval"  in  geological  history.  It  is  only  certain  that  immense  erosion  of 
the  Archaean  strata  took  place,  and  that  in  time  the  sea  advanced  upon  the  island,  eroding  its 
strata  and  redepositing  the  wash  and  wear  beneath  its  surface.  The  more  resisting  beds  with- 
stood this  advance,  and  formed  reefs  and  rocky  islands  off  the  ancient  shore,  about  whose  bases 
the  sands  and  sediments  accumulated,  as  they  did  over  the  bottom  of  the  surrounding  ocean. 
The  breakers,  dashing  against  the  rocky  cliffs,  threw  down  masses  of  rock,  which  imbedded  them- 
selves in  the  sands,  or  were  rolled  and  rounded  on  the  beach,  and  at  length  were  buried,  in 
either  case,  to  tell  their  own  history,  when  they  should  be  again  disclosed  by  the  ceaseless  gnaw- 
ings  of  the  very  elements  that  had  buried  them.  In  addition  to  the  accumulations  of  wash  and 
wear  that  have  previously  been  the  main  agents  of  rock-formations,  abundant  life  now  swarms  in 
the  ocean,  and  the  sands  become  the  great  cemetery  of  its  dead.  Thoiigh  the  contribution'bf  each 
little  being  was  small,  the  myriad  millions  that  the  waters  brought  forth,  yielded  by  their  remains, 
a  large  contribution  to  the  accumulating  sediments.  Among  plants,  there  were  sea-weeds,  and 
among  animals,  protozoans,  radiates,  mollusks  and  articulates,  all  the  sub-kingdoms  except  the 
vertebrates.  Among  these,  the  most  remarkable,  both  in  nature  and  number,  were  the  trilobites, 
who  have  left  their  casts  in  countless  multitudes  in  certain  localities.  The  result  of  the  action 
of  these  several  agencies  was  the  formation  of  extensive  beds  of  sandstone,  with  interstratified 
layers  of  limestone  and  shale.  These  surrounded  the  Archaean  nucleus  on  all  sides,  and  reposed 
on  its  flanks.  On  the  Lake  Superior  margin,  the  sea  acted  mainly  upon  the  copper  and  iron- 
bearing  series,  which  are  highly  ferruginous,  and  the  result  wa,  the  red  Lake  Superior  sandstone. 
On  the  opposite  side  of  the  island,  the  wave-action  was  mainly  upon  quartzites,  porphyries  and 
granites,  and  resulted  in  light-colored  sandstones.  The  former  is  confined  to  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  Lake  Superior;  the  latter  occupies  a  broad,  irregular  belt  bordering  the  Archaean 
area  on  the  south,  and,  being  widest  in  the  central  part  of  the  state,  is  often  likened  to  a  rude 
crescent.  The  form  and  position  of  the  area  will  be  best  apprehended  by  referring  to  the 
accompanying  map.  It  will  be  understood  from  the  foregoing  description,  that  the  strata  of  this 
formation  lie  in  a  nearly  horizontal  position,  and  repose  unconformably  upon  the  worn  surface 
of  the  crystalline  rocks.     The  close  of  this  period  was  not  marked  by  any  great  upheaval;  there 


116  HISTORY   OF  WISCOKSIN. 

was  no  crumpling  or  metamorphism  of  the  strata,  and  they  have  remained  to  the  present  day 
very  much  as  they  were  originally  deposited,  save  a  slight  arching  upward  in  the  central 
porti jn  of  the  state.  The  beds  have  been  somewhat  compacted  by  the  pressure  of  superin- 
cumbent strata  and  solidified  by  the  cementing  action  of  calcareous  and  ferruginous  waters,  and 
by  their  own  coherence,  but  the  original  character  of  the  formation,  as  a  great  sand-bed,  has  not 
been  obliterated.  It  still  bears  the  ripple-marks,  cross-lamination,  worm-burrows,  and  similar 
markings  that  characterize  a  sandy  beach.  Its  thickness  is  very  irregular,  owing  to  the  uneven- 
ness  of  its  Archaean  bottom,  and  may  be  said  to  range  from  i,ooo  feet  downward.  The  strata 
slope  gently  away  from  the  Archaean  core  of  the  state  and  underlie  all  the  later  formations,  and 
may  be  reached  at  any  point  in  southern  Wisconsin  by  penetrating  to  a  sufficient  depth,  which 
can  be  calculated  with  an  approximate  correctness.  As  it  is  a  water-bearing  formation,  and  the 
source  of  fine  Artesian  wells,  this  is  a  fact  of  much  importance.  The  interbedded  layers  of  lime- 
stone and  shale,  by  supplying  impervious    strata,  very  much  enhance  its   value  as   a   source  of 

fountains. 

Lower    Magnesian    Limestone. 

During  the  previous  period,  the  accumulation  of  sandstone  gave  place  for  a  time  to  the 
formation  of  limestone,  and  afterward  the  deposit  of  sandstone  was  resumed.  At  its  close,  with- 
out any  very  marked  disturbance  of  existing  conditions,  the  formation  of  limestone  was  resumed, 
and  progressed  with  little  interruption  till  a  thickness  ranging  from  50  to  250  feet  was  attained. 
This  variation  is  due  mainly  to  irregularities  of  the  upper  surface  of  the  formation,  which  is 
undulating,  and  in  some  localities,  may  appropriately  be  termed  billowy,  the  surface  rising  and 
falling  100  feet,  in  some  cases,  within  a  short  distance.  This,  and  the  preceding  similar  deposit, 
have  been  spoken  of  as  limestones  simply,  but  they  are  really  dolomites,  or  magnesian  limestones, 
since  they  contain  a  large  proportion  of  carbonate  of  magnesia.  This  rock  also  contains  a 
notable  quantity  of  silica,  which  occurs  disseminated  through  the  mass  of  the  rock;  or,  variously, 
as  nodules  or  masses  erf  chert ;  as  crystals  of  quartz,  filling  or  lining  drusy  cavities,  forming 
beautiful  miniature  grottos;  as  the  nucleus  of  oolitic  concretions,  or  as  sand.  Some  argillaceous 
matter  also  enters  into  its  composition,  and  small  quantities  of  the  ores  of  iron,  lead  and  copper, 
are  sometimes  found,  but  they  give  little  promise  of  value.  The  evidences  of  life  are  very 
scanty.  Some  sea-weeds,  a  few  mollusks,  and  an  occasional  indication  of  other  forms  of  life 
embrace  the  known  list,  except  at  a  few  favored  localities  where  a  somewhat  ampler  fauna  is 
found.  But  it  is  not,  therefore,  safe  to  assume  the  absence  of  life  in  the  depositing  seas,  for  it 
is  certain  that  most  limestone  has  orignated  from  the  remains  of  animals  and  plants  that  secrete 
calcareous  material,  and  it  is  most  consistent  to  believe  that  such  was  the  case  in  the  present 
instance,  and  that  the  distinct  traces  of  life  were  mostly  obliterated.  This  formation  occupies  an 
irregular  belt  skirting  the  Potsdam  area.  It  was,  doubtless,  originally  a  somewhat  uniform  band 
swinging  around  the  nucleus  of  the  state  already  formed,  but  it  has  since  been  eroded  by 
streams  to  its  present  jagged  outline. 

St.  Peter's  Sandstone. 

At  the  close  of  this  limestone-making  period,  there  appears  to  have  been  an  interval  of  which 
we  have  no  record,  and  the  next  chapter  of  the  history  introduces  us  to  another  era  of  sand 
accumulation.  The  work  began  by  the  leveling  up  of  the  inequalities  of  the  surface  of  the  Lower 
Magnesian  limestone,  and  it  ceased  before  that  was  entirely  accomplished  in  all  parts  of  the 
State,  for  a  few  prominences  were  left  projecting  through  the  sand  deposits.  The  material  laid 
down  consisted  of  a  silicious  sand,  of  uniform,  well-rounded — doubtless  well-rolled — grains.  This 
was  evidently  deposited  horizontally  upon  the  uneven  limestone  surface,  and  so  rests  in  a  sense 


TOPOGRAPHY  AND   GEOLOGY.  117 

unconformably  upon  it.  Where  the  sandstone  abuts  against  the  sides  of  the  limestone  promi- 
nences, it  is  mingled  with  material  derived  by  wave  action  from  them,  which  tells  the  story  of 
its  formation.  But  aside  from  these  and  other  exceptional  impurities,  the  formation  is  a  very 
pure  sandstone,  and  is  used  for  glass  manufacture.  At  most  points,  the  sandstone  has  never  become 
firmly  cemented  and  readily  crumbles,  so  that  it  is  used  for  mortar,  the  simple  handling  with  pick 
and  shovel  being  sufficient  to  reduce  it  to  a  sand.  Owing  to  the  unevenness  of  its  bottom,  it 
varies  greatly  in  thickness,  the  greatest  yet  observed  being  212  feet,  but  the  average  is  less  than 
100  feet.  Until  recently,  no  organic  remains  had  ever  been  found  in  it,  and  the  traces  now  col- 
lected are  very  meager  indeed,  but  they  are  sufficient  to  show  the  existence  of  marine  life,  and 
demonstrate  that  it  is  an  oceanic  deposit.  The  rarity  of  fossils  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  porous 
nature  of  the  rock,  which  is  unfavorable  to  their  preservation.  This  porosity,  however,  subserves 
a  very  useful  purpose,  as  it  renders  this  pre-eminently  a  water-bearing  horizon,  and  supplies  some 
of  the  finest  Artesian  fountains  in  the  state,  and  is  competent  to  furnish  many  more.  It  occupies 
but  a  narrow  area  at  the  surface,  fringing  that  of  the   Lower  Magnesian  limestone  on  the  south. 

Trenton  Limestone. 
A  slight  change  in  the  oceanic  conditions  caused  a  return  to  limestone  formation,  accompa- 
nied with  the  deposit  of  considerable  clayey  material,  which  formed  shale.  The  origin  of  the 
limestone  is  made  evident  by  a  close  examination  of  it,  which  shows  it  to  be  full  of  fragments  of 
shells,  corals,  and  other  organic  remains,  or  the  impressions  they  have  left.  Countless  numbers 
of  the  lower  forms  of  life  flourished  in  the  seas,  and  left  their  remains  to  be  comminuted  and 
consolidated  into  limestone.  A  part  of  the  time,  the  accumulation  of  clayey  matter  predominated, 
and  so  layers  of  shale  alternate  with  the  limestone  beds,  and  shaly  leaves  and  partings  occur  in 
the  limestone  layers.  Unlike  the  calcareous  strata  above  and  below,  a  portion  of  these  are  true 
limestone,  containing  but  a  very  small  proportion  of  magnesia.  A  sufficient  amount  of  carbon- 
aceous matter  is  present  in  some  layers  to  cause  them  to  burn  readily.  This  formation  is  quite 
highly  metalliferous  in  certain  portions  of  the  lead  region,  containing  zinc  especially,  and  con- 
siderable lead,  with  less  quantities  of  other  metals.  The  formation  abounds  in  fossils,  many  of 
them  well  preserved,  and,  from  their  great  antiquity,  they  possess  uncommon  interest.  All  the 
animal  sub-kingdoms,  except  vertebrates,  are  represented.  The  surface  area  of  this  rock  borders 
the  St.  Peter's  sandstone,  but,  to  avoid  too  great  complexity  on  the  map,  it  is  not  distinguished  from 
the  next  formation  to  which  it  is  closely  allied.     Its  thickness  reaches  120  feet. 

The  Galena  Limestone. 

With  scarcely  a  change  of  oceanic  conditions,  limestone  dei)osit  continued,  so  that  we  find 
reposing  upon  the  surface  of  the  Trenton  limestone,  250  feet,  or  less,  of  a  light  gray  or  buff 
colored  highly  magnesian  limestone,  occurring  in  heavy  beds,  and  having  a  sub-crystalline  struc- 
ture. In  the  southern  portion  of  the  state,  it  contains  but  little  shaly  matter,  but  in  the  north- 
eastern part,  it  is  modified  by  the  addition  of  argillaceous  layers  and  leaves,  and  presents  a  bluish 
ur  greenish-gray  aspect.  It  receives  its  name  from  the  sulphide  of  lead, — galena,  of  which  it 
contains  large  quantities,  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state.  Zinc  ore  is  also  abundant,  and 
these  minerals  give  to  this  and  the  underlying  formation  great  importance  in  that  region.  Else- 
where, although  these  ores  are  present  in  small  quantities,  they  have  nfct  developed  economic 
importance.  This  limestone,  though  changing  its  nature,  as  above  stated,  occupies  a  large  area  in 
the  southwestern  part  of  the  state,  and  a  broad  north  and  south  belt  in  east-central  Wisconsin. 
It  will  be  seen  that  our  island  is  growing  apace  by  concentric  additions,  and  that,  as  the  several 
formations  sweep  around  the  central  nucleus  of  Arch»an  rocks,  they  swing  off  into  adjoining 
states,  whose  formation  was  somewhat  more  tardy  than  that  of  Wisconsin 


118  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN 

Cincinnati  Shales. 

A  change  ensued  upon  the  formation  of  the  Galena  Uniestone,  by  virtue  of  which  there  fol- 
lowed the  deposition  of  large  quantities  of  clay,  accompanied  by  some  calcareous  material,  the 
whole  reaching  at  some  points  a  thickness  of  more  than  200  feet.  The  sediment  has  never 
become  more  than  partially  indurated,  and  a  portion  of  it  is  now  only  a  bed  of  compact  clay. 
Other  portions  hardened  to  shale  or  limestone  according  to  the  material.  The  shales  are  of 
various  gray,  green,  blue,  purple  and  other  hues,  so  that  where  vertical  cliffs  are  exposed,  as  along 
Green  bay,  a  beautiful  appearance  is  presented.  As  a  whole,  this  is  a  very  soft  formation,  and 
hence  easily  eroded.  Owing  to  this  fact,  along  the  east  side  of  the  Green-bay-Rock-river  val- 
ley, it  has  been  extensively  carried  away,  leaving  the  hard  overlying  Niagara  limestone  projecting 
in  the  bold  cliffs  known  as  "  The  Ledge."  The  prominence  of  the  mounds  in  the  southwestern 
part  of  the  state  are  due  to  a  like  cause.  Certain  portions  of  this  formation  abound  in  astonish- 
ing numbers  of  well  preserved  fossils,  among  which  corals,  bryozoans,  and  brachiopods,  pre- 
dominate, the  first  named  being  especially  abundant.  A  little  intelligent  attention  to  these  might 
have  saved  a  considerable  waste  of  time  and  means  in  an  idle  search  for  coal,  to  which  a  slight 
resemlilance  to  some  of  the  shales  of  the  coal  measures  has  led.  This  formation  underlies  the 
mounds  of  the  lead  region,  and  forms  a  narrow  belt  on  the  eastern  margin  of  the  Green-bay-Rock- 
river  valley.     This  was  the  closing  period  of  the  Lower  Silurian  Age. 

Clinton   Iron  Ore. 

On  the  surface  of  the  shales  just  described,  there  were  accumulated,  here  and  there,  beds  of  pecu- 
liar lenticular  iron  ore.  It  is  probable  that  it  was  deposited  in  detached  basins,  but  the  evidence 
of  this  is  not  conclusive.  In  our  own  state,  this  is  chiefly  known  as  Iron  Ridge  ore,  from  the 
remarkable  development  it  attains  at  that  point.  It  is  made  up  of  little  concretions,  which  from 
their  size  and  color  are  fancied  to  resemble  flax  seed,  and  hence  the  name  "  seed  ore,"  or  the 
roe  of  fish,  and  hence  oolitic  ore.  "Shot  ore"  is  also  a  common  term.  This  is  a  soft  ore  occur- 
ring in  regular  horizontal  beds  which  are  quarried  with  more  ease  than  ordinary  limestone.  This 
deposit  attains,  at  Iron  Ridge,  the  unusual  thickness  of  twenty-five  feet,  and  affords  a  readily 
accessible  supply  of  ore,  adequate  to  all  demands  for  a  long  time  to  come.  Similar,  but  much 
less  extensive  beds,  occur  at  Hartford,  and  near  Depere,  besides  some  feeble  deposits  elsewhere. 
Large  quantities  of  ore  from  Iron  Ridge  have  been  shipped  to  various  points  in  this  and  neigh- 
boring States  for  reduction,  in  addition  to  that  smelted  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mines. 

Niagara   Limestone. 

Following  the  period  of  iron  deposit,  there  ensued  the  greatest  limestone-forming  era  in  the 
history  of  Wisconsin.  During  its  progress  a  series  of  beds,  summing  up,  at  their  points  of  great- 
est thickness,  scaicely  less  th;n  eight  hundred  feet,  vvere  laid  down.  The  process  of  formation 
was  essentially  that  already  described,  the  accumulation  of  the  calcareous  secretions  of  marine 
life.  Toward  the  close  of  the  period,  reefs  appeared,  that  closely  resemble  the  coral  reefs  of  the 
present  seas,  and  doubtless  have  a  similar  history.  Corals  fo;m  a  very  prominent  element  in  the 
life  of  this  period,  and  with  them  were  associated  great  numbers  of  mollusks,  one  of  which 
{Pentamerus  oblongus)  sometimes  occurs  in  beds  not  unlike  certain  bivalves  of  to-day,  and  may 
be  said  to  have  been  the  oyster  of  the  Silurian  seas.  At  certain  points,  those  wonderful  animals, 
the  stone  lilies  {Cn'nou/s),  grew  in  remarkable  abundance,  mounted  on  stems  like  a  plant,  yet 
true  animals.  Those  unique  crustaceans,  the  trilobites,  were  conspicuous  in  numbers  and  variety, 
while  the  gigantic  cephalopods  held  sway  over  the  life  of  the  seas.     In  the  vicinity  of  thi  reefs, 


TOPOGRAPHY  AND   GEOLOGY.  119 

there  seem  to  have  been  extensive  calcareous  sand  flats  and  areas  over  which  fine  calcareous  mud 
settled,  the  former  resulting  in  a  pure  granular  dolomite,  the  latter  in  a  compact  close-textured 
stone.  Thi  rock  of  the  reefs  is  of  very  irregular  structure.  Of  other  portions  of  the  formation, 
some  are  coarse  heavy  beds,  some  fine,  even-bedded,  close-grained  layers,  and  some,  again,  irregu- 
lar, impure  and  cherty.  All  are  highly  magnesian,  and  some  are  amo.ig  the  purest  dolomites 
known.     The  Niagara  limestone  occupies  a  broad  belt  lying  adjacent  to  Lake  Michigan. 

Lower  Helderberg  Limestone. 

On  Mud  creek,  near  Milwaukee,  there  is  found  a  thin-bedded  slaty  limestone,  that  is 
believed  to  represent  this  period.  It  has  negle:ted,  however,  to  leave  us  an  unequivocal  record 
of  its  history,  as  fossils  are  extremely  rare,  and  its  stratigraphical  relations  and  lithographical 
character  are  capable  of  more  than  one  interpretation.  Near  the  village  of  Waubeka  in 
Ozaukee  county,  there  is  a  similar  formation,  somewhat  more  fossiliferous,  that  seems  to  repre- 
sent the  same  period.  The  area  which  these  occupy  is  very  small  and  they  play  a  most  insignifi- 
cant part  in  the  geology  of  the  state.  They  close  the  record  of  the  Silurian  age  in  Wisconsin. 
During  its  progress  the  land  had  been  gradually  emerging  from  the  ocean  and  increasing  its 
amplitude  by  concentric  belts  of  limestone,  sandstone  and  shale.  There  had  been  no  general 
disturbance,  only  those  slight  oscillations  which  changed  the  nature  of  the  forming  rock  and 
facilitated  deposition.  At  its  close  the  waters  retired  from  the  borders  of  the  state,  and  an 
interval  supervened,  during  which  no  additions  are  known  to  have  been  made  to  its  substructure. 

DEVONL's^N    AGE. 
Hamilton  Ce.ment  Rock. 

After  a  lapse  of  time,  during  which  the  uppermost  Silurian  and  the  lowest  Devonian  strata, 
as  found  elsewhere,  were  formed,  the  waters  again  advanced  slightly  upon  the  eastern  margin  of 
the  state  and  deposited  a  magnesian  limestone  mingled  with  silicious  and  almuninous  material, 
forming  a  combination  of  which  a  portion  has  recently  been  shown  to  possess  hydraulic 
properties  of  a  high  degree  of  excellence.  With  this  deposition  there  dawned  a  new  -era  in  the 
life-history  of  Wisconsin.  While  multitudes  of  protozoans,  radiates,  mollusks  and  articulates 
swarmed  in  the  previous  seas,  no  trace  of  a  vertebrate  has  been  found.  The  Hamilton  period 
witnessed  the  introduction  of  the  highest  type  of  the  animal  kingdom  into  the  Wisconsin  series. 
But  even  then  only  the  lowest  class  was  represented  —  the  fishes.  The  lower  orders  of  life,  as 
before,  were  present,  but  the  species  were  of  the  less  ancient  Devonian  type.  Precisely  how  far 
the  deposit  originally  extended  is  not  now  known,  as  it  has  undoubtedly  been  much  reduced  by 
the  eroding  agencies  that  have  acted  upon  it.  That  portion  which  remains,  occupies  a  limited 
area  on  the  lake  shore  immediately  north  of  Milwaukee,  extending  inland  half  a  dozen  miles. 
The  cement  rock  proper  is  found  on  the  Milwaukee  river  just  above  the  ci  y.  At  the  close  of 
the  Hamilton  period  the  oceanic  waters  retired,  and,  if  they  ever  subsequently  encroached  upon 
our  territory,  they  have  left  us  no  permanent  record  of  their  intrusion. 

The  history  of  the  formation  of  the  substructure  of  the  state  was,  it  will  be  observed,  in  an 
unusual  degree,  simple  and  progresuve.  Starting  with  a  firm  core  of  most  ancient  crystalline 
rocks,  leaf  upon  leaf  of  stony  strata  were  piled  around  it,  adding  belt  after  belt  to  the  margin  of 
the  growing  island  until  it  extended  itself  far  beyond  the  limits  of  our  state,  and  coalesced  with 
the  forming  continent.  An  ideal  map  of  the  state  would  show  the  Archcean  nucleus  surrounded 
by  concentric  bands  of  the  later  formations  in  the  order  of  their  deposition.     But  during  all  the 


120  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

vast  lapse  of  time  consumed  in  their  growth,  the  elements  were  gnawing,  carving  and  channeling 
the  surface,  and  the  outcropping  edges  of  the  formations  were  becoming  more  and  more  jagged, 
and  now,  after  the  last  stratum  had  been  added,  and  the  whole  had  been  lifted  from  the  waters 
that  gave  it  birth,  there  ensued  perhaps  a  still  vaster  era,  during  which  the  history  was  simply 
that  of  surface  erosion.  The  face  of  the  state  became  creased  with  the  wrinkles  of  age.  The 
edges  of  her  rocky  wrappings  became  ragged  with  the  wear  of  time.  The  remaining  Devonian 
periods,  the  great  Carboniferous  age,  the  Mesozoic  era,  and  the  earlier  Tertiary  periods  passed, 
leaving  no  other  record  than  that  of  denudation. 


THE   GLACIAL  PERIOD. 

With  the  approach  of  the  great  Ice  Age,  a  new  chapter  was  opened.  An  immense  sheet  of 
ice  moved  slowly,  but  irresistibly,  down  from  the  north,  planing  down  the  prominences,  filling  up 
the  \alleys,  polishing  and  grooving  the  strata,  and  heaping  up  its  rubbish  of  sand, gravel,  clay  and 
bowlders  over  the  face  of  the  country.  It  engraved  the  lines  of  its  progress  on  the  rocks,  and,  by 
reading  these,  we  learn  that  one  prodigious  tongue  of  ice  plowed  along  the  bed  of  Lake  Michi- 
gan, and  a  smaller  one  pushed  through  the  valley  of  Green  bay  and  Rock  river,  while  another 
immense  ice-stream  flowed  southwestward  through  the  trough  of  Lake  Superior  and  onward 
into  Minnesota.  The  diversion  of  the  glacier  through  these  great  channels  seems  to  have  left 
the  southwestern  portion  of  the  state  intact,  and  over  it  we  find  no  drift  accumulations.  With 
the  approach  of  a  warmer  climate,  the  ice-streams  were  melted  backward,  leaving  their  debris 
heaped  promiscuously  over  the  surface,  giving  it  a  new  configuration.  In  the  midst  of  this 
retreat,  a  series  of  halts  and  advances  seem  to  have  taken  place  in  close  succession,  by  which  the 
drift  was  pushed  up  into  ridges  and  hills  along  the  foot  of  tlie  ice,  after  which  a  more  rapid 
retreat  ensued.  The  effect  of  this  action  was  to  produce  that  remarkable  chain  of  drift  hills  and 
ridges,  known  as  the  Kettle  range,  which  we  have  already  described  as  winding  over  the 
surface  of  the  state  in  a  very  peculiar  manner.  It  is  a  great  historic  rampart,  recording  the 
position  of  the  edge  of  the  glacier  at  a  certain  stage  of  its  retreat,  and  doubtless  at  the  same  time 
noting  a  great  climatic  or  dynamic  change. 

The  melting  of  the  glacier  gave  rise  to  large  quantities  of  water,  and  hence  to  numerous 
torrents,  as  well  as  lakes.  There  occurred  about  this  time  a  depression  of  the  land  to  the  north- 
ward, which  was  perhaps  the  cause,  in  part  or  in  whole,  of  the  retreat  of  the  ice.  This  gave 
origin  to  the  great  lakes.  The  waters  advanced  somewhat  upon  the  land  and  deposited  the  red 
clay  that  borders  Lakes  Michigan  and  Superior  and  occupies  the  Green  bay  valley  as  far  up  as 
the  vicinity  of  Fond  du  Lac.  After  several  oscillations,  the  lakes  settled  down  into  their  present 
positions.  Wherever  the  glacier  plowed  over  the  land,  it  left  an  irregular  sheet  of  commingled 
clay,  sand,  gravel  and  bowlders  spread  unevenly  over  the  surface.  The  depressions  formed  by 
its  irregularities  soon  filled  with  water  and  gave  origin  to  numerous  lakelets.  Probably  not  one 
of  the  thousands  of  Wisconsin  lakes  had  an  existence  before  the  glacial  period.  Wherever  the 
great  lakes  advanced  upon  the  land,  they  leveled  its  surface  and  left  their  record  in  lacustine 
clays  and  sandy  beach  lines. 

With  the  retreat  of  the  glacier,  vegetation  covered  the  surface,  and  by  its  aid  and  the  action 
of  the  elements  our  fertile  drift  soils,  among  the  last  and  best  of  Wisconsin's  formations,  were 
produced.     And  the  work  still  goes  on-, 


CLIMATOLOGY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

By  Prof.   H.  H.  OLDENHAGE. 

The  climate  of  a  country,  or  that  peculiar  state  of  the  atmosphere  in  regard  to  heat  and 
moisture  which  prevails  in  any  given  place,  and  which  directly  affects  the  growth  of  plants  and 
animals,  is  determined  by  the  following  causes:  ist.  Distance  from  the  equator.  2d.  Distance 
from  the  sea.  3d.  Height  above  the  sea.  4th.  Prevailing  winds;  and  5th.  Local  influences, 
such  as  soil,  vegetation,  and  proximity  to  lakes  and  mountains. 

Of  these  causes,  the  firsts  distance  from  the  equator,  is  by  far  the  most  important.  The 
warmest  climates  are  necessarily  those  of  tropical  regions  where  the  sun's  rays  are  vertical.  But 
in  proceeding  from  the  equator  toward  the  poles,  less  and  less  heat  continues  to  be  received  by 
the  same  extent  of  surface,  because  the  rays  fall  more  and  more  obliquely,  and  the  same  amount 
of  heat-rays  therefore  spread  over  an  increasing  breadth  of  surface;  while,  however,  with  the 
increase  of  obliquity,  more  and  more  heat  is  absorbed  by  the  atmosphere,  as  the  amount  of  air 
to  be  penetrated  is  greater.  If  the  earth's  surface  were  either  wholly  land  or  water,  and  its 
atmosphere  motionless,  the  gradations  of  climate  would  run  parallel  with  the  latitudes  from  the 
equator  to  the  poles.  But  owing  to  the  irregular  distribution  of  land  and  water,  and  the  prevail- 
ing winds,  such  an  arrangement  is  impossible,  and  the  determination  of  the  real  climate  of  a  given 
region,  and  its  causes,  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  problems  of  science. 

On  the  second  of  these  causes,  distance  from  the  sea,  depends  the  difference  between  oce- 
anic and  continental  climates.  Water  is  more  slowly  heated  and  cooled  than  land ;  the  climates 
of  the  sea  and  the  adjacent  land  are  therefore  much  more  equable  and  moist  than  those  of  the 
interior. 

A  decrease  of  temperature  is  noticeable  in  ascending  high  mountains.  The  rate  at  which 
the  temperature  falls  with  the  height  above  the  sea  is  a  very  variable  quantity,  and  is  influenced 
by  a  variety  of  causes,  such  as  latitude,  situation,  moisture,  or  dryness,  hour  of  the  day  and  season 
of  the  year.  As  a  rough  approximation,  however,  the  fall  of  1°  of  the  thermometer  for  every 
300  feet  is  usually  adopted. 

Air  in  contact  with  any  part  of  the  earth's  surface,  tends  to  acquire  the  temperature  of  that 
surface.  Hence,  winds  from  the  north  are  cold ;  those  from  the  south  are  warm.  Winds  from 
the  sea  are  moist,  and  winds  from  the  land  are  usually  dry.  Prevailing  winds  are  the  result  of 
the  relative  distribution  of  atmospheric  pressure  blowing  from  places  where  the  pressure  is  high- 
est, toward  places  where  it  is  lowest.  As  climate  practically  depends  on  the  temperature  and 
moisture  of  the  air,  and  as  these  again  depend  on  the  prevailing  winds  which  come  charged  with 
the  temperature  and  moisture  of  the  regions  they  have  traversed,  it  is  evident  that  charts  show- 
ing the  mean  pressure  of  the  atmosphere  give  us  the  key  to  the  climates  of  the  different  regions 
of  the  world.  The  effect  of  prevailing  winds  is  seen  in  the  moist  and  equable  climate  of  West- 
ern Europe,  especially  Great  Britain,  owing  to  the  warm  and  moist  southwest  winds;  and  in  the 
extremes  of  the  eastern  part  of  North  America,  due  to  the  warm  and  moist  winds  prevailing  in 
summer  and  the  Arctic  blasts  of  winter. 


122  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

Among  local  influences  which  modify  climate,  the  nature  of  the  soil  is  one  of  the  most 
important.  As  water  absorbs  much  heat,  wet,  marshy  ground  usually  lowers  the  mean  tempera- 
ture. A  sandy  waste  presents  the  greatest  extremes.  The  extremes  of  temperature  are  also  modi- 
fied by  extensive  forests,  which  prevent  the  soil  from  being  as  much  warmed  and  cooled  as  it 
would  be  if  bare.  Evaporation  goes  on  more  slowly  under  the  trees,  since  the  soil  is  screened 
from  the  sun.  And  as  the  air  among  the  trees  is  little  agitated  by  the  wind,  the  vapor  is  left  to 
accumulate,  and  hence  the  humidity  of  the  air  is  increased.  Climate  is  modified  in  a  similar  man- 
ner by  lakes  and  other  large  surfaces  of  water.  During  summer  the  water  cools  the  air  and 
reduces  the  temperature  cf  the  locality.  In  winter,  on  the  other  hand,  the  opposite  effect  is  pro- 
duced. The  surface  water  which  is  cooled  sinks  to  lower  levels;  the  warmer  water  rising  to  the 
surface,  radiates  heat  into  the  air  and  thus  raises  the  temperature  of  the  neighboring  region. 
This  influence  is  well  illustrated,  on  a  great  scale,  in  our  own  state  by  Lake  Michigan. 

It  is,  lastly,  of  importance  whether  a  given  tract  of  country  is  diversified  by  hills,  valleys  and 
mountains.  Winds  with  their  warm  vapor  strike  the  sides  of  mountains  and  are  forced  up  into 
higher  levels  of  the  atmosphere,  where  the  vapor  is  condensed  into  clouds.  Air  coming  in  con- 
tact, during  the  night  or  in  winter,  with  the  cooled  declivities  of  hills  and  rising  grounds  becomes 
cooled  and  consequently  denser  and  sinks  to  the  low-lying  grounds,  displacing  the  warmer  and 
lighter  air.  Hence,  frosts  often  occur  at  these  places,  when  no  trace  of  them  can  be  found  at 
higher  levels.  For  the  same  reason  the  cold  of  winter  is  generally  more  intense  in  ravines  and 
valleys  than  on  hill  tops  and  high  grounds,  the  valleys  being  a  receptacle  for  the  cold-air  currents 
which  descend  from  all  sides.  These  currents  give  rise  to  gusts  and  blasts  of  cold  wind,  which 
are  simply  the  out-rush  of  cold  air  from  such  basins.  This  is  a  subject  of  great  practical  impor- 
tance to  fruit-growers. 

In  order  to  understand  the  principal  features  of  the  climate  of  Wisconsin,  and  the  conditions 
on  which  these  depend,  it  is  necessary  to  consider  the  general  climatology  of  the  eastern  United 
States.  The  chief  characteristic  of  this  area  as  a  whole  is,  that  it  is  subject  to  great  extremes — to 
all  those  variations  of  temperature  which  prevail  from  the  tropical  to  the  Arctic  regions.  This 
is  principally  due  to  the  topographical  conditions  of  our  continent.  The  Rocky  mountains  con- 
densing the  moisture  of  the  warm  winds  from  the  Pacific  and  preventing  them  from  reaching  far 
inland,  separate  the  climateof  the  Mississippi  valley  widely  from  that  of  the  Pacific  slope.  Between 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  the  Arctic  sea  there  is  no  elevation  to  exceed  2,000  feet  to  arrest  the 
flow  of  the  hot  southerly  winds  of  summer,  or  the  cold  northerly  winds  of  winter.  From  this 
results  a  variation  of  temperature  hardly  equaled  in  any  part  of  the  world. 

In  determining  the  climates  of  the  United  States,  western  Europe  is  usually  taken  as  the 
basis  of  comparison.  The  contrast  between  these  regions  is  indeed  very  great.  New  York  is  in 
the  same  latitude  with  Madrid,  Naples  and  Constantinople.  Quebec  is  not  so  far  north  as  Paris. 
London  and  Labrador  are  equi-distant  from  the  equator  ;  but  while  England,  with  her  mild,  moist 
climate,  produces  an  abundance  of  vegetation,  in  Labrador  all  cultivation  ceases.  In  the  latitude 
of  Stockholm  and  St.  Petersburg,  at  the  6oth  parallel,  we  find  in  eastern  North  America  vast  ice- 
fields which  seldom  melt.  The  moist  and  equable  climate  of  western  Europe  in  high  latitudes 
is  due  to  the  Gulf  Stream  and  the  southwest  winds  of  the  Atlantic,  which  spread  their  warmth 
and  moisture  over  the  western  coast.  Comparison,  however,  shows  that  the  climate  of  the  Pacific 
coast  of  North  America  is  quite  as  mild  as  that  of  western  Europe ;  and  this  is  due  to  the  same 
kind  of  influences,  namely,  to  the  warm,  moist  winds  and  the  currents  oi  the  Pacific.  And  to  con- 
tinue the  comparisoi.  still  further,  in  proceeding  on  both  continents  from  west  to  east,  or  from 
ocean  into  the  interior,  we  find  a  general  resemblance  of  climatic  conditions,  modified  greatly,  it 
is  true,  by  local  influences. 


CLIMATOLOGY    OF    WISCONSIN.  123 

The  extreme  summer  climate  of  the  eastern  United  States  is  owing  to  the  southerly  and 
southwesterly  winds,  which  blow  with  great  regularity  during  this  season,  and,  after  traversing 
great  areas  of  tropical  seas,  bear  the  warmth  and  moisture  of  these  seas  far  inland,  and  give  this 
region  the  peculiar  semi-tropical  character  of  its  summers.  The  average  temperature  of  summer 
varies  between  80°  for  the  Gulf  states,  and  60''  for  the  extreme  north.  While  in  the  Gulf  states 
the  thermometer  often  rises  to  100°,  in  the  latitude  of  Wisconsin  this  occurs  very  seldom.  During 
winter  the  prevailing  winds  are  from  the  northwest.  These  cold  blasts  from  the  Arctic  sea  are 
deflected  by  the  Rocky  mountains,  sweep  down  unopposed  into  lower  latitudes,  and  produce  all 
the  rigors  of  an  arctic  winter.  The  mean  temperature  for  this  season  varies  between  60°  for  the 
Gulf  coast  and  15°  for  the  extreme  northern  part  of  Wisconsin.  In  the  northern  part  of  the 
valley  the  cold  is  sometimes  so  intense  that  the  thermometer  sinks  to  the  freezing  point  of 
mercury. 

The  extreme  of  heat  and  cold  would  give  a  continental  climate  if  this  extreme  were  not  accom^ 
panied  by  a  profusion  of  rain.  The  southerly  winds,  laden  with  moisture,  distribute  this  moist- 
ure with  great  regularity  over  the  valley.  The  amount  of  rainfall,  greater  in  summer  than  in 
winter,  varies,  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  Wisconsin,  from  63  inches  to  30  inches.  On  the  At- 
lantic coast,  where  the  distribution  is  more  equal  throughout  the  year  on  account  of  its  proximity 
to  the  ocean,  the  amount  varies,  from  Florida  to  Maine,  from  63  to  40  inches.  The  atmospheric 
movements  on  which,  to  a  great  extent,  the  climatic  conditions  of  the  eastern  United  States 
depend,  may  be  summed  up  as  follows : 

"i.  That  the  northeast  trades,  deflected  in  their  course  to  south  and  southeast  winds  in 
their  passage  through  the  Carribean  Sea  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  are  the  warm  and  moist  winds 
which  communicate  to  the  Mississippi  valley  and  the  Atlantic  slope  their  fertility. 

"2.  That  the  prevalence  of  these  winds  from  May  to  October  communicates  to  this  region 
a  sub-tropical  climate. 

"  3.  That  in  the  region  bordering  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  atmospheric  disturbances  are 
propagated  from  south  to  north ;  but  in  the  northern  and  middle  states,  owing  to  a  prevailing 
upper  current,  from  west  to  east. 

"  4.  That  while  this  upper  current  is  cool  and  dry,  and  we  have  the  apparent  anomaly  of 
rain  storms  traveling  from  west  to  east,  at  the  same  time  the  moisture  supplying  them  comes  from 
the  south. 

"5.  That,  in  the  winter,  the  south  and  southeast  winds  rise  into  the  upper  current,  while 
the  west  and  northwest  winds  descend  and  blow  as  surface  winds,  accompanied  by  an  extraor-. 
dinary  depression  of  temperature,  creating,  as  it  were,  an  almost  arctic  climate. 

"  6.  That  the  propagation  of  the  cold  winds  from  west  to  east  is  due  to  the  existence  of  a 
warmer  and  lighter  air  to  the  eastward. 

"7.  That  in  summer  the  westerly  currents  seldom  blow  with  violence,  because,  in  passing 
over  the  heated  plains,  they  acquire  nearly  the  same  temperature  as  the  southerly  currents,  but  in 
winter  the  conditions  are  reversed." 

The  line  of  conflict  of  these  aerial  currents,  produced  by  unequal  atmospheric  pressure, 
shift  so  rapidly  that  the  greatest  changes  of  temperature,  moisture,  and  wind,  are  experienced 
within  a  few  hours,  these  changes  usually  affecting  areas  of  great  extent.  In  the  old  world,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  mountain  systems,  generally  running  from  east  to  west,  offer  an  impediment, 
especially  to  the  polar  currents,  and  the  weather  is  therefore  not  so  changeable. 

Wisconsin,  situated  in  the  upper  and  central  part  of  the  Mississippi  valley,  is  subject  to  the 
same  general  climatic  conditions  which  give  this  whole  area  its  peculiar  climate. 

The  highest  mean  summer  temperature  is   72°  Fahrenheit  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the 


124  HISTORY   OF   AVTSCONSIN. 

state,  and  the  lowest  64°  at  Bayfield,  Lake  Superior.  During  the  months  of  June,  July  and 
August,  the  thermometer  often  rises  as  hig^i  as  90",  seldom  to  100".  In  1874  the  mercury  reached 
this  high  point  twice  at  LaCrosse,  and  three  times  at  Dubuque,  Iowa.  There  are  usually  two  or 
three  of  these  "  heated  terms  "  during  the  summer,  terminated  by  abrupt  changes  of  temperature. 

The  isotherm  of  70°  (an  isotherm  being  a  line  connecting  places  having  the  same  mean  tem- 
perature) enters  this  state  from  the  west,  in  the  northern  part  of  Grantcounty,  touches  Madison,  takes 
a  southerly  direction  through  Walworth  county,  passes  through  southern  Michigan,  Cleveland,  and 
Pittsburg,  reaching  the  Atlantic  ocean  a  little  north  of  New  York  city.  From  this  it  is  seen  that 
southern  Wisconsin,  southern  and  central  Michigan,  northern  Ohio,  central  Pennsylvania,  and 
southern  New  York  have  nearly  the  same  summer  temperature.  Northwestward  this  line  runs 
through  southern  Minnesota  and  along  the  Missouri  to  the  foot  of  the  mountains.  Eastern  Ore- 
gon, at  47°  30'  north  latitude,  has  the  same  average  summer  temperature  ;  the  line  then  returns 
and  touches  the  Pacific  coast  at  San  Diego. 

The  remarkable  manner  in  which  so  large  a  body  of  water  as  Lake  Michigan  modifies  the 
temperature  has  been  carefully  determined,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  Wisconsin,  by  the  late  Dr.  Lap- 
ham,  of  Milwaukee.  It  is  seen  by  the  map  that  the  average  summer  temperature  of  Racine  is 
the  same  as  that  of  St.  Paul.  The  weather  map  for  July,  1875,  in  the  signal  service  report  for 
1876,  shows  that  the  mean  temperature  for  July  was  the  same  in  Rock  county,  in  the  souihern 
part  of  the  state,  as  that  of  Breckenridge,  Minn.,  north  of  St.  Paul.  The  moderating  efifect  of 
tlic  lake  during  hot  weather  is  felt  in  the  adjacent  region  during  both  day  and  night. 

Countries  in  the  higher  latitudes  having  an  e.xtreme  summer  temperature  are  usually  charac- 
terized by  a  small  amount  of  rain-fall.  The  Mississippi  valley,  however,  is  directly  e.xposed  in 
spring  and  summer  to  the  warm  and  moist  winds  from  the  south,  and  as  these  winds  condense 
their  moisture  by  coming  in  contact  with  colder  upper  currents  from  the  north  and  west,  it  has  a 
profusion  of  rain  which  deprives  the  climite  largely  of  its  continental  features.  As  already 
stated,  the  average  amount  of  rain-fall  in  Wisconsin  is  about  30  inches  annually.  Of  this  amount 
about  one-eighth  is  precipitated  in  winter,  three-eighths  in  summer,  and  the  rest  is  equally  dis- 
tributed between  spring  and  autumn  —  in  other  words,  rain  is  abundant  at  the  time  of  the  year 
when  it  is  most  needed.  In  Wisconsin  the  rainfall  is  greatest  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the 
state  ;  the  least  on  and  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan.  This  shows  that  the  humidity  of  the 
air  of  a  given  area  can  be  greater,  and  the  rainfall  less,  than  that  of  some  other. 

In  comparison  with  western  Europe,  even  where  the  mean  temperature  is  higher  than  in  the 
Mississippi  valley,  the  most  striking  fact  in  the  climatic  conditions  of  the  United  States  is  the 
great  range  of  plants  of  tropical  or  sub-tropical  origin,  such  as  Indian  corn,  tobacco,  etc.  The 
conditions  on  which  the  character  of  the  vegetation  depends  are  temperature  and  moisture,  and 
the  mechanical  and  chemical  composition  of  the  soil. 

"The  basis  of  this  great  capacity  (the  great  range  of  plants)  is  the  high  curve  of  heat  and 
moisture  for  the  summer,  and  the  fact  that  the  measure  of  heat  and  of  rain  are  almost  or  quite 
tropical  for  a  period  in  duration  from  one  to  five  months,  in  the  range  from  Quebec  to  the  coast 
of  the  Gulf."  Indian  corn  attains  its  full  perfection  between  the  summer  isotherms  72^  and  77°, 
in  Illinois,  Iowa,  Missouri,  and  Kansas ;  but  it  may  be  grown  up  to  the  line  of  65",  which  includes 
the  whole  of  Wisconsin.  The  successful  cultivation  of  this  important  staple  is  due  to  the  mtense 
heat  of  summer  and  a  virgin  soil  rich  in  nitrogen. 

While  Milwaukee  and  central  Wisconsin  have  a  mean  annual  temperature  of  45°,  that  of 
southern  Ireland  and  central  England  is  50°  ;  the  line  of  72°,  the  average  temperature  for  July, 
runs  from  Walworth  county  to  St.  Paul,  while  during  the  same  month  Ireland  and  England  have 
■a  mean  temperature  of  only  60"^.     In  Wisconsin  the  thermometer  rises  as  high  as  90*^  and  above. 


CLIMATOLOGY   OF   WISCONSIN.  125 

while  the  range  above  the  mean  in  England  is  very  small.  It  is  the  tropical  element  of  our  sum- 
mers, then,  that  causes  the  grape,  the  corn,  etc.,  to  ripen,  while  England,  with  a  higher  mean 
temperature,  is  unable  to  mature  them  successfully.  Ireland,  where  southern  plants  may  remain 
out-doors,  unfrosted,  the  whole  winter,  can  not  mature  those  fruits  and  grasses  which  ripen  in 
Wisconsin.  In  England  a  depression  of  2"  below  the  mean  of  60°  will  greatly  reduce  the  quan- 
tity, or  prevent  the  ripening  of  wheat  altogether,  60"  being  essential  to  a  good  crop.  Wheat,  re- 
quiring a  lower  temperature  than  corn,  is  better  adapted  to  the  climate  of  Wisconsin.  This  grain 
may  be  grown  as  far  north  as  Hudson  bay. 

Autumn,  including  September,  October  and  November,  is  of  short  duration  in  Wisconsin. 
North  of  the  42d  parallel,  or  the  southern  boundary  line  of  the  state,  November  belongs  properly 
to  the  winter  months,  its  mean  temperature  being  about  32°.  The  decrease  of  heat  from  August  to 
September  is  generally  from  8°  to  9°;  11°  from  September  tfo  October,  and  14°  from  October  to 
November.  The  average  temperature  for  these  three  months  is  about  45°.  A  beautiful  season, 
commonly  known  as  Indian  summer,  frequently  occurs  in  the  latter  part  of  October  and  in  No- 
vember. This  period  is  characterized  by  a  mild  temperature  and  a  hazy,  calm  atmosphere. 
According  to  Loomis,  this  appears  to  be  due  to  "an  uncommonly  tranquil  condition  of  the  atmos- 
phere, during  which  the  air  becomes  filled  with  dust  and  smoke,  arising  from  numerous  fires,  by 
which  its  transparency  is  greatl)'  impaired."  This  phenomenon  extends  as  far  north  as  Lake 
Superior,  but  it  is  more  conspicuous  and  protracted  in  Kansas  and  Missouri,  and  is  not  observed 
in  the  southern  states. 

Destructive  frosts  generally  occur  in  September,  and  sometimes  in  August.  "  A. temperature 
of  36"  to  40°  at  sunrise  is  usually  attended  with  frosts  destructive  to  vegetation,  the  position  of 
the  thermometer  being  usually  such  as  to  represent  less  than  the  actual  refrigeration  at  the  open 
surface."  In  1875,  during  October,  at  Milwaukee,  the  mercury  fell  seven  times  below  the  freez- 
ing point,  and  twice  below  zero  in  November,  the  lowest  being  14°. 

The  winters  are  generally  long  and  severe,  but  occasionally  mild  and  almost  without  snow. 
The  mean  winter  temperature  varies  between  23°  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  state,  and  16°  at 
Ashland,  m  the  northern.  For  this  season  the  e.xtremes  are  great.  The  line  of  20°  is  of  im- 
portance, as  it  marks  the  average  temperature  which  is  fatal  to  the  growth  of  all  the  tender  trees, 
such  as  the  pear  and  the  peach.  In  the  winter  of  1875  and  1876,  the  mean  temperature  for  De- 
cember, January  and  February,  in  the  upper  lake  region,  was  about  4°  above  the  average  mean 
for  many  years,  while  during  the  previous  winter  the  average  temperature  for  January  and  Feb- 
ruary was  about  12°  below  the  mean  for  many  years,  showing  a  great  difference  between  cold  and 
mild  winters.  In  the  same  winter,  i875-'76,  at  Milwaukee,  the  thermometer  fell  only  six  times 
below  zero,  the  lowest  being  12°,  while  during  the  preceding  winter  the  mercury  sank  thirty-six 
times  below  zero,  the  lowest  being  23".  In  the  northern  and  northwestern  part  of  the  state  the 
temperature  sometimes  falls  to  the  freezing  point  of  mercury.  During  the  exceptionally  cold 
Winter  of  1872-3,  at  La  Crosse,  the  thermometer  sank  nearly  fifty  times  below  zero;  on  Decem- 
ber 24,  it  indicated  37°  below,  and  on  January  18,  43°  below  zero,  averaging  about  12°  below 
the  usual  mean  for  those  months.  The  moderating  effect  of  Lake  Michigan  can  be  seen 
by  observing  how  the  lines  indicating  the  mean  winter  temperature  curve  northward  as  they 
approach  the  lake.  Milwaukee,  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Two  Rivers,  and  the  Grand  Traverse 
region  of  Michigan,  have  the  same  average  wintei  temperature.  The  same  is  true  regarding 
Galena,  111.,  Beloit,  and  Kewaunee.  A  similar  influence  is  noticed  in  all  parts  of  the  state.  Dr. 
Lapham  concludes  that  this  is  not  wholly  due  to  the  presence  of  Lake  Michigan,  but  that  the 
mountain  range  which  extends  from  a  little  west  of  Lake  Superior  to  the  coast  of  Labrador  (from 
1,100  to  2,240  feet  high)  protects  the  lake  region  in  no  inconsiderable  degree  from  the  excessive 
cold  of  winter. 


126  HISTORY    OF   AVISCONSIK. 

According  to  the  same  authority,  the  time  at  which  the  Milwaukee  river  was  closed  wi  h  ice, 
for  a  period  of  nine  years,  varied  between  November  15  and  December  1  ;  the  time  at  which  it 
became  free  from  ice,  between  March  3  and  April  13.  In  the  lake  district,  snow  and  rain  are 
interspersed  through  all  the  winter  months,  rain  being  sometimes  as  profuse  as  at  any  other  sea- 
son. In  the  northwestern  part  the  winter  is  more  rigid  and  dry.  Northern  New  York  and  the 
New  England  states  usually  have  snow  lying  on  the  ground  the  whole  winter,  but  in  the  southern 
lake  district  it  rarely  remains  so  long.  In  i842-'43,  however,  sleighing  commenced  about  the 
middle  of  November,  and  lasted  till  about  the  same  time  in  April — five  months. 

The  average  temperature  for  the  three  months  of  spring,  March,  April  and  May,  from  Wal- 
worth county  to  St.  Paul,  is  about  45°.  In  central  Wisconsin  the  mean  for  March  is  about  27°, 
which  is  an  increase  of  nearly  7*^  from  February.  The  lowest  temperature  of  this  month  in 
1876  was  40°  above  zero.  April  shows  an  average  increase  of  about  9"  over  March.  In  1876 
the  line  of  45°  for  this  month  passed  from  LaCrosse  to  Evanston,  111.,  touching  Lake  Erie  at 
Toledo,  showing  that  the  interior  west  of  Lake  Michigan  is  warmer  than  the  lake  region.  The 
change  from  winter  to  spring  is  more  sudden  in  the  interior  than  in  the  vicinity  of  the  lakes. 
"In  the  town  of  Lisbon,  fifteen  miles  from  Lake  Michigan,"  says  Dr.  Laphani,  "  early  spring 
flowers  show  themselves  about  ten  days  earlier  than  on  the  lake.  In  spring  vegetation,  in  places 
remote  from  the  lakes,  shoots  up  in  a  very  short  time,  and  flowers  show  their  petals,  while  on  the 
lake  shore  the  cool  air  retards  them  and  brings  them  more  gradually  into  existence."  The  in- 
crease from  April  to  May  is  about  15^.  In  May,  1876,  Pembina  and  Milwaukee  had  nearly  the 
same  mean  temperature,  about  55°. 

The  extremes  of  our  climate  and  the  sadden  changes  of  temperature  no  doubt  have  a 
marked  influence,  both  physically  and  mentally,  on  the  American  people.  And  though  a  more 
equable  climate  may  be  more  conducive  to  perfect  health,  the  great  range  of  our  climate  from 
arctic  to  tropical,  and  the  consequent  variety  and  abundance  of  vegetable  products,  combine  to 
make  the  Mississippi  valley  perhaps  one  of  the  most  favorable  areas  in  the  world  for  the  develop- 
tient  of  a  strong  and  wealthy  nation. 

During  the  months  of  summer,  in  the  interior  of  the  eastern  United  States,  at  least  three- 
fourths  of  the  rain-fall  is  in  showers  usually  accompanied  by  electrical  discharges  and  limited  to 
small  areas.  But  in  autumn,  winter,  and  spring  nearly  the  whole  precipitation  takes  place  in 
general  storms  extending  over  areas  of  300,  500  and  sometimes  over  1,000  miles  in  diameter,  and 
generally  lasting  two  or  three  days.  An  area  of  low  atmospheric  pressure  causes  the  wind  to  blow 
toward  that  area  from  all  sides,  and  when  the  depression  is  sudden  and  great,  it  is  accompanied 
by  much  rain  or  snow.  On  account  of  the  earth's  rotation,  the  wind  blowing  toward  this  region 
of  low  pressure  is  deflected  to  the  right,  causing  the  air  to  circulate  around  the  center  with  a 
motion  spirally  inward.  In  our  latitude  the  storm  commences  with  east  winds.  When  the  storm 
center,  or  area  of  lowest  barometer,  is  to  the  south  of  us,  the  wind  gradually  veers,  as  the  storm 
passes  from  west  to  east  with  the  upper  current,  round  to  the  northwest  by  the  north  point. 
On  the  south  side  of  the  storm  center,  the  wind  veers  from  southeast  to  southwest,  by  the  south 
point.  The  phenomena  attending  such  a  storm  when  we  are  in  or  near  the  part  of  its  center  are 
usually  as  follows :  After  the  sky  has  become  overcast  with  clouds,  the  wind  from  the  northeast 
generally  begins  to  rise  and  blows  in  the  opposing  direction  to  fhe  march  of  the  storm.  The 
clouds  which  are  now  moving  over  us,  discharge  rain  or  snow  according  to  circumstances.  The 
barometer  continues  to  fall,  and  the  rain  or  snow  is  brought  obliquely  down  from  the  northern 
quarter  by  the  prevailing  wind.  After  a  while  the  wind  changes  slightly  in  diiection  and  then 
ceases.  The  thermometer  rises  and  the  barometer  has  reached  its  lowest  point.  This  is  the  center 
of  the  storm.     After  the  calm  the  wind  has  changed   its  direction  to  northwest   or  west.     The 


CLIMATOLOGY    OF    WISCONSIN.  ^  127 

wind  blows  again,  usually  more  violently  than  before,  accompanied  by  rain  or  snow,  which  is  now 
generally  of  short  duration.  The  sky  clears,  and  the  storm  is  suddenly  succeeded  by  a  tempera, 
ture  ID  or  20  degrees  below  the  mean.  Most  of  the  rain  and  snow  falls  with  the  east  winds,  or 
before  the  center  passes  a  given  point.  The  path  of  these  storms  is  from  west  to  east,  or  nearly 
so,  and  only  seldom  in  other  directions.  These  autumn,  winter,  and  spring  rains  are  generally 
first  noticed  on  the  western  plains,  but  may  originate  at  any  point  along  their  path,  and  move 
eastward  with  an  average  velocity  of  about  20  miles  an  hour  in  summer  and  30  miles  in  winter, 
but  sometimes  attaining  a  velocity  of  over  50  miles,  doing  great  damage  on  the  lakes.  In  pre- 
dicting these  storms,  the  signal  service  of  the  army  is  of  incalculable  practical  benefit,  as  well 
as  in  collecting  data  for  scientific  conclusions. 

A  subject  of  the  greatest  importance  to  every  inhabitant  of  Wisconsin  is  the  influence  of 
forests  on  climate  and  the  effects  of  disrobing  a  county  of  its  trees.  The  general  influence  of 
forests  in  modifying  the  extremes  of  temperature,  retarding  evaporation  and  the  increased 
humidity  of  the  air,  has  already  been  mentioned.  That  clearing  the  land  of  trees  increases  the 
temperature  of  the  ground  in  summer,  is  so  readily  noticed  that  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  men- 
tion it ;  while  in  winter  the  sensible  cold  is  never  so  extreme  in  woods  as  on  an  open  surface 
exposed  to  the  full  force  of  the  winds.  "  The  lumbermen  in  Canada  and  the  northern  United 
States  labor  in  the  woods  without  inconvenience:  when  the  mercury  stands  many  degrees  below 
Eero,  while  in  the  open  grounds,  with  only  a  moderate  breeze,  the  same  temperature  is  almost 
insupportable."  "  In  the  state  of  Michigan  it  has  been  found  that  the  winters  have  greatly 
increased  in  severity  within  the  last  forty  years,  and  that  this  increased  severity  seems  to  move 
along  even-paced  with  the  destruction  of  the  forests.  Thirty  years  ago  the  peach  was  one  of  the 
most  abundant  fruits  of  that  State;  at  that  time  frost,  injurious  to  corn  at  any  time  from  May  to 
October,  was  a  thing  unknown.  Now  the  peach  is  an  uncertain  crop,  and  frost  often  injures  the 
corn.''  The  precise  influence  of  forests  on  temperature  may  not  at  present  admit  of  definite  solu- 
tion, yet  the  mechanical  screen  which  they  furnish  to  the  soil  often  far  to  the  leeward  of  them, 
is  sufficiently  established,  and  this  alone  is  enough  to  encourage  extensive  planting  wherever  this 
protection  is  wanting. 

With  regard  to  the  quantity  of  rain-fall,  "  we  can  not  positively  affirm  that  the  total  annual 
quantity  of  rain  is  even  locally  diminished  or  mcreased  by  the  destruction  of  the  woods,  though 
both  theoretical  considerations  and  the  balance  of  testimony  strongly  favor  the  opinion  that  more 
rain  falls  in  wooded  than  in  open  countries.  One  important  conclusion,  at  least,  upon  the 
meteorological  influence  of  forests  is  certain  and  undisputed:  the  proposition,  namely,  that, 
within  their  own  limits,  and  near  their  own  borders,  they  maintain  a  more  uniform  degree  of 
humidity  in  the  atmosphere  than  is  observed  in  cleared  grounds.  Scarcely  less  can  it  be 
questioned  that  they  tend  to  promote  the  frequency  of  showers,  and,  if  they  do  not  augment  the 
amount  of  precipitation,  they  probably  equalize  its  distribution  through  the  different  seasons." 

There  is  abundant  and  undoubted  evidence  that  the  amount  of  water  existing  on  the  surface 
in  lakes  and  rivers,  in  many  parts  of  the  world,  is  constantly  diminishing.  In  Germany,  observa- 
tions of  the  Rhine,  Oder,  Danube,  and  the  Elbe,  in  the  latter  case  going  back  for  a  period  of  142 
years,  demonstrate  beyond  doubt,  that  each  of  these  rivers  has  much  deci'eased  in  volume,  and 
there  is  reason  to  fear  that  they  will  eventually  disappear  from  the  list  of  navigable  rivers. 

"  The  '  Blue-Grass  '  region  of  Kentucky,  once  the  pride  of  the  West,  has  now  districts  of 
such  barren  and  arid  nature  that  their  stock  farmers  are  moving  toward  the  Cumberland  mount- 
ains, because  the  creeks  and  old  springs  dried  up,  and  their  wells  became  too  low  to  furnish 
water  for  their  cattle."     In  our  own  state  '  such  has  been  the  change  in  the  flow  of  the  Milwau- 


128  .  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

kee  river,  even  while  the  area  from  which  it  receives  its  supply  is  but  partially  cleared,  that  the 
proprietor?  of  most  of  the  mills  and  factories  have  found  it  necessary  to  resort  to  the  use  of 
steam,  at  a  largely  increased  yearly  cost,  to  supply  the  deficiency  of  water-power  in  dry  seasons 
of  the  year."  "  What  has  happened  to  the  Milwaukee  river,  has  happened  to  all  the  other  water 
courses  in  the  state  from  whose  banks  the  forest  has  been  removed  ;  and  many  farmers  who 
selected  land  uqon  which  there  was  a  living  brook  of  clear,  pure  water,  now  find  these  brooks 
dried  up  during  a  considerable  portion  of  the  year.'' 

Districts  stripped  of  their  forest  are  said  to  be  more  exposed  than  before  to  loss  of  harvests, 
to  droughts  and  frost.  "  Hurricanes,  before  unknown,  sweep  unopposed  over  the  regions  thus 
denuded,  carrying  terror  and  devastation  in  their  track."  Parts  of  Asia  Minor,  North  Africa, 
and  other  countries  bordering  on  the  Mediterranean,  now  almost  deserts,  were  once  densely 
populated  and  the  granaries  of  the  world.  And  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  "  that  it  is  the 
destruction  of  the  forests  which  has  produced  this  devastation."  From  such  facts  Wisconsin, 
already  largely  robbed  of  its  forests,  should  take  warning  before  it  is  too  late. 


TREES,    SHRUBS    AND    VINES. 

By   p.   R.   hoy,  M.D. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  article  to  give  a  botanical  description,  but  merely  lirief  notes  on 
the  economical  value  of  the  woods,  and  the  fitness  of  the  various  indigenous  trees,  shrubs  and 
vines  for  the  purpose  of  ornament,  to  be  found  in  Wisconsin. 

White  Oak — Qucrcus  Alba. — This  noble  tree  is  the  largest  and  most  important  of  the 
American  oaks.  The  excellent  properties  of  the  wood  render  it  eminently  valuable  for  a  great 
variety  of  uses.  Wherever  strength  and  durability  are  required,  the  white  oak  stands  in  the  first 
rank.  It  is  employed  in  making  wagons,  coaches  and  sleds  ;  staves  and  hoops  of  the  best  quality 
for  barrels  and  casks  are  obtained  from  this  tree;  it  is  extensively  used  in  architecture,  ship- 
building, etc.;  vast  quantities  are  used  forfencmg;  the  bark  is  employed  in  tanning.  The  domes- 
tic consumption  of  this  tree  is  so  great  that  it  is  of  the  first  importance  to  preserve  the  young 
trees  wherever  it  is  practicable,  and  to  make  young  plantations  where  the  tree  is  not  found.  The 
white  oak  is  a  graceful,  ornamental  tree,  and  worthy  of  particular  attention  as  such  ;  found  abun- 
dantly in  most  of  the  timbered  districts. 

Burr  Oak — Q.  Macrocarpa. — This  is  perhaps  the  most  ornamental  of  our  oaks.  Nothing 
can  exceed  the  graceful  beauty  of  these  trees,  when  not  crowded  or  cramped  in  their  growth,  but 
left  free  to  follow  the  laws  of  their  development.  Who  has  not  admired  these  trees  in  our  exten- 
sive burr  oak  openings  .^  The  large  leaves  are  a  dark  green  above  and  a  bright  silvery  white 
beneath,  which  gives  the  tree  a  singularly  fine  appearance  when  agitated  by  the  wind.  The  wood 
is  tough,  close-grained,  and  more  durable  than  the  white  oak,  especially  when  exposed  to  frequent 
changes  of  moisture  and  drying;  did  the  tree  grow  to  the  same  size,  it  would  be  preferred  for 
most  uses.     Abundant,  and  richly  worthy  of  cultivation,  both  for  utility  and  ornament. 

Swamp  White  Oak — Q.  Bicotor. — Is  a  valuable  and  ornamental  tree,  not  quite  so  large  or 
as  common  as  the  burr  oak.  The  wood  is  close-grained,  durable,  splits  freely,  and  is  well  worthy 
of  cultivation  in  wet,  swampy  grounds,  where  it  will  thrive. 

Post  Oak — Q.  Obtiisiloha. — Is  a  scraggy,  small  tree,  found  sparingly  in  this  state.  The  tim- 
ber is  durable,  and  makes  good  fuel.     Not  worthy  of  cultivation. 


TBEES,  SHRUBS  AND   VINES.  129 

Swamp  Chestnut  Oak — Q.  Pn'nus. — This  species  of  chestnut  oak  is  a  large,  graceful  tree, 
wood  rather  open-grained,  yet  valuable  for  most  purposes  to  which  the  oaks  are  applied ;  makes 
the  best  fuel  of  any  of  this  family.  A  rare  tree,  found  at  Janesville  and  Brown's  lake,  near  Bur- 
lington.    Worthy  of  cultivation.  ' 

Red  Oak — Q.  Rubra. — The  red  oak  is  a  well-known,  common,  large  tree.  The  wood  is 
coarse-grained,  and  the  least  durable  of  the  oaks,  nearly  worthless  for  fuel,  and  scarcely  worthy 
of  cultivation,  even  for  ornament. 

Pin  Oak — Q.  Palustn's. — This  is  one  of  the  most  common  trees  in  many  sections  of  the 
state.  The  wood  is  of  little  value  except  for  fuel.  The  tree  is  quite  ornamental,  and  should  be 
sparingly  cultivated  for  this  purpose. 

Shingle  Oak — Q.  Imbricaria. — Is  a  tree  of  medium  size,  found  sparingly  as  far  north  as 
Wisconsin.     It  is  ornamental,  and  the  wood  is  used  for  shingles  and  staves. 

Scarlet  Oak — Q.  Coccinea. — This  is  an  ornamental  tree,  especially  in  autumn,  when  its 
leaves  turn  scarlet,  hence  the  name.     Wood  of  little  value  ;  common. 

Sugar  Maple — -Acer  Saccharium. — This  well-known  and  noble  tree  is  found  growing  abun- 
dantly in  many  sections  of  the  state.  The  wood  is  close-grained  and  susceptible  of  a  beautiful 
polish,  which  renders  it  valuable  for  many  kinds  of  furniture,  more  especially  the  varieties  known 
as  bird's-eye  and  curled  maples.  The  wood  lacks  the  durability  of  the  oak  ;  consequently  is  not 
valuable  for  purposes  where  it  will  be  exposed  to  the  weather.  For  fuel  it  ranks  next  to  hickory. 
The  sugar  manufactured  from  this  tree  affords  no  inconsiderable  resource  for  the  comfort  and 
even  wealth  of  many  sections  of  the  northern  states,  especially  those  newly  settled,  where  it 
would  be  difficult  and  expensive  to  procure  their  supply  from  a  distance.  As  an  ornamental  tree 
it  stands  almost  at  the  head  of  the  catalogue.  The  foliage  is  beautiful,  compact,  and  free  from 
the  attacks  of  insects.  It  puts  forth  its  yellow  blossoms  early,  and  in  the  autumn  the  leaves 
change  in  color  and  show  the  most  beautiful  tints  of  red  and  yellow  long  before  they  fall.  Worthy 
of  especial  attention  for  fuel  and  ornament,  and  well  adapted  to  street-planting. 

Red  Maple — A.  Rubrum. — Is  another  fine  maple  of  more  rapid  growth  than  the  foregoing 
species.  With  wood  rather  lighter,  but  quite  as  valuable  for  cabinet-work — for  fuel  not  quite  so 
good.  The  young  trees  bear  transplanting  even  better  than  other  maples.  Though  highly  orna- 
mental, this  tree  hardly  equals  the  first-named  species.  It  puts  forth,  in  early  spring,  its  scarlet 
blossoms  before  a  leaf  has  yet  appeared.     Well  adapted  to  street-planting. 

Mountain  Maple — A.  Spicatum. — Is  a  small  branching  tree,  or  rather  shrub,  found  grow- 
ing in  clumps.     Not  worthy  of  much  attention. 

Silver'  Maple — A.  Dasycarpum. — This  is  a  common  tree  growing  on  the  banks  of  streams, 
especially  in  the  western  part  of  the  state,  grown  largely  for  ornament,  yet  for  the  purpose  it  is 
the  least  valuable  of  the  maples.  The  branches  are  long  and  straggling,  and  so  brittle  that  they 
are  liable  to  be  injured  by  winds. 

Box  Maple — Negiindo  Aceroides. — This  tree  is  frequently  called  box  elder.  It  is  of  a  rapid 
growth  and  quite  ornamental.  The  wood  is  not  much  used  in  the  arts,  but  is  good  fuel.  Should 
be  cultivated.     It  grows  on  Sugar  and  Rock  rivers. 

White  Elm — Ulmus  Americana. — This  large  and  graceful  tree  stands  confessedly  at  the 
head  of  the  list  of  ornamental  deciduous  trees.  Its  wide-spreading  branches  and  long,  pendu- 
lous branchlets  form  a  beautiful  and  conspicuous  head.  It  grows  rapidly,  is  free  from  disease 
and  the  destructive  attacks  of  insects,  will  thrive  on  most  soils,  and  for  planting  along  streets,  in 
public  grounds  or  lawns,  is  unsurpassed  by  any  American  tree.  The  wood  is  but  little  used  in 
the  arts ;  makes  good  firewood  ;  should  be  planted  along  all  the  roads  and  streets,  near  every 
dwelling,  and  on  all  public  grounds. 


^^^  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

Slippery  Elm — V.  Fulva. — This  smaller  and  less  ornamental  species  is  also  common.  The 
wood,  however,  is  much  more  valuable  than  the  white  elm,  being  durable  and  splitting  readily. 
It  makes  excellent  rails,  and  is  much  used  for  the  framework  of  buildings ;  valuable  for  fuel ; 
should  be  cultivated. 

Wild  Bl.-\ck  Cherry — Cerasus  Serotina. — This  large  and  beautiful  species  of  cherry  is  one 
of  the  most  valuable  of  American  trees.  The  wood  is  compact,  fine-grained,  and  of  a  brilliant 
reddish  color,  not  liable  to  warp,  or  shrink  and  swell  with  atmospheric  changes ;  extensively  em- 
ployed by  cabinet-makers  for  every  species  of  furnishing.  It  is  exceedingly  durable,  hence  is 
valuable  for  fencing,  building,  etc.     Richly  deserves  a  place  in  the  lawn  or  timber  plantation. 

Bird  Cherry — C.  Pennsylvanica. — Is  a  small  northern  species,  common  in  the  state  and 
Worthy  of  cultivation  for  ornament. 

Choke  Cherry — C.  Virginiana. — This  diminutive  tree  is  of  little  value,  not  worth  the  trouble 
of  cultivation. 

Wild  Plum — Prunus  Americana. — The  common  wild  plum  when  in  full  bloom  is  one  of  the 
most  ornamental  of  small  flowering  trees,  and  as  such  should  not  be  neglected.  The  fruit  is 
rather  agreeable,  but  not  to  be  compared  to  fine  cultivated  varieties,  which  may  be  engrafted  on 
the  wild  stock  to  the  very  best  advantage.  It  is  best  to  select  small  trees,  and  work  them  on  the 
roots.     The  grafts  should  be  inserted  about  the  middle  of  April. 

Hackderry — CeltisOccidentalis. — This  is  an  ornamental  tree  of  medium  size  ;  wood  hard, 
close-grained  and  elastic ;  makes  the  best  of  hoops,  whip-stalks,  and  thills  for  carriages.  The 
Indians  formerly  made  great  use  of  the  hackbeiry  wood  for  their  bows.  A  tree  worthy  of  a  lim- 
ited share  of  attention. 

American  Linden  or  Basswood — Tilia  Americana.- — Is  one  of  the  finest  ornamental  trees  for 
public  grounds,  parks,  etc.,  but  will  not  thrive  where  the  roots  are  exposed  to  bruises;  for  this 
reason  it  is  not  adapted  to  planting  along  the  streets  of  populous  towns.  The  wood  is  light  and 
tough,  susceptible  of  being  bent  to  almost  any  curve  ;  durable  if  kept  from  the  weather;  takes 
paint  well,  and  is  considerably  used  in  the  arts  ;  for  fuel  it  is  of  little  value.  This  tree  will 
flourish  in  almost  any  moderately  rich,  damp  soil;  bears  transplanting  well;  can  be  propagated 
readily  from  layers. 

White  Thorn — Crataegus  Coccinea,  and  Dotted  Thorn — C.  Punctata. — These  two  species 
of  thorn  are  found  everywhere  on  the  rich  bottom  lands.  When  in  bloom  they  are  beautiful,  and 
should  be  cultivated  for  ornament.  The  wood  is  remarkably  compact  and  hard,  and  were  it  not 
for  the  small  size  of  the  tree,  would  be  valuable. 

Crab  Apple — Pyrus  Corotiaria. — This  common  small  tree  is  attractive  when  covered  with 
its  highly  fragrant  rose-colored  blossoms.  Wood  briui,  fine,  compact  grain,  but  the  tree  is  too 
small  for  the  wood  to  be  of  much  practical  value.     Well  worthy  of  a  place  in  extensive  grounds. 

Mountain  Ash — P.  Americana. — This  popular  ornament  to  our  yards  is  found  growing  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  state  and  as  far  south  as  43°.     The  wood  is  useless. 

White  Ash — Fraxihus  Acuminata. — Is  a  large,  interesting  tree,  which  combines  utility  with 
beauty  in  an  eminent  degree.  The  wood  possesses  strength,  suppleness  and  elasticity,  which 
renders  it  valuable  for  a  great  variety  of  uses.  It  is  extensively  employed  in  carriage  manufact- 
uring; for  various  agricultural  implements  ;  is  esteemed  superior  to  any  other  wood  for  oars; 
excellent  for  fuel.  The  white  ash  grows  rapidly,  and  in  open  ground  forms  one  of  the  most 
lovely  trees  that  is  to  be  found.  The  foliage  is  clean  and  handsome,  and  in  autumn  turns  from 
its  bright  green  to  a  violet  purple  hue,  which  adds  materially  to  the  beauty  of  our  autumnal  syl- 
van scenery.  It  is  richly  deserving  our  especial  care  and  protection,  and  will  amply  repay  all 
labor  and  expense  bestowed  on  its  cultivation. 


TKEES,  SHRUBS  AND   VIKES.  131 

Black  Ash — F Sambucifolia. — This  is  another  tall,  graceful  and  well-known  species  of  ash. 
The  wood  is  used  for  making  baskets,  hoops,  etc.;  when  thoroughly  dry,  affords  a  good  article  of 
fuel.  Deserves  to  ^e  cultivated  in  low,  rich,  swampy  situations,  where  more  useful  trees  will  not 
thrive. 

Black  Walnut — Juglans  Nigra. — This  giant  of  the  rich  alluvial  bottom  lands  claims 
special  attention  for  its  valuable  timber.  It  is  among  the  most  durable  and  beautiful  of  Ameri- 
can woods  ;  susceptible  of  a  fine  polish ;  not  liable  to  shrink  and  swell  by  heat  and  moisture. 
It  is  extensively  employed  by  the  cabinet-makers  for  every  variety  of  furniture.  Walnut  forks, 
are  frequently  found  which  rival  in  richness  and  beauty  the  far-famed  mahogany.  This  tree, 
in  favorable  situations,  grows  rapidly ;  is  highly  ornamental,  and  produces  annually  an  abundant 
crop  of  nuts. 

Butternut — J.  Cinerea. — This  species  of  walnut  is  not  as  valuable  as  the  above,  yet  for  its 
beauty,  and  the  durability  of  its  wood,  it  should  claim  a  small  portion  of  attention.  The  wood 
is  rather  soft  for  most  purposes  to  which  it  otherwise  might  be  applied.  When  grown  near 
streams,  or  on  moist  side-hills,  it  produces  regularly  an  ample  crop  of  excellent  nuts.  It  grows 
rapidly. 

Shell-Bark  Hickory — Carya  Alba. — This,  the  largest  and  finest  of  American  hickories, 
grows  abundantly  throughout  the  state.  Hickory  wood  possesses  probably  the  greatest  strength 
and  tenacity  of  any  of  our  indigenous  trees,  and  is  used  for  a  variety  of  purposes,  but, 
unfortunately,  it  is  liable  to  be  eaten  by  worms,  and  lacks  durability.  For  fuel,  the  shell-bark 
hickory  stands  unrivaled.  The  tree  is  ornamental  and  produces  every  alternate  year  an  ample 
crop  of  the  best  of  nuts. 

Shag-Bark  Hickory^C  Indata. — Is  a  magnificent  tree,  the  wood  of  which  is  nearly  as 
valuable  as  the  above.  The  nuts  are  large,  thick-shelled  and  coarse,  not  to  be  compared  to  the 
C.  alba.     A  rare  tree  in  Wisconsin  ;  abundant  further  south. 

Pignut  Hickory — C.  Glabra. — This  species  possesses  all  the  bad  and  but  few  of  the  good 
qualities  of  the  shell-bark.  The  nuts  are  smaller  and  not  so  good.  The  tree  should  be  pre- 
served and  cultivated  in  common  with  the  shell-bark.     Not  abundant. 

BiTTERNUT — C.  Amara. — Is  an  abundant  tree,  valuable  for  fuel,  but  lacking  the  strength  and 
elasticity  of  the  preceding  species.  It  is,  however,  quite  as  ornamental  as  any  of  the  hickories. 
Red  Beech — Fagus  Ferruginea. — This  is  a  common  tree,  with  brilliant,  shining  light-green 
leaves,  and  long,  flexible  branches.  It  is  highly  ornamental,  and  should  be  cultivated  for  this 
purpose,  as  well  as  for  its  useful  wood,  which  is  tough,  close-grained  and  compact.  It  is  much 
used  for  plane-stocks,  tool  handles,  etc.,  and  as  an  article  of  fuel  is  nearly  equal  to  maple. 

Water  Beech — Carpinus  Americana. — Is  a  small  tree,  called  hornbeam  by  many.  The 
wood  is  exceedingly  hard  and  compact,  but  the  small  size  of  the  tree  renders  it  almost 
useless. 

Iron  Wood — Ostrya  Virginica. — This  small  tree  is  found  disseminated  throughout  most  of 
our  woodlands.  It  is,  to  a  considerable  degree,  ornamental,  but  of  remarkably  slow  growth.  The 
wood  possesses  valuable  properties,  being  heavy  and  strong,  as  the  name  would  indicate  ;  yet, 
from  its  small  size,  it  is  of  but  little  use. 

Balsam  Poplar — Populus  Candicans. — This  tree  is  of  medium  size,  and  is  known  by  sev- 
eral names  :  Wild  balm  of  Gilead,  cottonwood,  etc.  It  grows  in  moist,  sandy  soil,  on  river  bot- 
toms. It  has  broad,  heart-shaped  leaves,  which  turn  a  fine  yellow  after  the  autumn  frosts.  It 
grows  more  rapidly  than  any  other  of  our  trees  ;  can  be  transplanted  with  entire  success  when 
eight  or  nine  inches  in  diameter,  and  makes  a  beatiful  shade  tree — the  most  ornamental  of  pop- 
lars.    The  wood'  is  soft,  spongy,  and  nearly  useless. 


132  HISTORY   OF   WISCOXSIN- 

Quaking  Aspen — P.  Tremuloides. — Is  a  well-known,  small  tree.  It  is  rather  ornamental, 
but  scarcely  worth  cultivating.  • 

Large  Aspen — P.  Grandidentata.- — Is  the  largest  of  our  poplars.  It  frequently  grows  to 
the  height  of  sixty  or  seventy  feet,  with  a  diameter  of  two  and  one-half  feet.  The  wood  is  soft, 
easily  split,  and  used  for  frame  buildings.     It  is  the  most  durable  of  our  poplars. 

Cotton  Wood — P.  MoiwUfera. — This  is  the  largest  of  all  the  poplars  ;  abundant  on  the 
Mississippi  river.  Used  largely  for  fuel  on  the  steamboats.  The  timber  is  of  but  little  use  in 
the  arts. 

Sycamore  or  Buttonwood — Plaianus  Occidentalis. — This,  the  largest  and  most  majestic 
of  our  trees,  is  found  growing  only  on  the  rich  alluvial  river  bottoms.  The  tree  is  readily 
known,  even  at  a  considerable  distance,  by  its  whitish  smooth  branches.  The  foliage  is  large 
and  beautiful,  and  the  tree  one  of  the  most  ornamental  known.  The  wood  speedily  decays,  and 
when  sawed  into  lumber  warps  badly;  on  these  accounts  it  is  but  little  used,  although  susceptible 
of  a  fine  finish.     As  an  article  of  fuel  it  is  of  inferior  merit. 

Canoe  Birch — Bdula  Papyracea. — Is  a  rather  elegant  and  interesting  tree.  It  grows  abund- 
antly in  nearly  every  part  of  the  state.  The  wood  is  of  a  fine  glossy  grain,  susceptible  of  a  good 
finish,  but  lacks  durability  and  strength,  and,  therefore,  is  but  little  used  in  the  mechanical  arts. 
For  fuel  it  is  justly  prized.  It  bears  transplanting  without  difficulty.  The  Indians  manufacture 
their  celebrated  bark  canoes  from  the  bark  of  this  tree. 

Cherry  Birch— .5.  Lenta. — This  is  a  rather  large,  handsome  tree,  growing  along  streams. 
Leaves  and  bark  fragrant.  Wood,  fine-grained,  rose-colored ;  used  largely  by  the  cabinet- 
makers. 

Yellow  Birch — B.  Lutea. — This  beautiful  tree  occasionally  attains  a  large  size.  It  is 
highly  ornamental,  and  is  of  value  for  fuel;  but  is  less  prized  than  the  preceding  species  for  cab- 
inet work. 

Kentucky  Coffee  Tree — Gytnnodadus  Canadensis. — This  singularly  beautiful  tree  is  only 
found  sparingly,  and  on  rich  alluvial  lands.  I  met  with  it  growing  near  the  Peccatonica,  in 
Green  county.  The  wood  is  fine-grained,  and  of  a  rosy  hue  ;  is  exceedingly  durable,  and  well 
worth  cultivating. 

June  Berry — Ainelanchier  Canadensis. — Is  a  small  tree  which  adds  materially  to  the  beauty 
of  our  woods  in  early  spring,  at  which  time  it  is  in  full  bloom.  The  wood  is  of  no  particular 
value,  and  the  tree  interesting  only  when  covered  with  its  white  blossoms. 

White  Pine — Piims  Stro^us. — This  is  the  largest  and  most  valuable  of  our  indigenous  pines. 
The  wood  is  soft,  free  from  resin,  and  works  easily.  It  is  extensively  employed  in  the  mechan- 
ical arts.  It  is  found  in  great  profusion  in  the  northern  parts  of  the  state.  This  species  is 
readily  known  by  the  leaves  being  'm  fives.  It  is  highly  ornamental,  but  in  common  with  all 
pines,  will  hardly  bear  transplanting.     Only  small  plants  should  be  moved. 

Norway  or  Red  Pine — P.  Pesinosa,  and  Yellow  Pine — P.  yJ///«.— These  are  two  large 
trees,  but  little  inferior  in  size  to  the  white  pine.  The  wood  contains  more  resin,  and  is  conse- 
quently more  durable.  The  leaves  of  both  these  species  are  in  twos.  Vast  quantities  of  lumber 
are  yearly  manufactured  from  these  two  varieties  and  the  white  pine.  The  extensive  pineries 
of  the  state  are  rapidly  diminishing. 

Shrub  Pine — P.  Banksiana. — Is  a  small,  low  tree ;  only  worthy  of  notice  here  for  the  orna- 
mental shade  it  produces.     It  is  found  in  the  northern  sections  of  the  state. 

Balsam  Fir — Abies  Balsamea. — This  beautiful  evergreen  is  multiplied  to  a  great  extent  on 
the  shores  of  Lake  Superior,  where  it  grows  forty  or  fifty  feet  in  height.     The  wood  is  of  but 


'XEEES,  SHRUBS   AND   VINES.  133 

little  value      The  balsam  of  fir,  or  Canadian  balsam,  is  obtained  from  this  tree. 

Double  Spruce—^.  JVigm— This  grows  in  the  same  localities  with  the  balsam  fir,  and 
assumes  the  same  pyramidal  form,  but  is  considerably  larger.  The  wood  is  light  and  possesses 
considerable  strength  and  elasticity,  which  renders  it  one  of  the  best  materials  for  yards  and  top- 
masts for  shippmg.     It  is  extensively  cultivated  for  ornament. 

Hemlock— .4.  CaMdensis.— The  hemlock  is  the  largest  of  the  genus.  It  is  gracefully  orna- 
mental, but  the  wood  is  of  little  value.     The  baik  is  extensively  employed  in  tanning. 

Tamarack— Zarix  Americana— This  beautiful  tree  grows  abundantly  in  swampy  situations 
throughout  the  state.  It  is  not  quite  an  evergreen  It  drops  its  leaves  in  winter,  but  quickly 
recovers  them  in  early  spring.  The  wood  is  remarkably  durable  and  valuable  for  a  variety  of 
uses.     The  tree  grows  rapidly,  and  can  be  successfully  cultivated  in  peaty  situations,  where  other 

trees  would  not  thrive. 

Arbor  Yi-tj^— Thuja  Ocddentalis— This  tree  is  called  the  white  or  flat  cedar.  It  grows 
abundantly  in  many  parts  of  the  state.  The  wood  is  durable,  furnishing  better  fence  posts  than 
any  other  tree,  excepting  the  red  cedar.  Shingles  and  staves  of  a  superior  quality  are  obtained 
from  these  trees.  A  beautiful  evergreen  hedge  is  made  from  the  young  plants,  which  bear  trans- 
planting better  than  most  evergreens.     It  will  grow  on  most  soils  if  sufficiently  damp. 

Red  C-E.-DAK-Ju,!ipcrus  Virgimafia.  —  ls  a  well  known  tree  that  furnishes  those  celebrated 
fence  posts  that  "  last  forever."'  The  wood  is  highly  f«grant,  of  a  rich  red  color,  and  fine 
grained  ;  hence  it  is  valuable  for  a  variety  of  uses.     It  should  be  extensively  cultivated. 

Dwarf  Juniper—/.  Sabi mi. —This  is  a  low  trailing  shrub.  Is  conside-ably  prized  for 
ornament.     Especially  worthy  of  cultivation  in  large  grounds. 

Sassafras  —  Sassafras  officinale.—  Is  a  small  tree  of  fine  appearance,  with  fragrant  leaves 
bark.     Grows  in  Kenosha  county.     Should  be  cultivated. 

Willows.— There  are  many  species  of  willows  growing  in  every  part  of  the  state,  several  of 
which  are  worthy  of  cultivation  near  streams  and  ponds. 

White  Willow  — J«/w  alba.—  \s  a  fine  tree,  often  reaching  sixty  feet  in  height.  The  wood 
is  soft,  and  makes  the  best  charcoal  for  the  manufacture  of  gun-powder.     Grows  rapidly. 

Black  Willow  —  .S".  Nigra.—  This  is  also  a  fine  tree,  but  not  quite  so  large  as  the  foregoing. 
It  is  used  for  similar  purposes. 

There  are  many  shrubs  and  vines  indigenous  to  the  state  worthy  of  note.  I  shall,  however, 
call  attention  to  only  a  few  of  the  best. 

Dogwoods.  —  There  are  several  species  found  in  our  forests  and  thickets.  All  are  ornamen- 
tal when  covered  with  a  profusion  of  white  blossoms.  I  would  especially  recommend :  corus 
sericea,  C.  stolonifcra,  C.  panicidata,  and  C.  alternifolia.  All  these  will  repay  the  labor  of  trans- 
planting to  ornamental  grounds. 

Viburnums.— These  are  very  beautiful.  We  have  viburnum  kntago,  V.prunifolium,  V.  nudum, 
V.  dentatum,  V.  pubescens,  V.  acerifolium,  V.  paucijlorum,  and  V.  opulus.  The  last  is  known  as 
the  cranberry  tree,  and  is  a  most  beautiful  shrub  when  in  bloom,  and  also  when  covered  with  its 
red,  acid  fruit.     The  common  snow-ball  tree  is  a  cultivated  variety  of  the  V.  opulus. 

'  Witch   \{ az^\.  — Hanmmelis    Virginica.—  ls  an  interesting,  tall  shrub   that  flowers  late  in 
autumn,  when  the  leaves  are  falling,  and  matures  the  fruit  the  next  summer.     It  deserves  more 

attention  than  it  receives. 

Burning  -Qi^sH-Euonymus  atropurpureus.  — This  fine  shrub  is  called  the  American  straw- 
berry, and  is  exceedingly  beautiful  when  covered  with  its  load  of  crimson  fruit,  which  remains 
during  winter. 


134  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

Sumach  —  Rhus  typhina.  —  Is  a  tall  shrub,  11  known,  but  seldom  cultivated.  When  well 
grown  it  is  ornamental  and  well  adapted  for  planting  in  clumps. 

Hop  Tree  —  Ptclea  trifoliata.  —  This  is  a  showy  shrub  with  shining  leaves,  which  should  be 
cultivated.     Common  in  rich,  alluvial  ground. 

Bladder  Nut  —  Staphylea  trifolia.  —  Is  a  fine,  upright,  showy  shrub,  found  sparingly  all  over 
the  state.     Is  ornamental,  with  greenish  striped  branches  and  showy  leaves. 

Vines. 

Virginia  Creeper — Ampelopsis  quinquefoUa. — This  is  a  noble  vine,  climbing  extensively  by 
disc-bearing  tendrils,  so  well  known  as  to  require  no  eulogy.  Especially  beautiful  in  its  fall 
colors. 

Bitter  Sweet  —  Celastrus  scandens.  —  Is  a  stout  twining  vine,  which  would  be  an  ornament  to 
any  grounds.     In  the  fall  and  early  winter  it  is  noticeable  for  its  bright  fruit.     Common. 

Yellow  Honeysuckle  —  Lonicera  flava.  —  Is  a  fine  native  vine,  which  is  found  climbing  over 
tall  shrubs  and  trees.  Ornamental.  There  are  several  other  species  of  honeysuckle  ;  none,  how- 
ever, worthy  of  special  mention. 

Frost  Grape  —  Vita  cordifolia.  —  This  tall-growing  vine  has  deliciously  sweet  blossoms, 
which  perfume  the  air  for  a  great  distance  around.  For  use  as  a  screen,  this  hardy  species  will 
be  found  highly  satisfactory. 


FAUNA    OF    WISCONSIN. 

By  p.   R.   hoy,  M.D. 
FISH     AND     FISH     CULTURE. 

Fish  are  cold  blooded  aquatic  vertebrates,  having  fins  as  organs  of  progression.  They  have 
a  two-chambered  heart;  their  bodies  are  mostly  covered  with  scales,  yet  a  few  are  entirely  naked, 
like  catfish  and  eels ;  others  again  are  covered  with  curious  plates,  such  as  the  sturgeon.  Fish 
inhabit  both  salt  and  fresh  water.  It  is  admitted  by  all  authority  that  fresh-water  fish  are  more 
universally  edible  than  those  inhabiting  tlie  ocean.  Marine  fish  are  said  to  be  more  highly 
flavored  than  those  inhabiting  fresh  waters  ;  an  assertion  I  am  by  no  means  prepared  to  admit. 
As  a  rule,  fish  are  better  the  colder  and  purer  the  water  in  which  they  are  found,  and  where  can 
you  find  those  ccnditions  more  favorable  than  in  the  cold  depths  of  our  great  lakes  1  We  have 
tasted,  under  the  most  favorable  conditions,  about  every  one  of  the  celebrated  salt-water  fish,  and 
can  say  that  whoever  eats  a  whitefish  just  taken  from  the  pure,  cold  water  of  Lake  Michigan  will 
have  no  reason  to  be  envious  of  the  dwellers  by  the  sea. 

Fish  are  inconceivably  prolific;  a  single  female  deposits  at  one  spawn  from  one  thousand  to 
one  million  eggs,  varying  according  to  species. 

Fish  afford  a  valuable  article  of  food  for  man,  being  highly  nutritious  and  easy  of  digestion  ; 
they  abound  in  phosphates,  hence  are  valuable  as  affording  nutrition  to  the  osseous  and  nervous  sys- 
tem, hence  they  have  been  termed,  not  inappropriately,  brain  food — certainly  a  very  desirable  article 
of  diet  for  some  people.  They  are  more  savory,  nutritious  and  easy  of  digestion  when  just  taken 
from  the  water ;  in  fact,  the  sooner  they  are  cooked  after  being  caught  the  better.  No  fish  should 
be  more  than  a  few  hours  from  its  watery  element  before  being  placed  upon  the  table.  For  con- 
venience, I  will  group  our   fish   into  families  as  a  basis  for  what  I  shall  offer.     Our  bony  fish. 


FAUNA   OF   WISCONSIN.  135 

having  spine  rays  and  covered  with  comb-like  scales,  belong  to   the  perch   family — a  valuable 
family  ;  all  take  the  hook,  are  gamey,  and  spawn  in  the  summer. 

The  yellow  perch  and  at  least  four  species  of  black  or  striped  bass  have  a  wide  range,  being 
found  in  all  the  rivers  and  lakes  in  the  state.  There  is  a  large  species  of  fish  known  as  Wall- 
eyed pike  {Leiicoperca  americana)  belonging  to  this  family,  which  is  found  sparingly  in  most  of  our 
rivers  and  lakes.  The  pike  is  an  active  and  most  rapacious  animal,  devouring  fish  of  consider- 
able size.  The  flesh  is  firm  and  of  good  flavor.  It  would  probably  be  economical  to  propagate 
it  to  a  moderate  extent. 

The  six-spined  bass  {Pomoxys  hexacantkus,  Agas.)  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  of  the  spine- 
rayed  fish  found  in  the  State.  The  flesh  is  fine  flavored,  and  as  the  fish  is  hardy  and  takes  the 
hook  with  avidity,  it  should  be  protected  during  the  spawning  season  and  artificially  propagated. 
I  have  examined  the  stomachs  of  a  large  number  of  these  fish  and  in  every  instance  found  small 
crawfish,  furnishing  an  additional  evidence  in  its  favor.  Prof.  J.  P.  Kirtland,  the  veteran  ichthy- 
ologist of  Ohio,  says  that  this  so-callea  "  grass  bass"  is  the  fish  for  the  million. 

The  white  bass  i^Roccus  chrysops)  is  a  species  rather  rare  even  in  the  larger  bodies  of  water, 
but  ought  to  be  introduced  into  every  small  lake  in  the  State,  where  I  am  certain  they  would 
flourish.  It  is  an  excellent  fish,  possessing  many  of  the  good  qualities  and  as  few  of  the  bad  as 
any  that  belong  to  the  family.  There  is  another  branch  of  this  family,  the  sunfish,  Fomotis, 
which  numbers  at  least  six  species  found  in  Wisconsin.  They  are  beautiful  fish,  and  afford 
abundant  sport  for  the  boys;  none  of  them,  however,  are  worth  domesticating  (unless  it  be  in  the 
aquarium)  as  there  are  so  many  better. 

The  carp  family  (Cyprinida:)  are  soft  finned  fish  without  maxillary  teeth.  They  include  by 
far  the  greater  number  of  fresh-water  fish.  Some  specimens  are  not  more  than  one  inch,  while 
others  are  nearly  two  feet  in  length.  Our  chubs,  silversides  and  suckers  are  the  principal  mem- 
bers of  this  family.  Dace  are  good  pan-fish,  yet  their  small  size  is  objectionable;  they  are  the 
children's  game  fish.  The  Cyprinidm  all  spawn  in  the  spring,  and  might  be  profitably  propa- 
gated as  food  for  the  larger  and  more  valuable  fish. 

There  are  six  or  seven  species  of  suckers  found  in  our  lakes  and  rivers.  The  red  horse, 
found  every  where,  and  at  least  one  species  of  the  buffalo,  inhabiting  the  Mississippi  and  its  trib- 
utaries, are  the  best  of  the  genus  Catastomus.  Suckers  are  bony,  and  apt  to  taste  suspiciously  of 
mud  ;  they  are  only  to  be  tolerated  in  the  absence  of  better.  The  carp  {Cyprenius  carpo)  has  been 
successfully  introduced  into  the  Hudsonriver. 

.  The  trout  family  {Sa/monidce)  are  soft-finned  fish  with  an  extra  dorsal  adipose  fin  without 
rays.  They  inhabit  northern  cpuntries,  spawning  in  the  latter  part  of  fall  and  winter.  Their 
flesh  is  universally  esteemed.  The  trout  family  embrace  by  far  the  most  valuable  of  our  fish, 
including,  as  it  does,  trout  and  whitefish.  The  famous  speckled  trout  i^Salmo  fonlinalis)  is  a 
small  and  beautiful  species  which  is  found  in  nearly  every  stream  in  the  northern  half  of  the 
State.  Wherever  there  is  a  spring  run  or  lake,  the  temperature  of  which  does  not  rise  higher  than 
sixty-five  or  seventy  in  the  summer,  there  trout  can  be  propagated  in  abundance.  The  great 
salmon  trout  (^Sal.  amethystus)  of  the  great  lakes  is  a  magnificent  fish  weighing  from  ten  to  sixty 
pounds.  The  Siscowit  salmo  siscoivit  o{  Lake  Superior  is  about  the  same  size,  but  not  quite  so 
good  a  fish,  being  too  fat  and  oily.  They  will,  no  doubt,  flourish  in  the  larger  of  the  inland 
lakes. 

The  genus  Coregonus  includes  the  true  whitefish,  or  lake  shad.  In  this  genus,  as  now 
restricted,  the  nose  is  square  and  the  under  jaw  short,  and  when  first  caught  they  have  the 
fragrance  of  fresh  cucumbers.     There  are  at  least  three  species  found  in  Lake  Michigan.     In  my 


136  HISTORY   OF   WISCOXSIN. 

opinion  these  fish  are  more  delicately  flavored  than  the  celebrated  Potomac  shad  ;  but  I  doubt 
whether  they  will  thrive  in  the  small  lakes,  owing  to  the  absence  of  the  small  Crustacea  ■  which 
they  subsist.  The  closely  allied  genus  Argyrosomus  includes  seven  known  species  inhabiung  the 
larger  lakes,  and  one,  the  Argyrosomus  sisco,  which  is  found  in  several  of  the  lesser  lakes.  The 
larger  species  are  but  little  inferior  to  the  true  whitefish,  with  which  they  are  commonly 
confounded.  The  nose  is  pointed,  the  under  jaw  long,  and  they  take  the  hook  at  certain  seasons 
with  activity.     They  eat  small  fish  as  well  as  insects  and  crustaceans. 

Of  the  pickerel  family,  we  have  three  or  four  closely  allied  species  of  the  genus  £so.v,  armed 
with  prodigious  jaws  filled  with  cruel  teeth.  They  lie  motionles  eady  to  dart,  swift  as  an 
arrow,  upon  their  prey.  They  are  the  sharks  of  the  fresh  water.  The  pickerel  are  so  rapacious 
that  they  spare  not  their  own  species.  Sometimes  they  attempt  to  swallow  a  fish  nearly  as  large 
as  themselves,  and  perish  in  consequence.  Their  flesh  is  moderately  good,  and  as  they  are  game 
to  the  backbone,  it  might  be  desirable  to  propagate  them  to  a  moderate  e.xtent  under  peculiar 
circumstances. 

The  catfish  {Silurida:)  have  soft  fins,  protected  by  sharp  spines,  and  curious  fleshy  barbels 
floating  from  their  lips,  without  scales,  covered  only  with  a  slimy  coat  of  mucus.  The 
genus  Pimlodus  are  scavengers  among  fish,  as  vultures  among  birds.  They  are  filthy  in  habit 
and  food.  There  is  one  interesting  trait  of  the  catfish — the  vigilant  and  watchful  motherly 
care  of  the  young  by  the  male.  He  defends  them  with  great  spirit,  and  herds  them  together 
when  they  straggle.  Even  the  mother  is  driven  far  off;  for  he  knows  full  well  that  she  would 
nol  scruple  to  make  a  full  meal  off  her  little  black  tadpole-like  progeny.  There  are  four  species 
known  to  inhabit  this  State  —  one  peculiar  to  the  great  lakes,  and  two  found  in  the  numerous 
affluents  of  the  Mississippi.  One  of  these,  the  great  yellow  catfish,  sometimes  weighs  over  one 
hundred  pounds.  When  in  good  condition,  stuffed  and  well  baked,  they  are  a  fair  table  fish. 
The  small  bull-head  is  universally  distributed. 

The  sturgeons  are  large  sluggish  fish,  covered  with  plates  instead  of  scales.  There 
are  at  least  three  species  of  the  genus  Acipenser  found  in  the  waters  of  Wisconsin.  Being  so 
large  and  without  bones,  they  afford  a  sufficiently  cheap  article  of  food ;  unfortunately,  however, 
the  quality  is  decidedly  bad.  Sturgeons  deposit  an  enormous  quantity  of  eggs  ;  the  roe  not 
unfrequently  weighs  one  fourth  as  much  as  the  entire  body,  and  numbers,  it  is  said,  many 
millions.  The  principal  commercial  value  of  sturgeons  is  found  in  the  roe  and  swimming 
bladder.  The  much  prized  caviare  is  manufactured  from  the  former,  and  from  the  latter  the  best 
of  isinglass  is  obtained. 

The  gar-pikes  {Le/tidos/cus)  are  represented  by  at  least  three  species  of  this  singular  fish. 
They  have  long  serpentine  bodies,  with  jaws  prolonged  into  a  regular  bill,  which  is  well  provided 
with  teeth.  The  scales  are  composed  of  bone  covered  on  the  outside  with  enamel,  like  teeth. 
The  alligator  gar,  confined  to  the  depths  of  the  Mississippi,  is  a  large  fish,  and  the  more  common 
species,  Lepidosteus  bison,  attains  to  a  considerable  size.  The  Lepidosteous,  now  only  found  in 
North  America,  once  had  representatives  all  over  the  globe.  Fossils  of  the  same  family  of  which 
the  gar-pike  is  the  type,  have  been  found  all  over  Europe,  in  the  oldest  fossiliferous  beds,  in  the 
strata  of  the  age  of  coal,  in  the  new  red  sandstone,  in  oolitic  deposits,  and  in  the  chalk  and 
tertiary  formations  —  being  one  of  the  many  living  evidences  that  North  America  was  the  first 
country  above  the  water.  For  all  practical  purposes,  we  should  not  regret  to  have  the  gar-pikes 
follow  in  the  footsteps  of  their  aged  and  illustrious  predecessors.     They  could  well  be  spared. 

There  is  a  fish  (^Lota  maculose)  which  belongs  to  the  cod-fish  family,  called  by  the  fishermen 
the  "  lawyers,"  for  what  reason  I  am  not  able  to  say  —  at  any  rate,  the  fish  is  worthless.  There 
are  a  great  number  of  small  fish,  interesting  only  to  the  naturalist,  which  I  shall  omit  to  men- 
tion here. 


FAUNA   OF   WISCONSIN.  13T 

Fish  of  the  northern  countries  are  the  most  valuable,  for  the  reason  that  the  water  is  colder 
and  purer.  Wisconsin,  situated  between  forty-two  thirty,  and  forty-seven  degrees  of  latitude, 
bounded  on  the  east  and  north  by  the  largest  lakes  in  the  world,  on  the  west  by  the  "  Great  river," 
traversed  by  numerous  fine  and  rapid  streams,  and  sprinkled  all  over  with  beautiful  and  pictu- 
resque lakes,  has  physical  conditions  certainly  the  most  favorable,  perhaps  of  any  State,  for  an 
abundant  and  never-failing  supply  of  the  best  fish.  Few  persons  have  any  idea  of  the  importance 
of  the  fisheries  of  Lake  Michigan.  It  is  difficult  to  collect  adequate  data  to  form  a  correct 
knowledge  of  the  capital  invested  and  the  amount  of  fish  taken;  enough,  however,  has  been 
ascertained  to  enable  me  to  state  that  at  Milwaukee  alone  $100,000  are  invested,  and  not  less 
than  two  hundred  and  eighty  tons  of  dressed  fish  taken  annually.  At  Racine,  during  the  entire 
season  of  nine  months,  there  are,  on  an  average,  one  thousand  pounds  of  whitefish  and  trout, 
each,  caught  and  sold  daily,  amounting  to  not  less  than  $16,000.  It  is  well  known  that,  since  the 
adoption  of  the  gill-net  system,  the  fishermen  are  enabled  to  pursue  their  calling  ten  months  of 
the  year. 

When  the  fish  retire  to  the  deep  water,  they  are  followed  with  miles  of  nets,  and  the  poor 
fish  are  entangled  on  every  side.  There  is  a  marked  falling  off  in  the  number  and  size  of  white- 
fish  and  trout  taken,  when  compared  with  early  years.  When  fish  were  only  captured  with  seines, 
they  had  abundant  chance  to  escape  and  multiply  so  as  to  keep  an  even  balance  in  number. 
Only  by  artificial  propagation  and  well  enforced  laws  protecting  them  during  the  spawning 
season,  can  we  hope  now  to  restore  the  balance.  In  order  to  give  some  idea  of  the  valuable 
labors  of  the  state  fish  commissioners,  I  will  state  briefly  that  they  have  purchased  for  the 
state  a  piece  of  property,  situated  three  miles  from  Madison,  known  as  the  Nine  Springs, 
including  forty  acres  of  land,  on  which  they  have  erected  a  dwelling-house,  barn  and  hatchery, 
also  constructed  several  ponds,  in  which  can  be  seen  many  valuable  fish  in  the  enjoyment  of 
perfect  health  and  vigor.  As  equipped,  it  is,  undoubtedly,  one  of  the  best,  if  not  the  best,  hatchery 
in  the  states.  In  this  permanent  establishment  the  commission  design  to  hatch  and  distribute 
to  the  small  lakes  and  rivers  of  the  interior  the  most  valuable  of  our  indigenous  fish,  such  as 
bass,  pike,  trout,  etc.,  etc.,  as  well  as  many  valuable  foreign  varieties.  During  the  past  season, 
many  fish  have  been  distributed  from  this  state  hatchery.  At  the  Milwaukee  Water  Works,  the 
commission  have  equipped  a  hatchery  on  a  large  scale,  using  the  water  as  pumped  directly  from 
the  lake.  During  the  past  sea«op  there  was  a  prodigious  multitude  of  young  trout  and  whitefish 
distributed  from  this  point.  The  success  of  Superintendent  Welcher  in  hatching  whitefish  at 
Milwaukee  has  been  the  best  yet  gained,  nearly  ninety  per  cent,  of  the  eggs  "laid  down" 
being  hatched.  Pisciculturists  will  appreciate  this  wonderful  success,  as  they  well  know  how 
difficult  it  is  to  manage  the  spawn  of  the  whitefish. 

I  append  the  following  statistics  of  the  number  of  fish  hatched  and  distributed  from  the 
Milwaukee  hatchery  previous  to  1878  : 

Total   number  of  fish  hatched,   8,000,000  —  whitefish,  6,300,000;    salmon  trout,   1,700,000. 

They  were  distributed  as  follows,  in  the  month  of  May,  1877  :  Whitefish  planted  in  Lake 
Michigan,  at  Racine,  1,000,000 ;  at  Milwaukee,  3,260,000 ;  between  Manitowoc  and  Two  Rivers 
1,000,000;  in  Green  bay,  1,000,000;  in  Elkhart  lake,  40,000. 

Salmon  trout  were  turned  out  as  follows  :  Lake  Michigan,  near  Milwaukee,  600,000 ; 
Brown's  lake,  Racine  county,  40,000;  Delavan  lake,  Walworth  county,  40,000;  Troy  lake,  Wal- 
worth county,  40,000 ;  Pleasant  lake,  Walworth  county,  40,000 ;  Lansdale  lake,  Walworth 
county,  40,000;  Ella  lake,  Milwaukee  county,  16,000;  Cedar  lake,  Washington  county,  40,000; 
Elkhart    lake,    Sheboygan    county,    40,000 ;    Clear    lake.    Rock    county,    40,000  ;    Ripley   lake, 


138  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

Jefferson  county,  40,000;  Mendota  lake,  Dane  county,  100,000;  Fox  lake,  Dodge  county, 
40,000;  Swan  and  Silver  lakes,  Columbia  county,  40,000;  Little  Green  lake,  Green  Lake 
county,  40,000;  Big  Green  lake.  Green  Lake  county,  100,000;  Bass  lake,  St.  Croix  county, 
40,000;  Twin  lakes,  St.  Croix  county,  40,000;  Long  lake,  (Chippewa  county,  40,000;  Oconomo- 
woc  lake,  Waukesha  county,  100,000;  Pine  lake,  Waukesha  county,  40,000;  Pewaukee  lake, 
Waukesha  county,  100,000;  North  lake,  Waukesha  county,  40,000 ;  Nagawicka  lake,  Waukesha 
county,  40,000;  Okanche  lake,  Waukesha  county,  40,000. 

LARGE  ANIMALS.— TIME  OF  THEIR  DISAPPEARANCE. 

Fifty  years  ago,  the  territory  now  included  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  was  nearly  in  a  state 
of  nature,  all  the  large  wild  animals  were  then  abundant.  Now,  all  has  changed.  The  ax  and 
plow,  gun  and  dog,  railway  and  telegraph,  have  metamorphosed  the  face  of  nature.  Most  of 
the  large  quadrupeds  have  been  either  exterminated,  or  have  hid  themselves  away  in  the  wilder- 
ness. In  a  short  time,  all  of  these  will  have  disappeared  from  the  state.  The  date  and  order 
in  which  anmials  become  extinct  within  the  boundaries  of  the  state,  is  a  subject  of  great  interest, 
There  was  a  time  when  the  antelope,  the  woodland  caribou,  the  buffalo,  and  the  wild  turkey, 
were  abundant,  but  are  now  no  longer  to  be  found. 

The  Antelope,  Antilocarpa  Americana,  now  confined  to  the  Western  plains,  did,  two  hun- 
dred years  ago,  inhabit  Wisconsin  as  far  east  as  Michigan.  In  October,  1679,  Father  Hennepin, 
with  La  Salle  and  party,  in  four  canoes,  coasted  along  the  Western  shore  of  Lake  Michigan.  In 
Hennepin's  narrative,  he  says;  "  The  oldest  of  them  "  (the  Indians)  "  came  to  us  the  next  morn- 
ing with  their  calumet  of  peace,  and  brought  some  wild  goats."  This  was  somewhere  north  of 
Milwaukee.  "Being  in  sore  distress,  we  saw  upon  the  coast  a  great  many  ravens  and  eagles  " 
(turkey  vultures),  ''  from  whence  we  conjectured  there  was  some  prey,  and  having  landed  upon 
that  place,  we  found  above  the  half  of  a  fat  ivilii  goat,  which  the  wolves  had  strangled.  This 
provision  was  very  acceptable  to  us,  and  the  rudest  of  our  men  could  not  but  praise  the  Divine 
Providence  which  took  so  particular  care  of  us."  This  must  have  been  somewhere  near  Racine. 
"On  the  1 6th"  (October,  1679),  "  we  met  with  abundance  of  game.  A  savage  we  had  with  us, 
killed  several  stags  (deer)  and  wild goais,  and  our  men  a  great  many  turkeys,  very  fat  and  big." 
This  must  have  been  south  of  Racine.  These  goals  were  undoubtedly  antelopes.  Schoolcraft 
mentions  antelopes  as  occupying  the  Northwest  territory. 

When  the  last  buffalo  crossed  the  Mississippi  is  not  precisely  known.  It  is  certain  they 
lingered  in  Wisconsin  in  1825.  It  is  said  there  was  a  buffalo  shot  on  the  St.  Croix  river  as  late 
as  1832,  so  Wisconsin  claims  the  last  buffalo.  The  woodland  caribou — Ratigifer  caribou — were 
never  numerous  within  the  limits  of  the  state.  A  few  were  seen  not  far  from  La  Pointe  in  ro45. 
The  last  wild  turkey  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  state,  was  in  1846.  On  the  Mississippi,  one 
was  killed  in  1856.  I  am  told  by  Dr.  Walcott,  that  turkeys  were  abundant  in  Wisconsin  previous 
to  the  hard  winter  of  1842-3,  when  snow  was  yet  two  feet  deep  in  March,  with  a  stout  crust,  so 
that  the  turkeys  could  not  get  to  the  ground.  They  became  so  poor  and  weak,  that  they  could 
not  fly,  and  thus  became  an  easy  prey  to  the  wolves,  foxes,  wild  cats,  minks,  etc.,  which  exter- 
minated almost  the  entire  race.  The  Doctor  says  he  saw  but  one  single  individual  the  next 
winter.  Elk  were  on  Hay  river  in  1863,  and  I  have  little  doubt  a  few  yet  remain.  Moose  are 
not  numerous,  a  few  yet  remain  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  state.  I  saw  moose  tracks  on 
the  Montreal  river,  near  Lake  Superior,  in  the  summer  of  1845.  A  few  panthers  may  still 
inhabit  the  wilderness  of  Wisconsin.     Benjamin  Bones,  of  Racine,  shot  one  on  the  headwaters  of 


FAITNA    OF    WISCONSIN.  139 

Black  river,  December,  1863.  Badgers  are  now  nearly  gone,  and  in  a  few  years  more,  the  only 
badgers  found  within  the  state,  will  be  two  legged  ones.  Beavers  are  yet  numerous  in  the 
small  lakes  in  the  northern  regions.  Wolverines  are  occasionally  met  with  in  the  northern 
forests.  Bears,  wolves,  and  deer,  will  continue  to  flourish  in  the  northern  and  central  counties, 
where  underbrush,  timber,  and  small  lakes  abound. 

All  large  animals  will  soon  be  driven  by  civilization  out  of  Wisconsin.  The  railroad  and 
improved  firearms  will  do  the  work,  and  thus  we  lose  the  primitive  denizens  of  the  forest  and 
prairies. 

PECULIARITIES  OF  THE  BIRD  FAUNA. 

The  facts  recorded  in  this  paper,  were  obtained  by  personal  observations  within  fifteen 
miles  of  Racine,  Wisconsin,  latitude  42°  46'  north,  longitude  87"  48'  west.  This  city  is  situated 
on  the  western  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  at  the  extreme  southern  point  of  the  heavy  lumbered 
district,  the  base  of  which  rests  on  Lake  Superior.  Racine  extends  six  miles  further  into  the 
lake  than  Milwaukee,  and  two  miles  further  than  Kenosha.  At  this  point  the  great  prairie 
approaches  near  the  lake  from  the  west.  The  extreme  rise  of  the  mercury  in  summer,  is  from 
90°  to  100°  Fahrenheit.  The  isothermal  line  comes  further  north  in  summer,  and  retires  further 
south  in  winter  than  it  does  east  of  the  great  lakes,  which  physical  condition  will  sufficiently 
explain  the  remarkable  peculiarities  of  its  animal  life,  the  overlapping,  as  it  were,  of  two  distinct 
faunas.  More  especially  is  this  true  of  birds,  that  are  enabled  to  change  their  locality  with  the 
greatest  facility.  Within  the  past  thirty  years,  I  have  collected  and  observed  over  three  hundred 
species  of  birds,  nearly  half  of  all  birds  found  in  North  America.  Many  species,  considered 
rare  in  other  sections,  are  found  here  in  the  greatest  abundance.  A  striking  peculiarity  of  the 
ornithological  fauna  of  this  section,  is  that  southern  birds  go  farther  north  in  summer,  while 
northern  species  go  farther  south  in  winter  than  they  do  east  of  the  lakes.  Of  summer  birds 
that  visit  us,  I  will  ennumerate  a  few  of  the  many  that  belong  to  a  more  southern  latitude  in  the 
Atlantic  States.     Nearly  all  nest  with  us,  or,  at  least,  did  some  years  ago. 

Yellow-breasted  chat,  Icteria  virdis ;  mocking  bird,  Mimus  poUygloiius ;  great  Carolina  wren, 
Thriothorus  ludovicianus ;  prothonotary  warbler,  Protonoiaria  citrea;  summer  red  bird,  Pyrangia 
CB^iiva;  wood  ibis,   Tantalus  loeulator. 

Among  Arctic  birds  that  visit  us  in  winter  are : 

Snowy' owl,  Nydea  nivea)  great  gray  owl,  Syrniutn  cinerus;  hawk  owl.  Surma  ulula;  Arctic 
three-toed  woodpecker,  Picoides  arclicus;  banded  three-toed  woodpecker,  Picoides  hirsutus;  mag- 
pie. Pica  hudsonica;  Canada  jay,  Perisorius  canadensis ;  evening  grosbeak,  Hesperiphona  vesper- 
Una;  Hudson  titmouse,  Parus  hudsonicus ;  king  eder,  Somateria  spectabilisj  black- throated  diver, 
Colymbus  arcticus;  glaucus  gull,  Laurus  glaucus. 

These  examples  are  sufficient  to  indicate  the  rich  avi  fauna  of  Wisconsin.  It  is  doubtful  if 
there  is  another  locality  where  the  Canada  jay  and  its  associates  visit  in  winter  where  the  mock- 
ing bird  nests  in  summer,  or  where  the  hawk  owl  flies  silently  over  the  spot  occupied  during 
the  warmer  days  by  the  summer  red  bird  and  the  yellow-breasted  chat.  But  the  ax  has  already 
leveled  much  of  the  great  woods,  so  that  there  is  now  a  great  falling  off  in  numbers  of  our  old 
familiar  feathered  friends.  It  is  now  extremely  doubtful  if  such  a  collection  can  ever  again  be 
mad/   within  the  boundaries  of  this  state,  or  indeed,  of  any  other. 


EDUCATIONAL    HISTORY. 

fiv  Prof.  EDWARD  SEARING,  State  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

From  the  time  of  the  earliest  advent  of  the  families  of  French  traders  into  the  region  now 
known  as  Wisconsin,  to  the  year  1818,  when  that  region  became  part  of  Michigan  territory, 
education  was  mostly  confined  to  private  mstruction,  or  was  sought  by  the  children  of  the 
wealthier  in  the  distant  cities  of  Quebec,  Montreal,  and  Detroit.  The  early  Jesuit  missionaries, 
and  —  subsequently  to  1816,  when  it  came  under  the  military  control  of  the  United  States  — 
representatives  of  various  other  religious  denominations,  sought  to  teach  the  Indian  tribes  of 
this  section.  In  1823,  Rev.  Eleazar  Williams,  well  known  for  his  subsequent  claim  to  be  the 
Dauphin  of  France,  and  who  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Episcopal  Missionary  Society,  started  a 
school  of  white  and  half-breed  children  on  the  west  side  of  Fox  river,  opposite  "  Shanty-Town." 
A  Catholic  mission  school  for  Indians  was  organized  by  an  Italian  priest  near  Green  Bay,  in 
1830.  A  clause  of  the  treaty  with  the  Winnebago  Indians,  in  1832,  bound  the  United  States  to 
maintain  a  school  for  their  children  near  Prairie  du  Chien  for  a  period  of  twenty-seven  years. 

The  Original  School  Code. 

From  1818  to  1836,  Wisconsin  formed  part  of  Michigan  territory.  In  the  year  1837,  Michi- 
gan was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  a  state,  and  Wisconsin,  embracing  what  is  now  Minnesota, 
Iowa,  and  a  considerable  region  still  further  westward,  was,  by  act  of  congress  approved  April 
20th  of  the  year  previous,  established  as  a  separate  territory.  The  act  provided  that  the  existing 
laws  of  the  territory  of  Michigan  should  be  extended  over  the  new  territory  so  far  as  compatible 
with  the  provisions  of  the  act,  subject  to  alteration  or  repeal  by  the  new  government  created. 
Thus  with  the  other  statutes,  the  school  code  of  Michigan  became  the  original  code  of  Wiscon- 
sin, and  it  was  soon  formally  adopted,  with  almost  no  change,  by  the  first  territorial  legislature, 
which  met  at  Belmont.  Although  modified  in  some  of  its  provisions  almost  every  year,  this 
imperfect  code  continued  in  force  until  the  adoption  of  the  state  constitution  in  1848.  The 
first  material  changes  in  the  code  were  made  by  the  territorial  legislature  at  its  second  session, 
in  1837,  by  the  passage  of  a  bill  "  to  regulate  the  sale  of  school  lands,  and  to  provide  for  organ- 
izing, regulating,  and  perfecting  common  schools."  It  was  provided  in  this  act  that  as  soon  as 
twenty  electors  should  reside  in  a  surveyed  townsliip,  they  should  elect  a  board  of  three  com- 
missioners, holding  office  three  years,  to  lay  off  districts,  to  apply  the  proceeds  of  the  leases  of 
schoollands  to  the  payment  of  teachers' wages,  and  to  call  school  meetings.  It  was  also  pro- 
vided that  each  district  should  elect  a  board  of  three  directors,  holding  office  one  year,  to  locate 
school-houses,  hire  teachers  for  at  least  three  months  in  the  year,  and  levy  taxes  for  the  support 
of  schools.  It  was  further  provided  that  a  third  board  of  five  inspectors  ohould  be  elected 
annually  in  each  town  to  examine  and  license  teachers  and  inspect  the  schools.  Two  years 
subsequently  (1839)  the  law  was  revised  and  the  family,  instead  of  the  electors,  was  made  the 
basiiS  of  the  town  organization.  Every  town  with  not  less  than  ten  families  was  made  a  school 
district  and  required  to  provide  a  competent  teacher.  More  populous  towns  were  divided  into 
two  or  more  districts.  The  office  of  town  commissioner  was  abolished,  its  duties  with  certain 
others  being  transferred  to  the  inspectors.  The  rate-bill  system  of  taxation,  previously  in 
exrstence,  was  rejjealed,  and  a  tax  on  the  whole  county  for  building  school-houses  and  sunport- 


EDUCATIONAL   HISTORY.  '  141 

r 

ing  schools  was  provided  for.  One  or  two  years  later  the  office  of  town  commissioners  was 
restored,  and  the  duties  of  the  inspectors  were  assigned  to  the  same.  Other  somewhat  important 
amendments  were  made  at  the  same  time. 

In  1840,  a  memorial  to  congress  from  the  legislature  represented  that  the  people  were 
anxious  to  establish  a  conmion-school  system,  with  suitable  resources  for  its  support.  From 
lack  of  sufficient  funds  many  of  the  schools  were  poorly  organized.  The  rate-bill  ta.x  or  private 
subscription  was  often  necessary  to  supplement  the  scanty  results  of  county  taxation.  Until  a 
state  government  should  be  organized,  the  fund  accruing  from  the  sale  of  school  lands  could  not 
be  available.  Congress  had  made  to  Wisconsin,  as  to  other  new  states,  for  educational  purposes, 
a  donation  of  lands.  These  lands  embraced  the  sixteenth  section  in  every  township  in  the  state, 
the  500,000  acres  to  which  the  state  was  entitled  by  the  provisions  of  an  act  of  congress  passed 
in  1 84 1,  and  any  grant  of  lands  from  the  United  States,  the  purposes  of  which  were  not  speci- 
fied. To  obtain  the  benefits  of  this  large  fund  was  a  leading  object  in  forming  the  state  con- 
stitution. 

Agitation  for  Free  Schools. 

Shortly  before  the  admission  of  the  state  the  subject  of  free  schools  began  to  be  quite 
■widely  discussed.  In  February,  1845,  Col.  M.  Frank,  of  Kenosha,  a  member  of  the  territorial 
legislature,  introduced  a  bill,  which  became  a  law,  authorizing  the  legal  voters  of  his  own  town 
to  vote  taxes  on  all  the  assessed  property  tor  the  full  support  of  its  schools.  A  provision  of  the 
act  required  its  submission  to  the  people  of  the  town  before  it  could  take  effect.  It  met  with 
strenuous  opposition,  but  after  many  public  meetings  and  lectures  held  in  the  interests  of  public 
enlightenment,  the  act  was  ratified  by  a  small  majority  in  the  fall  of  1 845,  and  thus  the  first  free  school 
in  the  state  was  legally  organized.  Subsequently,  in  the  legislature,  in  the  two  constitutional  con- 
ventions, and  in  educational  assemblies,  the  question  of  a  free-scliool  system  for  the  new  state 
soon  to  be  organized  provoked  much  interest  and  discussion.  In  the  constitution  framed  by  the 
convention  of  1846,  was  provided  the  basis  of  a  free-school  system  similar  to  that  in  our  present 
constitution.  The  question  of  establishing  the  office  of  state  superintendent,  more  than  any 
other  feature  of  the  proposed  school  system,  elicited  discussion  in  that  body.  The  necessity  of 
this  office,  and  the  advantages  of  free  schools  supported  by  taxation,  were  ably  presented  to  the 
convention  by  Hon.  Henry  Barnard,  of  Connecticut,  in  an  evening  address.  He  afterward  pre- 
pared, by  request,  a  draft  of  a  free-school  system,  with  a  state  superintendent  at  its  head,  which 
was  accepted  and  subsequently  embodied  in  the  constitution  and  the  school  law.  In  the  second 
constitutional  convention,  in  1848,  the  same  questions  again  received  careful  attention,  and  the 
article  on  education  previously  prepared,  was,  after  a  few  changes,  brought  into  the  shape  in 
which  we  now  find  it.  Immediately  after  the  ratification  by  the  people,  of  the  constitution  pre- 
pared by  the  second  convention,  three  commissioners  were  appointed  to  revise  the  statutes.  To 
one  of  these.  Col.  Frank,  the  needed  revision  of  the  school  laws  was  assigned.  The  work  was 
acceptably  performed,  and  the  new  school  code  of  1849,  largely  the  same  as  the  present  one, 
went  into  operation  May  first  of  that  year. 

The  School  System  under  the  State  Government. 

In  the  state  constitution  was  laid  the  broad  foundation  of  our  present  school  system.  The 
four  corner  stones  were:  (i)  The  guaranteed  freedom  of  the  schools;  (z)  the  school  fund 
■created ;  (3)  the  system  of  supervision ;  (4)  a  state  university  for  higher  instruction.  The 
school  fund  has  five  distinct  sources  for  its  creation  indicated  in  the  constitution:  (i)  Proceeds 
from  the  sale  of  lands  granted  to  the  state  by  the  United  States  for  educational  purposes;  (2) 


142 


HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 


all  moneys  accruing  from  forfeiture  or  escheat;  (3)  all  fines  collected  in  the  several  counties  for 
breach  of  the  penal  laws  ;  (4)  all  moneys  paid  for  exemption  from  military  duty  ;  (5)  five  per  cent. 
of  the  sale  of  government  lands  within  the  state.  In  addition  to  these  constitutional  sources  of 
the  school  fund,  another  and  sixth  source  was  open  from  1856  to  1870.  By  an  act  of  the  state 
legislature  in  the  former  year,  three-fourths  of  the  net  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  the  swamp  and 
overflowed  lands,  granted  to  the  state  by  congress,  Sept.  z8,  1850,  were  added  to  the  common- 
school  fund,  the  other  fourth  going  into  a  fund  for  drainage,  under  certain  circumstances  ;  but  if 
not  paid  over  to  any  town  for  that  purpose  within  two  years,  to  become  a  part  of  the  school 
fund.  The  following  year  one  of  these  fourths  was  converted  into  the  normal-school  fund, 
leaving  one-half  for  the  common-school  fund.  In  1858,  another  fourth  was  given  to  the  drainage 
fund,  thus  providing  for  the  latter  one-half  the  income  from  the  sales,  and  leaving  for  the  school 
fund,  until  the  year  1865,  only  the  remaining  one-fourth.  In  the  latter  year  this  was  transferred 
to  the  normal-school  fund,  with  the  provision,  however,  that  one-fourth  of  the  income  of  this 
fund  should  be  transferred  to  the  common-school  fund  until  the  annual  income  of  the  latter 
fund  should  reach  $200,000.  In  1870  this  provision  was  repealed,  and  the  whole  income  of  the 
normal  fund  left  applicable  to  the  support  of  normal  schools  and  teachers'  institutes. 

At  the  first  session  of  the  state  legislature  in  1848,  several  acts  were  passed  which  carried 
out  in  some  degree  the  educational  provisions  of  the  constitution.  A  law  was  enacted  to  pro- 
vide for  the  election,  and  to  define  the  duties,  of  a  state  superintendent  of  public  instruction.  A 
district  board  was  created,  consisting  of  a  moderator,  director,  and  treasurer;  the  office  of  town 
superintendent  was  established,  and  provision  was  made  for  the  creation  of  town  libraries,  and 
for  the  distribution  of  the  school  fund.  The  present  school  code  of  Wisconsin  is  substantially 
that  passed  by  the  legislature  of  1848,  and  which  went  into  operation  May  i,  1849.  The  most 
important  change  since  made  was  the  abolition  of  the  office  of  town  superintendent,  and  the 
substitution  therefor  of  the  county  superintendency.     This  change  took  effect  January  i,  1862. 

The  School-Fund  Income. 

The  first  annual  report  of  the  state  superintendent,  for  the  year  1849,  gives  the  income  of 
the  school  fund  for  that  year  as  $588,  or  eight  and  three-tenth  mills  per  child.  Milwaukee 
county  received  the  largest  amount,  $69.63,  and  St.  Croix  county  the  smallest,  twenty-four  cents. 
The  average  in  the  state  was  forty-seven  cents  per  district.  The  following  table  will  show  at  a 
glance  the  quinquennial  increase  in  the  income  of  the  fund,  the  corresponding  increase  in  the 
number  of  school  children,  and  the  apportionment  per  child,  from  1849  to  1875,  inclusive;  also, 
the  last  published  apportionment,  that  for  1878.  It  will  be  seen  that  since  1855  the  increase  of 
the  fund  has  not  kept  pace  with  the  increase  of  school  population  : 


Year. 

NO.  CHILDREN 
OF  SCHOOL.AGE. 

INCOME    OF 
SCHOOL  FUND 

RATE  PER 
CHILD. 

Year. 

NO.    CHILDREN 
OF  SCHOOL-AGE. 

INCOME    OF 
SCHOOL  FUND 

RATE  PER 
CHILD. 

1849.. 
1850.. 

1855-- 
1860.. 

70,457 

92,105 

186,085 

288,984 

$588   00 

47,716   00 

125,906   02 

184,949    76 

$0.0083 
.518 
•67 
.64 

1865.- 
1870.. 
1875.. 
1878-. 

335.582 
412,481 
450,304 
478,692 

151,816   34 
159,271    38 
184,624   64 

185,546  01 

•46 
•40 
.41 

•39 

The  amount  of  productive  school   fund  reported  September  30,    1878,  was  22,680,703.27. 
The  portion  of  the  fund  not  invested  at  that  date,  was  $58,823.70. 


EDUCATIONAL    HISTORY.  143 

The  State  University. 

In  his  message  to  the  first  territorial  legislature,  in  1836,  Governor  Dodge  recommended 
asking  from  congress  aid  for  the  establishment  of  a  state  educational  institution,  to  be  governed 
by  the  legislature.  This  was  the  first  official  action  looking  to  the  establishment  of  a  state 
university.  The  same  legislature  passed  an  act  to  establish  and  locate  the  Wisconsin  univer- 
sity at  Belmont,  in  the  county  of  Iowa.  At  its  second  session,  the  following  year,  the  legislature 
passed  an  act,  which  was  approved  January  19,  1838,  establishing  "at  or  near  Madison,  the  seat 
of  government,  a  university  for  the  purpose  of  educating  youth,  the  name  whereof  shall  be  '  The 
University  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin.  "  A  resolution  was  passed  at  the  same  session,  direct- 
ing the  territorial  delegate  in  congress  to  ask  of  that  body  an  appropriation  of  $20,000  for  the 
erection  of  the  buildings  01  said  university,  and  also  to  appropriate  two  townships  of  vacant  land 
for  its  endowment.  Congress  accordingly  appropriated,  in  1838,  seventy-two  sections,  or  two 
townships,  for  the  support  of  a  "seminary  of  learning  in  the  territory  of  Wisconsin,"  and  this 
was  afterward  confirmed  to  the  state  for  the  use  of  the  university.  No  effectual  provision,  how- 
ever, was  made  for  the  establishment  of  the  university  until  ten  years  later,  when  the  state  was 
organized.  Congress,  as  has  been  said,  had  made  a  donation  of  lands  to  the  territory  for  the 
support  of  such  an  institution,  but  these  lands  could  not  be  made  available  for  that  purpose  until 
the  territory  should  become  a  state.  The  state  constitution,  adopted  in  184S,  declared  that  pro- 
vision should  be  made  for  the  establishment  ol  a  stale  university,  and  that  the  proceeds  of  all 
lands  donated  by  the  United  States  to  the  state  for  the  suppoit  of  a  university  should  remain  a 
perpetual  fund,  the  interest  of  which  should  be  appropriated  to  its  support 

The  state  legislature,  at  its  first  session,  passed  an  act,  approved  July  26,  1848,  establishing 
the  University  of  Wisconsin,  defining  its  location,  its  government,  and  its  various  departments, 
and  authorizing  the  regents  to  purchase  a  suitable  site  for  the  buildings,  and  to  proceed  to  the 
erection  of  the  same,  after  having  obtained  from  the  legislature  the  approval  of  plans.  This  act 
repealed  the  previous  act  of  1838.  The  regents  were  soon  after  appointed,  and  theirfirst  annual 
report  was  presented  to  the  legislature,  January  30,  1849.  This  report  announced  the  selection 
of  a  site,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  legislature,  announced  the  organization  of  a  preparatory 
department,  and  the  election  of  a  chancellor  or  president.  The  university  was  thus  organized, 
with  John  H.  Lathrop,  president  of  the  University  of  Missouri,  as  its  first  chancellor,  and  John 
W.  Sterling  as  principal  of  the  preparatory  department,  which  was  opened  February  5,  1849. 
Chancellor  Lathrop  was  not  formally  inaugurated  until  January  16,  1850. 

Owing  to  the  short-sighted  policy  of  the  state  in  locating  without  due  care,  and  in  apprais- 
ing and  selling  so  low  the  lands  of  the  original  grant,  the  fund  produced  was  entirely  inadequate 
to  the  support  of  the  institution.  Congress,  therefore,  made,  in  1854,  an  additional  grant  of 
seventy-two  sections  of  land  for  its  use.  These,  however,  were  located  and  sold  in  the  same 
inconsiderate  and  unfortunate  manner,  for  so  low  a  price  as  to  be  a  means  of  inducing  immigra- 
tion, indeed,  but  not  of  producing  a  fund  adequate  for  the  support  of  a  successful  state  univer- 
sity. Of  the  92,160  acres  comprised  in  the  two  grants,  there  had  been  sold  prior  to  September 
30,  1866,  74,178  acres  for  the  sum  of  $264,570.13,  or  at  an  average  price  of  but  little  more  than 
$3.50  per  acre.*  Besides  this,  the  state  had  allowed  the  university  to  anticipate  its  income  to  the 
extent  of  over  $100,000  for  the  erection  of  buildings.  By  a  law  of  1862  the  sum  of  $104,339.43 
was  taken  from  its  fund  (already  too  small)  to  pay  for  these  buildings.  The  resulting  embar- 
rassment made  necessary  the  re-organization  of  1866,  which  added  to  the  slender  resources  of 
the  institution  the  agricultural  college  fund,  arising  from  the  sale  of  lands  donated  to  the  state  by 
the  congressional  act  of  1862. 

♦Compare  the  price  obtained  for  the  lands  of  the  University  of  Michigan.  The  first  sale  of  those  lands  averaged 
$22.85  per  acre,  and  brought  in  a  single  year  (1837)  $150,447.90.  Sales  were  made  in  succeeding  years  at  $15,  $17, 
and  $19  per  acre. 


144  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

The  first  university  building  erected  was  the  north  dormitory,  which  was  completed  in  1851. 
This  is  110  feet  in  length  by  40  in  breadth,  and  four  stories  in  height.  The  south  dormitory,  of 
the  same  size,  was  completed  in  1855.  The  main  central  edifice,  known  as  University  Hall,  was 
finished  in  1859.  The  Ladies'  College  was  completed  in  1872.  This  latter  was  built  with  an 
appropriation  of  $50,000,  made  by  the  legislature  in  1870 — the  first  actual  donation  the  univer- 
sity had  ever  received  from  the  state.  The  legislature  of  1875  appropriated  $80,000  for  the 
erection  of  Science  Hall,  a  building  to  be  devoted  to  instruction  in  the  physical  sciences.  This 
was  completed  and  ready  for  occupancy  at  the  opening  of  the  fall  term  of  1877. 

The  growth  of  this  institution  during  the  past  fourteen  years,  and  especially  since  its  re- 
organization in  1866,  has  been  rapid  and  substantial.  Its  productive  fund  on  the  ■30th  day  of 
September,  1877,  aside  from  the  agricultural  college  fund,  was  $223,240  32.  The  combined  uni- 
versity and  agricultural  funds  amounted,  at  the  same  date,  to  $464,032  22.  An  act  of  the  legis- 
lature in  1S67  approjjriated  to  the  university  income  for  that  year,  and  annually  for  the  next  ten 
years,  the  sum  of  $7,303.76,  being  the  interest  upon  the  sum  taken  from  the  university  fund  by 
the  law  of  1862  for  the  erection  of  buildings,  as  before  mentioned.  Chapter  100  of  the  general 
laws  of  1872  also  provided  for  an  annual  state  tax  of  $10,000  to  increase  the  income  of  the  uni- 
versity. Chapter  119  of  the  laws  of  1S76  provides  for  an  annual  state  tax  of  one-tenth  of  one 
mill  on  the  taxable  property  of  the  state  for  the  increase  of  the  university  fund  income,  this  tax 
to  be  "/«  lieu  of  all  other  appropriations  before  provided  for  the  benefit  of  said  fund  income," 
and  to  be  "  deemed  a  full  compensation  for  all  deficiencies  in  said  income  arising  from  the  dis- 
position of  the  lands  donated  to  the  state  by  congress,  in  trust,  for  the  benefit  of  said  income." 
The  entire  income  of  the  university  from  all  sources,  including  this  tax  (which  was  $42,359.62), 
was,  for  the  year  ending  September  30,  1878,  $81,442.63.  The  university  has  a  faculty  of  over 
thirty  professors  and  instructors,  and  during  the  past  year — 1877-8 — it  had  in  its  various  depart- 
ments 388  students.  The  law  department,  organized  in  1868,  has  since  been  in  successful  opera- 
ation.     Ladies  are  admitted  into  all  the  departments  and  classes  of  the  university. 

Agricultural  ("ollege. 

The  agricultural  college  fund,  granted  to  the  state  by  the  congressional  act  of  1862,  was 
by  a  subsequent  legislative  enactment  (1866)  applied  to  the  support,  not  of  a  separate  agricultural 
college,  but  of  a  department  of  agriculture  in  the  existing  university,  thus  rendering  it  unneces- 
sary for  the  state  to  erect  separate  buildings  elsewhere.  Under  the  provisions  of  chapter  114, 
laws  of  1866,  the  county  of  Dane  issued  to  the  state,  for'  the  purpose  of  purchasing  an  experi- 
mental farm,  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $40,000.  A  farm  of  about  200  acres,  adjoining  the  univer- 
sity grounds,  was  purchased,  and  a  four  years' course  of  study  provided,  designed  to  be  thorough 
and  extensive  in  the  branches  that  relate  to  agriculture,  in  connection  with  its  practical  application 
upon  the  experimental  farm. 

The  productive  agricultural  college  fund  has  increased  from  J8, 061. 86,  in  1866,  to  $244,263, 1  8, 
in  1S78. 

NoRM.AL  Schools. 

The  propriety  of  making  some  special  provision  for  the  instruction  of  teachers  was 
acknowledged  in  the  very  organization  of  the  state,  a  provision  for  normal  schools  having  been 
embodied  in  the  constitution  itself,  which  ordains  that  after   the  support  and  n.aintenance  of  the 


EDUCATIONAL   HISTORY.  145 

common  schools  is  insured,  the  residue  of  the  school  fund  shall  be  appropriated  to  academies  and 
normal  schools.  The  state  legislature,  in  its  first  session  in  1848,  in  the  act  establishing  the  Uni- 
versity of  Wisconsin,  declared  that  one  of  the  four  departments  thereof  should  be  a  department 
of  the  theory  and  practice  of  elementary  instruction.  The  first  institution  ever  chartered  in 
the  state  as  a  normal  school  was  incorporated  by  the  legislature  at  its  second  session — 1849  — 
under  the  title  of  the  "  Jefferson  County  Normal  School."     This,  however,  was  never  organized. 

The  regents,  when  organizing  the  university,  at  their  meeting  in  1849,  ordained  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  normal  professorship,  and  declared  that  in  organizing  the  normal  department  it 
was  their  fixed  intention  "  to  make  the  University  of  Wisconsin  subsidiary  to  the  great  cause  of 
popular  education,  by  making  it,  through  iis  normal  department,  the  nursery  of  the  educatois  of 
the  popular  mind,  and  the  central  point  of  union  and  harmony  to  the  educational  interests  of  the 
commonwealth."  They  declared  that  instruction  in  the  normal  department  should  be  free  to  all 
suitable  candidates.  Little  was  accomplished,  however,  in  this  direction  during  the  next  ten 
years.  In  1857  an  act  was  passed  by  the  legislature  appropriating  twenty-five  per  cent,  of  the 
income  of  the  swamp-land  fund  "  to  normal  institutes  and  academies  under  the  supervision  and 
direction  of  a  board  of  regents  of  normal  schools,"  who  were  to  be  appointed  in  accordance 
with  the  provisions  of  the  act.  Distribution  of  this  income  was  made  to  such  colleges,  acade- 
mies, and  high  schools  as  maintained  a  normal  class,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  pupils  pass- 
ing a  successful  examination  conducted  by  an  agent  of  the  board.  In  1859,  Dr.  Henry  Barnard, 
who  had  become  chancellor  of  the  university,  was  made  agent  of  the  normal  regents.  He 
inaugurated  a  system  of  teachers'  institutes,  and  gave  fresh  vigor  to  the  normal  work  throughout 
the  state.  Resigning,  however,  on  account  of  ill-health,  within  two  years,  Professor  Chas.  H. 
Allen,  who  had  been  conducting  institutes  under  his  direction,  succeeded  him  as  agent  of  the 
normal  regents,  and  was  elected  principal  of  the  normal  department  of  the  university,  entering 
upon  his  work  as  the  latter  in  March,  1864.  He  managed  the  department  with  signal  ability  and 
success,  but  at  the  end  of  one  or  two  years  resigned.  Meantime  the  educational  sentiment  of 
the  state  had  manifested  itself  for  the  establishment  of  separate  normal  schools. 

In  1S65,  the  legislature  passed  an  act  repealing  that  of  two  years  before,  and  providing 
instead  that  one-half  of  the  swamp-land  fund  should  be  set  apart  as  a  normal-school  fund,  the 
income  of  which  should  be  applied  to  establishing  and  supporting  normal  schools  under  the 
direction  and  management  of  the  board  of  normal  regents,  with  a  proviso,  however,  that  one^ 
fourth  of  such  income  should  be  annually  transferred  to  the  common-school  fund  income,  until 
the  latter  should  amount  annually  to  $200,000.  This  proviso  was  repealed  by  the  legislature  of 
1870,  and  the  entire  income  of  one-half  the  swamp-land  fund  has  since  been  devoted  to  normal' 
school  purposes.  During  the  same  year  proposals  were  invited  for  aid  in  the  establishment  of  a 
normal  school,  in  money,  land,  or  buildings,  and  propositions  from  various  places  were  received 
and  considered.  In  1S66,  the  board  of  regents  was  incorporated  by  the  legislature.  In  the 
same  year  Platteville  was  conditionally  selected  as  the  site  of  a  school,  and  as  there  was  already 
a  productive  fund  of  about  $600,000,  with  an  income  of  over  $30,000,  and  a  prospect  of  a  steady 
increase  as  the  lands  were  sold,  the  board  decided  upon  the  policy  of  establishing  several  schools, 
located  in  different  parts  of  the  state.  In  pursuance  of  this  policy,  there  have  already  been 
completed,  and  are  now  in  very  successful  operation,  the  Platteville  Normal  School,  opened 
October  9,  1866;  the  Whitewater  Normal  School,  opened  April  21,  1868  ;  the  Oshkosh  Normal 
School,  opened  September  19,  1871,  and  the  River  Falls  Normal  School,  opened  September 
2,  1875.  Each  assembly  district  in  the  state  is  entitled  to  eight  representatives  in  the 
normal  schools.  These  are  nominated  by  county  and  city  superintendents.  Tuition  is 
free   to   all    normal    students.      There    are    in    the    normal  schools  two  courses  of  study  —  an 


146  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN". 

elementary  course  of  two  years,  and  an  advanced  course  of  four  years.  The  student  completing 
the  former,  receives  a  certificate  ;  the  one  completing  the  latter,  a  diploma.  The  certificate,  when 
the  holder  has  successfully  taught  one  year  after  graduation,  may  be  countersigned  by  the  sup- 
erintendent of  public  instruction,  when  it  becomes  equivalent  to  a  five-years'  state  certificate. 
The  diploma,  when  thus  countersigned,  after  a  like  interval,  is  equivalent  to  a  permanent  state 
certificate. 

It  is  believed  that  the  normal-school  system  of  Wisconsin  rests  upon  a  broader  and  more 
secure  basis  than  the  corresponding  system  of  any  other  state.  That  basis  is  an  independent 
and  permanent  fund,  which  has  already  reached  a  million  dollars.  •  The  precise  amount  of  this 
securely  invested  and  productive  fund,  September  30,  1878,  was  $1,004,907.67,  and  the  sum  of 
$33,290.88  remained  uninvested. 

Teachers'  Institutes. 

In  addition  to  the  work  of  the  normal  schools,  the  board  of  regents  is  authorized  to  expend 
$5,000  annually  to  defray  the  expenses  of  teachers'  institutes.  A  law  of  1871,  amended  in  1876, 
provides  for  normal  institutes,  which  shall  be  held  for  not  less  than  two  consecutive  weeks,  and 
appropriates  from  the  state  treasury  a  sum  not  exceeding  $2,000  per  annum  for  their  support. 
There  were  held  in  the  State,  in  1878,  sixty-six  institutes,  v.arying  in  length  from  one  to  two 
weeks.     The  total  number  of  persons  enrolled  as  attendants  was  4,944 

Graded  Schools. 

Including  those  in  the  cities,  the  graded  schools  of  the  State  number  about  four  hundred. 
The  annual  report  of  the  State  superintendent  for  1878  gives  the  number  with  two  departments 
as  207,  and  the  number  with  three  or  more  as  225. 

A  law  of  March,  1872,  provided  that  "all  graduates  of  any  graded  school  of  the  state,  who 
shall  have  passed  an  examination  at  such  graded  school  satisfactory  to  the  faculty  of  the  univer- 
sity for  admission  into  the  sub-freshman  class  and  college  classes  of  the  university,  shall  be  at 
once  and  at  all  times  entitled  to  free  tuition  in  all  the  colleges  of  the  university."  A  consider- 
able number  of  graduates  of  graded  schools  entered  the  university  under  this  law  during  the 
next  four  years,  but  it  being  deemed  an  unwise  discrimination  in  favor  of  this  class  of  students, 
in  1S76,  in  the  same  act  which  provided  for  the  tax  of  one  tenth  of  one  mill,  the  legislature  pro- 
vided that  from  and  after  the  4th  of  July  of  that  year  no  student,  except  students  in  law  and 
those  taking  extra  studies,"should  be  required  to  pay  any  fees  for  tuition.  Few  graded  schools 
of  the  state  are  able  as  yet  to  fully  prepare  students  for  entrance  into  the  regular  classes  of  the 
classical  department  of  the  university.  The  larger  number  prepared  by  them  still  enter  the 
scientific  department  or  the  sub-freshman  class. 

The  Township  System. 

In  1869  the  legislature  passed  a  law  authorizing  towns  to  adopt  by  vote  the  "  township  sys- 
tem of  school  government."  Under  this  system  each  town  becomes  one  school  district,  and  the 
several  school  districts  already  existing  become  sub-districts.  Each  sub-district  elects  a  clerk, 
and  these  clerks  constitute  a  body  corporate  under  the  name  of  the  "  board  of  school  directors,"  and 
are  invested  with  the  title  and  custody  of  all  school  houses,  school-house  sites,  and  other  prop- 
erty belonging  to  the  sub-districts,  with  power  to  control  them  for  the  best  interests  of  the 
schools  of  the  town.     The  law  provides  for  an  executive  committee  to  execute  the  orders  of  the 


EDUCATIOiSrAL   HISTORY.  147 

board,  employ  teachers,  etc.,  and  for  a  secretary  to  record  proceedings  of  the  board,  have  imme- 
diate charge  and  supervision  of  the  schools,  and  perform  other  specified  duties.  But  few  towns 
ha\e  as  yet  made  trial  of  this  system,  although  it  is  in  successful  operation  in  Pensylvania,  Mas- 
sachusetts, and  some  other  states,  and  where  fully  and  fairly  tried  in  our  own,  has  proved  entirely 
satisfactory.  It  is  the  general  belief  of  our  enlightened  educational  men  that  the  plan  has  such 
merits  as  ought  to  secure  its  voluntary  adoption  by  the  people  of  the  state. 

Free  High  Schools. 

In  1875  the  legislature  enacted  that  any  town,  incorporated  village,  or  city,  may  establish 
and  maintain  not  more  than  two  free  high  schools,  and  provided  for  an  annual  appropriation  of 
not  to  e.xceed  $25,000,  to  refund  one-half  of  the  actual  cost  of  instruction  in  such  schools,  but 
no  school  to  draw  in  any  one  year  more  than  $500.  At  the  session  of  1877  the  benefits  of  the 
act  were  extended  to  such  high  schools  already  established  as  shall  show  by  a  proper  report  that 
they  have  conformed  to  the  requirements  of  the  law.  If  towns  decline  to  establish  such  a 
school,  one  or  more  adjoining  districts  in  the  same  have  the  privilege  of  doing  so.  The  law  has 
met  with  much  favor.  For  the  school  year  ending  iVugust  31,  1876  (the  first  year  in  which  it  was 
in  operation),  twenty  such  schools  reported,  and  to  these  the  sum  of  $7,466.50  was  paid,  being 
an  average  of  $373.32  per  school.  For  the  year  ending  August  31,  1878,  eighty-five  schools 
reported  and  received  a  pro  rata  division  of  the  maximum  appropriation.  The  high  school  law 
was  primarily  designed  to  bring  to  rural  neighborhoods  the  twofold  advantages  of  (i)  a  higher 
instruction  than  the  common  district  schools  afford,  and  (2)  a  better  class  of  teachers  for  these 
schools.  It  was  anticipated,  however,  from  the  first  that  the  immediate  results  of  the  law  would 
be  chiefly  the  improvement  of  existing  graded  schools  in  the  larger  villages  and  in  cities. 

School  Officers. 
The  school  officers  of  Wisconsin  are,  a  state  superintendent  of  public  instruction,  sixty-four 
county  superintendents,  twenty-eight  city  superintendents,  and  a  school  board  in  each  district, 
consisting  of  a  director,  treasurer,  and  clerk.  The  state  and  county  superintendents  hold  office 
two  years,  the  district  officers  three  years.  In  each  independent  city  there  is  a  board  of  educa- 
tion, and  the  larger  cities  have  each  a  city  superintendent,  who  in  some  cases  is  also  principal  of 
the  high  school.  He  is  appointed  for  one  year.  The  county  board  of  supervisors  determine, 
within  certain  limits,  the  amount  of  money  to  be  raised  annually  in  each  town  and  ward  of  their 
county  for  school  purposes,  levy  an  additional  amount  for  the  salary  of  the  county  superintend- 
ents, may  authorize  a  special  school  tax,  and  may  under  certain  circumstances  determine  that 
there  shall  be  two  superintendents  for  their  couxity.  The  town  board  of  supervisors  have  authority 
to  form  and  alter  school  districts,  to  issue  notice  for  first  meeting,  to  form  union  districts  for  high 
school  purposes,  and  appoint  first  boards  for  the- same,  to  locate  and  establish  school-house  sites 
under  certain  circumstances,  to  extinguish  districts  that  have  neglected  to  maintain  school  for 
two  years,  and  to  dispose  of  the  property  of  the  same.  The  district  clerks  report  annually  to  the 
town  clerks,  the  town  clerks  to  the  county  superintendents,  and  the  county  and  city  superintend- 
ents to  the  state  superintendent,  who  in  turn  makes  an  annual  report  to  the  governor. 

State    Teachers'  Certificates. 

The  state  superintendent  is  authorized  by  law  "to  issue  state  certificates  of  high  grade  to 
teachers  of  eminent  qualifications."  Two  grades  of  these  are  given,  one  unlimited,  and  the 
other  good  for  five  years.  The  examination  is  conducted  by  a  board  of  three  examiners, 
appointed  annually  by  the  state  superintendent,  and  acting  under  rules  and  regulations  prescribed 
bv  him. 


148  HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 

Teachers'   Associations. 

Besides  the  Wisconsin  State  Teachers'  Association,  holding  its  annual  session  in  the  summer 

and  a  semi-annual  or  "  executive  "  session  in  the  winter,  there  are,  in  several  parts  of  the  state, 

county  or  district  associations,  holding  stated  meetings.      The  number  of  such   associations  is 

annually  increasing. 

Libraries. 

The  utility  of  public  libraries  as  a  part  of  the  means  of  popular  enlightenment,  was  early 
recognized  in  this  state.  The  constitution,  as  set  forth  in  1848,  required  that  a  portion  of  the 
income  of  the  school  fund  should  be  applied  to  the  "  purchase  of  suitable  libraries  and  appa- 
ratus" for  the  common  schools.  The  same  year  the  legislature  of  the  state,  at  its  first  session, 
enacted  that  as  soon  as  this  income  should  amount  to  $60,000  a  year  (afterwards  changed  to 
$30,000),  each  town  superintendent  might  devote  one  tenth  of  the  portion  of  this  income  received 
by  his  town  annually,  to  town  library  purposes,  the  libraries  thus  formed  to  be  distributed  among 
the  districts,  in  sections,  and  in  rotation,  once  in  three  months.  Districts  were  also  empowered 
to  raise  money  for  library  books.  The  operation  of  this  discretionary  and  voluntary  system  was 
not  successful.  In  ten  years  (1858)  only  about  one  third  of  the  districts  (1,121)  had  libraries, 
embracing  in  all  but  38,755  volumes,  and  the  state  superintendent,  Hon.  Lyman  C.  Draper,  urged 
upon  the  legislature  a  better  system,  of  "  town  libraries,"  and  a  state  tax  for  their  creation  and 
maintenance.  In  1857,  the  legislature  enacted  that  ten  per  cent,  of  the  yearly  income  of  the 
school  fund  should  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of  town  school  libraries,  and  that  an  annual  tax  of 
one  tenth  of  one  mill  should  be  levied  for  the  same  purpose.  The  law  was  left  incomplete,  how- 
ever, and  in  1862,  before  the  system  had  been  perfected,  the  exigencies  of  the  civil  war  led  to 
the  repeal  of  the  law,  and  the  library  fund  which  had  accumulated  from  the  ten  per  cent,  of  the 
school  fund  income,  and  from  the  library  tax,  amounting  in  all  to  $88,784.78,  was  transferred  to 
the  general  fund.  This  may  be  considered  a  debt  to  the  educational  interests  of  the  slate  that 
should  be  repaid.  Meanwhile  the  single  district  library  system  languishes  and  yearly  grows 
weaker.  The  re-enacting  of  a  town  library  system,  in  which  local  effort  and  expenditure  shall 
be  stimulated  and  supplemented  by  State  aid,  has  been  recommended  by  the  State  Teachers' 
Association,  and  will,  it  is  hoped,  be  secured,  at  no  distant  day,  as  a  part  of  a  complete  town 
system  of  schools  and  of  public  education. 

List  of  State  Superintendents. 

The  act  creating  the  office  was  passed  at  the  first  session  of  the  state  legislature,  in  1848. 
The  incumbents  up  to  the  present  time  have  been  as  follows  : 

NAME  OF  INCUMBENT.  DURATION    OF  INCUMBENCY. 

Hon.  E.  Root -. Three  years— 1849-50-51.  , 

Hon.  A.  P.  Ladd Two  years — 1832-53. 

Hon.  H.  A.  Wright* One  year  and  five  months — 1854-55. 

Hon.  A.  C.  Barry Two  years  and  seven  months — 1S55-56-57. 

Hon.  L.  C.  Draper Two  years — 1858-59. 

Hon.  J.  L.  Pickardf Three  years  and  nine  months — 1860-61-62-63. 

Hon.  J.  G.  McMynn Four  years   and  three  months — 1S63- 64-65-66-67. 

Hon.  A.  J.  Craigt .Two  years  and  six  months — 1868-69-70. 

Hon.  Samuel  Fallows ...Three  years  and  six  months — 1870-71-72-73. 

Hon.  Edward  Searing Four  years —  1 874-75-76-77. 

Hon.  W.  C.  Whitford _.Two  years— 1878-79. 

*  Died,  May  29,  1845.         t  Resigned,  October  i,  1863.         t  Died,  July  3,  187a 


EDUCATIONAL   HISTORY.  149 

Sketches  of  Colleges  in  Wisconsin.* 

Beloit  College  was  founded  in  1847,  at  Beloit,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Congregational  and 
Presbyterian  churches  of  Wisconsin  and  northern  Illinois.  In  1848,  Rev.  Joseph  Emerson  and 
Rev.  J.  J.  Bushnell  were  appointed  professors,  and  in  1849,  Rev.  A.  L.  Chapin  was  appointed 
president,  and  has  continued  such  until  the  present  time  The  institution  has  had  a  steady 
growth,  has  maintained  a  high  standard  of  scholarship  and  done  excellent  work,  both  in  its  pre- 
paratory and  college  departments.  Two  hundred  and  thirty-six  young  men  have  graduated. 
Its  lands  and  buildings  are  valued  at  $78,000,  and  its  endowments  and  funds  amount  to  about 
$122,000. 

Lawrence  University,  at  Appleton,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Methodist  church,  was 
organized  as  a  college  in  1850,  having  been  an  "  institute  "  or  academy  for  three  years  previous, 
under  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Sampson.  The  first  president  was  Rev.  Edward  Cook;  the  second,  R. 
Z.  Mason;  the  present  one  is  the  Rev.  George  M.  Steele,  D.  D.  It  is  open  to  both  sexes, 'and 
has  graduated  130  young  men,  and  68  young  women.  It  still  maintains  a  preparatory  depart- 
ment. It  has  been  an  institution  of  great  benefit  in  a  new  region  of  country,  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  the  state.  Receiving  a  liberal  donation  at  the  outset  from  the  Hon.  Amos  A.  Lawrence, 
of  Boston,  it  has  land  and  buildings  valued  at  $47,000,  at  Appleton,  and  funds  and  endowments 
amounting  to  $60,000. 

Milton  College,  an  institution  under  the  care  of  the  Seventh  Day  Baptists,  was  opened  as  a 
college  in  1867,  having  been  conducted  as  an  academy  since  1844.  Rev.  W.  C.  Whitford,  the 
president,  was  for  many  years  the  principal  of  the  academy  The  institution  has  done  much 
valuable  work,  particularly  in  preparing  teachers  for  our  public  schools.  The  college  has  gradu- 
ated 38  young  men  and  women,  having  previously  graduated  93  academic  students.  It  has  lands, 
buildings  and  endowments  to  the  amount  of  about  $50,000. 

Ripon  College,  which  was  known  till  1864  as  Brockway  College,  was  organized  in  1853,  at 
Ripon,  and  is  supported  by  the  Congregational  church.  Since  its  re-organization,  in  1863,  it  has 
graduated  77  students  (of  both  sexes)  in  the  college  courses,  and  has  always  maintained  a  large 
and  flourishing  preparatory  department.  Under  its  present  efficient  head,  the  Rev.  E.  H.  Mer- 
rell,  A.  M.,  it  is  meeting  with  continued  success.     Its  property  amounts  to  about  $125,000. 

Racine  College  was  founded  by  the  Episcopal  Church,  at  Racine,  in  1852,  under  the  Rev. 
Roswell  Park,  D.  D.,  as  its  first  President.  It  was  for  a  long  time  under  the  efficient  administra- 
tion of  Rev.  James  De  Koven,  D.  D.,  now  deceased,  who  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  D.  Stevens 
Parker.  It  maintains  a  large  boys'  school  also,  and  a  preparatory  department.  It  was  designed, 
in  part,  to  train  young  men  for  the  Nashotah  Theological  Seminary.  It  has  property,  including 
five  buildings,  to  the  amount  of  about  gi8o,ooo,'and  has  graduated  ninety-nine  young  men.  Its 
principal  work,  in  which  it  has  had  great  success,  is  that  of  a  boys'  school,  modeled  somewhat 
after  the  English  schools. 

The  Seminary  of  St.  Francis  of  Sales,  an  ecclesiastical  school,  was  established  at  St.  Fran- 
cis Station,  near  Milwaukee,  chiefly  by  the  combined  efforts  of  two  learned  and  zealous  priests, 
the  Rev.  Michael  Heiss,  now  bishop  of  La  Crosse,  and  the  Rev.  Joseph  Salzmann.  It  was 
opened  in  January,  1856,  with  Rev.  M.  Heiss  as  rector,  and  with  25  students.  Rev.  Joseph 
alzmann  was  rector  from  September,  i868,  to  the  time  of  his  death,  January  17,  1874,  since 
which  time  Rev.  C.  Wapelhorst  has  held  the  rectorship.  The  latter  is  now  assisted  by  twelve 
professors,  and  the  students  number  267,  of  whom  105  are  theologians,  31  students  of  philosophy, 
and  the  rest  classical  students. 

Pio  Nono  College  is  a  Roman   Catholic  institution,  at  St.  Francis   Station,  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  the  Seminary  of  St.  Francis.     It  was  founded  in  187 1,  by  Rev.  Joseph  Salzmann, 
*  The  statistics  'n  this  Hiv'sion  were  obtained  m  1877.  and  are  for  the  nrevious  vear. 


150  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

who  was  the  first  rector.  He  was  succeeded  in  1874  by  the  present  rector,  Rev.  Thomas  Brue- 
ner,  who  is  assisted  by  a  corps  of  seven  professors.  Besides  the  college  proper,  there  is  a  nor- 
mal department,  in  which,  in  addition  to  the  education  that  qualifies  for  teaching  in  common  and 
higher  schools,  particular  attention  is  given  to  church  music.  There  is  also,  under  the  same 
management,  but  in  an  adjoining  building,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  the  deaf  and  dumb. 
The  pupils  in  the  latter,  both  boys  and  girls,  numbering  about  30,  are  taught  to  speak  by  sounds, 
and  it  is  said  with  the  best  success. 

An  institution  was  organized  in  1865,  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  under  the  name  of  Prairie  du 
Chien  College,  and  under  the  care  of  J.  T.  Lovewell,  as  principal.  In  the  course  of  two  or  three 
years  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  and  is  now  known  as  St.  John's 
College.     It  has  so  far  performed  principally  preparatory  work. 

Sinsinawa  Mound  College,  a  Roman  Catholic  institution,  was  founded  in  1848,  through  the 
labors  of  Father  Mazzuchelli,  but  after  doing  a  successful  work,  was  closed  in  1S63,  and  in  1867 
the  St.  Clara  academy  was  opened  in  the  same  buildings. 

The  Northwestern  University,  which  is  under  the  Lutheran  church,  was  organized  in  1865, 
at  Watertown,  under  Rev.  August  F.  Ernst,  as  president.  It  has  graduated  21  young  men,  and 
has  a  preparatory  department.     Its  property  is  valued  at  $50,000. 

Galesville  University  was  organized  in  1859,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Methodist  church 
at  Galesville,  in  the  northwest  part  of  the  state.  The  first  president  was  the  Rev.  Samuel  Fal- 
lows, since  state  superintendent.  It  has  graduated  ten  young  men  and  eight  young  women,  its 
work  hitherto  having  been  mostly  preparatory.  It  is  now  under  the  patronage  of  the  Presby- 
terian denomination,  with  J.  W.  McLaury,  A.  M.,  as  president.  It  has  property  valued  at 
$30,000,  and  an  endowment  of  about  $50,000. 

Carroll  College  was  established  at  Waukesha,  by  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  1846.  Prof.  J. 
W.  Sterling,  now  of  the  state  university,  taught  its  primary  classes  that  year.  Under  President 
John  A.  Savage,  D.D.,  with  an  able  corps  of  professors,  it  took  a  high  rank  and  graduated 
classes  ;  but  for  several  years  past  it  has  confined  its  work  principally  to  academic  studies. 
Under  W.  L.  Rankin,  A.  M.,the  present  principal,  the  school  is  doing  good  service. 

Wayland  University  was  established  as  a  college,  by  the  Baptists,  at  Beaver  Dam,  in  1854, 
but  never  performed  much  college  work.  For  three  years  past,  it  has  been  working  under  a  new 
charter  as  an  academy  and  preparatory  school,  and  is  now  known  as  Wayland  Institute. 

In  1841,  the  Protestant  Episcopal  church  established  a  mission  in  the  wilds  of  Waukesha 
county,  and,  at  an  early  day,  steps  were  taken  to  establish  in  connection  therewith  an  institution 
of  learning.  This  was  incorporated  in  1847,  by  the  name  of  Nashotah  House.  In  1852  the 
classical  school  was  located  at  Racine,  and  Nashotah  House  became  distinctively  a  theological 
seminary.  It  has  an  endowment  of  one  professorship,  the  faculty  and  students  being  otherwise 
sustained  by  voluntary  contributions.  It  has  a  faculty  of  five  professors,  with  Rev.  A.  D. 
Cole,  D.D.,  as  president,  buildings  pleasantly  situated,  and  has  graduated  185  theological  students. 

Female  Colleges. 

Two  institutions  have  been  known  under  this  designation.  The  Milwaukee  Female  College 
was  founded  in  1852,  and  ably  conducted  for  several  years,  under  the  principalship  of  Miss  Mary 
Mortimer,  now  deceased.  It  furnished  an  advanced  grade  of  secondary  instruction.  The  Wis- 
consin Female  College,  located  at  Fo.x  Lake,  was  first  incorporated  in  1855,  and  re-organized  in 
1863.  It  has  never  reached  a  collegiate  course,  is  now  known  as  Fox  Lake  Seminary,  and 
admits  both  sexes.     Rev.  A.  O.  Wright,  A.  M.,  is  the  present  principal. 


AGRICULTURE.  151 


Academies  and    Seminaries. 

The  following  institutions  of  academic  grade,  are  now  in  operation  :  Albion  Academy; 
Benton  Academy;  Big  Foot  Academy;  Elroy  Seminary;  Fox  Lake  Seminary;  two  German  and 
English  academies  in  Milwaukee ;  Janesville  Academy;  Kemper  Hall,  Kenosha ;  Lake  Geneva 
Seminary,  Geneva;  Lakeside  Seminary,  Oconomowoc ;  Marshall  Academy,  Marshall;  Merrill 
Institute,  Fond  du  Lac ;  Milwaukee  Academy  ;  Racine  Academy ;  River  Falls  Institute ; 
Rochester  Seminary;  St.  Catherine's  Academy,  Racine;  St.  Clara  Academy;  Sinsinawa 
Mound;  St.  Mary's  Institute,  Milwaukee;  Sharon  Academy;  and  Wayland  Institute,  Beaver 
Dam.  Similar  institutions  formerly  in  operation  but  suspended  or  merged  in  other  institu- 
tions, were :  Allen's  Grove  Academy  ;  Appleton  Collegiate  Institute ;  Baraboo  Collegiate  Insti- 
tute; Beloit  Female  Seminary;  Beloit  Seminary;  Brunson  Institute,  Mount  Hope;  Evansville Sem- 
inary;  Janesville  Academy  (merged  in  the  high  school);  Kilbourn  Institute;  Lancaster  Institute; 
Milton  Academy;  Platteville  Academy ;  Southport  Academy  (Kenosha);  Waterloo  Academy; 
Waukesha  Seminary;  Wesleyan  Seminary,  Eau  Claire;  and  Patch  Grove  Academy.  The 
most  important  of  these  were  the  Milton  and  Platteville  Academies,  the  former  merged  in  Mil- 
ton College,  the  latter  in  the  Platteville  Normal  School.  Of  the  others,  several  were  superseded 
by  the  establishment  of  public  high  schools  in  the  same  localities. 

Commercial    Schools. 

Gchools  of  this  character,  aiming  to  furnish  what  is  called  a  business  education,  exist  in  Mil- 
waukee, Janesville,  Madison,  LaCrosse,  Green  Bay,  Oshkosh  and  Fond  du  Lac.  The  oldest  and 
largest  is  in  Milwaukee,  under  the  care  of  Prof.  R.  C.  Spencer,  and  enrolls  from  two  to  three 
hundred  students  annually. 


AGRICULTURE. 

By  W.  W.   DANIELLS,  M.S.,  Prof,  of  Chemistry  and  Agriculture  at  the  University 

OF  Wisconsin. 

The  trend  of  the  earliest  industries  of  a  country,  is  the  result  of  the  circumstances  under 
which  those  industries  are  developed.  The  attention  of  pioneers  is  confined  to  supplying  the 
immediate  wants  of  food,  shelter,  and  clothing.  Hence,  the  firs  tsettlers  of  a  country  are  farm- 
ers, miners,  trappers,  or  fishermen,  according  as  they  can  most  readily  secure  the  means  of  pres- 
ent sustenance  for  themselves  and  their  families.  In  the  early  history  of  Wisconsin  this  law  is 
well  exemplified.  The  southern  part  of  the  state,  consisting  of  alternations  of  prairie  and  tim- 
ber, was  first  settled  by  farmers.  As  the  country  has  developed,  wealth  accumulated,  and  means 
of  transportation  have  been  furnished,  farming  has  ceased  to  be  the  sole  interest.  Manufactories 
have  been  built  along  the  rivers,  and  the  mining  industry  of  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state  has 
grown  to  one  of  considerable  importance.  The  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  was  first  mainly  settled 
tied  by  fishermen,  but  the  later  growth  of  agriculture  and  manufactures  has  nearly  overshadowed 
the  fishing  interest ;  as  has  the  production  of  lumber,  in  the  north  half  of  the  state,  eclipsed  the 
trapping  and  fur  interests  of  the  first  settlers.  That  the  most  important  industry  of  Wisconsin 
is  farming,  may  be  seen  from  the  following  statistics  of  the  occupation  of  the  people  as  given  by 
the  United  States  census.     Out  of  each   one   hundred   inhabitants,  of  all   occupations,  68  were 


152 


HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 


farmers,  in  1840;  52  in  1850;  54  in  1S60;  55  in  1S70.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  agriculture  of 
the  state  is  illustrated  by  the  increase  in  the  number  of  acres  of  improved  land  in  farms,  and  in 
the  value  of  farms  and  of  farm  implements  and  machinery,  as  shown  by  the  following  table,  com- 
piled from  the  United  States  census  : 


ACRES   IMPROVED    LAND 
IN    FARMS. 

VALUE   OF    FARMS, 
INCLUDING  IMPROV- 
ED AND  UNIMPROV- 
ED LANDS. 

VALUE  OF  FARM 
IMPLEMENTS 

TOTAL. 

TO  EACH 
INHAB. 

AND 
MACHINERY. 

1850 
i860 
1870 

1,045,499 
3.746.167 
5.899.343 

3-4 
4.8 
5-6 

$   28,528,563 
131,117,164 
300,414,064 

$    1,641.568 

5.758.847 
14.239.364 

Farming,  at  the  present  time,  is  almost  entirely  confined  to  the  south  half  of  the  state,  the 
northern  half  being  still  largely  covered  by  forests.  A  notable  exception  to  this  statement  is 
found  in  the  counties  on  the  western  border,  which  are  well  settled  by  farmers  much  farther  north. 
The  surface  of  the  agricultural  portion  of  the  state  is  for  the  most  part  gently  undulating,  afford- 
ing ready  drainage,  without  being  so  abruptly  broken  as  to  render  cultivation  difficult.  The  soil 
is  varied  in  character,  and  mostly  very  fertile.  The  southern  portion  of  the  state  consists  of 
undulating  prairies  of  variable  size — the  largest  being  Rock  prairie — alternating  with  oak  openings. 
The  prairies  have  the  rich  alluvial  soil  so  characteristic  of  the  western  prairies,  and  are  easily 
worked.  The  soil  of  the  "openings  "  land  is  usually  a  sandy  loam,  readily  tilled,  fertile,  but  not 
as  "  strong  *'  as  soils  having  more  clay.  The  proportion  of  timber  to  prairie  increases  passing  north 
from  the  southern  boundary  of  the  state,  and  forests  of  maple,  basswood  and  elm,  replace,  to 
some  extent,  the  oak  lands.  In  these  localities,  the  soil  is  more  clayey,  is  strong  and  fertile,  not 
as  easily  tilled,  and  not  as  quickly  exhausted  as  are  the  more  sandy  soils  of  the  oak  lands.  In 
that  portion  of  the  state  known  geologically  as  the  "  driftless  "  region,  the  soil  is  invariably  good 
where  the  surface  rock  is  limestone.  In  some  of  the  valleys,  however,  where  the  lime-rock  has 
been  removed  by  erosion,  leaving  the  underlying  sandstone  as  the  surface  rock,  the  soil  is  sandy 
and  unproductive,  except  in  those  localities  where  a  large  amount  of  alluvial  matter  has  been 
deposited  by  the  streams.  The  soils  of  the  pine  lands  of  the  north  of  the  state,  are  generally 
sandy  and  but  slightly  fertile.  However,  where  pine  is  replaced  by  maple,  oak,  birch,  elm  and 
basswood,  the  soil  is  "heavier  "  and  very  fertile,  even  to  the  shores  of  Lake  Superior. 

The  same  natural  conditions  that  make  Wisconsin  an  agricultural  state,  determined  that 
during  its  earlier  years  the  main  interest  should  be  grain-growing.  The  fertile  prairies  covering 
large  portions  of  the  southern  part  of  the  state  had  but  to  be  plowed  and  sowed  with  grain  to 
produce  an  abundant  yield.  From  the  raising  of  cereals  the  pioneer  farmer  could  get  the 
quickest  returns  for  his  labor.  Hence  in  1850,  two  years  after  its  admission  to  the  Union,  Wis- 
consin was  the  ninth  state  in  order  in  the  production  of  wheat,  while  in  i860  this  rank  was  raised 
to  third,  Illinois  and  Indiana  only  raising  more.  The  true  rank  of  the  state  is  not  shown  by 
these  figures.  Were  the  number  of  inhabitants  and  the  number  of  acres  of  land  in  actual  culti- 
vation taken  into  account  in  the  comparison,  the  state  would  stand  still  higher  in  rank  than  is 
here  indicated.  There  is  the  same  struggle  for  existence,  and  the  same  desire  for  gain  the  world 
over,  and  hence  the  various  phases  of  development  of  the  same  industry  in  different  civilized 
countries  is  mainly  the  result  of  the  widely  varying  economical  conditions  imposed  upon  that 
industry.  Land  is  thoroughly  cultivated  in  Europe,  not  because  the  Europeans  have  any 
inherent  love  for  good  cultivation,  but  because  there  land  is  scarce  and  costly,  while  labor  is 
superabundant  and  cheap.     In   America,  on  the  other  hand,  and  especially  in  the  newer  states* 


AGKICULTURE.  Igg 

land  is  abundant  and  cheap,  while  labor  is  scarce  and  costly.  In  its  productive  industries  each 
country  is  alike  economical  in  the  use  of  the  costly  element  in  production,  and  more  lavish  in 
the  use  of  that  which  is  cheaper.  Each  is  alike  economically  wise  in  following  such  a  course 
when  it  is  not  carried  to  too  great  extremes.  With  each  the  end  sought  is  the  greatest  return  for 
the  expenditure  of  a  given  amount  of  capital.  In  accordance  with  this  law  of  economy,  the 
early  agriculture  of  Wisconsin  was  mere  land-skimming.  Good  cultivation  of  the  soil  was  never 
thought  of  The  same  land  was  planted  successively  to  one  crop,  as  long  as  it  yielded  enough 
to  pay  for  cultivation.  The  economical  principle  above  stated  was  carried  to  an  extreme.  Farm- 
ing as  then  practiced  was  a  quick  method  of  land  exhaustion.  It  was  always  taking  out  of  the 
purse,  and  never  putting  in.  No  attention  was  paid  to  sustaining  the  soil's  fertility.  The  only 
aim  was  to  secure  the  largest  crop  for  the  smallest  outlay  of  capital,  without  regard  to  the  future. 
Manures  were  never  used,  and  such  as  unavoidably  accumulated  was  regarded  as  a  great  nuis- 
ance, often  rendering  necessary  the  removal  of  stables  and  outbuildings.  Straw-stacks  were 
invariably  burned  as  the  most  convenient  means  of  disposing  of  them.  Wheat,  the  principal 
product,  brought  a  low  price,  often  not  more  than  fifty  cents  a  bushel,  and  had  to  be  marketed 
by  teams  at  some  point  from  which  it  could  be  carried  by  water,  as  this  was,  at  an  early  day,  the 
only  means  of  transportation.  On  account  of  the  sparse  settlement  of  the  country,  roads  were 
poor,  and  the  farmer,  after  raising  and  threshing  his  wheat,  had  to  spend,  with  a  team,  from  two 
to  five  days,  marketing  the  few  bushels  that  a  team  could  draw.  So  that  the  farmer  had  every 
obstacle  to  contend  with  except  cheap  and  very  fertile  land,  that  with  the  poorest  of  cultivation 
gave  a  comparatively  abundant  yield  of  grain.  Better  tillage,  accompanied  with  the  use  of 
manures  and  other  fertilizers,  would  not,  upon  the  virgin  soils,  have  added  sufficiently  to  the 
yield  to  pay  the  cost  of  applying  them.  Hence,  to  the  first  farmers  of  the  slate, />oc>r  farming  was 
,the  only  profitable  farming,  and  consequently  the  only  gootf  farming,  an  agriculturo-economical 
paradox  from  which  there  was  no  escape.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  farmers  could  economi- 
cally follow  no  other  system  than  that  of  land-exhaustion,  as  described,  such  a  course  was  none 
the  less  injurious  to  the  state,  as  it  was  undermining  its  foundation  of  future  wealth,  by  destroy- 
ing the  fertility  of  the  soil,  that  upon  which  the  permanent  wealth  and  prosperity  of  every  agri- 
cultural community  is  first  dependent.  Besides  this  evil,  and  together  with  it,  came  the  habit  of 
loose  and  slovenly  farming  acquired  by  pioneers,  which  continued  after  the  conditions  making 
that  method  a  necessity  had  passed  away.  With  the  rapid  growth  of  the  northwest  came  better 
home  markets  and  increased  facilities  for  transportation  to  foreign  markets,  bringing  with  them 
higher  prices  for  all  products  of  the  farm.  As  a  consequence  of  these  better  conditions,  land  in 
farms  in  the  state  increased  rapidly  in  value,  from  $9.58  per  acre  in  1850,  to  $16.61  in  i860,  an 
increase  of  62  per  cent.,  while  the  total  number  of  acres  in  farms  increased  during  the 
same  time  from  2,976,658  acres  to  7,893,587  acres,  or  265  per  cent.  With  this  increase  in  the 
value  of  land,  and  the  higher  prices  paid  for  grain,  should  have  come  an  improved  system  of  hus- 
bandry which  would  prevent  the  soil  from  deteriorating  in  fertility.  This  could  have  been 
accomplished  either  by  returning  to  the  soil,  in  manures  and  fertilizers,  those  ingredients  of  which 
it  was  being  rapidly  drained  by  continued  grain-growing,  or  by  the  adoption  of  a  system  of  mixed 
husbandry,  which  should  include  the  raising  of  stock  and  a  judicious  rotation  of  crops.  Such  a 
system  is  sure  to  come.  Indeed,  it  is  now  slowly  coming.  Great  progress  upon  the  earlier 
methods  of  farming  have  already  been  made.  But  so  radical  and  thorough  a  change  in  the 
habits  of  any  class  of  people  as  that  from  the  farming  of  pioneers  to  a  rational  method  that  will 
preserve  the  soil's  fertility  and  pay  for  the  labor  it  demands,  requires  many  years  for  its  full 
accomplishment.     It  will  not  even  keep  pace  with  changes  in  those  economical  conditions  which 


154 


HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 


favor  it.  In  the  rapid  settlement  of  the  northwestern  states  this  change  has  come  most  rapidly 
with  the  replacement  of  the  pioneer  farmers  by  immigrants  accustomed  to  better  methods  of 
culture.  In  such  cases  the  pioneers  usually  '  go  west''  again,  to  begin  anew  their  frontier  farming 
upon  virgin  soil,  as  their  peculiar  method  of  cultivation  fails  to  give  them  a  livelihood.  In  Wis- 
consin as  rapid  progress  is  being  made  in  the  system  of  agriculture  as,  all  things  considered, 
could  reasonably  be  expected.  This  change  for  the  better  has  been  quite  rapid  for  the  past  ten 
years,  and  is  gaining  in  velocity  and  momentum  each  year.  It  is  partly  the  result  of  increased 
intelligence  relating  to  farming,  and  partly  the  result  of  necessity  caused  by  the  unprofitableness 
of  the  old  method. 

The  estimated  value  of  all  agricultural  products  of  the  state,  including  that  of  orchards, 
market  gardens,  and  betterments,  was,  in  1870,  as  given  in  the  census  of  that  year,  $79,072,967, 
which  places  Wisconsin  twelfth  in  rank  among  the  agricultural  states  of  the  Union.  In  1875, 
according  to  the  "  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Agriculture,"  the  value  of  the  principal  farm 
crops  in  this  state  was  $58,957,050.  According  to  this  estimation  the  state  ranks  ninth  in  agri- 
cultu'-al  importance.  As  has  been  before  stated,  Wisconsin  is  essentially  a  grain-growing  state. 
This  interest  has  been  the  principal  one,  not  because  the  soil  is  better  adapted  to  grain-growing 
than  to  general,  stock,  or  dairy  farming,  but  rather  because  this  course,  which  was  at  an  early 
day  most  immediately  profitable,  has  been  since  persistently  followed  from  force  of  habit,  even 
after  it  had  failed  to  be  remunerative. 

The  following  table  shows  the  bushels  of  the  different  grains  raised  in  the  state  for  the  years 
indicated : 


Year. 

WHEAT. 

RYE. 

CORN. 

OATS. 

BARLEY. 

BUCK- 
WHEAT. 

1850.... 
i860  ... 
1870  ... 
1875*--- 

4,286,131 
15,657,458 
25,606,344 
25,200,000 

81.253 
888,544 

1.325.294 
1,340,000 

1,988,979 

7.517.300 

15.033,988 

15,200,000 

3.414.672 
11,059,260 
20,180,016 
26,600,000 

209,672 

707.307 

1,645,019 

2,200,000 

79,878 

38,987 
408,897 
275,000 

From  these  statistics  it  will  be  seen  that  the  increase  in  the  production  of  grain  was  very 
rapid  up  to  1870,  while  since  that  time  it  has  been  very  slight.  This  rapid  increase  in  grain 
raising  is  first  attributable  to  the  ease  with  which  this  branch  of  farming  was  carried  on  upon  the 
new  and  very  rich  soils  of  the  state,  while  in  the  older  states  this  branch  of  husbandry  has  been 
growing  more  difficult  and  expensive,  and  also  to  the  fact  that  the  war  in  our  own  country  so 
increased  the  demand  for  grain  from  1861  to  1866  as  to  make  this  course  the  most  immediately 
profitable.  But  with  the  close  of  the  war  came  a  diminished  demand.  Farmers  were  slow  to 
recognize  this  fact,  and  change  the  character  of  their  productions  to  accord  with  the  wants  of 
the  market,  but  rather  continued  to  produce  the  cereals  in  excess  of  the  demand.  The  chinch 
bug  and  an  occasional  poor  season  seriously  injured  the  crops,  leaving  those  who  relied  princi- 
pally upon  the  production  of  grain  little  or  nothing  for  their  support.  Hard  times  resulted  from 
these  poor  crops.  More  wheat  and  corn  was  the  farmer's  usual  remedy  for  hard  times.  So  that 
more  wheat  and  corn  were  planted.  More  crop  failures  with  low  prices  brought  harder  times, 
until  gradually  the  farmers  of  the  state  have  opened  their  eyes  to  the  truth  that  they  can  succeed 
in  other  branches  of  agriculture  than  grain   growing,  and   to  the  necessity  of  catering  to  the 

^Estimated  in  report  of  commissioner  of  agriculture. 


AGRICULTITKE.  155 

demands  of  the  market.  The  value  in  1869  of  all  farm  products  and  betterments  of  the  state 
was  $79,072,967.  There  were  raised  of  wheat  the  same  year  25,606,344  bushels,  which  at  $1.03 
per  bushel,  the  mean  price  reported  by  the  Milwaukee  board  of  trade,  for  No.  2  wheat  (the  lead- 
ing grade),  for  the  year  ending  July  31,  1870,  amounts  to  $26,374,524,  or  one  third  the  value  of 
all  agricultural  products  and  betterments.  The  average  production  per  acre,  as  estimated  by  the 
commissioner  of  agriculture,  was  14  bushels.  Hence  there  were  1,829,024  acres  of  land  devoted  to 
this  One  crop,  nearly  one  third  of  all  the  improved  land  in  the  state.  Of  the  wheat  crop  of  1869 
24,375,435  bushels  were  spring  wheat,  and  1,230,909  bushels  were  winter  wheat,  which  is  19.8 
bushels  of  spring  to  i  bushel  of  winter  wheat.  The  latter  is  scarcely  sown  at  all  on  the  prairies, 
or  upon  light  opening  soils.  In  some  of  the  timbered  regions  hardy  varieties  do  well,  but  it  is 
not  a  certain  crop,  as  it  is  not  able  to  withstand  the  winters,  unless  covered  by  snow  or  litter.  It 
is  not  injured  as  seriously  by  the  hard  freezing,  as  by  the  alternate  freezing  and  thawing  of  Feb- 
ruary and  March. 

The  continued  cropping  of  land  with  grain  is  a  certain  means  of  exhausting  the  soil  of  the 
phosphates,  and  of  those  nitrogenous  compounds  that  are  essential  to  the  production  of  grain,  and 
yet  are  present  even  in  the  most  fertile  soils  in  but  small  quantities.  To  the  diminished  yield, 
partly  attributable  to  the  overcropping  of  the  land,  and  partially  to  poor  seasons  and  chinch  bugs, 
and  to  the  decline  in  prices  soon  after  the  war,  owing  to  an  over  production  of  wheat,  may  largely 
be  attributed  the  hard  times  experienced  by  the  grain  growing  farmers  of  Wisconsin  from  1872  to 
1877.  The  continued  raising  of  wheat  upon  the  same  land,  alternated,  if  any  alternation 
occurred,  with  barley,  oats,  or  corn,  has  produced  its  sure  results.  The  lesson  has  cost  the 
farmers  of  the  state  dearly,  but  it  has  not  been  altogether  lost.  A  better  condition  of  affairs  has 
already  begun.  Wheat  is  gradually  losing  its  prestige  as  the  farmers'  sole  dependence,  while 
stock,  dairy,  and  mixed  farming  are  rapidly  increasing.  The  number  of  bushels  of  wheat 
raised  to  each  inhabitant  in  the  state  was  in  1850  fourteen,  in  i860  twenty-three  and  eight  tenths, 
in  1870  twenty-four,  and  in  1875  twenty  and  four  tenths.  These  figures  do  not  indicate  a  dimin- 
ished productiveness  of  the  state,  but  show,  with  the  greatly  increased  production  in  other 
branches  of  husbandry,  that  farmers  are  changing  their  system  to  one  more  diversified  and 
rational.  Straw  stacks  are  no  longer  burned,  and  manure  heaps  are  not  looked  upon  as  altogether 
useless.  Much  more  attention  is  now  paid  to  the  use  of  fertilizers.  Clover  with  plaster  is  looked 
upon  with  constantly  increasing  favor,  and  there  is  a  greater  seeking  for  light  upon  the  more 
difficult  problems  of  a  profitable  agriculture 

Corn  is  raised  to  a  large  extent,  although  Wisconsin  has  never  ranked  as  high  in  corn,  as  in 
wheat  growing.  Sixteen  states  raised  more  corn  in  1870  than  this  state,  and  in  1875,  seventeen 
states  raised  more.  Corn  requires  a  rich,  moist  soil,  with  a  long  extended  season  of  warm  sun. 
shine.  While  this  crop  can  be  raised  with  great  ease  in  the  larger  portion  of  the  state  it  will 
always  succeed  better  farther  south,  both  on  account  of  the  longer  summers  and  the  greater 
amount  of  rainfall.  According  to  the  statistics  of  the  commissioner  of  agriculture,  the  average 
yield  per  acre  for  a  period  of  ten  years,  is  about  30  bushels.  Corn  is  an  important  crop  in  the 
economy  of  the  farmer,  as  from  it  he  obtains  much  food  for  his  stock,  and  it  is  his  principal 
dependence  for  fattening  pork.  On  these  accounts  it  will,  without  doubt,  retain  its  place  in  the 
husbandry  of  the  state,  even  when  stock  and  dairy  farming  are  followed  to  a  much  greater  extent 
than  at  present.  Barley  is  cultivated  largely  throughout  the  state,  but  five  states  produced  more 
in  1870,  than  Wisconsin.  The  great  quantity  of  beer  brewed  here,  furnishes  a  good  home  market 
for  this  grain.  Barley  succeeds  best  in  a  rather  moist  climate,  having  a  long  growin''  season. 
The  dry,  short  summers  of  Wisconsin,  are  not  well  adapted  to   its  growth.     Hence  the  average. 


156  HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 

yield  is  hut  a  medium  one,  and  the  quality  of  the  grain  is  only  fair.  According  to  the  returns 
furnished  the  commissioner  of  agricultuye,  the  average  yield  for  a  period  of  ten  years,  is  22 
bushels  per  acre. 

Next  to  wheat,  more  bushels  of  oats  are  raised  than  of  any  other  grain.  Wisconsin  was,  in 
i860,  fifth  in  rank  among  the  oat-growing  states;  in  1870,  sixth.  The  rich  soils  of  the  state 
raise  an  abundant  crop  of  oats  with  but  little  labor,  and  hence  their  growth  in  large  quantities  is 
not  necessarily  an  indication  of  good  husbandry.  They  will  bear  poor  cultivation  better  than 
corn,  and  are  frequently  grown  upon  land  too  weedy  to  produce  that  grain.  It  is  a  favorite 
grain  for  feeding,  especially  to  horses.  With  the  best  farmers,  oats  are  looked  upon  with  less 
favor  than  corn,  because  it  is  apt  to  leave  land  well  seeded  with  weeds  which  are  difficult  to 
exterminate.  In  the  production  of  rye,  Wisconsin  ranked  seventh  in  i860,  and  fourth  in  1870. 
It  is  a  much  surer  crop  in  this  state  than  winter  wheat,  as  it  is  less  easily  winter-killed  when  not 
protected  by  snow,  than  is  that  grain.  Besides,  it  ripens  so  early  as  not  to  be  seriously  injured 
by  drouth  in  summer,  and  succeeds  well  even  upon  the  poorer  soils.  The  average  yield  per  acre 
is  about  16  bushels. 

But  few  hops  were  grown  in  Wisconsin,  up  to  i860,  when  owing  to  an  increased  demand  by 
the  breweries  (  f  the  state,  there  was  a  gradual  but  healthful  increase  in  hop  culture.  A  few 
years  later  the  advent  of  the  hop  louse,  and  other  causes  of  failure  at  the  east,  so  raised  the  price 
of  hops  as  to  make  them  a  very  profitable  crop  to  grow.  Many  acres  were  planted  in  this  state 
from  1863  to  1865,  when  the  total  product  was  valued  at  nearly  $350,000.  The  success  of  those 
engaged  in  this  new  branch  of  farming,  encouraged  others  to  adopt  it.  The  profits  were  large. 
Wheat  growing  had  not  for  several  years  been  remunerative,  and  in  1S67  and  1868,  the  "  hop 
fever  "  became  an  epidemic,  almost  a  plague.  The  crop  of  Sauk  county  alone  was  estimated  at 
over  4,000,000  pounds,  worth  over  $2,000,000.  The  quality  of  the  crop  was  excellent,  the  yield 
larfe,  and  the  price  unusually  high.  The  secretary  of  the  State  .Agricultural  society  says,  in  his 
report  for  that  year,  "  Oases  are  numerous  in  which  the  first  crop  has  paid  for  the  land  and  all 
the  improvements."  To  many  farmers  hop  raising  appeared  to  offer  a  sure  and  speedy  course  to 
wealth.  But  a  change  came  quickly.  The  hop  louse  ruined  the  crop,  and  low  prices  caused  by 
over  production,  aided  in  bringing  ruin  to  many  farmers.  In  1867,  the  price  of  hops  was  from 
40  to  55  cents  per  pound,  while  in  i86g  it  was  from  10  to  15  cents,  some  of  poor  quality  selling 
as  low  as  3  cents.  Many  hop  yards  were  plowed  up  during  1869  and  1870.  The  area  under 
cultivation  to  this  crop  in  1875,  was,  according  to  the  "  Report  of  the  Secretary  of  State,"  10,932 
acres. 

The  production  of  tobacco  has  greatly  increased  since  i85o,  when  there  were  raised  in  the 
state  87,340  pounds.  In  1870,  the  product  was  960,813  pounds.  As  is  well  known,  the  quality 
of  tobacco  grown  in  the  northern  states  is  greatly  inferior  for  chewing  and  smoking,  to  that  grown 
in  the  south,  although  varieties  having  a  large,  tough  leaf,  suitable  for  cigar  wrappers,  do  well 
here.  The  variety  principally  grown  is  the  Connecticut  seed  leaf.  Tobacco  can  only  be  grown 
successfully  on  rich,  fertile  soils,  and  it  is  very  exhausting  to  the  land.  Of  the  amount  produced 
in  1870,  there  were  raised  in  Rock  county  645,408  pounds,  and  in  Dane  county,  229,568  pounds; 
the  entire  remaining  portion  of  the  state  raised  but  85,737  pounds.  According  to  the  report  of 
the  secretary  of  state,  the  whole  number  of  acres  planted  to  tobacco  in  1875,  was  3,296.  Of  this 
amount  Rock  county  planted  1,676  acres,  and  Dane  county,  1,454  acres,  leaving  for  the  remain- 
der of  the  state  but  166  acres.  While  the  crop  has  been  fairly  productive  and  profitable,  these 
statistics  show  that  up  to  the  present  lime  tobacco-raising  has  been  a  merely  local  interest. 

The  production  of  flax  is  another  merely  local  industry,  it  being  confined  principally  to  the 


AGRICULTURE.  157 

counties  of  Kenosha,  Grant,  Iowa  and  LaFayette.  Of  flax  fibre,  Kenosha  county  raised  in  1869, 
nearly  four  fifths  of  the  entire  amount  grown  ia  the  state,  the  total  being  497,398  pounds.  With 
the  high  price  of  labor  and  the  low  price  of  cotton  now  ruling,  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  make  the 
raising  of  flax  fibre  profitable.  Flax  seed  is  raised  to  a  small  extent  in  the  other  counties  men- 
tioned. The  present  price  of  oil  makes  this  a  fairly  profitable  crop.  If  farmers  fully  appreciated 
that  in  addition  to  the  oil,  the  oil  cake  is  of  great  value  as  a  food  for  cattle  and  sheep,  and  also 
that  the  manure  made  by  the  animals  eating  it,  is  of  three  times  the  value  of  that  made  by  ani- 
mals fed  upon  corn,  doubtless  much  more  flax  seed  would  be  raised  than  is  at  present.  Ameri- 
can oil-cake  finds  a  ready  market  in  England,  at  prices  which  pay  well  for  its  exportation.  If 
English  farmers  can  afTord  to  carry  food  for  their  stock  so  far,  American  farmers  may  well  strive 
to  ascertain  if  they  can  afford  to  allow  the  exportation  of  so  valuable  food.  When  greater  atten- 
tion is  paid  in  our  own  country  to  the  quality  of  the  manure  made  by  our  stock,  more  oil-cake 
will  be  fed  at  home,  and  a  much  smaller  proportion  of  that  made  here  will  be  exported. 

The  amount  of  maple  sugar  produced  diminishes  as  the  settlement  of  the  state  increases, 
and  is  now  scarcely  sufficient  in  amount  to  be  an  item  in  the  state's  productions.  The  increase 
in  the  price  of  sugar  from  1861  to  1868  caused  many  farmers  to  try  sorghum  raising.  But  the 
present  low  prices  of  this  staple  has  caused  an  abandonment  of  the  enterprise.  Two  attempts 
have  been  made  in  Wisconsin  to  manufacture  beet-root  sugar,  the  first  at  Fond  du  Lac  in  1867 
the  second  at  Black  Hawk,  Sauk  county,  in  1870.  The  Fond  du  Lac  company  removed  their 
works  to  California  in  1869,  not  having  been  successful  in  their  efforts.  The  Black  Hawk  com- 
pany made,  in  1871,  more  than  134,000  pounds  of  sugar,  but  have  since  abandoned  the  business. 
Both  these  failures  may  be  attributed  to  several  causes,  first  of  which  was  the  want  of  sufficient 
capital  to  build  and  carry  on  a  factory  sufficiently  large  to  enable  the  work  to  be  done  economi- 
cally ;  secondly,  the  difficulty  of  sufficiently  interesting  farmers  in  the  business  to  induce  them 
to  raise  beets  on  so  large  a  scale  as  to  warrant  the  building  of  such  a  factory;  and,  thirdly,  the  high 
price  of  labor  and  the  low  price  of  sugar.  The  quality  of  beets  raised  was  good,  the  polarization 
test  showing  in  many  instances  as  high  as  sixteen  per  cent,  of  sugar.  The  larger  proportion  of 
hay  made  in  the  state  is  from  the  natural  meadows,  the  low  lands  or  marshes,  where  wild  grasses 
grow  in  abundance,  and  hay  only  costs  the  cutting  and  curing.  Cultivated  grasses  do  well 
throughout  the  state,  and  "  tame  hay  "  can  be  made  as  easily  here  as  elsewhere  The  limestone 
soils,  where  timber  originally  grew,  are  of  the  uplands,  most  natural  to  grass,  and,  consequently, 
furnish  the  ricljest  meadows,  and  yield  the  best  pasturage.  Ye  e  only  soils  where  grasses  do 
not  readily  grow,  are  those  which  are  so  sandy  and  dry  as  to  be  nearly  barrens.  Clover  grows 
throughout  the  state  in  the  greatest  luxuriance.  There  is  occasionally  a  season  so  dry  as  to  make 
"seeding  down  "  a  failure,  and  upon  light  soils  clover,  when  not  covered  with  snow,  is  apt  to  win- 
ter-kill. Yet  it  is  gaining  in  favor  with  farmers,  both  on  account  of  the  valuable  pasturage  and 
hay  it  affords,  and  on  account  of  its  value  as  a  soil  renovator.  In  wheat-growing  regions,  clover 
is  now  recognized  to  be  of  the  greatest  value  in  a  "  rotation,"  on  account  of  its  ameliorating 
influence  upon  the  soil.  Throughout  the  stock  and  dairy  regions,  clover  is  depended  upon  to  a 
large  extent  for  pasturage,  and  to  a  less  extent  for  hay. 

There  has  been  a  growing  interest  in  stock  raising  for  the  past  ten  years,  although  the 
increase  has  not  been  a  rapid  one.  Many  of  the  herds  of  pure-blood  cattle  in  the  state  rank 
high  for  their  great  excellence.  The  improvement  of  horses  has  been  less  rapid  than  that  of  cattle, 
sheep,  and  swine;  yet  this  important  branch  of  stock  farming  is  improving  each  year.  The  most 
attention  is  given  to  the  improvement  of  draught  and  farm  horses,  while  roadsters  and  fast  horses 
are  not  altogether  neglected.  There  are  now  owned  in  the  state  a  large  number  of  horses  of  the 
heavier  English  and  French  breeds,  which  are  imparting  to  their  progeny  their  own  characteristics 


158 


HTSTOEY   OF   WISCONSIN. 


of  excellence,  the  effects  of  which  are  already  visible  in  many  of  the  older  regions  of  the  state. 
Of  the  different  breeds  of  cattle,  the  Short-horns,  the  Ayrshires,  the  Devons,  and  the  Jerseys  are 
well  represented.  The  Short-horns  have  met  with  most  favor  with  the  general  farmer,  the  grades 
of  this  breed  being  large,  and  possessing  in  a  high  degree  the  quiet  habits  and  readiness  to  fat- 
ten, so  characteristic  of  the  full-bloods.  Without  doubt,  the  grade  Short-horns  will  continue  in 
the  high  favor  in  which  they  are  now  held,  as  stock-raising  becomes  a  more  important  branch  of 
the  husbandry  of  the  state.  Of  pure  blood  Short-horns  there  are  many  herds,  some  of  which 
are  of  the  very  highest  excellence.  At  the  public  sales  of  herds  from  this  state,  the  prices 
have  ranked  high  universally,  and  in  a  few  cases  have  reached  the  highest  of  "  fancy  "  prices, 
showing  the  estimate  placed  by  professional  breeders  upon  the  herds  of  Wisconsin.  The  Ayr- 
shires are  increasing  in  numbers,  and  are  held  in  high  esteem  by  many  dairymen.  They  are  not 
yet,  however,  as  generally  disseminated  over  the  state,  as  their  great  merit  as  a  milking  breed 
would  warrant.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  dairy  interest  will  doubtless  increase  their  numbers 
greatly,  at  least  as  grades,  in  the  dairying  region.  Of  pure  bred  Devons  and  Jerseys,  there  are 
fewer  than  of  the  former  breeds.  The  latter  are  principally  kept  in  towns  and  cities  to  furnish 
milk  for  a  single  family.  The  following  table  shows  the  relative  importance  of  stock  raising  in 
the  state  for  the  years  mentioned.  The  figures  are  an  additional  proof  to  those  already  given, 
that  the  grain  industry  has  held  sway  in  Wisconsin  to  the  detriment  of  other  branches  of  farming, 
as  well  as  to  the  state's  greatest  increase  in  wealth. 


YEAR. 

WHOLE   NUM- 
BER OF    NEAT 
CATTLE. 

NO.   TO   EACH 

100  ACRES  OF 

IMPROVED 

LAND. 

WHOLE  NUM- 
BER OF  SHEEP. 

NUMBER  TO 
EACH       100 
ACRES       OF 
IMPROVED 
LAND. 

POUNDS    OF 
WOOL  PRO- 
DUCED. 

POUNDS 

OF   WOOL 

PER 

HEAD. 

1850 

i860 

1870. _. 

1875* 

183.433 
521,860 

693.294 
922,900 

17 
14 
12 
II 

124,896 

332,954 
1,069,282 
1,162,800 

12 

9 

18 

14 

253.963 
1,011,933 
4,090,670 

(?) 

2.03 
304 

3.82 

(?) 

*  Estimated  in  report  of  commissioner  of  agriculture. 

The  growth  and  present  condition  of  sheep  husbandry,  compare  much  more  favorably  with 
the  general  development  of  the  state  than  does  that  of  cattle  raising.  In  a  large  degree  this 
may  be  accounted  for  by  the  impetus  given  to  wool  raising  during  our  civil  war  by  the  scarcity 
of  cotton,  and  the  necessary  substitution  to  a  great  extent,  of  woolen  for  cotton  goods.  This 
great  demand  for  wool  for  manufacturing  purposes  produced  a  rapid  rise  in  the  price  of  this 
staple,  making  its  production  a  very  profitable  branch  of  farming.  With  the  close  of  the  war 
came  a  lessened  demand,  and  consequently  lower  prices.  Yet  at  no  time  has  the  price  of  wool 
fallen  below  that  at  which  it  could  be  profitably  produced.  This  is  the  more  notably  true  when 
the  value  of  sheep  in  keeping  up  the  fertility  and  productiveness  of  land,  is  taken  into  account. 
The  foregoing  table  shows  the  improvement  in  this  branch  of  husbandry  since  1850 

Although  many  more  sheep  might  profitably  be  kept  in  the  state,  the  above  figures  show  that 
the  wool  interest  is  fairly  developed,  and  the  average  weight  of  fleece  is  an  assurance  of  more 
than  ordinarily  good  stock.  The  fine-wooled  sheep  and  their  grades  predominate,  although 
there  are  in  the  state  some  excellent  stock  of  long-wools — mostly  Cotswold — and  of  South- 
downs. 

Of  all  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  state,  no  other  has  made  as  rapid  growth  during  the 
last  ten  years,  as  has  that  of  dairying.  With  the  failure  of  hop-growing,  began  the  growth  -J 
the  factory  system  of  butter  and  cheese  making,  and  the  downfall  of  the  one  was  scarcely  more- 
rapid  than  has  been  the  upbuilding  of  the  other.  The  following  statistics  of  the  production  of 
butter  and  cheese  illustrate  this  rapid  progress.     It  will   be  remembered  that  for  the  years  1850, 


AGRICULTURE. 


159 


i860,  and  1870  the  statistics  are  from  the  U.  S.  census,  and  hence  include  all  the  butter  and 
cheese  made  in  the  state,  while  for  the  remaining  years,  only  that  made  by  factories  and  pro- 
fessional dairymen  as  reported  to  the  secretary  of  the  State  Dairymen's  Association,  is  included. 
It  has  been  found  impossible  to  obtain  the  statistics  of  butter,  e.^ccept  for  the  census  years. 


YEAR. 

BUTTER. 

CHE    SE. 

1850.. __. 

1 860 

lbs. 

3.633.750 
13,611,328 
22,473.036 

lbs. 

400,283 

1,104,300 

1,591.798 

13,000.000 

15,000.000 

17,000,000 

1870.- 

1874 

1875 

1876    .- 

The  quality  of  Wisconsin  dairy  products  is  excellent,  as  may  be  judged  by  the  fact  that,  at 
,  the  Centennial  Exhibition,  Wisconsin  cheese  received  twenty  awards,  a  larger  number  than  wag 
given  to  any  other  state  except  New  York,  and  for  butter  Wisconsin  received  five  awards.  No 
state  received  more,  and  only  New  York  and  Illinois  received  as  many.  Wisconsin  received  one 
award  for  each  fourteen  cheeses  on  exhibition  No  other  state  received  so  large  a  proportion. 
New  York  received  the  largest  number  of  awards,  viz.,  twenty-one,  but  only  secured  one  award 
for  each  thirty  cheeses  on  exhibition.  The  number  of  cheese  and  butter  factories  is  increasing 
each  year,  and  there  is  being  made  in  the  better  grazing  regions  of  the  state,  as  rapid  a  transition 
from  grain  to  dairy-farming  as  is  consistent  with  a  healthful  growth.  This  interest,  which  is  now 
an  important  one  in  the  state's  industrial  economy,  has  before  it  a  promising  future,  both  in  its 
own  development,  and  in  its  indirect  influence  upon  the  improvement  of  the  agriculture  of  the 
state. 

The  history  of  the  earlier  attempts  in  fruit  raising  in  Wisconsin  would  be  little  more  than  a 
record  of  failures.  The  pioneers  planted  apple,  peach,  plum,  and  cherry  trees,  but  they  gathered 
little  or  no  fruit.  As  was  natural,  they  planted  those  varieties  that  were  known  to  do  well  in  the 
older  states  of  the  same  latitude.  Little  was  known  of  the  climate,  and  there  was  no  apparent 
reason  why  those  varieties  should  not  do  well  here.  The  first  orchards  died  The  same  varie- 
ties were  replanted,  and  again  the  orchards  died.  Gradually,  through  the  costly  school  of 
experience,  it  was  learned  that  the  climate  was  different  from  that  of  the  eastern  states,  and  that 
to  succeed  here  varieties  of  fruit  must  be  such  as  were  adapted  to  the  peculiar  climate  of  this 
state.  These  peculiarities  are  hot,  and  for' the  most  part,  dry  summers,  cold  and  dry  winters. 
The  dryness  of  the  climate  has  been  the  greatest  obstacle  to  success,  as  this  is  indirectly  the  cause 
of  the  great  extremes  of  temperature  experienced  here.  The  summers  are  often  so  dry  that  the 
growth  of  the  trees  is  not  completed,  and  the  wood  sufficiently  well  ripened  to  enable  it  to  with- 
stand the  rigors  of  winter.  And  the  clear,  dry  atmosphere  of  winter  allows  the  sun's  rays  to 
pass  through  it  so  unobstructedly  as  to  warm  the  body  of  the  tree  upon  the  sunny  side,  above 
the  freezing  point,  even  though  the  temperature  of  the  air  is  much  lower.  The  alternate  thawing 
and  freezing  ruptures  the  tender  cells  connecting  the  bark  and  wood,  producing  a  complete  sepa- 
ration of  these  parts,  and  often  besides  bursts  the  bark.  The  separation  of  bark  and  wood 
destroys  the  circulation  of  the  sap  upon  that  side  of  the  tree,  thus  enfeebling  the  entire 
plant.  The  tree  is  not  able  to  form  new  bark  over  the  ruptured  part,  and  a  diseased  spot 
results.       Such  a   plant  makes   but  a  feeble   growth  of  poorly    ripened    wood,  and    soon   dies 


160  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

altogether.  Besides  the  above  cause,  the  extreme  cold  weather  occasionally  experienced  will  kill 
healthy  trees  of  all  varieties  not  extremely  hardy.  Notwithstanding  these  natural  obstacles,  a 
good  degree  of  success  has  been  attained  in  the  raising  of  apples  and  grapes.  This  success  has 
been  the  result  of  persevering  effort  upon  the  part  of  the  horticulturists  of  the  state,  who  have 
sought  the  causes  of  failure  in  order  that  they  might  be  removed  or  avoided.  It  is  thus  by  intel- 
ligent observation  that  the  fruit  growers  have  gained  the  experience  which  brings  with  it  a 
creditable  success.  The  first  requisite  to  success  is  the  planting  of  varieties  sufficiently  hardy 
to  withstand  our  severe  winters.  This  has  been  accomplished  by  selecting  the  hardiest  of  the 
old  varieties,  and  by  raising  seedlings,  having  besides  hardiness,  qualities  sufficiently  valuable  to 
make  them  worthy  of  cultivation.  The  second  requisite  to  success  is  in  the  selection  of  a  situa- 
tion having  suitable  soil  and  exposure,  and  thirdly,  proper  care  after  planting.  Among  the 
hardy  varieties  of  apples  regarded  with  greatest  favor  are  Tetofski,  Red  Astrachan,  and  Duchess 
of  Oldenberg,  all  Russian  varieties,  and  Fameuse  from  Canada.  Besides  these  there  are  a  few 
American  varieties  so  hardy  as  to  prove  reliable  in  the  south  half  of  the  state.  Among  these 
are  a  few  seedlings  that  have  originated  in  Wisconsin.  Apple  trees  are  less  apt  to  be  injured  by 
the  winter  upon  a  site  sloping  to  the  northeast  or  north,  where  they  are  less  directly  exposed  to 
the  rays  of  the  winter's  sun.  High  ground  is  much  better  than  low,  and  a  good,  strong,  not  too' 
rich  soil  is  best.  Apples  do  better  upon  soils  where  timber  originally  grew  than  on  the  prairies, 
and  they  are  grown  more  easily  along  the  border  of  Lake  Michigan  than  in  the  interior  of  the 
state.  Pears  are  raised  to  but  a  slight  extent,  as  only  a  few  of  the  hardiest  varieties  will  succeed 
at  all,  and  these  only  in  favorable  situations.  Grapes  are  grown  in  great  abundance,  and  in 
great  perfection,  although  not  of  the  more  tender  varieties.  The  Concord,  on  account  of  its 
hardiness  and  excellenc  bearing  qualities,  is  cultivated  most  generally.  Next  to  this  comes  the 
Delaware,  while  many  other  varieties,  both  excellent  and  prolific,  are  raised  with  great  ease.  The 
season  is  seldom  too  short  to  ripen  the  fruit  well,  and  the  only  precaution  necessary  to  protect 
the  vines  during  the  winter  is  a  covering  of  earth  or  litter.  Cranberries  grow  spontaneously 
upon  many  marshes  in  the  interior  of  the  state.  Within  a'  few  years  considerable  attention  has 
been  given  to  improving  these  marshes,  and  to  the  cultivation  of  this  most  excellent  fruit. 
Doubtless  within  a  few  years  the  cranberry  crop  will  be  an  important  one  among  the  fruit  pro- 
ductions of  the  state.  All  of  the  small  fruits  adapted  to  this  latitude  are  cultivated  in  abundance, 
and  very  successfully,  the  yield  being  often  times  exceedingly  large,  .\ltogether,  the  horticul- 
tural interests  of  the  state  are  improving,  and  there  is  a  bright  prospect  that  in  the  near  future 
fruit  growing  will  not  be  looked  upon  with  the  disfavor  with  which  it  has  been  regarded  here- 
tofore. 

Of  the  associations  for  advancing  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  state,  the  first  organized 
was  the  "  State  Agricultural  Society."  The  earliest  efforts  to  establish  such  an  organization  were 
made  at  Madison  in  December,  1846,  during  the  session  of  the  first  constitutional  convention  of 
the  territory.  A  constitution  was  adopted,  but  nothing  further  was  done.  In  February,  1849, 
another  meeting  was  held  in  Madison,  at  which  it  was  "  Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  great 
importance  of  agriculture  in  the  west,  it  is  expedient  to  form  a  state  agricultural  society  in 
Wisconsin."  Another  constitution  was  adopted,  and  officers  were  elected,  but  no  effectual 
organization  resulted  from  this  second  attempt.  The  "Wisconsin  State  Agricultural  Society"— 
the  present  organization — had  its  inception  in  a  meeting  held  at  Madison,  March  8,  1S51,  at 
which  a  committee  was  appointed  to  report  a  constitution  and  by-laws,  and  to  nominate  persons 
to  fill  the  various  offices  of  said  society.  At  its  organization,  the  society  was  composed  of  annual 
members,  who  paid  one  dollar  dues  each  year,  and  of  life  members,  who,  upon  the  payment  of 
ten  dollars,  were  exempt  from  the  annual  contribution.       The  annual  membership  was  afterward 


AGRICULTUKE  161 

abolished,  and  in  1869  the  fee  constituting  one  a  life  member  was  raised  to  twenty  dollars.  The 
first  annual  fair  of  the  society  was  held  in  Janesville,  in  October,  185 1  Fairs  have  been  held 
annually  since,  except  during  the  years  1861,  1862  and  1863.  In  1851  premiums  were  paid  to 
the  amount  of  only  $140,  while  at  the  present  time  they  amount  to  nearly  f  10,000.  In  1851 
there  were  five  life  members.  At  the  present  time  there  are  over  seven  hundred,  representing  all 
the  various  industries  of  the  state.  The  fairs  held  under  the  auspices  of  this  society  have  been 
of  excellent  character,  and  have  been  fruitful  of  good  to  all  the  industries  of  the  state,  but  more 
especially  to  the  farmers.  The  state  has  been  generous  in  aid  of  this  society,  having  furnished 
commodious  rooms  for  its  use  in  the  capitol  building,  printed  the  annual  report  of  the  secretary, 
a  volume  of  about  500  pages,  and  donated  annually,  (or  many  years,  $2,000  toward  its  support. 
Besides  its  annual  fairs,  for  the  past  five  years  there  has  been  held  an  annual  convention,  under 
the  auspices  of  this  society,  for  the  reading  and  discussing  of  papers  upon  topics  of  interest  to 
farmers,  and  for  a  general  interchange  of  ideas  relating  to  farming.  These  conventions  are  held 
in  high  esteem  by  the  better  class  of  farmers,  and  have  added  greatly  to  the  usefulness  of  the 
society.  The  "  Wisconsin  State  Horticultural  Society"  was  originally  the  "Wisconsin  State 
Fruit  Growers'  Association,"  which  was  organized  in  December,  1853,  at  Whitewater.  Its 
avowed  object  was  "the  collecting,  arranging,  and  disseminating  facts  interesting  to  those  engaged 
in  the  culture  of  fruits,  and  to  embody  for  their  use  the  results  of  the  practice  and  experiments 
of  fruit  growers  in  all  parts  of  the  state.""  Exhibitions  and  conventions  of  the  association  were 
held  annually  up  to  i860,  after  which  the  society  was  disorganized,  owing  to  the  breaking  out  of 
the  war  of  the  rebellion  A  volume  of  "  Transactions  "  was  published  by  the  association  in 
1855.  In  1859  its  transactions  were  published  with  those  of  the  state  agricultural  society.  From 
i860  to  1865  no  state  horticultural  association  was  in  existence.  In  September  of  the  latter 
year  the  "  Wisconsin  Fruit  Growers'  Association  "  was  reorganized  as  the  "  Wisconsin  State  Hor- 
ticultural Society.''  The  legislature  had  previously  provided  for  the  publication  of  the  proceedings 
of  such  a  society,  in  connection  with  those  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society.  The  new  society  has 
held  annual  exhibitions,  usually  in  connection  with  those  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society,  and 
annual  conventions  for  the  reading  of  papers  upon,  and  the  discussion  of,  horticultural  subjects.  In 
1871  an  act  was  passed  by  the  legislature  incorporating  the  society,  and  providing  for  the  separate 
printing  of  2,000  copies  annually  of  its  transactions,  of  which  there  are  now  seven  volumes.  The 
most  active,  intelligent,  and  persevering  of  the  horticulturists  of  the  state  are  members  of  this 
association,  and  to  their  careful  observation,  to  their  enthusiasm  and  determined  persistence  in 
seeking  means  to  overcome  great  natural  difficulties,  the  state  is  largely  indebted  for  the  success 
already  attained  in  horticulture.  Besides  these  state  associations,  there  are  many  local  agricul- 
tural  and  horticultural  societies,  all  of  which  have  been  useful  in  aiding  the  cause  for  whieh  they 
were  organized.  Farmers'  clubs  and  granges  of  the  "  Patrons  of  Husbandry "  have  also 
done  much,  both  directly  and  indirectly,  to  promote  the  industrial  interests  of  the  state.  By  then 
frequent  meetings,  at  which  discussions  are  held,  views  compared,  and  experiences  related,  much 
valuable  intelligence  is  gained,  thought  is  stimulated,  and  the  profession  of  farming  advanced. 
As  agriculture,  like  all  kindred  professions,  depends  upon  intelligence  to  direct  its  advancement, 
all  means  intended  to  stimulate  thought  among  farmers  will,  if  wisely  directed,  aid  in  advancing 
this  most  complex  of  all  industries.  To  those  above  named,  and  to  other  like  associations, 
is  in  a  large  degree  to  be  attributed  the  present  favorable  condition  of  thi  agriculture  of 
the  state. 

Wisconsin  is  yet,  comparatively,  a  new  State.  It  was  mainly  settled  by  men  who  had  little 
moneyed  capital.  Markets  were  distant,  and  means  of  transportation  poor.  The  early  settlers  had 
consequently  to  struggle  for  a  livelihood  in  the  face  of  the  greatest  difficulties.  When  these  opposing 


162  •  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

circumstances  are  taken  into  account,  and  the  improvement  in  methods  of  culture,  and  changes 
from  grain  to  stock  and  dairy-farming  that  are  now  being  made,  are  given  their  due  weight,  it 
must  be  acknowledged  that  the  present  condition  of  the  agriculture  of  the  state  is  excellent,  and 
that  the  future  of  this  most  important  industry  is  rich  in  promise  of  a  steady,  healthful  growth, 
toward  a  completer  development  of  all  the  agricultural  resources  of  the  state. 


MINERAL   RESOURCES. 

By  ROLAND   D.   IRVING,  Professor  of  Geology,  etc.,  at  the  University  of 

Wisconsin. 

The  useful  mineral  materials  that  occur  within  the  limits  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  come 
Under  both  of  the  two  grand  classes  of  such  substances  :  the  metallic  ores,  from  which  the 
metals  ordinarily  used  in  the  arts  are  extracted  ;  and  the  non-metallic  substarues,  which  are  used  in 
the  arts  for  the  most  part  without  any  preliminary  treatment,  or  at  least  undergo  only  a  very 
partial  alteration  before  being  utilized.  Of  the  first  class  are  found  in  Wisconsin  the  ores  of 
lead,  zinc,  iron  and  copper,  besides  minute  traces  of  the  precious  metals ;  of  the  second  class,  the 
principal  substances  found  2ixz  brick-clay,  kaolin,  cement-rock,  limestone  for  burning  into  quick-lime, 
limestone  for  flux,  glass  sand,  peat  and  building  stone. 

LEAD  AND  ZINC. 

These  metals  are  considered  together  because  they  are  found  occurring  together  in  the  same 
region  and  under  exactly  the  same  circumstances,  being  even  obtained  from  the  same  openings. 
Lead  has  for  many  years  been  the  most  important  metallic  production  of  Wisconsin,  and,  together 
with  zinc,  whose  ores  have  been  utilized  only  since  i86o,  still  holds  this  prominent  position, 
although  the  production  is  not  so  great  as  formerly.  Small  quantities  of  lead  and  zinc  ores  have 
been  found  in  the  crystalline  (Archaean)  rocks  of  the  northern  part  of  the  state  and  in  the  copper- 
bearing  rocks  of  the  Lake  Superior  country,  but  there  are  no  indications  at  present  that  these 
regions  will  ever  produce  in  quantity.  All  of  the  lead  and  zinc  obtained  in  Wisconsin  comes 
then  from  that  portion  of  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state  which  lies  west  of  Sugar  river  and 
south  of  the  nearly  east  and  west  ridge  that  forms  the  southern  side  of  the  valley  of  the  Wis- 
consin, from  the  head  of  Sugar  river  westward.  This  district  is  commonly  known  in  Wisconsin 
as  the  "  Lead  Region,"  and  forms  the  larger  part  of  the  "  Lead  Region  of  the  Upper  Missis- 
Bippi,"  which  includes  also  smaller  portions  of  Iowa  and  Illinois. 

What  European  first  became  acquainted  with  the  deposits  of  lead  in  the  upper  portion  of 
Valley  of  the  Mississippi  is  a  matter  of  some  doubt.  Charlevoix  (Histoire  de  la  Nouvelle  France, 
III,  397,  398.)  attributes  the  discovery  to  Nicolas  Perrot,  about  1692;  and  states  that  in  ryai 
the  deposits  still  bore  Perrot's  name.  Perrot  himself,  however,  in  the  only  one  of  his  writings 
that  remains,  makes  no  mention  of  the  matter.  The  itinerary  of  Le  Sueur's  voyage  up  the 
Mississippi,  1700-1701,  given  in  La  Harpe's  History  of  Louisiana,  which  was  written  early  in 
the  i8th  century,  shows  tliat  the  former  found  lead  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  not  far  from 


MINERAL   RESOURCES. 


163 


the  present  soutfcern  boundary  of  Wisconsin,  August  25,  1700.  Captain  Johathan  Carver, 
1766,  found  lead  in  abundance  at  the  Blue  Mounds,  and  found  the  Indians  in  all  the  country 
around  in  possession  of  masses  of  galena,  which  they  had  obtained  as  "  float  mineral,"  and 
which  they  were  incapable  of  putting  to  any  use.  There  is  no  evidence  of  any  one  mining 
before  Julien  Dubuque,  who,  1788  to  1809,  mined  in  the  vicinity  of  the  flourishing  city  which 
nowbears  his  name.  After  his  death  in  1S09  nothing  more  was  done  until  182 1,  when  the 
attention  of  American  citizens  was  first  drawn  to  the  rich  lead  deposits  of  this  region.  By  1827, 
the  mining  had  become  quite  general  and  has  continued  to  the  'present  time,  the  maximum 
production  having  been  reached,  however,  between  the  years  1845  and  1847. 

The  following  table,   prepared  by  the  late   Moses  Strong,  shows  the  mineral   production  of 
southwestern  Wisconsin  for  the  years  i860  to  1873  in  pounds: 


YEARS. 

GALENA. 

1 
SMITHSONITE. 

YEAR. 

GALENA. 

SMITHSONITE. 

BLENDE. 

i860 

320,000 
266,000 

1,120,000 

3.173.333 
4,198,200 

7.373.333 

1S67 
1868 

iS6g 
1870 
1S71 
1872 
1873 

13820,784 
13,869,619 
13.426,721 

13.754,159 

13,484,210 

11,622,668 

9.919.734 

5.181,445 
4.302.383 
4.547.971 
4.429.585 
16,618,160 
27,021.383 
18,528,906 

841,310 

3.078,435 
6,252,420 
7.414.022 
9.303.625 
16.256,970 
15,074,664 

IS61 

1862 
1863 
1864 
1865 
1866 

17,037.912 
15.105.577 
13,014,210 

14.337.895 
14,029.193 

Until  within  the  last  decade  the  lead  mines  of  the  Mississippi  valley,  including  now  both 
the  "  Upper  "  and  the  "  Lower  "  regions — the  latter  one  of  which  lies  wholly  within  the  limits  of 
the  state  of  Missouri — have  far  eclipsed  the  rest  of  the  United  States  in  the  production  of  lead, 
the  district  being  in  fact  one  of  the  most  important  of  the  lead  districts  in  the  world.  Of  late 
years,  however,  these  mines  are  far  surpassed  in  production  by  the  "  silver-lead  "  mines  of  Utah 
and  other  Rocky  Mountain  regions,  which,  though  worked  especially  for  their  silver,  produce 
incidentally  a  very  large  amount  of  lead.  Nevertheless,  the  mines  of  the  Mississippi  valley  will 
long  continue  to  be  a  very  important  source  of  this  metal.  The  lead  ore  of  the  Wisconsin  lead 
region  is  of  one  kind  only,  the  sulphide  known  as  galejia.,  or  galenite.  This  ore,  when  free  from 
mechanically  mingled  impurities,  contains  86.6  per  cent,  of  lead,  the  balance  being  sulphur. 
Small  quantities  of  other  lead  ores  are  occasionally  found  in  the  uppermost  portions  of  the  deposits, 
having  been  produced  by  the  oxidizing  influence  of  the  atmosphere.  The  chief  one  of  these 
oxidation  products  is  the  earthy  carbonate  known  as  cerussite.  Galena  almost  always  contains 
some  silver,  commonly  enough  to  pay  for  its  extraction.  The  Wisconsin  galenas,  however,  are 
unusually  free  from  silver,  of  which  they  contain  only  the  merest  trace. 

The  zinc  ores  are  of  two  kinds,  the  most  abundant  being  the  ferruginous  sulphide,  or  the 
"black-jack  "  of  the  miners.  The  pure  sulphide,  sphalerite,  contains  67  per  cent,  of  zinc,  but  the 
iron-bearing  variety,  known  minerallogically  as  marmatite,  generally  contains  10  per  cent,  or 
more  of  iron.  A  ferruginous  variety  of  the  carbonate,  smithsonite,  also  occurs  in  abundance,  and 
is  known  to  the  miners  as  "dry-bone,"  the  name  being  suggested  by  the  peculiar  structure  of  the 
ore. 

Both  lead  and  zinc  ores  occur  in  limited  deposits  in  a  series  of  limestone  beds  belonging  to 
the  Lower  Silurian  series.  The  lead  region  is  underlaid  by  a  nearly  horizontal  series  of  strata, 
with  an  aggregate  thickness  of  2,000  feet,  which  lie  upon  an  irregular  surface  of  ancient  crystal- 
line rocks  (gneiss,  granite,  etc.).  The  names  and  order  of  succession  of  the  several  strata  are 
indicated  in  the  following  scheme,  the  last  named  being  the  lowest  in  the  series : 


164  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN. 


Formation,  Thickness. 

Niagara  dolomitic  limestone . 300 —  300  feet. 

Cincinnati  shales.- 60^  100     " 

(  Galena  dolomitic  limestone 250—  275     " 

Lead  Horizon -j  Blue  limestone .-_ 50 —     75     " 

'  Buff  dolomitic  limestone __ 15 —     20     " 

Lower  Magnesian  (dolomitic)  limestone. 250     " 

Potsdam  sandstone  series 800 — 1000    " 

The  first  two  of  these  layers,  in  the  Wisconsin  part  of  the  lead  region,  are  met  with  only  in  a 
few  isolated  peaks  and  ridges.  The  prevailing  surface  rock  is  the  Galena  limestone,  through 
which,  however,  the  numerous  streams  cut  in  deep  and  narrow  valleys  which  not  unfrequently 
are  carved  all  the  way  into  the  Lower  Magnesian. 

The  lead  and  zinc  ores  are  entirely  confined  to  the  Galena,  Blue  and  Buff  limestones,  an 
aggregate  vertical  thickness  of  some  350  to  375  feet-  The  upper  and  lower  strata  of  the  series 
are  entirely  barren.  Zinc  and  lead  ores  are  found  in  the  same  kind  of  deposits,  and  often 
together,  by  far  the  larger  part  of  the  zinc  ores,  however,  come  from  the  Blue  and  Buff  limestones, 
and  the  lowest  layers  of  the  Galena,  whilst  the  lead  ores,  though  obtained  throughout  the  whole 
thickness  of  the  mining  ground,  are  especially  abundant  in  the  middle  and  upper  layers  of  the 
Galena  beds. 

The  ore  deposits  are  of  two  general  kinds,  which  may  be  distinguished  as  vertical  creviceb 
and  flat  crevices,  the  former  being  much  the  most  common.  The  simplest  form  of  the  vertical 
crevice  is  a  narrow  crack  in  the  rock,  having  a  width  of  a  few  inches,  an  extension  laterally  from 
a  few  yards  to  several  hundred  feet,  and  a  vertical  height  of  20  to  40  feet,  thinning  out  to  noth- 
ing in  all  directions,  and  filled  from  side  to  side  with  highly  crystalline,  brilliant,  large-surfaced 
galena,  which  has  no  accompanying  metallic  mineral,  or  gangue  matter.  Occasionally  the  vertical 
extension  exceeds  a  hundred  feet,  and  sometimes  a  number  of  these  sheets  are  close  together 
and  can  be  mined  as  one.  Much  more  commonly  the  vertical  crevice  shows  irregular  expan- 
sions, which  are  sometimes  large  caves,  or  openings  in  certain  layers,  the  crevice  between  retain- 
ing its  normal  character,  while  in  other  cases  the  expansion  affects  the  whole  crevice,  occasion- 
ally widening  it  throughout  into  one  large  opening.  These  openings  are  rarely  entirely  filled, 
and  commonly  contain  a  loose,  disintegrated  rock,  in  which  the  galena  lies  loose  in  large  masses, 
though  often  adhering  to  the  sides  of  the  cavity  in  large  stalactites,  or  in  cubical  crystals.  The 
vertical  crevices  show  a  very  distinct  arrangement  parallel  with  one  another,  there  being  two 
systems,  which  roughly  trend  east  and  west,  and  north  and  south.  The  east  and  west  crevices  are 
far  the  most  abundant  and  most  productive  of  ore.  The  vertical  crevices  are  confined  nearly 
altogether  to  the  upper  and  middle  portions  of  the  Galena,  and  are  not  productive  of  zinc  ores. 
They  are  evidently  merely  the  parallel  joint  cracks  which  affect  every  great  rock  formation,  filled 
by  chemical  action  with  the  lead  ore.  The  crevices  with  openings  have  evidently  been  enlarged 
by  the  solvent  power  of  atmospheric  water  carrying  carbonic  acid,  and  from  the  way  in  which  the 
ore  occurs  loose  in  the  cavities,  it  is  evidetit  that  this  solving  action  has  often  been  subsequent 
to  the  first  deposition  of  lead  ore  in  the  crevice. 

The  "  flat  crevices,"  "  flat  sheets,"  and  "  flat  openings,"  are  analogous  to  the  deposits  just 
described,  but  have,  as  indicated  by  the  names,  a  horizontal  position,  being  characteristic  of 
certain  layers,  which  have  evidently  been  more  susceptible  to  chemical  action  than  others,  the 
dissolving  waters  having,  moreover,  been  directed  along  them  by  less  pervious  layers  above  and 
below.     The  flat  openings  differ  from  the  vertical  crevices  also,  in   having  associated  with  the 


MINERAL   RESOURCES.  165 

galena  much  of  either  the  black-jack  or  dry-bone  zinc  ores,  or  both,  the  galena  not  unfrequently 
being  entirely  wanting.  Cleavable  calcite  also  accompanies  the  ores  in  these  openings  in  large 
quantities,  and  the  same  is  true  of  the  sulphide  of  iron,  which  is  the  variety  known  as  marcasite. 
These  materials  have  sometimes  a  symmetrical  arrangement  on  the  bottom  and  top  of  the  open- 
ing, the  central  portion  being  empty.  The  flat  openings  characterize  the  Blue  and  Buff  and 
lower  Galena  beds,  and  from  them  nearly  all  the  zinc  ore  is  obtained. 

It  is  not  possible,  in  the  limits  of  this  short  papei,  even  to  mention  the  various  mining 
districts.  It  may  merely  be  said  that  the  amount  of  galena  raised  from  single  crevices  has  often 
been  several  hundred  thousand,  or  even  over  a  million  pounds,  and  that  one  of  the  principal 
mining  districts  is  in  the  vicinity  of  Mineral  Point,  where  there  are  two  furnaces  constantly 
engaged  in  smelting.  Between  the  years  1862  and  1873,  these  two  establishments  have  produced 
23,903,260  pounds  of  metallic  lead,  or  an  average  of  1,991,938  pounds,  the  maximum  being,  in 
1869,  2,532,710  pounds,  the  minimum,  in  1873,  1,518,888  pounds. 

The  zinc  ores  were  formerly  rejected  as  useless,  and  have  only  been  utilized  since  1S60.  An 
attempt  to  smelt  them  at  Mineral  Point  was  not  successful,  because  the  amount  needed  of  fuel 
and  clay,  both  of  which  have  to  come  from  a  distance,  exceeding  even  the  amount  of  ore  used, 
caused  a  very  heavy  expense  for  transportation.  The  ores  are  therefore  now  taken  altogether  to 
LaSalle,  Illinois,  where  they  meet  the  fuel  and  clay,  and  the  industry  at  that  place  has  become 
a  flourishing  one.  The  amount  of  zinc  ore  in  the  Wisconsin  lead  region  is,  beyond  doubt,  very 
great,  and  will  be  a  source  of  wealth  for  a  long  time  to  come. 

Since  the  ores  of  zinc  and  lead  in  this  region  are  confined  to  such  a  small  thickness  of  strata 
greatly  eroded  by  the  atmospheric  waters,  the  entire  thickness  having  frequently  been  removed, 
it  becomes  a  matter  of  great  importance  to  know  how  much  of  the  mining  ground  remains  at 
every  point  throughout  the  district.  The  very  excellent  topographico-geological  maps  of  the 
region,  made  by  Mr.  Moses  Strong,  and  since  published  by  the  State  in  the  Report  of  the 
Geological  Survey,  make  this  knowledge  accessible  to  all. 

IRON. 

Iron  mining  in  Wisconsin  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  although  some  important  deposits  are 
producing  a  considerable  quantity  of  ore.  A  number  of  blast  furnaces  have  sprung  up  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  state,  but  these  smelt  Michigan  ores  almost  entirely.  Much  remains  yet  to 
be  done  in  the  way  of  exploration,  for  the  most  promising  iron  fields  are  in  the  heavily  timbered 
and  unsettled  regions  of  the  north  part  of  the  state,  and  are  as  yet  imperfectly  known.  It 
appears  probable,  however,  that  iron  ores  will,  in  the  near  future,  be  the  most  important  mineral 
production  of  Wisconsin.  The  several  ores  will  be  noted  in  the  order  of  their  present  im- 
i^ortance. 

Red  He.matites. 

The  iron  in  these  ores  exists  as  an  anhydrous  sesquioxide,  which  is,  however,  in  an  earthy 
condition,  and  entirely  without  the  brilliant  metallic  luster  that  characterizes  the  specular  hema- 
tites. Pure  hematite  contains  seventy  per  cent,  of  metallic  iron,  but  the  red  hematites,  as  mined, 
are  always  so  largely  mingled  with  mechanical  impurities  that  they  rarely  contain  more  than  fifty 
per  cent.  The  most  important  red  hematite  mined  in  Wisconsin  is  that  known  as  the  Clinton  iron 
ore,  the  name  coming  from  the  formation  in  which  the  ore  occurs.  This  formation  is  a  member 
of  the  Upper  Silurian  series,  and  is  named  from  a  locality  in  Oneida  county.  New  York,  where  it 
was  first  recognized.  Associated  with  its  rocks,  which  are  limestones  and  shales,  is  con- 
stantly found  a  peculiar  red  hematite,  which  is  so  persistent  in  its  characters,  both  physical  and 


166  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

and  chemical,  that  one  familiar  with  it  from  any  one  locality  can  hardly  fail  to  recognize  it  when 
coming  froui  others.  The  iron  produced  from  it  is  always  "cold-short,"  on  account  of  the  large 
content  of  phosphorus;  but,  mingled  with  siliceous  ores  free  from  phosphorus,  it  yields  always 
a  most  excellent  foundry  iron.  It  is  mined  at  numerous  points  from  New  York  to  Tennessee, 
and  at  some  points  reaches  a  very  great  total  thickness.  In  Wisconsin  the  Clinton  rocks  merge 
into  the  great  Niagara  limestone  series  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  state,  but  at  the  bottom  of  the 
series,  in  a  few  places,  the  Clinton  ore  is  found  immediately  overlying  the  Cincinnati  shales.  The 
most  important  locality  is  that  known  as  Iron  Ridge,  on  sections  twelve  and  thirteen  in  the  town 
of  Hubbard,  in  Dodge  county.  Here  a  north-and-south  ledge  of  Niagara  limestone  overlooks  lower 
land  to  the  west.  Underneath,  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge,  is  the  ore  bed,  fifteen  to  eighteen  feet  in 
thickness,  consisting  of  horizontally  bedded  ore,  in  layers  three  to  fourteen  inches  thick.  The 
ore  has  a  concretionary  structure,  being  composed  of  lenticular  grains,  one  twenty-fifth  of  an  inch 
in  diameter,  but  the  top  layer  is  without  this  structure,  having  a  dark  purplish  color,  and  in  places 
a  slight  metallic  appearance.  Much  of  the  lower  ore  is  somewhat  hydrated.  Three  quarters  of 
a  mile  north  of  Iron  Ridge,  at  Mayville,  there  is  a  total  thickness  of  as  much  as  forty  feet. 
According  to  Mr.  E.  T.  Sweet,  the  percentages  of  the  several  constituents  of  the  Iron  Ridge  ore 
are  as  follows:  iron  peroxide,  66.38;  carbonate  of  lime,  10.42;  carbonate  of  magnesia,  2.79; 
silica,  .1.72;  alumina,  5.54;  manganese  oxide,  0.44;  sulphur,  0.23;  phosphoric  acid,  0.73;  water, 
8.75  =  100:  metallic  iron,  46.66. 

Two  small  charcoal  furnaces  at  Mayville  and  Iron  Ridge  smelt  a  considerable  quantity  of 
these  ores  alone,  producing  an  iron  very  rich  in  phosphorus.  An  analysis  of  the  Mayville  pig 
iron,  also  by  Mr.  Sweet,  shows  the  following  composition:  iron,  95.784  per  cent;  phosphorus, 
1.675  :  carbon,  0.849;  silicon,  o.ioS  =  100.286.  The  average  furnace  yield  of  the  ore  is  forty- 
five  per  cent.  By  far  the  larger  part  of  the  ore,  however,  is  sent  away  to  mingle  with  other  ores. 
It  goes  to  Chicago,  Joliet  and  Springfield,  111.,  St.  Louis,  Mo,,  Wyandotte  and  Jackson,  Mich., 
and  Appleton,  Green  Bay  and  Milwaukee,  Wis.  In  1872,  the  Iron  Ridge  mines  yielded  82,371 
tons.  The  Clinton  ore  is  found  at  other  places  farther  north  along  the  outcrop  of  the  base  of 
the  Niagara  formation  in  Wisconsin,  but  no  one  of  these  appears  to  promise  any  great  quantity 
of  good  ore.  Red  hematite  is  found  at  numerous  places  in  Wisconsin,  highly  charging  certain 
layers  of  the  Potsdam  sandstone  series,  the  lowest  one  of  the  horizontal  Wisconsin  formations. 
In  the  eastern  part  of  the  town  of  Westfield,  Sauk  county,  the  iron  ore  excludes  the  sandstone. 
forming  an  excellent  ore.  No  developments  have  been  made  in  this  district,  so  that  the  size  of 
the  deposit  is  not  definitely  known. 

Brown  Hematites. 

These  ores  contain  their  iron  as  the  hydrated,  or  brown,  sesquioxide,  which,  when  pure, 
has  about  sixty  per  cent,  of  the  metal ;  the  ordinary  brown  hematites,  however,  seldom 
contain  over  forty  per  cent.  Bog  iron  ore,  a  porous  brown  hematite  that  forms  by  deposi- 
tion from  the  water  of  bogs,  occurs  somewhat  widely  scattered  underneath  the  large  marshes  of 
Portage,  Wood  and  Juneau  counties.  Very  excellent  bog  ore,  containing  nearly  50  per  cent,  of 
iron,  is  found  near  Necedah,  Juneau  county,  and  near  Grand  Rapids,  Wood  county,  but  the 
amount  obtainable  is  not  definitely  known.  The  Necedah  ore  contains:  silica,  8.52  ;  alumina, 
377;  iron  peroxide,  71.40;  manganese  oxide,  0.27;  lime,  0.58;  magnesia,  trace;  phosphoric 
acid,  0.21;  sulphur,  0.02;  organic  matter,  1.62;  water,  13.46=99.85,  metallic  iron,  49.98 — 
according  to  Mr.  E.  T.  Sweet's  analysis.  An  ore  from  section  34,  twp.  23,  range  6  east.  Wood 
county,  yielded,  to  Mr.  Oliver  Matthews,  silica,  4.81  ;  alumina,  i.oo;  iron  peroxide,  73.23  ;  lime, 
o.ii,  magnesia,  0.25;  sulphuric  acid,  0.07  ;  phosphoric  acid,  o.  10 ;  organic  matter,  5.88;  water, 


i 


MINERAJ.    RESOURCES.  167 

14.24;  =99.69:  metallic  iron,  51.26. 

Brown  hematite,  mingled  with  more  or  less  red  ore,  occurs  also  in  some  quantity  filling  cracks 
and  irregular  cavities  in  certain  portions  of  the  Potsdam  series  in  northwestern  Sauk  county  and 
the  adjoining  portion  of  Richland.  A  small  charcoal  furnace  has  been  in  operation  on  this  ore 
at  Ironton,  Sauk  county,  for  a  number  of  years,  and  recently  another  one  has  been  erected  at 
Cazenovia  in  the  same  district. 

Magnetic  Ores  and  Specular  Hematites. 

These  are  taken  together  here,  because  their  geological  occurrence  is  the  same,  the  two  ores 
occurring  not  only  in  the  same  group  of  rocks,  but  even  intimately  mingled  with  one  another. 
These  ores  are  not  now  produced  in  Wisconsin ;  but  it  is  quite  probable  that  they  may  before 
many  years  become  its  principal  mineral  production.  In  magnetic  iron  ore,  the  iron  is  in  the 
shape  of  the  mineral  magnetite,  an  oxide  of  iron  containing  72  4  per  cent  of  iron  when  pure,  and 
this  is  the  highest  percentage  of  iron  that  any  ore  can  ever  have.  Specular  hematite  is  the  same 
as  red  hematite,  but  is  crystalline,  has  a  bright,  metallic  luster,  and  a  considerable  hardness.  As 
mined  the  richest  magnetic  and  specular  ores  rarely  run  over  65  per  cent.,  while  in  most  regions 
where  they  are  mined  they  commonly  do  not  reach  50  per  cent.  The  amount  of  rich  ores  of  this 
kind  in  the  northern  peninsula  of  Michigan  is  so  great,  however,  that  an  ore  with  less  than  50  per 
cent,  finds  no  sale;  and  the  same  must  be  true  in  the  adjoining  states.  So  largely  does  this  mat- 
ter of  richness  affect  the  value  of  an  ore,  that  an  owner  of  a  mine  of  45  per  cent.  "  hard  "  ore  in  Wi.s- 
consin  would  find  it  cheaper  to  import  and  smelt  Michigan  65  per  cent,  ore,  than  to  smelt  his  own, 
even  if  his  furnace  and  mine  were  side  by  side. 

The  specular  and  magnetic  ores  of  Wisconsin  occur  in  two  districts  —  the  Penokee  iron  dis- 
trict, ten  to  twenty  miles  south  of  Lake  Superior,  in  Bayfield,  Ashland  and  Lincoln  counties,  and 
the  Menomonee  iron  district,  near  the  head  waters  of  the  Menomonee  river,  in  township  40, 
ranges  17  and  18  east,  Oconto  county.  Specular  iron  in  veins  and  nests  is  found  in  small  quan- 
tities with  the  quartz  rocks  of  the  Baraboo  valley,  Sauk  county,  and  Necedah,  Juneau  county; 
and  very  large  quantities  of  a  peculiar  quartz-schist,  charged  with  more  or  less  of  the  magnetic 
and  specular  iron  oxides,  occur  in  the  vicinity  of  Black  River  Falls,  Jackson  county ;  but  in  none 
of  these  places  is  there  any  promise  of  the  existence  of  valuable  ore. 

In  the  Penokee  and  Menomonee  regions,  the  iron  ores  occur  in  a  series  of  slaty  and 
quartzose  rocks  known  to  geologists  as  the  Haronian  series.  The  rocks  of  these  districts  are 
really  the  extensions  westward  of  a  great  rock  series,  which  in  the  northern  Michigan  peninsula 
contains  the  rich  iron  ores  that  have  made  that  region  so  famous.  In  position,  this  rock  series 
may  be  likened  to  a  great  elongated  parabola,  the  head  of  which  is  in  the  Marquette  iron  district 
and  the  two  ends  in  the  Penokee  and  Menomonee  regions  of  Wisconsin.  In  all  of  its  extent,  this 
rock  series  holds  great  beds  of  lean  magnetic  and  specular  ores.  These  contain  large  quantities 
of  quartz,  which,  from  its  great  hardness,  renders  them  very  resistant  to  the  action  of  atmospheric 
erosion.  As  a  result,  these  lean  ores  are  found  forming  high  and  bold  ridges.  Such  ridges  of 
lean  ores  have  deceived  many  explorers,  and  not  a  few  geologists.  In  the  same  rock  series,  for 
the  most  part  occupying  portions  of  a  higher  layer,  are  found,  however,  ores  of  extraordinary 
richness  and  purity,  which,  from  their  comparative  softness,  very  rarely  outcrop.  The  existence 
in  quantity  of  these  very  rich  ores  in  the  Menomonee  region  has  been  definitely  proven.  One 
deposit,  laid  open  during  the  Summer  of  1877,  shows  a  width  of  over  150  feet  of  first  class 
specular  ore;  and  exceeding  in  size  the  greatest  of  the  famous  deposits  of  Michigan.  In  the 
Penokee  region,  however,  though  the  indications  are  favorable,  the  existence  of  the  richer 
ores    is    as  yet    an    inference    only.     The    Penokee    range  itself  is  a  wonderful  development  of 


IfiS  HISTORYOF   WISCONSIN. 

lean  ore,  which  forms  a  continuous  belt  several  hundred  feet  in  width  and  over  thirty  miles  in 
length.  Occasionally  portions  of  this  belt  are  richer  than  the  rest,  and  become  almost  merchant- 
able ores.  The  probability  is,  however,  that  the  rich  ores  of  this  region  will  be  found  in  the 
lower  country  immediately  north  of  the  Penokee  range,  where  the  rocks  are  buried  beneath 
heavy  accumulations  of  drift  material. 

Copper. 

The  only  copper  ore  at  present  raised  in  Wisconsin  is  obtained  near  Mineral  Point,  in  the 
lead  region  of  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state,  where  small  quantities  of  c/ialcopyrite,  the  yellow 
sulphide  of  copper  and  iron,  are  obtained  from  pockets  and  limited  crevices  in  the  Galena  lime- 
stone. Copper  pyrites  is  known  to  occur  in  this  way  throughout  the  lead  region,  but  it  does  not 
appear  that  the  quantity  at  any  point  is  sufficient  to  warrant  exploration. 

Copper  occurs  also  in  the  northernmost  portions  of  Wisconsin,  where  it  is  found  under  alto- 
gether different  circumstances.  The  great  copper-bearing  series  of  rocks  of  Keweenaw  point  and 
Isle  Royale  stretch  southwestward  into  and  entirely  across  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  in  two  parallel 
belts.  One  of  these  belts  enters  Wisconsin  at  the  mouth  of  the  Montreal  river,  and  immediately 
leaving  the  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  crosses  Ashland  and  Bayfield  counties,  and  then  widening 
greatly,  occupies  a  large  area  in  Douglas,  St.  Croix,  Barron  and  Chippewa  counties.  The  other 
belt  forms  the  backbone  of  the  Bayfield  peninsula,  and  crosses  the  northern  part  of  Douglas 
county,  forming  a  bold  ridge,  to  the  Minnesota  line.  The  rocks  of  this  great  series  appear  to 
be  for  the  most  part  of  igneous  origin,  but  they  are  distinctly  bedded,  and  even  interstratified 
with  sandstone,  shales,  and  coarse  boulder-conglomerate,  the  whole  series  having  generally  a 
tilted  position.  In  veins  crossing  the  rock-beds,  and  scattered  also  promiscuously  through  the 
layers  of  both  conglomerates  and  igneous  rocks,  pure  metallic  copper  in  fine  flakes  is  often 
found.  Mining  on  a  small  scale  has  been  attempted  at  numbers  of  points  where  the  rivers 
flowing  northward  into  Lake  Superior  make  gorges  across  the  rock  series,  but  at  none  of  them 
has  sufficient  work  been  done  to  prove  or  disprove  the  existence  of  copper  in  paying  quantity. 

Gold  and  Silver. 

Small  traces  of  gold  have  been  detected  by  the  writer  in  quartz  from  the  crystalline  rocks 
of  Clark  county,  but  there  is  no  probability  that  any  quantity  of  this  metal  will  ever  be  found  in 
the  state.  Traces  of  silver  have  also  been  found  in  certain  layers  of  the  copper  series  in  Ash- 
land county.  Judging  from  the  occurrence  of  silver  in  the  same  series  not  far  to  the  east  in 
Michigan,  it  seems  not  improbable  that  this  metal  may  be  found  also  in  Wisconsin. 

Brick  Clays. 

These  constiUite  a  very  important  resource  in  Wisconsin.  Extending  inland  for  many  miles 
fiom  the  shores  of  Lakes  Michigan  and  Superior  are  stratified  beds  of  clay  of  lacustrine  origin, 
having  been  deposited  by  the  lakes  when  greatly  expanded  beyond  their  present  sizes.  All  of 
these  clays  are  characterized  by  the  presence  of  a  large  amount  of  carbonate  of  lime.  Along 
Lake  Superior  they  have  not  yet  been  utrtized,  but  all  through  the  belt  of  country  bordering 
Lake  Michigan  they  are  dug  and  burned,  fully  50,000,000  bricks  being  made  annually  in  this 
region.  A  large  proportion  of  these  bricks  are  white  or  cream-colored,  and  these  are  widely 
known  under  the  name  of  "  Milwaukee  brick,"  though -by  no  means  altogether  made  at  Mil- 
waukee. Others  are  ordinary  red  brick.  The  difference  between  the  light-colored  and  red 
bricks  is  ordinarily  attributed  to  the  greater  amount  of  iron  in  the  clay  from  which  the  latter  are 


MINERAL    RESOURCES. 


16& 


burned,  but  it  has  been  shown  by  Mr.  E.  T.  Sweet  that  the  white  bricks  are  burned  from  clay 
which  often  contains  more  iron  than  that  from  which  the  red  bricks  are  made,  but  which  also 
contains  a  very  large  amont  of  carbonate  of  lime.  The  following  analyses  show  (i)  the  compo. 
sition  of  the  clay  from  which  cream-colored  brick  are  burned  at  Milwaukee,  (2)  the  composition 
of  a  red-brick  clay  from  near  Madison,  and  (3)  the  composition  of  the  unutilized  clay  from 
Ashland,  Lake  Superior.  Nos.  i  and  2  are  by  Mr.  E.  T.  Sweet,  No.  3  by  Professor  W.  W. 
Daniells : 


(I) 

(2) 

(3) 

(I) 

(2) 

(3) 

38.22 
975 
2.84 
1. 16 

16.23 
7.54 

18.50 

75.80. 

11.07 
3-53 
0.31  / 
l.S4^ 
.08) 
1.09 

58.08 

25.38 

4-44 

8.30 

Potasli 

2.16 
0.65 
0.95 
1.85 

1-74 
0.40 

1.54 
2.16 

99.56 

Alumina 

Iron  peroxide 

Iron  protoxide... 

Soda - 

Water              

4.09 

Moisture 

Totals 

Lime     .           

99-85 

Magnesia 

Carbonic  acid  — 

100.19 

At  Milwaukee  24,000,000  cream-colored  brick  are  made  annually ;  at  Racine,  3,500,000  ;  at 
Appleton  and  Menasha,  1,800,000  each;  at  Neenah,  1,600,000;  at  Clifton,  1,700,000;  at  Wat- 
erloo, 1,600,000;  and  in  smaller  quantities  at  Jefferson,  Ft.  Atkinson,  Edgerton,  Whitewater, 
Geneva,  Ozaukee,  Sheboygan  Falls,  Manitowoc,  Kewaunee,  and  other  places.  In  most  cases  the 
cream-colored  bricks  are  made  from  a  bright-red  clay,  although  occasionally  the  clay  is  light- 
colored.     At  Whitewater  and  other  places  tile  and  pottery  are  also  made  from  this  clay. 

Although  these  lacustrine  clays  are  much  the  most  important  in  Wisconsin,  excellent  brick 
clays  are  also  found  in  the  interior  of  the  state.  In  numbers  of  places  along  the  Yahara  valley, 
in  Dane  county,  an  excellent  stratified  clay  occurs.  At  Madison  this  is  burned  to  a  red  brick  ;  at 
Stoughton  and  Oregon  to  a  fine  cream-colored  brick.  At  Platte ville,  I-ancaster,  and  other  points 
in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state,  red  bricks  are  made  from  clays  found  in  the  vicinity. 


Kaolin  (Porcelain -Clay  —  Fire  -  Clay). 

The  word  "kaolin."  is  applied  by  geologists  to  a  clay-like  material  which  is  used  in  making 
chinaware  in  this  country  and  in  Europe.  The  word  is  of  Chinese  origin,  and  is  applied  by  the 
Chinese  to  the  substance  from  which  the  famous  porcelain  of  China  is  made.  Its  application  to 
the  European  poTcela.in-c/ay  was  made  under  the  mistaken  idea— one  which  has  prevailed  among 
scientists  until  very  recently— that  the  Chinese  material  is  the  same  as  the  European.  This  we 
now  know  to  be  an  error,  the  Chinese  and  Japanese  wares  being  both  made  altogether  from  a 

solid  rock. 

True  kaolin,  using  the  word  in  its  European  sense,  is  unlike  other  ordinary  clays,  in  being 
the  result  of  the  disintegration  of  felspathic  crystalline  rocks  "  in  place,"  that  is  without  being 
removed  from  the  place  of  its  first  formation.  The  base  of  kaolin  is  a  mineral  known  as  kaolinite,  a 
compound  of  silica,  alumina  and  water,  which  results  from  a  change  or  decay  of  the  felspar  of 
felspar-bearing  rocks.  Felspar  contains  silica,  alumina,  and  soda  or  potash,  or  both.  By  perco- 
lation through  the  rocks  of  surface  water  carrying  carbonic  acid,  the  potash  and  soda  are 
removed  and  kaolinite  results.  Mingled  with  the  kaolinite  are,  however,  always  the  other  ingre- 
dients of  the  rock,  quartz,  mica,  etc.,  aYid  also  always  some  undecomposed,  or  only  partly  decom- 
posed felspar.  These  foreign  ingredients  can  all,  however,  be  more  or  less  perfectly  removed  by 
a  system  of  levigation,  when  a  pure  white  clay  results,  composed  almost  wholly  of  the  scales  of 


170 


HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 


the  mineral  kaolinite.  Prepared  in  this  way  the  kaolin  has  a  high  value  as  a  refractory  material, 
and  for  forming  the  base  of  fine  porcelain  wares. 

The  crystalline  rocks,  which,  by  decomposition,  would  produce  a  kaolin,  are  widely  spread 
over  the  northern  part  of  Wisconsin  ;  but  over  the  most  of  the  region  occupied  by  them  there  is  no 
sign  of  the  existence  of  kaolin,  the  softened  rock  having  apparently  been  removed  by  glacial 
action.  In  a  belt  of  country,  however,  which  extends  from  Grand  Rapids  on  the  Wisconsin, 
westward  to  Black  river,  in  Jackson  county,  the  drift  is  insignificant  or  entirely  absent;  the  glacial 
forces  have  not  acted,  and  the  crystalline  rocks  are,  or  once  were,  overlaid  by  sandstone,  along 
whose  line  of  junction  with  the  underlying  formation  numerous  water-courses  have  existed,  the 
result  being  an  unusual  amount  of  disintegration.  Here  we  find,  in  the  beds  of  the  Wisconsin, 
Yellow,  and  Black  rivers,  large  exposures  of  crystalline  rocks,  which  between  the  rivers 
are  overlaid  by  sandstone.  The  crystalline  rocks  are  in  distinct  layers,  tilted  at  high  angles, 
and  in  numerous  places  decomposed  into  a  soft  white  kaolin.  Inasmuch  as  these  layers 
strike  across  the  country  m  long,  straight  lines,  patches  of  kaolin  are  found  ranging 
themselves  into  similar  lines.  The  kaolin  patches  are  most  abundant  on  the  Wisconsin 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  city  of  Grand  Rapids,  in  Wood  county.  They  vary  greatly  in  size, 
one  deposit  even  varying  from  a  fraction  of  an  inch  to  a  number  of  feet  in  thickness. 
The  kaolin  varies,  also,  greatly  in  character,  some  .being  quite  impure  and  easily  fusible 
from  a  large  content  of  iron  oxide  or  from  partial  decomposition  only,'while  much  of  it  is  very 
pure  and  refractory.  There  is  no  doubt,  however,  that  a  large  amount  of  kaolin  exists  in  this 
region,  and  that  by  selection  and  levigation  an  excellent  material  may  be  obtained,  which,  by 
mingling  with  powdered  quartz,  may  be  made  to  yield  a  fire-brick  of  unusual  refractoriness,  and 
which  may  even  be  employed  in  making  fine  porcelain  ware. 

The  following  table  gives  the  composition  of  the  raw  clay,  the  fine  clay  obtained  from  it  by 
levigation,  and  the  coarse  residue  from  the  same  operation,  the  sample  having  been  taken  from 
the  opening  on  the  land  of  Mr.  C.  B.  Garrison,  section  5,  town  22,  range  6  east.  Wood  county  : 


RAW    CLAY. 

I.EVIGATIO.V   PRODUCTS. 

RAW   CLAY. 

LEVIGATION  PRODUCTS 

FINE  CLAY. 

COARSE 
RESIDUE. 

FINE   CLAY. 

COARSE 
RESIDUE. 

Silica 

78.83 
13-43 
0.74 
p.64 
0.07 
0.37 

49-94 

36.80 

0.72 

trace 

0.51 

92.86 
2  08 
0.74 
0.96 
O.IO 

0.28 

Soda - 

Carbonic  Acid 

Water 

Totals .- 

0.0,7 

O.OI 

5-45 

0.08 
11.62 

0.05 

Alumina              _.  - . 

Iron  peroxide  

Lime     .- 

Magnesia 

Potash 

2-53 

99.60 

99.67 

99.60 

Cement  -  Rock. 


Certain  layers  of  the  Lower  Magnesian  limestone,  as  at  Ripon,  and  other  points  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  the  state,  are  known  to  produce  a  lime  which  has  in  some  degree  the  hydraulic 
property,  and  the  same  is  true  of  certain  layers  of  the  Blue  limestone  of  the  Trenton  group,  in 
the  southwestern  part  of  the  state  ;  the  most  valuable  material  of  this  kind,  however,  that  is  as  yet 
known  to  exist  in  Wisconsin,  is  found  near  Milwaukee,  and  has  become  very  recently  somewhat 
widely  known  as  the  "  Milwaukee  "  cement-rock.  This  rock  belongs  to  the  Hamilton  formation, 
and  is  found  near  the  Washington  street  bridge,  at  Brown  Deer,  on  the  lake  shore  at  Whitefish 


MINERAL   RESOURCES. 


171 


bay,  and  at  other  points  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  Milwaukee.  The  quantity  attainable  is 
large,  and  a  very  elaborate  series  of  tests  by  D.  J.  Whittemore,  chief  engineer  of  the  Milwau- 
kee and  St.  Paul  railroad,  shows  that  the  cement  made  from  it  exceeds  all  native  and  foreign 
cements  in  strength,  except  the  famous  English  "  Portland "  cement.  The  following  are 
three  analyses  of  the  rock  from  different  points,  and  they  show  that  it  has  a  very  constant 
composition : 


I. 

2. 

3. 

Carbonate  of  Lime 

45-54 
32.46 
17.56 

3.03 

100.00 

48.29 

29.19 

17.36 

1.40 

2.24 

98.68 

41.34 

Carbonate  of  Magnesia _ . 

Silica - 

34.88 
16.99 

Alumina 

5.00 

Iron  Sesquioxide. ... . . 

1.79 

Totals 

100.00 

Limestone  for  Making  Quick  -  lime. 

Quick-lime  is  made  from  all  of  the  great  limestone  formations  of  Wisconsin,  but  more  is 
burnt  from  the  Lower  Magnesian  and  Niagara  formations,  than  from  the  others.  The  Lower 
Magnesian  yields  a  very  strong  mortar,  but  the  lime  burned  from  it  is  not  very  white.  It  is  burned 
largely  in  the  region  about  Madison,  one  of  the  largest  quarries  being  on  the  south  line  of  section 
^^  of  that  town,  where  some  20,000  bushels  are  produced  annually,  in  two  kilns.  The  lime  from 
this  place  has  a  considerable  local  reputation  under  the  name  of  "Madison  lime."  The  Trenton 
limestone  is  burned  at  a  few  points,  but  yields  an  inferior  lime.  The  Galena  is  not  very  generally 
burned,  but  yields  a  better  lime  than  the  Trenton.  In  the  region  about  Watertown  and  White- 
water, some  40,000  to  50,000  barrels  are  made  annually  from  this  formation. 

The  Niagara,  however,  is  the  great  lime  furnisher  of  the  northwest.  From  its  purity  it  is 
adapted  to  the  making  of  a  most  admirable  lime.  It  is  burned  on  a  large  scale  at  numbers  of 
points  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state,  among  which  may  be  mentioned,  Pellon's  kilns,  Pewau- 
kee,  where  12,000  barrels  are  made  weekly  and  shipped  to  Chicago,  Grand  Haven,  Des  Moines, 
etc.;  and  Holick  &  Son's  kilns,  Racine,  which  yield  60,000  to  75,000  barrels  annually.  A  total 
ot  about  400,000  barrels  is  annually  made  from  the  Niagara  formation  in  eastern  Wisconsin. 


Limestone  for  Flux  in  Iron  Smelting. 

The  limestones  of  Wisconsin  are  rarely  used  as  a  flux,  because  of  their  prevalent  magnesian 
character.  The  stone  from  Schoonmaker's  quarry,  near  Milwaukee,  is  used  at  the  Bay  View 
iron  works,  and  is  one  of  the  few  cases.  There  are  certain  layers,  however,  in  the  Trenton  lime- 
stone, widely  spread  over  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  which  are  non-magnesian,  and  frequently 
sufficiently  free  from  earthy  impurities  to  be  used  as  a  flux.  These  layers  deserve  the  attention 
of  the  iron  masters  of  the  state. 

Glass  Sand. 

Much  of  the  St.  Peter's  sandstone  is  a  purely  siliceous,  loose,  white  sand,  well  adapted  to 
the  making  of  glass.     It  is  now  being  put  to  this  use  at  points  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state. 


172  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 


Peat. 

Peat  exists  in  large  quantities  and  of  good  (luality  underneath  the  numerous  marshes  of  the 
eastern  and  central  parts  of  the  state.  Whether  it  can  be  utilized  in  the  future  as  a  fuel,  will 
depend  altogether  upon  the  cost  of  its  preparation,  which  will  have  to  be  very  low  in  order  that 
it  may  compete  with  superior  fuels.  As  a  fertilizer,  peat  has  always  a  great  value,  and  requires 
no  ireliminary  treatment. 

Building  Stones. 

All  the  rocky  formations  of  Wisconsin  are  used  in  building,  and  even  the  briefest  synopsis 
of  the  subject  of  the  building  stones  of  the  state,  would  exceed  the  hmits  of  this  paper.  A  few 
of  the  more  prominent  kinds  only  are  mentioned. 

Granite  occurs  in  protruding  masses,  and  also  grading  into  gneiss,  in  tlie  northern  portions 
of  the  state,  at  numerous  points.  In  many  places  on  the  Wisconsin,  Yellow,  and  Black  rivers, 
and  especially  at  Big  Bull  Falls,  Yellow  river,  red  granites  of  extraordinary  beauty  and  value 
occur.     These  are  not  yet  utilized,  but  will  in  the  future  have  a  high  value. 

The  handsomest  and  most  valuable  sandstone  found  in  Wisconsin,  is  that  which  extends 
along  the  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  from  the  Michigan  to  the  Minnesota  line,  and  which  forms  the 
basement  rock  of  the  Apostle  islands.  On  one  of  these  islands  a  very  large  quarry  is  opened, 
from  which  are  taken  masses  of  almost  any  size,  of  a  very  close-grained,  uniform,  dark  brown 
stone,  which  has  been  shipped  largely  to  Chicago  and  Milwaukee.  At  the  latter  place,  the  well 
known  court  house  is  built  of  this  stone.  An  equally  good  stone  can  be  obtained  from  the  neigh- 
boring islands,  and  from  points  on  the  mainland.  A  very  good  white  to  brown,  indurated  sand- 
stone is  obtained  from  the  middle  portions  of  the  Potsdam  series,  at  Stevens  Point,  Portage 
county;  near,Grand  Rapids,  Wood  county;  at  Black  River  Falls,  Jackson  county;  at  Packwau- 
kee,  Marquette  county ;  near  Wautoma,  Waushara  county  ;  and  at  several  points  in  the  Baraboo 
Valley,  Sauk  county.  A  good  buff-colored,  calcareous  sandstone  is  quarried  and  used  largely  in 
the  vicinity  of  Madison,  from  the  uppermost  layers  of  the  Potsdam  series. 

All  of  the  limestone  formations  of  the  state  are  quarried  for  building  stone.  A  layer  known 
locally  as  the  "  Mendota"  limestone,  included  in  the  upper  layers  of  the  Potsdam  series,  yields  a 
very  evenly  bedded,  yellow,  fine-grained  rock,  which  is  largely  quarried  along  the  valley  of  the 
lower  Wisconsin,  and  also  in  the  country'  about  Madison.  In  the  town  of  Westport,  Dane 
county,  a  handsome,  fine-grained,  cream-colored  limestone  is  obtained  from  the  Lower  Magne- 
sian.  The  Trenton  limestone  yields  an  evenly  bedded,  thin  stone,  which  is  frequently  used  for 
laying  in  wall.  The  Galena  and  Niagara  are  also  utilized,  and  the  latter  is  capable,  in  much  of 
the  eastern  part  of  the  state,  of  furnishing  a  durable,  easily  dressed,  compact,  white  stone. 

In  preparing  this  paper,  I  have  made  use  of  Professor  Whitney's  "  Metallic  Wealth  of  the 
United  States,"  and  "  Report  on  the  Geology  of  the  Lead  Region;"  of  the  advance  sheets  of 
Volume  II  of  the  Reports  of  the  State  Geological  Survey,  including  Professor  T.  C.  Chamberlin's 
Report  on  the  Geology  of  Eastern  Wisconsin,  my  own  Report  on  the  Geology  of  Central  Wisconsin, 
and  Mr.  Strong's  Report  on  the  Geology  of  the  Lead  Region ;  Mr.  E.  T.  Sweet's  account  of  the 
mineral  exhibit  of  the  state  at  the  Centennial  Exposition;  and  of  my  unpublished  reports  on  the 
geology  of  the  counties  bordering  Lake  Superior. 


WISCONSIN    RAILROADS. 

By  Hon.  H.  H.  GILES. 

The  territory  of  Wisconsin  offered  great  advantages  to  emigrants.  Explorers  had  published 
accounts  of  the  wonderful  fertility  of  its  soil,  the  wealth  of  its  broad  prairies  and  forest  openings, 
and  the  beauty  of  its  lakes  and  rivers.  Being  reached  from  the  older  states  by  way  of  the  lakes 
and  easily  accessible  by  a  long  line  of  lake  coast,  the  hardships  incident  to  weeks  of  land  travel 
were  avoided.  Previous  to  1836  but  few  settlements  had  been  made  in  that  part  of  the 
then  territory  of  Michigan,  that  year  organized  into  the  territory  of  Wisconsin,  except 
as  mining  camps  in  the  southwestern  part,  and  scattered  settlers  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
trading  posts  and  military  stations.  From  that  time  on,  with  the  hope  of  improving  their  condi- 
tion, thousands  of  the  enterprising  yeomanry  of  New  England,  New  York  and  Ohio  started  for 
the  land  of  promise.  Germans,  Scandinavians  and  other  nationalities,  attracted  by  the  glowing 
accounts  sent  abroad,  crossed  the  ocean  on  their  way  to  the  new  world;  steamers  and  sail-craft 
laden  with  families  and  their  household  goods  left  Buffalo  and  other  lake  ports,  all  bound  for 
the  new  Eldorado.  It  may  be  doubted  if  in  the  history  of  the  world  any  country  was  ever  peo- 
pled with  the  rapidity  of  southern  and  eastern  Wisconsin.  Its  population  in  1840  was  30,749; 
in  1850,304,756;  in  i860,  773,693;  in  1870,  1,051,351;  in  1875,  1,236,729.  With  the  develop- 
ment of  the  agricultural  resources  of  the  new  territory,  grain  raising  became  the  most  prominent 
interest,  and  as  the  settlements  extended  back  from  the  lake  shore  the  difficulties  of  transporta- 
tion of  the  products  of  the  soil  were  seriously  felt.  The  expense  incurred  in  moving  a  load  of 
produce  seventy  or  eighty  miles  to  a  market  town  on  the  lake  shore  frequently  exceeded  the  gross 
sum  obtained  for  the  same.  All  goods,  wares  and  merchandise,  and  most  of  the  lumber  used 
must  also  be  hauled  by  teams  from  Lake  Michigan.  Many  of  our  early  settlers  still  retain 
vivid  recollections  of  trying  experiences  in  the  Milwaukee  woods  and  other  sections  bordering 
on  the  lake  shore,  from  the  south  line  of  the  state  to  Manitowoc  and  Sheboygan.  To  meet  the 
great  want  —  better  facilities  for  transportation — a  valuable .  land  grant  was  obtained  from 
congress,  in  1838,  to  aid  in  building  a  canal  from  Milwaukee  to  Rock  river  The  company  which 
was  organized  to  construct  it,  built  a  dam  across  Milwaukee  river  and  a  short  section  of  the  canal ; 
then  the  work  stopped  and  the  plan  was  finally  abandoned.  It  was  early  seen  that  to  satisfy  the 
requirements  of  the  people,  railroads,  as  the  most  feasable  means  of  commuoication  within 
their  reach,  were  an  indispensable  necessity. 

Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway. 

Between  the  years  1838  and  1841,  the  territorial  legislature  of  Wisconsin  chartered  several 
railroad  companies,  but  with  the  exception  of  the  "  Milwaukee  &  Waukesha  Railroad  Company,'' 
incorporated  in  1847,  none  of  the  corporations  thus  created  took  any  particular  shape.  The 
commissioners  named  in  its  charter  met  November  23,  1847,  and  elected  a  president,  Dr.  L.  W, 
Weeks,  and  a  secretary,  A.  W.  Randall  (afterward  governor  of  Wisconsin).  On  the  first  Monday 
of  February,  1848,  they  opened  books  of  subscription.     The  charter  of  the  company  provided 


174  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

that  $100,000  should  be  subscribed  and  five  percent,  thereof  paid  in  before  the  company  should 
fully  organize  as  a  corporation.  The  country  was  new.  There  were  plenty  of  active,  energetic 
men,  but  money  to  build  railroads  was  scarce,  and  not  until  April  5,  1849,  was  the  necessary 
subscription  raised  and  percentage  paid.  A  board  of  directors  was  elected  on  the  loth  day  of 
May,  and  Byron  Kilbourn  chosen  president.  The  charter  had  been  previously  amended,  in  1848, 
authorizing  the  company  to  build  a  road  to  the  Mississippi  river,  in  Grant  county,  and  in  1850, 
its  name  was  changed  to  the  "Milwaukee  &  Mississippi  Railroad  Company."  After  the  company 
was  fully  organized,  active  measures  were  taken  to  push  the  enterprise  forward  to  completion. 
The  city  of  Milwaukee  loaned  its  credit,  and  in  1851  the  pioneer  Wisconsin  railroad  rsached 
Waukesha,  twenty  miles  out  from  Milwaukee.  In  the  spring  of  1852,  Edward  H.  Broadhead,  a 
prominent  engineer,  from  from  the  state  of  New  York,  was  put  in  charge  of  the  work  as  chief 
engineer  and  superintendent.  Under  his  able  and  energetic  administration  the  road  was  pushed 
forward  in  1852  to  Milton,  in  1853  to  Stoughton,  in  1854  to  Madison,  and  in  1856  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi river,  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  In  1851  John  Catlin  of  Madison,  was  elected  president 
in  place  of  Kilbourn. 

The  proposed  length  of  this  article  will  not  admit  of  any  detailed  statement  of  the  trials, 
struggles  and  triumphs  of  the  men  who  projected,  and  finally  carried  across  the  state,  from  the 
lake  to  the  river,  this  first  Wisconsin  railroad.  Mitchell,  Kilbourn,  Holton,  Tweedy,  Catlin, 
Walker,  Broadhead,  Crocker  and  many  others,  deserve  to  be  remembered  by  our  people  as  bene- 
factors of  the  state.  In  1859  and  1S60,  the  company  defaulted  in  the  payment  of  the  interest  on 
its  bonds.  A  foreclosure  was  made  and  a  new  company,  called  the  "  Milwaukee  &  Prairie  du 
Chien,"  took  its  place,  succeeding  to  all  its  rights  and  property, 

The  "Southern  Wisconsin  Railway  Company"  was  chartered  in  1852,  and  authorized  to  build 
a  road  from  Milton  to  the  Mississippi  river.  When  the  Milwaukee  and  Mississippi  road  reached 
Milton  in  1852,  it  was  not  authorized  by  its  charter  to  go  to  Janesville,  but,  under  the  charter  of 
the  Southern  Wisconsin,  a  company  was  organized  that  built  the  eight  miles  to  Janesville  in  1853. 
Under  a  subsequent  amendment  to  the  charter,  the  Milwaukee  and  Mississippi  company  was 
authorized  to  build  from  Milton  to  the  Mississippi  river.  The  Janesville  branch  was  then 
purchased  and  extended  to  Monroe,  a  distance  of  about  thirty-four  miles,  or  forty-two  miles  west 
of  Milton.  Surveys  were  made  and  a  line  located  west  of  Monroe  to  the  river.  The  people  of 
La  Fayette  and  Grant  counties  have  often  been  encouraged  to  e.xpect  a  direct  railroad  communi- 
cation with  the  city  of  Milwaukee.  Other  and  more  important  interests,  at  least  so  considered 
by  the  railroad  company,  have  delayed  the  execution  of  the  original  plan,  and  the  road  through 
the  counties  mentioned  still  remains  unbuilt. 

The  "  LaCrosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company"  was  chartered  in  1852,  to  construct  a  road 
from  LaCrosse  to  Milwaukee.  During  the  year  in  which  the  charter  was  obtained,  the  company 
was  organized,  and  the  first  meeting  of  the  commissioners  held  at  LaCrosse.  Among  its  pro- 
jectors were  Byron  Kilbourn  and  Moses  M.  Strong,  Kilbourn  was  elected  its  first  president. 
No  work  was  done  upon  this  line  until  after  its  consolidation  with  the  "  Milwaukee,  Fond  du  Lac 
&  Green  Bay  Railroad  Company"  in  1854.  The  latter  company  was  chartered  in  1853,  to  build  a 
road  from  Milwaukee  via  West  Bend  to  Fond  du  Lac  and  Green  Bay.  It  organized  in  the  spring  of 
1853,  and  at  once  commenced  active  operations  under  the  supervision  of  James  Kneeland,  its 
first  president.  The  city  of  Milwaukee  loaned  its  credit  for  $200,000,  and  gave  city  bonds.  The 
company  secured  depot  grounds  in  Milwaukee,  and  did  considerable  grading  for  the  first  twenty- 
five  miles  out.  Becoming  embarrassed  in  January,  1854,  the  Milwaukee,  Fond  du  Lac  &  Green 
Bay  consolidated  with  the  LaCrosse  &  Milwaukee  company.  Work  was  at  once  resumed  on 
the  partially  graded  line.      In  1855  the  road  was  completed  to  Horicon,  fifty  miles. 


WISCONSIN   RAILROADS.  175 

The  Milwaukee  &  Watertown  company  was  chartered  in  1851,  to  build  from  Milwaukee  to 
Watertown.  It  soon  organized,  and  began  the  construction  of  its  line  from  Brookfield,  fourteen 
miles  west  of  Milwaukee,  and  a  point  on  the  Milwaukee  &  Mississippi  road  leading  through 
Oconomowoc  to  Watertown.  The  charter  contained  a  provision  that  the  company  might  extend 
its  road  by  way  of  Portage  to  La  Crosse.  It  reached  Watertown  in  1856,  and  was  consolidated 
with  the  LaCrosse  &  Milwaukee  road  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year. 

In  the  spring  of  1856  congress  made  a  grant  of  land  to  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  to  aid  in  the 
building  of  a  railroad  from  Madison,  or  Columbus,  via  Portage  City,  to  the  St.  Croix  river  or 
lake,  between  townships  25  and  31.  and  from  thence  to  the  west  end  of  Lake  Superior,  and  to 
Bayfield.  An  adjourned  session  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature  met  on  September  3  of  that  year, 
to  dispose  of  the  grant.  The  disposal  of  this  grant  had  been  generally  discussed  by  the  press, 
and  the  public  sentiment  of  the  state  seemed  to  tend  toward  its  bestowal  upon  a  new  company. 
There  is  little  doubt  but  that  this  was  also  the  sentiment  of  a  large  majority  of  the  members  of 
both  houses  when  the  session  commenced.  When  a  new  company  was  proposed  a  joint  com- 
mittee of  twenty  from  the  senate  and  assembly  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  bill,  conferring  the 
grant  upon  a  company  to  be  created  by  the  bill  itself  The  work  of  the  committee  proceeded 
harmoniously  until  the  question  of  who  should  be  corporators  was  to  be  acted  upon,  when  a 
difference  of  opinion  was  found  to  exist,  and  one  that  proved  difficult  to  harmonize.  In  the  mean- 
time the  LaCrosse  and  Watertown  companies  had  consolidated,  and  a  sufficient  number  of  the 
members  of  both  houses  were  "propitiated"  by  " pecuniary  compliments"  to  induce  them  to 
pass  the  bill,  conferring  the  so  called  St.  Croix  grant  upon  the  LaCrosse  &  Milwaukee  railroad 
company.  The  vote  in  the  assembly  in  the  passage  of  the  bill  was,  ayes  62,  noes  7.  In  the  senate 
it  stood,  ayes  17,  noes  7. 

At  the  session  of  the  legislature  of  1858  a  committee  was  raised  to  investigate  the  matter, 
and  their  report  demonstrated  that  bonds  were  set  apart  for  all  who  voted  for  the  LaCrosse  bill ; 
to  members  of  assembly  $5,000  each,  and  members  of  senate  $10,000  each.  A  few  months 
after  the  close  of  the  legislative  sesssion  of  1856  the  land  grant  bonds  of  the  LaCrosse  road 
became  worthless.  Neither  the  LaCrosse  company  nor  its  successors  ever  received  any  portion 
of  the  lands  granted  to  the  state.  During  the  year  1857  the  LaCrosse  company  completed  its 
line  of  road  through  Portage  City  to  LaCrosse,  and  its  Watertown  line  to  Columbus. 

The  "Milwaukee  &  Horicon  Railroad  Company"  was  chartered  in  1852.  Between  the 
years  1855  and  1857  it  built  through  Waupun  and  Ripon  to  Berlin,  a  distance  of  forty-two  miles. 
It  was,  in  effect,  controlled  by  the  LaCrosse  &  Milwaukee  company,  although  built  as  a  separate 
branch.  This  line  was  subsequently  merged  in  the  LaCrosse  company,  and  is  now  a  part  of  the 
northern  division  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  railway. 

The  '■  Madison,  Fond  du  Lac  &  Lake  Michigan  Railroad  Company"  was  chartered  in  1855, 
to  build  a  road  from  Madison  via  Fond  du  Lac  to  Lake  Michigan.  In  1857  it  bought  of  the 
LaCrosse  company  that  portion  of  its  road  acquired  by  consolidation  with  the  Milwaukee  & 
Watertown  company.  Its  name  was  then  changed  to  "  Milwaukee  &  Western  Railroad  Com- 
pany." It  owned  a  line  of  road  from  Brookfield  to  Watertown,  and  branches  from  the  latter 
place  to  Columbus  and  Sun  Prairie,  in  all  about  eighty  miles  in  length. 

In  1858  and  1859  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  and  the  Milwaukee  &  Horicon  companies 
defaulted  in  the  payment  of  the  interest  on  their  bonded  debts.  In  the  same  years  the  bond- 
holders of  the  two  companies  instituted  foreclosure  proceedings  on  the  different  trust  deeds  given  to 
secure  their  bonds.  Other  suits  to  enforce  the  payment  of  their  floating  debts  were  also  com- 
menced. Protracted  litigation  in  both  the  state  and  federal  courts  resulted  in  a  final  settlement 
in  1868,  by  a  decision  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States.     In  the  meantime,  in  1862  and 


176  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

1863,  both  roads  were  sold,  and  purchased  by  an  association  of  the  bondholders,  who  organized 
the  "  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  Company."  The  new  company  succeeded  to  all  the  rights 
of  both  the  La  Crosse  and  Horicon  companies,  and  soon  afterward,  in  1863,  purchased  the 
property  of  the  Milwaukee  &  Western  company,  thus  getting  control  of  the  roads  from  Mil- 
waukee to  La  Crosse,  from  Horicon  to  Berlin,  from  Brookfield  to  Watertown,  and  the  branches 
to  Columbus  and  Sun  Prairie.  In  1864  it  built  from  Columbus  to  Portage,  from  Brookfield  to 
Milwaukee,  and  subsequently  extended  the  Sun  Prairie  branch  to  Madison,  in  1869.  It  also 
purchased  the  Ripon  &  Wolf  River  road,  which  had  been  built  fifteen  miles  in  length,  from 
Ripon  to  Omro,  on  the  Fox  river,  and  extended  it  to  Winneconne  on  the  Wolf  river,  five  miles 
farther,  and  twenty  miles  from  Ripon.  In  1867  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  railway  company 
obtained  control  of  the  Milwaukee  &  Prairie  du  Chien  railroad.  The  legislature  of  1857  had 
passed  an  act,  authorizing  all  stock-holders  in  all  incorporated  companies  to  vote  on  shares  of 
stock  owned  by  them.  The  directors  of  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  company  had  secured  a 
majority  of  the  common  stock,  and,  at  the  election  of  1867,  elected  themselves  a  board  of 
directors  for  the  Prairie  du  Chien  company.  All  the  rights,  property  and  interests  of  the 
latter  company  came  under  the  ownership  and  control  of  the  former. 

In  1865,  Alexander  Mitchell,  of  Milwaukee,  was  elected  president,  and  S.  S.  Merrill  general 
manager  of  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  railway  company.  They  were  retained  in  their  respective 
positions  by  the  new  organization,  and  still  continue  to  hold  these  offices,  a  fact  largely  owing  to 
the  able  and  efficient  manner  that  has  characterized  their  management  of  the  company's  affairs. 
The  company  operates  eight  hundred  and  thirty-four  miles  of  road  in  Wisconsin,  and  in  all  two 
thousand  two  hundred  and  seven  miles.  Its  lines  extend  to  St.  Paul  and  Minneapolis  in 
Minnesota,  and  to  Algona  in  Iowa,  and  over  the  Western  Union  to  Savanna  and  Rock  Island 
in  the  State  of  Illinois. 

The  "  Oshkosh  &  Mississippi  Railroad  Company"  was  chartered  in  1866  to  build  a  road 
from  the  city  of  Oshkosh  to  the  Mississippi  river.  Its  construction  to  Ripon  in  1872  was  a 
move  on  the  part  of  citizens  of  Oshkosh  to  connect  their  town  with  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul 
road.     It  is  twenty  miles  in  length  and  leased  to  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  company. 

In  1871  and  1872  the  "Wisconsin  Union  Railroad  Company,"  of  which  John  W.  Cary  was 
president,  built  a  road  from  Milwaukee  to  the  state  line  between  Wisconsin  and  Illinois,  to 
connect  with  a  road  built  from  Chicago  to  the  state  line  of  Illinois.  This  new  line  between 
Milwaukee  and  Chicago  was  built  in  the  interest  of,  and  in  fact  by,  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul 
company  to  afford  a  connection  between  its  Wisconsin,  Iowa  and  Minnesota  system  of  roads, 
and  the  eastern  trunk  lines  centering  in  Chicago.  It  runs  parallel  with  the  shore  of  Lake 
Michigan  and  from  three  to  six  miles  from  it,  and  is  eighty-five  miles  in  length. 

The  Chicago  &  Northwestern   Railway. 

The  territorial  legislature  of  1848  chartered  the  "  Madison  &  Beloit  Railroad  Company  " 
with  authority  to  build  a  railroad  from  Beloit  to  Madison  only.  In  1850,  by  an  act  of  the 
legislature,  the  company  was  authorized  to  extend  the  road  to  the  Wisconsin  river  and  La  Crosse, 
and  to  a  point  on  the  Mississippi  river  near  St.  Paul,  and  also  from  Janesville  to  Fond  du  Lac. 
Its  name  was  changed,  under  legislative  authority,  to  the  "Rock  River  Valley  Union  Railroad 
Company."  In  1851,  the  line  from  Janesville  north  not  being  pushed  as  the  people  expected, 
the  legislature  of  Illinois  chartered  the  "  Illinois  &  Wisconsin  Railroad  Company  "  with  authority 
to  consolidate  with  any  road  in  Wisconsin.  In  1855,  an  act  of  the  Wisconsin  legislature  consoli- 
dated the  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  companies  with  the  "  Rock  River  Valley  Union  Railroad  Com- 
pany," and  the  new  organization  took  the  name  of  the  "Chicago,  St.  Paul  &  Fond  du  Lac  Rail- 


WISCONSIN   RAILROADS.  177 

road  Company."  In  1854,  and  previous  to  the  consolidation,  the  company  had  failed  and 
passed  into  the  hands  of  the  bondholders,  who  foreclosed  and  took  stock  for  their  bonds.  The 
old  management  of  A.  Hyatt  Smith  and  John  B.  Macy  was  superseded,  and  Wm.  B.  Ogden  was 
made  president.  Chicago  was  all  along  deeply  interested  in  reaching  the  rich  grain  fields  of  the 
Rock  river  valley,  as  well  as  the  inexhaustible  timber  and  mineral  wealth  of  the  northern  part 
of  Wisconsin  and  that  part  of  Michigan  bordering  on  Lake  Superior,  called  the  Peninsula.  It 
also  sought  a  connection  with  the  upper  Mississippi  region,  then  being  rapidly  peopled,  by  a  line 
of  railroad  to  run  through  Madison  to  St.  Paul,  in  Minnesota.  Its  favorite  road  was  started  froni 
Chicago  on  the  wide  (six  feet)  gauge,  and  so  constructed  seventy  miles  to  Sharon  on  the  Wis- 
consin state  line.  This  was  changed  to  the  usual  (four  feet,  eight  and  one-half  inches)  width, 
and  the  work  was  vigorously  pushed,  reaching  Janesville  in  1855  and  Fond  du  Lac  in  1858.  The 
Rock  River  Valley  Union  railroad  company  had,  however,  built  about  thirty  miles  from  Fond 
du  Lac  south  toward  Minnesota  Junction  before  the  consolidation  took  place.  The  partially 
graded  line  on  a  direct  route  between  Janesville  and  Madison  was  abandoned.  In  1852  a  new 
charter  had  been  obtained,  and  the  "  Beloit  &  Madison  Railroad  Company  "  had  been  organized 
to  build  a  road  from  Beloit  via  Janesville  to  Madison.  A  subsequent  amendment  to  this  charter 
had  left  out  Janesville  as  a  point,  and  the  Beloit  branch  was  pushed  through  to  Madison,  reach- 
ing that  city  in  1864. 

The  "Galena  and  Chicago  Union  Railroad  Company"  had  built  a  branch  of  the  Galena 
line  from  Belvedere  to  Beloit  previous  to  1854.  In  that  year,  it  leased  the  Beloit  &  Madison 
road,  and  from  1856  operated  it  in  connection  with  the  Milwaukee  &  Mississippi,  reaching  Janes- 
ville by  way  of  Hanover  Junction,  a  station  on  its  Southern  Wisconsin  branch,  eight  miles  west 
of  Janesville.  The  consolidation  of  the  Galena  &  Chicago  Union  and  the  Chicago,  St.  Paul  & 
Fond  du  Lac  companies  was  effected  and  approved  by  legislative  enactment  in  1855,  and  a  new 
organization  called  the  "Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway  Company"  took  their  place. 

The  "Green  Bay,  Milwaukee  &  Chicago  Railroad  Company"  was  chartered  in  1851  to  build 
a  road  from  Milwaukee  to  the  state  line  of  Illinois  to  connect  with  a  road  from  Chicago,  called 
the  Chicago  &  Milwaukee  railroad.  Both  roads  were  completed  in  1855,  and  run  in  connection 
until  1863,  when  they  were  consolidated  under  the  name  of  the  "Chicago  &  Milwaukee  Railroad 
Company."  To  prevent  its  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul,  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  secured  it  by  perpetual  lease,  May  2,  1866,  and  it  is  now  operated  as  its  Chicago 
division. 

The  "  Kenosha  &  Beloit  Railroad  Company  "  was  incorporated  in  1853  to  build  a  road  from 
Kenosha  to  Beloit,  and  was  organized  soon  after  its  chartenwas  obtained.  Its  name  was  after- 
ward changed  to  the  "  Kenosha,  Rockford  &  Rock  Island  Railroad  Company,"  and  its  route 
changed  to  run  to  Rockford  instead  of  Beloit.  The  line  starts  at  Kenosha,  and  runs  through  the 
county  of  Kenosha  and  crosses  the  state  line  near  the  village  of  Genoa  in  the  county  of  Wal- 
worth,  a  distance  of  thirty  miles  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  and  there  connects  with  a'  road  in 
Illinois  running  to  Rockford,  and  with  which  it  consolidated.  Kenosha  and  its  citizens  were  the 
principal  subscribers  to  its  capital  stock.  The  company  issued  its  bonds,  secured  by  the  usual 
mortgage  on  its  franchises  and  property.  Failing  to  pay  its  interest,  the  mortgage  was  foreclosed, 
and  the  road  was  sold  to  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  company  in  1863,  and  is  now  operated  by 
it  as  the  Kenosha  division.     The  line  was  constructed  from  Kenosha  to  Genoa  in  1862. 

The  "Northwestern  Union  Railway  Company  "  was  organized  in  1872,  under  the  general  rail. 
road  law  of  the  state,  to  build  a  line  of  road  from  Milwaukee  to  Fond  du  Lac,  with  a  branch  to 
Lodi.  The  road  was  constructed  during  the  years  1872  and  1873  from  Milwaukee  to  Fond  du 
Lac.     The  Chicago  &   Northwestern   company  were  principally  interested  in  its  being  built,  to 


178  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

shorten  its  line  between  Chicago  and  Green  Bay,  and  now  uses  it  as  its  main  through  line  between 
the  two  points. 

The  "  Baraboo  Air-Line  Railroad  Company"  was  incorporated  in  1870,10  build  a  road  from 
Madison,  Columbus,  or  Waterloo  via  Baraboo,  to  La  Crosse,  or  any  point  on  the  Mississippi 
river.  It  organized  in  the  interest  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern,  with  which  company  it  con- 
solidated, and  the  work  of  building  a  connecting  line  between  Madison  and  Winona  Junction 
was  vigorously  pushed  forward.  Lodi  was  reached  in  1870,  Baraboo  in  187 1,  and  Winona  Junc- 
tion in  1874.  The  ridges  between  Elroy  and  Sparta  were  tunneled  at  great  expense  and  with 
much  difficulty.  In  1874  the  company  reported  an  expenditure  for  its  three  tunnels  of 
$476,743.32,  and  for  the  129  i-io  miles  between  Madison  and  Winona  Junction  of  $5,342,169.96, 
and  a  large  expenditure  yet  required  to  be  made  on  it.  In  1867  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern 
company  bought  of  D.  N.  Barney  &  Co.  their  interest  in  the  Winona  &  St.  Peters  railway,  a  line 
being  built  westerly  from  Winona  in  Minnesota,  and  of  which  one  hundred  and  five  miles  had 
been  built.  It  also  bought  of  the  same  parties  their  interest  in  the  La  Crosse,  Trempealeau  & 
Prescott  railway,  a  line  being  built  from  Winona  Junction,  three  miles  east  of  La  Crosse,  to 
Winona,  Minn.  The  latter  line  was  put  in  operation  in  1870,  and  is  twenty-nine  miles  long. 
With  the  completion  of  its  Madison  branch  to  Winona  junction,  in  1873,  it  had  in  operation  a 
line  from  Chicago,  via  Madison  and  Winona,  to  Lake  Kampeska,  Minn.,  a  distance  of  six  hundred 
and  twenty-three  miles. 

In  the  year  1856  a  valuable  grant  of  land  was  made  by  congress  to  the  state  of  Wisconsin 
to  aid  in  the  construction  of  railroads.  The  Chicago,  St.  Paul  &  Fond  du  Lac  company  claimed 
that  the  grant  was  obtained  through  its  efforts,  and  that  of  right  it  should  have  the  northeastern 
grant,  so-called.  At  the  adjourned  session  of  the  legislature  of  1856,  a  contest  over  the  dispo- 
sition of  the  grant  resulted  in  conferring  it  upon  the  "  Wisconsin  &  Superior  Railroad  Company," 
a  corporation  chartered  for  the  express  purpose  of  giving  it  this  grant.  It  was  generally  believed 
at  the  time  that  the  new  company  was  organized  in  the  interest  of  the  Chicago,  St.  Paul  & 
Fond  du  Lac  company,  and  at  the  subsequent  session,  in  the  following  year,  it  was  authorized  to 
consolidate  with  the  new  company,  which  it  did  in  the  spring  of  that  year,  and  thus  obtained  the 
grant  of  3,840  acres  per  mile  along  its  entire  line,  from  Fond  du  Lac  northerly  to  the  state  line 
between  Wisconsin  and  Michigan.  It  extended  its  road  to  Oshkosh  in  1859,  to  Appleton  in 
1861,  and  in  1862  to  Fort  Howard,  forming  a  line  two  hundred  and  forty-two  miles  long.  The 
line  from  Fort  Howard  to  Escanaba,  one  hundred  and  fourteen  miles  long,  was  opened  in  Decem- 
ber, 1872,  and  made  a  connection  with  the  peninsular  railroad  of  Michigan.  It  now  became  a  part 
of  tlie  Chicago  &  Northwestern,  extending  from  Escanaba  to  the  iron  mines,  and  thence  to 
Lake  Superior  at  Marquette.  Albert  Keep,  of  Chicago,  is  president,  and  Marvin  Hughitt,  a 
gentleman  of  great  railroad  experience,  is  general  superintendent.  The  company  operates  five 
hundred  and  sixty-seven  miles  of  road  in  Wisconsin,  and  in  all  sixteen  hundred  and  sixteen  miles. 
Its  lines  extend  into  five  different  states.  Over  these  lines  its  equipment  is  run  in  common,  or 
transferred  from  place  to  place,  as  the  changes  in  business  may  temporarily  require. 

Wisconsin  Central  Railroad. 

The  "  Milwaukee  &  Northern  Railway  Company  "  was  incorporated  in  1S70,  to  build  a  road 
from  Milwaukee  to  some  point  on  the  Fox  river  below  Winnebago  lake,  and  thence  to  Lake 
Superior,  with  branches.  It  completed  its  road  to  Menasha,  one  hundred  and  two  miles  from 
Milwaukee,  with  a  branch  from  Hilbert  to  Green  Bay,  twenty-seven  miles,  in  1873,  and  in  that 
vear  leased  its  line  to  the  "  Wisconsin  Central  Railroad  Company,"  which  is  still  operating  it.     In 


WISCONSIN   RAILROADS.  179 

1864  congress  made  a  grant  of  land  to  the  state  of  Wisconsin  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  a  rail- 
road from  Berlin,  Doty's  Island,  Fond  du  Lac,  or  Portage,  by  way  of  Stevens  Point,  to  Bayfield 
or  Superior,  granting  the  odd  sections  within  ten  miles  on  each  side  of  the  line,  with  an  indem- 
nity limit  of  twenty  miles  on  each  side.  The  legislature  of  1865  failed  to  dispose  of  this  grant, 
but  that  of  1866  provided  for  the  organization  of  two  companies,  one  to  build  from  Portage  City 
by  way  of  Berlin  to  Stevens  Point,  and  the  other  from  Menasha  to  the  same  point,  and  then 
jointly  to  Bayfield  and  Lake  Superior.  The  former  was  called  the  "  Winnebago  and  Lake  Superior 
Railroad  Company,"  and  the  latter  the  "  Portage  &  Superior  Railroad  Company."  In  i86g  an  act 
was^^assed  consolidating  the  two  companies,  which  was  done  under  the  name  of  the  "  Portage, 
Winnebago  &  Superior  Railroad  Company."  In  1871  the  name  of  the  company  was  changed  to 
the  "Wisconsin  Central  Railroad  Company."  The  Winnebago  &  Lake  Superior  company  was 
organized  under  Hon.  George  Reed  as  president,  and  at  once  commenced  the  construction  of  its 
line  of  road  between  Menasha  and  Stevens  Point.  In  1871  the  Wisconsin  Central  consolidated 
with  the  "  Manitowoc  &  Mississippi  Railroad  Company."  The  articles  of  consolidation  provided 
that  Gardner  Colby,  a  director  of  the  latter  company,  should  be  president,  and  that  George  Reed, 
a  director  of  the  former,  should  be  vice  president  of  the  new  organization;  with  a  further  provision 
that  Gardner  Colby,  George  Reed,  and  Elijah  B.  Phillips  should  be  and  remain  its  executive 
committee. 

In  1-871,  an  act  was  passed  incorporating  the  "  Phillips  and  Colby  Construction  Company," 
which  created  E.  B.  Phillips,  C.  L.  Colby,  Henry  Pratt,  and  such  others  as  they  might  associate 
with  them,  a  body  corporate,  with  authority  to  build  railroads  and  do  all  manner  of  things  relat- 
ing to  railroad  construction  and  operation.  Under  this  act  the  construction  company  contracted 
with  the  Wisconsin  Central  railroad  company,  to  build  its  line  of  road  from  Menasha  to  Lake 
Superior.  In  November,  1873,  the  Wisconsin  Central  leased  of  the  Milwaukee  &  Northern  com- 
pany its  line  of  road  extending  from  Schwartzburg  to  Menasha,  and  the  branch  to  Green  Bay,  for 
the  term  of  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  years,  and  also  acquired  the  rights  of  the  latter  com- 
pany to  use  the  track  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  company  between  Schwartzburg  and 
Milwaukee,  and  to  depot  facilities  in  Milwaukee.  The  construction  of  the  land  grant  portion 
of  this  important  Hue  of  road  was  commenced  in  1871,  and  it  was  completed  to  Stevens  Point  in 
November  of  that  year.  It  was  built  from  Stevens  Point  north  one  hundred  miles  to  Worcester 
in  1S72.  During  1872  and  1873,  it  was  built  from  Ashland  south  to  the  Penoka  iron  ridge,  a  dis- 
tance of  thirty  miles.  The  straight  line  between  Portage  City  and  Stevens  Point,  authorized  by 
an  act  of  the  legislature  of  1875,  was  constructed  between  October  i,  1875,  and  October,  1876, 
seven ly-one  miles  in  length.  The  gap  of  forty-two  miles  between  Worcester  and  Penoka  iron 
ridge  was  closed  in  June,  1877.  E.  B.  Phillips,  of  Milwaukee,  is  president  and  general  manager. 
This  line  of  road  passes  through  a  section  of  our  state  hitherto  unsettled.  It  has  been  pushed 
through  with  energy,  and  opened  up  for  settlement  an  immense  region  of  heavily  timbered  land, 
and  thus  contributed  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  state. 

The  Western  Union  Railroad. 

The  "  Racine,  Janesville  &  Mississippi  Railroad  Company  "  was  chartered  in  1852,10  build 
a  road  from  Racine  to  Beloit,  and  was  organized  the  same  year.  The  city  of  Racine  issued  its 
bonds  for  ||3oo,ooo  in  payment  for  that  amount  of  stock.  The  towns  of  Racine,  Elkhorn,  Dele- 
van  and  Beloit  gave  11190,000,  and  issued  their  bonds,  and  farmers  along  the  line  made  liberal 
subscriptions  and  secured  the  same  by  mortgages  on  their  farms.  The  road  was  built  lo  Burling- 
ton in  1855,  to  Delavan  early  in  1856,  and  to  Beloit,  sixty-eight  miles  from  Racine,  during  the 
same  year.      Failing  to  meet  the  interest  on  its  bonds  and  its  floating  indebtedness,  it  was  sur- 


180  HISTOKY   OF   WISCONSIK. 

rendered  by  the  company  to  the  bond-holders  in  1859,  who  completed  it  to  Freeport  during  that 
year,  and  afterward  built  to  the  Mississippi  river  at  Savannah,  and  thence  to  Rock  Island.  The 
bond-holders  purchased  and  sold  the  road  in  1866,  and  a  new  organization  was  had  as  the  "  West- 
ern Union  Railroad  Company,"  and  it  has  sinee  been  operated  under  that  name.  In  1869,  it 
bu'ilt  a  line  from  Elkhorn  to  Eagle,  seventeen  miles,  and  thus  made  a  connection  with  Milwau- 
kee over  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  line.  The  latter  company  owns  a  controlling 
interest  it  its  line.  Alexander  Mitchell  is  the  president  of  the  company,  and  D.  A.  Olin, 
general  superintendent. 

West  Wisconsin  Railroad. 

The  lands  granted  by  congress  in  1856  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  a  railroad  in  Wisconsin, 
from  Tomah  to  Superior  and  Bayfield,  were  disposed  of  as  mentioned  under  the  history  of  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  company.  The  La  Crosse  company,  as  we  have  seen,  prevailed  in 
the  legislature  of  1856,  and  secured  legislation  favorable  to  its  interests;  but  it  failed  to  build  the 
line  of  road  provided  for,  and  forfeited  its  right  to  lands  granted.  In  1863,  the  "  Tomah  &  Lake 
St.  Croix  Railroad  Company  "  was  incorporated,  with  authority  to  construct  a  railroad  from  some 
point  in  the  town  of  Tomah  in  Monroe  county,  to  sucli  point  on  Lake  St.  Croix,  between  town- 
ships 25  and  31  as  the  directors  might  determine.  To  the  company,  by  the  act  creating  it,  was 
granted  all  the  interest  and  estate  of  this  state,  to  so  much  of  the  lands  granted  by  the  United 
States  to  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  known  as  the  St.  Croix  grant,  as  lay  between  Tomah  and  Lake 
St.  Croix.  A  few  months  after  its  organization,  the  company  passed  substantially  into  the  hands 
of  D.  A.  Baldwin  and  Jacob  Humbird,  who  afterward  built  a  line  of  road  from  Tomah,  jv'a  Black 
River  Falls,  and  Eau  Claire  to  Hudson,  on  Lake  St.  Croix,  one  hundred  and  seventy-eight  miles. 
Its  name  was  afterward  changed  to  the  "West  Wisconsin  Railroad  Company."  In  1873,  it  built 
its  road  from  Warren's  Mills  via  Camp  Douglass,  on  the  St.  Paul  road  to  Elroy,  and  took  up  its 
track  from  the  first-named  place,  twelve  miles,  to  Tomah.  A  law-suit  resulted,  which  went  against 
the  railroad  company,  and  the  matter  was  finally  compromised  by  the  payment  of  a  sum  of  money 
by  the  company  to  the  town  of  Tomah.  The  road  was  built  through  a  new  and  sparsely  settled 
country,  and  its  earnings  have  not  been  sufficient  to  enrich  its  stock-holders.  It  connects  at 
Camp  Douglass  with  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  road,  and  at  Elroy  with  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  railway  company's  line,  which  gives  the  latter  a  through  line  to  St.  Paul.  It  is 
operated  in  connection  with  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  railway,  and  managed  in  its  interest. 
It  is  now  in  the  hands  of  Wm.  H.  Ferry,  of  Chicago,  as  receiver;  H.  H.  Potter,  of  Chicago,  as 
president';  and  E.  W.  Winter,  of  Hudson,  superintendent. 

The  Milwaukee,  Lake  Shore  &  Western  Railway. 

In  1870,  the  "Milwaukee,  Manitowoc  &  Green  Bay  Railroad  Company"  was  chartered  to 
build  a  road  from  Milwaukee  to  Green  Bay  by  way  of  Manitowoc.  It  built  its  line  from  Mil- 
waukee to  Manitowoc  in  1873,  when  its  name  was  changed  to  "  Milwaukee,  Lake  Shore  &  West- 
ern Railroad  Company."  Under  a  decree  of  foreclosure,  it  was  sold  Dec.  10,  1875,  and  its  name 
was  changed  to  "  Milwaukee,  Lake  Shore  &  Western  Railway  Company,"  by  which  name  it  is 
still  known. 

In  1866,  the  "  Appleton  &  New  London  Railroad  Company"  was  incorporated  to  build  a 
road  from  Appleton  to  New  London,  and  thence  to  Lake  Superior.  A  subsequent  amendment 
to  its  charter  authorized  it  to  extend  its  road  to  Manitowoc.  It  built  most  of  the  line  from 
Appleton  to  that  city,  and  then,  under  legislative  authority,  sold  this  extension   to   the  Milwau- 


WISCONSIN  RAILROADS.  181 

kee,  Lake  Shore  &  Western  railroad  company.  The  last-named  company  extended  it  to  New 
London,  on  the  Wolf  river,  twenty-one  miles,  in  1876,  where  it  connects  with  the  Green  Bay  & 
Minnesota  road.  It  now  operates  one  hundred  and  forty-six  miles  of  road,  extending  from  Mil- 
waukee to  New  London,  passing  through  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc  and  Appleton,  which  includes 
a  branch  line  six  miles  in  length  from  Mr.nitowoc  to  Two  Rivers.  F.  W.  Rhinelander,  of  New 
York,  is  its  president,  and  H.  G.  H.  Reed,  of  Milwaukee,  superintendent. 

The  Green  Bay  &  Minnesota   Railroad. 

The  line  of  road  operated  by  this  company  extends  from  Fort  Howard  to  the  Mississippi 
river,  opposite  Winona,  Minnesota.  It  is  two  hundred  and  sixteen  miles  in  length,  and  was 
built  through  a  sparsely  settled  and  heavily  timbered  section  of  the  state.  It  began  under  most 
discouraging  circumstances,  yet  was  pushed  through  by  the  energy  of  a  few  men  at  Green  Bay 
and  along  its  line.  It  was  originally  chartered  in  1866  as  the  "Green  Bay  &  Lake  Pepin  Rail- 
road Company  "  to  build  a  road  from  the  mouth  of  the  Fox  river  near  Green  Bay  to  the  Missis- 
sippi river  opposite  Winona.  But  little  was  done  except  the  making  of  preliminary  surveys  in 
1870.  During  1870  and  187 1,  forty  miles  were  constructed  and  put  in  operation.  In  1872,  one 
hundred  and  fourteen  miles  were  graded,  the  track  laid,  and  the  river  reached,  sixty-two  miles 
farther,  in  1873.  In  1876,  it  acquired  the  right  to  use  the  "  Winona  cut-off "  between  Winona 
and  Onalaska,  and  built  a  line  from  the  latter  point  to  La  Crosse,  seven  miles,  thus  connecting  its 
road  with  the  chief  city  of  Wisconsin  on  the  Mississippi  river.  The  city  of  La  Crosse  aided  this 
extension  by  subscribing  $75,000  and  giving  its  corporation  bonds  for  that  amount.  Henry 
Ketchum,  of  New  London,  is  president  of  the  company,  and  D.  M.  Kelly,  of  Green  Bay,  gen- 
eral manager. 

Wisconsin  Valley   Road. 

The  "  Wisconsin  Valley  Railroad  Company  "  was  incorporated  in  1871  to  build  a  road  from 
a  point  on  or  near  the  line  of  the  Milwaukee  &  La  Crosse  railroad,  between  Kilbourn  City  and 
the  tunnel  in  said  road  to  the  village  of  Wausau,  in  the  county  of  Marathon,  and  the  road  to  pass 
not  more  than  one  mile  west  of  the  village  of  Grand  Rapids,  in  the  county  of  Wood.  The  road 
was  commenced  at  Tomah,  and  graded  to  Centralia  in  1872,  and  opened  to  that  village  in  1873, 
and  during  1874  it  was  completed  to  Wausau,  ninety  miles  in  its  whole  length  Boston  capitalists 
furnished  the  money,  and  it  is  controlled  in  the  interest  of  the  Dubuque  &  Minnesota  railroad, 
through  which  the  equipment  was  procured.  The  lumber  regions  of  the  Wisconsin  river  find  an 
outlet  over  it,  and  its  junction  with  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  road  at  Tomah  enables 
a  connection  with  the  railroads  of  Iowa  and  Minnesota.  It  gives  the  people  of  Marathon  county 
an  outlet  long  needed  for  a  large  lumber  traffic,  and  also  enables  them  to  receive  their  goods  and 
supplies  of  various  kinds  for  the  lumbering  region  tributary  to  Wausau.  James  F.  Joy,  of 
Detroit,  is  president,  and  F.  O.  Wyatt,  superintendent. 

Sheboygan  &  Fond  du  Lac  Railroad. 

The  "  Sheboygan  &  Mississippi  Railroad  Company  "  was  incorporated  in  1S52,  to  build  a 
road  from  Sheboygan  to  the  Mississippi  river.  It  was  completed  from  Slieboygan  to  Plymouth 
in  1858,  tu  Glenbeulah  in  1S60,  to  Fond  du  Lac  in  1868,  and  to  Princeton  in  1872.  The  extension 
from  Fond  du  Lac  to  Princeton  was  built  under  authority  of  an  act  passed  in  1S71. 

Under  a  foreclosure  in  1861  the  line  from  Sheboygan  to  Fonddu  Lac  was  sold,  and  the  name 
of  the  company  changed  to  "Sheboygan  &   Fond  du  Lac  Railroad  Company."      The  length  of 


182  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

the  line  is  seventy-eight  miles,  and  it  passes  through  a  fertile  agricultural  country.  The  city  of 
Sheboygan,  county,  city  and  town  of  Fond  du  Lac,  and  the  towns  of  Riverdale,  Ripon,  Brooklyn, 
Princeton,  and  St.  Marie,  aided  in  its  building  to  an  amount  exceeding  $250,000.  D.  L.  Wells 
is  president,  and  Geo.  P.  Lee,  superindendent. 

The  Mineral  Point  Railroad. 

The  "  Mineral  Point  Railroad  Company  "  was  chartered  in  1852,  to  build  a  road  from  Mineral 
Point,  in  the  county  of  Iowa,  to  the  state  line,  in  township  number  one,  in  either  the  county  of 
Green  or  La  Fayette.      It   was  completed  to  Warren,  in  the  state  of  Illinois,  thirty-two  miles,  in 

1855,  making  a  connection  at  that  point  with  the  Illinois  Central,  running  from  Chicago  to  Galena. 
Iowa  county  loaned  its  credit  and  issued  its  bonds  to  aid  in  its  construction.  It  was  sold  under 
foreclosure  in  1856.  Suits  were  brought  against  Iowa  county  to  collect  the  amount  of  its  bonds, 
and  judgment  obtained  in  the  federal  courts.  Much  litigation  has  been  had,  and  ill  feeling 
engendered,  the  supervisors  of  the  county  having  been  arrested  for  contempt  of  the  decree  of 
the  court.     Geo.  W.  Cobb,  of  Mineral  Point,  is  the  general  manager. 

The  Dubuque,  Platteville  &  Milwaukee  railroad  was  completed  in  July,  1S70,  and  extends 
from  Calamine,  a  point  on  the  Mineral  Point  railroad,  to  the  village  of  Platteville,  eighteen  miles, 
and  is  operated  by  the  Mineral  Point  railroad  company 

Madison  &   Portacf.  Railroad. 

The  legislature  of  1855  chartered  the  "Sugar  River  Valley  Railroad  Company"  to  build  a  road 
from  a  point  on  the  north  side  of  the  line  of  the  Southern  Wisconsin  road,  within  the  limits  of 
Green  county,  to  Dayton,  on  the  Sugar  river.  In  1857  it  was  authorized  to  build  south  to  the  state 
line,  and  make  its  northern  terminus  at  Madison.  In  1861  it  was  authorized  to  build  from  Madi- 
son to  Portage  City,  and  from  Columbus  to  Portage  City,  and  so  much  of  the  land    grant  act  of 

1856,  as  related  to  the  building  of  the  road  from  Madison,  and  from  Columbus  to  Portage  City, 
was  annulled  and  repealed,  and  the  rights  and  privileges  that  were  conferred  upon  the  LaCrosse 
company  were  given  to  the  Sugar  River  Valley  railroad  company,  and  the  portion  of  the  land 
grant,  applicable  to  the  lines  mentioned,  was  conferred  upon  the  last  named  company.  Lender 
this  legislation  about  twenty  miles  of  the  line  between  Madison  and  Portage  were  graded,  and 
the  right  of  way  secured  for  about  thirty  of  the  thirty-nine  miles.  The  LaCrosse  company  had 
done  considerable  grading  before  its  right  was  annulled.  In  1866  the  company  was  relieved 
from  constructing  the  road  from  Columbus  to  Portage  City.  In  1870  the  purchasers  of  that  part 
of  the  Sugar  River  Valley  railroad  lying  between  Madison  and  Portage  City  were  incorporated 
as  the  "  Madison  &  Portage  Railroad  Company,"  and  to  share  all  the  rights,  grants,  etc.,  that 
were  conferred  upon  the  Sugar  River  railroad  company  by  its  charter,  and  amendments  thereto, 
so  far  as  related  to  that  portion  of  the  line. 

Previous  to  this  time,  in  1864  and  1865,  judgments  had  been  obtained  against  the  Sugar 
River  Valley  company  ;  and  its  right  of  way,  grading  and  depot  grounds  sold  for  a  small  sum. 
James  Campbell,  who  had  been  a  contractor  with  the  Sugar  River  Valley  company,  witli  others, 
became  the  purchasers,  and  organized  under  the  act  of  1870,  and,  during  the  year  1871,  com- 
pleted it  between  Madison  and  Portage  City,  and  in  March,  1871,  leased  it  to  the  Milwaukee  & 
St.  Paul  company,  and  it  is  still  operated  by  that  corporation.  In  187 1  the  Madison  &  Portage 
company  was  authorized  to  extend  its  road  south  to  the  Illinois  state  line,  and  north  from 
Portage  City  to  Lake  Winnebago.     The  same  year  it  was  consolidated  with  the  "  Rockford  Central 


WISCONSIN   RAILROADS.  183 

Railroad  Company,"  of  Illinois,  and  its  name  changed   to   the  "Chicago  &   Superior  Railroad 

Company,"  but  still  retains  its  own  organization.      The   Madison  &   Portage  railroad  company 

claims  a  share  in  the  lands  granted  by  acts  of  congress  in  1856,  and  have  commenced  proceed- 
ings to  assert  its  claim,  which  case  is  still  pending  in  the  federal  courts. 

North  Wisconsin  Railroad. 

The  "North  Wisconsin  Railroad  Company"  was  incorporated  in  1869,  to  build  a  road  from 
Lake  St.  Croix,  or  river,  to  Bayfield  on  Lake  Superior.  The  grant  of  land  by  congress  in  1856,  to 
aid  in  building  a  road  from  Lake  St.  Croi.x  to  Bayfield  on  Lake  Superior,  under  the  decision  of 
the  federal  court,  was  yet  at  the  disposal  of  the  state.  This  company,  in  187 1,  built  a  short 
section  of  its  line  of  road,  with  the  expectation  of  receiving  the  grant.  In  1873,  the  grant  was 
conferred  upon  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  company,  but  under  the  terms  and  restrictions  con- 
tained in  the  act,  it  declined  to  accept  it.  The  legislature  of  1874  gave  it  to  the  North  Wiscon- 
sin company,  and  it  has  built  forty  miles  of  its  road,  and  received  the  lands  pertaining  thereto. 
Since  1876,  it  has  not  completed  any  part  of  its  line,  but  is  trying  to  construct  twenty  miles 
during  the  present  year.  The  company  is  authorized  to  construct  a  road  both  to  Superior  and 
to  Bayfield,  but  the  act  granting  the  lands  confers  that  portion  from  Superior  to  the  intersection 
of  the  line  to  Bayfield  upon  the  Chicago  &  North  Pacific  air-line  railroad.  This  last- named 
company  have  projected  a_  line  from  Chicago  to  the  west  end  of  Lake  Superior,  and  are  the 
owners  of  an  old  grade  made  through  Walworth  and  Jefferson  counties,  by  a  company  chartered 
in  1853  as  the  "  Wisconsin  Central,"  to  build  a  road  from  Portage  City  to  Geneva,  in  the  county 
of  Walworth.  The  latter  company  had  also  graded  its  line  between  Geneva  and  the  state  line 
of  Illinois.  This  grade  was  afterward  appropriated  by  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern,  and  over  it 
they  now  operate  their  line  from  Chicago  to  Geneva. 

Prairie  du  Chien  &  McGregor  Railroad. 

This  is  a  line  two  miles  in  length,  connecting  Prairie  du  Chien  in  Wisconsin,  with  McGregor 
in  Iowa.  It  is  owned  and  operated  by  John  Lawler,  of  the  latter-named  place.  It  extends  across 
both  channels  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and  an  intervening  island.  The  railroad  bridge  consists 
of  substantial  piling,  e.xcept  a  pontoon  draw  across  each  navigable  channel.  Each  pontoon  is  four 
hundred  feet  long  and  thirty  feet  wide,  provided  with  suitable  machinery  and  operated  by  steam 
power.  Mr.  Lawler  has  secured  a  patent  on  his  invention  of  the  pontoon  draw  for  railroad 
bridges.      His  line  was  put  in  operation  in  April,  1874. 

The  Chippewa   Falls  &    Western   Railroad. 

This  road  was  built  in  1874,  by  a  company  organized  under  the  general  law  of  the  state.  It 
is  eleven  miles  in  length,  and  connects  the  "  Falls  "  with  the  West  Wisconsin  line  at  Eau  Claire. 
It  was  constructed  by  the  energetic  business  men  and  capitalists  of  Chippewa  Falls,  to  afford  an 
outlet  for  the  great  lumber  and  other  interests  of  that  thriving  and  prosperous  city.  The  road 
is  substantially  built,  and  the  track  laid  with  steel  rails. 

Narrow  Gauge  Railroads. 

The  "  Galena  &  Southern  Wisconsin  Railroad  Company  "  was  incorporated  in  1857.  Under 
Us  charter,  a  number  of  capitalists  of  the  city  of  Galena,  in   the   state  of  Illinois,  commenced 


18 i  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN". 

the  construction  of  a  narrow  (three  feet)  gauge  road,  running  from  that  city  to  Platteville,  thirty- 
one  miles  in  length,  twenty  miles  in  Wisconsin.  It  runs  through  a  part  of  La  Fayette  county  to 
Platteville,  in  Grant  county,  and  was  completed  to  the  latter  [loint  in  1875.  Surveys  are  being 
made  for  an  extension  to  Wingville,  in  Grant  county. 

The  "Fond  dii  Lac,  .Vmboy  &  Peoria  Railway  Company  "  was  organized  under  the  general 
law  of  the  state,  in  1S74,  to  build  a  narrow  gauge  road  from  the  city  of  Fond  du  Lac  to  the  south 
line  of  the  state  in  the  county  of  Walworth  or  Rock,  and  it  declared  its  intention  to  consolidate 
with  a  company  in  Illinois  that  had  projected  a  line  of  railroad  from  Peoria,  in  Illinois,  to  the  south 
line  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin.  The  road  is  constructed  and  in  operation  from  Fond  du  Lac  to 
Iron  Ridge,  a  point  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  railway,  twenty-nine  miles  from  Fond 
du  Lac. 

The  "  Pine  River  &  Steven's  Point  Railroad  Company  "  was  >  rganized  by  the  enterprising 
citizens  of  Richland  Center,  and  has  built  a  narrow  gauge  road  from  Lone  Rock,  a  point  on  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  road,  in  Richland  county,  to  Richland  Center,  sixteen  miles  in 
length.     Its  track  is  laid  with  wooden  rails,  and  it  is  operated  successfully. 

The  '■  Chicago  &  Tomah  Railroad  Company  "  organized  under  the  general  railroad  law  of 
the  state,  in  1872,  to  construct  a  narrow  gauge  road  from  Chicago,  in  Illinois,  to  the  city  of 
Tomah,  in  Wisconsin.  Its  president  and  active  manager  is  D.  R.  Williams,  of  Clermont,  Iowa, 
and  its  secretary  is  L.  M.  Culver,  of  Wauzeka.  It  has  graded  about  forty-five  miles,  extending 
from  Wauzeka  up  the  valley  of  the  Kickapoo  river,  in  Crawford  county,  Wisconsin.  It  expects 
to  have  fifty-four  miles  in  operation,  to  Bloomingdale,  in  Vernon  county,  the  present  year  (1877). 
The  rolling  stock  is  guaranteed,  and  the  president  is  negotiating  for  the  purchase  of  the  iron. 
South  of  Wauzeka  the  line  is  located  to  Belmont,  in  Iowa  county.  At  Wauzeka  it  will  connect 
with  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  line. 

The  public-spirited  citizens  of  Necedah,  in  Juneau  county,  have  organized  under  the  general 
law  of  the  state,  and  graded  a  road-bed  from  their  village  to  New  Lisbon,  on  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee &  St.  Paul  company's  line.  The  latter  company  furnish  and  lay  the  iron,  and  will 
operate  the  road.     It  is  thirteen  miles  in  length. 

Conclusion. 

The  railroads  of  Wisconsin  have  grown  up  under  the  requirements  of  the  several  localities 
that  have  planned  and  commenced  their  construction,  and  without  regard  to  any  general 
system.  Frequently  the  work  of  construction  was  begun  before  adequate  means  were  provided, 
and  bankruptcy  overtook  the  roads  in  their  early  stages.  The  consolidation  of  the  various 
companies,  as  in  the  cases  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul,  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern, 
and  others,  has  been  effected  to  give  through  lines  and  the  public  greater  facilities,  as  well  as  to 
introduce  economy  in  management.  At  times  the  people  have  become  apprehensive,  and  by  legisla- 
tive action  prohibited  railroads  from  consolidating,  and  have  sought  to  control  and  break  down 
the  power  of  these  corporations  and  to  harmonize  the  interests  of  the  companies  and  the 
public.  The  act  of  1874,  called  the  "Potter  law,"  was  the  assertion,  by  the  legislative  power  of 
the  state,  of  its  right  to  control  corporations  created  by  itself,  and  limit  the  rates  at  which  freight 
and  passengers  should  be  carried.  After  a  long  and  expensive  contest,  carried  through  the  state 
and  federal  courts,  this  right  has  been  established,  being  finally  settled  by  the  decision  of  the 
supreme  court  of  the  United  States. 

Quite  all  the  railroads  of  Wisconsin  have  been  built  with  foreign  capital.  The  plan  pursued 
after   an  organization  was  effected,  was  to  obtain  stock  subscriptions  from  those  immediately 


LUMBER   MANUFACTURE.  185 

interested  in  the  enterprise,  procure  the  aid  of  counties  and  municipalities,  and  then  allure  the 
farmers,  with  the  prospect  of  joint  ownership  in  railroads,  to  subscribe  for  stock  and  mortgage 
their  farms  to  secure  the  payment  of  their  subscriptions.  Then  the  whole  line  was  bonded  and 
a  mortgage  executed.  The  bonds  and  mortgages  thus  obtained,  were  taken  to  the  money 
centers  of  New  York.  London,  Amsterdam  and  other  places,  and  sold,  or  hypothecated  to 
obtain  the  money  with  which  to  prosecute  the  work.  The  bonds  and  mortgages  were  made  to 
draw  a  high  rate  of  interest,  and  the  earnings  of  these  new  roads,  through  unsettled  localities, 
were  insufficient  to  pay  more  than  running  and  incidental  expenses,  and  frequently  fell  short  of 
that.  Default  occurring  in  the  payment  of  interest,  the  mortgages  were  foreclosed  and  the 
property  passed  into  the  hands  and  under  the  control  of  foreign  capitalists.  Such  has  been  the 
history  of  most  of  the  railroads  of  our  state.  The  total  number  of  farm  mortgages  given  has 
been  3,785,  amounting  to  $4,079,433 ;  town,  county  and  municipal  bonds,  amounting  to 
$6,910,652.  The  total  cost  of  all  the  railroads  in  the  state,  as  given  by  the  railroad  commissioner 
in  his  report  for  1876,  has  been  $98,343,453.67.  This  vast  sum  is,  no  doubt,  greatly  in  excess  of 
what  the  cost  should  have  been,  but  the  roads  have  proved  of  immense  benefit  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  material  resources  of  the  state. 

Other  lines  are  needed  through  sections  not  yet  traversed  by  the  iron  steed,  and  present 
lines  should  be  extended  by  branch  roads.  The  questions  upo.i  which  great  issues  were  raised 
between  the  railway  corporations  and  the  people,  are  now  happily  settled  by  securing  to  the  latter 
their  rights ;  and  the  former,  under  the  wise  and  conciliatory  policy  pursued  by  their  managers, 
are  assured  of  the  s»fety  of  their  investments.  An  era  of  good  feeling  has  succeeded  one  of 
distrust  and  antagonism.  The  people  must  use  the  railroads,  and  the  railroads  depend  upon  the 
people  for  sustenance  and  protection.  This  mutuality  of  interest,  when  fully  recognized  on  both 
sides,  will  result  in  giving  to  capital  a  fair  return  and  to  labor  its  just  reward. 


LUMBER    MANUFACTURE. 

By  W.  B.  JUDSON. 

Foremost  among  the  industries  of  Wisconsin  is  that  of  manufacturing  lumber.  Very  much 
of  the  importance  to  which  the  state  has  attained  is  due  to  the  development  of  its  forest  wealth. 
In  America,  agriculture  always  has  been,  and  always  will  be,  the  primary  and  most  important 
interest;  but  no  nation  can  subsist  upon  agriculture  alone.  VVhile  the  broad  prairies  of  Illinois 
and  Iowa  are  rich  with  a  fertile  and  productive  soil,  the  hills  and  valleys  of  northern  Wisconsin 
are  clothed  with  a  wealth  of  timber  that  has  given  birth  to  a  great  manufacturing  interest,  which 
employs  millions  of  capital  and  thousands  of  men,  and  has  peopled  the  northern  wilds  with 
energetic,  prosperous  communities,  built  up  enterprising  cities,  and  crossed  the  state  with  a  net- 
work of  railways  which  furnish  outlets  for  its  productions  and  inlets  for  the  new  populations 
which  are  ever  seeking  for  homes  and  employment  nearer  to  the  setting  sun. 

If  a  line  be  drawn  upon  the  state  map,  from  Green  Bay  westward  through  Stevens  Point, 
to  where  it  would  naturally  strike  the  Mississippi  river,  it  will  be  below  the  southern  boundary  of 
the  pine  timber  regions,  with  the  single  exception  of  the  district  drained  by  the  Yellow  river,  a 
tributary  of  the  Wisconsin,  drawing  its  timber  chiefly  from  Wood  and  Juneau  counties.  The 
territory  north  of  this  imaginary  line  covers  an  area  a  little  greater  than  one  half  of  the  state. 
The  pine  timbered  land  is  found  in  belts  or  ridges,  interspersed  with  prairie  openings,  patches 
of  hardwood  and  hemlock,  and  drained   by  numerous  water-courses.       No  less  than  seven  large 


186  HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 

rivers  traverse  this  northern  section,  and,  with  their  numerous  tributaries,  penetrate  every  county, 
affording  facilities  for  floating  the  logs  to  the  mills,  and,  in  many  instances,  the  power  to  cut  them 
into  lumber.  This  does  not  include  the  St.  Croix,  which  forms  the  greater  portion  of  the 
boundary  line  between  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota,  and,  by  means  of  its  tributaries,  draws  the  most 
and  best  of  its  pine  from  the  former  state.  These  streams  divide  the  territory,  as  far  as  lumbering 
is  concerned,  into  six  separate  and  distinct  districts  :  The  Green  bay  shore,  which  includes  the 
Wisconsin  side  of  the  Menomonee,  the  Peshtigo  and  Oconto  rivers,  with  a  number  of  creeks 
which  flow  into  the  bay  between  the  mouths  of  the  Oconto  and  Fox  rivers;  the  Wolf  river 
district;  the  \Visconsin  river,  including  the  Yellow,  as  before  mentioned ;  the  Black  river;  the 
Chippewa  and  Red  Cedar;    and  the  Wisconsin  side  of  the  St.  Croix. 

Beginning  with  the  oldest  of  these,  the  Green  bay  shore,  a  brief  description  of  each  will  be 
attempted.  The  first  saw-mill  built  in  the  state,  of  which  there  is  now  any  knowledge,  was  put  in 
operation  in  1809,  in  Brown  county,  two  or  three  miles  east  from  Depere,  on  a  little  stream  which 
was  known  as  East  river.  It  was  built  by  Jacob  Franks,  but  probably  was  a  very  small  affair. 
Of  its  machinery  or  capacity  for  sawing,  no  history  has  been  recorded,  and  it  is  not  within  the 
memory  of  any  inhabitant  of  to-day.  In  1829,  John  P.  Arndt,  of  Green  Bay,  built  a  water- 
power  mill  on  the  Pensaukee  river  at  a  point  where  the  town  of  Big  Suamico  now  stands.  In 
1834,  a  mill  was  built  on  the  Wisconsin  side  of  the  Menomonee,  and,  two  years  later,  one  at 
Peshtigo.  Lumber  was  first  shipped  to  market  from  this  district  in  1834,  which  must  be  termed 
the  beginning  of  lumbering  operations  on  the  bay  shore.  The  lands  drained  by  the  streams 
which  flow  into  Green  bay  are  located  in  Shawano  and  Oconto  counties,  the  latter  being  the 
largest  in  the  state.  In  1847,  Willard  Lamb,  of  Green  Bay,  made  the  first  sawed  pine  shingles  in 
that  district ;  they  were  sold  to  the  Galena  railroad  company  for  use  on  depot  buildings,  and 
were  the  first  of  the  kind  sold  in  Chicago.  Subsequently  Green  Bay  became  one  of  the  greatest 
points  for  the  manufacture  of  such  shingles  in  the  world.  The  shores  of  the  bay  are  low,  and 
gradually  change  from  marsh  to  swamp,  then  to  level  dry  land,  and  finally  become  broken  and 
mountainous  to  the  northward.  The  pine  is  in  dense  groves  that  crowd  closely  upon  the  swamps 
skirting  the  bay,  and  reach  far  back  among  the  hills  of  the  interior.  The  Peshtigo  flows  into  the 
bay  about  ten  miles  south  of  the  Menomonee,  and  takes  its  rise  far  back  in  Oconto  county,  near 
to  the  latter's  southern  tributaries.  It  is  counted  a  good  logging  stream,  its  annual  product 
being  from  40,000,000  to  60,000,000  feet.  The  timber  is  of  a  rather  coarse  quality,  running  but 
a  small  percentage  to  what  the  lumbermen  term  "uppers."  About  ten  per  cent,  is  what  is 
known  as  Norway  pine.  Of  the  whole  amount  of  timber  tributary  to  the  Peshtigo,  probably 
about  one  third  has  been  cut  off  to  this  date.  The  remainder  will  not  average  of  as  good  quality, 
and  only  a  limited  portion  of  the  land  is  of  any  value  for  agricultural  purposes  after  being  cleared 
of  the  pine.  There  are  only  two  mills  on  this  stream,  both  being  owned  by  one  company.  The 
Oconto  is  one  of  the  most  important  streams  in  the  district.  The  first  saw-mill  was  built 
on  its  banks  about  the  year  1840,  though  the  first  lumbering  operations  of  any  account  were 
begun  in  1845  by  David  Jones.  The  business  was  conducted  quite  moderately  until  1856, 
in  which  year  several  mills  were  built,  and  from  that  date  Oconto  has  been  known  as  quite 
an  extensive  lumber  manufacturing  point.  The  timber  tributary  to  this  stream  has  been  of 
the  best  quality  found  in  the  state.  Lumber  cut  from  it  has  been  known  to  yield  the 
extraordinarily  high  average  of  fifty  and  sixty  per  cent,  uppers.  The  timber  now  being  cut 
will  not  average  more  than  half  that.  The  proportion  of  Norway  is  about  five  per  cent.  It  is 
estimated  that  from  three  fourths  to  four  fifths  of  the  timber  tributary  to  the  Oconto  has  been 
cut  away,  but  it  will  require  a  much  longer  time  to  convert  the  balance  into  lumber  than  was 
necessary  to  cut  its  equivalent  in  amount,  owing  to   its  remote  location.     The  annual  production 


LUMBER   MANUFACTURE.  187 

of  pine  lumber  at  Oconto  is  from  50,000,000  to  65,000,000  feet.  The  whole  production  of  the 
district,  e.xclusive  of  the  timber  which  is  put  into  the  Menomonee  from  Wisconsin,  is  about 
140,000,000  feet  annually. 

The  Wolf  river  and  its  tributaries  constitute  the  next  district,  proceeding  westward.  The 
first  saw  logs  cut  on  this  stream  for  commercial  purposes  were  floated  to  the  government  mill  at 
Neenah  in  1835.  In  1842,  Samuel  Farnsworth  erected  the  first  saw-mill  on  the  upper  Wolf 
near  the  location  of  the  present  village  of  Shawano,  and  in  the  following  spring  he  sent  the  first 
raft  of  lumber  down  the  Wolf  to  Oshkosh.  This  river  also  rises  in  Oconto  county,  but  flows  in 
a  southerly  direction,  and  enters  Winnebago  lake  at  Oshkosh.  Its  pineries  have  been  very  exten- 
sive, but  the  drain  upon  them  within  the  past  decade  has  told  with  greater  effect  than  upon  any 
other  district  in  the  state.  The  quality  of  the  timber  is  very  fine,  and  the  land  is  considered  good 
for  agricultural  purposes,  and  is  being  occupied  upon  the  lines  of  the  different  railways  which 
cross  it.  The  upper  waters  of  the  Wolf  are  rapid,  and  have  a  comparatively  steady  flow,  which 
renders  it  a  very  good  stream  for  driving  logs.  Upon  the  upper  river,  the  land  is  quite  rolling, 
and  about  the  head-waters  is  almost  mountainous.  The  pine  timber  that  remains  in  this  dis- 
trict  is  high  up  on  the  main  river  and  branches,  and  will  last  but  a  few  years  longer.  A  few  years 
ago  the  annual  product  amounted  to  upward  of  250,000,000  feet;  in  1876  it  was  138,000,000, 
The  principal  manufacturing  points  are  Oshkosh  and  Fond  du  Lac  ;  the  former  has  21  mills,  and 
the  latter  10. 

Next  comes  the  Wisconsin,  the  longest  and  most  crooked  river  in  the  state.  It  rises  in  the 
extreme  northern  sections,  and  its  general  course  is  southerly  until,  at  Portage  City,  it  makes  a 
grand  sweep  to  the  westward  and  unites  with  the  Mississippi  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  It  has  numer- 
ous tributaries,  and,  together  with  these,  drains  a  larger  area  of  country  than  any  other  river  in 
the  state.  Its  waters  flow  swiftly  and  over  numerous  rapids  and  embryo  falls,  which  renders  log- 
driving  and  raft-running  very  difficult  and  even  hazardous.  The  timber  is  generally  near  the 
banks  of  the  main  stream  and  its  tributaries,  gradually  diminishing  in  extent  as  it  recedes  from 
them  and  giving  place  to  the  several  varieties  of  hard-woods.  The  extent  to  which  operations 
have  been  carried  on  necessitates  going  further  up  the  stream  for  available  timber,  although  there 
is  yet  what  may  be  termed  an  abundant  supply.  The  first  cutting  of  lumber  on  this  stream,  of 
which  there  is  any  record,  was  by  government  soldiers,  in  1828,  at  the  building  of  Fort  Winne- 
bago. In  1831,  a  mill  was  built  at  Whitney's  rapids,  below  Point  Bass,  in  what  was  then  Indian 
territory.  By  1840,  mills  were  in  operation  as  high  up  as  Big  Bull  falls,  and  Wausau  had  a 
population  of  350  souls.  Up  to  1876,  the  product  of  the  upper  Wisconsin  was  all  sent  in  rafts 
to  markets  on  the  Mississippi.  The  river  above  Point  Bass  is  a  series  of  rapids  and  eddies ;  the 
current  flows  at  the  rate  of  from  10  to  20  miles  an  hour,  and  it  can  well  be  imagined  that  the 
task  of  piloting  a  raft  from  Wausau  to  the  dells  was  no  slight  one.  The  cost  of  that  kind  of 
transportation  in  the  early  times  was  actually  equal  to  the  present  market  price  of  the  lumber. 
With  a  good  stage  of  water,  the  length  of  time  required  to  run  a  raft  to  St.  Louis  was  24  days, 
though  quite  frequently,  owing  to  inability  to  get  out  of  the  Wisconsin  on  one  rise  of  water,  sev- 
eral weeks  were  consumed.  The  amount  of  lumber  manufactured  annually  on  this  river  is  from 
140,000,000  to  200,000,000  feet. 

Black  river  is  much  shorter  and  smaller  than  the  Wisconsin,  but  has  long  been  known  as  a 
very  important  lumbering  stream.  It  is  next  to  the  oldest  lumber  district  in  the  state.  The 
first  saw-mill  west  of  Green  Bay  was  built  at  Black  River  Falls  in  18 19  by  Col.  John  Shaw. 
The  Winnebago  tribe  of  Indians,  however,  in  whose  territory  he  was,  objected  to  the  innovation 
of  such  a  fine  art,  and   unceremoniously  off'ered   up  the   mill   upon   the  altar  of  their  outraged 


188  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

solitude.  The  owner  abruptly  quitted  that  portion  of  the  country.  In  1839  another  attempt 
to  establish  a  mill  on  Black  river  was  more  successfully  made.  One  was  erected  at  the  same 
point  by  two  brothers  by  the  name  of  Wood,  the  millwright  being  Jacob  Spaulding,  who 
eventually  became  its  possessor.  His  son,  Mr.  Dudley  J.  Spaulding,  is  now  a  very  extensive 
operator  upon  Black  river.  La  Crosse  is  the  chief  manufacturing  point,  there  being  ten  saw-mills 
located  there.  The  annual  production  of  the  stream  ranges  from  150,000,000  to  225,000,000  feet 
of  logs,  less  than  100,000,000  feet  being  manufactured  into  lumber  on  its  banks.  The  balance 
is  sold  in  the  log  to  mills  on  the  Mississippi.  It  is  a  very  capricious  river  to  float  logs  in,  which 
necessitates  the  carrying  over  from  year  to  year  of  a  very  large  amount,  variously  estimated  at 
from  150,000,000  to  200,000,000  feet,  about  equal  to  an  entire  season's  product.  This  makes  the 
business  more  hazardous  than  on  many  other  streams,  as  the  loss  from  depreciation  is  very  great 
after  the  first  year.  The  quality  of  the  timber  is  fine,  and  good  prices  are  realized  for  it  when 
sold  within  a  year  after  being  cut. 

The  Chippewa  district  probably  contains  the  largest  and  finest  body  of  white  pine  timber 
now  standing,  tributary  to  any  one  stream,  on  the  continent.     It  has  been  claimed,  though  with 
more  extravagance   than   truth,  that  the  Chippewa  pineries  hold  one-half  the  timber  supply  of 
the  state.     The  river  itself  is  a  large  one,  and  has  many  tributaries,  which  penetrate  the  rich 
pine  district  in  all  directions.     The  character  of  the  tributary  country  is  not  unlike  that  through 
which  the  Wisconsin  flows.     In  1828  the  first  mill  was  built  in  the  Chippewa  valley,  on  Wilson's 
creek,  near  its  confluence  with  the  Red  Cedar.     Its  site  is  now  occupied  by  the  village  of  Meno- 
nionee.      In  1837  another  was  built  on  what  is  the  present  site  of  the  Union  Lumbering  Company's 
mill  at  Chippewa  Falls.      It  was  not  until  near  1865  that  the  Chippewa  became  very  prominent  as  a 
lumber-making  stream.     Since  that  date  it  has  been  counted  as  one  of  the  foremost  in  the  north- 
west.     Upon  the  river  proper  there  are  twenty-two  saw-mills,  none  having  a  capacity  of  less  than 
3,500,000  feet  per  season,  and  a  number  being  capable  of  sawing  from  20,000,000  to  25,000,000 
The  annual  production  of  sawed  lumber  is  from  250,000,000  to  300,000,000  feet;  the  production 
of  logs  from  400,000,000  to  500,000,000   feet.     In   1867  the  mill-owners  upon  the  Mississippi, 
between  Winona  and  Keokuk,  organized  a  corporation  known  as  the  Beef  Slough  Manufactur- 
ing, Log-Driving  and  Transportation  Company.     Its  object  was  to  facilitate  the  handling  of  logs 
cut  upon  the  Chippewa  and  its  tributaries,  designed  for  the  Mississippi  mills.     At  the  confluence 
of  the  two  rivers  Various  improvements  were  made,  constituting  the  Beef  Slough  boom,  which  is 
capable  of  assorting  200,000,000  feet  of  logs  per  season.     The  Chippewa  is  the  most  difficult 
stream  in   the  northwest   upon  which   to   operate.       In   the   spring  season  it  is  turbulent   and 
ungovernable,  and  in  summer,  almost  destitute  of  water.     About  its  head  are  numerous  lakes 
which  easily  overflow  under   the  influence  of  rain,  and   as   their  surplus  water  flows    into  the 
Chippewa,  its  rises  are  sudden  and  sometimes  damaging  in  their  extent.     The  river  in  many 
places  flows  between  high   bluffs,  and,  under  the  influence  of  a  freshet,  becomes  a  wild  and 
unmanageable  torrent.     Logs   have  never  been  floated  in   rafts,  as  upon  other  streams,  but  are 
turned  in  loose,  and  are  carried  down  with  each  successive  rise,  in  a  jumbled  and  confused  mass, 
which  entails   much  labor  and   loss  in  the  work  of  assorting  an  1  delivering  to  the  respective 
owners.      Previous  to  the  organization  of  the  Eagle  Rapids  Flooding  Dam  and  Boom  Company, 
in  1872,  the  work  of  securing  the  stock  after  putting  it  into  the  river  was  more  difficult  than  to 
cut  and  haul  it.     At  the  cities  of  Eau  Claire  and  Chippewa  Falls,  where  most  of  the  mills  are 
located,  the  current,  under  the  influence  of  high  water,  is  very  rapid,  and  for  years  the  problem 
was,  how   to  stop  and  retain  the  logs,  as  they  would  go  by  in  great  masses  and  with  almost  resist- 
less velocity.      In  1847  is  recorded  one  of  the  most  sudden  and  disastrous  floods  in  the  history 
of  log-running  streams.     In  the  month  of  June  the  Chippewa  rose  twelve  feet  in  a  single  night, 


LUMBER  MANUFACTURE.  189 

and,  in  the  disastrous  torrent  that  was  created,  piers,  booms,  or  "  pockets  "  for  holding  logs  at  the 
mills,  together  with  a  fine  new  mill,  were  swept  away,  and  the  country  below  where  Eau  Claire 
now  stands  was  covered  with  drift-wood,  saw-logs,  and  other  debris.  Such  occurrences  led  to 
the  invention  of  the  since  famous  sheer  boom,  which  is  a  device  placed  in  the  river  opposite 
the  mill  boom  into  which  it  is  desired  to  turn  the  logs.  The  sheer  boom  is  thrown  diagonally 
across  the  river,  automatically,  the  action  of  the  current  upon  a  number  of  ingeniously  arranged 
"fins  "  holding  it  in  position.  By  this  means  the  logs  are  sheered  into  the  receptacle  until  it  is 
filled,  when  the  sheer  boom,  by  closing  up  the  "  fins"  with  a  windlass,  falls  back  and  allows  the 
logs  to  go  on  for  the  next  mill  to  stop  and  capture  its  pocket  full  in  like  manner.  By  this 
method  each  mill  could  obtain  a  stock,  but  a  great  difficulty  was  e.xperienced  from  the  fact  that 
the  supply  was  composed  of  logs  cut  and  owned  by  everybody  operating  on  the  river,  and  the 
process  of  balancing  accounts  according  to  the  "  marks,"  at  the  close  of  the  season,  has  been 
one  prolific  of  trouble  and  legal  entanglements.  The  building  of  improvements  at  Eagle 
Rapids  by  the  company  above  mentioned  remedied  the  difficulty  to  some  extent,  but  the  process 
of  logging  will  always  be  a  difficult  and  hazardous  enterprise  until  adequate  means  for  holding 
and  assorting  the  entire  log  product  are  provided.  Upon  the  Yellow  and  Eau  Claire  rivers,  two 
important  branches  of  the  Chippewa,  such  difficulties  are  avoided  by  suitable  improvements. 
The  entire  lumber  product  of  the  Chippewa,  with  the  exception  of  that  consumed  locally,  is 
floated  in  rafts  to  markets  upon  the  Mississippi,  between  its  mouth  and  St.  Louis.  The  quality 
of  the  timber  is  good,  and  commands  the  best  market  price  in  the  sections  where  it  seeks 
market. 

West  of  the  Chippewa  district  the  streams  and  timber  are  tributary  to  the  St.  Croix,  and  in 
all  statistical  calculations  the  entire  product  of  that  river  is  credited  to  Minnesota,  the  same  as 
that  of  the  Menomonee  is  given  to  Michigan,  when  in  fact  about  one  half  of  each  belongs  to 
Wisconsin.  The  important  branches  of  the  St.  Croix  belonging  in  this  state  are  the  Apple 
Clam,  Yellow,  Namekogan,  Totagatic  and  Eau  Claire.  The  sections  of  country  through  which 
they  flow  contain  large  bodies  of  very  fine  pine  timber.  The  St.  Croix  has  long  been  noted  for 
the  excellence  of  its  dimension  timber.  Of  this  stock  a  portion  is  cut  into  lumber  at  Stillwater, 
and  marketed  by  rail,  and  the  balance  is  sold  in  the  log  to  mills  on  the  Mississippi. 

Such  is  a  brief  and  somewhat  crude  description  of  the  main  lumbering  districts  of  the  state. 
Aside  from  these,  quite  extensive  operations  are  conducted  upon  various  railway  lines  which 
penetrate  the  forests  which  are  remote  from  log-running  streams.  In  almost  every  county  in 
the  state,  mills  of  greater  or  less  capacity  may  be  found  cutting  up  pine  or  hard-woods  into 
lumber,  shingles,  or  cooperage  stock.  Most  important,  in  a  lumbering  point  of  view,  of  all  the 
railroads,  is  the  Wisconsin  Central.  It  extends  from  Milwaukee  to  Ashland,  on  Lake  Superior, 
a  distance  of  351  miles,  with  a  line  to  Green  Bay,  113  miles,  and  one  from  Stevens  Point  to 
Portage,  71  miles,  making  a  total  length  of  road,  of  449  miles.  It  has  only  been  completed  to 
Ashland  within  the  last  two  years.  From  Milwaukee  to  Stevens  Point  it  passes  around  to  the 
east  and  north  of  Lake  Winnebago,  through  an  excellent  hard-wood  section.  There  are  many 
stave  mills  in  operation  upon  and  tributary  to  its  line,  together  with  wooden-ware  establishments 
and  various  manufactories  requiring  either  hard  or  soft  limber  as  raw  material.  From  Stevens 
Point  northward,  this  road  passes  through  and  has  tributary  to  it  one  of  the  finest  bodies  of  tim- 
ber in  the  state.  It  crosses  the  upper  waters  of  Black  river  and  the  Flambeau,  one  of  the  main 
tributaries  of  the  Chippewa.  From  30,000,000  to  50,000,000  feet  of  lumber  is  annually  manu- 
factured on  its  line,  above  Stevens  Point.  The  Wisconsin  Valley  railroad  extends  from  Tomah 
to  Wausau,  and  was  built  to  afford  an  outlet,  by  rail,  for  the  lumber  produced  at  the  latter  point. 

The  extent  of  the  timber  supply  in   this  state  has  been  a  matter  of  much  speculation,  and 


190 


HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 


is  a  subject  upon  which  but  little  can  be  definitely  said.  Pine  trees  can  not  be  counted  or 
measured  until  reduced  to  saw-logs  or  lumber.  It  is  certain  that  for  twenty  years  the 
forests  of  Wisconsin  have  yielded  large  amounts  of  valuable  timber,  and  no  fears  are 
entertained  by  holders  of  pine  lands  that  the  present  generation  of  owners  will  witness 
an  exhaustion  of  their  supply.  In  some  sections  it  is  estimated  that  the  destruction  to 
the  standing  timber  by  fires,  which  periodically  sweep  over  large  sections,  is  greater  than 
by  the  axes  of  the  loggers.  The  necessity  for  a  state  system  of  forestry,  for  the  protection  of 
the  forests  from  fires,  has  been  urged  by  many,  and  with  excellent  reason  ;  for  no  natural  resource 
of  the  state  is  of  more  value  and  importance  than  its  wealth  of  timber.  According  to  an  esti- 
mate recently  made  by  a  good  authority,  and  which  received  the  sanction  of  many  interested 
parties,  there  was  standing  in  the  state  in  1876,  an  amount  of  pine  timber  approximating 
35,000,000,000  feet. 

The  annual  production  of  lumber  in  the  districts  herein  described,  and  from  logs  floated  out 
of  the  state  to  mills  on  the  Mississippi,  is  about  1,200,000,000  feet.  The  following  table  gives 
the  mill  capacity  per  season,  and  the  lumber  and  shingles  manufactured  in  1876  : 


DISTRICT. 


Green    Bay  Shore -- 

Wolf  River .- 

Wisconsin  Central  Railroad 

Green  Bay  &  Minnesota  Railroad 

Wisconsin   River , 

Black  River — 

Chippewa  River  — - - 

Mississippi  River  —  using  Wisconsin  logs. 


Total . 


SEASON 
CAPACITY. 


2o6,000,COO 

25S,5o._>,ooo 
72,500000 
34,500,000 
222,000,000 
101,000,000 
311,000,000 
509,000,000 


1,714,500,000 


LUMBER 

MANUF.\CTURED 

I.N  1876. 


138,250,000 

138,645,077 

31,530,000 

17,700.000 

139,700,000 

70852,747 

255,866,999 

380,067,000 


1,172,611,823 


SHINGLES 

MANUFACTURED 

IN  1876. 


85,400,000 
123,192,000 
132,700,000 

10,700,000 
106.250,000 

37,675,000 

79,250,000 
206,977,000 


782,144,000 


If  to  the  above  is  added  the  production  of  mills  outside  of  the  main  districts  and  lines  of  rail- 
way herein  described,  the  amount  of  pine  lumber  annually  produced  from  Wisconsin  forests  would 
reach  1,500,000,000  feet.  Of  the  hard-wood  production  no  authentic  information  is  obtainable 
To  cut  the  logs  and  place  them  upon  the  banks  of  the  streams,  ready  for  floating  to  the  mills, 
requires  the  labor  of  about  18,000  men.  Allowing  that,  upon  an  average,  each  man  has  a  family 
of  two  persons  besides  himself,  dependent  upon  his  labor  for  support,  it  would  be  apparent  that 
the  first  step  in  the  work  of  manufacturing  lumber  gives  employment  and  support  to  54,000 
persons.  To  convert  1,000,000  feet  of  logs  into  lumber,  requires  the  consumption  of  1,200 
bushels  of  oats,  9  barrels  of  pork  and  beef,  10  tons  of  hay,  40  barrels  of  flour,  and  the  use  of  2 
pairs  of  horses.  Thus  the  fitting  out  of  the  logging  companies  each  fall  makes  a  market  for 
1,800,000  bushels  of  oats,  13,500  barrels  of  pork  and  beef,  15,000  tons  of  hay,  and  60,000  barrels 
of  flour.  Before  the  lumber  is  sent  to  market,  fully  $6,000,000  is  expended  for  the  labor 
employed  in  producing  it.  This  industry,  aside  from  furnishing  the  farmer  of  the  west  with  the 
cheapest  and  best  of  materials  for  constructing  his  buildings,  also  furnishes  a  very  important 
market  for  the  products  of  his  farm. 

The  question  of  the  exhaustion  of  the  pine  timber  supply  has  met  with  much  discussion 
during  the  past  few  years,  and,  so  far  as  the  forests  of  Wisconsin  are  concerned,  deserves  a  brief 
notice.  The  great  source  of  supply  of  white  pine  timber  in  the  country  is  that  portion  of  the 
northwest  between  the  shores  of  Lake  Huron  and  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  comprising  the 


LUMBER  MANUFACTURE.  191 

northern  portions  of  the  states  of  Michigan,  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota.  For  a  quarter  of  a 
century  these  fields  have  been  worked  by  lumbermen,  the  amount  of  the  yearly  production 
having  increased  annually  until  it  reached  the  enormous  figure  of  4,000,000,000  feet.  With  all 
of  this  tremendous  drain  upon  the  forests,  there  can  be  pointed  out  but  one  or  two  sections  that 
are  actually  exhausted.  There  are,  however,  two  or  three  where  the  end  can  be  seen  and  the 
date  almost  foretold.  The  pineries  of  Wisconsin  have  been  drawn  upon  for  a  less  period  and 
less  amount  than  those  of  Michigan,  and,  it  is  generally  conceded,  will  outlast  them  at  the  present 
proportionate  rate  of  cutting.  There  are  many  owners  of  pine  timber  lands  who  laugh  at  the 
prospect  of  exhausting  their  timber,  within  their  lifetime.  As  time  brings  them  nearer  to  the  end, 
the  labor  of  procuring  the  logs,  by  reason  of  the  distance  of  the  timber  from  the  water-courses, 
will  increase,  and  the  work  will  progress  more  slowly. 

In  the  future  of  this  industry  there  is  much  promise.  Wisconsin  is  the  natural  source  of 
supply  for  a  very  large  territory.  The  populous  prairies  of  Illinois  and  Iowa  are  near-by  and 
unfailing  markets.  The  broad  plains  of  Kansas  and  the  rich  valleys  of  Nebraska,  which  are  still  in 
the  cradle  of  development,  will  make  great  drafts  upon  her  forests  for  the  material  to  construct  cities 
in  which  the  first  corner-stone  is  yet  unlaid.  Minnesota,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  large 
forests  exist  within  her  own  confines,  is  even  now  no  mean  customer  for  Wisconsin  lumber,  and 
the  ambitious  territory  of  Dakota  will  soon  clamor  for  material  to  build  up  a  great  and  wealthy 
state.  In  the  inevitable  progress  of  development  and  growth  which  must  characterize  the  great 
west,  the  demand  for  pine  lumber  for  building  material  will  be  a  prominent  feature.  With  the 
growth  of  time,  changes  will  occur  in  the  methods  of  reducing  the  forests.  With  the  increasing 
demand  and  enhancing  values  will  come  improvements  in  manipulating  the  raw  material,  and  a 
stricter  economy  will  be  preserved  in  the  handling  of  a  commodity  which  the  passage  of  time 
only  makes  more  valuable.  Wisconsin  will  become  the  home  of  manufactories,  which  will 
convert  her  trees  into  finished  articles  of  daily  consumption,  giving  employment  to  thousands  of 
artisans  where  it  now  requires  hundreds,  and  bringing  back  millions  of  revenue  where  is  now 
realized  thousands.  Like  all  other  commodities,  lumber  becomes  more  valuable  as'  skilled  labor 
is  employed  in  its  manipulation,  and  the  greater  the  extent  to  Which  this  is  carried,  the  greater  is 
the  growth  in  prosperity,  of  the  state  and  its  people. 


BANKING    IN    WISCONSIN. 

By  JOHN  P.  McGregor. 

Wisconsin  was  organized  as  a  territory  in  1836,  and  the  same  year  several  acts  were  passed 
by  the  territorial  legislature,  incorporating  banks  of  issue.  Of  these,  one  at  Green  Bay  and 
another  at  Mineral  Point  went  into  operation  just  in  time  to  play  their  part  in  the  great  panic 
of  1837.  The  bank  at  Green  Bay  soon  failed  and  left  its  bills  unredeemed.  The  bank  at 
Mineral  Point  is  said  to  have  struggled  a  little  longer,  but  both  these  concerns  were  short  lived, 
and  their  issues  were  but  a  drop  in  the  great  flood  of  worthless  wild-cat  bank  notes  that  spread 
over  the  whole  western  country  in  that  disastrous  time.  The  sufferings  of  the  people  of  Wis- 
consin, from  this  cause,  left  a  vivid  impression  on  their  minds,  which  manifested  its  results  in  the 
legislation  of  the  territory  and  in  the  constitution  of  the  state  adopted  in  1848.  So  jealous  were 
the  legislatures  of  the  territory,  of  banks  and  all  their  works,  that,  in  every  act  of  incorporatior 
for  any  purpose,  a  clause  was  inserted  to  the  effect  that  nothing  in  the  act  contained  should  be 


192  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

taken  to  authorize  the  corporation  to  assume  or  exercise  any  banking  powers;  and  this  proviso 
was  even  added  to  acts  incorporating  church  societies.  For  some  years  there  can  hardly  be  said 
to  have  been  a  ly  banking  business  done  in  the  territory  ;  merchants  and  business  men  were  left 
to  their  own  devices  to  make  their  exchanges,  and  every  man  was  his  own  banker. 

In  the  year  1839  an  act  was  passed  incorporating  the  "  Wisconsin  Marine  and  Fire  Insurance 
Company,"  of  Milwaukee.  This  charter  conferred  on  the  corporation,  in  addition  to  the  usual 
powers  of  a  fire  and  marine  insurance  company,  the  privilege  of  receiving  deposits,  issuing  certifi- 
cates 0/  deposit  3.n(\  lending  money, —  and  wound  up  with  the  usual  prohibition  from  doing  a 
banking  business.  This  company  commenced  business  at  once  under  the  management  of  George 
Smith  as  president  and  Alexander  Mitchell  as  secretary.  The  receiving  deposits,  issuing  certifi- 
cates of  deposit  and  lending  money,  soon  outgrew  and  overshadowed  the  insurance  branch  of  the 
institution,  which  accordingly  gradually  dried  up.  In  fact,  the  certificates  of  deposit  had  all  the 
appearance  of  ordinary  bank  notes,  and  served  the  purposes  of  an  excellent  currency,  being 
always  promptly  redeemed  in  coin  on  demand.  Gradually  these  issues  attained  a  great 
circulation  all  through  the  west,  as  the  people  gained  more  and  more  confidence  in  the  honesty 
and  ability  of  the  managers  ;  and  though  "  runs  "  were  several  times  made,  yet  being  successfully 
met,  the  public  finally  settled  down  into  the  belief  that  these  bills  were  good  beyond  question,  so 
that  the  amount  in  circulation  at  one  time,  is  said,  on  good  authority,  to  have  been  over 
$2,000,000. 

As  the  general  government  required  specie  to  be  paid  for  all  lands  bought  of  it,  the  Wis- 
consin Marine  and  Fire  Insurance  company,  by  redemption  of  its  "  certificates  of  deposit," 
furnished  a  large  part  of  the  coin  needed  for  use  at  the  Milwaukee  land  office,  and  more  or  less 
for  purchases  at  land  offices  in  other  parts  of  the  state,  and  its  issues  were  of  course  much  in 
request  for  this  purpose.  For  many  years  this  institution  furnished  the  main  banking  facilities 
for  the  business  men  of  the  territory  and  young  state,  in  the  way  of  discounts  and  exchanges. 
Its  right  to  carry  on  the  operations  it  was  engaged  in,  under  its  somewhat  dubious  and  incon- 
sistent charter,  was  often  questioned,  and,  in  1852,  under  the  administration  of  Governor  Farwell, 
some  steps  were  taken  to  test  the  matter;  but  as  the  general  banking  law  had  then  been  passed 
by  the  legislature,  and  was  about  to  be  submitted  to  the  people,  and  as  it  was  understood  that  the 
comiiany  'vonid  organize  as  a  bank  under  the  law,  if  approved,  the  legal  proceedings  were  not 
pressed.  While  this  corporation  played  so  important  a  part  in  the  financial  history  and  commer- 
cial development  of  Wisconsin,  the  writer  is  not  aware  of  any  available  statistics  as  to  the 
amount  of  business  transacted  by  it  before  it  became  merged  in  the  "Wisconsin  Marine  and 
Fire  Insurance  Company's  Bank." 

In  1847,  the  foundation  of  the  present  well-known  firm  of  Marshall  &  Ilsley  was  laid  by 
Samuel  Marshall,  who,  in  that  year,  opened  a  private  banking  office  in  Milwaukee,  and  was  joined 
in  1849  by  Charles  F.  Ilsley.  This  concern  has  always  held  a  prominent  position  among  the 
banking  institutions  of  our  state.  About  this  time,  at  Mineral  Point,  Washburn  &  Woodman 
(C.  C.  Washburn  and  Cyrus  Woodman)  engaged  in  private  banking,  as  a  part  of  their  business. 
After  some  years  they  were  succeeded  by  Wm.  T.  Henry,  who  still  continues  the  banking  office. 
Among  the  early  private  bankers  of  the  state  were  Mr.  Kellogg,  of  Oshkosh  ;  Ulmann  and  Bell,  of 
Racine  ;  and  T.  C.  Shove,  of  Manitowoc.  The  latter  still  continues  his  business,  while  that  of 
the  other  firms  has  1  een  wound  up  or  merged  in  organized  banks. 

In  1848,  Wisconsin  adopted  a  state  constitution.  This  constitution  prohibited  the  legislature 
from  incorporating  banks  and  from  conferring  banking  powers  on  any  corporation;  but  provided 
the  question  of  "banks  or  no  banks  "  might  be  submitted  to  a  vote  of  the  electors,  and,  if  the 
decision  should  be  in  favor  of  banks,  then  the  legislature  might  charter  banks  or  might  enact  a 


BANKING    IX    WISCONSIN.  198 

general  banking  law,  but  no  such  special  charter  or  general  banking  law  should  have  any  force 
until  submitted  to  the  electors  at  a  general  election,  and  approved  by  a  majority  of  votes  cast  on 
that  subject.  In  185  i,  the  legislature  submitted  this  question  to  the  people,  and  a  majority  of 
the  votes  were  cast  in  favor  of  "  banks."  Accordingly  the  legislature,  in  1852,  made  a  general 
banking  law,  which  was  submitted  to  the  electors  in  November  of  that  year,  and  was  approved 
by  them.  This  law  was  very  similar  to  the  free  banking  law  of  the  state  of  New  York,  which 
had  then  been  in  force  about  fifteen  years,  and  was  generally  approved  in  that  state.  Our  law 
authorized  any  number  of  individuals  to  form  a  corporate  association  for  banking  purposes,  and 
its  main  provisions  were  intended  to  provide  security  for  the  circulating  notes,  by  deposit  of  state 
and  United  States  stocks  or  bonds  with  the  state  treasurer,  so  that  the  bill  holders  should  sustain 
no  loss  in  case  of  the  failure  of  the  banks.  Provision  was  made  for  a  bank  comptroller,  whose 
main  duty  it  was  to  see  that  countersigned  circulating  notes  were  issued  to  banks  only  in  proper 
amounts  for  the  securities  deposited,  and  upon  compliance  with  the  law,  and  that  the  banks  kept 
these  securities  good. 

The  first  bank  comptroller  was  James  S.  Baker,  who  was  appointed  by  Governor  Farwell. 

The  first  banks  organized  under  the  new  law  were  the  "  State  Bank,"  established  at  Madi- 
Bon  by  Marshall  &  Ilsley,  and  the  "Wisconsin  Marine  and  Fire  Insurance  Company's  Bank," 
established  at  Milwaukee  under  the  old  management  of  that  company.  These  banks  both  went 
intooperation  early  in  January,  1853,  and,  later  in  that  year,  the  "  State  Bank  of  Wisconsin  "  (now 
Milwaukee  National  Bank  of  Wisconsin),  and  the  "  Farmers'  and  Millers'  Bank  "  (now  First 
National  Bank  of  Milwaukee),  were  established,  followed  in  January,  1854,  by  the  "Bank  of  Mil- 
waukee "  (now  National  Exchange  Bank  of  Milwaukee).  From  this  time  forward  banks  were 
rapidly  established  at  different  points  through  the  state,  until  in  July,  1857,  they  numbered  sixty 
—  with  aggregate  capital,  ^,205,000;  deposits,  $3,920,238;  and  circulation,  $2,231,829.  In 
October,  the  great  revulsion  and  panic  of  1857  came  on,  and  in  its  course  and  effects  tried  pretty 
severely  the  new  banks  in  Wisconsin.  Some  of  them  succumbed  to  the  pressure,  but  most  of 
them  stood  the  trial  well. 

The  great  source  of  loss  and  weakness  at  that  time  was  found  in  the  rapid  decline  of  the 
market  value  of  the  securities  deposited  to  protect  circulation,  which  were  mostly  state  bonds, 
and  largely  those  of  the  southern  states;  so  that  this  security,  when  it  came  to  be  tried,  did  not 
prove  entirely  sufficient.  Another  fault  of  the  system,  or  of  the  practice  under  it,  was  developed 
at  this  time.  It  was  found  that  many  of  the  banks  had  been  set  up  without  actual  working  capi- 
tal, merely  for  the  purpose  of  issuing  circulating  notes,  and  were  located  at  distant  and  inaccessible 
points  in  what  was  then  the  great  northern  wilderness  of  the  state ;  so  that  it  was  expensive  and 
in  fact  impracticable  to  present  their  issues  for  redemption.  While  these  evils  and  their  rem- 
edies were  a  good  deal  discussed  among  bankers,  the  losses  and  inconveniences  to  the  people 
were  not  yet  great  enough  to  lead  to  the  adoption  of  thorough  and  complete  measures  of  reform. 
The  effect  of  these  difficulties,  however,  was  to  bring  the  bankers  of  the  state  into  the  habit  of 
consulting  and  acting  together  in  cases  of  emergency,  the  first  bankers'  convention  having  been 
held  in  1857.  This  was  followed  by  others  from  time  to  time,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  over- 
value the  great  good  that  has  resulted,  at  several  important  crises  from  the  hara  onious  and  con- 
servative action  of  the  bankers  of  our  state.  Partly,  at  least,  upon  their  recommendations  the 
legislature,  in  1858,  adopted  amendments  to  the  banking  law,  providing  that  no  bank  should  be 
located  in  a  township  containing  less  than  two  hundred  inhabitants;  and  that  the  comptroller 
should  not  issue  circulating  notes,  except  to  banks  doing  a  regular  discount  deposit  and  exchange 
business  in  some  inhabited  town,  village,  city,  or  where  the  ordinary  business  of  inhabited  towns, 
villages  and  cities  was  carried  on.     These  amendments  were  approved  by  the  people  at  the  fall 


194  HISTORY   f)F   WISCONSIN. 

election  of  that  year. 

Banking  matters  now  ran  along  pretty  smoothly  until  the  election  in  i860,  of  the  republican 
presidential  ticket,  and  the  consequent  agitation  in  the  southern  states  threatening  civil  war,  the 
effects  of  which  were  speedily  felt;  first,  in  the  great  depreciation  of  the  bonds  of  the  southern 
states,  and  then  in  a  less  decline  in  those  of  the  northern  states.  At  this  time  (taking  the  state- 
ment of  July,  i860,)  the  number  of  banks  was  104,  with  aggregate  capital,  $6,547,000;  circula- 
tion, $4,075,918;  deposits,  $3,230,252. 

During  the  winter  following,  there  was  a  great  deal  of  uneasiness  in  regard  to  our  state  cur- 
rency, and  CO  itinuous  demand  upon  our  banks  for  the  redemption  of  their  circulating  notes  in 
coin.  Many  banks  of  the  wild-cat  sort  failed  to  redeem  their  notes,  which  became  depreciated 
and  uncurrent ;  and,  when  the  rebellion  came  to  a  head  by  the  firing  on  Fort  Sumter,  the  banking 
interests  of  the  state  were  threatened  with  destruction  by  compulsory  winding  up  and  enforced 
sale  at  the  panic  prices  then  prevailing,  of  the  securities  deposited  to  secure  circulation.  Under 
these  circumstances,  on  the  17th  of  April,  1S61,  the  legislature  passed  "an  act  to  protect  the 
holders  of  the  circulating  notes  of  the  authorized  banks  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin."  As  the 
banking'  law  could  not  be  amended  except  by  approval  of  the  electors,  by  vote  at  a  general 
election,  a  practical  suspension  of  specie  payment  had  to  be  effected  by  indirect  methods.  So 
this  act  first  directed  the  bank  comptroller  to  suspend  all  action  toward  banks  for  failing  to 
redeem  their  circulation.  Secondly,  it  prohibited  notaries  public  from  protesting  bills  of  banks 
until  Dec  i,  1861.  Thirdly,  it  gave  banks  until  that  date  to  answer  complaints  in  any  proceed- 
ing to  compel  specie  payment  of  circulating  notes.  This  same  legislature  also  amended  the 
banking  law,  to  cure  defects  that  had  been  developed  in  it.  These  amendments  were  intended 
lo  facilitate  the  presentation  and  protest  of  circulating  notes,  and  the  winding  up  of  banks 
failing  to  redeem  them,  and  provided  that  the  liank  comptroller  should  not  issue  circulating  notes 
except  to  banks  having  actual  cash  capital ;  on  which  point  he  was  to  take  evidence  in  all  cases ; 
that  after  Dec.  i,  1861,  all  banks  of  the  state  should  redeem  their  issues  either  at  Madison  or 
Milwaukee,  and  no  bonds  or  stocks  should  be  received  as  security  for  circulation  except  those  of 
the  United  States  and  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin. 

Specie  payment  of  bank  bills  was  then  practically  suspended,  in  our  state,  from  April  17  to 
December  i,  1861,  and  there  was  no  longer  any  plain  practical  test  for  determining  which  were 
good,  and  which  not.  In  this  condition  of  things,  bankers  met  in  convention,  and,  after  discus- 
sion and  inquiry  as  to  the  condition  and  resources  of  the  different  banks,  put  forth  a  list  of  those 
whose  issues  were  to  be  considered  current  and  bankable.  But  things  grew  worse,  and  it  was 
evident  that  the  list  contained  banks  that  would  never  be  able  to  redeem  their  circulation,  and 
the  issues  of  such  were  from  time  to  time  thrown  out  and  discredited  without  any  concert  of 
action,  so  that  the  uneasiness  of  people  in  regard  to  the  financial  situation  was  greatly  increased. 
The  bankers  finally  met,  gave  the  banks  another  sifting,  and  put  forth  a  list  of  seventy  banks 
whose  circulating  notes  they  pledged  themselves  to  receive,  and  pay  out  as  current,  until  Decem- 
ber I.  There  had  been  so  many  changes  that  this  pledge  was  thought  necessary  to  allay  the 
apprehensions  of  the  public.  But  matters  still  grew  worse  instead  of  better.  Some  of  the 
banks  in  the  "  current "  list  closed  their  doors  to  their  depositors,  and  others  were  evidently 
unsotind,  and  their  circulation  so  insufficiently  secured  as  to  make  it  certain  that  it  would  never 
be  redeemed.  There  was  more  or  less  sorting  of  the  currency,  both  by  banks  and  business  men, 
all  over  the  state,  in  the  endeavor  to  keep  the  best  and  pay  out  the  poorest.  In  this  state  of 
things,  some  of  the  Milwaukee  banks,  without  concert  of  action,  and  acting  under  the  apprehen- 
sion of  being  loaded  up  with  the  very  worst  of  the  currency,  which,  it  was  feared,  the  country 
banks  and  mercliants  were  sorting  out   and   sending  to  Milwaukee,  revised  the   list  again,   and 


BANKING   IN   WISCONSIN.  195 

threw  out  ten  of  the  seventy  banks  whose  issues  it  had  been  agreed  should  be  received  as 
current.  Other  banks  and  bankers  were  compelled  to  take  the  same  course  to  protect  them- 
selves. The  consequence  was  a  great  disturbance  of  the  public  mind,  and  violent  charges  of 
bad  faith  on  the  part  of  the  banks,  which  culminated  in  the  bank  riots  of  June  24,  1861.  On 
that  day,  a  crowd  of  several  hundred  disorderly  people,  starting  out  most  probably  only  with  the 
idea  of  making  some  sort  of  demonstration  of  their  dissatisfaction  with  the  action  of  the  banks 
and  bankers  and  with  the  failure  to  keep  faith  with  the  public,  marched  through  the  streets  with 
a  band  of  music,  and  brought  up  at  the  corner  of  Michigan  and  East  Water  streets. 

The  banks  had  just  sufficient  notice  of  these  proceedings  to  enable  them  to  lock  up  their 
money  and  valuables  in  their  vaults,  before  the  storm  broke  upon  them.  The  mob  halted  at  the 
place  above  mentioned,  and  for  a  time  contented  themselves  with  hooting,  and  showed  no  dispo- 
sition to  proceed  to  violence;  but,  after  a  little  while,  a  stone  was  thrown  through  the  windows 
of  the  Wisconsin  Marine  and  Fire  Insurance  Company's  Bank,  situated  at  one  corner  of  the 
above  streets,  and  volley .  of  stones  soon  followed,  not  only  against  that  bank,  but  also  against 
the  State  Bank  of  Wisconsin,  situated  on  the  opposite  corner.  The  windows  of  both  these 
institutions  and  of  the  offices  in  the  basements  under  them  were  effectually  demolished. 
The  mob  then  made  a  rus-h  into  these  banks  and  offices,  and  completely  gutted  them,  offering 
more  or  less  violence  to  the  inmates,  though  no  person  was  seriously  hurt.  The  broken  furni- 
ture of  the  offices  under  the  State  Bank  of  Wisconsin  was  piled  up,  and  the  torch  was  applied 
by  some  of  the  rioters,  while  others  were  busy  in  endeavoring  to  break  into  the  safes  of  the  offices 
and  the  vaults  of  the  banks.  The  debris  of  the  furniture  in  the  office  of  the  Wisconsin  Marine 
and  Fire  Insurance  < Company's  Bank,  was  also  set  on  fire,  and  it  was  plain  that  if  the  mob  was 
not  immediately  checked,  the  city  would  be  given  up  to  conflagration  and  pillage — -the  worst 
elements,  as  is  always  the  case  with  mobs,  having  assumed  the  leadership.  Just  at  that  juncture, 
the  Milwaukee  zouaves,  a  small  military  company,  appeared  on  the  scene,  and  with  the  help  of 
the  firemen  who  had  been  called  out,  the  mob  was  put  to  flight,  and  the  incipient  fire  was  extin- 
guished. 

The  damage  so  far  done  was  not  great  in  amount,  and  the  danger  for  the  moment  was  over; 
but  the  situation  was  still  grave,  as  the  city  was  full  of  threats,  disturbance  and  apprehension. 
By  the  prompt  action  of  the  authorities,  a  number  of  companies  of  volunteers  were  brought  from 
different  places  in  the  state,  order  was  preserved,  and,  after  muttering  for  three  or  four  days,  the 
storm  died  away.  The  effect  of  that  disturbance  and  alarm  was,  however,  to  bring  home  to  the 
bankers  and  business  men  the  conviction  that  effectual  measures  must  be  taken  to  settle  our 
state  currency  matters  on  a  sound  and  permanent  basis,  and  that  the  issues  of  all  banks  that 
could  not  be  put  in  shape  to  meet  specie  payment  in  December,  must  be  retired  from  circulation 
and  be  got  out  of  the  way.  A  meeting  of  the  bankers  was  held ;  also  of  the  merchants'  association 
of  Milwaukee,  and  arrangements  were  made  to  raise  $100,000,  by  these  two  bodies,  to  be  used  in 
assisting  weak  and  crippled  banks  in  securing  or  retiring  their  circulation.  The  bankers 
appointed  a  committee  to  take  the  matter  in  charge. 

It  happened  that  just  at  this  time  Governor  Randall  and  State  Treasurer  Hastings  returned 
from  New  York  City,  where  they  had  been  making  unsuccessful  efforts  to  dispose  of  $800,000  of 
Wisconsin  war  bonds,  which  had  been  issued  to  raise  funds  to  fit  out  Wisconsin  volunteers. 

Our  state  had  never  had  any  bonds  on  the  eastern  market.  For  other  reasons,  our 
Credit  was  not  high  in  New  York,  and  it  had  been  found  impossible  to  dispose  of  these  bonds  for 
Over  sixty  cents  on  the  dollar.  The  state  officers  conferred  with  the  bankers  to  see  what  could 
be  done  at  home  ;  and  it  was  finally  arranged  that  the  bankers'  committee  should  undertake  to 
get  the  state  banks  to  dispose  of  their  southern  and  other  depreciated  state  bonds  on  deposit  to 


196  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

secure  circulation,  for  what  they  would  bring  in  coin,  in  New  York,  and  replace  these  bonds  with 
those  of  our  own  state, .which  were  to  be  taken  by  our  banks  nominally  at  par  —  seventy  per  cent, 
being  paid  in  cash,  and  the  different  banks  purchasing  bonds,  giving  their  individual  obligation 
for  the  thirty  per  cent,  balance,  to  be  paid  in  semi-annual  installments,  with  an  agreement  that  the 
state  should  deduct  these  installments  from  the  interest  so  long  as  these  bonds  should  remain  on 
deposit  with  the  state.  By  the  terms  of  the  law,  sixty  per  cent,  of  the  proceeds  of  the  bonds  had  to 
be  paid  in  coin.  The  bankers'  committee  went  to  work,  and  with  some  labor  and  difficulty 
induced  most  of  the  banks  to  sell  their  southern  securities  at  the  existing  low  prices  in  New 
York,  and  thus  produce  the  coin  required  to  pay  for  our  state  bonds.  From  the  funds  provided 
by  the  merchants  and  bankers,  they  assisted  many  of  the  weaker  banks  to  make  good  their 
securities  with  the  banking  department  of  the  state.  By  the  19th  of  July,  six  of  the  ten  rejected 
banks  that  had  been  the  occasion  of  the  riot,  were  made  good,  and  restored  to  the  list.  The 
other  four  were  wound  up,  and  their  issues  redeemed  at  par,  and,  before  the  last  of  August,  the 
value  of  the  securities  of  all  the  banks  on  the  current  list  were  brought  up  to  their  circulation, 
as  shown  by  the  comptroller's  report. 

Wisconsin  currency  at  the  time  of  the  bank  riot  was  at  a  discount  of  about  15  per  cent.,  as 
compared  with  gold  or  New  York  exchange.  At  the  middle  of  July  the  discount  was  10  to  12 
per  cent.,  and  early  in  August  it  fell  to  5  per  cent.  The  bankers'  committee  continued  their 
work  in  preparation  for  the  resumption  of  specie  payment  on  December  i.  While  the  securities 
for  the  bank  circulation  had  been  made  good,  it  was,  nevertheless,  evident  that  many  of  the 
banks  on  the  current  list  would  not  be  equal  to  the  continued  redemption  of  their  bills  in  specie, 
and  that  they  would  have  to  be  wound  up  and  got  out  of  the  way  in  season.  Authority  was  got 
from  such  institutions,  as  fast  as  possible,  for  the  bankers'  committee  to  retire  their  circulation 
and  sell  their  securities.  The  Milwaukee  banks  and  bankers  took  upon  themselves  the  great 
burden  of  this  business,  having  arranged  among  themselves  to  sort  out  and  withhold  from  cir- 
culation the  bills  of  these  banks, —  distributing  the  load  among  themselves  in  certain  defined 
proportions.  Instead  of  paying  out  these  doubted  bills,  the  different  banks  brought  to  the  bank- 
ers' committee  such  amounts  as  they  accumulated  from  time  to  time,  and  received  from  the 
committee  certificates  of  deposit  bearing  seven  per  cent,  interest,  and  these  bills  were  locked  up 
by  the  committee  until  the  securities  for  these  notes  could  be  sold  and  the  proceeds  realized. 
Over  $400,000  of  this  sort  of  paper  was  locked  up  by  the  committee  at  one  time ;  but  it  was  all 
converted  into  cash,  and,  when  the  first  of  December  came,  the  remaining  banks  of  this  state 
were  ready  to  redeem  their  issues  in  gold  or  its  equivalent,  and  so  continued  to  redeem  until  the 
issue  of  the  legal-tender  notes  and  the  general  suspension  of  specie  payment  in  the  United 
States. 

In  July,  1861,  the  number  of  our  banks  was  107,  with  capital,  $4,607,000;  circulation, 
$2>3i7>9o7;  deposits,  $3,265,069. 

By  the  contraction  incident  to  the  preparations  for  redemption  in  specie,  the  amount  of  cur- 
rent Wisconsin  bank  notes  outstanding  December  i,  i86r,  was  reduced  to  about  $1,500,000. 
When  that  day  came,  there  was  quite  a  disposition  manifested  to  convert  AVisconsin  currency 
into  coin,  and  a  sharp  financial  pinch  was  felt  for  a  few  days ;  but  as  the  public  became  satisfied 
that  the  banks  were  prepared  to  meet  the  demand,  the  call  for  redemption  rapidly  fell  off,  and 
the  banks  soon  began  to  expand  their  circulation,  which  was  now  current  and  in  good  demand 
all  through  the  northwestern  states.  The  amount  saved  to  all  the  interests  of  our  state,  by  this 
successful  effort  to  save  our  banking  system  from  destruction,  is  beyond  computation.  From 
this  time  our  banks  ran  along  (juietly  until  prohibitory  taxation  by  act  of  congress  drove  the  bills 
of  state  banks  out  of  circulation. 


BANKING   IN   WISCONSIN.  197 

The  national  banking  law  was  passed  in  1S63,  and  a  few  banks  were  soon  organized  under 
it  in  different  parts  of  the  country.  The  first  in  Wisconsin  was  formed  by  the  re-organization  of 
the  Farmers'  and  Millers'  Bank,  in  August,  1S63,  as  the  First  National  Bank  of  Milwaukee, 
with  Edward  D.  Holton  as  president,  and  H.  H.  Camp,  cashier.  The  growth  of  the  new  system, 
however,  was  not  very  rapid ;  the  state  banks  were  slow  to  avail  themselves  of  the  privileges  of 
the  national  banking  act,  and  the  central  authorities  concluded  to  compel  them  to  come  in ;  so 
facilities  were  offered  for  their  re-organization  as  national  banks,  and  then  a  tax  of  ten  per  cent, 
was  laid  upon  the  issues  of  the  state  banks.  This  ta.x  was  imposed  by  act  of  March,  1865,  and 
at  once  caused  a  commotion  in  our  state.  In  July,  1864,  the  number  of  Wisconsin  state  banks 
was  si.\ty-si.\,  with  capital  §3,147,000,  circulation  $2,461,728,  deposits  §5,483, 205,  and  these 
figures  were  probably  not  very  different  in  the  spring  of  1S65.  The  securities  for  the  circulating 
notes  were  in  great  part  the  bonds  of  our  own  state,  which,  while  known  by  our  own  people  to 
be  good  beyond  question,  had  never  been  on  the  general  markets  of  the  country  so  as  to  be  cur- 
rently known  there;  and  it  was  feared  that  in  the  hurried  retirement  of  our  circulation  these 
lionds  would  be  sacrificed,  the  currency  depreciated,  and  great  loss  brought  upon  our  banks  and 
people.  There  was  some  excitement,  and  a  general  call  for  the  redemption  of  our  state  circula- 
tion, but  the  banks  mostly  met  the  run  well,  and  our  people  were  disposed  to  stand  by  our  own 
state  bonds. 

In  April,  1861,  the  legislature  passed  laws,  calling  in  the  mortgage  loans  of  the  school  fund, 
and  directing  its  investment  in  these  securities.  The  state  treasurer  was  required  to  receive 
Wisconsin  bank  notes,  not  only  for  taxes  and  debts  due  the  state,  but  also  on  deposit,  and  to 
issue  certificates  for  such  deposits  bearing  seven  per  cent,  interest.  By  these  and  like  means 
the  threatened  panic  was  stopped ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  months  Wisconsin  state  currency 
was  nearly  all  withdrawn  from  circulation.  In  July,  1865,  the  number  of  state  banks  was 
twenty-six,  with  capital  $1,087,000,  circulation  $192,323,  deposits  $2,284,210.  Under  the 
pressure  put  on  by  congress,  the  organization  of  national  banks,  and  especially  the  re-organiza- 
tion of  state  banks,  under  the  national  system,  was  proceeding  rapidly,  and  in  a  short  time  nearly 
every  town  in  our  own  state  of  much  size  or  importance  was  provided  with  one  or  more  of  these 
institutions. 

In  the  great  panic  of  1873,  all  the  Wisconsin  banks,  both  state  and  national  (in  common 
with  those  of  the  whole  country),  were  severely  tried;  but  the  failures  were  few  and  unimpor- 
tant; and  Wisconsin  went  through  that  ordeal  with  less  loss  and  disturbance  than  almost  any 
other  state. 

We  have  seen  that  the  history  of  banking  in  Wisconsin  covers  a  stormy  period,  in  which 
great  disturbances  and  panics  have  occurred  at  intervals  of  a  few  years.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that 
a  more  peaceful  epoch  will  succeed,  but  permanent  quiet  and  prosperity  can  not  rationally  be 
expected  in  the  present  unsettled  condition  of  our  currency,  nor  until  we  have  gone  through  the 
temporarj-  stringency  incidental  to  the  resumption  of  specie  payment. 

According  to  the  last  report  of  the  comptroller  of  the  currency,  the  number  of  national 
banks  in  AVisconsin  in  November,  1S76,  was  forty,  with  capital  $3,400,000,  deposits  $7,145,360, 
circulation  $2,072,869. 

At  this  time  (July,  1877)  the  number  of  state  banks  is  twenty-six,  with  capital  $1,288,231, 
deposits  $6,662,973.  Their  circulation  is,  of  course,  merely  nominal,  though  there  is  no  legal 
obstacle  to  their  issuing  circulating  notes,  except  the  tax  imposed  by  congress. 


COMMERCE  AND  MANUFACTURES. 

By   Hon.  H.  H.  GILES. 

The  material  philosophy  of  a  people  has  to  do  with  the  practical  and  useful.  It  sees  in 
iron,  coal,  cotton,  wool,  grain  and  the  trees  of  the  forest,  the  elements  of  personal  comfort  and 
sources  of  material  greatness,  and  is  applied  to  their  development,  production  and  fabrication  for 
purposes  of  exchange,  interchange  and  sale.  The  early  immigrants  to  Wisconsin  territory  found 
a  land  teeming  with  unsurpassed  natural  advantages;  prairies,  timber,  water  and  minerals,  invit- 
ing the  farmer,  miner  and  lumberman,  to  come  and  build  houses,  furnaces,  mills  and  factories. 
The  first  settlers  were  a  food-producing  people.  The  prairies  and  openings  were  ready  for  the 
plow.  The  ease  with  which  farms  were  brought  under  cultivation,  readily  enabled  the  pioneer 
to  supply  the  food  necessary  for  himself  and  family,  while  a  surplus  was  often  produced  in  a  few 
months.  The  hardships  so  often  encountered  in  the  settlement  of  a  new  country,  where  forests 
must  be  felled  and  stumps  removed  to  prepare  the  soil  for  tillage,  were  scarcely  known,  or  greatly 
mitigated. 

During  the  decade  from  1835  to  1845,  so  great  were  the  demands  for  the  products  of  the 
soil,  created  by  the  tide  of  emigration,  that  the  settlers  found  a  home  market  for  all  their  surplus 
products,  and  so  easily  were  crops  grown  that,  within  a  very  brief  time  after  the  first  emigration, 
but  little  was  required  from  abroad.  The  commerce  of  the  country  was  carried  on  by  the 
exchange  of  products.  The  settlers  (they  could  scarcely  be  called  farmers)  would  exchange 
their  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  pork  for  the  goods,  wares  and  fabrics  of  the  village  merchant.  It 
was  an  age  of  barter ;  but  they  looked  at  the  capabilities  of  the  land  they  had  come  to  possess, 
and,  with  firm  faith,  saw  bright  promises  of  better  days  in  the  building  up  of  a  great  state. 

It  is  not  designed  to  trace  with  minuteness  the  history  of  Wisconsin  through  the  growth  of 
its  commercial  and  manufacturing  interests.  To  do  it  justice  would  require  a  volume.  The 
aim  of  this  article  will  be  to  present  a  concise  view  of  its  present  status.  Allusion  will  only  be 
incidentally  made  to  stages  of  growth  and  progress  by  which  it  has  been  reached. 

Few  states  in  the  Union  possess  within  their  borders  so  many,  and  in  such  abundance, 
elements  that  contribute  to  the  material  prosperity  of  a  people.  Its  soil  of  unsurpassed 
fertility ;  its  inexhaustible  mines  of  lead,  copper,  zinc  and  iron ;  its  almost  boundless  forests ; 
its  water-powers,  sufficient  to  drive  the  machinery  of  the  world ;  its  long  lines  of  lake  shore  on 
two  sides,  and  the  "  Father  of  waters  "  on  another, —  need  but  enterprise,  energj'  and  capital  to 
utilize  them  in  building  an  empire  of  wealth,  where  the  hum  of  varied^industries  shall  be  heard 
in  the  music  of  the  sickle,  the  loom  and  the  anvil. 

The  growth  of  manufacturing  industries  was  slow  during  the  first  twenty-five  years  of  our 
history.  The  early  settlers  were  poor.  Frequently  the  land  they  tilled  was  pledged  to  obtain 
means  ty  pay  for  it.  Capitalists  obtained  from  twenty  to  thirty  per  cent,  per  annum  for  the  use 
of  their  money.  Indeed,  it  was  the  rule,  under  the  free-trade  ideas  of  the  money-lenders  for 
them  to  play  the  Shy  lock.  While  investments  in  bonds  and  mortgages  were  so  profitable,  few 
were  ready  to  improve  the  natural  advantages  the  country  presented  for  building  factories  and 
work-shops. 


COMMERCE    AND    MANITFACTURES.  193 

For  many  years,  quite  all  the  implements  used  in  farming  were  brought  from  outside  the 
state.  While  this  is  the  case  at  present  to  some  extent  with  the  more  cumbersome  farm 
machinery,  quite  a  proportion  of  that  and  most  of  the  simpler  and  lighter  implements  are  made 
at  home,  while  much  farm  machinery  is  now  manufactured  for  export  to  other  states. 

Furs. 

The  northwest  was  visited  and  explored  by  French  voyageurs  and  missionaries  from  Canada 
at  an  early  day.  The  object  of  the  former  was  trading  and  gain.  The  Jesuits,  ever  zealous  in 
the  propagation  of  their  religion,  went  forth  into  the  unknown  wilderness  to  convert  the  natives 
to  their  faith.  As  early  as  1624,  they  were  operating  about  Lake  Huron  and  Mackinaw.  Father 
Menard  it  is  related,  was  with  the  Indians  on  Lake  Superior  as  early  as  1661.  The  early 
explorers  were  of  two  classes,  and  were  stimulated  by  two  widely  different  motives  —  the  voyag- 
eurs, by  the  love  of  gain,  and  the  missionaries,  by  their  zeal  in  the  propagation  of  their  faith. 
Previous  to  1679,  a  considerable  trade  in  furs  had  sprung  up  with  Indian  tribes  in  the  vicinity  of 
Mackinaw  and  the  northern  part  of  "  Ouisconsin."  In  that  year  more  than  two  hundred  canoes, 
laden  with  furs,  passed  Mackinaw,  bound  for  Montreal.  The  whole  commerce  of  this  vast  region 
then  traversed,  was  carried  on  with  birch-bark  canoes.  The  French  used  them  in  traversing 
wilds  — otherwise  inaccessible  by  reason  of  floods  of  water  at  one  season,  and  ice  and  snow  at 
another  —  also  lakes  and  morasses  which  interrupted  land  journeys,  and  rapids  and  cataracts 
that  cut  off  communication  by  water.  This  little  vessel  enabled  them  to  overcome  all  difficulties. 
Being  buoyant,  it  rode  the  waves,  although  heavily  freighted,  and,  of  light  draft,  it  permitted  the 
traversing  of  small  streams.  Its  weight  was  so  light  that  it  could  be  easily  carried  from  one 
stream  to  another,  and  around  rapids  and  other  obstructions.  With  this  little  vessel,  the  fur 
trade  of  the  northwest  was  carried  on,  as  well  as  the  interior  of  a  vast  continent  explored. 
Under  the  stimulus  of  commercial  enterprise,  the  French  traders  penetrated  the  recesses  ot  the 
immense  forests  whose  streams  were  the  home  of  the  beaver,  the  otter  and  the  mink,  and  in 
whose  depths  were  found  the  martin,  sable,  ermine,  and  other  fur-bearing  animals.  .\  vast  trade 
in  furs  sprung  up,  and  was  carried  on  by  different  agents,  under  authority  of  the  French 
government. 

When  the  military  possession  of  the  northwestern  domain  passed  from  the  government  of 
France  to  that  of  Great  Britain  in  1760,  the  relationship  of  the  fur  trade  to  the  government 
changed.  The  government  of  France  had  controlled  the  traffic,  and  made  it  a  means  of  strength- 
ening its  hold  upon  the  country  it  possessed.  The  policy  of  Great  Britain  was,  to  charter 
companies,  and  grant  them  exclusive  privileges.  The  Hudson  bay  company  had  grown  rich  and 
powerful  between  1670  and  1760.  Its  success  had  excited  the 'cupidity  of  capitalists,  and  rival 
organizations  were  formed.  The  business  of  the  company  had  been  done  at  their  trading-stations 
—  the  natives  bringing  in  their  furs  for  exchange  and  barter.  Other  companies  sent  their 
voyageurs  into  every  nook  and  corner  to  traffic  with  the  trappers,  and  even  to  catch  the  fur-bear- 
ing animals  themselves.  In  the  progress  of  time,  private  parties  engaged  in  trapping  and  dealing 
in  furs,  and,  under  the  competition  created,  the  business  became  less'  profitable.  In  1815. 
congress  passed  an  act  prohibiting  foreigners  from  dealing  in  furs  in  the  United  States,  or  any 
of  its  territories.  This  action  was  obtained  through  the  influence  of  John  Jacob  Astor.  Mr. 
Astor  organized  the  American  fur  company  in  1809,  and  afterward,  in  connection  with  the  North- 
west company,  bought  out  the  Mackinaw  company,  and  the  two  were  merged  in  the  Southwest 
company.  The  association  was  suspended  by  the  war  of  1812.  The  American  re-entered  the 
field  in  1816.  The  fur  trade  is  still  an  important  branch  of  traffic  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
state,  and,  during  eight  months  of  the  year,  employs  a  large  number  of  men. 


200 


HI.STORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 


Lead  and  Zinc. 

In  1824,  the  lead  ore  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Wisconsin  began  to  attract  attention. 
From  1826  to  1830,  there  was  a  great  rush  of  miners  to  this  region,  somewhat  like  the  Pike's 
Peak  excitement  at  a  later  date.  The  lead-producing  region  of  Wisconsin  covers  an  area  of 
about  2,200  square  miles,  and  embraces  parts  of  Grant,  Iowa  and  La  Fayette  counties.  Between 
1829  and  1839,  the  production  of  lead  increased  from  5,000  to  ro,ooo  tons.  After  the  latter 
year  it  rose  rapidly,  and  attained  its  maximum  in  1845,  when  it  reached  nearly  25,000  tons. 
Since  that  time  the  production  has  decreased,  although  still  carried  on  to  a  considerable  extent. 

The  sulphate  and  carbonate  of  zinc  abound  in  great  quantities  with  the  lead  of  southwest 
Wisconsin.  Owing  to  the  difficulty  of  working  this  class  of  ores,  it  was  formerly  allowed  to 
accumulate  about  the  mouths  of  the  mines.  Within  a  few  years  past,  metallurgic  processes 
have  been  so  greatly  improved,  that  the  zinc  ores  have  been  largely  utilized.  At  La  Salle,  in  the 
state  of  Illinois,  there  are  three  establishments  for  smelting  zinc  ores.  There  is  also  one  at  Peru, 
111.  To  smelt  zinc  ores  economically,  they  are  taken  where  cheap  fuel  is  available.  Hence,  the 
location  of  these  works  in  the  vicinity  of  coal  mines.  The  works  mentioned  made  in  1875, 
from  ores  mostly  taken  from  Wisconsin,  7,510  tons  of  zinc.  These  metals  are,  therefore,  impor- 
tant elements  in  the  commerce  of  Wisconsin. 

Iron. 

The  iron  ores  of  Wisconsin  occur  in  immense  beds  in  several  localities,  and  are  destined  to 
prove  of  great  value.  From  their  product  in  1S63,  there  were  3,735  tons  of  pig  iron  received  at 
Milwaukee;  in  1865,  4,785  tons;  in  1868,  10,890  tons.  Of  the  latter  amount,  4,648  tons  were 
from  the  iron  mines  at  Mayville.  There  were  shipped  from  Milwaukee,  in  186S,  6,361  tons  of 
pig  iron.  There  were  also  received  2,500  tons  of  ore  from  the  Dodge  county  ore  beds.  During 
1S69,  the  ore  beds  at  Iron  Ridge  were  developed  to  a  considerable  extent,  and  two  large  blast 
furnaces  constructed  in  Milwaukee,  at  which  place  there  were  4,695  tons  of  ore  received,  and 
2,059  tons  were  shipped  to  Chicago  and  Wyandotte.  In  1870,  112,060  tons  of  iron  ore  were 
received  at  Milwaukee,  95,000  tons  of  which  were  from  Iron  Ridge,  and  17,060  tons  from  Esca- 
naba  and  Marquette,  in  Michigan.  The  total  product  of  the  mines  at  Iron  Ridge  in  187 1  was 
82,284  tons.  The  Milwaukee  iron  company  received  by  lake,  in  the  same  year,  28,094  tons  of 
Marquette  iron  ore  to  mix  with  the  former  in  making  railroad  iron.  In  1872,  there  were  receivea 
from  Iron  Ridge  85,245  tons  of  ore,  and  5,620  tons  of  pig  iron.  Much  of  the  metal  made  by  the 
Wisconsin  iron  company  in  1S72  was  shipped  to  St.  I-ouis,  to  mix  with  the  iron  made  from 
Missouri  ore. 

The  following  table  shows  the  production  of  pig  iron  in  Wisconsin,  for  1872,  1873  and  1874, 
in  tons  : 


Furnaces. 

1872. 

1873. 

1874. 

Milwaukee  Iron  Company,  Milwaukee.- 

Minerva  Furnace  Company,   Milwaukee 

Wisconsin  Iron  Company,  Iron   Ridge _.- 

Northwestern    Iron  Company,  Mayville 

Appleton  Iron  Company,   Appleton 

Green   Bay  Iron  Company,  Green  Bay 

National  Iron  Company,  Depere 

FoxRiver   Iron  Company,  W.  Depere 

Ironton  Furnace,  Sauk  county 

2i,Si8 

3.350 

5.033 
4,888 
6,910 
3.420 
5.600 
1.780 

29,3:6 
5.822 
4.155 
4.137 
8,044 
6,141 

7.999 
6,832 
1,528 

33.000 

3.306 
3,000 
6,500 
6,000 
6,500 
7,000 
3,300 

52.797 

73.980 

66,600 

COMMERCE   AND    MANUFACTURES.  201 

The  Milwaukee  iron  company,  during  the  year  1872,  entered  into  the  manufacture  of  mer- 
chant iron  —  it  having  been  demonstrated  that  the  raw  material  could  be  reduced  there  cheaper 
than  elsewhere.  The  Minerva  furnace  company  built  also  during  the  same  year  one  of  the 
most  compact  and  complete  iron  furnaces  to  be  found  any  where  in  the  country.  During  the 
year  1873,  the  iron,  with  most  other  material  interests,  became  seriously  prostrated,  so  that  the 
total  receipts  of  ore  in  Milwaukee  in  1874  amounted  to  only  31,993  tons,  against  69,418  in  1873, 
and  85,245  tons  in  1872.  There  were  made  in  Milwaukee  in  1874,  29,680  tons  of  railroad  iron. 
In  1875,  58,868  tons  of  ore  were  received  at  Milwaukee,  showing  a  revival  of  the  trade  in  an 
increase  of  19,786  tons  over  the  previous  year.  The  operation  of  the  works  at  Bay  View  having 
suspended,  the  receipts  of  ore  in  1876,  at  Milwaukee,  were  less  than  during  any  year  since  1869, 
being  only  31,119  tons,  of  which  amount  only  5,488  tons  were  from  Iron  Ridge,  and  the  total 
shipments  were  only  498  tons. 

Lumber. 

The  business  of  lumbering  holds  an  important  rank  in  the  commerce  of  the  state.  For 
many  years  the  ceaseless  hum  of  the  saw  and  the  stroke  of  the  ax  have  been  heard  in  all  our 
great  forests.  The  northern  portion  of  the  state  is  characterized  by  evergreen  trees,  principally 
pine;  the  southern,  by  hard-woods.  There  are  exceptional  localities,  but  this  is  a  correct  state- 
ment of  the  general  distribution.  I  think  that,  geologically  speaking,  the  evergreens  belong  to 
the  primitive  and  sandstone  regions,  and  the  hard  wood  to  the  limestone  and  clay  formations. 
Northern  Wisconsin,  so  called,  embraces  that  portion  of  the  state  north  of  forty-five  degrees, 
and  possesses  nearly  all  the  valuable  pine  forests.  The  most  thoroughly  developed  portion  of 
this  region  is  that  lying  along  the  streams  entering  into  Green  bay  and  Lake  Michigan,  and  border- 
ing on  the  Wisconsin  river  and  other  streams  entering  into  the  Mississippi.  Most  of  the  pine  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  these  streams  has  been  cut  off  well  toward  their  sources  ;  still,  there 
are  vast  tracts  covered  with  dense  forests,  not  accessible  from  streams  suitable  for  log-driving 
purposes.  The  building  of  railroads  into  these  forests  will  alone  give  a  market  value  to  a  large 
portion  of  the  pine  timber  there  growing.  It  is  well,  perhaps,  that  this  is  so,  for  at  the  present 
rate  of  consumption,  but  a  few  years  will  elapse  before  these  noble  forests  will  be  totally  destroyed. 
Most  of  the  lumber  manufactured  on  the  rivers  was  formerly  taken  to  a  market  by  being  floated 
down  the  streams  in  rafts.  Now,  the  railroads  are  transporting  large  quantities,  taking  it  directly 
from  the  mills  and  unloading  it  at  interior  points  in  Iowa,  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  and  some  of  it 
in  eastern  cities.  From  five  to  eight  thousand  men  are  employed  in  the  pineries  in  felling  the 
trees,  sawing  them  into  logs  of  suitable  length,  and  hauling  them  to  the  mills  and  streams  during 
every  winter  in  times  of  fair  prices  and  favorable  seasons.  The  amount  of  lumber  sawed  in 
i860,  as  carefully  estimated,  was  355,055,155  feet.  The  amount  of  shingles  made  was  2,272,061, 
and  no  account  was  made  of  the  immense  number  of  logs  floated  out  of  the  state,  for  manufac- 
ture into  lumber  elsewhere.  The  amount  of  logs  cut  in  the  winter  of  1873  and  1874  was 
987,000,000  feet.  In  1876  and  1877  the  Black  river  furnished  188,344,464  feet.  The  Chippewa, 
90,000,000;  the  Red  Cedar,  57,000,000.  There  passed  through  Beef  Slough  129,384,000  feet  of 
logs.  Hon.  A.  H.  Eaton,  for  fourteen  years  receiver  of  the  United  States  land  office  at  Stevens 
Point,  estimated  the  acreage  of  pine  lands  in  his  district  at  2,000,000,  and,  taking  his  own  district 
as  the  basis,  he  estimated  the  whole  state  at  8,000,000  acres.  Reckoning  this  at  5,000  feet  to  the 
acre,  the  aggregate  pine  timber  of  the  state  would  be  40,000,000,000  feet.  The  log  product 
annually  amounts  to  an  immense  sum.  In  1876,  1,172,611,823  feet  were  cut.  This  is  about  the 
average  annual  draft  that  is  made  on   the   pine  lands.     There  seems   to  be  no  remedy  for  the 


202 


HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 


wholesale  destruction  of  our  pine  forests,  except  the  one  alluded  to,  the  difficulty  of  transporta- 
tion, and  this  will  probably  save  a  portion  of  them  for  a  long  time  in  the  future.  At  the  rate  of 
consumption  for  twenty  years  past,  we  can  estimate  that  fifty  years  would  see  northern  Wiscon- 
sin denuded  of  its  pine  forests;  but  our  lumber  product  has  reached  its  maximum,  and  will 
probably  decrease  in  the  coming  years  as  the  distance  to  be  hauled  to  navigable  streams 
increases.  In  the  mean  time  lumber,  shingles  and  lath  will  form  an  important  factor  in  our 
commerce,  both  state  and  inter-state,  and  will  contribute  millions  to  the  wealth  of  our  citizens. 

Grain. 

Up  to  1S41,  no  grain  was  exported  from  Wisconsin  to  be  used  as  food;  but,  from  the  time 
of  Its  first  settlement  in  1836  to  1840,  the  supply  of  bread  stuffs  from  abroad,  upon  which  the 
people  depended,  was  gradually  diminished  by  the  substitution  of  home  products.  In  the  winter 
of  1840  and  1841,  E.  D.  Holton,  of  Milwaukee,  purchased  a  small  cargo  of  wheat  (about  4,000 
bushels),  and  in  the  spring  of  1841,  shipped  it  to  Buffalo.  This  was  the  beginning  of  a  traffic 
that  has  grown  to  immense  proportions,  and,  since  that  time,  wheat  has  formed  the  basis  of  the 
commerce  and  prosperity,  of  the  state,  until  the  city  of  Milwaukee  has  become  the  greatest 
primary  wheat  mart  of  the  world. 

The  following  table  gives  the  exports  of  flour  and  grain  from  Milwaukee  for  thirty-two  years, 
commencing  in  1845  : 


FLOUR, 

bbls. 


WHEAT, 

bus. 


CORN, 

bus. 


OATS, 

bus. 


BARLEY, 

bus. 


RYE, 

bus. 


1845 
1846 
1847 
1848 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1S52, 
1S53 
1854 
1855 
1856 
1857 
1858 
1859 
i860 
I861 
1862 
1863, 
1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
IS7I 
1872 

1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 


7.550 

15.756 

34.840 

92,732 

136,657 

100,017 

51,889 

92,995 

104,055 

145,032 

181,568 

188,455 

228.442 

298,668 

282,956 

457.343 
674.474 
711.405 
603,525 

414.833 

567.576 

720,365 

921,663 

1,017,598 

1,220,058 

1,225,941 

1,211,427 

1,232,036 

1,805,200 

2.217.579 
2,163,346 
2,654,028 


95.510 

213,448 

598,411 

602,474 

1,136,023 

297,570 

317.285 

564,404 

956.703 

1,809,452 

2,641,746 

2,761,976 

2,581,311 

3.994.213 

4.732.957 

7,568,608 

13,300,495 

14,915,680 

12,837,620 

8,992,479 

10,479,777 

11,634,749 

9.59S.452 
9,867,029 
14,272,799 
16,127.838 
13,409.467 
11,570.565 
24,994,266 
22,255,380 
22,681,020 
16,804,394 


2,500 

5,000 

13,828 

2,220 

270 

164,908 

112,132 

218 

472 

43.958 

41.364 

37.204 

1,485 

9,489 

88,989 

140,786 

71,203 

480,408 

266,249 

342.717 
93,806 

103.173 
419.133 
.557.953 
197,920 
556.563 
226,895 
96,908 


4,000 
2,100 
7,892 

363.S41 

131,716 

404,999 

13.833 

5,433 

2.775 

562,067 

299,002 

64,682 

1,200 

79,094 

831,600 

811,634 

326.472 

1,636,595 
622,469 

536.539 

351.768 

210,187 

772,929 

1.323.234 

990.525 

726,035 

1,160.450 

1.377.560 


15,000 
15.270 
103,840 
322,261 
291,890 
339.338 

63.379 
10,398 
800 
63,178 
53.216 
28,056 
5,220 
44,800 

133.449 
23.479 
29.597 
18,988 
30,822 
95,036 

120,662 

469.325 
576,453 
931.725 
688. 455 

464.837 

867,970 

1,235.481 


54.692 
80,365 

"3.443 
20,030 


5.378 

",577 

9.735 

29,810 

126,301 

84.047 
18,210 

51.444 
255.329 
106,795 

91.443 

78,035 

62,494 
208,896 

209,751 
255.928 

79.879 

98,923 

220,964 


COMMERCE    AND    MANUFACTURES. 


203 


Up  to  1856,  the  shipments  were  almost  wholly  of  Wisconsin  products  ;  but  with  the  comple- 
tion of  lines  of  railroad  from  Milwaukee  to  the  Mississippi  river,  the  commerce  of  Wisconsin 
became  so  interwoven  with  that  of  Iowa  and  Minnesota,  that  the  data  furnished  by  the  transpor- 
tation companies,  give  us  no  definite  figures  relating  to  the  products  of  our  own  state. 

Dairy  Products. 

Wisconsin  is  becoming  largely  interested  in  the  dairy"  business.  Its  numerous  springs, 
streams,  and  natural  adaptability  to  grass,  make  it  a  fine  grazing  country,  and  stock  thrives 
remarkably  well.  Within  a  few  years,  cheese-factories  have  become  numerous,  and  their  owners 
are  meeting  with  excellent  success.  Wisconsin  cheese  is  bringing  the  highest  price  in  the  markets, 
and  much  of  it  is  shipped  to  England.  Butter  is  also  made  of  a  superior  quality,  and  is  e.xten- 
sively  exported.  At  the  rate  of  progress  made  during  the  last  few  years,  Wisconsin  will  soon 
take  rank  with  the  leading  cheese  and  butter  producing  states.  The  counties  most  largely  inter- 
ested in  dairying,  are  Kenosha,  Walworth,  Racine,  Rock,  Green,  Waukesha,  Winnebago,  Sheboy- 
gan, Jefferson  and  Dodge.  According  to  estimates  by  experienced  dairymen,  the  manufacture 
of  butter  was  22,473,000  pounds  in  1S70;  50,130,000  in  1S76;  of  cheese,  1,591,000  pounds  in 
1870,  as  against  17,000,000  in  1876,  which  will  convey  a  fair  idea  of  the  increase  of  dairy  produc- 
tion. The  receipts  of  cheese  in  Chicago  during  1876,  were  23,780,000 pounds, against  12,000,000 
in  1875  ;  and  the  receipts  of  butter  were  35,384,184,  against  30,248,247  pounds  in  1875.  It  is  esti- 
mated that  fully  one-half  of  these  receipts  were  from  Wisconsin.  The  receipts  of  butter  in 
Milwaukee  were,  in  1870,  3,779,114  pounds ;  in  1875,  6,625,863;  in  1876,8,938,137  pounds ;  ot 
cheese,  5,721,279  pounds  in  1875,  and  7,055,573  in  1S76.  Cheese  is  not  mentioned  in  the  trade 
and  commerce  reports  of  Milwaukee  until  1S73,  when  it  is  spoken  of  as  a  new  and  rapidly 
increasing  commodity  in  the  productions  of  the  state. 

Pork  and  Beef. 

Improved  breeds,  both  of  swine  and  cattle,  have  been  introduced  into  the  state  during  a 
few  years  past.  The  grade  of  stock  has  been  rapidly  bettered,  and  stock  raisers  generally  are 
striving  with  commendable  zeal  to  lival  each  other  in  raising  the  finest  of  animals  for  use  and 
the  market. 


The  following  table  shows  the  receipts  of  live  hogs  and  beef  cattle  at   Milwaukee  for    thir- 
teen years  : 


YEARS. 

LIVE    HOGS. 

BEEF  CATTLE. 

YEARS. 

LIVE   HOGS. 

BEEF  CATTLE. 

1876 

1875 

1874 

1873 

1872 

187I 

1870 

254.317 
144.961 
242,326 
241,099. 
138,106 
126,164 
66,138 

36,802 
46.717 
22,748 
17,262 
14,172 
9,220 
12,972 

1869 

1868 

1867 

1866 

1865 

1864- 

1863 

52,296 
48.717 
76.758 
31.881 
7.546 
42,250 
56,826 

12,521 
13,200 

15.527 

12,955 
14.230 

18,345 
I4.t55 

204  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

The  following  table  shows  the  movement  of  hog  products  and   beef  from    Milwaukee   since 
1862  • 


Shipments  by  Rail 

PORK,  HAMS,  MIDDLES  AND   SHOULDERS. 

LARD. 

BEEF. 

and  Lake. 

Barrels. 

Tierces. 

Boxes. 

Bulk,  lbs. 

Barrels. 

Tierces. 

Barrels. 

Tierces. 

Totals  18  76-. 

62,461 

56.77S 
53,702 
80,010 
90,038 
88,940 

77,655 
69,805 
73,526 
88,888 
74.726 
34,013 
67,933 
90,387 
56,432 

15,439 
15,292 
17,124 

24,954 
20,115 

20,192 

15,819 

9,546 

13,146 

11,614 

7.805 

2,713 

5.927 

15,811 

12,685 

42,678 
28,374 
39,572 
62,211 
89,209 
14,938 
5,875 
5,293 

3.239 
4,522 

34,164 
5,000 

11,634 

5,123,818 
2,736,778 
1,494,112 
1,915,610 
4,557,950 
5,161,941 
4,717,630 
2,325,150 
1,768,190 
454,786 
863,746 

3,301 
601 
9,110 
4,065 
6,276 
3,932 
2,535 
1,180 

3,637 
2,523 
3,287 
1,929 

5,677 
10,987 

13,538 

21,356 
18,950 
18,509 
24,399 
27,765 
19,746 
10,950 
8,568 

5,055 
8,820 
6,292 
2,487 
7,207 
10, 546 
6.761 

7,333 

4,734 

5,015 

5,365 

4,757 

3,892 

4,427 

7.538 

10,150 

18,984 

11,852 

10,427 

36866 

42,987 

33,174 

3,439 
421 

707 

462 

1,500 

1,606 

'*       iS7^       

"    1874 

"       iSV? 

'*        l372 

"        187I 

"        1870 

925 
2,185 
2,221 

"      i86q 

"      186S           

"      1867 

6,804 

4.584 
5,528 
5,871 
6,377 
3,217 

"      1S66 

"      1865 

"      1864 

"      1S63 

"      1862 

Hops. 

The  culture  of  hops,  as  an  article  af  commerce,  received  but  little  attention  prior  to  i860. 
In  1865,  2,864  bales  only  were  shipped  from  Milwaukee.  In  addition,  a  large  amount  was  used 
by  the  brewers  throughout  the  state.  In  i866,  the  amount  exi  orted  was  increased,  and  5,774 
bales  were  shipped  to  eastern  markets.  The  price,  from  forty-five  to  fifty-five  cents  per  pound, 
stimulated  production,  and  the  article  became  one  of  the  staple  products  of  the  counties  of  Sauk, 
Columbia,  Adams  and  Juneau,  besides  being  largely  cultivated  in  parts  of  some  other  counties. 
In  1867,  26,562  bales  were  received  at  Milwaukee,  and  the  prices  ranged  from  fifty  to  seventy  cents 
per  pound.  The  estimated  crop  of  the  state  for  1867  was  35,000  bales,  and  brought  over 
$4,200,000.  In  i86S,  not  less  than  60,000  bales  were  grown  in  the  state.  The  crop  everywhere 
was  a  large  one,  and  in  Wisconsin  so  very  large  that  an  over-supply  was  anticipated.  But  few, 
however,  were  prepared  for  the  decline  in  prices,  that  far  exceeded  the  worst  apprehensions  of 
tKose  interested.  The  first  sales  were  made  at  twenty-five  to  thirty-five  cents  per  pound,  and  the 
prices  were  reluctantly  accepted  by  the  growers.  The  price  contiaued  to  decline  until  the  article 
was  unsalable  and  unavailable  in  the  market.  Probably  the  average  price  did  not  exceed  ten 
cents  per  pound.  Notwithstanding  the  severe  check  which  hop-growing  received  in  1868,  by  the 
unprofitable  result,  growers  were  not  discouraged,  and  the  crop  of  1869  was  a  large  one.  So 
much  of  the  crop  of  1868  remained  in  the  hands  of  the  growers,  that  it  is  impossible  to  estimate 
that  of  1869.  The  new  crop  sold  for  from  ten  to  fifteen  cents,  and  the  old  for  from  three  to  five  cents 
per  pound.  Hop-cultivation  received  a  check  from  over-production  in  1868,  from  which  it  did  not 
soon  recover.  A  large  proportion  of  the  yards  were  plowed  under  in  1870.  The  crop  of  1869 
was  much  of  it  marketed  during  1870,  at  a  price  of  about  two  and  one-half  to  three  and  one- 
half  cents  per  pound,  while  that  of  1870  brought  ten  to  twelve  and  a  half  cents.  During 
the  year  187 1,  a  great  advance  in  the  price,  caused  by  the  partial  failure  of  the  crop 
in  some  of  the  eastern  states,  and  the  decrease  in  price  causing  a  decrease  in  production, 
what  was  left  over  of  the  crop  of  1S70  more  than  doubled  in  value  before  the  new  reached  the 
market.     The  latter  opened  at   thirty  cents,  and   steadily  rose   to   fifty  and  fifty-five  for  prime 


commercp:  and  manufactures. 


205 


qualities.  The  crop  of  1872  was  of  good  quality,  and  the  market  opened  at  forty  to  fifly-five 
cents  as  the  selling  price,  and  fell  fifteen  to  twenty  cents  before  the  close  of  the  year.  A  much 
larger  'quantity  was  raised  than  the  year  previous.  In  1873  and  1874,  the  crop  was  fair  and 
prices  ruled  from  thirty-three  to  forty-five  cents,  with  increased  production.  About  18,000  bales 
were  reported  as  being  shipped  from  the  different  railway  stations  of  the  state.  Prices  were 
extremely  irregular  during  1S75,  and,  after  the  new  crop  reached  market,  fell  to  a  point  that 
would  not  pay  the  cost  of  production.  In  1876,  prices  ruled  low  at  the  opening  of  the  year,  and 
advanced  from  five  to  ten  cents  in  January  to  twenty-eight  to  thirty  in  November.  Over  17,000 
bales  were  received  at  Milwaukee,  over  10,000  bales  being  of  the  crop  of  the  previous  year. 
Over  13,000  bales  were  shipped  out  of  the  state. 

Tobacco. 
Tobacco  raising  is  comparatively  a  new  industry  in  Wisconsin,  but  is  rapidly  growing  in 
importance  and  magnitude.  It  sells  readily  for  from  four  to  ten  cents  per  pound,  and  the  plant 
is  easily  raised.  It  is  not  regarded  as  of  superior  quality.  It  first  appears  as  a  commodity  of 
transportation  in  the  railway  reports  for  the  year  1S71,  when  the  Prairie  du  Chien  division 
of  the  St.  Paul   road   moved   eastward   1,373,650   jiounds.     During  the  four  years  ending  with 

1876,  there  were  shipped  from  Milwaukee  an  average  of  5,118,530  pounds  annually,  the  1  axi- 
mum  being  in  1874,6,982,175  pounds;  the  minimum  in  1875,  2,743,854  pounds.  The  crop  of 
T876  escaped  the  early  frosts,  and  netted  the  producer  from  five  to  seven  cents  per  pound.  The 
greatar  part  of  it  was  shipped  to  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia.  Comparatively  little  of  the  leaf 
raised  in  the  state  is  used  here  or  by  western  manufacturers.     The  crop  of  the   present    year, 

1877,  is  a  large  one,  and  has  been  secured  in  good  order.  It  is  being  contracted  for  at  from  four  to 
six  cents  per  pound. 

Cranberries. 

The  cranberry  trade  is  yet  in  its  infancy.  But  little,  comparatively,  has  been  done  in  devel- 
oping the  capabilities  of  the  extensive  bodies  of  marsh  and  swamp  lands  interspersed  throughout 
the  northern  part  of  the  state.  Increased  attention  is  being  paid  to  the  culture  of  the  fruit;  yet, 
the  demand  will  probably  keep  ahead  of  the  supply  for  many  years  to  come.  In  185 1,  less  than 
1,500  barrels  were  sent  out  of  the  state.  In  1872,  the  year  of  greatest  production,  over  37,000 
barrels  were  exported,  and,  in  r876,  about  17,000  barrels.  The  price  has  varied  in  different 
years,  and  taken  a  range  from  eight  to  fifteen  dollars  a  barrel. 

Spirituous  and  Malt  Liquors. 

The  production  of  liquors,  both  spirituous  and  malt,  has  kept  pace  with  the  growth  of 
population  and  with  the  other  industries  of  the  state.  There  were  in  Wisconsin,  in  1872,  two 
hundred  and  ninety-two  breweries  and  ten  distilleries.  In  1876,  there  were  two  hundred  and 
ninety-three  of  the  former  and  ten  of  the  latter,  and  most  of  them  were  kept  running  to  their 
full  capacity.  Milwaukee  alone  produced,  in  1876,  321,611  barrels  of  lager  beer  and  43,175 
barrels  of  high  wines.  In  1865,  it  furnished  65,666  barrels  of  beer,  and  in  1870,  108,845  barrels. 
In  1865,  it  furnished  3,046  barrels  of  high  wines;  in  1S70,  22,867  barrels;  and  in  1875,  39,005. 
A  large  quantity  of  the  beer  made  was  shipped  to  eastern  and  southern  cities.  The  beer  made 
in  1876  sold  at  the  rate  of  ten  dollars  per  barrel,  the  wholesale  price  of  the  brewers  bringing  the 
sum  of  $3,216,110.  The  fame  of  Milwaukee  lager  beer  is  widely  extended.  This  city  has 
furnished  since  1870,  1,520,308  barrels  which,  at  the  wholesale  price,  brought  $15,203,170.  The 
total  production  of  beer  by  all  the  two  hundred  and  ninety-three  breweries  of  the  state  for  1876, 
was  450,508  barrels. 


206  HISTOKY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

In  1876,  Milwaukee  produced  43,175  barrels  of  high  wines,  or  distilled  spirits,  and  the 
state  of  Wisconsin  51,959  barrels.  In  1870,  the  former  produced  108,845  barrels  of  beer  and 
22,867  barrels  of  distilled  spirits,  and  in  the  same  year  the  state  of  Wisconsin  produced  189,664 
barrels  of  beer  and  36,145  barrels  of  distilled  spirits. 

Miscellaneous. 

Porcelain  clay,  or  kaolin,  is  found  in  numerous  places  in  Wood  and  Marathon  counties.  The 
mineral  is  found  in  but  few  places  in  the  United  States  in  quantities  sufficient  to  justify  the 
investment  of  capital  necessary  to  manufacture  it.  In  the  counties  mentioned,  the  deposits  are 
found  in  extensive  beds,  and  only  capital  and  enterprise  are  needed  to  make  their  development 
profitable.  Clay  of  superior  quality  for  making  brick  and  of  fair  quality  for  pottery,  is 
found  in  numerous  localities.  The  famous  "  Milwaukee  brick,"  remarkable  for  their  beautiful 
cream  color,  is  made  from  a  fine  clay  which  is  abundant  near  Milwaukee,  and  is  found  in  exten- 
sive beds  at  Watertown,  Whitewater,  Edgerton,  Stoughton,  and  several  places  on  the  lake  shore 
north  of  Milwaukee.  At  Whitewater  and  some  other  places  the  clay  is  used  with  success  for  the 
making  of  pottery  ware.  Water-lime,  or  hydraulic  cement,  occurs  in  numerous  places  throughout 
the  state.  An  extensive  bed  covering  between  one  and  two  hundred  acres,  and  of  an  indefinite 
depth,  exists  on  the  banks  of  the  Milwaukee  river,  and  not  over  one  and  a  half  miles  from  the  city 
limits  of  Milwaukee.  The  cement  made  from  the  rock  of  this  deposit  is  first-class  in  quality,  and 
between  twenty  and  thirty  thousand  barrels  were  made  and  sold  last  year.  The  capacity  of  the 
works  for  reducing  the  rock  to  cement  has  been  increased  to  500  barrels  per  day.  Stones  suita- 
ble for  building  purposes  are  widely  distributed  throughout  the  state,  and  nearly  every  town  lias 
its  available  quarry.  Many  of  these  quarries  furnish  stone  of  fine  quality  for  substantial  and 
permanent  edifices.  The  quarry  at  Prairie  du  Chien  furnished  the  stone  for  the  capital  building 
at  Madison,  which  equals  in  beauty  that  of  any  state  in  the  Union.  .\t  Milwaukee,  Waukesha, 
Madison,  La  Crosse,  and  many  other  places  are  found  quarries  of  superior  building  stone. 
Granite  is  found  in  extensive  beds  in  Marathon  and  Wood  counties,  and  dressed  specimens 
exhibited  at  the  "  Centennial  "  last  year,  attracted  attention  for  their  fine  polish.  Marbles  of 
various  kinds  are  likewise  found  in  the  state.  Some  of  them  are  beginning  to  attract  attention 
and  are  likely  to  prove  valuable.  The  report  of  Messrs.  Foster  &  Whitney,  United  States  geol- 
ogists, speaks  of  quarries  on  the  Menomonee  and  Michigamig  rivers  as  affording  beautiful  varie- 
ties and  susceptible  of  a  high  polish.  Richland  county  contains  marble,  but  its  quality  is  gen- 
erally considered  inferior. 

Water  Powers. 

Wisconsin  is  fast  becoming  a  manufacturing  state.  Its  forests  of  pine,  oak,  walnut,  maple, 
ash,  and  other  valuable  woods  used  for  lumber,  are  well-nigh  inexhaustible.  Its  water-power  for 
driving  the  wheels  of  machinery  is  not  equaled  by  that  of  any  state  in  the  northwest.  The  Lower 
Fox  river  between  Lake  Winnebago  and  Green  Bay,  a  distance  of  thirty-five  miles,  furnishes 
some  of  the  best  facilities  for  manufacturing  enterprise  in  the  whole  country.  Lake  Winnebago 
as  a  reservoir  gives  it  a  great  and  special  advantage,  in  freedom  from  liability  to  freshets  and 
droughts.  The  stream  never  varies  but  a  few  feet  from  its  highest  to  its  lowest  stage,  yet  gives 
a  steady  flow.  The  Green  Bay  and  Mississippi  canal  company  has,  during  the  last  twenty-five 
years,  constructed  numerous  dams,  canals  and  locks,  constituting  very  valuable  improvements. 
All  the  property  of  that  company  has  been  transferred  to  the  United  States  government,  which 
has  entered  upon  a  system  to  render  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  rivers  navigable  to  the  Mississippi. 
The  fall  between  the  lake  and  Depere  is  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  and  the  water  can  be  utilized 


COMMERCE   AND    MANlirACTURES.  207 

in  propelling  machinery  at  Neenah,  Menasha,  Appleton,  Cedar,  Little  Chute,  Kaukauna,  Rapid 
Croche,  Little  Kaukauna  and  Depere.  The  water-power  at  Appleton  in  its  natural  advantages 
is  pronounced  by  Hon.  Hiram  Barney,  of  New  York,  superior  to  those  at  Lowell,  Paterson 
and  Rochester,  combined.  The  water-power  of  the  Fox  has  been  improved  to  a  considerable 
extent,  but  its  full  capacity  has  hardly  been  touched.  Attention  has  been  drawn  to  it,  how- 
ever, and  no  doubt  is  entertained  that  in  a  few  years  the  hum  of  machinery  to  be  propelled 
by  it,  will  be  heard  the  entire  length  of  the  thirty-five  miles.  The  facilities  presented  by  its 
nearness  to  timber,  iron,  and  a  rich  and  productive  agricultural  region,  give  it  an  advantage  over 
any  of  the  eastern  manufacturing  points. 

The  Wisconsin  river  rises  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  the  state,  and  has  its  source  in  a 
great  number  of  small  lakes.  The  upper  portion  abounds  in  valuable  water  privileges,  only  a 
few  of  which  are  improved.  There  are  a  large  number  of  saw-mills  running  upon  the  power  of 
this  river.     Other  machinery,  to  a  limited  extent,  is  in  operation. 

The  "  Big  Bull  "  falls,  at  Wausau,  are  improved,  and  a  power  of  twenty-two  feet  fall  is  obtained. 
At  Little  Bull  falls',  below  Wausau,  there  is  a  fall  of  eighteen  feet,  partially  improved.  There  are 
many  other  water-powers  in  Marathon  county,  some  of  which  are  used  in  propelling  flouring- 
tnills  and  saw-mills.  At  Grand  Rapids,  there  is  a  descent  of  thirty  feet  to  the  mile,  and  the 
water  can  be  used  many  times.  Each  time,  5,000  horse-power  is  obtained.  At  Kilbourn  City 
a  large  amount  of  power  can  be  obtained  for  manufacturing  purposes. 

Chippewa  river  has  its  origin  in  small  streams  in  the  north  part  of  the  state.  Explorers 
tell  us  that  there  are  a  large  number  of  water  powers  on  all  the  upper  branches,  but  as  the 
country  is  yet  unsettled,  none  of  them  have  been  improved,  and  very  few  even  located  on  our  maps. 
Brunette  falls  and  Ameger  falls,  above  Chippewa  Falls  city,  must  furnish  considei-able  water- 
power,  but  its  extent  is  not  known  At  Chippewa  Falls  is  an  excellent  water-power,  only  partially 
improved.  The  river  descends  twenty-six  feet  in  three-fourths  of  a  mile.  At  Duncan  creek  at  the 
same  place,  there  is  a  good  fall,  improved  to  run  a  large  flouring  mill.  At  Eagle  Rapids,  five 
miles  above  Chippewa  Falls,  $120,000  has  been  expended  in  improving  the  fall  of  the  Chippewa 
river.  The  city  of  Eau  Claire  is  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Chippewa  and  Eau  Claire 
rivers,  and  possesses  in  its  immediate  vicinity  water-powers  almost  unrivaled.  Some  of  them 
are  improved.  The  citizens  of  Eau  Claire  have,  for  several  years,  striven  to  obtain  legislative 
authority  to  dam  the  Chippewa  river,  so  as  to  improve  the  water-power  of  the  Dells,  and  a  lively 
contest,  known  as  the  "  Dells  fight,"  has  been  carried  on  with  the  capitalists  along  the  river  above 
that  town.  There  are  immense  water-powers  in  Dunn  county,  on  the  Red  Cedar,  Chippewa 
and  Eau  Galle  rivers,  on  which  there  are  many  lumbering  establishments.  In  Pepin  county  also 
there  are  good  powers.  The  Black  river  and  its  branches,  the  La  Crosse,  Buffalo,  Trempealeau, 
Beaver,  and  Tamaso,  furnish  many  valuable  powers.  The  St.  Croix  river  is  not  excelled  in  the  value 
of  its  water  privileges  by  any  stream  in  the  state,  except  the  Lower  Fox  river.  At  St.  Croix  Falls, 
the  water  of  the  river  makes  a  descent  of  eighty-five  feet  in  a  distance  of  five  miles,  and  the  vol- 
ume of  water  is  sufficient  to  move  the  machinery  for  an  immense  manufacturing  business,  and  the 
banks  present  good  facilities  for  building  dams,  and  the  river  is  not  subject  to  freshets.  The 
Kinnekinnick  has  a  large  number  of  falls,  some  of  them  partially  improved.  Within  twenty-five 
miles  of  its  entrance  into  Lake  St.  Croix,  it  has  a  fall  of  two  hundred  feet,  and  the  volume  of 
water  averages  about  three  thousand  cubic  feet  per  minute.  Rock  river  affords  valuable  water- 
privileges  at  Watertown  (with  twenty-four  feet  fall),  and  largely  improved ;  at  Jefferson,  Indian 
Ford  and  Janesville,  all  of  which  are  improved.  Beloit  also  has  an  excellent  water-power,  and 
it  is  largely  improved.     Scattered  throughout  the  state  are  many  other  water-powers,  not  alluded 


208  HISTORY    OF   AVISCONSIN. 

to  in  the  foregoing.  There  are  several  in  Manitowoc  county  ;  in  Marquette  county,  also.  In 
Washington  county,  at  West  Bend,  Berlin,  and  Cedar  Creek,  there  are  good  water-powers,  partly 
utilized.  At  Whitewater,  in  Walworth  county,  is  a  good  power.  In  Dane  county,  there  is  a 
water-power  at  Madison,  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  Mendota;  also,  a  good  one  at  Stoughton,  below 
the  first,  or  Lake  Kegonsa;  also  at  Paoli,  Bellville,  Albany  and  Brodhead,  on  the  Sugar  river. 
In  Grant  county  there  are  not  less  than  twenty  good  powers,  most  of  them  well-developed.  In 
Racine  county,  three  powers  of  fine  capacity  at  Waterford,  Rochester  and  Burlington,  all  of 
which  are  improved.  The  Oconto,  Peshtigo  and  Menomonee  rivers  furnish  a  large  number  of 
splendid  water- powers  of  large  capacity.  The  Upper  Wolf  river  has  scores  of  water-powers  on 
its  main  stream  and  numerous  branches;  but  most  of  the  country  is  still  a  wilderness,  though 
containing  resources  which,  when  developed,  will  make  it  rich  and  prosperous.  There  are 
numerous  other  streams  of  less  consequence  than  those  named,  but  of  great  importance  to  the 
localities  they  severally  drain,  that  have  had  their  powers  improved,  and  their  waterfalls  are 
singing  the  songs  of  commerce.  On  the  rivers  emptying  into  Lake  Superior,  there  are  numerous 
and  valuable  water-powers.  The  Montreal  river  falls  one  thousand  feet  in  a  distance  of  thirty 
miles. 

Manufactures. 

The  mechanical  and  manufacturing  industries  of  Wisconsin  demonstrate  that  the  people  do 
not  rely  wholly  upon  agricultural  pursuits,  or  lumbering,  for  subsistence,  but  aim  to  diversify 
their  labors  as  much  as  possible,  and  to  give  encouragement  to  the  skill  and  ingenuity  of  their 
mechanics  and  artisans.  All  our  cities,  and  most  of  our  villages,  support  establishments  that 
furnish  wares  and  implements  in  common  use  among  the  people.  We  gather  from  the  census 
report  for  1S70  a  few  facts  that  will  give  us  an  adequate  idea  of  what  was  done  in  a  single  year, 
remembering  that  the  data  furnished  is  six  years  old,  and  that  great  advancement  has  been  made 
since  the  statistics  were  gathered.  In  1S70,  there  were  eighty-two  establishments  engaged  in 
making  agricultural  implements,  employing  1,387  hands,  and  turning  out  products  valued  at 
$2,393,400.  There  were  one  hundred  and  eighty-eight  furniture  establishments,  employing  1,844 
men,  and  making  $1,542,300  worth  of  goods.  For  making  carriages  and  wagons  there  were  four 
hundred  and  eighty-five  establishments,  employing  2,184  men,  and  their  product  was  valued  at 
$2,596,534;  for  clothing,  two  hundred  and  si.xty-three  establishments,  and  value  of  product 
$2,340,400  ;  sash,  doors  and  blinds,  eighty-one  shops,  and  value  of  product  $1,852,370  ;  leather, 
eighty-five  tanneries,  employing  577  men,  and  value  of  products  $2,013,000;  malt  liquors,  one 
hundred  and  seventy-six  breweries,  835  men,  and  their  products  valued  at  $1,790,273. 

At  many  jwints  the  business  of  manufacturing  is  carried  on  more  or  less  extensively; 
indeed,  there  is  hardly  a  village  in  the  state  where  capital  is  not  invested  in  some  kind 
of  mechanical  industry  or  manufacturing  enterprise,  and  making  satisfactory  returns ;  but  for 
details  in  this  respect,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  department  of  local  history. 

The  principal  commodities  only,  which  Wisconsin  contributes  to  trade  and  commerce,  have 
been  considered.  There  remains  quite  a  number  of  minor  articles  from  which  the  citizens  of  the 
state  derive  some  revenue,  such  as  flax  and  maple  sugar,  which  can  not  be  separately  considered 
in  this  paper. 

Concluding  Remarks. 

Statistics  are  usually  dry  reading,  but,  to  one  desiring  to  change  his  location  and  seeking 
information  regarding  a  new  country  and  its  capabilities,  they  become  intensely  interesting  and 
of  great  value.  The  farmer  wishes  to  know  about  the  lands,  their  value  and  the  jiroductiveness 
of  the  soil  ;  the  mechanic  about  the  workshops,  the  price  of  labor,  and  the  demand  for  such  wares 


COMiMKl'.CI-;    AND    jMANUFACTl'RES.  '  209 

as  he  is  accustomed  to  make ;  the  capitalist,  concerning  all  matters  that  pertain  to  resources, 
advantages,  and  the  opportunities  for  investing  his  money.  Our  own  people  want  all  the  infor- 
mation that  can  be  gained  by  the  collection  of  all  obtainable  facts.  The  sources  of  such  infor- 
mation are  now  various,  and  the  knowledge  they  impart  fragmentary  in  its  character. 

Provision  should  be  made  by  law,  for  the  collection  and  publication  of  reliable  statistics 
relating  to  our  farming,  manufacturing,  mining,  lumbering,  commercial  and  educational  interests. 
Several  of  the  states  of  the  Union  have  established  a  "  Bureau  of  Statistics,"  and  no  more  valua- 
ble reports  emanate  from  any  of  their  state  departments  than  those  that  exhibit  a  condensed 
view  of  the  material  results  accomplished  each  year.  Most  of  the  European  states  foster  these 
agencies  with  as  much  solicitude  as  any  department  of  their  government.  Indeed,  they  have 
become  a  social  as  well  as  a  material  necessity,  for  social  science  extends  its  inquiries  to  the 
physical  laws  of  man  as  a  social  being;  to  the  resources  of  the  country;  its  productions;  the 
growth  of  society,  and  to  all  those  facts  or  conditions  which  may  increase  or  diminish  the  strength, 
growth  or  happiness  of  a  people.  Statistics  are  the  foundation  and  corner-stone  of  social  science, 
which  is  the  highest  and  noblest  of  all  the  sciences. 

A  writer  has  said  that,  "  If  God  had  designed  Wisconsin  to  be  chiefly  a  manufacturing  state, 
instead  of  agricultural,  which  she  claims  to  be,  and  is,  it  is  difficult  to  see  more  than  one  partic- 
ular in  which  He  could  have  endowed  her  more  richly  for  that  purpose."  She  has  all  the  mate- 
rial for  the  construction  of  articles  of  use  and  luxury,  the  means  of  motive  power  to  propel  the 
machinery,  to  turn  and  fashion,  weave,  forge,  and  grind  the  natural  elements  that  abound  in  such 
rich  profusion.  She  has  also  the  men  whose  enterprise  and  skill  have  accomplished  most  sur- 
prising results,  in  not  only  building  up  a  name  for  themselves,  but  in  placing  the  state  in  a  proud 
position  of  independence. 

It  is  impossible  to  predict  what  will  be  the  future  growth  and  development  of  Wisconsin. 
From  its  commercial  and  manufacturing  advantages,  we  may  reasonably  anticipate  that  she  will 
in  a  few  years  lead  in  the  front  rank  of  the  states  of  the  Union  in  all  that  constitutes  real  great- 
ness. Her  educational  system  is  one  of  the  best.  With  her  richly  endowed  State  University,  her 
colleges  and  high  schools,  and  the  people's  colleges,  the  common  schools,  she  has  laid  a  broad 
and  deep  foundation  for  a  great  and  noble  commonwealth.  It  was  early  seen  what  were  the 
capabilities  of  this  their  newly  explored  domain.  The  northwestern  explorer,  Jonathan  Carver, 
in  1766,  one  hundred  and  thirteen  years  ago,  after  traversing  Wisconsin  and  viewing  its  lakes  of 
crystal  purity,  its  rivers  of  matchless  utility,  its  forests  of  exhaustless  wealth,  its  prairies  of  won- 
derful fertility,  its  mines  of  buried  treasure,  recorded  this  remarkable  prediction  of  which  we  see 
the  fulfillment:  "To  what  power  or  authority  this  new  world  will  become  dependent  after  it  has 
arisen  from  its  present  uncultivated  state,  time  alone  can  discover.  But  as  the  seat  of  empire  from 
time  immemorial  has  been  gradually  progressive  toward  the  west,  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  at 
some  future  period  mighty  kingdoms  will  emerge  from  these  wildernesses,  and  stately  palaces 
and  solemn  temples  with  gilded  spires  reaching  to  the  skies  supplant  the  Indian  huts,  whose 
only  decorations  are  the  barbarous  trophies  oftheir  vanquished  enemies." 

"  Westward  the  course  of  empire  takes  its  way  ; 

The  four  first  acts  already  passed, 
A  fifth  shall  close  the  drama  with  the  day  ; 

Time's  noblest  offspring  is  the  last." 


THE    PUBLIC    DOMAIN. 

By  D.  S.  DURRIE. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth  century,  all  the  territory  north  of  the  Ohio  river, 
including  the  present  state  of  Wisconsin,  was  an  undiscovered  region.  As  far  as  now  known,  it 
was  never  visited  by  white  men  until  the  year  1634,  when  Jean  Nicolet  came  to  the  Green  bay 
country  as  an  ambassador  from  the  French  to  the  Winnebagoes.  The  Jesuit  fathers  in  1660 
visited  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Superior;  and,  soon  after,  missions  were  established  at  various 
points  in  the  northwest. 

The  French  government  appreciating  the  importance  of  possessing  dominion  over  this  sec- 
tion, M.  Talon,  intendant  of  Canada,  took  steps  to  carry  out  this  purpose,  and  availed  himself 
of  the  good  feelings  entertained  toward  the  French  by  a  number  of  the  Indian  tribes,  to  establish 
the  authority  of  the  French  crown  over  this  remote  quarter.  A  small  party  of  men  led  by 
Daumont  de  St.  Lusson,  with  Nicolas  Perrot  as  interpreter,  set  out  from  Quebec  on  this  mission, 
in  1670,  and  St.  Lusson  sent  to  the  tribes  occupying  a  circuit  of  a  hundred  leagues,  inviting  the 
nations,  among  them  the  Wisconsin  tribes  inhabiting  the  Green  bay  country,  by  their  chiefs  and 
ambassadors,  to  meet  him  at  the  Sault  Sainte  Marie  the  following  spring. 

In  the  month  of  May,  167 1,  fourteen  tribes,  by  their  representatives,  including  the  Miamis, 
Sacs,  Winnebagoes,  Menomonees,  and  Pottawattamies,  arrived  at  the  place  designated.  On  the 
morning  of  the  fourteenth  of  June,  "  St.  Lusson  led  his  followers  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  all  fully 
equipped  and  under  arms.  Here,  too,  in  the  vestments  of  their  priestly  office  were  four  Jesuits  : 
Claude  Dablon,  superior  of  the  mission  on  the  lakes,  Gabriel  Druillettes,  Claude  Allouez,  and 
Andre.  All  around,  the  great  throng  of  Indians  stood,  or  crouched,  or  reclined  at  length  with 
eyes  and  ears  intent.  A  large  cross  of  wood  had  been  made  ready.  Dablon,  in  solemn  form, 
pronounced  his  blessing  on  it ;  and  then  it  was  reared  and  planted  in  the  ground,  while  the 
Frenchmen,  uncovered,  sang  the  Vexilla  Regis.  Then  a  post  of  cedar  was  planted  beside  it, 
with  a  metal  plate  attached,  engraven  with  the  royal  arms  ;  while  St.  Lusson's  followers  sang  the 
exaudiat,  and  one  of  the  priests  uttered  a  prayer  for  the  king.  St.  Lusson  now  advanced,  and, 
holding  his  sword  in  one  hand,  and  raising  with  the  other  a  sod  of  earth,  proclaimed  in  a  loud 
voice  "  that  he  took  possession  of  all  the  country  occupied  by  the  tribes,  and  placed  them  under 
the  king's  protection. 

This  act,  however,  was  not  regarded  as  sufficiently  definite,  and  on  the  eighth  of  May,  1689, 
Perrot,  who  was  then  commanding  for  the  king  at  the  post  of  Nadouesioux,  near  Lake  Pepin  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Mississippi,  commissioned  by  the  Marquis  de  Denonville  to  manage  the 
interests  of  commerce  west  of  Green  bay  took  possession,  in  the  name  of  the  king,  with 
appropriate  ceremonies,  of  the  countries  west  of  Lake  Michigan  as  far  as  the  river  St.  Peter. 
The  papers  were  signed  by  Perrot  and  others. 

By  these  solemn  acts,  the  present  limits  of  Wisconsin  with  much  contiguous  territory,  came 
under  the  dominion  of  the  French  government,  the  possession  of  which  continued  until  October, 
1761  — a  period  of  ninety  years  from  the  gathering  of  the  chiefs  at  the  Sault  Ste.  Marie  in  1671. 

From  the  commencement  of  French  occupancy  up  to  the  time  when  the  British  took  posses- 
sion, the  district  of  country  embraced  within  the  present  limits  of  this  state  had  but  few  white 
inhabitants  besides  the  roaming  Indian  traders  ;  and  of  these  few,  the  locations  were  separated  by 
a  distance  of  more  than  two  hundred  miles  in  a  direct  line,  and  nearly  double   that  distance  by 


THE   PUBLIC    DOMAIN.  211 

the  usual  water  courses.  There  was  no  settlement  of  agriculturists;  there  were  no  missionary 
establishments ;  no  fortified  posts  at  other  points,  except  at  Depere  and  Green  bay  on  Fox  -iver, 
and  perhaps  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  near  the  junction  of  the  Wisconsin  and  the  Mississippi. 

The  French  government  made  no  grant  of  lands;  gave  no  attention  to  settlers  or  agrica.- 
turists,  and  the  occupation  of  the  country  was  strictly  military.  There  were,  indeed,  a  few  grants 
of  lands  made  by  the  French  governors  and  commanders,  previous  to  1750,  to  favored  indi- 
viduals, six  of  which  were  afterward  confirmed  by  the  king  of  France.  There  were  also  others 
which  did  not  require  confirmation,  being  made  by  Cardillac,  commanding  at  Detroit,  under 
special  authority  of  the  king;  of  this  latter  kind,  one  for  a  small  piece  of  thirty  acres  bears  with 
it,  says  a  writer,  "  so  many  conditions,  reservations,  prohibitions  of  sale,  and  a  whole  cavalcade 
of  feudal  duties  to  be  performed  by  the  grantee,  that  in  itself,  it  would  be  a  host  in  opposition  to 
the  agricultural  settlement  of  any  country." 

The  grants  just  referred  to,  relate  to  that  part  of  the  French  possessions  outside  the  limits 
of  the  present  state  of  Wisconsin.  Within  its  limits  there  was  a  grant  of  an  extensive  territory 
including  the  fort  at  the  head  of  Green  bay,  with  the  exclusive  right  to  trade,  and  other  valuable 
privileges,  from  the  Marquis  de  Vaudreuil,  in  October,  1759,  to  M.  Rigaud.  It  was  sold  by  the 
latter  to  William  Gould  and  Madame  Vaudreuil,  to  whom  it  was  confirmed  by  the  king  of 
France  in  January,  1760,  at  a  very  critical  period,  when  Quebec  had  been  taken  by  the  British, 
and  Montreal  was  only  wanting  to  complete  the  conquest  of  Canada.  This  grant  was  evidently 
intended  as  a  perquisite  to  entrap  some  unwary  persons  to  give  a  valuable  consideration  for  it, 
as  it  would  be  highly  impolitic  for  the  government  to  make  such  a  grant,  if  they  continued  mas- 
ters of  the  country,  since  it  would  surely  alienate  the  aff"ections  of  the  Indians.  The  whole 
country  had  already  been  virtually  conquered  by  Great  Britain,  and  the  grant  of  course  was  not 
confirmed  by  the  English  government. 

Of  the  war  between  the  French  and  English  governments  in  America,  known  as  the  French 
and  Indian  war,  it  is  not  necessary  to  speak,  except  in  general  terms.  The  English  made  a 
determined  effort  to  obtain  the  possessions  claimed  by  the  French.  The  capture  of  Quebec  in 
1759,  and  the  subsequent  capitulation  of  Montreal  in  1760,  extinguished  the  domination  of 
France  in  the  basin  of  the  St.  Lawrence  ;  and  by  the  terms  of  the  treaty  of  Paris,  concluded 
February  10,  1763,  all  the  possessions  in,  and  all  the  claims  of  the  French  nation  to,  the  vast 
country  watered  by  the  Ohio  and  the  Mississippi  were  ceded  to  Great  Britain. 

Among  the  first  acts  of  the  new  masters  of  the  country  was  the  protection  of  the  eminent 
domain  of  the  government,  and  the  restriction  of  all  attempts  on  the  part  of  individuals  to  acquire 
Indian  titles  to  lands.  By  the  King  of  England's  proclamation  of  1763,  no  more  grants  of  land 
within  certain  prescribed  limits  could  be  issued,  and  all  private  persons  were  interdicted  the 
liberty  of  purchasing  lands  from  the  Indians,  or  of  making  settlements  within  those  prescribed 
limits.  The  indulgence  of  such  a  privilege  as  that  of  making  private  purchases  of  the  natives, 
conduced  to  the  most  serious  difficulties,  and  made  way  for  the  practice  df  the  most  reprehensible 
frauds.  The  policy  pursued  by  the  English  government  has  been  adopted  and  acted  upon  by  the 
government  of  the  United  States  in  the  extinguishment  of  the  Indian  title  to  lands  in  every  part 
of  the  country. 

In  face  of  the  proclamation  of  1763,  and  within  three  years  after  its  promulgation,  under 
a  pretended  purchase  from,  or  voluntary  grant  of  the  natives,  a  tract  of  country  nearly  one  hundred 
miles  square,  including  large  portions  of  what  is  now  northern  Wisconsin  and  Minnesota,  was 
claimed  by  Jonathan  Carver,  and  a  ratification  of  his  title  solicited  from  the  king  and  council. 
This  was  not  conceded ;  and  the  representatives  of  Carver,  after  the  change  of  government  had 


212  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN.  ♦ 

brought  the  lands  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  United  States,  for  a  series  of  years  presented  the 
same  claims  before  congress,  and  asked  for  their  confirmation.  Such  a  demand  under  all  the 
circumstances,  could  not  justify  an  expectation  of  success;  and,  of  course,  has  often  been  refused. 
But  notwithstanding  the  abundant  means  which  the  public  have  had  of  informing  themselves  of 
the  true  nature  and  condition  of  Carver's  claim,  bargains  and  sales  of  portions  of  this  tract  have 
been  made  among  visionary  speculators  for  more  than  half  a  century  past.  It  is  now  only  a 
short  period  since  the  maps  of  the  United  States  ceased  to  be  defaced  by  a  delineation  of 
5he  "Carver  Grant." 

The  mere  transfer  of  the  dominion  over  the  country  from  the  French  to  the  English  govern- 
ment, and  the  consequent  occupation  of  the  English  posts  by  the  new  masters,  did  not  in  any 
great  degree  affect  the  social  condition  of  the  inhabitants.  By  the  terms  of  capitulation,  the 
French  subjects  were  permitted  to  remain  in  the  country,  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  their  civil  and 
religious  privileges. 

The  English,  however,  did  not  hold  peaceable  possession  of  the  territory  acquired.  The  war 
inaugurated  by  Pontiac  and  his  Indian  allies  on  the  military  posts  occupied  by  the  English  soon 
followed,  and  in  the  month  of  May,  1763,  nine  posts  were  captured  with  much  loss  of  life.  In 
the  spring  of  1764,  twenty-two  tribes  who  were  more  or  less  identified  in  the  outbreak,  concluded 
a  treaty  of  peace  with  General  Bradstreet  at  Niagara. 

The  expedition  of  Colonel  George  Rogers  Clark  to  the  Illinois  country,  and  the  conquest 
of  the  British  posts  in  1778  and  1779,  had  the  effect  to  open  the  way  for  the  emigration  of  the 
Anglo-American  population  to  the  Mississippi  valley;  and  at  the  close  of  the  revolutionary 
war,  Great  Britain  renounced  all  claim  to  the  whole  territory  lying  east  of  the  Mississippi  river. 
The  dominion  of  the  English  in  the  Illinois  and  Wabash  countries,  ceased  with  the  loss  of  the 
military  posts  which  commanded  the  Northwestern  territory  of  the  United  States.  As  a  result  of 
the  enterprise  and  success  of  Clark,  Virginia  obtained  possession  of  the  Illinois  country;  his 
expedition  having  been  undertaken  and  carried  forward  under  the  auspices  of  that  state. 

Several  of  the  eastern  states  under  their  colonial  charters,  laid  claim  to  portions  of  the  land 
comprised  in  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  river.  The  claim  of  Massachusetts  was  derived 
from  a  grant  from  King  James  of  November  3,  1620;  and  included  from  lat.  42°  2'  to  about  lat. 
450,  extending  to  the  south  sea;  Connecticut  claimed  from  lat.  4it>  north  to  420  2'.  The  claims  of 
Virginia  were  from  grants  from  King  James,  bearing  date,  respectively,  April  lo,  1606,  May  23, 
1609,  and  March  12,  i6ii,  and  an  additional  claim  for  the  territory  conquered  by  Clark  in  the 
Illinois  country  ;  but  they  extended  no  farther  north  than  the  southern  end  of  Lake  Michigan. 

It  is  a  popular  impression  that  the  territory  of  the  present  state  of  Wisconsin  was  compre- 
hended in  the  lands  northwest  of  the  river  Ohio,  over  which  Virginia  exercised  jurisdiction,  and, 
consequently,  was  included  in  her  deed  of  cession  of  lands  to  the  United  States.  This  opinion  so 
generally  entertained  by  writers  on  American  history,  is  a  statement  which  does  qpt  appear  to 
have  any  solid  foundation  in  fact.  Virginia  never  made  any  conquests  or  settlements  in  Wiscon- 
sin, and  at  no  time  prior  to  the  proffer  of  her  claims  to  the  general  government  had  she  ever 
exercised  jurisdiction  over  it.  In  fact,  there  were  no  settlements  in  Wisconsin  except  at  Green 
Bay  and  Prairie  du  Chien  before  that  time,  and  these  were  made  by  French  settlers  who  were  in 
no  wise  interfered  with  while  the  revolution  continued.  In  Illinois  it  was  otherwise ;  and  the 
possession  of  its  territory  by  Virginia  was  an  undisputed  fact.  During  the  revolution  the  title  of 
the  sovereignty  in  Wisconsin  was  actually  in  Great  Britain,  and  so  remained  until  the  definite 
treaty  of  peace  in  1783;  at  which  date  England  yielding  her  right  constructively  to  the  United 
States,  retaining  possession,  however,  until  1796 ;  at  which  time  the  western  posts  were  transferred 
to  the  United  States. 


THE  PT'BLIC   DOMAISr.  218 

All  the  claiming  states  finally  ceded  their  interests  to  the  general  government,  giving  the 
latter  a  perfect  title,  subject  only  to  the  rights  of  the  Indians.  The  deed  of  cession  from  Virginia 
was  dated  March  i,  1784.  The  other  states  ceded  their  claims,  some  before  this  date,  others 
subsequent  thereto. 

Virginia  made  a  number  of  stipulations  in  her  deed  of  cession;  among  others,  that  the 
French  and  Canadian  inhabitants  and  the  neighboring  villages  who  had  professed  themselves 
citizens  of  Virginia,  should  have  their  possessions  and  title  confirmed  to  them,  and  be  protected  in 
the  enjoyment  of  their  rights  and  liberties;  thr.t  150,000  acres  of  land  near  the  rapids  of  the  Ohio, 
should  be  reserved  for  that  portion  of  her  state  troops  which  had  reduced  the  country;  and  about 
3,500,000  acres  between  the  rivers  Scioto  and  Little  Miami  be  reserved  for  bounties  to  her  troops 
on  the  continental  establishment. 

In  consequence  of  certain  objectionable  stipulations  made  by  Virginia  as  to  the  division  of 
the  territory  into  states,  the  deed  of  cession  was  referred  back  to  that  state  with  a  recommenda- 
tion from  congress  that  these  stipulations  should  be  altered.  On  the  30th  of  December,  1788, 
Virginia  assented  to  the  wish  of  congress,  and  formally  ratified  and  confirmed  the  fifth  article  of 
compact  which  related  to  that  subject,  and  tacitly  gave  her  consent  to  the  whole  ordinance  of  1787. 
The  provisions  of  this  ordinance  have  since  been  applied  to  all  the  territories  of  the  United 
States  lying  north  of  the  360  40'.  After  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  the 
the  new  congress,  among  its  earliest  acts,  passed  one,  recognizing  the  binding  force  of  the  ordi- 
nance of  1787. 

Of  this  ordinance  it  has  been  said  :  "  It  was  based  on  the  principles  of  civil  liberty,  maintained 
in  the  magna  charta  of  England,  re-enacted  in  the  bill  of  rights,  and  incorporated  in  our  differ- 
ent state  constitutions.  It  was  the  fundamental  law  of  the  constitution,  so  to  speak,  of  the  great 
northwest,  upon  which  were  based,  and  with  which  harmonized  ail  our  territorial  enactments,  as 
well  as  our  subsequent  state  legislation,  and,  moreover,  it  is  to  that  wise,  statesman-like  document 
that  we  are  indebted  for  much  of  our  prosperity  and  greatness." 

After  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war,  enterprising  individuals  traversed  tlie  whole  country 
which  had  been  ceded  to  the  government,  and  companies  were  formed  to  explore  and  settle  the 
fertile  and  beautiful  lands  beyond  the  Ohio  ;  but  the  determination  of  the  British  cabinet  not  to 
evacuate  the  western  posts,  was  well  known,  and  had  its  effect  on  the  peo])le  who  were  disposed 
to  make  settlements. 

The  western  tribes  were  also  dissatisfied  and  threatened  war,  and  efforts  were  made  by  the 
government  to  settle  the  difficulties.  A  grand  council  was  held  at  the  mouth  of  Detroit  river 
in  December,  1787,  which  did  not  result  favorably,  and  two  treaties  were  subsequently  held, 
which  were  not  respected  by  the  savages  who  were  parties  to  them.  Soon  an  Indian  war  ensued, 
/hich  resulted  at  first  disastrously  to  the  American  troops  under  Generals  Harmar  and  St.  Clair, 
but  finally  with  success  to  the  American  arms  under  General  Wayne.  The  treaty  of  Greenville 
followed.  It  was  concluded  August  3,  1795.  At  this  treaty  there  were  present  eleven  hundred 
and  thirty  chiefs  and  warriors.  It  was  signed  by  eighty-four  chiefs  and  General  Anthony  Wayne, 
sole  commissioner  of  the  United  States.  One  of  the  provisions  of  the  treaty  was  that  in  consid- 
eration of'the  peace  then  established,  and  the  cessions  and  relinquishments  of  lands  made  by  the 
tribes  of  Indians,  and  to  manifest  the  liberality  of  the  United  States  as  the  great  means  of  render- 
ing this  peace  strong  and  perpetual,  tlie  United  States  relinquished  their  claims  to  all  other 
Indian  lands  northward  of  the  river  Ohio,  eastward  of  the  Mississippi,  and  westward  and  south- 
ward of  the  great  lakes  and  the  waters  united  by  them,  except  certain  reservations  and  portions 
before  purchased  of  the  Indians,  none  of  which  were  within  the  present  limits  of  this  state.  The 
Indian  title  to  the  whole  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  subject  only   to  certain   restrictions,  became 


214  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

absolute  in  the  various  tribes  inhabiting  it.  By  this  treaty  it  was  stipulated  that,  of  the  lands  relin- 
quished by  the  United  States,  the  Indian  tribes  who  have  a  right  to  those  lands,  were  quietly  to 
enjoy  them  ;  hunting,  planting,  and  dwelling  thereon  so  long  as  they  pleased  ;  but,  when  those 
tribes  or  any  of  them  should  be  disposed  to  sell  them,  or  any  part  of  them,  they  were  to  be  sold 
only  to  the  United  States,  and  until  such  sale,  the  United  States  would  protect  all  of  the  tribes 
in  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  their  lands  against  all  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  all  other  white 
persons  who  might  intrude  on  the  same.  At  the  same  time  all  the  tribes  acknowledged  them- 
selves to  be  under  the  protection  of  the  United  States,  and  no  other  person  or  jx)wer  what- 
soever. 

The  treaty  also  prohibited  any  citizen  of  the  United  States,  or  any  other  white  man,  settling 
upon  the  lands  relinquished  by  the  general  government ;  and  such  person  was  to  be  considered 
as  out  of  the  protection  of  the  United  States;  and  the  Indian  tribe  on  whose  land  the  settlement 
might  be  made,  could  drive  off  the  settler,  or  punish  him  in  such  manner  as  it  might  see  fit. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  Indians  were  acknowledged  to  have  an  unquestionable  title  to  the 
lands  they  occupied  until  that  right  should  be  extinguished  by  a  voluntary  cession  to  the  general 
government;  and  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  by  declaring  treaties  already  made,  as 
well  as  those  to  be  made,  to  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land,  adopted  and  sanctioned  previous 
treaties  with  the  Indian  nations,  and  consequently  admitted  their  rank  among  those  powers  who 
are  capable  of  making  treaties. 

The  several  treaties  which  had  been  made  between  commissioners  on  the  part  of  the  United 
States  and  various  nations  of  Indians,  previous  to  the  treaty  of  Greenville,  were  generally 
restricted  to  declarations  of  amity  and  friendship,  the  establishment  and  confirming  of  bounda- 
ries, and  the  protection  of  settlements  on  Indian  lands ;  those  that  followed  were  generally  for  a 
cession  of  lands  and  provisions  made  for  their  payment.  It  is  proposed  to  notice  the  several 
treaties  that  took  place  after  that  held  at  Greenville,  showing  in  what  way  the  territory  of  the 
present  state,  came  into  possession  of  the  government.  As  will  be  seen  hereafter,  it  required  trea- 
ties with  numerous  tribes  of  Indians  to  obtain  a  clear,  undisputed  title,  as  well  as  many  years 
before  it  was  fully  accomplished. 

1.  A  treaty  was  held  at  St.  Louis,  November  3,  1804,  between  the  Sacs  and  Foxes  and  the 
United  States.  William  Henry  Harrison  was  acting  commissioner  on  the  part  of  the  govern- 
ment. By  the  provisions  of  the  treaty,  the  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  united  tribes  ceded  to 
the  United  States  a  large  tract  on  both  sides  of  the  Mississippi,  extending  on  the  east  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Illinois  to  the  head  of  that  river,  and  thence  to  the  Wisconsin;  and  including  on 
the  west  considerable  portions  of  Iowa  and  Missouri,  from  the  mouth  of  the  Gasconade  north- 
ward. In  what  is  now  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  this  grant  embraced  the  whole  of  the  present 
counties  of  Grant  and  La  Fayette  and  a  large  portion  of  Iowa  and  Green  counties.  The  lead 
region  was  included  in  this  purchase.  In  consideration  of  this  cession,  the  general  government 
agreed  to  protect  the  tribes  in  the  quiet  enjoyment  of  their  land,  against  its  own  citizens  and 
all  others  who  should  intrude  on  them.  The  tribes  permitted  a  fort  to  be  built  on  the  upper 
side  of  the  Wisconsin  river,  near  its  mouth,  and  granted  a  tract  of  land  two  miles  square,  adjoin- 
ing the  same.  The  government  agreed  to  give  them  an  annuity  of  one  thousand  dollars  per 
annum.  The  validity  of  this  treaty  was  denied  by  one  band  of  the  Sac  Indians,  and  this  cession 
of  land  became,  twenty-eight  years  after,  the  alleged  cause  of  the  Black  Hawk  war. 

2.  Another  treaty  was  held  at  Portage  des  Sioux,  now  a  village  in  St.  Charles  county,  Mis- 
souri, on  the  Mississippi  river,  September  13,  1815,  with  certain  chiefs  of  that  portion  of  the 
Sac  nation  then  residing  in  Missouri,  who,  they  said,  were  compelled  since  the  commencement  of 


THE    PUBLIC    DOMAIN.  216 

the  late  war,  to  separate  themselves  from  the  rest  of  their  nation.  They  gave  their  assent  to  the 
treaty  made  at  St.  Louis  in  1804,  and  promised  to  remain  separate  from  the  Sacs  of  Rock  river, 
and  to  give  them  no  aid  or  assistance,  until  peace  should  be  concluded  between  the  United 
States  and  the  Foxes  of  Rock  river. 

3.  On  the  14th  of  September,  a  treaty  was  made  with  the  chiefs  of  the  Fox  tribe  at  the 
same  place.  They  agreed  that  all  prisoners  in  their  hands  should  be  delivered  up  to  the  govern- 
ment. They  assented  to,  recognized,  re-established  and  confirmed  the  treaty  of  1804,  to  the  full 
extent  of  their  interest  in  the  same. 

4.  A  treaty  was  held  at  St.  Louis,  May  13,  1816,  with  the  Sacs  of  Rock  river,  who  affirmed 
the  treaty  of  1804,  and  agreed  to  deliver  up  all  the  property  stolen  or  plundered,  and  in  failure 
to  do  so,  to  forfeit  all  title  to  their  annuities.  To  this  treaty,  Black  Hawk's  name  appears  with 
others.  That  chief  afterward  affirmed  that  though  he  himself  had  "  touched  the  quill  "  to 
this  treaty,  he  knew  not  what  he  was  signing,  and  that  he  was  therein  deceived  by  the  agent  and 
others,  who  did  not  correctly  explain  the  nature  of  the  grant;  and  in  reference  to  the  treaty  of 
St.  Louis  in  1804,  and  at  Portage  des  Sioux  in  1815,  he  said  that  he  did  not  consider  the  same 
valid  or  binding  on  him  or  his  tribe,  inasmuch  as  by  the  terms  of  those  treaties,  territory  was 
described  which  the  Indians  never  intended  to  sell,  and  the  treaty  of  1S04,  particularly,  was 
made  by  parties  who  had  neither  authority  in  the  nation,  nor  power  to  dispose  of  its  lands. 
Whether  this  was  a  true  statement  of  the  case,  or  otherwise,  it  is  quite  certain  that  the  grant  of 
lands  referred  to  was  often  confirmed  by  his  nation,  and  was  deemed  conclusive  and  binding  by 
the  government.  The  latter  acted  in  good  faith  to  the  tribes,  as  well  as  to  the  settlers,  in  the 
disposition  of  the  lands. 

5.  A  treaty  <if  peace  and  friendship  was  made  at  St.  Louis,  June  3,  i8i6,  between  the  chiefs 
and  warriors  of  that  part  of  the  Winnebagoes  residing  on  the  Wisconsin  river.  In  this  treaty  the 
tribe  state  that  they  have  separated  themselves  from  the  rest  of  their  nation ;  that  they,  for 
themselves  and  those  they,  represent,  confirm  to  the  United  States  all  and  every  cession  of  land 
heretofore  made  by  their  nation,  and  every  contract  and  agreement,  as  far  as  their  interest 
extended. 

6.  On  the  30th  of  March,  1817,  the  Menomonee  tribe  concluded  a  treaty  of  peace  ana 
friendship  at  St.  Louis  with  the  United  States,  and  confirmed  all  and  every  cession  of  land 
before  made  by  them  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States. 

7.  On  the  19th  of  August,  1825,  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  a  treaty  was  made  with  the  Sioux, 
Chippewas,  Sacs  and  Foxes,  Winnebagoes,  Ottawas  and  Pottawattamies,  by  which  the  boundary 
between  the  two  first  nations  was  agreed  upon;  also  between  the  Chippewas,  Winnebagoes  and 
other  tribes. 

8.  Another  treaty  was  held  August  5,  1826,  at  Fond  du  Lac  of  Lake  Superior,  a  small 
settlement  on  the  St.  Louis  river,  in  Itaska  county,  Minn.,  with  the  same  tribes,  by  which  the 
previous  treaty  was  confirmed  in  respect  to  boundaries,  and  those  of  the  Chippewas  were  defined, 
as  a  portion  of  the  same  was  not  completed  at  the  former  treaty. 

9.  A  treaty  was  made  and  concluded  August  i,  1827,  at  Butte  des  Morts,  between  the  United 
States  and  the  Chippewa,  Menomonee  and  Winnebago  tribes,  in  which  the  boundaries  of  their 
tribes  were  defined ;  no  cession  of  lands  was  made. 

10.  A  treaty  was  made  at  Green  Bay,  August  25,  1828,  with  the  Winnebagoes,  Pottawat- 
tamies and  other  tribes.  This  treaty  was  made  to  remove  the  difficulties  which  had  arisen  in 
consequence  of  the  occupation  by  white  men  of  that  portion  of  the  mining  country  in  the  south- 
western part  of  Wisconsin   which   had   not   been   ceded  to  the   United  States.     A  provisional 


216  HISTORY   OF   WISCOXSIN. 

boundary  was  provided,  and  privileges  accorded  the  government  to  freely  occupy  their  territory 
until  a  treaty  should  be  made  for  the  cession  of  the  same.  This  treaty  was  simply  to  define  the 
rights  of  the  Indians,  and  to  give  the  United  States  the  right  of  occupation. 

11.  Two  treaties  were  made  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  on  the  29th  of  July,  1829,  and  August  1, 
1829  :  at  the  first  date,  with  the  Chippewas,  Ottawas  and  Pottawattamies,  by  which  these  nations 
ceded  all  their  lands  which  they  claimed  in  the  northwestern  part  of  Illinois  ;  and  at  the  latter 
date  with  the  Winnebagoes,  by  which  that  nation  ceded  and  relinquished  all  their  right,  title  and 
claim  to  all  their  lands  south  of  the  Wisconsin  river,  thus  confirming  the  purchase  of  the  lead- 
mine  region,  Certain  grants  were  made  to  individuals,  which  grants  were  not  to  be  leased  or 
sold  by  the  grantees. 

By  this  important  treaty,  about  eight  millions  of  acres  of  land  were  added  to  the  public 
domain.  The  three  tracts  ceded,  and  forming  one  whole,  extended  from  the  upper  end  of  Rock 
river  to  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  from  latitude  41°  30'  to  latitude  43°  15',  on  the  Mississippi. 
Following  the  meanderings  of  the  river,  it  was  about  two  hundred  and  forty  miles  from  west  to 
east,  extending  along  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  rivers,  affording  a  passage  across  the  country  from 
the  Mississippi  to  Lake  Michigan.  The  south  part  of  the  purchase  extended  from  Rock  Island 
to  Lake  Michigan. 

12.  Another  important  treaty  was  made  at  Green  Bay,  February  8,  1831,  between  the  Meno- 
monee  Indians  and  the  United  States.  That  nation  possessed  an  immense  territory.  Its  eastern 
division  was  bounded  by  the  Milwaukee  river,  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  Green  bay.  Fox  river, 
and  Lake  Winnebago;  its  western  division,  by  the  Wisconsin  and  Chippewa  rivers  on  the  west. 
Fox  river  on  the  south.  Green  bay  on  the  east,  and  the  high  lands  which  flow  the  streams  into 
Lake  Superior  on  the  north.  By  this  treaty  all  the  eastern  division,  estimated  at  two  and  a  half 
millions  of  acres,  was  ceded  to  the  government.  By  certain  other  provisions,  the  tribe  was  to 
occupy  a  large  tract  lying  north  of  Fox  river  and  east  of  Wolf  river.  Their  territory  farther  west 
was  reserved  for  their  hunting-grounds  until  such  time  as  the  general  government  should  desire 
to  purchase  it.  Another  portion,  amounting  to  four  millions  of  acres,  lying  between  Green  bay 
on  the  east  and  Wolf  river  on  the  west,  was  also  ceded  to  the  United  States,  besides  a  strip  of 
country,  three  miles  in  width,  from  near  the  portage  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  rivers  north,  on 
each  side  of  the  Wisconsin  river,  and  forty-eight  miles  long  —  still  leaving  the  tribe  in  peaceable 
possession  of  a  country  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  long,  and  about  eighty  broad.  By 
supplementary  articles  to  the  treaty,  provision  was  made  for  the  occupancy  of  certain  lands  by 
the  New  York  Indians  —  two  townships  on  the  east  side  of  Lake  Winnebago. 

13.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  in  1832,  for  the  purpose  of  clearing  up  the 
Indian  title  of  the  Winnebago  nation  in  the  country,  a  treaty  was  made  and  concluded  at  Fort 
Armstrong,  September  15,  1832.  All  the  territory  claimed  by  this  nation  lying  south  and  east  of 
the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  river  of  Green  bay,  was  ceded  to  the  United  States,  and  no  band  or  party 
of  Winnebagoes  was  allowed  to  reside,  plant,  fish  or  hunt  on  these  grounds,  after  June  i,  1833, 
or  on  any  part  of  the  country  therein  ceded. 

14.  On  the  27th  of  October,  1832,  articles  of  agreement  were  made  and  concluded  at  Green 
Bay  between  the  United  States  and  the  Menomonee  Indians,  by  the  terms  of  which  that  nation 
ceded  to  the  New  York  Indians  certain  lands  on  Fox  river. 

15.  An  important  treaty  was  made  at  Chicago,  September  26,  1833,  between  the  United 
States  and  the  Chippewas,  Ottawas  and  Pottawattamies.  Those  nations  ceded  to  the  government 
all  their  lands  along  the  western  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  between  that  lake  and  the  land 
ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  Winnel)ago  nation  at  the  treaty  at  Fort  Armstrong,  September 


THE  PUBLIC   DOMAIN.  217 

15,  1832,  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  country  lately  ceded  by  the  Menomonees,  and  on  the 
south  by  the  country  ceded  at  the  treaty  at  Prairie  da  Chien,  July  19,  1829  —  containing  about 
five  millions  of  acres. 

16.  On  the  3d  of  September,  1836,  a  tieaty  was  made  at  Cedar  Point  with  the  Menomonees, 
by  which  lands  lying  west  of  Green  bay,  and  a  strip  on  the  upper  Wisconsin,  were  ceded  to  the 
United  States  — the  quantity  of  land  ceded  being  estimated  at  four  millions  of  acres  in  the  Green 
bay  portion;  on  the  Wisconsin  river,  a  strip  three  miles  wide  on  each  side  of  the  river,  running 
forty-eight  miles  north  in  a  direct  hne,  equivalent  to  184,320  acres. 

17.  On  the  29th  of  July,  1837,  a  treaty  was  made  with  the  Chippewas  of  the  Mississiopi,  at 
Fort  Snelling,  and  the  United  States,  the  nation  ceding  to  the  government  all  their  lands  in 
Wisconsin  lying  south  of  the  divide  between  the  waters  of  Lake  Superior  and  those  of  the 
Mississippi. 

18.  Certain  chiefs  and  braves  of  the  Sioux  nation  of  the  Mississippi,  while  visiting  Washing- 
ton, September  29,  1837,  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi,  and  all 
their  islands  in  said  river. 

19.  The  Winnebago  nation,  by  the  chiefs  and  delegates,  held  a  treaty  with  the  government 
at  Washington,  November  i,  1837.  That  nation  ceded  all  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi, 
and  obligated  themselves  to  remove,  within  eight  months  after  the  ratification  of  the  treaty,  to 
certain  lands  west  of  the  river  Mississippi  which  were  conveyed  to  them  by  the  treaty  of  Sep- 
tember 21,  1832. 

20.  The  Oneida  or  New  York  Indians,  residing  near  Green  Bay,  by  their  chief  and  repre- 
sentative, on  the  3d  of  February,  1838,  at  Washington  City,  ceded  to  the  United  States  their  title 
and  interest  in  the  land  set  apart  by  the  treaty  made  with  the  Menomonees,  May  8,  1831,  and  the 
treaty  made  with  the  same  tribe,  October  7,  1832,  reserving  about  62,000  acres. 

21.  Another  treaty  was  made  at  Stockbridge  on  the  3d  of  September,  1839,  by  which  the 
Stockbridge  and  Munsee  tribes  (New  York  Indians)  ceded  and  relinquished  to  the  United  States 
the  east  half  of  the  tract  of  46,080  acres  which  was  laid  off  for  their  use  on  the  east  side  of  Lake 
Winnebago  by  treaty  of  October  7,  1832 

22.  On  the  4th  of  October,  1842,  a  treaty  was  made  at  La  Pointe,  on  Lake  Superior,  with  the 
Chippewas.  All  their  lands  in  the  northern  and  northwestern  parts  of  Wisconsin  were  ceded  to 
the  United  States. 

23.  The  Menomonee  nation,  on  the  i8th  of  October,  1848,  at  Pow-aw-hay-kon-nay,  ceded 
and  relinquished  to  the  United  States  all  their  lands  in  the  state,  wherever  situated — the  gov- 
ernment  to  furnish  the  nation  as  a  home,  to  be  held  as  Indian  lands  are  held,  all  the  country  ceded 
to  the  United  States  by  the  Chippewa  nation  August  2,  1847,  the  consideration  being  the  sum  of 
$350,000,  to  be  paid  according  to  the  stipulations  of  the  treaty.  A  supplementary  treaty  was 
made  on  the  24th  of  November,  1848,  with  the  Stockbridges  —  the  tiribe  to  sell  and  relinquish  to 
the  United  States  the  township  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  Lake  Winnebago,  secured  to  said  tribe 
by  treaty  of  February  8,  1831. 

24.  A  treaty  was  made  with  the  Menomonee  nation,  at  the  falls  of  Wolf  river.  May  12, 1854, 
being  a  supplementary  treaty  to  one  made  October  18,  1848.  All  the  lands  ceded  to  that  nation 
under  the  treaty  last  named  was  ceded  to  the  United  States  —  the  Menomonees  to  receive  from 
the  United  States  a  tract  of  country  lying  on  Wolf  river,  being  townships  28,  29  and  30,  of  ranges 

»3.  14.  15.  16. 

25.  A  treaty  was  made  with  the  Chippewas  of  Lake  Superior,  at  La  Pointe,  on  the  30th  ©f 
September,  1854.  That  nation  ceded  to  the  United  States  all  lands  before  owned  by  them  Jo 
common  with  the  Chippewas  of  the  Mississippi  — lying  in  the  vicinity  of  Lake  Superior  in  Wis- 


218  HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 

consin  and  Minnesota. 

26.  On  the  5th  of  February,  1856,  a  treaty  was  held  with  the  Stockbridge  and  Munsee  tribes, 
at  Stockbridge.  All  the  remaining  right  and  title  to  lands  in  the  town  of  Stockbridge,  possessed 
by  them,  was  ceded  to  the  United  States ;  and  the  said  tribes  were  to  receive  in  exchange  a  tract 
of  land  near  the  southern  boundary  of  the  Menomonee  reservation,  and  by  treaty  made  at 
Keshena,  February  11,  1856,  the  Menomonees  ceded  two  townships  to  locate  the  said  tribes. 

With  this  last  treaty,  the  Indian  title  to  all  the  lands  of  the  present  state  of  Wisconsin  was 
ceded  to  the  United  States  government,  except  a  few  small  reservations  to  certain  tribes,  and  a 
perfect,  indefeasible  title  obtained  to  all  the  territory  within  its  borders. 

In  the  region  of  country  which  is  now  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  the  settlements  in  early  times 
were,  as  before  stated,  near  Green  Bay  and  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  Soon  after  the  organization  of 
the  Northwest  territory,  the  subject  of  claims  to  private  property  therein  received  much  attention. 
By  an  act  of  congress  approved  March  3,  1805,  lands  lying  in  the  districts  of  Vincennes,  Kas- 
kaskia  and  Detroit,  which  were  claimed  by  virtue  of  French  or  British  grants,  legally  and  fully. 
executed,  or  by  virtue  of  grants  issued  under  the  authority  of  any  former  act  of  congress  by 
either  of  the  governors  of  the  Northwest  or  Indiana  territory,  which  had  already  been  surveyed, 
were,  if  necessary,  to  be  re-surveyed;  and  persons  claiming  lands  under  these  grants  were  to  have 
until  November  i,  1805,  to  give  notice  of  the  same.  Commissioners  were  to  be  appointed  to 
examine,  and  report  at  the  next  session  of  congress.  An  act  was  also  passed,  approved  April  25, 
1806,  to  authorize  the  granting  of  patents  for  lands,  according  to  government  surveys  that  had 
been  made,  and  to  grant  donation  rights  to  certain  claimants  of  land  in  the  district  of  Detroit, 
and  for  other  purposes  Another  act  was  approved  May  11,  1820,  reviving  the  powers  of  the 
commissioners  for  ascertaining  and  deciding  on  claims  in  the  district  of  Detroit,  and  for  settling  the 
claims  to  land  at  Green  Bay  and  Prairie  du  Chien,  in  the  territory  of  Michigan  ;  the  commis- 
•ioners  to  have  power  to  examine  and  decide  on  claims  filed  with  the  register  of  the  land  office^ 
and  not  before  acted  on,  in  accordance  with  the  laws  respecting  the  same.  The  commissioners 
discharged  the  duties  imposed  on  them,  and  in  their  report  to  congress  in  reference  to  the  claims 
at  Green  Bay,  they  said  that  the  antiquity  of  this  settlement  being,  in  their  view,  sufficiently 
established,  and  that  they,  being  also  satisfied  that  the  Indian  title  must  be  considered  to  have 
been  extinguished,  decide  favorably  on  the  claims  presented.  About  seventy-five  titles  were  con- 
firmed, and  patents  for  the  same  were  sent  to  the  proper  parties  by  the  government.  In  relation 
to  the  Prairie  du  Chien  titles,  they  reported  "  that  they  had  met  few  difficulties  in  their  investi- 
gations; that,  notwithstanding  the  high  antiquity  which  maybe  claimed  for  the  settlement  of  that 
place,  no  one  perfect  title  founded  on  French  or  British  grant,  legally  authenticated,  had  been 
successfully  made  out;  and  that  but  few  deeds  of  any  sort  have  been  exhibited."  This  they 
attribute  to  the  carelessness  of  the  Canadians  in  respect  to  whatever  concerned  their  land  titles,  and 
accords  with  whatever  is  known  in  this  regard,  of  the  French  population  throughout  the  country. 
They  therefore  came  to  the  conclusion  that  whatever  claim  the  people  of  the  place  possessed, 
and  might  have  for  a  confirmation  of  their  land  titles,  they  must  be  founded  upon  proof  of  con 
tinued  possession  since  the  year  1796  The  commissioners  further  say,  that  "  since  the  ancestors 
of  these  settlers  were  cut  off,  by  the  treaty  which  gave  the  Canadas  to  the  English,  from  all  inter- 
course with  their  parent  country,  the  people  both  of  Prairie  du  Chien  and  Green  Bay  have  been 
■eft,  until  within  a  few  years,  quite  isolated,  almost  without  any  government  but  their  own;  and, 
although  the  present  population  of  these  settlements  are  natives  of  the  countries  which  they 
inhabit,  and,  consequently,  are  by  birth  citizens  of  the  northwest,  yet,  until  a  few  years,  they  have 
had  as  little  political  connection  with  its  government  as  their  ancestors  had  with  the  British. 
Ignorant  of  their  civil  rights,  careless  of  their  land  titles,  docility,  habitual  hospitality,  cheerful 


THE   PUBLIC   DOMAIN.  219 

submission  to  the  requisitions  of  any  government  which  may  be  set  over  them,  are  their  universal 
characteristics." 

In  reference  to  grants  by  the  French  and  English  governments,  the  commissioners  say,  they 
"  have  not  had  access  to  any  public  archives  by  which  to  ascertain  with  positive  certainly,  whether 
either  the  French  or  English  ever  effected  a  formal  extinguishment  of  the  Indian  title  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  which  also  may  be  said  of  the  land  now  covered  by  the  city  of  Detroit , 
that  the  French  government  was  not  accustomed  to  hold  formal  treaties  for  such  purposes  with 
the  Indians,  and  when  the  lands  have  been  actually  procured  from  them,  either  by  virtue  of  the 
assumed  right  of  conquest,  or  by  purchase,  evidence  of  such  acquisition  is  rather  to  be  sought  in 
the  traditionary  history  of  the  country,  or  in  the  casual  or  scanty  relations  of  travelers,  than 
among  collections  of  state  papers.  Tradition  does  recognize  the  fact  of  the  extinguishment  of 
the  Indian  title  at  Prairie  du  Chien  by  the  old  French  government,  before  its  surrender  to  the 
English;  and  by  the  same  species  of  testimony,  more  positive  because  more  recent,  it  is  estab- 
lished also,  that,  in  the  year  1781,  Patrick  Sinclair,  lieutenant  governor  of  the  province  of  Upper 
Canada,  while  the  English  government  had  jurisdiction  over  this  country,  made  a  formal  purchase 
from  the  Indians  of  the  lands  comprehending  the  settlement  of  Prairie  du  Chien." 

The  territories  and  states  formed  from  the  section  known  as  the  Northwest  territory, 
were : 

I  The  Northwest  territory  proper  (1787-1800)  having  jurisdiction  over  all  the  lands  referred 
to  in  the  ordinance  of  1787.  In  1802,  Ohio  was  organized  as  a  state  with  its  present  boun- 
daries. 

1.  Indiana  terrritory  was  formed  July  4,  1800,  with  the  seat  of  government  at  Vincennes 
That  territory  was  made  to  include  all  of  the  northwest,  except  what  afterward  became  the  state 
of  Ohio. 

3.  Michigan  territory  was  formed  June  30,  1805.  It  was  bounded  on  the  south  by  a  line 
drawn  east  from  the  south  bend  of  Lake  Michigan,  on  the  west  by  the  center  of  Lake  Michigan. 
It  did  not  include  what  is  now  Wisconsin.  The  upper  peninsula  was  annexed  in  r836.  The 
state  of  Michigan  was  formed  January  26,  1837,  with  its  present  boundaries. 

4.  Illinois  territory  was  formed  March  2,  i8io.  It  included  all  of  the  Indiana  territory  west 
of  the  Wabash  river  and  Vincennes,  and  a  line  running  due  north  to  the  territorial  line.  All  of 
Wisconsin  was  included  therein,  except  what  lay  east  of  the  line  drawn  north  from  Vincennes. 

5.  Indiana  was  admitted  as  a  state  April  19,  1816,  including  all  the  territory  of  Indiana 
territory,  except  a  narrow  strip  east  of  the  line  of  Vincennes,  and  west  of  Michigan  territory,  her 
western  boundary. 

6.  Illinois  was  admitted  as  a  state  April  11,  1818.  It  included  all  of  Illinois  territory  south 
of  latitude  42°  30'.  All  of  Wisconsin  was  added  to  Michigan  territory.  In  the  month  of  Octo- 
ber of  that  year,  the  counties  of  Michilimackinac,  Brown  and  Crawford  were  formed,  comprising 
besides  other  territory,  the  whole  of  the  present  state  of  Wisconsin. 

7.  Iowa  district  was  attached  to  Michigan  for  judicial  purposes,  June  30,  1834,  out  of  which 
Des  Moines  and  Dubuque  counties  were  formed. 

8.  Wisconsin  territory  was  formed  April  20,  1836.     The  state  was  formed  May  29,  1848. 
The  territory  of  Wisconsin  being  a  part  of  the  Northwest  territory  claimed,  and  congress  by 

direct  action  confirmed  to  her,  all  the  rights  and  privileges  secured  by  the  ordinance  of  1787, 
one  of  which  was  that  congress  should  have  authority  to  form  one  or  two  states  in  that  part  of 
the  territory  lying  north  of  an  east  and  west  line,  drawn  through  the  southerly  bend  or  extreme 
of  Lake  Michigan.     Notwithstanding  this  plain  provision  of  the  ordinance,  which  is  declared  to 


220  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIX. 

be  articles  of  compact  between  the  original  states  and  the  people  and  states  in  the  said  territory, 
and  forever  to  remain  unalterable  unless  by  consent ;  yet  congress,  in  establishing  the  boundaries 
of  the  state  of  Illinois,  extended  that  state  about  sixty  miles  north  of  the  line  established  by  the 
ordinance.  This  action  was  claimed  to  be  unjust  and  contrary  to  the  spirit  and  letter  of  the 
•compact  with  the  original  states.  The  legislative  assembly  of  Wisconsin  passed  resolutions 
which  were  approved  January  13,  1840,  that  it  was  inexpedient  for  the  people  of  the  territory  to 
form  a  constitution  and  state  government  until  the  southern  boundary  to  which  they  are  so  justly 
entitled  by  the  ordinance  of  1787  shall  be  fully  recognized  by  the  parties  of  the  original  com- 
pact. Owing  to  various  complications  over  which  the  territory  had  no  control,  her  people  never 
succeeded  in  obtaining  from  congress  what  they  considered  their  just  rights. 

It  was  also  contended  by  many,  that  the  portion  of  country  set  off  to  Michigan  on  Lalce 
Superior  given  as  a  compensation  in  part  for  the  strip  of  land  awarded  to  Ohio  from  her  south- 
ern border,  should  also  have  constituted  a  portion  of  Wisconsin,  especially  as  Michigan  never 
made  the  least  claim  to  it  by  her  delegate  in  congress,  who  was  decidedly  opposed  to  the  exten- 
sion of  Michigan  beyond  the  limits  of  the  lower  peninsula. 

The  first  survey  of  the  public  lands  northwest  of  the  Ohio  river,  was  made  pursuant  to  an 
act  of  congress  approved  May  20,  1785  The  geographer  of  the  confederation  was  diected  to 
commence  the  survey  of  the  government  lands  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  Ohio  —  the  first  line 
running  north  and  south,  to  begin  on  said  river  at  a  point  that  should  be  found  to  be  due  north 
from  the  western  termination  of  a  line  which  had  been  run  as  the  southern  boundary  of  the  state 
of  Pennsylvania;  the  first  line  running  east  and  west,  to  begin  at  the  same  point,  and  to  extend 
through  the  whole  territory.  The  survey  comprised  seven  ranges,  composing  ten  counties  of 
the  present  state  of  Ohio.  Other  surveys  followed  when  the  Indian  title  was  extinguished. 
Thomas  Hutchins,  who  held  the  office  of  geographer,  is  believed  to  be  the  inventor  of  the 
mode  of  laying  out  land  which  was  then  introduced  by  him,  and  is  still  in  general  use  by  the 
government. 

Soon  after  the  government  had  acquired  title  to  the  Indian  lands  south  of  the  Wisconsin 
river,  the  public  authorities  commenced  a  systematic  survey  of  the  lands,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  the  same  into  market  at  the  earliest  possible  period. 

The  public  lands  in  Wisconsin  are,  as  elsewhere  in  the  west,  surveyed  in  uniform  rec- 
tangular tracts,  each  six  miles  square,  by  lines  running  north  and  south,  intersecting  others 
running  east  and  west.  These  townships  are  numbered  from  two  lines  called  the  principal 
meridian  and  the  base  line.  The  principal  meridian  by  which  the  Wisconsin  surveys  are  gov- 
erned is  that  known  as  the  fourth,  and  extends  from  the  Illinois  boundarj'  line  to  Lake  Superior, 
at  the  mouth  of  Montreal  river,  about  two  hundred  and  eighty-two  miles.  It  divides  Grant 
from  LaFayette  county,  and  passes  through  the  eastern  parts  of  Vernon,  Monroe,  Jackson,  Clark, 
Chippewa,  and  Ashland  counties.  The  base  line  separates  Wisconsin  from  Illinois  in  north 
latitude  forty-two  degrees,  thirty  minutes.  There  are  nearly  seventeen  hundred  townships  in 
the  state.  Each  township  is  subdivided  into  thirty-six  sections  by  lines  running  parallel  to  the 
sides  of  the  township,  one  mile  apart.  A  section  is,  therefore,  one  mile  square,  and  contains  six 
hundred  and  forty  acres.  In  fractional  townships,  each  section  is  numbered  the  same  as  the 
corresponding  section  in  whole  townships.  Each  section  is  subdivided  into  half-mile  squares, 
called  quarter-sections,  each  containing  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  and  the  subdivision  is 
carried  still  further  into  half-quarter  or  quarter-quarter  sections.  It  is  found  necessary  to  estab- 
lish at  stated  intervals  standard  parallels,  commonly  called  correction  lines,  to  obviate  the  effect 
of  the  curvature  of  the  earth's  surface.  The  convergence  in  a  single  township  is  small,  though 
quite  perceptible,  the  actual  excess  in  length  of  its  south  over  its  north  line  being  in    the  state 


THE   PUBLIC    DOMAIN. 


221 


about  three  rods.  The  townships  north  of  the  base  line,  therefore,  become  narrower  toward  the 
north,  and  if  continued  for  too  great  a  distance,  this  narrowing  would  cause  serious  inconvenience. 
In  the  state  of  Wisconsin  there  are  four  of  these  correction  lines.  The  first  is  sixty  miles 
north  of  the  base  line,  and  accordingly  runs  between  townships  ten  and  eleven.  The  second  is 
between  townships  twenty  and  twenty-one,  and  so  on.  They  are  usually  sixty  miles  apart.  On 
these  parallels,  which  form  new  base  lines,  fresh  measurements  are  made  from  the  principal 
meridian,  and  the  corners  of  new  townships  are  fixed  six  miles  apart  as  oa  the  original  base  line. 
This  method  of  procedure  not  only  takes  up  the  error  due  to  convergency  of  meridians,  but 
arrests  that  caused  by  want  of  precision  in  the  surveys  already  made. 

The  northern  or  western  sections  of  townships,  which  contain  more  or  less  than  six  hun- 
dred and  forty  acres,  are  called  fractional  sections,  for  the  reason  that  the  surplusage  or 
deficiency  arising  from  errors  in  surveying,  and  from  other  causes,  is  by  law  added  to  or 
deducted  from  the  western  or  northern  ranges  of  sections  according  as  the  error  may  be  in  run- 
ning the  lines  from  east  to  west,  or  from  north  to  south. 

As  soon  as  the  surveys  were  completed  in  southern  Wisconsin  and  the  Green  Bay  section, 
and  a  knowledge  of  the  superior  qualities  of  the  land  for  agricultural  purposes  were  known  to 
the  people,  the  emigration  became  large.  In  fact  much  land  was  taken  possession  of  by  settlers 
in  advance  of  being  surveyed  and  brought  into  market.  As  soon  as  the  land  offices  at  Green 
Bay,  Mineral  Point,  and  Milwaukee  were  located,  public  announcement  was  made  by  the  govern- 
ment, of  the  time  of  the  sale,  when  the  lands  were  put  up  to  the  highest  bidder,  and  such  as  were 
unsold  were  afterward  subject  to  private  entry.  The  first  sales  were  held  at  Green  Bay  and 
Mineral  Point  in  the  year  1835.  The  sale  at  Milwaukee  was  in  1839.  From  the  reports  of  the 
general  land  office,  it  appears  that  from  1835  to  1845  inclusive,  there  were  sold  at  the  three  land 
offices  from  public  sale,  2,958,592-j*ij%-  acres,  amounting  to  $3,768,106.51. 

Fort  Howard  military  reservation  was  set  apart  by  order  of  the  president  March  2,  1829, 
and  comprised  all  the  lands  lying  upon  Fox  river  and  Green  bay,  in  township  24  north,  range  20 
east,  4th  principal  meridian,  being  about  four  thousand  acres.  The  lands  were  abandoned  for 
military  purposes,  by  the  war  department,  December  4,  1850.  By  an  act  of  congress  approved 
March  3,  1863,  the  commissioner  of  the  general  land  office  was  authorized  and  directed  to  cause 
the  reservation,  including  the  site  of  the  fort,  containing  three  and  four-hundredths  acres,  situated 
in  the  county  of  Brown,  between  Fox  river  and  Beaver  Dam  run,  and  which  is  not  included  in 
the  confirmations  to  T.  C.  Dousman  and  Daniel  Whitney,  nor  in  the  grant  to  the  state  of  Wis- 
consm,  under  resolutions  of  congress  approved  April  25,  1862,  granting  lands  to  Wisconsin  to 
aid  in  the  construction  of  railroads,  to  be  surveyed  and  subdivided  into  lots  not  less  than  one- 
fourth  of  an  acre,  and  not  more  than  forty  acres,  deducting  such  portions  of  the  same  as  the 
public  interest  and  convenience  may  require  ;  and  when  so  surveyed  and  platted,  to  be  sold  sep- 
arately at  auction;  On  the  loth  of  November,  1864,  under  directions  of  the  commissioner,  the 
lands  were  offered  for  sale  at  auction  at  the  fort.  About  one-half  of  the  lands  were  sold,  and 
purchased  by  actual  settlers,  and  but  few  for  speculation.  The  fort  and  the  lands  contiguous 
were  sold  for  six  thousand  four  hundred  dollars.  The  other  lands  sold  brought  about  the  sum 
of  nineteen  thousand  dollars. 

That  portion  of  the  reservation  unsold  was  to  be  subject  to  private  entry  at  the  appraised 
value,  and  that  portion  lying  between  Duck  creek  and  Beaver  Dam  creek,  was  subject  to  entry 
as  other  public  lands  were  offered. 

On  the  20th  of  May,  1868,  a  joint  resolution  of  congress  was  approved,  by  which  the  com- 
missioner of  the  general  land  office  was  authorized  and  directed  to  cause  a  patent  to  be  issued 
to  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  railroad  company,  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution   passed  by  con- 


222  HISTOKY   OF   AVISCONSTN. 

gress,  granting  the  same  to  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  approved  April  25,  1862,  and  by  act  of  the 
legislature  approved  June  16,  1862,  granting  the  same  to  that  company  for  eighty  acres  of  land, 
as  was  .surveyed  and  approved  by  said  commissioner  June  11,  1864.  The  lands  thus  donated 
are  now  used  by  the  railroad  company  for  their  depot  grounds 

The  Fort  Crawford  military  reservation  was  purchased  from  J.  H.  Lockwood  and  James  D. 
Doty  by  the  government  in  the  year  1829,  and  covered  the  front  and  main  portions  of  farm  lots 
numbered  thirty -three  and  thirty-four,  of  the  private  land  clamis  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  com- 
prised about  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres.  Fort  Crawford  was  built  on  this  tract  in  1829,  1S30 
and  1831.  There  was  also  a  reservation  of  section  eighteen,  township  seven,  north  of  range 
four  west,  known  as  the  Cattle  Yard.  This  land  was  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kickapoo  river,  and 
is  now  known  as  the  village  of  Wauzeka.  In  addition  to  these  lands  which  were  located  in  Wis- 
consin, there  was  a  reservation  of  lands  lying  on  the  west  side  of  the  Mississippi  river,  in  Iowa. 
The  lands  in  Wisconsin  were  relinquished  by  the  secretary  of  wai,  January  10,  1851,  and  were 
originally  set  apart  by  the  president  of  the  United  States,  February  17,  1843. 

In  the  month  of  .\pril,  1857,  the  secretary  of  war  authorized  Hon.  H.  M.  Rice,  of  Minne- 
sota, to  sell  that  part  of  the  reservation  not  improved,  in  tracts  not  exceeding  forty  acres  each; 
and,  in  the  month  of  June  of  that  year,  he  sold  at  auction  five  hundred  and  seven  acres  of  the 
reserve  opposite  Fort  Crawford,  none  of  which  was  claimed  by  actual  settlers  ;  and  in  the  month 
of  December,  1857,  he  sold  the  remainder  to  claimants  of  lands,  also  on  the  west  side,  and  the 
section  in  Wisconsin  known  as  the  Cattle  Yard,  amounting  to  1771%^  acres.  A  portion  of  this 
reservation  was  subdivided  into  town  lots,  80  by  140  feet,  with  streets  66  feet  and  alleys  20  feet 
wide  November  17,  1864,  the  acting  commissioner  of  the  general  land  office,  by  order 
of  the  war  department,  offered  for  sale  at  public  auction  at  La  Crosse  the  reservation  at  Fort 
Crawford,  which  had  been  surveyed  and  subdivided  into  town  lots,  eighty  by  one  hundred  and 
forty  feet,  with  streets  sixty-five  feet  and  alleys  twenty  feet  wide,  conforming  to  the  plat  of  the 
village  of  Prairie  du  Chien.  The  lands  unsold  were  subsequently  opened  to  private  entry  and 
disposed  of 

The  lands  of  the  Fort  Winnebago  reservation  were  set  apart  by  order  of  the  president, 
February  9,  1835,  and  consisted  of  the  following  territory;  sections  two,  three,  and  that  part  of 
four  lying  east  of  Fox  river,  and  fractional  section  nine,  all  in  township  twelve,  north  of  range 
nine  east ,  also  fractional  section  thirty-three,  in  township  thirteen,  north  of  range  nine  east, 
lying  west  of  Fox  river,  and  the  fraction  of  section  four,  township  twelve  north,  of  range  nine 
east,  lying  west  of  claim  numbered  twenty-one  of  A.  Grignon,  and  adjacent  to  Fort  Winnebago, 
reserved  by  order  of  the  president,  July  29,  1851  the  whole  amounting  to  about  four  thousand 
acres.  September  the  first,  r853,  these  lands  were  by  order  of  the  president  offered  for  sale 
at  public  auction  at  the  fort,  by  F.  H.  Masten,  assistant  quartermaster  United  States  army, 
having  previously  been  surveyed  into  forty  acre  lots,  and  were  purchased  by  J.  B.  Martin,  G.  C. 
Tallman,  W.  H.  Wells,  Wm.  Wier,  N.  H.  Wood,  M.  R.  Keegan,  and  others. 

The  first  land  offices  in  Wisconsin  were  established  under  an  act  of  congress  approved 
June  26,  r834,  creating  additional  land  districts  in  the  states  of  Illinois  and  Missouri,  and  in  the 
territory  north  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  The  first  section  provides  "  that  all  that  tract  lying  north 
of  the  state  of  Illinois,  west  of  Lake  Michigan,  south  and  southeast  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox 
rivers,  included  in  the  present  territory  of  Michigan,  shall  be  divided  by  a  north  and  south  line, 
drawn  from  the  northern  boundary  of  Illinois  along  the  range  of  tswnship  line  west  of  Fort 
Winnebago  to  the  Wisconsin  river,  and  to  be  called  —  the  one  on  the  west  side,  the  Wisconsin 
land  district,  and  that  on  the  east  side  the  Green  Bay  land  district  of  the  territory  of  Michigan, 
which  two  districts  shall  embrace  the  country  north  of  said  rivers  when  the  Indian  title  shall  be 


THE   PUBLIC   DOMAIN.  223 

extinguished,  and  the  Green  Bay  district  may  be  divided  so  as  to  form  two  districts,  whe» 
the  president  shall  deem  it  proper;"  and  by  section  three  of  said  act,  the  president  was  author- 
ized to  appoint  a  register  and  receiver  for  such  office,  as  soon  as  a  sufficient  number  of  townships 
are  surveyed. 

An  act  of  congress,  approved  June  15,  1836,  divided  the  Green  Bay  land  district,  as  estab- 
lished in  1834,  "  by  a  line  commencing  on  the  western  boundary  of  said  district,  and  running 
thence  east  between  townships  ten  and  eleven  north,  to  the  line  between  ranges  seventeen  and 
eighteen  east,  thence  north  between  said  ranges  of  townships  to  the  line  between  townships 
twelve  and  thirteen  north,  thence  east  between  said  townships  twelve  and  thirteen  to  Lake 
Michigan  ;  and  all  the  country  bounded  north  by  the  division  line  here  described,  south  by  the 
base  line,  east  by  Lake  Michigan,  and  west  by  the  division  line  between  ranges  eight  and  nine 
east,"  to  be  constituted  a  separate  district  and  known  as  the  "  Milwaukee  land  district."  It 
included  the  present  counties  of  Racine,  Kenosha,  Rock,  Jefferson,  Waukesha,  Walworth  and 
Milwaukee,  and  parts  of  Green,  Dane,  Washington,  Ozaukee,  Dodge  and  Columbia. 

An  act  was  approved  March  3,  1847,  creating  an  additional  land  district  in  the  territory. 
All  that  portion  of  the  public  lands  lying  north  and  west  of  the  following  boundaries,  formed  a 
district  to  be  known  as  the  Chippewa  land  district :  commencing  at  the  Mississippi  river  on  the 
line  between  townships  twenty-two  and  twenty-three  north,  running  thence  east  along  said  line 
to  the  fourth  principal  meridian,  thence  north  along  said  meridian  line  to  the  line  dividing  town- 
ships twenty-nine  and  thirty,  thence  east  along  such  township  line  to  the  Wisconsin  river,  thence  up 
the  main  channel  of  said  river  to  the  boundary  line  between  the  state  of  Michigan  and  the  territory 
of  Wisconsin.  The  counties  now  included  in  this  district  are  Pepin,  Clark,  Eau  Claire,  Dunn, 
Pierce,  St.  Croix,  Polk,  Barron,  Burnett,  Douglas,  Bayfield,  Ashland,  Taylor,  Chippewa,  and  parts 
of  Buffalo,  Trempeleau  and  Jackson ;  also,  the  new  county  of  Price. 

An  act  of  congress,  approved  March  2,  1849,  changed  the  location  of  the  land  office  in  the 
Chippewa  district  from  the  falls  of  St.  Croi.x  to  Stillwater,  in  the  county  of  St.  Croix,  in  the 
proposed  territory  of  Minnesota;  and,  by  section  two  of  the  act,  an  additional  land  office  and 
district  was  created,  comprising  all  the  lands  in  Wisconsin  not  included  in  the  districts  of  land 
subject  to  sale  at  Green  Bay,  Milwaukee,  or  Mineral  Point,  which  was  to  be  known  as  the  Western 
land  district,  and  the  president  was  authorized  to  designate  the  site  where  the  office  should  be 
located.  Willow  River,  now  Hudson,  was  selected.  The  district  was. usually  known  as  the  St. 
Croix  and  Chippewa  district,  and  included  St.  Croix,  La  Pointe,"  and  parts  of  Chippewa  and 
Marathon  counties.  By  an  act  of  congress,  approved  July  30,  1852,  so  much  of  the  public  lands 
in  Wisconsin  as  lay  within  a  boundary  line  commencing  at  the  southwest  corner  of  township 
fifteen,  north  of  range  two  east  of  the  fourth  principal  meridian,  thence  running  due  east  to  the 
southeast  corner  of  township  fifteen,  north  of  range  eleven,  east  of  the  fourth  principal  meridian, 
thence  north  along  such  range  line  to  the  north  line  of  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  thence  westwardly 
along  said  north  line  to  the  line  between  ranges  one  and  two  east  of  fourth  principal  meridian, 
thence  south  to  the  place  of  beginning,  were  formed  into  a  new  district,  and  known  as  the 
Stevens  Point  land  district,  and  a  land  office  located  at  that  place. 

The  boundaries  enclosed  the  present  counties  of  Juneau,  Adams,  Marquette,  Green  Lake, 
Wavishara,  Waupaca,  Portage,  Wood,  Marathon,  Lincoln,  Shawano,  New  and  Marinette.  The 
La  Crosse  land  district  was  formed  of  the  following  territory  :  "  Commencing  at  a  point  where 
the  line  between  townships  ten  and  eleven  north  touches  the  Mississippi  river,  thence  due  east  to 
the  fourth  principal  meridian,  thence  north  to  the  line  between  townships  fourteen  and  fifteen 
north,  thence  east  to  the  southeast  corner  of  township  fifteen   north,  of  range  one  east  of  the 


224  HISTORi'   OF    WISCONSIN 

fourth  principal  meridian,  thence  north  on  the  range  line  to  the  south  line  of  township  number 
thirty-one  north,  thence  west  on  the  line  between  townships  number  thirty  and  thirty-one  to  the 
Chippewa  river,  thence  down  said  river  to  its  junction  with  the  Mississippi  river,  thence  down 
said  river  to  the  place  of  beginning."  The  present  counties  of  Vernon,  La  Crosse,  Monroe,  Buf- 
falo, Trempealeali,  Eau  Claire,  Clark,  and  parts  of  Juneau  and  Chippewa  were  included  in 
its  limits. 

By  act  of  congress,  approved  February  24,  1855,  an  additional  district  was  formed  of  all  that 
portion  of  the  Willow  river  land  district  lying  north  of  the  line  dividing  townships  forty  and 
forty-one,  to  be  called  the  Fond  du  Lac  district  —  the  office  to  be  located  by  the  president  as  he 
might  from  time  to  time  direct.  The  present  counties  of  Douglas,  Bayfield,  Ashland,  and  part 
of  Burnett  were  included  within  its  boundaries. 

By  an  act  of  congress,  approved  March  3,  1857,  so  much  of  the  districts  of  land  subject  to 
sale  at  La  Crosse  and  Hudson,  in  the  state  of  Wisconsin,  contained  in  the  following  boundaries, 
were  constituted  a  new  district,  to  be  known  as  the  Chippewa  land  district :  North  of  the  line 
dividing  townships  twenty-four  and  twenty-five  north;  south  of  the  line  dividing  townships  forty 
and  forty-one  north  ;  west  of  the  line  dividing  ranges  one  and  two  east ;  and  east  of  the  line 
dividing  ranges  eleven  and  twelve  west.  The  location  of  the  office  was  to  be  designated  by  the 
president  as  the  public  interest  might  require.  The  present  counties  of  Chippewa,  Taylor,  Eau 
Claire  and  Clark  were  in  this  district. 

There  are  at  the  present  time  si.\  land  offices  in  the  state.  They  are  located  at  Menasha, 
Falls  of  St.  Croix,  Wausau,  La  Crosse,  Bayfield  and  Eau  Claire.  By  the  provisions  of  law,  when 
the  number  of  acres  of  land  in  any  one  district  is  reduced  to  one  hundred  thousand  acres,  sub- 
ject to  private  entry,  the  secretary  of  the  interior  is  required  to  discontinue  the  office,  and  the 
lands  remaining  unsold  are  transferred  to  the  nearest  land  office,  to  be  there  subject  to  sale.  The 
power  of  locating  these  offices  rests  with  the  president  (unless  otherwise  directed  by  law),  who  is 
alsc  authorized  to  change  and  re-establish  the  boundaries  of  land  districts  whenever,  in  his 
opinion,  the  public  service  will  be  subserved  thereby. 

The  pre-emption  law  of  1830  was  intended  for  the  benefit  of  actual  settlers  against  compe- 
tition in  open  market  with  non-resident  purchasers.  It  gave  every  person  who  cultivated  any 
part  of  a  quarter  section  the  previous  year,  and  occupied  the  tract  at  the  date  mentioned,  the 
privilege  of  securing  it  by  payment  of  the  minimum  price  at  any  time  before  the  day  fixed  for 
the  commencement  of  the  public  sale.  To  avail  himself  of  this  provision  he  was  to  file  proof 
of  cultivation  and  occupancy.  .-Vs  men  frequently  located  claims  in  advance  of  the  survey,  it 
occasionally  happened  that  two  or  more  would  find  theinselves  upon  the  saine  quarter  section 
in  which  case  the  pre-emption  law  permitted  two  joint  occupants  to  divide  the  quarter  section 
equally  between  them,  whereupon  each  party  received  a  certificate  from  the  land  office,  author- 
izing him  to  locate  an  additional  eighty  acres,  elsewhere  in  the  same  land  district,  not  interfering 
with  other  settlers  having  the  right  of  preference.  This  was  called  a  floating  >''S^'--  This  pro- 
vision of  the  law  was  ingeniously  perverted  from  its  plain  purpose  in  various  ways. 

As  fast  as  these  evasions  came  to  the  notice  of  the  department,  all  certificates  given  to 
occupants  of  the  same  quarter  section  in  excess  of  the  two  first,  or  to  more  than  one  member  of 
the  same  family,  to  employees,  to  any  person  who  had  not  paid  for  eighty  acres  originally 
occupied,  as  well  as  those  which  were  not  located  at  the  time  of  such  payment,  and  the  additional 
tract  paid  for  before  the  public  sale,  were  held  to  be  svorthless  or  fraudulent ;  but  a  large  number 
of  these  certificates  had  been  issued,  and  passed  into  the  hands  of  speculators  and  designing 
men,  and  were  a  source  of  almost  endless  vexation  and  annoyance  to  settlers.     The  law  of  1830 


THE   PUBLIC  DOMAIN.  z5J5 

expired  by  limitation  in  one  year  from  its  passage,  but  was  revived  by  the  law  of  1834  for  two 
years.  In  the  interim  no  settler  could  obtain  his  land  by  pre-emption.  The  law  of  1834  extended 
only  to  those  who  had  made  cultivation  in  1833,  consequently  the  settlers  of  later  date  were 
excluded  from  its  benefits.  Meanwhile  the  fraudulent  floats  were  freely  used  to  dispossess  actual 
settlers  as  late  as  1835. 

The  pre-emption  law  of  congress,  approved  September  4,  1841,  provided  that  every  person 
^ho  should  make  a  settlement  in  person  on  public  land,  and  erect  a  dwelling,  should  be  author- 
ized to  enter  a  quarter  section  (one  hundred  and  sixty  acres),  at  the  minimum  price  (one  dollar 
and  twenty-five  cents  per  acre),  and  thus  secure  the  same  against  competition ;  and  if  any  person 
should  settle  upon  and  improve  land  subject  to  private  entry,  he  might  within  thirty  days  give 
notice  to  the  register  of  the  land  office  of  his  intention  to  claim  the  land  settled  upon,  and  might 
within  one  year  upon  making  proof  of  his  right,  enter  the  land  at  the  minimum  price. 

At  the  public  land  sales  at  Mineral  Point,  held  in  1835,  all  those  tracts  on  which  lead  was 
found,  or  on  which  it  was  supposed  to  exist,  were  reserved  to  the  United  States,  and  were  leased 
under  certain  regulations  by  the  government  for  a  rent  of  ten  per  centum  of  all  the  lead  raised. 
The  quantity  of  land  thus  reserved  was  estimated  at  one  million  acres.  Considerable  difficulty 
was  found  in  collecting  these  rents,  and  subsequently  it  was  abandoned,  as  the  amount 
expended  in  collecting  exceeded  the  value  of  the  lead  collected.  In  the  period  of  four  years 
the  government  suffered  a  loss  of  over  nineteen  thousand  dollars. 

The  act  of  congress,  approved  July  1 1,  1846,  authorized  the  sale  of  the  reserved  mineral 
lands  in  Illinois,  Wisconsin  and  Iowa,  and  provided  that,  after  six  months'  public  notice,  the  lands 
should  not  be  subject  to  the  rights  of  pre-emption  imtil  after  the  same  had  been  offered  at  public 
sale,  when  they  should  be  subject  to  private  entry.  The  law  also  provided,  that,  upon  satisfac- 
tory proof  being  made  to  the  register  and  receiver  of  the  proper  land  office,  any  tract  or  tracts 
of  land  containing  a  mine  or  mines  of  lead  ore  actually  discovered  and  being  worked,  would  be 
sold  in  such  legal  subdivisions  as  would  include  lead  mines,  and  no  bid  should  be  received 
therefor  at  less  than  the  sum  of  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents  per  acre,  and  if  such  tract  or  tracts 
should  not  be  sold  at  such  public  sale,  at  such  price,  nor  should  be  entered  at  private  sale  within 
twelve  months  thereafter,  the  same  should  be  subject  to  sale  as  other  lands.  This  act  was 
changed  by  an  act  approved  March  3,  1847,  providing  that  any  one  being  in  possession  by 
actual  occupancy  of  a  mine  discovered  prior  to  the  passage  of  this  act,  who  should  pay  the  same 
rents  as  those  who  held  leases  from  the  secretary  of  war,  should  be  entitled  to  purchase  the  lands 
prior  to  the  day  of  sale  at  five  dollars  per  acre.  Mineral  lands  were  to  be  offered  for  sale  in  forty 
acre  pieces,  and  no  bids  were  to  be  received  less  than  five  dollars  per  acre,  and  if  not  sold  they 
were  then  to  be  subject  to  private  entry  at  the  same  price.  In  1847  or  1848  the  reserved  mineral 
lands  were  sold  at  public  sale  at  Mineral  Point  at  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents  per  acre,  and  they 
were  all  disposed  of  at  that  price. 

Soon  after  the  formation  of  Wisconsin  territory,  an  act  was  passed  by  its  legislature, 
approved  January  5,  1838,  incorporating  the  Milwaukee  and  Rock  river  canal  company,  and  by 
an  act  of  congress  approved  June  iS  of  the  same  year,  a  grant  of  land  was  made  to  aid  in  the 
construction  of  the  canal.  The  grant  consisted  of  the  odd-numbered  sections  on  a  belt  of  ten 
miles  in  width  from  Lake  Michigan  to  Rock  river,  amounting  to  139,190  acres.  Of  those  lands 
43,447  acres  were  sold  at  public  sale  in  July,  1839,  at  the  minimum  price  of  two  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  per  acre.  Work  was  commenced  on  the  canal  at  Milwaukee,  and  the  Milwaukee  river  for 
a  short  distance  from  its  outlet  was  improved  by  the  construction  of  a  dam  across  the  river, 
which  was  made  available  for  manufacturing  and  other  purposes.  A  canal  was  also  built  about 
a  mile  in  length  and  forty  feet  wide,  leading  from  it  down  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river.      Mur JT 


226  HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 

dissatisfaction  subsequently  arose ;  the  purchasers  at  this  sale,  and  others  occupying  these  canal 
and  reserved  lands  felt  the  injustice  of  being  compelled  to  pay  double  price  for  their  lands,  and 
efforts  were  made  to  repeal  all  laws  authorizing  further  sales,  and  to  ask  congress  to  repeal  the 
act  making  the  grant.  The  legislation  on  the  subject  of  this  grant  is  voluminous.  In  1862  the 
legislature  of  the  state  passed  an  act  to  ascertain  and  settle  the  liabilities,  if  any,  of  Wisconsin 
and  the  company,  and  a  board  of  commissioners  was  appointed  for  that  purpose.  At  the  session 
of  the  legislature  in  1 863,  the  committee  made  a  report  with  a  lengthy  opinion  of  the  attorney-gen- 
eral of  the  state.  The  views  of  that  officer  were,  that  the  company  had  no  valid  claims  for  damages 
against  the  state.  In  this  opinion  the  commissioners  concurred.  On  the  23d  of  March,  1875, 
an  act  was  approved  by  the  governor,  giving  authority  to  the  attorney-general  to  discharge  and 
release  of  record  any  mortgage  before  executed  to  the  late  territory  of  Wisconsin,  given  to  secure 
the  purchase  money  or  any  part  thereof  of  any  lands  granted  by  congress  to  aid  in  the  construc- 
tion of  this  canal.  The  quantity  of  lands  unsold  was  subsequently  made  a  part  of  the  500,000 
acre  tract  granted  by  congress  for  school  purposes.  It  is  believed  the  whole  matter  is  now  closed 
against  further  legislative  enactments. 

The  next  grant  of  lands  made  by  congress  lor  internal  improvements  in  Wisconsin,  was  one 
approved  August  8,  1846,  entitled  "an  act  to  grant  a  certain  quantity  of  land  to  aid  in  the 
improvement  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  rivers,  and  to  connect  the  same  by  canal."  By  this  act 
there  was  granted  to  Wisconsin  on  her  becoming  a  state,  for  improving  the  navigation  of  the 
above-named  streams,  and  constructing  the  canal  to  unite  the  same,  a  quantity  of  land  equal  to 
one-half  of  three  sections  in  width  on  each  side  of  Fox  river,  and  the  lakes  through  which  it 
passes  from  its  mouth  to  the  point  where  the  portage  canal  should  enter  the  same,  and  each  side 
of  the  canal  from  one  stream  to  the  other,  reserving  the  alternate  sections  to  the  United  States 
with  certain  provisions  in  relation  thereto.  On  the  3d  of  August,  1854,  an  act  of  congress  was 
approved,  authorizing  the  governor  of  Wisconsin  to  select  the  balance  of  lands  to  which  the  state 
was  entitled  to  under  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  1846,  out  of  any  unsold  government  lands  sub- 
ject to  private  entry  in  the  state,  the  quantity  to  be  ascertained  upon  the  principles  which  gov- 
erned the  final  adjustment  of  the  grant  to  the  state  of  Indiana,  for  the  Wabash  and  Erie  canal, 
approved  May  9,  1848.  In  the  years  1854  and  1855,  acts  of  congress  were  passed,  defining  and 
enlarging  the  grant.  Under  the  grants  of  1S46,  1854  and  1855,  the  number  of  acres  donated  for 
this  purpose  and  certified  to  the  state,  was  674,100. 

After  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  into  the  Union,  by  an  act  of  its  legislature,  approved 
August  8,  1848,  a  board  of  public  works  was  created,  through  which  the  work  of  improving  the 
said  rivers,  by  the  application  thereto  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  lands  granted  by  con- 
gress, was  undertaken  by  the  state. 

It  soon  became  apparent  that  the  moneys  realized  from  the  sale  of  lands  were  insufficient  to 
meet  the  obligations  of  the  state  issued  by  its  board  of  public  works  as  they  became  due ;  and 
in  1853  the  work  was  turned  over  to  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Improvement  company,  a  corpora- 
tion created  under  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  approved  July  6,  1853.  In  1856,  by  an 
act  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin,  approved  October  3,  1856,  the  lands  granted  by  congress 
then  unsold  were  granted  by  the  state,  through  the  said  company,  to  trustees,  with  power  to 
sell,  and  to  hold  the  proceeds  in  trust  for  the  payment  of  state  indebtedness,  the  completion 
of  the  work,  thereafter  for  the  payment  of  bonds  issued  by  the  said  company,  and  the  balance,  if 
any,  for  the  company  itself 

In  February,  1S66,  the  trustees,  in  execution  of  the  powers  contained  in  the  deed  of  trust 
made  to  them,  and  pursuant  to  a  judgment  of  the  circuit  court  of  Fond  du  Lac  county,  sold  at 
public  sale  at  Appleton,  Wisconsin,  the  works  of  improvement  and  the  balance  of  lands  granted 


THE    PUBLIC   liOMAIX.  227 

by  congress  then  unsold,  and  applied  the  proceeds  to  the  purposes  expressed  in  the  deed  of  trust. 
The  proceeds  were  sufficient  to  pay  in  full  the  expenses  of  the  trust,  the  then  outstanding 
state  indebtedness,  and  to  provide  a  fund  sufficient  to  complete  the  work  according  to  the  plan 
specified  in  the  act  approved  October  3,  1856. 

Under  an  act  of  the  legislature  of  Wisconsin  approved  April  13,  1861,  and  the  acts  amend- 
atory thereof,  the  purchasers  at  said  sale,  on  the  isth  day  of  August,  1866,  filed  their  certificate 
in  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  state,  and  thereby  became  incorporated  as  the  Green  Bay  and 
Mississippi  canal  company,  holding,  as  such  company,  the  said  works  of  improvement. 

At  a  subsequent  date,  under  instructions  from  the  engineer  department  of  the  United  States, 
the  surveys  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  rivers  were  placed  in  the  charge  of  General  G.  K.  War- 
ren, and  by  act  of  congress  approved  July  7,  1870,  the  secretary  of  war  was  authorized  to 
appoint  a  board  of  arbitrators  to  ascertain  how  much  the  government  should  pay  to  the  suc- 
cessors of  the  Improvement  company,  the  Green  Bay  and  Mississippi  canal  company,  for  the 
transfer  of  all  its  property  and  rights  ;  and  by  a  subsequent  act,  approved  June  10,  1872,  an 
appropriation  was  made  therefor. 

The  legislation  on  matters  connected  with  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  river  improvement  would 
make  a  chapter  of  itself.  The  work  is  now  in  charge  of  the  government,  and  will  be  prosecuted 
to  completion  in  a  satis;factory  manner. 

On  the  29th  of  May,  1848,  an  act  was  approved  by  the  president  "to  enable  the  people  of 
Wisconsin  territory  to  form  a  constitution  and  state  government,  and  for  the  admission  of  such 
state  into  the  Union,"  by  which  certain  propositions  were  to  be  submitted  to  the  convention 
which  were  to  be  acted  upon,  and  subsequently  submitted  to  the  people  for  their  approval.  The 
first  constitutional  convention  was  held  in  October,  1846,  and,  having  framed  a  constitution,  it 
was  submitted  to  a  vote  of  the  people  at  the  election  in  1847,  and  it  was  rejected.  The  second 
convention  met  December  15,  1847,  and,  having  formed  a  constitution,  it  was  adopted  by  the 
people  at  the  election  in  1848.     The  following  are  the  propositions  proposed  by  congress  : 

1.  That  section  sixteen  numbered  in  every  township  of  the  public  lands  of  said  state,  and 
where  such  section  has  been  sold  or  otherwise  disposed  of,  other  lands  equivalent  thereto,  and 
as  contiguous  as  may  be,  shall  be  granted  to  the  said  state  for  the  use  of  schools. 

2.  That  seventy-two  sections,  or  two  entire  townships,  of  land  set  apart  and  reserved  for 
the  use  and  support  of  a  university  by  act  of  congress  approved  June  12,  1838,  are  hereby  granted 
and  conveyed  to  the  state,  to  be  appropriated  solely  to  the  use  and  support  of  such  university  in 
such  manner  as  the  legislature  may  prescribe. 

3.  That  ten  entire  sections  of  land  to  be  selected  and  located  under  the  direction  of  the 
legislature,  in  legal  subdivisions  of  not  less  than  one  quarter  of  a  section  from  any  of  the  unap- 
propriated lands  belonging  to  the  United  States  within  the  state  are  granted  to  the  state  for 
completing  the  public  buildings,  or  for  the  erection  of  others  at  the  seat  of  government,  under 
the  direction  of  the  legislature. 

4.  That  all  salt-springs  within  the  state,  not  exceeding  twelve  in  number,  shall  be  granted  to 
the  state,  to  be  selected  by  the  legislature,  and  when  selected,  to  be  used  or  disposed  of  on  such 
terms,  conditions,  and  regulations  as  the  legislature  shall  direct. 

The  title  to  all  lands  and  other  property  which  accrued  to  the  territory  of  Wisconsin  by 
grant,  gift,  purchase,  forfeiture,  escheat,  or  otherwise,  were,  by  the  provisions  of  the  constitution 
of  the  state,  vested  in  the  state  ;  and  the  people  of  the  state,  in  their  right  of  sovereignty,  were 
declared  to  possess  the  ultimate  property  in  and  to  all  lands  within  its  jurisdiction  ;  and  all 
lands,  the  title  of  which  shall  fail  from  a  defect  of  heirs,  shall  revert  or  escheat  to  the  people. 

The  act  of  congress  for  the  admission  of  the  state  into  the  Union  gave  formal  assent  to  the 


22g  HISTORY   OK  WISCONSIK. 

«ant  relative  to  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  river  improvement,  and  the  lands  reserved  to  the  United 
I  "es  by  said  grant,  and  also  the  grant  to  the  territory  of  Wisconsin,  for  the  purpose  of  a.dmg 
fn  openLg  a  canal  to  connect  the  waters  of  Lake  Michigan  with  those  of  Rock  r.ver,  were  to  be 
Offered  for  sale  at  the  same  minimum  price,  and  subject  to  the  same  nghts  of  pre-empt.on  as 

other  Dublic  lands  of  the  United  States. 

By  the  provisions  of  the  state  constitution,  the  secretary  of  state,  the  state  treasurer  and 
attorney-general,  were  constituted  a  board  of  commissioners  for  the  sale  of  the  school  and 
unterJtv  lands  and  for  the  investment  of  the  funds  arising  therefrom.  In  the  year  1850  the 
CoZSoi's  put  into  market,  for  the  first  time,  the  school  lands  which  had  been  donated  to  the 
star    ?he  total  quantity  of  lands  offered  was   :48,o3X,  44-i°o  acres,  wh.ch  sold  for  tne  sum  of 

^%?an^act  of  congress,  approved  September  4,  1841,  there  were  granted  to  the  state  500^00 
acres  of  land  which  were,  by  act  of  the  territorial  legislature  of  1849,  appropriated  to  the  schoo 
?und  and  the  unsold  lands  of  the  Milwaukee  and  Rock  river  canal  company,  amounting  to  about 
rolo  acres  were  to  be  included  as  a  part  of  the  above  grant.  These  lands,  and  the  sixteenth 
Lct'ion  o  eacrtownship,  make  up  the  whole  of  the  school  lands  of  the  state.  The  whole 
number  of  acres  sold  up';  the  year  X877  is  :,343,984  acres,  and  there  remain  unsold,  subject 

to  the  year  1877,  IS  1,869,677.  ronstruction  of  a 

A  Arrant  of  land  was  made  by  congress,  approved  March  3,  1863,  for  the  construction  o 

said  road,  and  subject  to  the  disposal  of  the  legislature.      ^"5 

the  number  of  85,96.89  acres,  which  realized  ^h-^;;/ .^^^^^nf  o'the  state  to  build  a  military 
An  act  of  congress  was  approved  June  25,  '^^Vr  ^"^^^^^^^^       ^,  .Uernate   section  of 

road  from  Wausau,  Wisconsin,  to   Ontonagon,  on   Lake   bupenor,  o'  every 

land  dXated  as  'odd  sections,  for  three  sections  in  width  on  each  side  of  the  road.     The  grant 
was  accepted  by  the  state  by  law,  approved  April  10,  1865. 


tup:  public  DOMAIX.  229 

canal  at  the  head  of  Sturgeon  bay,  Wis.,  to  connect  the  waters  of  Green  bay  with  Lake  Michigan. 
The  grant  was  for  200,000  acres  of  land.  The  grant  was  accepted  by  the  legislature  of  1868. 
In  1 874,  the  same  body  by  resolution  transferred  to  the  Sturgeon  bay  and  Lake  Michigan  ship  canal 
and  harbor  company  32,342  acres,  and  the  remaining  portion  was  authorized  to  be  sold  for  agri- 
cultural purposes  by  said  company. 

The  first  railroad  grant  in  Wisconsin  was  by  act  of  congress,  approved  June  3,  1856,  by  the 
first  section  of  which  there  was  granted  to  the  state,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  construction 
of  a  railroad  from  Madison  or  Columbus,  by  the  way  of  Portage  City,  to  the  St.  Croix  river  or 
lake,  between  townships  twenty-five  and  thirty-one,  and  from  thence  to  the  west  end  of  Lake 
Superior  and  to  Bayfield  ;  and  from  Fond  du  Lac,  on  Lake  Winnebago,  northerly  to  the  state  line, 
every  alternate  section  of  land  designated  by  odd  numbers,  for  six  sections  in  width  on  each  side 
of  said  roads,  respectively;  the  land  to  be  applied  exclusively  in  the  construction  of  said  roads, 
and  to  no  other  purpose  whatever,  and  subject  to  the  disposal  of  the  legislature,  and  the  same 
shall  remain  public  highways  for  the  use  of  the  government,  free  from  toll  and  other  charges 
upon  the  transportation  of  property  or  troops  of  the  United  States,  with  other  conditions  as  to 
the  disposal  of  said  lands. 

The  grant  was  accepted  by  the  legislature  by  an  act  approved  October  8,  1856,  and  on  the 
nth  of  the  same  month  an  act  was  approved  granting  a  portion  of  the  lands  to  the  La  Crosse  & 
Mississippi  railroad  company,  who  were  to  carry  out  all  the  requirements  of  the  original  grant. 
A  supplementary  act  was  approved  the  same  session,  October  13,  incorporating  the  Wisconsin  & 
Superior  railroad,  which  company  was  required  to  commence  the  construction  of  their  road  on 
or  before  January  i,  1857,  and  to  complete  the  same  to  Oshkosh  before  August  i,  1858.  Of  this 
land  grant  John  W.  Cary  says :  "  That  portion  of  the  grant  given  to  aid  in  the  construction  of 
a  railroad  northerly  to  the  state  line  was  conferred  on  the  Wisconsin  &  Superior  railroad  company. 
This  company  was  organized  in  the  interest  of  the  Chicago,  St.  Paul  &  Fond  du  Lac  railroad 
company,  and  that  part  of  the  grant  was  transferred  to  it.  The  road  was,  in  1859,  extended  to 
Oshkosh,  and  thence  to  Menasha,  and  finally  to  Green  Bay.  In  the  panic  of  1857,  the  company 
failed  to  meet  its  obligations,  but  was  afterward  enabled  to  go  on,  and  continued  in  possession 
until  June  2,  1859,  when  its  road  was  sold  on  the  foreclosures  of  the  mortgages  given  thereon  ; 
and  on  the  sixth  of  the  same  month  the  present  Chicago  &  Northwestern  railroad  company  was 
organized  under  the  statute,  by  purchasers  at  said  sale,  and  took  possession." 

A  large  portion  of  the  original  grant  was  given  for  the  construction  of  a  road  from  Madison 
or  Columbus  to  the  St.  Croix  river,  as  before  stated.  The  La  Crosse  company,  during  the  years 
1857  and  1858,  completed  its  main  line  to  La  Crosse;  the  Watertown  line,  from  Watertown  to 
Columbus,  and  partially  graded  the  line  from  Madison  to  Portage  City.  Neither  it  nor  its  suc- 
cessors ever  received  any  part  of  the  lands  of  the  land  grant. 

In  1856  and  1857,  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  railroad  graded  most  of  the  line  from  Madi- 
son to  Portage.  After  the  failure  of  the  company,  this  line  was  abandoned,  and  so  remained 
until  1870,  when  a  new  company  was  organized,  under  the  name  of  the  Madison  &  Portage  City 
railroad  company.  In  1873,  an  act  was  passed  chartering  the  Tomah  &  Lake  St.  Croix  railroad 
company,  and  repealing  and  annulling  that  portion  of  the  land  grant  which  bestowed  the  lands 
from  Tomah  to  Lake  St.  Croix  upon  the  La  Crosse  company,  and  bestowing  the  same  upon  the 
company  chartered  by  this  act.     This  road  is  known  as  the  West  Wisconsin  railroad. 

An  act  of  congress  was  approved  May  5,  1864,  granting  lands  to  aid  in  the  construction  of 
certain  roads  in  the  state.  This  was  a  re-enactment  of  the  law  of  1856,  and  divided  the  grant 
m  three  sections,  one  of  which  was  for  a  road  from  a  point  on  the  St.  Croix  river  or  lake,  between 


230  HISTOKY   OF   WISCOKSIN. 

townships  twenty-five  and  thirty-one,  to  the  west  end  of  Lake  Superior,  and  from  some  point  on 
the  line  of  said  road,  to  be  selected  by  the  state,  to  Bayfield  —  every  alternate  section  designated 
by  odd  numbers,  for  ten  sections  in  width  on  each  side  of  said  road,  with  an  indemnity  extending 
twenty  miles  on  each  side,  was  granted,  under  certain  regulations  ;  another,  for  aiding  in  building 
a  road  from  Tomah  to  the  St.  Croix  river,  between  townships  twenty-five  and  thirty-one  —  every 
alternate  section  by  odd  numbers,  for  ten  sections  in  width  on  each  side  of  the  road  ;  another 
for  aiding  and  constructing  a  railroad  from  Portage  City,  Berlin,  Doty's  Island,  or  Fond  du  Lac, 
as  the  legislature  may  determine,  in  a  northwestern  direction,  to  Bayfield,  on  Lake  Superior,  and 
a  grant  of  every  alternate  section  designated  by  odd  numbers,  for  ten  sections  in  width  on  each 
side  of  said  road,  was  donated. 

The  legislature  of  1865  failed  to  agree  upon  a  disposition  of  the  grant.  The  succeeding 
legislature  conferred  the  grant  partly  upon  the  "  Winnebago  &  Lake  Superior  Railroad  Company," 
and  partly  upon  the  "  Portage  &  Superior  Railroad  Company,"  the  former  April  6,  1866,  and  the 
latter  April  9,  1866.  The  two  companies  were  consolidated,  under  the  name  of  the  "Portage, 
Winnebago  &  Superior  Railroad,"  by  act  of  the  legislature,  March  6,  1869,  and  by  act  of  legis- 
lature approved  February  4,  187 1,  the  name  was  changed  to  the  "Wisconsin  Central  Railroad." 


HEALTH    OF   WISCONSIN. 

By  JOSEPH  HOBBINS,  M.D. 

An  article  on  state  health,  necessarily  embracing  the  etiology,  or  causes  of  disease,  involves 
the  discussion  of  the  geographical  position  of  the  state;  its  area,  physical  features;  its  elevations, 
depressions;  water  supply;  drainage;  its  mean  level  above  the  sea;  its  geology;  climatology; 
the  nationality  of  its  people;  their  occupations,  habits,  food,  education;  and,  indeed,  of  all  the 
physical,  moral  and  mental  influences  which  affect  the  public  health. 

Geographical  Position. 

The  geographical  position  of  Wisconsin,  considered  in  relation  to  health,  conveys  an  imme- 
diate and  favorable  impression,  which  is  at  once  confirmed  by  a  reference  to  the  statistical  atlas 
of  the  United  States.  On  its  north  it  is  bounded  by  Lake  Superior,  Minnesota,  and  the  northern 
peninsula  of  Michigan;  on  the  south  by  Illinois;  on  the  east  by  Lake  Michigan,  and  on  the 
west  by  the  Mississippi.  It  lies  between  42°  30'  and  46"  55'  N.  latitude,  and  between  87°  and 
92°  50'  W.  long.;  is  285  miles  long  from  north  to  south,  and  255  in  breadth  from  east  to  west, 
giving  it  an  area  of  some  53,924  square  miles,  or  34,511,360  acres.  Its  natural  surface  divisions, 
or  proportions,  are  16  per  cent,  of  prairie,  50  of  timber,  19  of  openings,  15  of  marsh,  mineral 
undefined.  North  of  45°  the  surface  is  nearly  covered  with  vast  forests  of  pine.  The  proportion 
of  the  state  cultivated  is  nearly  one-sixth. 

Physical  Features. 

Among  these,  its  lacustrine  character  is  most  conspicuous,  so  much  so  that  it  may  not  inaptly 
be  called  the  state  of  a  thousand  lakes,  its  smaller  ones  being  almost  universal  and  innumerable. 


HEALTH    OF    WIS('0:NSIN.  231 

It  has  an  almost  artificially  perfect  arrangement  of  its  larger  rivers,  both  for  supply  and  drainage, 
is  rolling  in  its  surface,  having  several  dividing  ridges  or  water  sheds,  and  varies  from  600  to  1,600 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Blue  Mounds  being  1,729  feet  above  sea  level.  Its  pine  and 
thickly  wooded  lands  are  being  rapidly  denuded,  and  to  some  extent  converted  to  agricultural 
purposes;  its  marshes  in  the  north  are  being  reclaimed  for  cranberry  cultivation, and  in  the  more 
thickly  settled  parts  of  the  state  for  hay  purposes.  The  surface  of  the  state  is  beautifully  diver- 
sified w'th  stream,  waterfall  and  rapids ;  richly  wooded  bluffs  several  hundred  feet  in  height, 
assuming  the  most  romantic  and  pleasing  forms,  and  composed  of  sandstone,  magnesian 
limestone,  granite,  trap,  etc.  The  health  and  summer  resorts  of  Wisconsin  are  illustrative  of  its 
beauty,  and  its  numerous  mineral  springs  have  long  since  formed  an  important  feature  of  its 
character  for  salubrity. 

Geology. 

The  geology  of  Wisconsin  does  not  require  from  us  but  a  very  general  notice,  as  it  is  only 
from  its  relation  to  disease  that  we  have  to  consider  it.  This  relation  is  in  a  measure  apparent 
in  the  fact  that  everywhere  the  topographical  features  are  governed  by  the  strata  below  them. 
The  relationship  will  be  seen  still  further  in  the  chemical  or  sanitary  influence  of  the  geological 
structures.  Through  the  greater  part  of  the  south  half  of  the  state  limestone  is  found,  the  cliff 
prevailing  in  the  mineral  region,  and  the  blue  in  the  other  parts ;  while  in  the  north  part  of  the 
state  the  primitive  rocks,  granite,  slate,  and  sandstone  prevail.  South  of  the  Wisconsin  river 
sandstone  in  layers  of  limestone,  forming  the  most  picturesque  bluffs,  abounds.  While  west  of 
Lake  Michigan  extends  up  to  these  rocks  the  limestone  formation,  being  rich  in  timber  or  prairie 
land.  Sandstone  is  found  underneath  the  blue  limestone.  The  general  dip  of  the  stratified 
rocks  of  the  state  is  toward  the  south,  about  8  feet  to  the  mile. 

Medical  geology  treats  of  geology  so  far  only  as  it  affects  health.  Thus,  some  diluvial  soils 
and  sands  are  known  to  be  productive  of  malarial  fevers ;  others,  of  a  clayey  character,  retaining 
water,  are  productive  of  cold  damp,  and  give  rise  to  pulmonary  and  inflammatory  diseases ; 
while  others  still,  being  very  porous,  are  promotive  of  a  dry  and  equable  atmosphere.  In 
the  Potsdam  rocks  arise  our  purest  waters  and  best  supply,  while  our  magnesian  limestone  rocks 
(a  good  quality  of  this  kind  of  rock  being  composed  of  nearly  equal  parts  of  carbonate  of  lime 
and  carbonate  of  magnesia)  affect  the  water  to  the  extent  of  producing  simple  diarrhoea  in  those 
unaccustomed  to  drinking  it,  as  is  observed  in  southern  visitors,  and  was  especially  noticeable 
in  the  rebel  prisoners  at  Camp  Randall,  though  singularly  enough  do  not  seem  to  produce 
stone  and  gravel,  as  is  alleged  of  the  same  kind  of  water  in  the  north  of  England.  Why  this  is 
so  —  if  so  —  is  a  question  of  some  interest.  Goitre  and  cretinism  are  both  attributed  to  the  use 
of  the  same  magnesian  limestone  water.  Goitre  is  by  no  means  an  uncommon  affection  here, 
but  not  common  enough,  perhaps,  to  warrant  us  in  thinking  its  special  cause  is  in  the  water. 
Boiling  the  water  is  a  preventive  of  all  injurious  effects.  There  is  still  another  objection- — -partic- 
ularly applicable  to  cities  —  to  this  kind  of  water,  the  carbonates  of  lime  and  magnesia  which 
it  contains,  not  simply  making  it  hard,  but  giving  it  the  power  to  promote  the  decomposition  of 
organic  matters,  and  thus  where  the  soil  is  sandy  or  porous,  endangering  the  purity  of  our  well- 
water.  Geology  in  general  affects  all  our  soils  and  their  products;  all  our  drainage;  even  our 
architecture,  the  material  with  which  we  build.  Our  building  stone  for  half  of  the  state  is  a 
magnesian  limestone,  a  rather  soft  or  poor  quality  of  which  will  absorb  one-third  of  its  bulk  of 
water,  or  two  and  a  half  gallons  to  the  cubic  foot,  while  most  kinds  of  sandstone  are  nearly  as 
porous  as  loose  sand,  and  in  some  of  them  the  penetrability  for  air  and  water  is  the  same.  (A 
single  brick  of  poor  quality  will  absorb  a  pint  of  water).     Such  materials  used  in  the  construction 


232  HISTOUY    OF   "WISCOXSIN. 

of  our  dwellings,  without  precautionary  measures,  give  rise  to  rheumatism,  other  grave  diseases, 
and  loss  of  strength.  Besides,  this  character  of  stone  absorbs  readily  all  kinds  of  liquid  and 
gaseous  impurities,  and  though  hardening  in  dry  air,  decays  soon  when  exposed  to  underground 
moisture.  The  material  of  which  our  roads  are  made,  as  well  as  the  kind  of  fuel  we  use  in  our 
homes,  have  the  s.ime  unquestionable  relationship  to  geology  and  disease. 

Drainage. 

The  natural  drainage  of  the  state,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  mean  elevation  of  its  hydro- 
graphical  axis  is  about  i,ooo  feet  above  the  sea  level,  is  as  excellent  as  it  is  obvious.  (A  line 
running  from  Lake  Michigan  across  the  state  to  the  Mississippi,  shows  an  elevation  of  about  500 
feet).  North  its  drainage  is  by  a  few  rapid  but  insignificant  streams  into  Lake  Superior,  while 
east  it  increases  greatly  and  enters  Lake  Michigan  by  way  of  Green  bay.  The  principal  part  of 
the  supply  and  drainage,  however,  is  from  the  extreme  north  to  the  southwest  through  the  center 
of  the  state,  by  five  large  rivers,  which  empty  themselves  into  the  Mississippi  at  almost  equal 
distances  from  each  other. 

Climatology. 

The  climatology  of  Wisconsin  will  be  exhibited  in  the  observations  taken  at  different  times, 
for  longer  or  shorter  periods,  and  at  different  points  of  the  state.  But  it  must  be  borne  in  mind 
that  climate  depends  quite  as  much  and  very  frequently  more  upon  the  physical  surroundings, 
upon  the  presence  of  large  bodies  of  water,  like  our  lakes,  upon  large  forests,  like  our  pineries, 
like  our  heavy  hard-woods,  and  of  land  elevations  and  depressions,  upon  isothermal  lines,  etc.,  as 
it  does  upon  latitude.  Our  historic  period  is  of  a  character  too  brief  for  us  to  assume  to  speak 
of  our  climate,  or  of  all  the  changing  causes  which  influence  it  —  in  a  positive  manner,  our 
horticultural  writers,  to  make  the  difficulty  still  greater,  affirming  that  it  ha.%  several  climates  within 
itself;  still,  sufficient  data  have  been  gathered  from  sufficiently  reliable  sources  to  enable  us  to 
form  a  tolerably  accurate  idea  of  the  subject. 

The  great  modifiers  of  our  climate  are  our  lakes.  These,  bounding  as  they  do,  the  one, 
Lake  Superior  (600  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  420  miles  long  and  160  broad),  on  the  north 
side  of  the  state,  and  the  other.  Lake  Michigan  (578  feet  above  the  sea  level,  320  miles  long  and 
84  broad),  on  the  east  side  of  the  state,  serve  to  govern  the  range  of  the  thermometer  and  the 
mean  temperature  of  the  seasons,  as  much  as  they  are  governed  in  New  England  by  the  ocean. 
Our  climate  is  consequently  very  much  like  that  of  the  New  England  sea-board.  They  both 
exhibit  the  same  extremes  and  great  extremes,  have  the  same  broadly  marked  continental  features 
at  some  seasons,  and  decided  tropical  features  at  others.  It  is  of  special  interest  in  this  con- 
nection to  know  that  the  climate  between  the  eastern  coast  and  the  lakes  increases  in  rigor  as 
one  advances  west  until  the  lakes  are  reached,  and  again  becomes  still  more  rigorous  as  one 
advances  into  the  interior  west  of  the  lakes,  thus  affording  proof,  if  proof  were  wanting,  of  the 
modifying  and  agreeable  influences  of  large  bodies  of  water 

During  the  winter  the  mean  temperature  of  the  east  on  the  New  England  coast  is  8.38 
higher  than  the  west  (beyond  the  lakes) ;  during  the  spring  3.53  lower ;  during  the  summer  6.99 
lower;  and  during  the  autumn  1.54  higher.  In  the  mean  temperature  for  the  year  there  is  but  a 
fractional  difference.  That  the  winters  are  less  rigorous  and  the  summers  more  temperate  on 
the  Great  Lakes  is  demonstrated  to  be  owing  not  to  elevation,  but,  as  on  the  ocean,  to  the  equal- 
izing agency  of  an  expanse  of  water. 

On  the  lakes  the  annual  ratio  of  fair  days  is  117,  and  on   the    New  England  coast  215  ;  the 


HEALTH  OF   WISCONSIN.  233 

cloudy  days  are  as  127  to  73;  the  rainy  as  63  to  46  .  and  the  snowy  as  45  to  29  In  the  former 
the  prevailing  weather  is  cloudy,  and  in  the  latter  it  is  fair.  The  immense  forests  on  the  upper 
lake  shores  of  course  exercise  a  considerable  influence  in  the  modification  of  our  temperature,  as 
well  as  in  the  adding  to  our  rain-fall  and  cloudy  days.  A  climate  of  this  character,  with  its 
attendant  rains,  gives  us  that  with  which  we  are  so  abundantly  supplied,  great  variety  of  food, 
both  for  man  and  beast,  the  choicest  kinds  of  fruits  and  vegetables  in  the  greatest  profusion,  and 
of  the  best  quality,  streams  alive  with  fish,  woods  and  prairies  with  game,  the  noblest  trees,  the 
most  exquisite  flowers,  and  the  best  breeds  of  domestic  animals  the  world  can  boast  of. 

The  semi-tropical  character  of  our  summer,  and  its  resemblance  to  that  of  New  England,  is 
shown  by  the  mean  temperature  —  70*^  —  for  three  months  at  Salem,  Massachusetts,  at  Albany, 
New  York,  at  southern  Wisconsin,  Fort  Snelling  and  Fort  Benton  on  the  Upper  Missouri,  being 
the  same  ;  while  at  Baltimore,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis,  it  is  75",  and  around  the  gulf  of  Mexico 
it  is  80°.  Another  feature  of  our  climate  is  worthy  the  notice  of  invalids  and  of  those  who  make 
the  thermometer  their  guide  for  comfort.  It  is  a  well-ascertained  fact  that  during  the  colder 
seasons  the  lake  country  is  not  only  relatively,  but  positively,  warmer  than  places  far  south  of  it. 
The  thermometer,  during  the  severe  cold  of  January,  1856,  did  not  fall  so  low  at  the  coldest,  by 
10°  to  15"  at  Lake  Superior  as  at  Chicago  at  the  same  time.  This  remark  holds  true  of  the 
changes  of  all  periods  of  duration,  even  if  continued  over  a  month.  The  mean  temperature  at 
Fort  Howard,  Green  Bay,  Wisconsin,  600  feet  above  the  level  of  the  Atlantic,  latitude  44°  40', 
longitude  87°,  observations  for  nine  years,  is  44.93;  and  at  Fort  Crawford,  Prairie  du  Chien, 
Wisconsin,  580  feet  above  the  level  of  the  Atlantic,  latitude  43°  3',  longitude  90"  53',  observa- 
tions for  four  years,  is  45.65,  giving  a  just  idea  of  our  mean  temperature  for  the  state.  Under 
the  head  of  distribution  of  heat  in  winter,  it  is  found  that  the  maximum  winter  range  at  Fort 
Winnebago,  Wisconsin,  for  sixteen  years,  is  9.4. 

Hyetal  or  Rain  Character. 

Wisconsin  is  situated  within  what  is  termed  the  area  of  constant  precipitation,  neither  affected 
by  a  rainy  season,  nor  by  a  partial  dry  season.  The  annual  quantity  of  rain  on  an  average  for 
three  years  at  Fort  Crawford,  was  29.54  inches,  and  at  Fort  Howard  the  mean  annual  on  an 
average  of  four  years,  was  38.83  inches.  The  annual  quantity  of  rain,  on  an  average  of  three 
years  was  31. 88  inches  at  Fort  Winnebago,  situate  (opposite  the  portage  between  the  Fox  and 
Wisconsin  rivers)  80  miles  west  of  Lake  Michigan  and  112  miles  southwest  of  Green  Bay.  The 
rain-fall  is  less  in  the  lake  district  than  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  in  the  same  latitudes. 
One  of  the  peculiarities  of  our  winters  is  the  almost  periodical  rain-fall  of  a  few  days  in  the 
middle  of  the  winter  (usually  in  the  middle  of  January),  which  extends  to  the  Atlantic  coast, 
while  north  and  northwest  of  us  the  dry  cold  continues  without  a  break,  winter  being  uniform  and 
severe,  characterized  by  aridity  arid  steady  low  temperature.  Another  peculiarity  of  our  climate 
is,  the  number  of  snowy  and  rainy  days  is  increased  disproportionately  to  the  actual  quantity  — 
the  large  bodies  of  water  on  the  boundaries  of  the  state,  contrary  to  the  popular  opinion,  reduc- 
ing the  annual  quantity  of  rain  in  their  immediate  vicinity  instead  of  adding  to  it,  the  heavier 
precipitation  being  carried  further  away.  One  of  the  most  pleasing  features  of  our  climate  is  its 
frequent  succession  of  showers  in  summer,  tempering  as  it  does  our  semi-tropical  heat,  increasing 
the  fertility  of  the  soil,  and  carpeting  our  prairies  with  a  green  as  grateful  to  the  eye  as  that  of 
England. 

The  hygrometric  condition  of  Wisconsin  may  be  judged  of  with  proximate  accuracy  by  that 
given  of  Poultney,  Iowa  : 


234 


HISTORY   OF  "WISCONSIN 


Dav            Temperature 
''                of  Air. 

Temperature 
of  Evaporat'n 

Humidity, 
per  cent. 

Day. 

Temperature 
of  Air. 

Temperature 
of  Evaporat'n 

Humidity, 
per  cent. 

loth 

II 

12 

13--- 

14 

92° 
87 
92 
96 

93 

78° 

75 
77 
Si 
78 

51 
55 
48 
50 
44 

I9lh 

20 ...     .. 

21 

29 

30 

94° 
97 
96 
81 

34 

Si- 
Si 
80 
72 
71 

55 
48 
47 
63 
50 

The  average  depth  of  snow  for  three  years,  at  Beloit,  Wiscoiisin,  was  twenty-five  inches, 
while  at  Oxford  county,  Maine,  the  average  for  twelve  years  was  ninety  inches.  The  isohyetal 
lines  of  the  mean  precipitation  of  rain  and  melted  snow,  for  the  year  1872,  show  that  of  Wiscon- 
sin to  be  thirty-two. 

Isotherms. 

The  mean  tempi-iature  of  spring  is  represented  by  the  isotherm  of  45°  F.  which  enters  Wis- 
consin from  the  west  about  forty  miles  south  of  Hudson,  passing  in  a  nearly  southeast  direction, 
and  crosses  the  south  line  of  the  state  near  the  west  line  of  Walworth  county.  It  then  passes  nearly 
around  the  head  of  Lake  Michigan,  then  northeast  until  it  reaches  the  latitude  of  Milwaukee, 
whence  it  passes  in  a  somewhat  irregular  course  east  through  Ontario,  New  York,  and  Massa- 
chusetts, entering  the  ocean  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  The  summer  mean  isotherm  of  70°  F. 
enters  Wisconsin  from  the  west  bvit  little  farther  north  than  the  spring  isotherm,  and  passes 
through  the  state  nearly  parallel  with  the  course  of  that  line,  crossing  the  southern  boundary 
near  the  east  line  of  Walworth  county ;  passing  through  Chicago  it  goes  in  a  direction  a  little 
south  of  east,  and  enters  the  Atlantic  at  New  Haven.  The  mean  isotherm  of  47°  F.  for  autumn, 
enters  the  state  about  twenty  miles  north  of  Prairie  du  Chien,  passing  in  a  direction  a  little  north 
of  east  through  Portage,  and  enters  Lake  Michigan  near  Manitowoc.  The  isotherm  of  20"  F. 
representing  the  mean  temperature  of  winter,  enters  the  state  near  Prairie  du  Chien,  passes  east 
and  north  and  enters  Lake  Michigan  at  Sturgeon  bay.  The  annual  mean  temperature  is  repre- 
sented by  the  isotherm  of  45°  F.  which  enters  the  state  near  Prairie  du  Chien,  passes  across  the 
State  in  a  direction  a  little  south  of  east,  and  enters  Lake  Michigan   a  little  south  of  Milwaukee. 

What  influence  these  isotherms  have  upon  our  belts  of  disease  there  are  no  data  to  show. 
But  from  their  influence  upon  vegetable  life,  one  can  not  but  infer  a  similar  good  influence  on 
the  animal  economy.     This  is  a  question  for  the  future. 

Barometrical. 


Yearly  mean  of  barometer  at  32"  F.   as  observed 
1,088  feet  above  the  sea  : 

l86g 28.932  inches. 

1870 28.867      " 

1871 28.986      ■' 

1872 28.898 


at   the  University  iif  Wisconsin,  altitude 

1873 28.892  inches. 

1874.-- 28.867   •' 

1875 .28.750   " 

1876 28.920 

Atmospheric  pressure,  as  indicated  by  the  barometer,  is  an  important  element  in  the  causation 
of  disease,  far  more  so  than  is  generally  thought.  The  barometer  indicates  not  only  the  coming 
of  the  storm,  but  that  state  of  the  atmosphere  which  gives  rise  to  health  at  one  time,  and  to 
disease  at  another.  When  the  barometer  is  high,  both  the  body  and  mind  have  a  feeling  of 
elasticity,  of  vigor  and  activity,  and  when  the  barometer  ranges  low,  the  feelings  of  both  are  just 
the  reverse  ;  and  both  of  these  states,  commonly  attributed  to  temperature,  are  mostly  the  result 
of  change   in  the  barometric  pressure.     Many    inflammations,  as  of  the  lungs,   etc.,  commonly 


\ 


HEALTH    OF    AVISCONSIN.  235 

attributed  to  change  in  the  temperature,  have  their  origin  in  barometrical  vicissitudes. 

Winds. 

Generally  speaking,  the  atmospheric  movement  is  from  the  west.  It  is  of  little  purpose 
what  the  surface  wind  may  be,  as  this  does  not  affect  the  fact  of  the  constancy  of  the  westerly 
ivinds  in  the  middle  latitudes.  The  showers  and  cumulus  clouds  of  the  summer  always  have  this 
movement.  The  belt  of  westerly  winds  is  the  belt  of  constant  and  equally  distributed  rains,  the 
feature  of  our  winds  upon  which  so  much  of  our  health  and  comfort  depends. 

t'LIMATOLOdlCAL    ChANCKS    I- KOM    SeTTLINU     THK    StATE. 

There  are  many  theories  afloat  concerning  the  effects  of  reclaiming  the  soil  and  the  destruc- 
tion of  its  forests.  To  us,  a  new  people  and  a  new  state,  the  question  is  one  of  great  moment, 
the  more  so  that  it  is  still  in  our  power  not  only  to  watch  the  effects  of  such  changes,  but  still 
more  so  to  control  them  in  a  measure  for  our  good.  As  to  the  effects  upon  animal  and  vegetable 
life,  it  would  appear  that  so  far  as  relates  to  the  clearing  away  of  forests,  the  whole  change  of 
conditions  is  limited  to  the  surface,  and  dependent  for  the  most  part  on  the  retention  and  slow 
evaporation  in  the  forest,  in  contrast  with  the  rapid  drainage  and  evaporation  in  the  open  space. 
The  springs,  diminishing  in  number  and  volume  in  our  more  settled  parts  of  the  state,  do  not 
indicate  a  lessening  rain-fall.  It  is  a  well  ascertained  fact  that  in  other  places  so  denuded,  which 
have  been  allowed  to  cover  themselves  again  with  forests,  the  springs  reappear,  and  the  streams 
are  as  full  as  before  such  denudation.  With  us,  happily,  while  the  destruction  of  forests  is  going 
on  in  various  parts  of  the  state,  their  second  growth  is  also  going  on,  both  in  the  pineries,  where 
new  varieties  of  hard-wood  take  the  place  of  the  pine,  and  in  the  more  cultivated  parts  of  the 
state,  cultivation  forbidding,  as  it  does,  the  practice  so  much  in  vogue  some  years  ago,  of  running 
fires  through  the  undergrowth.  Thus,  though  the  renewal  of  forests  may  not  be  keeping  pace 
with  their  destruction,  it  would  seem  clear  that  as  time  advances,  the  springs  and  streams  in  the 
more  cultivated  sections  of  the  state  will  fill  and  flow  again,  increasing  in  proportion  as  the  second 
growth  increases  and  expands. 

The  change,  however,  from  denudation,  though  strictly  limited  to  the  surface,  affects  the 
surface  in  other  ways  than  simply  in  the  retention  and  evaporation  of  rain.  When  the  winter 
winds  are  blowing,  the  want  of  the  sheltering  protection  of  belts  of  trees  is  bitterly  felt,  both  by 
man  and  beast.  And  so,  too,  in  the  almost  tropical  heats  of  the  summer  ;  both  languish  and  suffer 
from  the  want  of  shade.  Nor  is  the  effect  of  denudation  less  sensibly  felt  by  vegetable  life.  The 
growing  of  our  more  delicate  fruits,  like  the  peach,  the  plum,  the  pear,  the  better  varieties  of  the 
cherry  and  gooseberry,  with  the  beautiful  half-hardy  flowering  shrubs,  all  of  which  flourished  so 
well  in  a  number  of  our  older  counties  some  twenty  years  ago,  are  as  a  rule  no  longer  to  be  found 
in  those  localities,  having  died  out,  as  is  believed,  from  exposure  to  the  cold  winds,  to  the  south 
west  winds  in  particular,  and  for  want  of  the  protecting  influence  of  the  woods.  In  fruits,  how 
ever,  we  have  this  compensation,  that,  while  the  more  tender  varieties  have  been  disappearing, 
the  hardier  and  equally  good  varieties,  especially  of  apples,  have  been  increasing,  while  the 
grape  (than  which  nothing  speaks  better  for  climatology),  of  which  we  grow  some  150  varieties, 
the  strawberry,  the  raspberry,  blackberry  and  currant,  etc.,  hold  their  ground.  Nor  are  the  cattle 
suffering  as  much  as  forrherly,  or  as  much  as  is  perhaps  popularly  believed,  from  this  want  of 
forests  or  tree  shelter.  With  the  better  breeds  which  our  farmers  have  been  able  of  late  years  to 
purchase,  with  better  blood  and  better  food,  and  better  care,  our  stock  instead  of  dwindling  in 
condition,  or  in  number,  from  the  effect  of  cold,  has  progressed  in  quality  and  quantity,  and 
competes  with  the  best  in  the  Chicago  and  the  New  York  markets. 


236  HISTOKY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

There  can,  however,  be  no  doubt  that  the  planting  of  groves  and  belts  of  trees  in  exposed 
localities,  would  be  serviceable  in  many  ways;  in  tempering  the  air  and  impartmg  to  it  an 
agreeable  moisture  in  the  summer;  in  modifying  the  severity  of  the  cold  in  winter  ;  m  moderating 
the  extreme  changes  to  which  our  climate  is  subject;  and  thus  in  a  measure  preventing  those 
discomforts  and  diseases  which  occur  from  sudden  changes  of  temperature.  Besides,  these 
plantings,  when  made  between  our  homes  or  villages  and  malarial  marshes  southwest  of  us,  serve 
(by  the  aid  of  our  prevailing  southwest  winds)  to  break  up,  to  send  over  and  above  and  beyond 
us  the  malarial  substratum  of  air  to  which  we  are  otherwise  injuriously  exposed. 

The  effects  of  reclaiming  the  soil,  or  "breaking  "  as  it  is  called  in  the  west,  have,  years  ago 
when  the  state  first  began  to  be  settled,  been  disastrous  to  health  and  to  life.  The  moist  sod 
being  turnedover  in  hot  weather,  and  left  to  undergo  through  the  summer  a  putnfymgfomen- 
tative  process,  gave  rise  to  the  worst  kind  of  malarial,  typhoid  (bilious)  and  dysenteric  disease. 
Not  however,  that  the  virulence  or  mortality  altogether  depended  upon  the  soil  emanations. 
These  were  undoubtedly  aggravated  by  the  absolute  poverty  of  the  early  settlers,  who  were 
wanting  in  everything,  in  proper  homes,  proper  food  and  proper  medical  attendance,  medicines 
•ind  nursing  These  fevers  have  =:wept  the  state  years  ago,  particularly  in  the  autumns  of  1844 
and  184s,  but  are  now  only  observed  from  time  to  time  in  limited  localities,  followmg  in  the 
autumn  the  summer's  "  breaking."  But  it  is  pleasing  to  be  able  to  add  that  through  the  advancing 
prosperity  of  the  state,  the  greater  abundance  of  the  necessaries  and  comforts  of  life,  and  the 
facilities  for  obtaining  medical  care,  the  diseases  incident  to  "settling"  are  much  less  common 
and  much  less  fatal  than  formerly. 

Relations  of  Climatology  to  Saniiary  Status. 
One  of  the  principal  reasons  for  gathering  climalological   observations,  is  to  obtain  sanitary 
information,  which  serves  to  show  us  where  man  may  live  with  the  greatest    safety  to  his  health. 
Every  country,  we  might  perhaps    correctly    say  every  state,  has,  if  not  its  peculiar   diseases,  at 
least  its  peculiar  type  of  diseases.     And  by  nothing  is  either  this    type  or    variety  of  disease  so 
much    influenced  as    by  climate.     Hence  the  great    importance  of   the  study  of  climatology  to 
health  and  disease,    nay,  even    to    the  kind  of  medicine  and  to  the  regulating  of  the  dose  to  be 
uiven       It  is.  however,  best  to  caution  the  reader  that  these  meteorological    observations  are  no 
always  made  at  points  where  they  would  most    accurately  show    the  salubrity  of  a  geographical 
district  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  the  positions  were    chosen  not  for   this    special  purpose,  but 
for  purely  military  purposes.     We  allude  to  the  forts  of  Wisconsin,  from  which  our  statistics  for 
the  most  part  come,     .\nother  caution  it  is  also  well  to  bear  in  mind  in    looking  over  the  class  of 
diseases  reported  at  these  stations  in  connection  with  their  observations.     The  diseases  are  those 
of  the  military  of  the   period,  a  class    from    which  no  very    favorable  health    reports  could    be 
expected,  considering  their  habits,  exposure,  and  the  influences  incidental  to  frontier  life. 

The  geography  of  disease  and  climate  is  of  special  interest  to  the  public,  and  a  knowledge 
especially  necessary  to  the  state  authorities,  as  it  is  only  by  such  a  knowledge  that  state  legis- 
lation can  possibly  restrain  or  root  out  the  endemic  diseases  of  the  state.  In  connection  with 
the  gathering  of  vital  statistics  must  go  the  collection  of  meteorological  and  topographical 
statistics,  as  without  these  two  latter  the  former  is  comparatively  useless  for  sanitary  purposes. 
More  particularly  does  this  apply  to  the  malarial  diseases  of  the  state. 

Acclimation  is  very  rarely  discussed  or  even  alluded  to  by  our  people  in  relation  to  Wisconsin, 
for  the  reason  that,  come  from  whatever  part  of  Europe  men  may,  or  from  the  eastern  states, 
acclimation  is  acquired  for  the  most  part  unconsciously,  rarely  attended  by  any  malarial  aff-ection 
unless  by  exposure  in  such  low,  moist  localities,  where  even  the    natives  of   the  state  could  not 


HEALTH   OF   WISCONSIN.  237 

live  with  impunity.  It  seems  to  be  well  enough  established  that  where  malaria  exists,  whether 
in  London,  New  York,  or  Wisconsin  ;  where  the  causes  of  malarial  disease  are  permanent,  the 
effects  are  permanent,  and  that  there  is  no  positive  acclimation  to  malaria.  Hence  it  should 
follow  that  since  life  and  malaria  are  irreconcilable,  we  should  root  out  the  enemy,  as  we  readily 
can  by  drainage  and  cultivation,  or,  where  drainage  is  impossible,  by  the  planting  of  those  shrubs 
or  trees  which  are  found  to  thrive  best,  and  thereby  prove  the  best  evaporators  in  such  localities. 
Our  climate,  approximating  as  it  does  the  45th  degree  (being  equi-distant  from  the  equator  and 
pole),  would  a  piiori  be  a  common  ground  of  compromise  and  safety,  and  from  this  geographical 
position  is  not  liable  to  objections  existing  either  north  or  south  of  us. 

Influence  of  Nationalities. 

Our  population  is  of  such  a  confessedly  heterogeneous  character  that  naturally  enough  it 
suggests  the  question  :  Has  this  intermingling  of  different  nationalities  sensibly  affected  our 
health  conditions  ?  Certainly  not,  so  far  as  intermarriages  between  the  nations  of  the  Caucasian 
race  are  concerned.  This  opinion  is  given  first  upon  the  fact  that  our  classes  of  diseases  have 
neither  changed  nor  increased  in  their  intensity  by  reason  of  such  admixture,  so  far  as  can  be 
learned  by  the  statistics  or  the  history  of  disease  in  the  northwest.  Imported  cases  of  disease  are 
of  course  excepted.  Second,  because  all  that  we  can  gather  from  statistics  and  history  concern- 
ing such  intermingling  of  blood  goes  to  prove  that  it  is  beneficial  in  every  respect,  physically, 
mentally  and  morally. 

England,  of  all  nations,  is  said  to  be  the  best  illustration  of  the  good  attending  an 
intermingling  of  the  blood  of  different  nations,  for  the  reason  that  the  English  character  is 
supposed  to  be,  comparatively  speaking,  good,  and  that  of  all  countries  she  has  been  perhaps 
more  frequently  invaded,  and  to  a  greater  or  less  part  settled  by  foreign  peoples  than  any  other. 

From  a  residence  of  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century  in  the  center  of  Wisconsin,  and  from  an 
adequate  knowledge  of  its  people,  whose,  nationalities  are  so  various  and  whose  intermarriages 
are  so  common,  it  is  at  least  presumable  that  we  should  have  heard  of  or  noted  any  peculiar  or 
injurious  results,  had  any  such  occurred.  None  such,  however,  have  been  observed.  Some  fears 
have  been  expressed  concerning  the  influence  of  Celtic  blood  upon  the  American  temperament, 
already  too  nervous,  as  is  alleged.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  these  fears  are  unsupported 
by  figures  or  facts.  Reasoning  from  analogy,  it  would  seem  safe  to  affirm  that  the  general  inter- 
mingling by  intermarriage  now  going  on  in  our  population,  confined  to  the  Caucasian  nationali- 
ties, will  tend  to  preserve  the  good  old  Anglo-Saxon  character,  rather  than  to  create  any  new  char- 
deter  for  our  people.  If  this  view  needed  support  or  confirmation,  it  is  to  be  found  in  some  very 
interesting  truths  in  relation  to  it.  Mr.  Edwin  Seguin,  in  his  work  on  Idiocy,  lays  special  stress 
on  the  influences  of  races  in  regard  to  idiocy  and  other  infirmities,  like  deafness.  He  says  that 
the  crossing  of  races,  which  contributed  to  the  elimination  of  some  vices  of  the  blood  (as  may  be 
the  case  in  the  United  States,  where  there  are  proportionally  less  deaf  and  dumb  than  in  Europe), 
produces  a  favorable  effect  on  the  health  of  the  population,  and  cites  as  an  example,  Belgium,  which 
has  fewer  deaf  and  dumb  than  any  country  in  Europe,  owing  to  the  influence  of  the  crossing  of 
races  in  past  ages  from  the  crowds  of  northern  tribes  passing,  mingling  and  partly  settling  there 
on  the  way  to  England. 

We  are  aware  that  it  has  been  predicted  that  our  future  will  give  us  a  new  type,  distinct  from 
all  other  peoples,  and  that  with  this  type  must  come  not  only  new  diseases  but  modifications  or 
aggravations  of  the  present  diseases,  in  particular,  consumption  and  insanity.  But  so  long 
as  we  are  in  a  formative  state  as  a  nation,  and  that  this  state  seems  likely  to  continue  so  long  as 
the  country  has  lands  to  be  occupied  and  there  are  people  in  Europe  to  occupy  them,  such  spec- 
ulations can  be  but  of  little  value. 


238  HISTOKY    OF    AVISCOXSIN 

Occupations,  P'ood,  Education,  etc.,  as  affecting  Public   Health. 

The  two  chief  factors  of  the  social  and  sanitary  well-being  of  a  people  are  a  proper  educa- 
tion of  the  man  and  a  proper  cultivation  of  the  soil.  Our  two  principal  occupations  in  Wisconsin 
are  education  and  agriculture,  the  learners  in  the  schools  being  in  excess  of  the  laborers  on  the 
soil.  A  happier  combination  could  scarcely  be  desired,  to  form  an  intelligent  and  a  healthy 
people.  How  this  will  affect  our  habits  in  the  future  it  is  easy  to  conceive,  but  for  the  present  it 
may  be  said  (of  so  many  different  nationalities  are  we  composed),  that  we  have  no  habits  which 
serve  to  distinguish  us  from  the  people  of  other  northwestern  states.  A  well-fed  and  a  well-taught 
people,  no  matter  how  mixed  its  origin,  must  sooner  or  later  become  homogeneous  and  a  maker 
of  customs.  In  the  mean  time  we  can  only  speak  of  our  habits  as  those  of  a  people  in  general 
having  an  abundance  of  food,  though  it  is  to  be  wished  the  workers  ate  more  beef  and  mutton, 
and  less  salt-pork,  and  that  whisky  was  less  plentiful  in  the  land.  The  clothing  is  sufficient, 
fuel  is  cheap,  and  the  dwellings  comfortable.  Upon  the  whole,  the  habits  of  the  people  are 
conducive  to  health.  It  is  thought  unnecessary  to  refer  to  the  influence  upon  health  in  general 
of  other  occupations,  for  the  reason  that  manufacturers,  traders  and  transporters  are  for  the  most 
part  localized,  and  perhaps  not  sufficiently  numerous  to  exercise  any  marked  influence  on  the 
State  health. 

History  of  Disease. 

In  searching  for  historical  data  of  disease  in  Wisconsin,  we  are  able  to  go  back  to  tne  year 
1766,  commencing  with  the  aborigines.  The  Indians,  says  Carver,  in  his  chapter  on  their  diseases, 
in  general  are  healthy  and  subject  to  few  diseases.  Consumption  from  fatigue  and  exposure  he 
notices,  but  adds  that  the  disorder  to  which  they  are  most  subject  is  pleurisy.  They  are  like- 
wise afflicted  with  dropsy  and  paralytic  complaints.  It  is  to  be  presumed  that  while  Carver  is 
speaking  generally,  he  means  his  remarks  to  apply,  perhaps,  more  particularly  to  those  Indians 
with  whom  he  lived  so  long,  the  Sioux  of  this  state.  That  they  were  subject  to  fevers  is  gathered 
from  the  use  of  their  remedies  for  fever,  the  "  fever  bush  "  being  an  ancient  Indian  remedy,  and 
equally  valued  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  interior  parts  of  the  colonies.  Besides  this,  they  had 
their  remedies  for  complaints  of  the  bowels,  and  for  all  inflammatory  complaints.  These  notices 
sufficiently  indicate  the  class  of  diseases  which  have  certainly  followed  in  the  wake  of  the  Indi- 
ans, and  are  still  occurring  to  his  white  brother,  making  it  plain  enough  that  lung  diseases,  bowel 
complaints,  and  fevers  are  in  fact  native  to  the  state.  The  fact  must  not  be  ignored  that  the 
Indian  is  subject  to  the  same  diseases  as  the  human  race  in  general. 

After  Carver,  we  may  quote  Major  Long's  expedition  in  1S24.  The  principal  disease  of  the 
Sacs  appears  to  be  a  mortification  of  the  intestinal  canal,  more  common  amongmen  than  women, 
the  disease  proving  fatal  in  four  days  if  not  relieved.  It  is  unaccompanied  with  pain,  and  is  neither 
hernia,  dysentery,  nor  hemorrhoids.  Intermittents  were  prevalent,  and  the  small-pox  visited 
them  at  different  periods.  As  the  Chippewas  have  a  common  Algonquin  origin  with  the  Sacs, 
and  as  their  home  and  customs  were  the  same,  it  may  be  expected  that  their  diseases  were  simi- 
lar. The  principal  disease  to  which  the  Chippewas  are  liable  is  consumption  of  the  lungs, 
generally  affecting  them  between  the  ages  of  30  and  40 ;  they  linger  along  for  a  year  or  two,  but 
always  fall  victims  to  it.  Many  of  them  die  of  a  bowel  complaint  which  prevails  every  year. 
This  disease  does  not  partake,  however,  of  the  nature  of  dysentery.  They  are  frequently  affected 
with  sore  eyes.     Blindness  is  not  common.     Many  of  them  become  deaf  at  an  early  age. 

Referring  to  the  report  of  the  commissioner  of  Indian  affairs  for  1854,  we  find  that  the 
decrease  in  the  number  of  the  Menomonees  is  accounted  for  by  the  ravages  of  small-pox,  in  1838,. 


HEALTH   OF   WISCOKSIN. 


239 


of  the  cholera,  in  1847  (which  latter  was  superinduced  by  misery  and  starvation),  and  by  the 
fever,  which  from  time  to  time,  commonly  in  the  winter,  has  been  raging  among  them,  being 
clearly  the  consequence  of  want  of  provisions  and  other  necessaries.  The  report  for  1850  says, 
there  has  been  considerable  sickness  among  the  Winnebagoes  for  several  months  past ;  dysentery 
has  been  the  prevalent  disease,  confined  mostly  to  children.  For  1857  :  the  Winnebagoes  have 
suffered  considerably  from  chronic  diseases,  scrofula  and  consumption.  For  1859:  the  chief 
malady  among  the  Winnebagoes  is  phthisis  pulmonalis  and  its  analogous  diseases,  having  its 
source  in  hereditary  origin.  Some  of  the  malignant  diseases  are  occasionally  met  with  among 
them,  and  intermittent  and  remittent  fevers.  In  1863:  of  the  Menomonees,  there  is  a  large 
mortality  list  of  the  tribes  under  my  charge.  Measles  and  some  of  the  more  common  eruptive 
diseases  are  the  causes.  But  the  most  common  and  most  fatal  disease  which  affects  the  Indians 
at  this  agency  is  pneumonia,  generally  of  an  acute  character.  There  is  but  little  tubercular 
disease  to  be  found  in  any  of  these  tribes,  Menomonees,  Stockbridges,  Oneidas,  etc.  In  the 
report  for  1865,  one  can  not  but  notice  with  some  regret  the  absence  of  all  allusion,  except  to 
small-pox,  to  the  diseases  of  the  Indians.  Regret,  because  reliable  information  of  such  diseases 
serves  a  variety  of  valuable  purposes,  for  comparison,  confirmation,  etc.,  of  those  of  the,  white 
population.  For  these  reasons,  if  for  none  other,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  attention  of  the 
proper  authorities  will  be  called  to  this  feature  of  such  reports. 

The  first  reliable  reporfon  the  diseases  of  the  people  (as  distinguished  from  the  Indians)  of 
Wisconsin  to  which  we  have  had  access,  is  Lawson's  Army  Report  of  Registered  Diseases,  for  10 
years,  commencing  1829,  and  ending  1838  (ten  years  before  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  into  the 
Union  as  a  state). 


FORT  HOWARD,  CREEN  BAY. 


This  abstract  exhibits  the  second  quar- 
ters only,  the  mean  strength  being 
1,702. 

All  other  diseases  114,  excepting  vene- 
real diseases,  abcesses,  wounds,  ul- 
cers, injuries,  and  ebriety  cases. 


Intermittent  fever 30 

Remittent        do     n 

Synochal          do     4 

Typhus  do     • 

Diseases   of  respiratory  organs loi 

Diseases  of  digestive  organs 184 

Diseases  of  brain  and  nervous  system 9 

Dropsies - - --  I 

Rheumatic  affections - 61 

Under  the  class  of  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs,  are  comprised  384  catarrh,  6  pneu- 
monia, 60  pleuritis,  and  28  phthisis  pulmonalis;  under  the  class  of  digestive  organs,  376  diar- 
rhoea and  dysentery,  184  colic  and  cholera,  and  10  hepatitis;  under  the  class  of  diseases  of 
the  brain  and  nervous  system,  15  epilepsy,  etc.  The  deaths  from  all  causes,  according  to  the 
post  returns,  are  25,  being  1%  per  cent,  per  annum.  The  annual  rate  of  intermittent  cases  is  6, 
and  that  of  remittent  is  3,  per  100  of  mean  strength. 

Table  of  Ratio  of  Sickness  at  Fort  Howard. 


Seasons. 

MEAN   STRENGTH. 

NUMBER 
TREATED. 

RATE  I'ER  1,000  OF 

MEAN  STRENGTH 

TREATED   QUARTERLY. 

10  first  quarters 

1.764 
1,702 
1,526 

1.594 

715 
726 

1.073 
636 

405 
425 
703 

10  fourth       "       

399 

Annual  rate 

1.647                       3.150 

1. 91 3 

240 


HISTORY    (»F    ^VISCONSIN 


Every  man  has  consequently,  on  an  average,  been  reported  sick  about  once  in  every  six 
months,  showing  this  region  to  be  extraordinarily  salubrious.  The  annual  ratio  of  mortality^ 
according  to  the  medical  reports,  is  ^  per  cent.;  and  of  the  adjutant-generals  returns,  i^ 
per  cent. 


FORT   WINNEBAGO. 


This   abstract   exhibits   the   fourth   quarters 
only,  the  mean  strength  being  l,57i- 

All  other  diseases,  80,  with  the  exceptions  as 
above. 


Intermittent    fever - 21 

Remittent   fever '° 

Synochal  fever ' 

Typhus  fever - 

Diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs 141 

Diseases  of  digestive  organs- 9° 

Diseases  of  brain  and  nervous  system..     2 
Rheumatic  affections 26 

Under  the  class  of  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs  are  comprised  448  catarrh,  11  pneu- 
monia, 39  pleuritis  and  10  phthisis  pulmonalis;  under  the  head  of  digestive  organs,  '93  <i.arrhc«a 
and  d;sen;ery,  149  colic  and  cholera,  and  17  hepatitis;  under  the  class  of  bram  and  nervous 
system  i  epilepsy.  The  total  number  of  deaths,  according  to  the  post  returns,  is  20.  Of  these, 
3  are  from  phthisis  pulmonalis,  i  pleuritis,  ^  chronic  hepatitis,  i  gastric  enteritis,  i  splenitis,  etc. 


TABLE    OF    RATIO    OF    SICKNESS 

AT    FORT    WINNEBAGO. 

Seasons. 

MEAN  STRENGTH. 

NUMBER 
TREATED. 

RATE  PER  1,000  OF 

MEAN  STRENGTH 

TREATED    QUARTERLY. 

1.535 
1,505 
1.527 
I.57I 

552 
517 
581 
495 

360 

343 

380 

10  fourth      *'      

315 

1.534 

2,145 

1,398 

Every  man  on  an  average  is  consequen 

FORT   CRAWFORD. 


tly  reported  sick  once  in  eight  months  and  a  half. 


This   abstract    exhibits   the    third   quarters 
only,  the  mean  strength  being  1,885. 

All  other  diseases,  309,  with  the  same  list  of 
exceptions  as  above. 


Intermittent  fever 262 

Remittent  fever ^' 

Synochal  fever 

Typhus  fever 

Diseases  of  respiratory  organs 1 77 

Diseases  of  digestive  organs 722 

Diseases  of  brain  and  nervous  system —   16 

Rheumatic  affections 5^      I 

Under  the  class  of  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs  are  included  1,048  of  catarrh.  28  pneu- 
monia, 75  pleuritis  and  13  phthisis  pulmonalis;  under  the  head  of  digestive  organs,  933  diarrhoea 
and  dysentery,  and  195  colic  and  cholera;  under  the  head  of  bram  and  nervous  dtseases  7 
epilepsy  etc  The  total  of  deaths,  according  to  the  post  returns,  is  94,  the  annual  ratio  being 
2 A  per  cent.'  The  causes  of  death  are:  6  phthisis  pulmonalis,  6  epidemic  cholera,  i  common 
cSlera,  4  remittent  fever,  3  dysentery,  etc.  In  the  third  quarter  of  1830  there  were  154  cases  of 
fever,  while  the  same  quarter  of  1836,  with  a  greater  strength,  affords  but  one  case,  the  difference 
seeming  to  depend  upon  the  temperature. 


HEALTH   OF   WISCONSIN. 


241 


The  relative  agency  of  the  seasons  in  the  production  of  disease  in  general  is  shown  in  the 
annexed  tahle  : 

TABLE    EXHIBITING    THE    RATIO    OK    SICKNESS. 


Seasons. 

MEAN  STRENGTH. 

NUMBER 
TREATED. 

■RATIO  PER  1,000  OF 

MEAN  STRENGTH 

TREATED   QUARTERLY. 

9  first  quarters 

i,66o 

1.749 
1,885 
1.878 

987 
1,267 
1,948 
1,270 

595 

■  724 

1.033 

676 

ID  third      "       

10  fourth    " 

Annual  ratio          .    _ 

1,793 

5.472 

3.052 

Consequently  every  man  on  an  average  has  been  reported  sick  once  in  nearly  every  four 
months.  But  high  as  this  ratio  of  sickness  is,  at  this  fort,  and,  indeed,  at  the  others,  it  is  low 
considering  the  topographical  surroundings  of  the  posts.  But  besides  these  injurious  topograph- 
ical and  other  influences  already  alluded  to,  there  were  still  other  elements  of  mischief  among 
the  men  at  these  stations,  such  as  "  bad  bread  and  bad  whisky,"  and  salt  meat,  a  dietary  table 
giving  rise,  if  not  to  "  land-scurvy,"  as  was  the  case  at  the  posts  lower  down  in  the  Mississippi 
valley  (more  fatal  than  either  small-pox  or  cholera),  at  least  to  its  concomitant  diseases. 

The  reason  for  using  these  early  data  of  the  United  States  Army  medical  reports  in  pref- 
erence to  later  ones  is,  that  even  though  the  later  ones  may  be  somewhat  more  correct  in  certain 
particulars,  the  former  serve  to  establish,  as  it  were,  a  connecting  link  (though  a  long  one)  between 
the  historical  sketch  of  the  diseases  of  the  Indian  and  those  of  the  white  settler ;  and  again  — 
these  posts  being  no  longer  occupied  —  no  further  data  are  obtainable. 

To  continue  this  historical  account  of  the  diseases  of  Wisconsin,  we  must  now  nave  recourse 
to  the  state  institutions. 

The  Institutiok  for  the  Education  of  the  Blind. 

The  first  charitable  institution  established  by  the  state  was  formally  opened  in  1850,  at 
Janesville.  The  census  of  1875  showed  that  there  were  493  blind  persons  in  the  state,  those 
of  school  age  —  that  is  —  under  20  years  of  age,  probably  amounting  to  125.  The  number  of 
pupils  in  the  institution  that  year,  82  ;  the  average  for  the  past  ten  years  being  68.  If  the  health 
report  of  the  institution  is  any  indication  of  the  salubrity  of  its  location,  then,  indeed,  is  Janes- 
ville in  this  respect  an  enviable  city.  Its  report  for  1876  gives  one  death  from  consumption,  and 
a  number  of  cases  of  whooping-cough,  all  recovered.  In  1875,  ten  cases  of  mild  scarlet  fever, 
recovered.  One  severe  and  two  mild  cases  of  typhoid  fever,  recovered.  For  1873,  no  sick  list. 
For  1872,  the  mumps  went  through  the  school.  For  187 1, health  of  the  school  reasonably  good  ; 
few  cases  of  severe  illness  have  occurred. 

The  Institute  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb. 

This  was  organized  in  June,  1852,  at  Delavan.  The  whole  number  of  deaf  and  dumb  per- 
sons in  the  state,  as  shown  by  the  census  of  1875,  was  720.  The  report  for  1866  gives  the 
number  of  pupils  as  156. 

Little  sickness,  a  few  cases  of  sore  throat,  and  slight  bowel  affections  comprise  nearly  all  the 
ailments;  and  the  physician's  report  adds:  "The  sanitary  reports  of  the  institution  .from  its 
earliest  history  to  the  present  date  has  been  a  guarantee  of  the  healthiness  of  the  location. 
Having  gone  carefully  over   the  most  reliable   tabulated  statements  of  deaf-mutism,  its  parent- 


242  HISTORY  OF   AVISCONSIN. 

age,  its  home,  its  causes,  and  its  origin,  we  would  most  earnestly  call  the  attention  of  the  public 
to  the  fact  that  the  chief  cause  comes  under  the  head  of  congenital,  75  of  the  150  pupils  in  this 
institution  having  this  origin.  Such  a  fearful  proportion  as  this  must  of  necessity  have  its  origin 
in  a  cause  or  causes  proportionately  fearful.  Nor,  fortunately,  is  the  causation  a  mystery,  since 
most  careful  examination  leaves  not  a  shadow  of  doubt  that  consanguineous  marriages  are  the 
sources  of  this  great  evil.  Without  occupying  further  space  by  illustrative  tables  and  arguments, 
we  would  simply  direct  the  attention  of  our  legislators  and  thoughtful  men  to  the  law  of  this  dis- 
ease—  which  is,  that  the  number  of  deaf  and  dumb,  imbeciles,  and  idiots  is  in  direct  keeping  with  the 
degree  of  consanguinity.  With  such  a  law  and  exhibit  before  us,  would  not  a  legislative  inquiry 
into  the  subject,  with  the  view  of  adopting  preventive  means,  be  a  wise  step.'  The  evil  is  fear- 
ful ;  the  cause  is  plain;  so,  too,  is  the  remedy." 

Industrial  School  for  Boys. 

This  institution  is  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Fox  river,  at  Waukesha,  and  was  organized 
in  i860.  The  whole  number  of  the  inmates  since  it  was  opened  in  July,  i860,  to  October  10, 
1876,  was  1,291.  The  whole  number  of  inmates  for  1876  was  415.  Of  these,  since  the  period 
of  opening  up  to  date,  October,  1876,  25  have  died  :  8,  of  typhoid  fever;  1,  of  typhoid  erysipelas  ; 
I,  of  gastric  fever;  3,  of  brain  fever;  i,  nervous  fever;  2,  congestion  of  the  lungs;  2,  congestive 
chills;  5,  of  consumption;   i  of  dro])sy ;  and  i  of  inflammatory  rheumatism. 

The  State  Prison. 

This  was  located  at  Waupun  in  July,  1857.  On  September  30,  1876,  there  were  266  inmates. 
But  one  death  from  natural  causes  occurred  during  the  year.  The  health  of  the  prisoners  has 
been  unusually  good,  the  prevalent  affections  attendant  upon  the  seasons,  of  a  mild  and 
manageable  character. 

State  Hospital  for  the  Insane. 

This  institution,  located  near  Madison,  was  opened  for  patients  in  July,  i860.  The  total 
number  of  admissions  down  to  the  year  1877,  was  1,227  nnales,  1,122  females,  total  2,349.  Over 
one  half  of  these  have  been  impro^'ed ;  nearly  one  third  recoi<ered ;  while  less  than  one  quarter 
have  been  discharged  unimpro2-ed.  Total  number  of  deaths,  288.  At  the  commencement  of  the 
year,  October  1,  1875,  there  were  in  the  hospital  376  patients.  In  the  report  for  the  year  endings 
September  30,  1876,  we  find  the  past  year  has  been  one  of  unusual  health  in  the  hospital.  No 
serious  epidemic  has  prevailed,  although  20  deaths  have  been  reported,  7  fatally  ill  before  admis- 
sion, 4  worn-out  cases,  etc.  Insanity,  coming  as  it  does,  under  this  head  of  an  article  on  State 
Health,  is  of  the  highest  interest  from  a  state  point  of  view,  not  only  because  so  much  may  be 
done  to  remedy  it,  but  that  still  more  can  and  ought  to  be  done  by  the  state  to  prevent  it.  Our 
insane  amount  to  i  in  700  of  the  whole  jjopulation,  the  total  number  in  hospitals,  poor-houses  and 
prisons  being  in  round  numbers  1,400.  It  is  a  striking  fact,  calling  for  our  earnest  consideration, 
that  the  Germans,  Irish  and  Scandinavians  import  and  transmit  more  insanity — three  to  one  — 
than  the  American-born  population  produce.  The  causes  assigned  for  this  disparity,  are,  as 
affecting  importation,  that  those  in  whom  there  is  an  hereditary  tendency  to  disease  constitute  the 
migratory  class,  for  the  reason  that  those  who  are  sound  and  in  the  full  possession  of  their  powers 
are  most  apt  to  contend  successfully  in  the  struggle  to  live  and  maintain  their  position  at  home; 
while  those  who  are  most  unsound  and  unequal  to  life's  contests  are  unable  to  migrate.  In  other 
words,  the  strongest  will  not  leave,  the  weakest  can  not  leave.  By  this,  the  character  of  the 
migratory  is  defined.  As  affects  transmission,  poverty  is  a  most  fruitful  parent  of  insanity,  so  too  is 
poor  land.     Says  Dr.  Boughton,  superintendent  of  the  Wisconsin  State    Hospital  for  the  Insane: 


HEALTH   OP   WISCONSIN  243 

Wisconsin  is  characterized  by  a  large  poor  class,  especially  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state, 
■where  people  without  means  have  settled  on  new  and  poorly  paying  farms,  where  their  life  is 
made  up  of  hard  work,  exposure  to  a  severe  climate,  bad  and  insufficient  diet,  cheerless  homes, 
etc.,  etc.  These  causes  are  prolific  in  the  production  of  insanity.  It  is  easy,  therefore,  to  trace 
the  causes  that  give  us  so  large  a  per  cent,  of  insane  in  many  of  the  counties  of  the  state.  Nor  is 
it  of  less  interest  to  know,  as  Dr.  B.  adds  :  We  draw  our  patients  from  those  families  where 
phthisis  pulmonalis,  rheumatism  and  insanity  prevail.  Insanity  and  rheumatism  are  interchange- 
able in  hereditary  cases,  so  too  are  insanity  and  phithisis.  What  may  be  accomplished  by  intel- 
ligent efforts  to  stem  the  increase  of  insanity  in  our  state  .'  Much.  Early  treatment  is  one  means, 
this  is  of  course  curative  in  its  character.  And  its  necessity  and  advantage  are  well  illustrated 
in  table  No.  lo  of  the  annual  report  of  Dr.  Boughton,  for  1876,  where  it  is  seen  that  45.33  of 
males,  and  44.59  of  the  females  who  had  been  sent  to  the  State  Hospital  having  been  insane  but 
three  months  before  admission,  were  cured,  the  proportion  of  cures  becoming  less  in  proportion 
to  the  longer  duration  of  insanity  before  admission.  As  a  preventive  means,  the  dissemination 
of  the  kind  of  knowledge  that  shows  indisputably  that  insanity  is  largely  hereditary,  and  conse- 
quently that  intermarriage  with  families  so  tainted  should  on  the  one  hand  be  avoided  by  the 
citizen,  and  on  the  other  hand,  perhaps,  prevented  by  the  state,  (congress  at  the  same  time 
restraining  or  preventing  as  far  as  possible  persons  so  tainted  from  settling  in  this  country.) 
By  the  state,  inasmuch  as  the  great  burthen  of  caring  for  the  insane  falls  upon  the  state.  Still 
other  preventive  means  are  found  in  the  improved  cultivation  of  our  lands  and  in  our  improved 
education  ;  in  fact,  in  whatever  lessens  the  trials  of  the  poor  and  lifts  them  out  of  ignorance  and 
pauperism.  It  is  only  by  culture,  says  Hufeland,  that  man  acquires  perfection,  morally,  mentally 
and  physically.  His  whole  organization  is  so  ordered  that  he  may  either  become  nothing  or 
anything,  hyperciilture  and  the  want  o{  cultivation  being  alike  destructive. 

The  Northern  Hospital  kor  the  Insane. 

This  hospital  was  opened  at  Oshkosh,  May,  1873.  The  total  number  under  treatment 
September  30,  1876  was  —  males  246,  females  257,  total  503.  No  ailment  of  an  epidemic  charac- 
ter has  affected  the  health  of  the  household,  which  has  been  generally  good.  The  report  of  Dr. 
Kempster  is   full  of  suggestive  matter  for  the  legislator  and  sociologist. 

City  of  Milwaukee. 

Still  adhering  to  the  plan,  in  writing  the  sanitary  history  of  the  state,  of  gathering  up  all 
the  health  statistics  which  properly  belong  to  us,  we  now  take  up  those  of  Milwaukee,  the  only 
city  in  Wisconsin,  so  far  as  we  know,  that  has  kept  up  a  system  of  statistics  of  its  diseases. 
The  city  is  built  on  each  side  of  the  mouth  of  Milwaukee  river,  on  the  west  shore  of  Lake  Michi- 
gan inlat.  43°  3'  45"  N.,  long.  87°  57'  W.,  and  is  considered  remarkable  for  its  healthy  climate. 
The  board  of  health  has  furnished  us  with  its  report  for  1870  and  downward.  The  character  of 
its  mortality  from  June  19,  1869,  to  March  31,  1870,  is  thus  summarized:  In  children  under  five 
years  of  age,  758  out  of  1,249  deaths,  consumption,  93;  convulsions,  128;  cholera  infantum, 
59;  diarrhoea,  128;  scarlet  fever,  132;  typhoid  fever,  52  ;  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  41 ;  still- 
bom,  79.  This  disproportionate  number  of  still-born  children  is  attributed  in  part  to  a  laxity  of 
morals.  The  deaths  from  consumption  in  Milwaukee  are  7}^  out  of  every  100,  one  third  less  out 
of  a  like  number  of  deaths  than  in  San  Francisco,  in  which  city,  in  4,000  deaths,  441  died  of  con- 
sumption, being  11  out  of  every  100  deaths  for  the  year  ending  July,  1869.  The  deaths  for  1870 
numbered  1,655,  the  population  being  at  the  last  census  report,  71,636. 


244 


HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIIN'. 


Table  of  Principal  Causes. 


Consumption 143 

Inflammation  of  lungs 56 

Convulsions 259 

Diarrhoea .131 

Diptheria 74 

Scarlet  fever 52 

Typhoid  fever 49 

Old  age 28 

Still-born -.123 


The  Milwaukee  population  being  about 
72,000,  the  death  rate  per  annum  for 
every  1,000  inhabitants  would  be  21, 
after  proper  deductions  of  deaths  from 
other  causes  than  from  disease,  showing 
very  favorably  as  compared  with  other 
cities. 


Glasgow  has  39  to  every  1,000;  Liverpool,  36;  London,  25  ;  New  Orleans,  54;  New  York, 
32;  San  Francisco,  24;  Milwaukee,  21.  Among  seventeen  of  the  principal  cities  of  the  Union, 
Milwaukee  ranks  the  ninth  in  rate  of  mortality.  An  impression  has  prevailed  that  Milwaukee  is 
subject  to  a  large  and  disproportionate  amount  of  lung  and  allied  diseases.  Statistics  disprove 
this,  its  deaths  from  consumption  being  only  6  per  cent.,  while  those  of  Chicago  are  7.75 ;  of 
St.  Louis,  9.68;  of  Cincinnati,  11.95;  ^"^  of  Boston,  19.31.  But  few  cases  of  malarial  disease 
occur  in  Milwaukee,  and  fewer  cases  of  intestinal  fever  than  in  the  interior  of  the  state.  The 
mortality  among  children  is  explained  by  its  occurring  chiefly  among  the  poor  foreign-born 
population,  where  all  that  can  incite  and  aggravate  disease  is  always  to  be  found. 

This,  (the  historical  part  of  the  health  article),  will  doubtless  call  forth  from  the  profession 
much  additional  and  desirable  matter,  but  excepting  what  will  further  appear  under  the  head  of 
Madison  it  is  proper  to  say  that  we  have  exhausted  the  sources  of  information  on  the  subject 
within  our  reach. 

Health  Resorts. 

Next  in  order  would  seem  to  come  some  notice  of  the  summer  and  health  resorts  of  Wiscon- 
sin, which,  significant  of  the  salubrity  of  the  state,  are  not  only  becoming  more  numerous,  but 
also  more  frequented  from  year  to  year. 

Madison,  the  capital  of  the  state,  with  a  population  of  11,000,  is  built  on  an  isthmus  between 
two  considerable  lakes,  from  70  to  125  feet  above  their  level;  80  miles  west  of  Milwaukee,  in 
latitude  43"^  5'  north,  and  longitude  89°  20'  west,  in  the  northern  temperate  region.  The  lake 
basins,  and  also  the  neck  of  land  between  them,  have  a  linear  arrangement,  trending  northeast  and 
southwest.  The  same  linear  topography  characterises  the  whole  adjacent  country  and  the  boun- 
dary lines  of  its  various  geological  formations,  this  striking  feature  being  due  to  the  former  move- 
ment of  glacier  ice  over  the  face  of  the  country.  At  two  points,  one  mile  apart,  the  Capitol  and 
University  hills,  respectively  348  and  370  feet  above  the  level  of  Lake  Michigan,  rise  prominently 
above  the  rest  of  the  isthmus.  Both  of  these  hills  are  heaps  of  drift  material  from  100  to  126  feet 
thickness,  according  to  the  record  of  the  artesian  well.  The  neck  of  land  on  which  Madison  stands 
is  of  the  same  material.  The  same  boring  discloses  to  us  the  underlying  rock  structure,  pene- 
trating 614  feet  of  friable  quartzose  sandstone  belonging  to  the  Potsdam  series,  loj^  feet  of  red 
shale  belonging  to  the  same  series,  and  2095^  feet  of  crystalline  rocks  belonging  to  the  Archasan. 
In  the  country  immediately  around  Madison,  the  altitude  is  generally  considerably  greater,  and 
the  higher  grounds  are  occupied  by  various  strata,  nearly  horizontal,  of  sandstone  and  limestone. 
The  Potsdam  sandstone  rises  about  30  feet  above  the  level  of  Lake  Mendota,  on  its  northern 
shore,  where  at  McBride's  Point  it  may  be  seen  overlaid  by  the  next  and  hitherto  unrecognized 
layer,  one  of  more  or  less  impure,  dark-colored,  magnesian  limestone,  to  which  the  name  of  Men- 
dota is  assigned,  and  which  furnishes  a  good  building  stone.     The  descent  of  these  strata  is  about 


HEALTH   OF   WISCONSIN.  245 

9  feet  to  the  mile  in  a  due  southerly  direction.  Overlying  the  Mendota  beds  are  again  sandstone 
layers,  the  uppermost  portions  of  which  are  occasionally  charged  with  lo  to  20  per  cent,  of  calca- 
reous and  dolomitic  matter,  and  then  furnish  a  cream-colored  building  stone  of  considerable 
value.  Most  of  this  stratum  which  has  been  designated  as  the  Madison  sandstone,  is,  however, 
quite  non-calcareous,  being  either  a  ferruginous  brown  stone,  or  a  quite  pure,  white,  nearly  loose 
sand.  In  the  latter  phase  it  is  of  value  for  the  manufacture  of  glass.  In  a  number  of  quarries, 
cuttings  and  exposed  places  around  the  city,  the  Madison  beds  are  seen  to  be  overlaid  by  a  gray- 
ish, magnesian  limestone,  the  lower  magnesian,  varying  very  considerably  in  its  character,  but 
largely  composed  of  a  flinty-textured,  heavy-bedded,  quite  pure  dolomite,  which  is  burnt  into  a 
good  quality  of  lime.  Its  thickness  exceeds  80  feet.  Madison,  with  the  conveniences  and  corn- 
forts  of  a  capital  city,  from  its  easy  access  by  railroads,  from  not  only  in  itself  being  beautiful, 
but  from  its  beautiful  surroundings,  from  its  good  society,  charming  climate,  and  artesian 
mineral  water,  is  naturally  a  great  summer  resort. 

Though  there  are  no  vital  statistics  of  the  city  to  refer  to,  a  residence  of  nearly  a  quarter  of 
a  century  has  made  us  sufficiently  acquainted  with  its  sanitary  history,  which  is  more  or  less  the 
sanitary  history  of  this  part  of  the  state,  and  in  a  measure  of  the  state  itself.  In  1844  and  1845, 
it  was  visited  by  an  epidemic  malarial  fever  of  a  bilious  type,  and  not  unfrequently  fatal,  which 
passed  very  generally  through  the  state,  and  was  attributed  to  the  turning  up  of  the  soil.  It  was 
most  virulent  in  the  autumns.  Again  in  1854  it  was  visited  by  a  light  choleraic  epidemic,  which 
also  swept  the  state,  assuming  very  generally  a  particularly  mild  type.  Again  in  1S57  it  suffered 
lightly  from  the  epidemic  dysentery,  which  passed  through  the  state.  In  1865,  it  suffered  from 
a  visitation  of  diptheria,  the  disease  prevailing  generally  over  the  state  at  that  time.  It  has  also 
had  two  visitations  of  the  epidemic  grip  {grippe),  or  influenza.  The  last  invasion,  some  five 
years  since,  commencing  in  a  manner  perhaps  worthy  of  noting,  by  first  affecting  the  horses  very 
generally,  and  again,  by  beginning  on  the  east  side  of  the  city,  while  the  other  epidemics  for  the 
past  twenty-five  years  (unless  the  choleraic  visitation  was  an  exception)  came  in  on  the  south- 
west side  of  the  city,  as  has  been  the  case,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  observe  with  the  light 
epidemics  to  which  children  are  subject.  But  little  typhoid  fever  is  found  here,  and  the  aguish 
fevers  when  they  occur  are  light  and  easy  of  control.  There  is  but  little  diarrhoea  or  dysen- 
tery. Pneumonia  and  its  allied  affections  are  more  common,  so  is  rheumatism,  and  so  neuralgia. 
Inflammatory  croup,  however,  is  very  rare,  sporadic  diptheria  seeming  to  be  taking  its  place. 
All  the  ordinary  eruptive  fevers  of  children  are  and  always  have  been  of  a  peculiarly  mild 
type. 

Prairie  du  Chien,  situated  immediately  at  the  junction  of  the  Wisconsin  with  the  Mississippi, 
is  built  about  70  feet  above  low  water,  and  642  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  The  cliffs  on 
both  sides  of  the  river  present  on  their  summits  the  lower  strata  of  the  blue  Silurian  limestone 
of  Cincinnati,  beneath  which  are  found  sandstone  and  magnesian  limestone  down  to  the  water's 
edge.  We  give  this  notice  of  Prairie  du  Chien  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  public  that  it  possesses  one  of  the  most  superb  artesian  wells  in  the  state,  which  is  attracting 
many  persons  by  its  remedial  mineral  properties. 

Green  Bay  sanitarily  may  be  considered  as  sufficiently  indicated  under  the  head  of  Fort 
Howard.  It  is,  however,  proper  to  add  that  from  its  geographical  position  and  beautiful  situa- 
tion at  the  head  of  the  bay,  its  easy  access  both  by  railroad  and  steamboat,  its  pleasant  days  and 
cool  summer  nights,  it  has  naturally  become  quite  a  popular  summer  resort,  particularly  for 
southern  people. 

Racine,  some  25  miles  south  by  east  by  rail  from  Milwaukee  and  62  by  rail  from  Chicago,  is 
built  upon  the  banks  and  some  40  feet  above  the  level  of  the  lake.     Its  soil  is  a  sandy  loam  and 


246  HISTORY    OF    WISCOXSIN. 

gravel,  consequently  it  has  a  dry,  healthy  surface,  and  is  much  frequented  in  the  summer  for  its 
coolness  and  salubrity. 

Waukesha,  i8  miles  west  of  Milwaukee  by  railroad,  is  a  healthy,  pleasant  place  of  resort  at 
all  times  on  account  of  its  mineral  water,  so  well  known  and  so  highly  appreciated  throughout 
the  country. 

Oconomowoc,  32  miles  by  railroad  west  by  north  of  Milwaukee,  is  a  healthy  and  de- 
lightfully located  resort  for  the  summer.  Its  many  lakes  and  drives  form  its  chief  attractions, 
and  though  its  accommodations  were  considered  ample,  during  the  past  summer  they  were  found 
totally  inadequate  to  meet  the  demands  of  its  numerous  visitors. 

The  Dalles,  at  Kilbourn  City,  by  rail  16  miles  from  Portage,  is  unsurpassed  in  the  northwest 
for  the  novelty,  romantic  character,  and  striking  beauty  of  its  rock  and  river  scenery.  It  is 
high  and  dry;  has  pure  water  and  fine  air,  and  every-day  boat  and  drive  views  enough  to  fill 
up  a  month  pleasantly. 

Lake  Geneva,  70  miles  by  rail  from  Chicago,  is  built  on  the  north  side  of  the  lake,  is  justly 
celebrated  for  its  beauty,  and  its  reputation  as  a   summer  resort  is  growing. 

Green  Lake,  six  miles  west  of  Ripon,  and  89  northwest  from  Milwaukee,  is  some  15  miles 
long  and  three  broad,  surrounded  by  beautiful  groves  and  prairies;  and  is  claimed  to  be  one  of 
the  healthiest  little  places  on  the  continent. 

Devil's  Lake  is  ^6  miles  by  rail  north  of  Madison.  Of  all  the  romantic  little  spots  in  Wis- 
consin, and  they  are  innumerable,  there  is  none  more  romantic  or  worthy  of  a  summer  visitor's 
admiration  than  this.  It  is,  though  shut  in  from  the  rude  world  by  bluffs  500  feet  high,  a  very 
favorite  resort,  and  should  be  especially  so  for  those  who  seek  quiet,  and  rest,  and  health. 

Sparta,  246  miles  by  rail  from  Chicago,  is  pleasantly  and  healthily  situated,  and  its  artesian 
mineral  water  strongly  impregnated  with  carbonate  of  iron,  having,  it  is  said,  over  14  grains  in 
solution  to  the  imperial  gallon,  an  unusually  large  proportion,  attracts  its  annual  summer 
crowd. 

Sheboygan,  62  miles  by  rail  north  of  Milwaukee,  from  its  handsome  position  on  a  bluff  over- 
looking the  lake,  and  from  the  beauty  of  its  surroundings   as  well  as  from  the  character  of  its  jl 
mineral  waters,  is  an  attractive  summer  resort. 

Elkhart  Lake,  57  miles  by  rail  north  of  Milwaukee,  is  rapidly  acquiring  a  good  name  from 
those  seeking  health  or  pleasure. 

Change  in  Diseases. 

In  order  to  ascertain  whether  the  classes  of  diseases  in  the  state  at  the  date  of  Carver's 
travels  are  the  same  which  prevail  to-day,  we  have  compared  his  description  of  them  with  those 
tabulated  in  the  army  medical  reports  of  Forts  Howard,  Crawford  and  Winnebago,  and  again 
with  those  given  in  the  U.  S.  Census  for  1870,  and  with  the  medical  statistics  of  the  city  of 
Milwaukee.  The  three  distinct  and  prominent  classes  prevailing  from  Carver's  to  the  present 
time,  are,  in  the  order  of  prevalence,  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs,  consumption,  pneumonia, 
bronchitis,  etc.;  diseases  of  the  digestive  organs,  enteritis,  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  etc.;  and  the 
malarial  fevers.  At  Fort  Howard  alone  do  the  diseases  of  the  digestive  organs  seem  to  have 
outnumbered  those  of  the  respiratory  organs.  So  far  as  it  is  possible  to  gather  from  the  reports 
of  the  commissioners  of  Indian  affairs,  these  features  of  the  relative  prevalence  of  the  three 
classes  of  disease  are  not  disturbed. 

There  are,  however,  some  disturbing  or  qualifying  agencies  operating  and  affecting  the 
amount  or  distribution  of  these  classes  in  different  areas  or  belts.      For   instance,  there  are  two 


HEAI/l'H   OF   AVISCONSIN.  247 

irregular  areas  in  the  state;  the  one  extending  from  the  Mississippi  east  and  north,  and  the  other 
starting  almost  as  low  down  as  Madison,  and  running  up  as  far  as  Green  Bay,  which  are  more 
subject  to  malarial  diseases  than  are  the  other  parts  of  the  state.  While  it  is  found  that  those 
parts  of  the  state  least  subject  to  diseases  of  the  digestive  organs  are,  a  belt  along  the  western 
shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  a  belt  running  from  near  Prairie  du  Chien  north  into  the  pineries. 
Again,  it  is  found  that  the  part  of  the  state  most  subjec'  to  enteric,  cerebro-spinal  and  typhus 
fevers,  is  quite  a  narrow  belt  running  north  from  the  southern  border  line  into  the  center  of  the 
state,  or  about  two-thirds  of  the  distance  toward  the  pineries.  All  along  the  western  shore  of 
Lake  Michigan,  and  stretching  across  the  country  by  way  of  Fond  du  Lac  to  the  Mississippi,  is 
a  belt  much  less  subject  to  these  disorders.  It  is  equally  beyond  question  that  the  western  shore 
of  Lake  Michigan,  and  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Superior,  as  well  as  the  western  half  of  the 
southern  boundary  line  of  the  pineries,  are  less  affected  with  consumption  than  the  interior  parts 
of  the  state. 

The  tendency  of  these  diseases  is  certainly  to  amelioration.  The  sanitary  history  of  Wiscon- 
sin does  not  differ  from  that  of  any  other  state  east  of  us,  in  this  striking  particular ;  the  farther 
you  trace  back  the  history  of  disease,  the  worse  its  type  is  found  to  be.  It  follows,  then,  that 
the  improvement  in  public  health  must  progress  with  the  general  improvement  of  the  state,  as 
has  been  the  case  with  the  eastern  states,  and  that  the  consequent  amelioration  of  our  malarial 
diseases  especially  will  tend  to  mitigate  infectious  diseases.  The  ameliorating  influences,  how- 
ever, that  sanitary  science  has  brought  to  bear  upon  disease,  of  which  England  is  so  happy  an 
illustration,  has  scarcely  as  yet  begun  to  be  known  to  us.  But  the  time  has  come  at  last  when 
this  science  is  moving  both  the  hearts  and  minds  of  thinking  and  humane  men  in  the  state,  aud- 
its voice  has  been  heard  in  our  legislative  halls,  evoking  a  law  by  which  we  are,  as  a  people,  to  be 
governed,  as  by  any  other  enactment.  The  organization  of  a  state  board  of  health  is  a  new  era 
in  our  humanity.  In  this  board  is  invested  all  legal  power  over  the  state  health.  To  it  is  com- 
mitted all  the  sanitary  responsibility  of  the  state,  and  the  greatest  good  to  the  people  at  large 
must  follow  the  efforts  it  is  making. 

There  are  many  other  points  of  sanitary  interest  to  which  it  is  desirable  to  call  the  attention 
of  those  interested  in  Wisconsin.  It  is  a  popular  truth  that  a  dry  climate,  all  other  things  being 
equal,  is  a  healthy  climate.  Our  hygrometrical  records  show  Wisconsin  to  have  one  of  the  driest 
climates  in  the  United  States.  Choleraic  diseases  rarely  prevail  unless  in  a  comparatively 
stagnant  state  of  the  atmosphere,  where  they  are  most  fatal.  AVhere  high  winds  prevail  such 
diseases  are  rare.  The  winds  in  Wisconsin,  while  proverbially  high  and  frequent  (carrying  away 
and  dissipating  malarial  emanations),  are  not  destructive  to  life  or  property,  as  is  the  case,  by 
their  violence,  in  some  of  the  adjoining  states.  A  moist,  warm  atmosphere  is  always  provocative 
of  disease.  Such  a  state  of  atmosphere  is  rare  with  us,  and  still  more  rarely  continuous  beyond 
a  day  or  two.  Moist  air  is  the  medium  of  malarial  poisoning,  holding  as  it  does  in  solution 
gases  and  poisonous  exhalations.  Its  character  is  readily  illustrated  by  the  peculiar  smell  of 
some  marsh  lands  on  autumnal  evenings.  Such  a  state  of  moisture  is  seen  only  in  our  lowest 
shut-in  marshes  (where  there  is  but  little  or  no  air-current),  and  then  only  for  a  very  limited 
period,  in  very  hot  weather. 

But  too  much  importance  is  attached  by  the  public  to  a  simply  dry  atmosphere  for  respira- 
tory diseases.  The  same  mistake  is  made  with  regard  to  the  good  effects  in  such  disorders  of 
simply  high  elevations.  Dry  air  in  itself  or  a  high  elevation  in  itself,  or  both  combined,  are 
not  necessarily  favorable  to  health,  or  curative  of  disease.  In  the  light  and  rare  atmosphere  of 
Pike's  Peak,  an  elevation  of  6,000  feet,  the  pulse  is  accelerated,  the  amount  of  sleep  is  dimin- 
ished, and  the  human  machine  is  put  under  a  high-pressure  rate  of  living,  conducive  only  to  its 


248 


HISTOUY   OF  WISCONSIN. 


injury.  The  average  rate  of  the  pulse  iu  liealthy  visitors  is  from  115  to  120  per  minute  (the 
normal  rate,  in  moderate  elevations,  being  about  75).  .\nd  where  there  is  any  organic  affection 
of  the  heart,  or  tendency  to  bleeding  from  the  lungs,  it  is  just  this  very  dry  atmosphere  and  high 
elevation  that  make  these  remedies  (f)  destructive.  Hence  it  is  that  Wisconsin,  for  the  generality 
of  lung  diseases,  especially  when  accompanied  with  hemorrhage,  or  with  heart  disease,  is  prefer- 
able to  Colorado.  It  may  be  objected,  that  the  diseases  of  the  respiratory  organs  are  in  e.xcess 
of  other  diseases  in  Wisconsin.  This  feature,  however,  is  not  confined  to  the  cold  belt  of  our 
temperate  latitudes  —  our  proportion  of  respiratory  diseases,  be  it  noted,  comparing  most  favor- 
ably with  that  of  other  states,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  following  table: 


Climatological  Distribution  of  Pulmonary  Diseases. 


STATES, 

Deaths 

by 
Phthisis. 

Per  cent, 
of  entire 

Mortality. 

Deaths  by  all 
diseases  of  Res- 
piratory Organs. 

Per  cent, 
of  entire 
Mortality. 

Massachusetts,  1850,  U.  S.  Census 

3.426 

2,558 

657 

866 

2go 

1765 
8.83 

14-55 
7.36 
9.99 

4,418 

3.988 
1,084 

1-799 
535 

22.27 

13-77 
24.00 

Illinois    iSj,q— "^o,  U.  S.  Census .. 

15.00 

Wisconsin,  1849-50,  U.  .S.  Census 

18.43 

Now,  while  the  mortuary  statistics  of  the  United  States  census  for  1850  are  acknowledged 
to  be  imperfect,  they  are,  nevertheless,  undoubtedly  correct  as  to  the  causes  of  mortality.  But 
besides  this  statistical  evidence  of  the  climatological  causes  of  disease,  there  are  certain  relative 
general,  if  not  special,  truths  which  serve  to  guide  us  in  our  estimate.  Respiratory  diseases  of 
all  kinds  increase  in  proportion  as  the  temperature  decreases,  the  humidity  of  the  air  being  the 
same.  Another  equally  certain  element  in  the  production  of  this  class  of  diseases  is  variableness 
of  climate.  Still,  this  feature  of  our  climate  is  only  an  element  in  causation,  and  affects  us,  as 
we  shall  see  in  the  table  below,  very  little  as  compared  with  other  states.  Indeed,  it  is  still 
disputed  whether  there  is  not  more  consumption  in  tropical  climates  than  in  temperate  climates. 
This  much  is  admitted,  however,  that  consumption  is  rare  in  the  arctic  regions.  Dr.  Terry  says 
the  annual  ratio  of  pulmonary  diseases  is  lower  in  the  northern  than  in  the  southern  regions  of 
the  United  States,  and  Dr.  Drake,  an  equally  eminent  authority,  recommends  those  suffering 
from  or  threatened  with  pulmonary  affections,  to  retreat  to  the  colder  districts  of  the  country, 
citing  among  others  localities  near  Lake  Superior  —  a  recommendation  which  our  experience  of 
nearly  half  a  century  endorses. 

Proportion  ok  P.neu.monia  to  Consumption  in  the  Different  States. 


STATES. 

CONS. 

PNEUM. 

STATES. 

CONS. 

PNEUM. 

Massachusetts 

Ohio 

3.424 

2,558 

866 

549 
895 
647 

North  Carolina 

Kentucky 

562 

1,288 

290 

664 

429 
194 

Illinois  .            

Wisconsin. 

When  we  compare  the  general  death-rate  of  Wisconsin  with  that  of  the  other  states  of  the 
Union,  we  find  that  it  compares  most  favorably  with  that  of  Vermont,  the  healthiest  of  the  New 
England  states.  The  United  States  census  of  1S50,  1S60  and  1870,  gives  Wisconsin  94  deaths 
to  10,000  of  the  population,  while  it  gives  Vermont  101  to  every  10,000  of  her  inhabitants.    The 


STATISTICS   OF  WISCONSIN. 


249 


censusof  1870  shows  that  the  death-rate  from  consumption  in  Minnesota,  Iowa,  California  and  Wis- 
consin are  alike.  These  four  states  show  the  lowest  death-rate  among  the  states  from  consumption, 
the  mortality  being  13  to  14  per  cent,  of  the  whole  death-rate. 

Climatologically  considered,  then,  there  is  not  a  more  healthy  state  in  the  Union  than  the 
state  of  Wisconsin.  But  for  health  purposes  something  more  is  requisite  than  climate.  Climate 
and  soil  must  be  equally  good.  Men  should  shun  the  soil,  no  matter  how  rich  it  be,  if  the  climate 
is  inimical  to  health,  and  rather  choose  the  climate  that  is  salubrious,  even  if  the  soil  is  not  so 
rich.  In  Wisconsin,  generally  speaking,  the  soil  and  climate  are  equally  conducive  to  health, 
and  alike  good  for  agricultural  purposes. 


STATISTICS    OF   WISCONSIN. 


1875. 


ADAMS  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cittbs  akb 
Villages. 

White. 

Colored 

« 

0 

£ 

q5 
13 

S 

Pi. 

< 

200 

77 

244 
164 
261 
117 
204 
240 
163 
444 
74 
126 
121 
99 
89 
501 
187 

198 
71 
221 
153 
200 
100 
193 
229 
137 
403 
62 
118 
99 
131 
182 
433 
115 

"2" 

"4' 

398 

Bfg  Flats 

154 

Dell  Prairie 

465 

Easton 

317 

Jackson 

461 

Leola 

Monroe 

300 

New  Haven 

847 

Preston 

136 

Qnincy 

244 

Richfield 

220 

330 

371 

934 

White  Creek 

242 

3.451 

3,045 

2 

4 

6.502 

ASHLAND  COUNTY. 


268 
141 

180 
141 

282 

Total 

409 

321 

730 

BAYFIELD  COUNTY. 


Bayfield. 


538  493      1     .. 


1.032 


BARRON  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns.  Cities  and 

White. 

Colored 

4J 

6 

a 

6 

QJ 

£ 

a; 

IS 

343 
459 
364 
336 
214 
122 
240 

285 
897 
319 
216 
182 
84 
106 

628 
856 

Cbetac 

Prairie  Ji'arm 

426 

Total 

2,068 

1,669 

3.737 

BROWN  COUNTY. 


210 
143 
371 
410 
943 
291 

1,889 
591 

3,966 
581 
784 
687 
519 
499 
765 
616 
384 
838 
434 
774 
477 
982 

1,222 

175 
136 
337 
358 
956 
208 

1.721 
482 

4,017 
542 
705 
579 
467 
408 
633 
529 
335 
792 
372 
696 
452 
941 

1,058 

•is 

385 

279 

711 

768 

1,911 

499 

3,610 

1,078 

Greea  Bay  city 

8,037 

1,123 

1,489 

1,266 

986 

909 

1,398 

New  Denmark 

1,145 
719 

6 

1,642 

806 

Scott                      

1,470 

West  Depere  village 

Wrightstown 

"s 

■■f 

1.928 
2,295 

Total 

18,376 

16.899 

53 

45 

35,378 

250 


HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 


BURNETT  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  CITISS  AND 

White. 

Colored 

o 

S 

4; 

a 

s 

1 

< 

Grantsburg «. 

433 
231 

87 

379 
191 

82 

11 

5 
13 

4 

827 
434 

Wood  Lake 

195 

Total 

751 

658 

28 

25 

1,456 

BUFFALO  COUNTY. 


296 
34 
307 
138 
376 
369 
292 
277 
413 
339 
275 
215 
408 
841 
717 
899 
553 
465 
500 

254 
298 
279 
137 
386 
381 
282 
227 
872 
309 
240 
212 
383 
306 
671 
664 
501 
421 
494 

2 

3 

550 

637 

586 

875 

712 

Cross 

690 
574 

504 

785 

648 

515 

427 

Modena 

785 
647 

1,388 

1.563 

1,053 

886 

Fountain  City  village 

994 

7,517 

6.702 

2 

3 

14.219 

CALUMET  COUNTY. 


Brothertown 

Brllliou 

864 

666 
1.061 

668 
1.008 
1.016 

837 

809 
507 
1,000 
592 
875 
949 
753 
865 
639 

18 

'16 
3 

1 

i'6i 

7 

16 

4 

156 

1.692 
1,178 
2,093 

1,267 

1,884 

1,965 

1,590 

2,092 

Woodville        

1,329 

7,720 

6,989 

193 

183 

15.085 

CLARK  COUNTY. 


106 
303 

183 

353 

58 
205 
262 

84 
151 
347 
137 
789 

36 
138 
132 
186 
286 

70 
171 

210 
142 

47 
310 

43 
123 
237 

71 
118 
307 
123 
736 

37 
120 
107 
121 
153 

68 
135 

197 
513 
325 
104 
663 
101 
328 
499 
155 

Grant      

Levis 

Mayvllle       

260 

Pine  Valley     

1.625 
73 

Perkins     

379 

138 

York 

306 

3.988 

3.894 

7,282 

CHIPPEWA  COUNTY. 


POPl'LATION. 

Towns.  Cities  akd 

White. 

Colored 

O 

1 

1 
S 

a 

1 

is 

< 

361 

488 

654 

3,886 

339 

1,860 

1,046 

346 

448 

269 

420 

606 
1.755 

288 
1.074 

638 

368 

"6' 

"3 

"4' 

008 

1  260 

ruippewa  Falls  city 

Edson        

5:050 
617 

Eagle  Point 

2.434 

La  Fayette 

1.688 

598 

810 

Total  

8,312 

5.670 

' 

13,99& 

COLUMBIA  COUNTY. 


Arlington 

Caledonia ... 

Columbus  town 

Columbus  city 

Courliaiid 

Uekorra 

Fort  Winnebago 

Fountain  Prairie 

Hatnpden 

Leeds 

Lewlston 

Lodl 

Lowville 

Marcellon 

N  e  wport 

Otsego 

Paciflc 

Portage  city  

Randolph 

Scott  

Spring  Vale 

West  Point 

Wyocena 

West  w.  Vii.  of  Randolph 

Total 


512 
639 
481 
912 
662 
668 
376 
749 
515 
596 
541 
705 
449 
444 
853 
759 
130 
2,164 
630 
409 
423 
486 
580 
33 


497 
584 
400 
991 
647 
618 
351 
712 
497 
506 
505 
743 
437 
409 
862 
737 
119 
J,161 
556 
374 
347 
442 
540 
34 


14,710   14.069   15  9 


CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 


Superior . 


DOUGLAS  COUNTY. 


386  346      3 


1.00ft 
1,283 

881 
1,908 
1,309 
1,280 

787 
1,461 
1,018 
1,103 
1,046 
1.448 

886 

858 
1.721 
1,496 

24» 
4.337 

i.ise 

783 

770 

92S 

1,120 

67 


28,803 


177 
851 
755 
798 
313 
498 
394 

411 
429 
404 
184 
485 

??! 
683 

186 
765 
688 
766 
258 
404 
326 

358 
635 
484 
209 
468 
687 
697 
611 

"2 
12 

-s' 

"i' 
'6' 

363 

1,616 

1.448 

1,564 

671 

908 

Prairie  du  Chien  town 

Prairie  du  Chien  city- 

720 
768 

964 

tit 
i.ii? 

Fourth  ward..          ■  •  .-/ 

Utica 

1.094 

Total 

7.769 

7,276 

18 

11 

15  035 

741 


STATISTICS   OF    WISCONSIN. 


251 


DOOR  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  and 

White. 

Colored 

6 

a 

rt 
S 

_2 

a 

V 

■I 

s 

to 

Bailey's  Harbor 

210 
359 
344 

844 
420 
208 
377 
166 
394 
2S6 
S68 
290 
331 
286 
230 

186 
316 
279 
210 
382 
20B 
325 
107 
278 
193 
211 
259 
301 
214 
181 

396 

675 

633 

454 

Forestville 

803 
414 

702 

273 

673 

418 

479 

B49 

Sturgeon  Bay  village 

632 
630 

401 

ToUl 

4,343 

3,677 

8.030 

DUNN  COUNTY. 


Ck)lfax 

Dunn 

Eau  Galle 

Elk  Mound... 

Grant 

Lucas 

Meiiomonee ., 
New  Haven... 

Pew 

Red  Cedar .... 
Eock  Creek... 

Sheridan 

Sherman 

Spring  Brook 

Stanton 

Tainter 

Tiltany 

Weston 

Total . . . . 


178 
578 
577 
261 
490 
239 
1,959 
130 
130 
349 
327 
156 
379 
628 
271 
400 
128 
212 


170 
458 
490 
231 
463 
190 
1,467 
124 
115 
313 
203 
146 
308 
548 
229 
263 
117 
188 


7,394        6,021 


'5" 

r 
r 

r 

"2 

■'2' 

DODGE  COUNTY. 


348 

1.036 

1.067 

492 

954 

439 

3,433 

254 

245 

663 

531 

303 

687 

1,176 

503 

663 

245 

400 


13.427 


Ashippun 

742 

794 

1.656 
567 
593 
451 
694 
701 
724 
471 
451 
985 

1,143 
591 
907 
156 
833 
832 

1.014 

1.318 
532 

1.006 
668 
956 
149 
559 

1.072 
956 
586 
615 

1.435 
628 

700 

"i' 

28 

1,442 
1.501 
3.455 
1.091 
1,112 
854 
1,330 
1,403 
1.356 
853 
1.012 
1,896 
2.240 
1190 
1,748 
310 
1.637 
1,597 
1,943 
3,563 
1.069 
,958 
,321 
1,868 
318 
1.065 
2,098 
1,763 
1,145 
1,233 
2,955 
1,070 

Beaver  Dam  town 

707 

1,795 
534 
619 
403 
636 
701 
632 
381 
508 
911 

1,097 
599 
841 
154 
804 
759 
929 

1,245 
537 
951 
653 
912 
168 
506 

1.036 
806 
658 
618 

1,530 
441 

■■4" 
'25 

Chester 

Clyman 

Elba 

Herman 

Hubbard 

Horicou  village 

Hustlsford 

3 



Lomira 

Lowell 

Mayville  village 

l' 

Randolph  village,  E.  ward 
Shields 

Theresa 

.... 

r 
r 

Trenton 

Westford 

Williamstown 

Watertown  city,  5  &  6  w'ds 
Waupun  village.  1st  ward, . 

Total 

24,785 

23.541 

35  33 

48,394 

DANE  COUNTY. 


Towns,  Cities  and 
Villages. 


POPCLATION. 


Albion 

Berry 

Black  Eartli 

Blooming  Grove... 

Blue  Mounds 

Bristol 

Burke 

Christiana 

Cottage  Grove 

Cross  Plains 

Dane 

Deerfield 

Dunkirk 

Dunn 

Fltchburg 

Madison  town 

Madisuncity 

Mazomauie 

Medina 

Middleton 

Montrose 

Oregon 

Perry 

Primrose 

Pleasant  Springs. . . 

Roxbnry 

Rutland 

Springdale 

Springfield 

StouElitou  village.. 

Sun  Prairie 

Sun  Prairie  village, 

Vienna 

Verona 

Vermont 

Westport 

Windsor 

York 

Total 


679 

592 
451 
555 
559 
579 
575 
853 
580 
703 
697 
493 
677 
586 
676 
419 
4,858 
813 
726 
866 
640 
655 
530 
470 
669 
592 
653 
622 
728 
585 
515 
283 
547 
546 
563 
813 
629 
518 


26,894 


682 
543 
446 
474 
531 
558 
546 
740 
549 
727 
571 
413 
675 
587 
675 
361 

5,174 
818 

^691 
850 
538 
704 
444 
448 
£87 
659 
504 
495 
664 
622 
457 
806 
479 
491 
555 
808 
558 
484 


25.814  60  30 


TON  DU  LAC  COUNTY. 


1.261 
1.135 

897 
1,030 
1,090 
1.137 
1.121 
1,593 
1.130 
1.430 
1,168 

906 
1,253 
1,173 
1.051 

788 
10,093 
1,635 
1,417 
1.718 
1,079 
1.359 

974 

919 
1,057 
1,151 
1,057 
1.018 
1,392 
1.207 

972 

589 
1,026 
1,039 
1,11s 
1,621 
1.191 
1,003 


52.798 


1.064 
877 
725 
685 
723 
763 
527 
840 
768 
793 
582 

1,109 

1,156 

1.085 

1,374 

594 

739 

655 

726 

1.065 
748 
684 
630 
611 

872 
777 
642 

III 
498 

938 
799 
686 
661 
649 
713 
490 
747 
676 
686 
524 

1,175 

1,248 

1.204 

1.398 

563 

727 

659 

753 

731 

919 

891 

673 

667 

68) 

534 

981 
862 
680 
717 
644 
478 

4 

7 
1" 

"5' 

2,006 

1,676 

Alto                      

1,411 

1,346 

1,372 

1,476 

1,029 

1,687 

1,445 

1,479 

1 

5 
3 
3 
1 

"b 

38 
33 

1 
1 
2 

■4' 

'■i' 

11 

3 
1 

37 
3; 

1 

"4" 

T 

1 
5 

1,107 

Fonddu  Lac  city- 

2,300 

2,409 

2,395 

Fourth  ward 

2.774 
1.157 

1,481 

1,369 

1,523 

1,513 

1,83S 

Marshfield 

1,421 

1.361 

1,211 

1.200 

Riponcity— 

1.854 

1.647 

1.22a 

1,500 

1 
2 

T 

1,3U 

Waupun  village,  N.  ward. . 

979. 

Total          

25,449 

24,604 

98 

80 

50,241 

252 


HISTORY   OF   AVISCONSIX. 


EAU  CLAIRE  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  ahd 
Villages. 

White. 

Colored 

e 

bo 

£ 

IS 
< 

Augusta  V  il  1  age 

549 
461 
419 
4,646 
221 
158 
701 
496 
260 
93 
327 
393 

507 
383 
387 
3,777 
179 
163 
553 
463 
243 
78 
290 
327 

'13 

■■4" 

1,056 
844 
706 

8,4  40 
400 
821 

1,264 
959 
503 
171 
617 
720 

Briuge  Creek 

Itruuswick 

KauClairecity 

Kairchiltl 

Otter  Cret'k 

Total 

8,724 

7,250 

13 

4 

15,991 

GREEN  COUNTY. 


GRANT  COUNTY. 


Adams 

476 
565 
585 
669 
695 
759 
■S48 
450 
867 
640 
462 
1,525 
550 
530 
639 
446 
477 
520 

437 
585 
554 
750 
654 
751 
350 
433 
847 
486 
441 
1.693 
558 
445 
597 
530 
393 
496 

r 

■fe" 
2 

"1" 

r 

913 
1.150 
1,138 
1,428 
1,349 
1,510 

701 

Cadiz    .         ...7 

Decatur , 

Exeter 

Jefferson 

883 
1,714 
1.026 

Monroe  village 

3,227 

New  Gl.irus 

975 
1,238 

876 

870 

York...?..  .:::::.":::::::::: 

1  016 

11,102 

10,900 

14 

11 

22,027 

865 
413 
974 
607 
487 
709 
425 
935 
611 
446 

1,047 
558 
686 
539 
458 

1,376 
359 
671 
369 
109 
400 
500 

2.000 

1.873 
429 
716 
486 
330 
5SU 
380 
293 

20.037 

805 
413 
996 
599 
512 
677 
884 
835 
531 
397 
1.074 
491 
557 

423 

1.358 

349 

604 

357 

97 

381 

440 

2.054 

1,268 

401 

613 

469 

274 

481 

354 

269 

18,944 

27 
? 

"2' 

"r 

6 

20 

"3' 
1 

T 

■2' 

1,717 

BlueKiver 

Boscoln'l 

Bloomincton 

826 
1.978 
1.206 

Clifton 

999 

1,386 

K09 

1  770 

Glen  Haven 

1,144 
848 

2,121 

1,049 

1.194 

Lima 

1,020 

Liberty 

882 

2,742 

Little  Gnint  . 

708 

— 

"i' 
2 

16 

1 

Tis" 

"3" 

1 

9 

40" 

1  275 

Marlon 

726 

Mlllvllle 

206 

Mount  Hope 

781 

Paris 

940 

Plattvllle.... 

4,060 

potosl .             

2  644 

Patch  Grove 

855 

Smelser 

1.330 

Waterloo 

955 

Watterstown 

604 
1.017 

734 

562 

Total 

39,086 

GREEN  LiAItE  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  AND 

ViLLAOKS. 

"White. 

Colored 

« 

s 

Ik 

a; 

a 

1 

Berlin 

548 
1,586 
707 
729 
4.'i'.i 
680 
787 
587 
1.07C 
390 
232 

554 
1,755 
691 
759 
442 
654 
682 
521 
1,015 
836 
225 

1,102 

1" 

6 

1 

"1" 

■'e" 

3,341 
1.399 

1.500 
895 

Kingston 

1,419 

1,058 

2,091 

726 

St.  Marie : 

Seneca 

458 

Total 

7.632 

7.642 

9 

6 

15,274 

IOWA  COUNTY. 


Arena 

Clyde 

DodgeviUe 

Highland 

Linden 

Mifflin 

Mineral  Point 

Mineral  Point  city . 

Moscow 

Pulaski.. 


Rldffeway . 
Waldwick 
Wyoming.. 


,004 
390 
.854 
.565 
.078 
818 
806 
,458 
484 
785 
,299 
480 
362 


Tot.ai 12,384      11,714     26     9 


924 
867 

1,870 

1,459 
972 
705 
715 

1,581 
443 
712 

1,174 
434 
358 


JACKSON  COUNTY. 


Albion 

Alma 

Garden  Valley. 

Hixlon 

Irving 

Manchester.... 

Melrose 

Millston 

Northfit-dd    ..  . 
Springfield 

Total 


JEFFERSOX  COUNTY. 


1,428 

1,334 

5 

1 

699 

620 

549 

477 

714 

554 

669 

588 

226 

197 

613 

546 

128 

82 

448 

429 

565 

467 

6,039 

5,294 

5 

1 

1.930 

757 

.3.725 

3.024 

2.059 

1.526 

1.527 

8,054 

927 

1.497 

2.473 

914 

720 


21,133 


9,768 

1.319 

1,026 

1,268 

1,257 

423 

1,159 

210 

877 

1.032 

11,339 


669 

770 
375 

1,215 
665 
920 

2,081 

1,744 
745 
799 
671 
798 
757 
248 
526 
418 

1.115 

8,286 

635 

747 
350 

1,192 
608 
857 

1.958 

1,810 
720 
752 
515 
778 
78b 
255 
489 
897 

1,065 

3,283 

4 
2 
6 
3 

"2 

1 

21 

"l" 

.... 

4 
3 
3 
5 

"i' 

13 

1.312 
1,522 

734 
2,415 
1,273 
1,777 
4,041 
8.556 
1.499 
1,551 
1.086 
1.576 
1,483 

503 

Lake  Mills 

Milford 

Oakland       

SulUv.an 

1,016 
815 

Watertown  town 

Watertowii  city,  1st.  2d.  3d, 
4th,  and  7th  wards 

2,180 
6,569 

Total  

17.702 

17.137 

40 

29 

34.908 

STATISTICS   OF   WISCONSIN. 


253 


JUNEAU  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns.  CiTiKs  and 

White. 

Colored 

Villages. 

■3 

la 
B 

0^' 

a) 

1 

be 
in 

< 

117 
135 
397 
390 
309 
553 
556 
274 
259 
178 
548 
1,001 
558 
367 
748 
419 
610 
774 

119 
115 
343 
333 
249 
519 
510 
240 
234 
160 
569 
864 
673 
248 
690 
377 
460 
719 

T 

2 

"r 

1 

236 
250 

?!2» 

558 

1,072 

1,066 

5!4 

483 

338 

1,118 

1,865 

1,133 

516 

1,438 

796 

970 

1,495 

Germaiitowii 

KiKUiie 

Liiidiiia 

New  Lisbon  village 

7.993 

7,301 

3 

■i 

15,300 

KENOSHA  COUNTY. 


Brigliton 

Bristol 

Kenosha  city 

Paris 

Pleasant  Prairie. 

Randall 

Somers 

Salem 

Wheatland 

Total 


561 

505 

585 

552 

2 

2 

2,426 

2,533 

7 

7 

539 

479 

734 

723 

5 

6 

297 

252 

798 

657 

5 

5 

697 

669 

434 

433 

7,066 

6,803 

19 

19 

1,066 
1,137 
4.959 
1,018 
1,457 

549 
1,450 
1,366 

867 

13,907 


KEWAUNEE  COUNTY. 


687 
532 
706 
742 
747 
1,337 
497 
623 
917 
718 

632 
506 
706 
657 
726 
1,233 
440 
534 
780 
685 

1,319 

Caseo 

1,399 
1,473 
2,570 

Franklin 

Kewaunee  town*  village. 

1,157 
1.697 

1,403 

Totai 

7,506 

6,899 

14,405 

LA  CROSSE  COUNTY. 


366 
667 
516 
528 
919 
426 
863 
461 

1,131 
725 

1.784 
596 

1,195 
713 
393 
483 
499 

348 
604 
485 
375 
940 
380 

403 

1,205 
.     640 

1.916 
753 
982 
666 
387 
355 
423 

"3 
2 

"i' 

83 
6 
6 
3 
3 

"l 
1 

23 
2 
6 
2 
2 

714 

1,271 

991 

9O6 

Bangor 

Burns 

Camiibell 

Farm  ington 

1,862 

806 

1,703 

Holland 

La  Gro.sse  city- 
First  ward 

Second  ward 

Tiiirdward 

3,392 
1,373 
3,711 

2,182 

1,378 

680 

837 

922 

Onalaska  town 

Onalaska  villaee 

Shelby 

Total 

12,263 

11,590 

55 

37 

23,945 

LA  FAYETTE  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns.  Cities  and 

White. 

Colored 

<i^ 

Villages. 

s 

1, 

i 

t 
< 

Arpyie 

683 
660 
886 
273 

1,330 
510 
603 
866 
468 
238 
922 
522 

1,253 
554 
231 
555 
935 

571 
591 
795 
256 

1,341 
433 
595 
855 
420 
331 
883 
416 

1,387 
537 
215 
509 
866 

r 

'1" 
3 " 

"1  ■ 

1,154 
1,251 
1,681 

.529 
2.671 

933 
1,197 
1,721 

888 

469 
1,805 

938 
2,540 
1,081 

446 

Darlington 

Elk  Grove 

Favette 

Gratiot 

Seymour 

Sliuiisburg 

Wayne 

Wllite  Oak  Springs 

"1" 

1,064 
1,801 

wiota.. ..:... .?..■.'.■.■."::: 

Total 

11,388 

10,781 

3 

4 

22,169 

LINCOLN  COUNTY. 


Jenny. 


533  372 


895 


MARQUETTE  COUNTY. 


Buffalo 

Crystal  Lake. 

Douglas 

Harris 

Moiitello 

Mecan , 

Moundville 

Newton , 

Neskoro 

Oxford 

Packwankee 

Shield 

Springfield., 
westfield.... 

Total... 


362 

370 

1 

384 

330 

381 

338 

260 

271 

469 

425 

356 

362 

219 

179 

331 

338 

277 

253 

374 

268 

343 

343 

307 

163 
338 

146 
304 

4,490 

4,207 

1 

732 
714 
719 
531 
884 
708 


530 
542 
669 
650 
309 
643 


MARATHON  COUNTY. 


109 
586 
359 
373 
135 
414 
232 
307 
479 
159 
439 
1,560 
110 
263 

50 
539 
223 
298 
139 
351 
235 
238 
430 
119 
385 
1,260 
114 
216 

'.'.'. 

1  " 

159 

Berfin  

1,124 

583 

671 

264 

Maine 

Marathon 

765 
467 
545 

Stettin    

909 

Texas 

278 

834 

3.830 

Wein 

324 

Weston  

479 

5,624 

4,586 

1 

10,111 

254 


HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 


MANITOWOC  COl'NTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  cirrKs  amd 

White. 

(tiered 

s 

a 

B 

o 

1 

< 

951 

881 
773 
935 
934 

1,176 
728 

3,226 
606 
885 
901 

1,060 
779 

1,057 
694 

1,005 

1,019 
858 
343 

955 

780 
883 
791 
887 
875 

1,084 
692 

3,498 
628 
767 
853 

1,014 
644 

1,016 
649 
953 
933 
857 
313 

1.906 

1,604 

Coopersto  wii 

1,714 

Eaton 

1,564 

l' 

1,823 

1.809 

2,260 
1  420 

Liberty  

Manitowoc  city 

5,724 

1,652 

1  754 

2  074 

Maple  Glove 

1  423 

Newton 

2.073 

1.958 

1.951 

1  715 

656 

19,535 

18,931 

1 

.  MILWAUKEE  COUNTY. 


Milwaukee  city- 

4.427 
6.874 
3.693 
5,025 
4.315 
3.929 
3.289 
3,333 
4.330 
3.584 
3.397 
2.026 
1,758 
945 
1,343 
2,416 
1,232 
1,155 
2,876 
1,812 

.5,101 
6.617 
3.488 
5.491 
3.978 
3.995 
3.774 
3.836 
2.328 
3,577 
3,2.50 
1.988 
1,694 
878 
1,299 
1,815 
1,199 
1.051 
3.370 
1.755 

1 

S 
70 

7 

7 

3 

■'6 
70 
10 

9  532 

13  491 

Fifth  ward 

Sixth  ward 

8,310 
7,924 
7,072 

Ninth  ward  

lentil  ward 

8,658 
7,161 
6.647 
4.014 
3  452 

Eleventh  ward 

Twelfth  ward 

Thlrteentll  ward 

"i' 

1 

1 

1.823 
2,646 
4,238 
2.431 
2.206 
5.246 
3.567 

Greenfleld 

Wauwatosa 

Granville 

Oak  Creek 

Lake 

Total 

61,758 

60.979 

96 

94 

122,927 

MONROE  COUNTY. 


OCONTO  COUNTY. 


Adrian 

873 
274 
193 
408 
706 
387 
507 
234 
432 
404 
333 
462 
81 
370 
478 
630 
400 
1.814 
1,154 
460 
675 
335 

11,000 

308 
256 
188 
381 
591 
328 
459 
206 
396 
388 
277 
381 
74 
323 
408 
516 
342 
1,928 
1,077 
397 
512 
294 

.... 

681 

830 

331 

Clifton 

789 

Glendale 

1.297 

715 

33 

.... 
'85 

"i' 

966 

440 

886 

Leon 

Little  Falls 

743 
613 

848 

155 

11 

7 

710 

886 

Ridflrevlile 

1,146 

.Sheldon 

743 

.Sparta 

3,750 
2,231 

867 

1,087 

Wells 

639 

9.925  '  47 

54 

21,026 

I'OI'ULATIOX. 

TOWNP.  CITIKS  ANO 

\VI 

ite. 

Coloreil 

Villages. 

B 

a 

Gillett                        

196 

551 

152 

1.446 

563 

2,371 

1.495 

744 

268 

179 

361 

108 

1.086 

453 

2.086 

1.022 

537 

185 

375 

Little  Suamico 

s' 
1 

"2" 

6 

"i' 
T 

912 

Maple  Valley 

260 

l!017 
4  467 

Peshtigo      

2  520 

1,281 

Stiles 

453 

Total. 

7,786 

6.017 

13.812 

OUTAGAMIE  COUNTY"^. 


3,307 
489 
638 
546 
886 
238 
886 
170 
689 
850 
842 
719 
562 
980 
263 
408 
111 
100 
290 
759 

3,403 
492 
429 
463 
718 
179 
516 
140 
655 
731 
811 
669 

ii? 

286 

338 

92 

100 
247 
624 

11 

9 

4 
"4' 

2 

3 
"1 

■7' 

974 

Black  Creek 

1.009 
1  559 

1,062 

Ellington     

1  363 

1,581 
1,658 
1,388 

1,095 

1,917 

Liberty       

'499 

746 

203 

New  London,  3d  ward 

200 
637 

1  384 

Total 

13,388 

12..il3 

22 

20 

25,558 

OZAUKEE  COUNTY. 


Cedarburg 

Belgium 

P'redonia 

Grafton 

Mequon 

Port  Washington, 
Saukville 

Total 


1.376 

1.268 

1.048 

1.009 

992 

924 

910 

844 

1 

1 

1.617 

1.522 

1.497 

1,481 

1.081 

979 

8.516 

8,039 

1 

1 

2.644 
2.052 
1,916 
1,756 
3.139 
2.978. 
2.060 

16.545 


PIERCE  COUNTY. 


Clifton 

388 
807 
645 
287 
380 
628 
124 
656 
544 
484 
535 
963 
430 
167 
403 
513 
297 
326 

324 
250 
654 
248 
343 
542 
101 
514 
480 
415 
544 
934 
369 
141 
827 
454 
252 
253 

29 
10 

"4 

24 
9 

"2 

712 
557 

Ellsworth              

1,200 

535 

723 

1,170 

225 

Martell       

1,070 

Maiden  Rock 

1,024 

899 

1.132 

1.916 

Rock  Elm             

799 

Salem             

308 

.SprinR  Lake. 

780 

Trlmbeile 

973 

649 

Union 

579 

Total 

7,977 

7.045 

44 

35 

15.101 

STATISTICS   OF   WISCONSIN. 


255 


POLK  COUNTY. 


POPULATION 

TOWKS.  CITIKS  AND 

White. 

Colored 

a 

i 

H 

1 

< 

Alden 

Black  Brook. 
Balsam  Lake 

Eureka 

FarmJngtoii.. 

Linnoln 

Luck 

Lorain 

Laketown.... 

Milltown 

Osceola 

St.  Croix  Falli 
Sterling ., 

Total.,. 


510 

447 

957 

376 

318 

694 

266 

268 

12 

9 

555 

209 

174 

383 

425 

352 

777 

399 

322 

721 

209 

141 

.'iH 

47 

453 

61 

45 

106 

160 

157 

317 

105 

85 

Id 

9 

209 

486 

428 

914 

208 

198 

406 

134 

110 

244 

3.548 

3,045 

78 

65 

6,736 

PORTAGE  COUNTY. 


Amherst 

650 
376 
248 
394 
277 
126 
522 
309 
244 
541 
571 
141 
651 
783 
234 

719 
741 
315 

575 
345 
230 
332 
232 
120 
497 
295 
199 
496 
514 
130 
616 
711 
134 

612 
687 
289 

,... 

1,225 

726 

509 

Grant 

246 

Hull 

1,019 
604 

Lanark  

1 

443 

1,037 

1,085 

PlneGrove 

Stockton 

271 
1,267 
1,494 

368 

1,331 

Sharon i 

Stevens  Point  city- 

1,428 

H04 

Third  ward 

Total 

7.842 

7,0- 

1 

14  856 

PEPIN  COUNTY. 


Albany 

194 
497 
271 
311 
759 
815 
693 
120 

181 
478 
233 
274 
644 
288 
535 
117 

"i' 

375 

DurantL 

Frankfort 

975 
504 

585 

Pepin         

1  406 

Stockholm 

WatervlUe 

606 
1,128 

237 

Total 

3.060 

2,750 

2 

5,816 

KOCK  COUNTY. 


445 
377 

2,162 
506 
542 
966 

1,060 
613 
463 

5,040 
611 
434 
598 
562 
945 
483 
639 
609 
522 
580 
592 

1,009 

19,758 

433 
344 

2,371 
473 
498 
952 
950 
523 
400 

5,015 
576 
387 
533 
515 
930 
471 
603 
546 
497 
558 
537 

1,015 

19,127 

878 

2 

39 

2 

"■i' 

1 

34  ■ 
4 

1 

"l" 
1 

"'i' 
1 

'90 

33  ■ 

T 
3 

26 

T 

1 

«... 
64 

981 

Center  

1  041 

J;^?? 

Fulton 

Harmony 

1,136 
853 

Janesviilecity 

10  115 

1  191 

1,131 
1,079 

1877 
954 

Milton     

Newark  

Plymouth 

Porter 

1,242 
1,155 

Rock 

1,019 
1,138 
1,131 
2^25 

Turtle 

Union 

Total 

RACINE  COUNTY. 


Towns.  Cities  and 
Villages. 


POPULATION. 

White. 

Colored 

«' 

» 

» 

6 

rt 

aJ 

rt 

?. 

vi 

rt 

S 

'^ 

p^ 

'A 

< 

Burlington . 
Caledonia... 

Dover 

Mt.  Pleasant, 

Norway , 

Racine  city., 

Raymond 

Rochester... 
Waterford... 
Yorkville... 

Total . . 


1,403 

1,424 

1 

1,502 

1,345 

538 

455 

1 

1,237 

1,104 

506 

457 

4 

if. 

6,571 

6,590 

62 

51 

824 

710 

436 

408 

1 

789 

725 

810 

755 

14,616 

13,973 

69 

53 

RICHLAND  COUNTY. 


ST.  CROIX  COUNTY. 


SAUK  COUNTY. 


Baraboo 

Bear  Creek 

.'>elton 

Dollona 

Excelsior  .. 
Fairfield... 
Franklin... 
Freedom.  . 


2,026 

1,931 

11 

R 

406 

402 

416 

413 

311 

281 

567 

485 

1 

382 

842 

483 

449 

560 

497 

.... 

2.827 

2,847 

993 

2,341 

963 

13.274 

ill 
1,614 

1,665 


28,702 


361 

685 
560 
573 
598 
490 
463 
622 
4B3 
353 
902 
749 
588 
627 
527 
435 

381 
614 
526 
525 
587 
422 
448 
697 
440 
334 
965 
690 
644 
483 

Vol 

■5 

1 

'io 

"2' 
■3' 

742 

1,299 

Buena  Vista 

1  086 

Dayton 

1  098 

1,185 
912 

911 

1,219 

903 

Orion 

1,874 

1.440 

1,132 

1  010 

Westford 

1  004 

Willow 

851 

Total 

8,896 

8,436 

16 

5 

17,353 

Baldwin.              

160 
355 
184 
236 
636 
173 
277 
648 
346 
979 

604 
277 
372 

ill 

164 
520 
378 

119 
247 
145 
209 
567 
128 
260 
672 
297 
993 
831 
260 
316 
685 
261 

314 
166 
396 
304 

279 

602 

"4" 

T 

i" 

331 

447 

'303 

Eau  Galle    

629 

1,220 

643 

1.977 

725 

Pleasant  Valley 

Rush  River             

621 
645 

1,140 

633 

680 

1 

482 

673 

916 

8.009 

6,941 

6 

1 

14,966 

3.976 
808 
329 
592 

1,053 
724 
932 

1,057 


256 


HISTORY   OF  WISCONSIN. 


SAUK  COUNTY.-Cont'd. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  asd 

While. 

Colored 

ViLLAOKS. 

a 

1   i 

£ 

Greenfield 

Honey  Creek.. 

Ironton 

La  Valle 

Merrimack 

Prairie  du  Sac 
Reedsbiirg.... 
Spring  Creek. 

Sumpter 

Troy 

Washington... 

Westfleld 

Wlnfietd 

WooiUand 

Total 


391 

374 

1 

766 

648 

622 

1.270 

678 

633 

1,311 

604 

549 

1.153 

456 

430 

888 

954 

1.045 

1,999 

1,114 

1.128 

8 

2,242 

533 

516 

1,049 

392 

381 

773 

551 

501 

.... 

1,058 

567 

526 

1,093 

683 

632 

H 

a 

1.320 

439 

378 

827 

645 

575 

1,280 

13,816 

13,088 

17 

11 

26,932 

SHAWANO  COUNTY. 


53 
206 
363 
278 
150 
477 
147 
243 

80 
238 
164 

90 

72 
131 
405 
239 
218 

30 
130 
345 
198 
124 
441 
135 

'tl 

828 

136 

89 

60 

3ii 

816 

197 

•14 
•18 

.... 
.... 

.... 

•3 
•lO 

83 

236 

Belle^Plaine.            

708 

470 

Green  Valley 

891 

H^rtland 

918 

888 

439 

148 

Palla 

466 
300 

179 

Seneca 

132 
284 

Shawano  city 

789 
455 

415 

Total         

3,548 

3,048 

26 

13 

6,635 

'■Stockbridge  Indians. 


SHEBOYGAN  COUNTY. 


1,004 

1,152 

1,585 

1,167 

864 

637 

552 

1,369 

793 

883 

754 

796 

565 
1,150 
736 
918 
993 
612 
872 
616 


Total 17,368 


Greenbush 

Herman 

HollanU 

Lima 

Lyndon 

Mitchell 

Mosel 

Plymouth 

Rhine 

Russell 

Scott 

SheboyRaiftown 

Shebqjgan  city— 

FlrstwarU 

Second  ward 

Third  ward 

Fourth  ward 

Sheboygan  Falls 

Sheboygan  Falls  village  .. 

Sherman 

Wilson 


969 

1.085 

1.402 

1,149 

793 

544 

641 

1.306 

776 

267 

750 

710 

631 
1,192 
683 
953 
917 
563 
815 
606 


16.652 


1,973 
2,237 
2,937 
8,316 
1.858 
1.181 
1,093 
2.675 
1.569 
550 
1,504 
1,508 

1.196 
8.342 
1,419 
1,871 
1,910 
1.175 
1,687 
1,282 


34,021 


TREMPEALEAU  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  and 

White. 

Colored 

Villages, 

s 

at 

S 

1 

IS 

< 

1,464 
201 
547 
293 
285 
774 
889 
557 
410 
755 
316 
406 
882 

1368 
169 
493 
212 
291 
741 
856 
463 
335 
706 
303 
412 
795 

2,832 

Albion                     

370 

1,040 

r 

510 

576 

1,515 

Gale                   

1.745 

Hale                    

1,080 

745 

1,464 

619 

878 

1,678 

7,844 

7,144 

4 

14,998 

TAYLOR  COUNTY. 


.  I 


542 


897  1    711    3 


VERNON  COUNTY. 


"845 


476 
734 
483 
506 
361 
703 
358 
451 
650 
519 
584 
642 
554 
254 
484 
659 
355 
1,046 
528 
448 
403 

640 
456 
451 
343 
638 
359 
434 
569 
487 
524 
552 
561 
223 
435 
621 
866 
970 
473 
441 
344 

1 


1 

936 

1,374 

939 

957 

812 

1,341 

717 

Greenwood 

885 
1,819 

1,006 

1,108 

1,194 

1,115 

Liberty    

447 

1,280 

683 

2,016 

Webster          

996 

Wheatland    

883 

Wbitestown 

747 

Tot,al 

11,166 

10,846 

58 

55 

21,584 

WALWORTH  COUNTY. 


Bloomfield 

Darien 

Delavan  village 

591 
713 
836 
385 
704 
510^ 
836 
541 
514 
506 
443 
736 
490 

1,001 
596 
502 
530 
655 

2,060 

l3.149~ 

516 
729 
933 
379 
685 
589 
844 
•188 
495 
449 
427 
664 
435 
973 
584 
476 
481 
616 
2,328 

13,067 

T 

"l" 
7 

"i' 

"9' 

"s 
"e 

25 

1,107 

1,448 

ill 
1,389 

1,099 

1,88 

1.01 

1,00 

9&S 

870 

926 

1,989 

1,180 

978 

1,011 

1,270 

4,895 

Total 

26,259 

STATISTICS  OF    WISCOKSIN. 


257 


WASHINGTON  COUNTY. 


» 

POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  amd 
Villages. 

White. 

Colored 

6 

3; 

6 
73 

a 

< 

951 

660 

612 

878 

1.030 

1,403 

1.038 

731 

936 

921 

330 

1,005 

855 

451 

601 

857 
689 
571 
839 
955 
1.331 
1,014 
703 
830 
819 
160 
907 
855 
444 
624 

"l" 

1.808 
1.350 
1.183 
1,717 
1.985 
3.737 
2.043 
1,434 
1,756 
1,740 
380 
1  91'* 

Erin 

Farniington 

Germaiuowu 

Hartford 

.Tackson 

Polk 

Rlchflekl 

Schieisi  ngerville 

Trenton  

Wayne 

1.710 

1.325 

Total 

12,382 

11.576 

4 

23,863 

.... 

^^TAUKESHA  COUNTY. 


1.138 

792 
617 
746 
761 

1.205 
778 
568 
766 
887 
464 
759 
996 

1.054 
619 
657 

1.031 

1.318 

1.095 
716 
605 
639 
658 

1,143 
736 
573 
684 
820 
419 
710 

1,115 

1,016 
540 
588 
700 

1,449 

Delafleld 

"4 
4 

■4 
21 

1 

"4 

5 

ie 

Genesee 

1,376 
1  431 

2  348 

1,135 

893 

1,474 

2  121 

2  080 

1  159 

2.807 

Total 

15.140 

14,196 

33 

26 

29  425 

WAUPACA   COUNTY. 


Bear  Creek 

393 

478 
426 
131 
411 
456 
111 
478 
388 
408 
534 
588 
192 
510 
875 
511 
566 
448 
205 
938 
413 
261 
427 

384 
451 
390 
119 
363 
402 
112 
439 
376 
363 
208 
532 
183 
426 
801 
495 
512 
397 
184 
1.036 
369 
237 
388 

1" 

"i' 

■* 

777 

Caledonia 

929 

Helvetia 

lola 

223 

917 

Lfiid 

Uctle  Wolf  ..  . 

1,120 
372 

966 

Boyalton 

SPandlnftTla 

1.006 
1.078 

"2" 

.... 

— 

389 

1  976 

782 

Weyauwega 

498 

Totai 

10,146 

9.451 

5 

4 

19,646 

WAUSHARA  COUNTY. 


POPULATION. 

Towns,  Cities  and 
villaoes. 

White. 

Colored 

a 

0 

IS 
< 

537 
693 
137 
356 
122 
223 
443 
309 
300 
331 
459 
473 
193 
180 
,     384 
245 
322 
347 

473 

666 
147 
244 
114 
256 
399 
279 
369 
277 
397 
437 
185 
186 
319 
226 
325 
361 

4 

6 

1.020 
1.358 
284 
500 
236 
479 
S42 
588 

856 
910 
378 
366 
703 
471 
647 
708 

Bioomfield 

Coloma 

Deerfieid 

Hancock 

Leon 

Mount  Morris 

Oasis 

Plainfield 

Rose 

Ricliford 

Saxviiie 

.Springwater 

Warren 

Wautoma 

5,953 

5.560 

4 

6 

11.523 

WINNEBAGO  COUNTY. 


Algoma  

Black  Wolf 

393 

459 
691 

1,579 
276 
697 
573 

2.062 
610 

1.622 

8.672 
4H3 

1.055 

588 

596 

1,342 

460 

396 
438 
609 
331 

1,961 
252 
578 
550 

1,961 
510 

1,690 

8,263 
405 

1.018 
499 
553 
535 

1,230 
417 

■3' 

■3" 

789 

'720 
3.170 

Clayton 

Menasha... 

Nekimi 

1.275 
1,123 

T 
.31  ■ 
"3' 

"4" 

'3 

41' 
'3' 

"i' 

4.023 

3.31a 
17.015 

868 
2.079 
1.078 
1.141 
1.131 
2.577 

877 

Rush  ford 

Utica 

Wolf  River 

Total 

23,106 

21.835 

51 

51 

45.033 

WOOD  COUNTY. 


Aburndale 

Ceiitralia  city 

Dexter 

Grand  Rapids  city 

Graiid  Rapids 

Lincoln 

Port  Edwards 

Rudoipli 

Remington 

Saratoga 

Sigel 

Seneca. 

Wood 

Total 


103 

74 

176 

429 

371 

1 

— 

800 

191 

118 

— 

304 

737 

680 

1 

1,418 

376 

297 

1 

1 

677 
425 

231 

194 

193 

117 

810 

255 

217 

472 

79 

73 

153 

159 

144 

303 

331 

201 

1 

433 

183 

165 

849 

125 

104 

229 

3.291 

2,750 

6 

1 

6,048 

258 


HISTOKV   OK   WISCONSIX. 


POPULATION  BY  COUNTIES. 

SUMMARY  FROM  STATE  AND  FEDERAL  CENSUS. 


COUNTIES. 

1840. 

1850. 

1855. 

1860. 

1865. 

1870, 

1875. 

187 

6.868 

B.492 

515 

13 

353 

11.795 

3.864 

12 

7.895 

1.895 

789 

24.441 

8.068 

43.922 

42.818 

2.948 

813 

2.704 

3.162 

34.154 

31.189 

19,808 

12,663 

18.967 

4.170 

30,438 

8.770 

13.900 

5,530 

13,186 

18.134 

5,698 
256 

"269 
15.282 

6,776 
171 

8,638 

3,278 

1,011 
26,112 
11,011 
50,192 
46,841 

3.998 
532 

5,170 

5,281 
42.029 
33,618 
20,646 
12,596 
20,657 

5,631 
30,597 
10,013 
12,676 

7,039 
14,834 
20,358 

6,601 

221 

538 

344 

25,168 

11,123 

706 

12,335 

8,311 

3,450 

28,803 

13,075 

53,096 

47,035 

4,919 

1,122 

9,48S 

10,769 

46.273 

37.979 

33,611 

13,195 

24,544 

7,687 

34,0.50 

12.396 

13,177 

10,381 

20,295 

22,667 

6,502 

750 

3,737 

1,032 

2,107 

6,215 

6.699 
832 

35,373 

14,219 

1,456 

275 

1,743 
615 

■■"9!  565 
2,498 
16,639 
19,138 

3.631 

838 

2.32 

17,965 

3,323 

37.714 

34,540 

739 

385 

1,796 

15,065 

13,995 

7.282 

28.803 

1,602 

314 

67 

15,035 

52,798 

4a394 

8,020 

741 

13.427 

15.991 

139 
926 
933 

14.519 
16,198 
8,566 

24,781 
23.170 
14,827 

■  i5:2d5 

1,098 
26,869 

50.341 

Giiint 

(iiceii 

39.086 
22.037 
15,274 

3,978 

9.522 
"i5!317 
""10,734 

24.133 

11,339 

914 

34.908 

15..30O 

12,397 
1,109 
3,904 

16,064 

13.907 

14,405 

33,945 

ii,5'3'i 

23,169 

895 

235 

3,702 

489 

508 

31,077 

13,048 

447 

1,427 

46,265 
2,407 
1,501 
4,914 

12,973 

22,416 
2,892 
8,233 

62,518 
8,410 
3.592 
9.587 

15.682 
2.392 
4.672 
1,400 
7,.507 

21,360 
9,732 

36,690 
5,392 

18,963 
829 

26,875 

26,762 

3.678 

7.327 

72,320 

11,652 

4,858 

11,852 

14,882 

3,002 

6,324 

1,677 

ai45 

23,884 

12,186 

26.033 

7,255 

20,154 

1,369 

27,671 

33,369 

5,885 

8,057 

89,936 

16,562 

8,323 

18,440 

15,579 

4,659 

10,003 

3,422 

10,640 

26,742 

15,736 

39,030 

11,039 

23,868 

3,165 

31,773 

38,456 

10,111 

18 
5,605 

8,597 

122.927 

21.03S 

13.812 

25.558 

16.545 

5.816 

1,720 
547 

,5,151 
20,673 

5,584 
31,364 

2,040 

13,614 

254 

20,391 

15.101 

Polk                        

1,250 

14,973 
963 

20,750 

624 

4,371 

6,736 

1,623 
3,475 

'"■i',7'o'i 

809 
102 

14,856 

28.702 

17.3,53 

39,039 

14,956 

26.932 

6.635 

133 

8,370 

34.021 

849 

493 

4,823 

22,663 

18,897 

24.012 

4,437 

5,541 

17,439 

2,560 
11,007 
26,496 
23.622 
26,831 

8,851 

a  770 
23,770 

2,425 

,5,199 
13.644 
25,773 
24,019 
27,029 
11,208 

9,002 
29,767 

2,965 

10,728 
18,673 
25,992 
23,905 
28,258 
15.533 
11.379 
37.325 
3,911 

14.992 

21, .524 

2,611 
343 

17,862 
19,485 
19,258 

26.259 

2,3,863 

29,425 

19.646 

"io.idf 

11, .523 

13S 

45,033 

Wood                 

6,048 

Total  

30,945 

305,391 

552,109 

775,881 

868,325 

1,054,670 

1,236,729 

In  a  note  to  the  territorj'  of  Indiana  returns  appears  the  following: 
sippi,  had  65,  and  Green  Bay  50  tuUabitauts. 


•On  the  1st  of  August,  1800,  Prairie  du  Chlen.  on  the  Missis- 


STATISTICS  OF   WISCONSIN". 


250 


NATIVITY    BY    COUNTIES. 


CENSUS  OF  1870. 


Adams 

Ashland 

Barron 

BayaeUl 

Brown 

Butfalo 

Burnett 

Calumet 

Chippewa 

Clark 

Columbia 

Crawford 

Dane 

Dodge 

Door 

Douglas 

Dunn 

Eau  Claire... 
Fond  du  Lac. 

(Jrant 

Green 

Green  Lake. . 

Iowa 

Jackson 

.lefferson 

.Tuneau 

Kenosha 

Kewaunee... 

La  Crosse 

La  Fayette... 
Manitowoc.  . 

Marathon 

Marquette . . . 
Milwaukee... 

Monroe 

Oconto 

Outagamie... 

Ozaukee 

Pepin 

Pierce 

Polk 

Portage 

Racine 

Richland 

Rock 

Sauk 

Shawano 

Sliebovgan... 

St.  Croix 

Trempealeau 

Vernon 

Walworth 

Washington . 
Waukesha ... 

Waupaca 

Waushara 

Winnebago .. 
\Vood...T.... 


cq 

5,351 

174 

346 

288 

14.728 

6.854 

144 

7.661 

4.725 

2.751 

19.6.52 

9,612 

33.4.56 

28.708 

2.806 

712 

6,268 

7,394 

31,477 

28,565 

18.532 

9,098 

1,5,366 

5,764 

31,747 

9,361 

9,066 

4,642 

11,695 

1,5.935 

16868 

3.139 

5,128 

47,697 

12,512 

4,591 

11.741 

8,728 

3.351 

7,460 

2,249 

7,213 

15,949 

13.954 

30,712 

17,308 

1,688 

19,192 

7.451 

6,339 

13.605 

20.822 

13,868 

18,368 

11.011 

8.702 

25,209 

2,538 


m 

2,649 

148 

132 

175 

11,098 

4,433 

100 

5,658 

2.764 

1.196 

12.233 

5,808 

32,738 

20,934 

1,903 

340 

3.177 

3,336 

20.112 

19,390 

10,643 

4.535 

12,563 

3,966 

15,407 

5,359 

5,959 

4,30J8 

6,779 

11,346 

15,109 

3.333 

3,343 

37.183 

6,722 

3,677 

8,060 

8,214 

1.612 

3,618 

931 

4,337 

11,336 

6,547 

1,5,309 

9,795 

1,133 

14,957 

4,158 

3,700 

7,333 

11,314 

13,504 

13,304 

6.225 

»:i 

1.587 


FoRKKJN  Born. 


1,250 

47 
292 

56 

10,440 
4,269 
663 
4.674 
3,586 
699 
9,150 
3,463 

19,640 

18.337 

2,113 

410 

3,230 

3.375 

14,796 
9,414 
,5,079 
4,097 
9,178 
1,933 

12,293 
3,011 
4,081 
5,486 
8,602 
6.724 

16.496 
2,746 
3.928 

43.333 
4,038 
3,7.30 
6.689 
6.836 
1.308 
2.498 
1,173 
3.431 

10.791 
1,777 
8,318 
6,553 
1,478 

13,557 
3,584 
4,393 
5,040 
5,150 

10,051 
9.906 
4,528 
2,577 

12.070 
1.374 


« 


127 

12 

127 

23 

1,687 

173 

4 

165 

1,437 
236 
51! 
397 
684 
565 
290 
133 
437 
767 

1,754 
386 
272 
290 
346 
291 
369 
336 
138 
159 
580 
186 
518 
216 
151 
884 
356 

1,645 
796 
110 
208 
310 
191 
401 
270 
168 
7.55 
386 
111 
333 
816 
309 
184 
391 
97 
333 
508 
364 

1,558 
636 


K) 


142 

4 
2 

2 

273 

56 

4 

167 

120 

81 

2,046 

186 

1,631 

1,236 

89 

41 

147 

,740 

1,291 

3,531 
598 
597 

3,897 
151 
934 
395 
650 
47 
570 

2,281 

223 

49 

252 

1,973 

510 

111 

171 

48 

91 

102 

46 

217 

1,878 
222 

1,382 
765 
27 
303 
150 
185 
189 
931 
110 

3,065 
360 
508 

1,531 
43 


225 

18 

7 

4 

1,442 

242 

1 

500 

417 

45 

1,333 
906 

2.955 

2.301 

228 

66 

227 

487 

2,572 

1,381 
942 
413 

1,339 
137 

1,067 

1,104 
813 
313 
488 

2,345 

1,133 
103 
537 

4,604 
641 
422 
792 
475 
118 
422 
102 
369 

1.039 
431 

2.870 

946 

24 

943 

1.202 
286 
306 

1,729 
882 

1,593 
517 
307 

1,399 
171 


CO 


26 

1 

1 

23 

118 

125 

1 

13 

39 

18 

629 
48 

465 

356 

33 

6 

51 

54 

317 

189 
50 
62 
86 
92 

182 
81 

100 
16 

109 

111 
52 
36 

198 

503 
87 
38 
85 
18 
39 
34 
19 
99 

389 
46 

490 

103 

5 

38 

5B 

141 
87 

148 
35 

397 
60 
43 

146 
34 


133 

8 

41 

3 

2,733 

1.971 

1 

3,367 

958 

335 
2,774 

640 
6,276 
13,656 

426 
60 

843 

835 
7,372 
3,585 

892 
2,634 
1,447 

350 
8.445 

518 
3,083 
1,611 
2,831 

739 
9.335 
3,239 
1,661 
39.019 
1,601 

797 
3,362 
4,422 

300 

449 

172 
1,323 
3,859 

481 
1,142 
3.433 
1,096 
8.497 

294 

776 

661 
1,173 
8.313 
4,335 
1,243 

816 

5,261 

299 


68 
39 

"51 
34 

4 

30 

35 

160 

187 

27 

4 
17 
34 
125 
83 
39 

8 
31 
39 
41 
11 
39 
22 
52 
17 
93 
19 

1 
288 
38 
23 
61 
92 
27 
16 
27 
39 
82 
25 
78 
65 

4 
119 

6 
22 
30 
81 
134 
37 
39 
11 
53 


<a  o 

03^ 


537 

3 

98 

1 

451 

556 

551 

3 

439 

79 

1,515 

764 

6,601 

383 

344 

93 

1.336 

871 

156 

543 

1. 1117 

27 

1,647 

944 

384 

379 

29 

97 

3,646 

993 

1,420 

73 

31 

636 

573 

331 

37 

98 

484 

1,053 

483 

795 

1,088 

237 

1,428 

93 

146 

234 

940 

2,633 

3,138 

579 

40 

486 

1,235 

220 

762 

106 


102 
67 

168 

34 

1 

34 

403 

195 

167 

43 


7 

547 

4 

343 

12 

.309 

3 

11 

3.011 

489 

2.360 
3 

1.534 

40 

72 

7 

11 


1 

II 

703 

124 

6 


38 

■41 

281 

1 

396 

54 


31 
941 


35 

1 
67 
46 
216 
97 
16 

3 

44 

39 

193 

118 

1,247 

1 
31 

6 

144 

II 

30 

27 

271 

21 

153 

3 

1 

447 

43 

3 
54 
30 

7 
76 

8 

5 
67 
11 
60 
601 
12 
99 

3 
16 
35 
40 
79 
96 
65 

3 

300 

23 


947 


29 

"44 

3 

17 

77 

3 

3 

3 

1 

627 

71 

3 

2 

13 

1 

19 

1 

44 

48 

94 

3 

51 

"4 

864 

25 

79 

785 

34 

"I'i 
I 
5 

49 
4 

6 
34 

8 

1.682 

38 


15 
58 
48 
2 
1 
23 


32 


371 


20 

3 

49 

11 

131 

37 

82 

3 

51 

21 

98 

13 

12 

15 

3 

15 
55 
71 
44 
55 
3 
38 


130 

2 

60 

56 

16 

"rt 

106 

47 

1,294 

3 

52 

9 

23 

8 

71 

9 

39 

28 

2 

278 

557 

369 

723 

51 


260 


HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 


VALUATION    OF    PROPERTY 


IN  THE  STATE  OF  WISCONSIN. 


Assessed  Valuation  of  taxable  Property  for  the 

TEAK   1876. 


Adams 

Asbtaiul 

Barron 

Bayfield 

Brown 

Butfalo 

Burnett 

Calumet 

Chippewa.... 

Clark. 

Columbia.... 
Crawford.... 

Dane. 

Dodge 

Door 

Douglas 

Dunn. 

Eau  Claire... 
Fond  du  Lac. 

Grant 

Green 

Green  Lake.. 

Iowa 

Jackson 

Jefferson...  , 

Juneau 

Keuoslia 

Kewaunee... 

La  Crosse 

La  Fayette... 

Lincoln  

Manitowoc .. 

Marathon 

Marquette... 
Milwaukee.. 

Monroe 

Oconto. 

Outaeamte... 

Ozaukee 

Pepin 

Pleice 

Polk 

Portage 

Racine 

Richland 

Rock 

St.  Croix 

Sauk 

Shewano 

Sheboygan.... 

Taylor 

Trempealeau 

Vernon 

Walworth 

Waslitngton., 

Waukeslia 

Waupaca 

Waushara..., 
Winnebago.. 
Wood 

Total 


Value  of  per- 
sonal property. 


$    179.771 

43.666 

146..374 

31.705 

442,387 

438.501 

33.419 

373.946 

96.5,634 

281,813 

1,875.049 

587,043 

4,610,768 

2,446,793 

13.5.107 

19,434 

1,0.53.300 

1.354,143 

3.489,759 

2.502,795 

1,966,599 

789,736 

1,333,676 

472,124 

1.753,985 

660.125 

1,320,957 

546.678 

1,336,271 

1.196,502 

13.654 

1.141.330 

335.078 

326.668 

15,345,281 

658.191 

455.741 

623,744 

381.784 

235,283 

738,082 

237,.567 

564.079 

2,418.248 

612,171 

4,462,048 

816,768 

1.364,772 

121,267 

1,903,861 

53,812 

840,378 

934.835 

3. 187, 732 

1.063.347 

3.16.5,504 

480,837 

343.509 

3.081,308 

351.669 


Value  of 
real  estate. 


S    624,168 

889,533 

1,043,964 

,533,167 

2,195,053 

890,028 

442.765 

2.107,211 

4.359,245 

2,355,972 

7.083.  H92 

I,457,58« 

14,882,179 

11.014,318 

659,650 

410,227 

1,875,148 

4,204,233 

11,649,769 
7.0.39.201 
6,290.829 
3.485.819 
4,348.4.52 
1,040.417 
7,896,833 
1,607,245 
4.488.186 
2,560,641 
4.015.568 
4,775,417 
1,532,542 
5,390,599 
1,744.901 
1.033,967 

46.477,383 
1,994,911 
3,411,557 
3.348.367 
3,803,688 
595.316 
2.435.319 
1,131,599 
1.593,018 
8,071.811 
1.908,386 

13,931.410 
3.110.445 
4,036,813 
685,917 
7.096,170 
816,431 
1,904.988 
2,288,420 

10,559.519 
4.937.634 

11,892.119 

1,836,908 

1,343,029 

9,810.290 

598,930 


1274,417,873 


S    803.939 

933,189 

1,190,338 

554,872 

2.637.340 

1,328.529 

475.184 

2,481,157 

5.324.869 

3,637,785 

8,958,941 

1,984.629 

19.492,947 

13,461,111 

,794,757 

439,661 

2,937,448 

5,558,375 

14,139,538 
9,541,996 
8,257.428 
4,275,555 
5,582,128 
1,512,541 
9,650.818 
2,267,370 
5,809.143 
3,107,319 
5.351.839 
5.971.919 
1.546,196 
6,431.923 
2.079,979 
1,360.635 

61.832,564 
2,653.102 
3.867,298 
3.972,0U 
3.185,472 
830.599 
3,173,401 
1,359,166 
2.156.097 

10,490,059 
2,520,557 

18.393,458 
3.937,313 
5,401,585 
807,184 
9,000,031 
870,333 
2,74.5,366 
3,213,255 

13,747,241 
5,989.981 

15,057.633 
2.307,745 
1,686.538 

12,891.598 
850,589 


Valuation  of  Ustaxed  Property,  from  .45SE.<iSORs' 
Returns  Foit  1875  ano  1876. 


J351, 780.354 


Co.,  town, 
city  and 
village 

property. 


6,147 
2,340 

"fiisoo 

43.325 
15,300 


3.350 
29,785 

"7!  200 
45,800 

"17;  163 

■72,136 
49,320 
52,505 
35,650 

"is!  286 

600 

12,600 

"iasoo 

10,750 
31,000 


38,210 

15,700 

5.680 

1,318.506 

5,368 

'■'iftiao 

6,280 

25 

13,950 

""8;666 

22,700 
,525 

28.000 

11,400 
9.000 
3.000 

10,725 

356 

1,500 

70.200 

7,500 

700 

250 

21,350 

6,380 

1,500 


School,  col- 
lege and 
academy 
property. 


82,063,636     2,735,817 


S     9,900 
4,925 

""i!40'0 

102.635 

27,787 

1,500 

"■5,166 

3,000 

115,605 

11,000 

■■■saeso 

■■■■3!i^24 

3,200 

16,933 

60,500 

197,405 

66,875 

■  ■36, 774 

'eei-jdo 

■■■46!.365 
17,720 

3,500 
55,930 

9,640 
21,248 
27,203 

8,735 

771,265 

13,200 

■961296 
18,415 
8,347 
73,675 
10,940 
35,916 
24,625 

'■"56;  006 


7,211 
4,135 
2,800 
2,000 

■■i50,2d6 

566 

34,940 
21,080 
29,495 


Church  and 
cemetery 
property. 


?     4.713 

1.000 

135 

2,685 

83.369 

29,760 

3,000 

13.230 

55,014 

l,.30O 

91.143 

4,100 

359,390 

121.075 

7,029 

2,351 

3.200 

56.930 

259.900 

109,405 

76,995 

23,840 

55,036 

15,075 

172,300 

19.280 

46.860 

18,521 

110,643 

71,610 

■"Misfi 

16.835 

12,080 

1.212.390 

3.3.1.58 

38.100 

73.375 

32,920 

4.180 

25,115 

5.372 

42.470 

236,000 

37,915 

242,650 

41,370 

87,670 

5,714 

123,895 

■■■26!3d6 

2,325 

129,310 

130.670 

218,760 

34,410 

23,524 

36,860 

27,000 

4,774,828 


7,487,627 


STATISTICS   OF    WISCONSIN. 


261 


ACREAGE    OF    PRINCIPAL    CROPS 
GROWN    IN    1876. 


COUNTIES. 

NUMBER  OF  ACRES. 

Wheat. 

Corn. 

Oats. 

Barley, 

Rye, 

Hops. 

Tobacco. 

Flax-seed. 

5.146 
5 

4.070¥ 

11,456 

26 

639>< 

20 

13,923 

9,813X 
216H 

4,583 

8,734 

1,596 
40,274 
19,173 
84,072 
89,401'ii- 
352 
5 

9,671 
11,765 
18,208>4 
98,709 
58,168 
15,608 
46,980 

8,071H 
28,379 
11,84RH 
15,815 

1,056 
10,581 
61,549 

5,-353 

3,477X 

5.7.38 

12.573« 

637 

9.858 

9,032 

8,408 

24,071 

10,584 

67,120 

85,592K 

3.391 

50 

13.833 

7.183 

20.763 

62.054 

34,191 

8,013 

34,433 

18,189>4 

16,845 

14,272M 

14,174 

10,632 

r.249 

tJ,194 

712 

21,437« 

5,020 

4,873 

10,213M 

12,864 

3,412 

2,447M 

9,473 

4,475 

8,338 

1,842 

9,086}i 

15,84  IM 

11,606K 

60.103 

17,541 

24,469V 

4,408!< 

16,704 

54« 

15,034 

23,055 

28.225 

14,104 

18,980 

7,448 

8,847 

13,813 

1,029 

83 

8,488 
282  V 

660 

5K 

1« 

759K 

27 

Bayfield 

Brown 

16.384 
48.507)^ 

1,179 
32,860K 
10,442 

2,457 

64,472 

19.054 

89.253 

128.708 

4,771 

5,012 

2,751 

58 

4,048V 

1,858 

808 

7.694 

3.913 

23,499 

11,463 

696 

6,254 

870 

264 

831K 

185 
95 
7  648 
1,588 
7,410 
3.134V 

788 

17K 
9H 

Buffalo 

* 

39 

lOH 

3 

593V 

IS 
317M 
136 

9 

c\&T^....\J.\\'^'v^V-'.v^'.v^'.y.'.'.'.'. 

Columbia 

4i* 

15 
2.459M 
8 

153;< 

Dodge                    

27,308 
2''  .^85 
b.,612 
29,643 

4,409 
37,064 
21,676 
19,953 
33.56!) 
11,598)^ 

4,782 
17,703 
38,S''il 

4,4.)3 
268 

4.548 
9,517 
11,774 
31,634 
2,490 
8  076 

2-  -isa 

lb..i90X 
41.187 

9.293 
15.70m 

7.884X 
13.228X 
12,384M 
77,810 
37,701 

6,485 
45,959 

63,656 
42,277 
20,588 
53,691 
34,140 
13.516 
12.573 
49.999 
637 

1,560 
1,248 
8  554 
2.839 

666H 
1,170 
2,609K 
1,739 
8.773 

445 
1,649 
2,164 
3,045 
1,873 
20 
4,299 

670 

93 

5,063 

1,769 

357 

4.116X 
613V 

2.851 
440 

589V 
19.484 
2.022 
2,197K 

205 
7,519 
2 
2,381X 
5,542 
8,934>i 
6,614 
8,587 
1,060 

63BV 
1,427 
29K 

1,156 
933 

3,396 
3,793K 
3,455 
1,898 

618 
7,611 
3,137 

611 
3,520 
3,177 
1,735 

68 

11 

44 
113« 

28 
212 
179M 

71K 
840 
1,169 
8 

24iK 

1« 

H 

29 
44 

25,217 

363 

22 

1 

10  145 

Jefferson  

100 

3,434 

7 
8^ 

La  Fayette 

16  670 

mm 
355 
1.5.121 

7.104K 
12,608 
734 
4  761 
2,b84K 
6,924 
8,984 
4,104 
11,076 
1     904K 
■     460X 
1  .,041M 

.5.390 

33.816Ji 

1.904 

8.244 

32 

12,106 

22,499 

45,456 

11.613 

26.318 

9,524 

18,786M 

15,404 

958 

5,233 

116 

10,503 

3,074V 

1,277 

724 

514 

SAWH 

563 

258 

326 

7,665}^ 

2,212 

1,770V 

15,038K 

173 

6,164X 

1,160K 

4,333 

3 

550 

633 

4,875>< 

6.002 

7.659 

4.363 

15.416 

982 

372K 

3 

1 

1 

3 

Marquette 

139 

65 

390 

3 

IIM 

15 

25« 

3 

7 

22 

H 

11)4 

Pepin 

Pierce  

10 

2 

3 

584  V 

31M 

499H 

X 

in 

2X 
8,105J< 

4,285Si 

282 

St  Croix                  

4 

Sauk                          

3,118K 

i< 

49 

42^ 
187 
107V 

29 
239 
895 
340 
110 

14 

13 

Taylor 

14 
UK 

9 

1,169 

113 

5 
3 

3 

9 

•      Q 

2 

Total    

1,445.650)^ 

1,025.801V 

854,861>i 

183,030V 

175,314X 

11,184M 

4,842 

63,008^ 

262 


HISTORY  OF  wisco:n^sin. 


ACREAGE    OF    PRI  NCI  PAL    CROPS 
GROWN    IN     1876. 


Counties. 

K0MBEB 

OF  ACRES. 

Cultivated 
Grasses. 

Potatoes. 

Roots. 

Apples. 

<  ii'iivated 
Cr.HilHM-ries. 

Timber. 

Bushels, 

3.161 
841 

1.843H 
100 

771 
266 
841K 
30 
150 
909V 
180« 
1,017 

6 
75 

55V 

58 

4)4 

25,040 
1,153,000 

24,175 

553 

AsliLand 

B,%rroii. 

88V 
5 

Bayfield 

Brown 

Buffalo : 

5,769>!i 
39 
13.361 

85K 
37 

819 

4.000 

.12,739 
57. 463 

Burnett 

552y, 

i,7S3 

Ohlnpewa 

Clark 

9.348 

32.326 

4.925 

53.219 

29.552 

257 

100 

10.032 

""41.609 
37.792 
28,833 
13.920 
15.566 

5.316 
17.407 

8.705 
29.856 

5.665 

11.390 

22.719 

316 

32.256K 

5.453 

3.387 
20,557 
14,217 

6,170 
11,681 

8,528 

425 
1,918V 
2.493 
3.585 
3,780)!i 

100 
989 

1.533)i! 
2.460 
4.830X 
16i254 

126.000 
51,879 

104 
618 

i2 

36 

1,689 

50 

Dane 

30 

111,463 
49,369)!; 

8,969H 
2,489)!; 

Dodge ,. 

Door 

10 
219 

8 

6iy, 

500.000 
5.414 

g 

Eau  Claire 

Fond  du  Lac 

2,701)!; 

3.038 

1,159 

921 

i.mw 

510 
2.209 
1.738 
1.060 
1.487 

781 
1,633 

106 
2,251 

667 

926 
3,030)!! 
1,520 

836 

61 

1.566V 

61)« 

2,935V 

2,766 

5,980X 

1,467 

1,987)4 

100 
2.233 

339 

2.170 

44 

239 

994 

44.986 
126.116 
80,313)!; 
22,393 
51.026 
53,880 
33.774 

1,500 

Green 

16 
5 

46 

41 

94 

52)« 

18V 

10 

99 

26 

•  ••> 

1,037 

45 

Iowa 

1  515 

•Taokson 

520 
2,757)!; 

107 

J  efferson 

5  369 

•luueau 

781 

19.896 
37.573 
29.763 
24.037 

1,384 

1.174 

Lacrosse 

8 

30 

La  Fayette 

1.007 

108 

138 

50 

137X 

?? 

13 

100 

689 
46 
1.856 
1.934V 

406 

257.341 

774X 

151 

1 

4,412 

20 

20.525 
16.211 
33.756 

19,43.3 

22,077 

1,673 

Milwaukee 

113 

Monroe 

1.666 

97 

1.266V 

77 

11 
60X 
16.004 
479 
3.676 
457 
1.054V 
73,'< 
1.730 
8 
279X 
749 
4.056)!; 
.50.095 
4.952 
805 

i.iif^ 

1 

1,349 

Pepin 

Pierce 

12,974 

2,642 
10,142K 
21,515)!) 
18,924)!; 
57,132)!i 
14,293 
25,222V 

4,111 
40,123 
173 
18,738 
20.197 
45.093 

6.513 
38.629 
13.540 

9.770 

23,433 

235 

724 

591 
8,016V 
1,548V 
1,153X 
8.930 
1.176 
3,209X 

548 

2.723 

99 

878  X 
1.241 
8.183)< 
46.821 
3.982 
1.695 
1.342 
1.630 

169 

41 

3liv 

lOX 
122)i 

10 
104W 

133 
34 

41H 
140 

55y. 

9,430 

383 

98 

45 

35 

182,671 

121 

Polk 

2 

580 

58,150 

28,718H 
65.394 
57.687)!; 
3.606 
88.058)!i 
80.533 
68.057 

343 

840 

Richland 

2.160)i 

5,416 

St.  Croix 

80 

1,248« 

3,101 

16 

10,738 

Taylor 

8 
IV 

12.149 
91.194 
50.221 
50  080 
43.690 

25.737 
93.242 

870 

1,134 

137^ 
30 
185 
1,053 

400 

2.798 

Washington 

16.080 

1.629 

610 

117 

Wlnnebapro 

780 

Wood..... 

Total 

889.018« 

183.420M 

13.624?i 

139.891» 

17,664« 

4.090  226)i 

76.945K 

ABSTRACT    OF    LAWS, 

WISCONSIN. 


ELECTORS  AND  GENERAL  ELECTIONS. 

vu  ^^p\uh  u^^^'''^  T^^  person  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  or  upward,  belonginff  to 
either  of  the  following  classes,  who  shall  have  resided  in  the  State  for  one  year  next  preceding 
any  election,  shall  be  deemed  a  qualified  elector  at  such  election :  •'is 

1.  Citizens  of  the  United  States. 

2.  Persons  of  foreign  birth  who  shall  have  declared  their  intention  to  become  citizens  con- 

tormablv  to  the  laws  of  the  United  States  on  the  subject  of  naturalization. 
6.  Persons  of  Indian  blood  who  have  once  been  declared  by   law  of  Congress  to  be  citizens 
ot  the  United  btates,  any  subsequent  law  of  Congress  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding 
J  f  ^u  ^"''^"f,  ?^  ^"*^'''"  ''^''"'''*  "°*  members  of  any  tribe.     Every  person  convicted 
ot  bribery  shall  be  excluded  from  the  right  of  sufi-rage  unless  restored  to  civil  rights  • 
and  no  person  who  shall  have  made  or  become  directly  or  indirectly  interested  in  any 
bet  or  wager  depending  upon  the  result  of  any  election  at  which  he  shall  offer  to  vote 
shall  be  permitted  to  vote  at  such  election. 

Sec  13.  No  elector  shall  vote  except  in  the  town,,  ward,  village  or  election  district  in  which 
he  actually  resides. 

Sec.  14.  The  general  election  prescribed  in  the  Constitution  shall  be  hehl  in  the  several 
towns,  wards,  villages  and  election  districts  on  the  Tuesday  next  succeeding  the  first  Monday  in 
November  in  each  year,  at  which  time  there  shall  be  chosen  such  Representatives  in  Congress, 
Electors  of  President  and  Vice  President,  State  officers,  and  county  officers  as  are  by  law  to  be 
ciGctGci  lo  sucn   yC3,F. 

Sec.  15.  All  elections  shall  be  held  in  each  town  at  the  place  where  the  last  town-meetincr 
was  held,  or  at  such  other  place  as  shall  have  been  ordered  at  such  last  meeting,  or  as  shall  have 
been  ordered  by  the  Supervisors  when  they  establish  more  than  one  election  poll,  except  that  the 
first  election  after  the  organization  of  a  new  town  shall  be  held  at  the  place  directed  in  the  act 
or  proceeding  by  which  it  was  organized ;  and  all  elections  in  villages  constituting  separate  elec- 
tion districts  and  in  the  wards  of  cities,  shall  be  held  at  the  place  to  be  ordered  by  the  Trustee* 
ot  such  village,  or  the  Common  Council  of  such  city,  at  least  ten  days  before  such  election,  un- 
less a  ditterent  provision  is  made  in  the  act  incorporating  such  village  or  city. 

Sec.  16  Whenever  it  shall  be(;ome  impossible  or  inconvenient  to  hold  an  election  at  the 
place  designated  therefor,  the  Board  of  Inspectors,  after  having  assembled  at  or  as  near  as  prac- 
ticable to  such  place,  and  before  receiving  any  votes  may  adjourn  to  the  nearest  convenient  place 
tor  holding  the  election,  and  at  such  adjourned  place  shall  forthwith  proceed  with  the  election. 
Upon  adjourning  any  election  as  hereinbefore  provided,  the  Board  of  Inspectors  shall  cause  proc- 
la.mation  thereof  to  be  made,  and  shall  station  a  Constable  or  some  other  proper  person  at  the 
place  where  the  adjournment  was  made,  to  notify  all  electors  arriving  at  such  place  of  adjourn- 
ment, and  the  place  to  which  it  was  made.  or  j 


264  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN 

Sec.  20.     A  registry  of  electors  shall  annually  be  made  : 

1.  In  each   ward  or  election  district  of  every  city  which,  at  the  last  previous  census,  had 

a  population  of  three  thousand  or  more. 

2.  In  each   ward  or  election  district  of  every   incorporated  village  in  which,  by  law,  sep- 

arate elections  are  held  :  which  village  at  the  last  preceding  census,  had  a  popula- 
tion of  fifteen  hundred  or  more. 

8.  In  every  town  containing  a  village  which,  at  said  census,  had  a  population  of  fifteen 
hundred  or  more,  in  whicli  village  .separate  general  elections  are  not  by  law  required  to 
be  held. 

4.  In  all  towns  any  part  of  which  shall  have  been  embraced  in  any  part  of  any  city  or 
village  in  which  a  registration  by  this  chapter  is  required. 

Such  registration  shall  be  made  in  tiie  manner  provided  by  this  chapter.  The  persons 
authorized  by  law  to  act  as  Inspectors  of  Election  in  each  of  such  towns,  wards  or  election  dis- 
tricts shall  constitute  the  Board  of  Registry  therefor. 

Sec.  21.  The  said  Inspectors  shall  have  their  first  meeting  on  Tuesday,  four  weeks  pre- 
ceding each  general  election,  at  the  place  where  said  election  is  to  be  held  ;  and  in  election 
districts  at  which  there  were  polled  at  the  previous  general  election  three  hundred  votes  or 
less,  tliey  shall  sit  for  one  day,  and  in  districts  at  which  there  were  more  than  three  hundred 
votes  polled,  they  shall  have  power  to  sit  two  days  if  necessary,  for  the  purpose  of  making  such 
list.  They  shall  meet  at  9  o'clock  in  the  forenoon  and  hold  their  meetings  open  until  8 
o'clock  in  the  evening  of  each  day  during  which  tliey  shall  so  sit.  The  Clerks  appointed  by  law 
to  act  as  Clerks  of  Election  shall  act  as  Clerks  of  the  Board  of  Registry  on  the  day  of  election 
only.  The  proceedings  shall  be  open,  and  all  electors  of  the  district  shall  be  entitled  to  be 
heard  in  relation  to  corrections  or  additions  to  said  registry.  They  shall  have  the  same  powers 
to  preserve  order  which  Inspectors  of  Election  have  on  election  days,  and  in  towns  vacancies  in 
the  Board  shall  be  filled  in  the  same  manner  that  vacancies  are  filled  at  elections. 

Sec.  22.  The  said  Inspectors  at  their  first  meeting,  and  before  doing  any  business,  shall 
severally  take  and  subscribe  the  oath  of  Inspectors  at  a  general  election,  and  said  Inspectors  shall 
at  their  first  meeting  make  a  registry  of  all  the  electors  of  their  respective  districts,  placing 
thereon  the  full  names,  alphabetically  arranged  according  to  surnames,  in  one  column,  and  in 
another  the  residence  by  number  and  name  of  street  or  other  location,  if  known.  If  any  elector's 
residence  is  at  any  hotel  or  public  boarding-house  the  name  of  the  hotel  or  boarding-house  shall 
be  stated  in  the  registry.  They  shall  put  thereon  the  names  of  all  persons  residing  in  their  elec- 
tion district  appearing  on  the  poll-list  kept  at  the  last  preceding  general  election,  and  are  author- 
ized to  take  therefor  such  poll-list  from  the  office  where  kept,  omitting  such  as  have  died  or 
removed  from  the  district,  and  adding  the  names  of  all  other  persons  known  to  them  to  be  elect- 
ors in  such  district.  In  case  of  the  formation  of  a  new  election  district  since  the  last  preceding 
general  election,  the  said  Board  therein  may  make  such  registry  from  the  best  means  at  their 
command,  and  may,  if  necessary,  procure  therefor  certified  copies  of  the  last  poll-list.  They  shall 
complete  said  registry  as  far  as  practicable  at  their  first  meeting,  and  shall  make  four  copies 
thereof,  and  certify  the  original  and  each  co]iy  to  be  a  true  list  of  the  electors  in  their  district  so  far 
as  the  same  are  known  to  them.  One  of  said  copies  shall  be  immediately  posted  in  a  conspicuous 
place  in  the  room  in  which  their  meeting  was  held,  and  be  accessible  to  any  elector  for  examina- 
tion or  making  copies  tliereof,  and  one  copy  shall  be  retained  by  each  Inspector  for  revision  and 
correction  at  the  second  meeting.  They  siiall  within  two  days  after  said  first  meeting  file  the  original 
registry  made  by  them,  and  said  poll-list  in  the  office  of  the  proper  town,  city  or  village  clerk, 
and  niay,  in  their  discretion,  cause  ten  printed  copies  of  said  registry  to  be  made  and  posted  in 
ten  of  the  most  public  places  of  said  election  district,  or  may  publish  the  same  in  a  newspaper  at 
an  expense  not  exceeding  one  cent  for  each  name. 

Sec.  23.  The  Inspectors  shall  hold  their  second  meeting  at  the  same  place  designated  for 
holding  elections  on  the  Tuesday  two  weeks  preceding  the  election.  They  shall  meet  at  9  o'clock 
in  the  forenoon.       In  election  districts  having  less  than  three  hundred  voters,  as   shown  by  the 


ABSTRACT   OF   LAWS.  265 

preliminary  registry,  the  Board  siiall  complete  the  registry  on  the  same  day  ;  but  if  there  are  more 
than  that  number  of  voters,  they  shall  sit  two  days.  They  shall  remain  in  session  until  8  o'clock  in 
the  evening.  They  shall  revise  and  correct  the  registry  first  by  erasing  the  name  of  any  person 
who  shall  be  proved  to  their  satisfaction  by  the  oatlis  of  two  electors  of  the  district  to  be  not 
entitled  to  vote  therein  at  the  next  ensuing  election,  unless  such  person  shall  appear  and  if  chal- 
lenged, shall  answer  the  questions  and  take  the  oath  hereinafter  provided  ;  secondly,  by  entering 
thereon  the  names  of  every  elector  entitled  to  vote  in  the  district  at  the  next  election  who  shall 
appear  before  the  Board  and  require  it,  and  state  his  place  of  residence,  giving  street  and  num- 
ber, if  numbered,  or  location,  as  hereinbefore  provided,  if  challenged  answer  the  questions,  and 
take  the  oaths  provided  in  case  of  challenge  at  an  election  ;  but  if  any  person  shall  refuse  to 
answer  all  such  questions  or  to  take  such  oath,  his  name  shall  not  be  registered.  Any  person 
who  is  not  twenty-one  years  of  age  before  the  date  when  the  registry  is  required  to  be  corrected,  but 
will  be  if  he  lives  until  the  day  of  election,  shall  have  his  name  put  on  the  registry  if  he  be  other- 
wise qualified  to  be  an  elector.  Any  elector  who  did  not  vote  at  the  previous  general  election 
shall  be  entitled  to  be  registered  either  at  the  preliminary  or  tiie  final  registration  of  electors  by 
appearing  before  the  Board  of  Registration  of  his  election  district  and  establisliing  his  right  to 
be  registered,  or,  instead  of  a  personal  appearance,  he  may  make  his  application  to  be  registered 
to  the  Board  in  writing.  Such  application  shall  state  the  name  and  period  of  continuous  resi- 
dence in  the  election  district  and  place  of  residence  therein,  giving  the  number  and  street  of  the 
applicant,  and,  in  case  the  person  making  the  application  is  of  foreign  birth,  he  shall  state  when 
he  came  to  the  United  States  and  to  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  and  the  time  and  place  of  declaring 
his  intention  of  becoming  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  and  that  he  is  entitled  to  vote  at  the 
election.  Upon  receiving  such  application,  the  Board  of  Registration  shall  register  the  name  of 
such  applicant,  if  it  appears  to  the  Board  that  the  applicant  is,  by  his  statement,  entitled  to 
•vote.  Such  statement  shall  be  made  under  oath,  and  shall  be  preserved  by  the  Board  and  be 
filed  in  the  office  of  the  village  or  city  clerk,  as  the  case  may  be.  All  city  and  village  clerks 
shall  keep  blanks  for  making  the  application  for  registration,  as  provided  by  this  section.  The 
form  siiall  be  prescribed  by  the  Secretary  of  State.  Every  person  named  in  this  section  shall  be 
subject  to  the  same  punishment  for  any  false  statement  or  other  offense  in  respect  thereto  aa 
is  provided  in  case  of  such  false  statement  or  other  offense  by  an  elector  offering  to  vote  at  an 
election.  After  such  registry  shall  have  been  fully  completed  on  the  days  above  mentioned, 
no  name  shall  be  added  thereto  by  any  person  or  upon  any  pretext.  Within  three  days  after  the 
second  meeting  the  said  Board  shall  cause  four  copies  of  the  registry  to  be  made,  each  of  which 
shall  be  certified  by  them  to  be  a  correct  registry  of  the  electors  of  their  district,  one  of  which 
shall  be  kept  by  each  Inspector  for  use  on  election  day,  and  one  shall  forthwith  be  filed  in  the 
office  of  the  proper  town,  city  or  village  clerk.  All  registries  shall  at  all  times  be  open  to  pub- 
lic inspection  at  the  office  where  deposited  without  charge. 

Sec.  24.  On  election  day  the  Inspectors  shall  designate  two  of  their  number  at  the  opening 
of  the  polls,  who  shall  check  the  names  of  every  elector  voting  in  such  district  whose  name  is  on 
the  registry.  No  vote  shall  be  received  at  any  general  election  in  any  ward  or  election  district 
defined  in  Section  20,  if  the  name  of  the  person  offering  to  vote  be  not  on  said  registry  made  at 
the  second  meeting  as  aforesaid,  except  as  hereinafter  provided  ;  but  in  case  any  one  shall,  after 
the  last  day  for  completing  such  registry,  and  before  such  election,  become  a  qualified  voter  q£ 
the  district,  he  shall  have  the  same  right  to  vote  therein  at  such  election  as  if  his  name  had  been 
duly  registered,  provided  he  shall,  at  the  time  he  offers  to  vote,  deliver  to  the  Inspectors  his  affi- 
davit, in  which  he  shall  state  the  facts,  showing  that  he  has,  since  the  completion  of  such  regis- 
try, become  a  qualified  elector  of  such  district,  and  the  facts  showing  that  he  was  not  such 
elector  on  the  day  such  registry  was  completed,  and  shall  also  deliver  to  such  Inspectors  the  affi- 
davits of  two  freeholders,  electors  in  such  election  district,  corroborating  all  the  material  state- 
ments in  his  affidavit.  In  case  any  person  who  was  a  voter  at  tlie  last  previous  general  election 
shall  not  be  registered,  such  person  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  on  making  affidavit  that  he  was  enti- 
tled to  vote  at  the  previous  election,  and  that  he  has  not  become  disqualified  by  reason  of  removal 


266  IIISTOKY   OF    WISCO^'SIN. 

from  the  election  district  or  otherwise,  since  that  election,  which  affidavit  shall  also  be  corrobo- 
rated by  the  affidavits  of  two  freeholders,  as  is  provided  for  other  non -registered  voters.  No  one 
freeholder  shall  be  competent  to  make  at  any  one  election  corroborating  affidavits  for  more  than 
three  voters.  All  of  said  affidavits  shall  be  sworn  to  before  some  officer  authorized  by  the  laws 
of  this  State  to  take  depositions.  The  Inspectors  shall  keep  a  list  of  the  names  and  residence 
of  the  electors  voting  whose  names  are  not  on  said  completed  registry,  and  attach  said  list  to  the 
registry  and  return  it,  together  with  all  such  affidavits,  to  the  proper  town,  city  or  village  clerk. 
No  compensation  shall  be  paid  or  received  for  taking  or  certifying  any  such  affidavits.  On  the  day 
following  the  election,  one  of  said  poll-lists  and  one  copy  of  the  registry  so  kept  and  checked  shall  be 
attached  together  and  filed  in  the  office  of  the  proper  town,  city  or  village  clerk,  and  the  other  of 
said  poll-lists  and  copy  of  the  registry  so  kept  and  checked  shall  be  returned  to  the  County 
Clerk  with  the  returns  of  the  election.  Such  Inspectors  shall  give  notice  by  advertisement  in  a 
newspaper  printed  in  the  city,  village  or  town  where  such  registration  was  made,  of  the  registry, 
and  shall  include  in  such  notice  all  additions  to  and  omissions  from  the  preliminary  list,  and 
shall  also  state  where  the  election  is  to  be  held.  In  case  there  be  no  newspaper  printed  in  such 
city,  village  or  town,  such  notice  shall  be  given  by  posting  copies  thereof  in  three  or  more  public 
places  in  each  ward  or  election  district  in  such  city,  village  or  town.  For  publication  of  such 
notice  in  any  such  newspaper  the  publisher  thereof  shall  be  entitled  to  the  .same  compensation 
per  folio  as  is  prescribed  for  publishing  other  legal  notices. 

COMMON  SCHOOLS. 

Sec.  413.  The  formation  of  any  school  district  shall  be  by  written  order  of  tlie  Town 
Board,  describing  the  territory  embraced  in  the  same,  to  be  filed  with  the  Town  Clerk  within 
twenty  days  after  the  making  thereof.  The  Supervisors  shall  deliver  to  a  taxable  inhabitant  of 
the  district  their  notice  thereof  in  writing,  describing  its  boundaries,  and  appointing  a  time  and 
place  for  the  first  district  meeting,  and  shall  therein  direct  such  inhabitant  to  notify  every  quali- 
fied voter  of  the  district,  either  personally  or  by  leaving  a  written  notice  at  his  place  of  resi- 
dence, of  the  time  and  place  of  such  meeting,  at  least  five  days  before  the  time  appointed 
therefor,  and  said  inhabitant  shall  notify  the  voters  of  such  district  accordingly,  and  indorse 
thereon  a  return  containing  the  names  of  all  persons  thus  notified,  and  said  notice  and  return 
shall  be  recorded  as  a  part  of  the  record  of  the  first  meeting  in  such  district. 

Sec.  414.  In  case  such  notice  shall  not  be  given,  or  the  inhabitants  of  a  district  shall  neg- 
lect  or  refuse  to  assemble  and  form  a  district  meeting  when  so  notified,  or  in  case  any  school  dis- 
trict having  been  formed  or  organized  shall  afterward  be  disorganized,  so  that  no  competent 
authority  shall  exist  therein  to  call  a  special  district  meeting,  in  the  manner  hereinafter  pro- 
vided, notice  shall  be  given  by  the  Town  Board,  and  served  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  pre- 
ceding section.  Whenever  a  district  meeting  shall  be  called  as  prescribed  in  this  and  the 
preceding  section,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  electors  of  the  district  to  assemble  at  the  time 
and  place  so  directed. 

Sec.  415.  Whenever  it  shall  be  necessary  to  form  a  district  from  two  or  more  adjoining 
towns,  the  Town  Boards  of  such  towns  shall  meet  together  and  form  such  districts  by  their  writ- 
ten order,  describing  the  territory  embraced  in  such  district,  signed  by  at  least  two  of  the  Super- 
visors of  each  town ;  and  shall  file  one  such  order  with  the  Town  Clerk  of  each  town,  and 
deliver  the  notice  of  formation  to  a  taxable  inhabitant  of  such  district,  and  cause  the  same  to  be 
served  and  returned  in  the  time  and  manner  hereinbefore  prescribed  ;  and  any  such  district  may 
be  altered  only  by  the  joint  action  of  tiie  Town  Boards  of  such  towns  in  the  same  manner  that 
Other  districts  are  altered. 

Sec.  416.  Every  school  district  shall  be  deemed  duly  organized  when  any  two  of  the  offi- 
cers elected  at  the  first  legal  meeting  thereof  shall  have  consented  to  serve  in  the  offices  to  which 
they  have  been  respectively  elected,  by  a  written  acceptance  thereof  filed  with  the  clerk  of  the 
first  meeting,  and  recorded  in  the  minutes  thereof;  and  every  school  district  shall  be  considered 


ABSTRACT   OF    LAWS.  267 

as  duly  organized  after  it  shall  have  exercised  the  franchises  and  privileges  of  a  district  for  the 
term  of  two  years. 

Sec.  425.  The  annual  meeting  of  all  school  districts  in  which  graded  schools  of  two  or 
more  departments  are  taught,  shall  be  held  on  the  second  Monday  of  July,  and  of  all  other 
school  districts  on  the  last  Monday  of  September,  in  each  year.  The  hour  of  such  meeting  shall 
be  seven  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  unless  otherwise  provided  by  a  vote  of  the  district,  duly 
recorded  at  the  last  previous  annual  meeting ;  but  at  any  annual  meeting  a  majority  of  the 
electors  present  may  determine  that  the  annual  meeting  of  such  district  shall  be  held  on  the  last 
Monday  of  August  instead  of  the  last  Monday  of  September.  Said  determination  to  take  eftect 
when  a  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  said  annual  meeting  in  reference  to  such  change  shall  have 
been  filed  with  the  Town  Clerk  in  which  the  schoolhouse  of  such  district  is  situated,  and  to 
remain  in  force  until  rescinded  by  a  like  vote  of  the  electors  of  such  district. 

Sec.  426.  The  Clerk  shall  give  at  least  six  days'  previous  notice  of  every  annual  district 
meeting,  by  posting  notices  thereof  in  four  or  more  public  places  in  the  district,  one  of  which 
shall  be  affixed  to  the  outer  door  of  the  schoolhouse,  if  there  be  one  in  the  district,  and  he  shall 
give  like  notices  for  every  adjourned  district  meeting  when  such  meeting  shall  have  been 
adjourned  for  more  than  one  month  ;  but  no  annual  meeting  shall  be  deemed  illegal  for  want  of  due 
notice,  unless  it  shall  appear  tliat  the  omission  to  give  such  notice  was  willful  and  fraudulent. 

Sec.  427.  Special  district  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  Clerk,  or,  in  his  absence,  by  the 
Dii'ectors  or  Treasurer,  on  written  request  of  five  legal  voters  of  the  district,  in  the  manner 
prescribed  for  calling  an  annual  meeting  ;  and  the  electors,  when  lawfully  assembled  at  a  special 
nu  eting,  shall  have  power  to  transact  the  same  business  as  at  the  first  and  each  annual  meeting, 
except  the  election  of  oificers.  The  business  to  be  transacted  at  any  special  meeting  shall  be 
particularly  specified  in  the  notices  calling  the  same,  and  said  notices  shall  be  posted  six  full 
days  prior  to  the  meeting.  No  tax  or  loan  or  debt  shall  be  voted  at  a  special  meeting,  unless 
three-fourths  of  the  legal  voters  shall  have  been  notified,  either  personally  or  by  a  written  notice 
left  at  their  places  of  residence,  stating  the  time  and  place  and  objects  of  the  meeting,  and 
specifying  the  amount  proposed  to  be  voted,  at  least  six  days  before  the  time  appointed  therefor. 

Sec.  428.  Every  person  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  in  any  school  district  meeting  who  is 
qualified  to  vote  at  a  general  election  for  State  and  county  officers,  and  who  is  a  resident  of  such 
school  district. 

ASSESSMENT  AND  COLLECTION  OF  DISTRICT  TAXES. 

Sec.  469.  All  school  district  taxes,  unless  otherwise  specially  provided  by  law,  shall  be 
assessed  on  the  same  kinds  of  property  as  taxes  for  town  and  county  purposes;  and  all  personal 
property  which,  on  account  of  its  location  or  the  residence  of  its  owner,  is  taxable  in  the  town, 
shall,  if  such  locality  or  residence  be  in  the  school  district,  be  likewise  taxable  for  school  district 
purposes. 

BORROWING  MONEY. 

Sec.  474.  Whenever,  upon  any  unusual  exigency,  any  school  district  shall,  before  the  annual 
meeting,  vote  a  special  tax  to  be  collected  with  the  next  levy,  the  district  may,  by  vote,  author- 
ize the  District  Board  to  borrow  for  a  period  not  exceeding  one  year  a  sum  not  exceeding  the 
amount  of  such  tax,  and  by  such  vote  set  apart  such  tax  when  collected  to  repay  such  loan,  and 
thereupon  the  District  Board  may  borrow  such  money  of  any  person  and  on  such  terms  and  exe- 
cute and  deliver  to  the  lender  such  obligation  therefor,  and  such  security  for  the  repayment, 
including  a  mortgage  or  pledge  of  any  real  or  personal  property  of  the  disti'ict,  subject  to  the 
directions  contained  in  the  vote  of  the  district  as  may  be  agreed  upon  and  not  prohibited  by 
law. 

Sec.  498.  Every  District  Clerk  who  shall  willfully  negl°ct  to  make  the  annual  report  for 
his  district  as  required  by  law  shall  be  liable  to  pay  the  whole  amount  of  money  lost  by  such 


268  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

district  in  consequence  of  his  neglect,  which  shall  be  recovered  in  an  action  in  the  name  of  and 
for  the  use  of  the  district. 

Sec.  499.  Every  Town  Clerk  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  make  and  deliver  to  the  County 
Superintendent  his  annual  report,  as  required  in  this  chapter  within  the  time  limited  therefor, 
shall  be  liable  on  his  official  bond  to  pay  tiie  town  the  amount  which  such  town  or  any  school 
district  therein,  shall  lose  by  such  neglect  or  refusal,  with  interest  thereon  ;  and  every  Countv 
Superintendent  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  make  the  report  required  of  him  by  this  chapte'r 
to  the  State  Superintendent  shall  be  liable  to  pay  to  each  town  the  amount  which  such  town  or 
any  school  district  therein  shall  lose  by  such  neglect  or  refusal,  with  interest  thereon,  to  be 
recovered  in  either  case  in  an  action  prosecuted  by  the  Town  Treasurer  in  the  name  of  the 
town. 

Sec.  503.  Every  member  of  a  district  board  in  any  school  district  in  this  State  in  which 
a  list  of  text-books  has  been  adopted  according  to  law,  who  shall,  within  three  years  from  the 
date  of  such  adoption,  or  thereafter,  without  the  consent  of  the  State  Superintendent,  order  a 
change  of  te.xt-books  in  such  district,  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars. 

Sec.  513.  Every  woman  of  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  upward  may  be  elected  or 
appointed  as  director,  treasurer  or  clerk  of  a  school  district,  director  or  secretary  of  a  town  board 
under  the  township  system  ;  member  of  a  board  of  education  in  cities,  or  county  superintendent. 

Sec.  560.  In  reckoning  school  months,  twenty  days  shall  constitute  a  month  and  one  hun- 
dred days  five  months. 

ASSESSMENT  OF  TAXES. 

Sec.  1035.  The  terms  "real  property,"  "real  estate"  and  "land,"  when  used  in  this 
title,  shall  include  not  only  the  land  itself,  but  all  buildings,  fixtures,  improvements,  rights  and 
privileges  appertaining  thereto. 

Sec.  1036.  The  term  "  personal  property,"  as  used  in  this  title,  shall  be  construed  to  mean 
and  include  toll-bridges,  saw-logs,  timber  and  lumber,  either  upon  land  or  afloat,  steamboats, 
ships  and  other  vessels,  whether  at  home  or  abroad ;  buildings  upon  leased  lands,  if  such  build- 
ings have  not  been  included  in  the  assessment  of  the  land  on  which  they  are  erected  ; 
ferry-boats,  including  the  franchise  for  running  the  same  ;  all  debts  due  from  solvent  debtors, 
whether  on  account,  note,  contract,  bond,  mortgage  or  other  security,  or  whether  .such  debts  are 
due  or  to  become  due ;  and  all  goods,  wares,  merchandise,  chattels,  moneys  and  eff"ects  of  any 
nature  or  description  having  any  real  or  marketable  value  and  not  included  in  the  term  "  real 
property,"  as  above  defined. 

Sec.  1037.  The  improvements  on  all  lands  situated  in  this  State,  which  shall  have  been 
entered  under  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  Congress  entitled  "  An  act  to  secure  homesteads  to  act- 
ual settlers  on  the  public  domain,"  approved  May  twentieth,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-two,  and  which  shall  be  actually  occupied  and  improved  by  the  person  so  entering  the  same, 
or  his  heirs,  shall  be  subject  to  taxation,  and  such  improvements  shall  be  assessed  as  personal 
property.  All  taxes  levied  thereon  shall  be  collected  out  of  the  personal  property  of  the  occu- 
pant of  such  lands,  and  in  no  other  manner. 

Sec.   1038.     The  property  in  this  section  described  is  exempt  from  taxation,  to  wit: 

1.  That  owned  exclusively  by  the  United  States  or  by  this  State,  but  no  lands  contracted  to 

be  sold  by  the  State  shall  be  exempt. 

2.  That  owned  exclusively  by  any  county,  city,  village,  town  or  school  district;  but  lands 

purchased  by  counties  at  tax  sales  shall  be  exempt  only  in  the  cases  provided  in  Sec- 
tion Eleven  Hundred  and  Ninety-one. 

3.  Personal  property  owned  by  any  religious,  scientific,  literary  or  benevolent  association, 

used  exclusively  for  the  purposes  of  such  association,  and  the  real  property,  if  not 
leased,  or  not  otherwise  used  for  pecuniary  profit,  necessary  for  the  location  and  con- 
venience of  the  buildings  of  such  association,  and  embracing  the  same  not  exceeding 


ABSTRACT   OF   LAWS.  269 

ten  acres  :  and  the  lands  reserved  for  grounds  of  a  chartered  college  or  university, 
not  exceeding  forty  acres ;  and  parsonages,  whether  of  local  churches  or  districts,  and 
■whether  occupied  by  the  pastor  permanently  or  rented  for  his  benefit.  The  occasional 
leasing  of  such  buildings  for  schools,  public  lectures  or  concerts,  or  the  leasing  of  such 
parsonages,  shall  not  render  them  liable  to  taxation. 

4.  Personal  property  owned  and  used  exclusively  by  the  Stale  or  any  county  agricultural 
society,  and  the  lands  owned  and  used  by  any  such  society  exclusively  for  fair  grounds. 

6.  Fire  engines  and  other  implements  used  for  extinguishing  fires,  owned  or  used  by  any 
organized  fire  company,  and  the  buildings  and  necessary  grounds  connected  therewith, 
owned  by  such  company,  and  used  exclusively  for  its  proper  purposes. 

6.  The  property  of  Indians  who  are  not  citizens,  except  lands  held  by  them  by  purchase. 

7.  Lands  used  exclusively  as  public  burial-grounds,  and  tombs  and  monuments  to  the  dead 

therein. 

8.  Pensions  I'eceivable  from  the  United  States. 

9.  Stock  in  any  corporation  in  this   State  which  is  required  to  pay  taxes  upon  its   property 

in  the  same  manner  as  individuals. 

10.  So  much  of  the  debts  due  or  to  become  due  to  any  person  as  shall  equal  the  amount  of 
bona-fide  and  unconditional  debts  by  him  owing. 

11.  Wearing  apparel,  family  portraits  and  libraries,  kitchen  furniture  and  growing  crops. 

12.  Provisions  and  fuel  provided  by  the  head  of  a  family  to  sustain  its  members  for  six 
months  ;  but  no  person  paying  board  shall  be  deemed  a  member  of  a  family. 

13.  All  the  personal  property  of  all  insurance  companies  that  now  are  or  shall  be  organized 
or  doing  business  in  this  State. 

14.  The  track,  right  of  way,  depot  grounds,  buildings,  machine-shops,  rolling-stock  and 
other  property  necessarily  used  in  operating  any  railroad  in  this  State  belonging  to  any 
railroad  company,  including  pontoon,  pile  and  pontoon  railroads,  and  shall  henceforth 
remain  exempt  from  taxation  for  any  purpose,  except  that  the  same  shall  be  subject  to 
special  assessments  for  local  improvements  in  cities  and  villages  and  all  lands  owned  or 
claimed  by  such  railroad  company  not  adjoining  the  track  of  such  company,  shall  be 
subject  to  all  taxes.  The  provision  of  this  subdivision  shall  not  apply  to  any  railroad 
that  now  is  or  shall  be  operated  by  horse-power,  whether  now  or  hereafter  constructed 
in  any  village  or  city. 

15.  The  property,  except  real  estate,  of  all  companies  which  are  or  shall  be  engaged  in  the 

business  of  telegraphing  in  this  State. 

16.  The  real  estate  of  the  Home  of  the  Friendless  in  the  city  of  Milwaukee,  not  exceeding 
one  lot  in  amount,  is  exempted,  so  long  as  the  same  shall  continue  to  be  used  as  such  home. 

17.  All  property  of  any  corporation  or  association  formed  under  the  laws  of  this  State  for 
the  encouragement  of  industry  by  agricultural  and  industrial  fairs  and  exhibitions, 
which  shall  be  necessary  for  fair  grounds,  while  used  exclusively  for  such  fairs  and 
exhibitions,  provided  the  quantity  of  land  so  exempt  shall  not  exceed  forty  acres. 

18.  Such  tree-belts  as  are  or  may  be  planted  and  maintained  in  compliance  with  chapter 
sixty -six  of  one  of  these  statutes. 

Sec.  liyL  Real  property,  upon  which  the  county  holds  any  certificates  of  tax  sale,  shall 
continue  liable  to  taxation  and  to  sale  for  unpaid  taxes,  and  the  county  shall  be  the  exclusive 
purchaser  at  the  sale ;  but  when  a  tax  deed  shall  be  issued  to  the  county,  and  it  shall  hold  tax 
certificates  of  sale  unredeemed  on  the  same  property  for  two  successive  years  subsequent  to  the 
date  of  the  sale  on  which  such  deed  shall  issue,  including  certificates  of  sale  made  prior  to  the 
passage  of  these  statutes,  such  property  shall  thereafter  be  exempt  from  taxation  until  the  same 
is  sold  by  the  county.  The  County  Clerk  shall  annually,  before  the  first  day  of  June,  furnish 
to  the  Assessors  of  each  town  a  list  of  the  lands  in  such  town  exempt  under  this  section.  Noth- 
ing in  this  section  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  apply  to  lands  owned  by  minors,  married  women, 
widowed  women,  idiots  or  insane  persons. 


270  HISTOKY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

COLLECTION  OF  TAXES. 

Sec.  1089.  The  Town  Treasurer  of  each  town,  on  the  receipt  of  the  tax-roll  for  the  cur- 
rent year,  shall  forthwith  post  notices  in  three  or  four  public  places  in  such  towns,  that  the  tax- 
roll  for  such  town  is  in  his  hands  for  collection,  and  that  the  taxes  charged  therein  are  subject 
to  payment  at  his  office  at  any  time  prior  to  the  first  day  of  January  in  such  year;  and  after 
the  said  first  day  of  January  he  shall  proceed  to  collect  the  taxes  charged  in  such  roll  and 
r'iinaining  unpaid,  and  for  that  purpose  shall  call  at  least  once  on  the  person  taxed,  or  at  any 
place  of  his  usual  residence,  if  within  the  town,  and  demand  payment  of  the  taxes  charged  to 
him  on  such  roll. 

Sec.  1090.  On  all  taxes  paid  or  tendered  at  the  office  of  such  Treasurer  prior  to  said  first 
day  of  January,  he  shall  remit  all  of  the  5-per-cent  collection  fees,  except  so  much  thereof  as 
he  is  authorized  by  law  to  have  for  his  fees  upon  taxes  so  paid. 

Sec.  1091.  Town  orders  shall  be  receivable  for  taxes  in  the  town  where  issued,  and  shall 
be  allowed  the  Town  Treasurer  on  settlement  of  town  taxes;  and  county  orders  and  jurors'  cer- 
tificates shall  be  receivable  for  taxes  in  the  county  where  issued,  and  shall  be  allowed  such  Treas- 
urer on  settlement  of  county  taxes  with  the  County  Treasurer,  but  no  Town  Treasurer  shall 
receive  town  orders  in  payment  for  taxes  to  a  larger  amount  than  the  town  taxes  included  in  his 
assessment-roll  exclusive  of  all  taxes  for  school  purposes,  nor  county  orders  and  jurors*  certifi- 
cates to  a  greater  amount  than  the  county  tax  included  therein. 

Sec.  1097.  In  case  any  person  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  pay  the  tax  imposed  upon  him, 
the  Town  Treasurer  shall  levy  the  same  by  distress  and  sale  of  any  goods  and  chattels  belong- 
ing to  such  person,  wherever  the  same  may  be  found  within  his  town  ;  and  if  a  sufficient  amount 
of  such  property  cannot  be  found  in  such  town,  the  Town  Treasurer  may  levy  the  same  by  dis- 
tress and  sale  of  the  goods  and  chattels  belonging  to  such  person,  wherever  the  same  may  be 
found  in  the  county  or  in  any  adjoining  counties. 

Sec.  1098.  The  Town  Treasurer  shall  give  public  notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  such 
sale,  at  least  six  days  previous  thereto,  by  advertisement,  containing  a  description  of  the  prop- 
erty to  be  sold,  to  be  posted  up  in  three  public  places  in  the  town  where  the  sale  is  to  be  made. 
The  sale  shall  be  at  public  auction,  in  the  daytime,  and  the  property  sold  shall  be  present ; 
such  property  may  be  released  by  the  payment  of  the  taxes  and  charges  for  which  the  same  is 
liable,  to  be  sold ;  if  the  purchase-money  on  such  sale  shall  not  be  paid  at  such  time  as  the 
Treasurer  may  require,  he  may  again,  in  his  discretion,  expose  such  property  for  sale,  or  sue,  in 
his  name  of  office,  the  purchaser  for  the  purchase-money,  and  recover  the  same  with  costs  and 
lO-per-centum  damages. 

Sec.  1099.  If  the  property  so  levied  upon  shall  be  sold  for  more  than  the  amount  of  tax 
and  costs,  the  surplus  shall  be  returned  to  the  owner  thereof;  and  if  it  cannot  be  sold  for  want 
of  bidders,  the  Treasurer  shall  return  a  statement  of  the  fact,  and  return  the  property  to  the 
person  from  whose  possession  he  took  the  same ;  and  the  tax,  if  unsatisfied,  shall  be  collected  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  no  levy  had  been  made. 

HIGHWAYS  AND  BRIDGES. 

Sec.  1223.  The  Supervisors  of  the  several  towns  shall  have  the  care  and  supervision  of 
the  highways  and  bridges  therein,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty : 

1.  To  give  directions  for  repairing  the  highways  and  bridges  within  their  respective  towns, 

and  cause  to  be  removed  all  obstructions  therefrom. 

2.  To  cause  such  of  the  roads  used  as  highways  as  have  been  laid  out  but  not  sufficiently 

described,  and  such  as  have  been  lawfully  laid  out  and  used  as  such  up  to  the  then 
present  time,  but  not  fully  and  sufficiently  recorded,  to  be  ascertained,  described  and 
entered  of  record  in  the  Town  Clerk's  office. 


ABSTRACT   OF    LAWS.  271 

3.  To  cause  bridges  which  are  or  may  be  erected  over  streams  intersecting  highways  to  be 

kept  in  repair. 

4.  To  divide  their  respective  towns  into  so  many  road  districts  as  they  shall  judge  conven- 

ient, and  specify  every  such  division  in  writing  under  their  hands,  to  be  recorded  in 
the  office  of  the  Town  Clerk  ;  but  no  such  division  shall  be  made  within  ten  days  next 
preceding  the  annual  town  meeting. 

5.  To  assign  to  each  of  the  said  road  districts  such  of  the  inhabitants  liable  to  pay  taxes 

on  highways  as  they  think  proper,  having  regard  to  the  nearness  of  residence  as  much 
as  practicable. 

6.  To  require  the  Overseers  of  Highways  from  time  to  time,  and  as  often  as  they  shall 

deem  necessary,  to  perform  any  of  the  duties  required  of  them  by  law. 

7.  To  assess  the  highway  taxes  in  their  respective  towns  in  each  year,  as  provided  by  law. 

8.  To  lay  out  and  establish  upon  actual  surveys,  as  hereinafter  provided,  such  new  roads  in 

their  respective  towns  as  they  may  deem  necessary  and  proper ;  to  discontinue  such 
roads  as  shall  appear  to  them  to  have  become  unnecessary,  and  to  widen  or  alter  such 
roads  when  they  shall  deem  necessary  for  public  convenience,  and  perform  all  other 
duties  respecting  highways  and  bridges  directed  by  this  chapter. 

INTOXICATING  LIQUORS. 

Sec.  1548.  The  Town  Boards,  Village  Boards  and  Common  Councils  of  the  respective 
towns,  villages  and  cities  may  grant  license  to  such  persons  as  they  may  deem  proper,  to  keep 
groceries,  saloons  or  other  places,  within  their  respective  towns,  villages  or  cities,  for  the  sale  in 
quantities  less  than  one  gallon  of  strong,  spirituous,  malt,  ardent  or' intoxicating  liquors,  to  be 
drank  on  the  premises ;  and  in  like  manner  may  grant  licenses  for  the  sale  in  any  quantity  of 
such  liquors  not  to  be  drank  on  the  premises.  The  sum  to  be  paid  for  such  license  for  the  sale 
of  such  liquor  to  be  drank  on  the  premises  shall  not  be  less  than  twenty-five  nor  more  than  one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars ;  and  for  the  sale  of  such  liquors  not  to  be  drank  on  the  premises  shall 
be  not  less  than  ten  nor  more  than  forty  dollars. 

Sec.  1549.  Every  applicant  for  such  license  shall,  before  delivery  thereof,  file  with  such 
town,  village  or  city  clerk  a  bond  to  the  State  in  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars,  with  at 
least  two  sureties,  to  be  appi-oved  by  the  authorities  granting  the  license,  who  shall  each  justify 
in  double  its  amount  over  and  above  their  debts  and  liabilities  and  exemptions,  and  be  freehold- 
ers and  residents  of  the  county,  conditioned  that  the  applicant,  during  the  continuance  of  his 
license  will  keep  and  maintain  an  orderly  and  well-regulated  house ;  that  he  will  permit  no 
gambling  with  cards,  dice  or  any  device  or  implement  for  that  purpose,  within  his  premises  or 
any  out-house,  yard  or  shed  appertaining  thereto ;  that  he  will  not  sell  or  give  away  any  intoxi- 
cating liquor  to  any  minor,  having  good  reason  to  believe  him  to  be  such,  unless  upon  the  writ- 
ten order  of  the  parents  or  guardian  of  such  minor,  or  to  persons  intoxicated  or  bordering  upon 
intoxication,  or  to  habitual  drunkards ;  and  that  he  will  pay  all  damages  that  may  be  recovered 
by  any  person,  and  that  he  will  observe  and  obey  all  orders  of  such  Supervisors,  Trustees  or 
Aldermen,  or  any  of  them,  made  pursuant  to  law.  In  case  of  the  breach  of  the  condition  of 
any  such  bond,  an  action  may  be  brought  thereon  in  the  name  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  and 
judgment  shall  be  entered  against  the  principals  and  sureties  therein  named  for  the  full  penalty 
thereof;  and  execution  may  issue  thereupon  by  order  of  the  court  therefor,  to  satisfy  any 
judgment  that  may  have  been  recovered  against  the  principal  named  in  said  bond,  by  reason  of 
any  breach  in  the  conditions  thereof,  or  for  any  penalties  of  forfeitures  incurred  under  this  chap- 
ter. If  more  than  one  judgment  shall  have  been  recovered,  the  court,  in  its  discretion,  may 
apply  the  proceeds  of  said  bond  toward  the  satisfaction  of  said  several  judgments,  in  whole  or 
in  part,  in  such  manner  as  it  may  see  fit. 

Sec.  1550.  If  any  person  shall  vend,  sell,  deal  or  traffic  in  or  for  the  purpose  of  evading 
this  chapter,  give  away,  any  spirituous,  malt,  ardent  or  intoxicating  liquors  or  drinks  in  any 


272  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

quantity  whatever  without  first  having  obtained  license  therefor,  according  to  the  provisions  of 
this  chapter,  he  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and,  on  conviction  thereof  shall  be 
punished  by  fine  of  not  less  than  ten  nor  more  than  forty  dollars,  besides  the  costs  of  suit,  or, 
in  lieu  of  such  fine,  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  of  the  proper  county  not  to  exceed  sixty 
days  nor  less  than  twenty  days  ;  and,  in  case  of  punishment  by  fine  as  above  provided,  such  per- 
son shall,  unless  the  fine  and  costs  be  paid  forthwith,  be  committed  to  the  county  jail  of  the  proper 
county  until  such  fine  and  costs  are  paid,  or  until  discharged  by  due  course  of  law  ;  and,  in  case 
of  a  second  or  any  subsequent  conviction  of  the  same  person  during  any  one  year,  the  punish- 
ment may  be  by  both  fine  and  imprisonment,  in  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

Sec.  1551.  Upon  complaint  made  to  any  Justice  of  the  Peace  by  any  person  that  he 
knows  or  has  good  reason  to  believe  that  an  offense  against  this  chapter,  or  any  violation  thereof, 
has  been  committed,  he  shall  examine  the  complainant  on  oath,  and  he  shall  reduce  such  com- 
plaint to  writing  and  cause  the  same  to  be  subscribed  by  the  person  complaining.  And  if  it 
shall  appear  to  such  Justice  that  there  is  reasonable  cause  to  believe  that  such  offense  has  been 
committed,  he  shall  immediately  issue  his  warrant,  reciting  therein  the  substance  of  such  com- 
plaint and  requiring  the  officer  to  whom  such  warrant  shall  be  directed  forthwith  to  arrest  the 
accused  and  bring  him  before  such  Justice,  to  be  dealt  with  according  to  law  ;  and  the  same  war- 
rant may  require  the  officer  to  summon  such  persons  as  shall  be  therein  named  to  appear  at  the 
trial  to  give  evidence. 

Sec.  1552.  The  District  Attorney  of  the  proper  county  shall,  on  notice  given  to  him  by 
the  Justice  of  the  Peace  before  whom  any  such  complaint  shall  be  made,  attend  the  trial  before 
such  Justice  and  conduct  the  same  on  behalf  of  the  State. 

Sec.  1553.  Every  supervisor,  trustee,  alderman  and  justice  of  the  peace,  police  oflicer> 
marshal,  deputy  marshal  and  constable  of  any  town,  village  or  city  who  shall  know  or  be  credi- 
bly informed  that  any  offense  has  been  committed  against  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  shall 
make  complaint  against  the  person  so  offending  within  their  respective  towns,  villages  or  cities 
to  a  proper  Justice  of  the  Peace  therein,  and  for  every  neglect  or  refusal  so  to  do  every  such 
oflGcer  shall  forfeit  twenty-five  dollars,  and  the  Treasurer  of  such  town,  village  or  city  shall  pros- 
ecute therefor. 

Sec.  1557.  Any  keeper  of  any  saloon,  shop  or  place  of  any  name  whatsoever  for  the  sale 
of  strong,  spirituous  or  malt  liquors  to  be  drank  on  the  premises  in  any  quantity  less  than  one 
gallon,  who  shall  sell,  vend  or  in  any  way  deal  or  traffic  in  or  for  the  purpose  of  evading  this 
chapter,  give  away  any  spirituous,  ardent  or  malt  liquors  or  drinks  in  any  quantity  whatsoever 
to  or  with  a  minor,  having  good  reason  to  believe  him  to  be  such,  or  to  a  person  intoxicated  or 
bordering  on  a  state  of  intoxication,  or  to  any  other  prohibited  person  before  mentioned,  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor ;  nor  shall  any  person  sell  or  in  any  way  deal  or  traffic  in,  or, 
for  the  purpose  of  evading  this  chapter,  give  away,  any  spirituous,  ardent,  intoxicating  or  malt 
liquors  or  ilrinks  in  any  quantity  whatsoever  within  one  mile  of  either  of  the  hospitals  for  the 
insane ;  and  any  person  who  shall  so  sell  or  give  away  any  such  liquors  or  drinks  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor. 

BILLS  OF  EXCHANGE  AND  PROMISSORY  NOTES. 

Sec.  1675.  All  notes  in  writing  made  and  signed  by  any  person  or  for  any  corporation, 
and  all  certificates  of  the  deposit  of  money  issued  by  any  person  or  corporation,  whereby  he  or 
it  shall  promise  to  pay  to  any  person  or  order,  or  unto  the  bearer,  any  sum  of  money,  as  therein 
mentioned,  shall  be  due  and  payable  as  therein  expressed,  and  shall  have  the  same  effect  and 
shall  be  negotiable  in  like  manner  as  inland  bills  of  exchange,  according  to  the  custom  of  mer- 
chants. But  no  order  drawn  upon  or  accepted  by  the  Treasurer  of  any  county,  town,  city,  village 
or  school  district,  whether  drawn  by  any  ofiicer  thereof  or  any  other  person,  and  no  obligation  nor 
instrument  made  by  such  corporation  or  any  officer  thereof,  unless  expressly  authorized  by  law 


ABSTRACT   OF   LAWS.  273 

to  be  made  negotiable,  shall  be,  or  shall  be  deemed  to  be,  negotiable  according  to  the  customs  of 
merchants,  in  whatever  form  they  may  be  drawn  or  made. 

Sec.  1680.  On  all  bills  of  exchange  payable  at  sight,  or  at  future  day  certain,  within 
this  State,  and  all  negotiable  promissory  notes,  orders  and  drafts  payable  at  a  future  day  cer- 
tain, within  this  State,  in  which  there  is  not  an  express  stipulation  to  the  contrary,  grace  should 
be  allowed  in  like  manner  as  it  is  allowed  by  the  custom  of  merchants  on  foreign  bills  of  exchange 
payable  at  the  expiration  of  a  certain  period  after  date  or  sight.  The  provisions  of  this  section 
shall  not  extend  to  any  bill  of  exchange,  note  or  draft  payable  on  demand. 

Sec.  1684.  All  notes,  drafts,  bills  of  exchange  or  other  negotiable  paper  maturing  on 
Sunday  or  upon  any  legal  holiday  shall  be  due  and  payable  on  the  next  preceding  secular  day. 

HOURS  OF  LABOR. 

Sec.  1728.  In  all  manufactories,  work-shops  and  other  places  used  for  mechanical  or 
manufacturing  purposes,  the  time  of  labor  of  children  under  eighteen  years  of  age  and  of  women 
employed  therein,  shall  not  exceed  eight  hours  in  one  day ;  and  any  employer,  stockholder, 
director,  officer,  overseer,  clerk  or  foreman  who  shall  compel  any  woman  or  any  child  to  labor 
exceeding  eight  hours  in  any  one  day,  or  who  shall  permit  any  child  under  fourteen  years  of  age 
to  labor  more  than  ten  hours  in  any  one  day  in  any  such  place,  if  he  shall  have  control  over 
such  child  sufficient  to  prevent  it,  or  who  shall  employ  at  manual  labor  any  child  under  twelve 
years  of  age  in  any  factory  or  work-shop  where  more  than  three  persons  are  employed,  or  who 
shall  employ  any  child  of  twelve  and  under  fourteen  years  of  age  in  any  such  factory  or  work- 
shop for  more  than  seven  months  in  any  one  year,  shall  forfeit  not  less  than  five  nor  more  than 
fifty  dollars  for  each  such  offense. 

Sec.  1729.  In  all  engagements  to  labor  in  any  manufacturing  or  mechanical  business, 
where  there  is  no  express  contract  to  the  contrary,  a  day's  work  shall  consist  of  eight  hours,  and 
all  engagements  or  contracts  for  labor  in  such  cases  shall  be  so  construed ;  but  this  shall  no/ 
apply  to  any  contract  for  labor  by  the  week,  month  or  vear. 

FORM  OF  CONVEYANCES. 

Sec.  2207.  A  deed  of  quitclaim  and  release  of  the  form  in  common  use  or  of  the  form 
hereinafter  provided,  shall  be  sufficient  to  pass  all  the  estate  which  the  grantor  could  lawfully 
convey  by  deed  of  bargain  and  sale. 

Sec.  2208.    Conveyances  of  land  may  be  in  substantially  the  following  form: 

WARRANTY    DEED. 

A  B,  grantor  of County,  Wisconsin,  hereby  conveys  and  warrants  to  C  D,  grantee, 

of County,  Wisconsin,  for  the  sum  of  dollars,  the  following  tract  of  land  in 

County. 

[Here  describe  the  premises.) 

Witness  the  hand  and  seal  of  said  grantor  this day  of ,  18 — . 

In  the  presence  of  1 

'  [seal. 


J- 


QUITCLAIM    DEED.  [SEAL. 

A  B,  grantor,  of County,  Wisconsin,  hereby  quitclaims  to  C  D,  grantee,  of 

County,  Wisconsin,  for  the  sum  of  dollars,  the  following  tract  of  land  in County, 

(Here  describe  the  premises) 

Witness  the  hand  and  seal  of  said  grantor  this day  of ,  18 — . 

In  presence  of        ~j 

I —  [seal.] 

J  [SEAL.l 


2<4  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

Such  deeds,  when  executed  and  acknowledged  as  required  by  law,  shall,  when  of  the  first 
of  the  above  forms,  have  the  effect  of  a  conveyance  in  fee  simple  to  the  grantee,  his  heirs  and 
assigns  of  the  premises  therein  named,  together  with  all  the  appurtenances,  rights  and  privileges 
thereto  belonging,  with  a  covenant  from  the  grantor,  his  heirs  and  personal  representatives,  that 
he  is  lawfully  seized  of  the  premises :  has  good  right  to  convey  the  same  ;  that  he  guaran- 
tees the  grantee,  his  heirs  and  assigns  in  the  quiet  possession  thereof ;  that  the  same  are  free  from 
all  incumbrances,  and  that  the  grantor,  his  heirs  and  personal  representatives  will  forever  war- 
rant and  defend  the  title  and  possession  thereof  in  the  grantee,  his  heirs  and  assigns  against  all 
lawful  claims  whatsoever.  Any  exceptions  to  such  covenants  may  be  briefly  inserted  in  such 
deed,  following  the  description  of  the  land  ;  and  when  in  the  second  of  the  above  forms,  shall 
have  the  effect  of  a  conveyance  in  fee  simple  to  the  grantee,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  of  all  the  right, 
title,  interest  and  estate  of  the  grantor,  either  in  possession  or  expectancy,  in  and  to  the  prem- 
ises therein  described,  and  all  rights,  privileges  and  appurtenances  thereto  belonging. 

MORTGAGES. 

Sec.  2209.     A  mortgage  may  be  substantially  in  the  following  form  : 

A  B,  mortgagor,  of County,  Wisconsin,  hereby  mortgages  to  C  D,  mortgagee,  of 

County,  Wisconsin,  for  the  sum  of dollars,  the  following  tract  of  land  in  


County. 

[Here  describe  the  premises-) 

This  mortgage  is  given  to  secure  the  following  indebtedness  : 

^ Here  state   amount  or  amounts  and  form  of  indebtedness,  whether  on  note,  bond  or  otherwise,  time  or  times  when  due^  rate 

of  interest,  by  and  to  whom  payable,  etc.) 

The  mortgagor  agrees  to  pay  all  taxes  and  assessments  on  said  premises,  and  the  sum  of 

dollars  attorney's  fees  in  case  of  foreclosure  thereof. 

Witness  the  hand  and  seal  of  said  mortgagor  this day  of  ,  18 — . 


In  presence  of     j 


[seal.] 

[seal.] 

when  executed  and  acknowledged  according  to  law  shall  have  tlie  effect  of  a  conveyance  of 
the  land  therein  described,  together  with  all  the  rights,  privileges  and  appurtenances  thereunto 
belonging  in  pledge  to  the  mortgagee,  his  heirs,  assigns  and  legal  representatives  for  the  payment 
of  the  indebtedness  therein  set  forth,  with  covenant  from  the  mortgagor  that  all  taxes  and  assess- 
ments levied  and  assessed  upon  the  land  described  during  the  continuance  of  the  mortgage  shall 
be  paid  previous  to  the  day  appointed  by  law  for  the  sale  of  lands  for  taxes,  as  fully  as  the  forms 
of  mortgage  now  and  heretofore  in  common  use  in  this  State,  and  may  be  foreclosed  in  the  same 
manner  and  with  the  same  effect,  upon  any  default  being  made  in  any  of  the  conditions  thereof 
as  to  payment  of  either  principal,  interest  or  taxes. 

ASSIGNMENT  OF  MORTGAGE. 

Sec.  2210.     An  assignment  of  a  mortgage  substantially  in  the  following  form  : 
For  value  received  I,  A  B,  of ■,  Wisconsin,  hereby  assign  to  C  D,  of ,  Wis- 
consin, the  within  mortgage  (or  a  certain  mortgage  executed  to by  E  F  and  wife,  of 

County,  Wisconsin,  the day  oi'  — '■ ,  18 — ,  and  recorded  in  the  office  of  the  Register  of 

Deeds  of County,  Wisconsin,  in  Vol. of  mortgages,  on  page ),  together  with 

the and  indebtedness  therein  mentioned. 

Witness  my  hand  and  seal  this day  of ,  18 — . 

In  presence  of    ) 

I J  A  B.  [seal.] 


ABSTRACT    OF    LAWS.  275 

shall  be  sufficient  to  vest  in  the  assignee  for  all  purposes  all  the  rights  of  the  mortgagee 
under  the  mortgage,  and  the  amount  of  the  indebtedness  due  thereon  at  the  date  of  assignment. 
Such  assignment,  when  indorsed  upon  the  original  mortgage,  shall  not  require  an  acknowledg- 
ment in  order  to  entitle  the  same  to  be  recorded. 

TITLE  TO  REAL  PROPERTY  BY  DESCENT. 

Sec.  2270.  When  any  person  shall  die,  seized  of  any  lands,  tenements  or  hereditaments,  or 
any  right  thereto,  or  entitled  to  any  interest  therein  in  fee  simple,  or  for  the  life 'of  another,  not 
having  lawfully  devised  the  same,  they  shall  descend  subject  to  his  debts,  except  as  provided  in 
the  next  section,  in  the  manner  following : 

1.  In  equal  shares  to  his  children,  and  to  the  lawful  issue  of  any  deceased  child,  by  right 

of  representation;  and  if  there  be  no  child  of  the  intestate  living  at  liis  death,  his 
estate  sh^I  descend  to  all  his  other  lineal  descendants ;  and  if  all  the  said  descendants 
are  in  the  same  degree  of  kindred  to  the  intestate,  they  shall  share  the  estate  equally, 
otherwise  they  shall  take  according  to  the  right  of  representation. 

2.  If  he  shall  leave  no  lawful  issue,  to  his  widow ;  if  he  shall  leave  no  such  issue  or  widow, 

to  his  parents,  if  living ;  and  if  either  shall  not  be  living,  the  survivor  shall  inherit 
his  said  estate.  If  a  woman  shall  die,  leaving  no  issue,  her  estate  shall  descend  to 
her  husband,  if  she  shall  have  one  afthe  time  of  her  decease,  and  if  she  shall  leave, 
surviving  her,  neither  issue  nor  husband,  to  her  parents,  if  living ;  and  if  either  shall 
not  be  living,  the  survivor  shall  inherit  her  said  estate. 

3.  If  he  shall  leave  no  lawful  issue,  nor  widow,  nor  father,  nor  mother,  his  estate  shall 

descend  in  equal  shares  to  his  brothers  and  sisters,  and  to  the  children  of  any  deceased 
brother  or  sister,  by  right  of  representation. 

4.  If  the  intestate  shall  leave  no  lawful  issue,  widow,  father,  mother,  brother  nor  sister, 

his  estate  shall  descend  to  his  next  of  kin  in  equal  degree,  except  that  when  there  are 
two  or  more  collateral  kindred  in  equal  degree,  but  claiming  through  different  ances- 
tors, those  who  claim  through  the  nearest  ancestor  shall  be  preferred  to  those  claiming 
through  an  ancestor  more  remote;  provided,  however, 
6.  If  any  person  die  leaving  several  children,  or  leaving  one  child,  and  the  issue  of  one  or 
more  other  children,  and  any  such  sui'viving  child  shall  die  under  age,  and  not  having 
been  married,  all  the  estate  that  came  to  the  deceased  child,  by  inheritance  from  such 
deceased  parent,  shall  descend  in  equal  shares  to  the  other  children  of  the  same  parent, 
and  to  the  issue  of  any  such  other  children  who  shall  have  died,  by  right  of  representation. 

6.  If,  at  the  death  of  such  child,  who  shall  die  under  age,  and  not  having  been  married,  all 

the  other  children  of  his  said  parent  shall  also  be  dead,  and  any  of  them  shall  have  left 
issue,  the  estate  that  came  to  said  child  by  inheritance  from  his  said  parent,  shall 
descend  to  all  the  issue  of  the  other  children  of  the  same  parent ;  and  if  all  the  said 
issue  are  in  the  same  degree  of  kindred  to  said  child,  they  shall  share  the  said  estate 
equally ;  otherwise  they  shall  take  according  to  the  right  of  representation. 

7.  If  the  intestate  shall  have  no  widow  nor  kindred,  his  estate  shall  escheat  to   the   State, 

and  be  added  to  the  capital  of  the  school  fund. 
Sec.  2271.  When  the  owner  of  any  homestead  shall  die,  not  having  lawfully  devised  the 
same,  such  homestead  shall   descend  free  of  all  judgments  and  claims   against  such   deceased 
owner  or  his  estate,  except  mortgages  lawfully  executed  thereon,  and   laborers'  and  mechanics' 
liens,  in  the  manner  following  : 

1.  If  he  shall  have  no  lawful  issue,  to  his  widow. 

2.  If  he  shall  leave  a  widow  and  issue,  to  his  widow  during  her  widowhood,  and,  upon  her 

marriage  or  death,  to  his  heirs,  according  to  the  next  preceding  section. 

3.  If  he  shall  leave  issue  and  no  widow,  to  such  issue,  according  to  the  preceding  section. 

4.  If  he  shall  leave  no  issue  or  widow,  such  homestead  shall  descend  under  the  next  pre- 

ceding section,  subject  to  lawful  liens  thereon. 


276  HISTORY   OF   AVISCONSIN. 


OF  WILLS. 


Sbc.  2277.  Every  person  of  full  age,  and  any  married  woman  of  the  age  of  eighteen  years 
and  upward,  being  of  sound  mind,  seized  in  his  or  her  own  right  of  any  lands,  or  of  any  right 
thereto,  or  entitled  to  any  interest  therein,  descendible  to  his  or  her  heirs,  may  devise  and  dis- 
pose of  the  same  by  last  will  and  testament  in  writing ;  and  all  such  estate  not  disposed  of  by 
will,  shall  descend  as  the  estate  of  an  intestate,  being  chargeable,  in  both  cases,  with  the  pay- 
ment of  all  his  debts  or  her  debts,  except  as  provided  in  the  next  preceding  chapter,  and  in  sec- 
tion twenty-two  hundred  and  eighty. 

Sec.  2278.  Every  devise  of  land  in  any  will  shall  be  construed  to  convey  all  the  estate 
of  the  devisor  therein,  which  he  could  lawfully  devise,  unless  it  shall  clearly  appear  by  the  will 
that  the  devisor  intended  to  convey  a  less  estate. 

Sec.  2279.  Any  estate,  right  or  interest  in  lands  acquired  by  the  testator,  after  the  making 
of  his  will,  shall  pass  thereby  in  like  manner  as  if  possessed  at  the  time  of  making  the  will,  if 
such  shall  manifestly  appear,  by  the  will,  to  have  been  the  intention  of  the  testator. 

Sec.  2280.  When  any  homestead  shall  have  been  disposed  of  by  the  last  will  and  testa- 
ment of  the  owner  thereof,  the  devisee  shall  take  the  same,  free  of  all  judgments  and  claims 
against  the  testator  or  his  estate,  except  mortgages  lawfully  executed  thereon,  and  laborers'  and 
mechanics'  liens. 

Sec.  2281.  Every  person  of  full  age,  and  every  married  woman  of  the,  age  of  eighteen 
years  and  upward,  being  of  sound  mind,  may,  by  last  will  and  testament  in  writing,  bequeath 
and  dispose  of  all  his  or  her  personal  estate  remaining  at  his  or  her  decease,  and  all  his  or  her 
rights  thereto  and  interest  therein,  subject  to  the  payment  of  debts ;  and  all  such  estate  not  dis- 
posed of  by  the  will  shall  be  administered  as  intestate  estate. 

Sec.  2284.  All  beneficial  devises,  legacies  and  gifts  whatsoever,  made  or  given  in  any  will 
to  a  subscribing  witness  thereto,  shall  be  wholly  void,  unless  there  be  two  other  competent  sub- 
scribing witnesses  to  the  same  ;  but  a  mere  charge  on  the  lands  of  the  devisor  for  the  payment 
of  debts,  shall  not  prevent  his  creditors  from  being  competent  witnesses  to  his  will. 

Sec.  2285.  But  if  such  witness,  to  whom  any  beneficial  devise  may  have  been  made  or 
given,  would  have  been  entitled  to  any  share  of  the  estate  of  the  testator,  in  case  the  will  was 
not  established,  then  so  much  of  the  share  that  would  have  descended  or  been  distributed  to 
such  witness  as  will  not  exceed  the  devise  or  bequest  made  to  him  in  the  will,  shall  be  saved  to 
him,  and  he  may  recover  the  same  of  the  devisees  or  legatees  named  in  the  will,  in  proportion 
to  and  out  of  the  parts  devised  or  be((ueathed  to  them. 

Sec.  2286.  When  any  child  shall  be  born,  after  the  making  of  his  parent's  will,  and  no 
provision  shall  be  made  therein  for  him,  such  child  shall  have  the  same  share  in  the  estate  of  the 
testator  as  if  he  had  died  intestate  ;  and  the  share  of  such  child  shall  be  assigned  to  him,  as  pro- 
vided by  law,  in  case  of  intestate  estates,  unless  it  shall  be  apparent  from  the  will  that  it  was 
the  intention  of  the  testator  that  no  provision  should  be  made  for  such  child. 

Sec.  2290.  No  will,  or  any  part  thereof,  shall  be  revoked,  unless  by  burning,  tearing,  can- 
celing or  obliterating  the  same,  with  the  intention  of  revoking  it,  by  the  testator,  or  by  some 
person  in  his  presence,  and  by  his  direction,  or  by  some  other  will  or  codicil  in  writing,  executed 
as  prescribed  in  this  chapter,  or  by  some  other  writing,  signed,  attested  and  subscribed  in  the 
manner  provided  in  this  chapter,  for  the  execution  of  a  will ;  excepting,  only,  that  nothing  con- 
tained in  this  section  shall  prevent  the  revocation  implied  by  law,  from  subsequent  changes  in 
the  condition  or  circumstances  of  the  testator.  The  power  to  make  a  will  implies  the  power  to 
revoke  the  same. 

OF  THE  ADOPTION  OF  CHILDREN. 

Sec.  4021.  Any  inhabitant  of  this  State  may  petition  the  County  Court,  in  the  county  of 
his  residence,  for  leave  to  adopt  a  child  not  his  own  by  birth ;  but  no  such  petition  made  by  a 
married  person  shall  be  granted,  unless  the  husband  or  wife  of  the  petitioner  shall  join  therein ; 


ABSTRACT  OF   LAWS.  277 

nor  shall  any  such  petition  be  granted,  unless  the  child,  if  of  the  age  of  fourteen  years,  or  more, 
shall  consent  thereto  in  writing,  in  the  presence  of  the  court. 

Sec.  4022.  No  such  adoption  shall  be  made,  without  the  written  consent  of  the  living 
parents  of  such  child,  unless  the  court  shall  find  that  one  of  the  parents  has  abandoned  the  child, 
or  gone  to  parts  unknown,  when  such  consent  may  be  given  by  the  parent,  if  any,  having  the 
care  of  the  child.  In  case  where  neither  of  the  parents  is  living,  or  if  living,  have  abandoned 
the  child,  such  consent  may  be  given  by  the  guardian  of  such  child,  if  any  ;  if  such  child  has  no 
guardian,  such  consent  may  be  given  by  any  of  the  next  of  kin  of  such  child,  residing  in  this  State, 
or,  in  the  discretion  of  the  court,  by  some  suitable  person  to  be  appointed  by  the  court. 

2.  In  case  of  a  child  not  born  in  lawful  wedlock,  such  consent  may  be  given  by  the  mother, 
if  she  i3  living,  and  has  not  abandoned  such  child. 

Sec.  4023.  If  upon  such  petition  and  consent,  as  herein  provided,  the  County  Court  shall 
be  satisfied  of  the  identity  and  the  relations  of  the  persons,  and  that  the  petitioners  are  of  suffi- 
cient ability  to  bring  up,  and  furnish  suitable  nurture  and  education  for  the  child,  having  refer- 
ence to  the  degree  and  condition  of  its  parents,  and  that  it  is  proper  that  such  adoption  shall 
take  effect,  such  court  shall  make  an  order,  reciting  said  facts  that,  from  and  after  the  date 
thereof,  such  child  shall  be  deemed,  to  all  legal  intents  and  purposes,  the  child  of  the  petitioners  ; 
and  by  such  order  the  name  of  such  child  may  be  changed  to  that  of  the  parents  by  adoption. 

Sec.  4024.  A  child  so  adopted,  shall  be  deemed  for  the  purposes  of  inheritance  and  succes- 
sion by  such  child,  custody  of  the  person  and  right  of  obedience  by  such  parents  by  adoption, 
and  all  other  legal  consequences  and  incidents  of  the  natural  relation  of  parents  and  children, 
the  same  to  all  intents  and  purposes  as  if  such  child  had  been  born  in  lawful  wedlock  of  such 
parents  by  adoption,  excepting  that  such  child  shall  not  be  capable  of  taking  property 
expressly  limited  to  the  heirs  of  the  body  of  such  parents. 

The  natural  parents  of  such  child  shall  be  deprived,  by  such  order  of  adoption,  of  all  legal 
rights  whatsoever,  respecting  such  child,  and  such  child  shall  be  freed  from  all  legal  obligations  of 
maintenance  and  obedience  to  such  natural  parents. 

INTEREST. 

The  legal  rate  of  interest  is  7  per  cent.  A  higher  rate  of  interest,  not  exceeding  10  per 
cent,  may  be  contracted  for,  but  the  same  must  be  clearly  expressed  in  writing.  If  a  higher 
rate  than  10  per  cent  is  collected  or  paid,  the  party  so  paying  may,  by  himself  or  his  legal  rep- 
resentative, recover  treble  the  amount  so  paid  above  the  10  per  cent,  if  the  action  is  brought 
within  one  year,  and  all  bills,  notes,  or  other  contracts  whatsoever,  whereby  a  higher  rate  than  10 
per  cent  is  secured,  shall  be  liable  for  the  principal  sum,  but  no  interest  shall  be  recovered. 

JURISDICTION  OF  COURTS. 

The  Circuit  Courts  have  general  jurisdiction  over  all  civil  and  criminal  actions  within  their 
respective  circuits,  subject  to  a  re-examination  by  the  Supreme  Court. 

The  County  Courts  shall  have  jurisdiction  over  the  probate  matters  in  their  respective 
counties,  and  shall  have  exclusive  appellate  jurisdiction  in  the  counties  of  Brown,  Dodge,  Fond 
du  Lac,  Milwaukee  and  Winnebago  in  all  cases  of  appeals  from  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  civil 
actions,  and  all  cases  commenced  in  Justices'  Courts  therein,  there  shall  be  an  answer  put  in, 
showing  that  the  title  of  lands  will  come  in  question. 

And  such  Courts  shall  have  concurrent  and  equal  jurisdiction  in  all  civil  actions  and  pro- 
ceedings with  the  Circuit  Courts  of  said  counties  to  the  following  extent  respectively : 

The  County  Court  of  Brown,  when  the  value  of  the  property  in  controversy,  after  deduct- 
ing all  payments  and  set-off's,  shall  not  exceed  five  thousand  dollars. 

The  County  Court  of  Dodge  County,  when  such  value  shall  not  exceed  twenty-five  thousand 
dollars. 


278  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

The  County  Court  of  Fond  du  Lac,  when  such  value  shall  not  exceed  twenty  thousand 
dollars. 

The  County  Court  of  Milwaukee,  when  such  value  does  not  exceed  five  million  dollars. 

The  County  of  Winnebago,  when  such  value  does  not  exceed  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

They  shall  have  jurisdiction  of  all  actions  for  foreclosure  where  tiie  value  does  not  exceed 
the  above  amounts,  and  of  all  actions  for  divorce  or  for  affirmation  or  annuUment  of  marriage 
contract. 

Justices  of  the  Peace  have  jurisdiction  in  civil  matters  where  two  hundred  dollars  or  less 
are  involved. 

The  criminal  jurisdiction  of  Justices  extends  to  all  cases  where  the  fine  is  one  hundred  dol- 
lars, or  the  imprisonment  six  months. 

JURORS. 

All  persons  who  are  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  qualified  electors  of  the  State  shall 
be  liable  to  be  drawn  as  jurors,  except  as  provided  as  follows  : 

The  following  persons  shall  be  exempt  from  serving  as  jurors: 

All  officers  of  the  United  States,  the  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  Secretary  of  State, 
Attorney  General,  State  Superintendent  and  Treasurer ;  all  Judges,  Clerks  of  Courts  of  Record ; 
all  county  officers,  Constables,  attorneys  and  counselors  at  law,  ministers  of  the  Gospel  of  any 
religious  society,  practicing  physicians,  surgeons,  dentists,  and  the  President,  pi-ofessors  and 
instructors  of  the  University  and  their  assistants,  and  of  the  several  colleges  and  incorporated 
academies ;  all  teachers  of  the  State  Normal  Schools,  one  teacher  in  each  common  school,  the 
officers  and  employes  of  the  several  State  institutions,  one  miller  in  each  grist-mill,  one  ferry- 
man at  each  licensed  ferry,  one  dispensing  druggist  in  each  prescription  drug-store,  all  telegraph 
operators  and  superintendents,  conductors,  engineers,  firemen,  collectors  and  station-agents  of 
any  railroad  or  canal,  while  in  actual  employment  as  such  ;  all  officers  of  fire  departments,  and 
all  active  members  of  fire  companies  organized  according  to  law  ;  all  persons  more  than  sixty 
years  of  age,  and  all  persons  of  unsound  mind  or  subject  to  any  bodily  infirmity  amounting  to 
disability  ;  all  persons  who  have  been  convicted  of  any  infamous  crime,  and  all  persons  who  have 
served  at  any  regular  term  of  the  Circuit  Court  as  a  grand  or  petit  juror  within  one  year,  except 
he  shall  be  summoned  on  a  special  venire  or  as  a  talesman. 

CAPITAL  PUNISHMENT. 
Capital  punishment  has  been  abolished  in  this  State. 

WOLF  SCALPS. 
A  bounty  of  five  dollars  is  paid  for  each  wolf  scalp. 

WEIGHTS  AND  MEASURES. 

Whenever  either  of  the  articles,  as  commodities  hereafter  mentioned,  shall  be  sold  by  the 
bushel,  and  no  special  agreement  as  to  measure  or  weight  thereof  shall  be  made  by  the  parties, 
the  measure  shall  be  ascertained  by  weight,  and  shall  be  computed  as  follows: 

Sixty  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  wheat,  clover  seed,  potatoes  or  beans. 

Fifty  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  green  apples ;  fifty-six  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  rutabagas,  flax- 
seed, rye  or  Indian  corn  shelled,  and  seventy  pounds  of  Indian  corn  unshelled;  fifty  pounds  for 
a  bushel  of  rape  seed,  buckwheat,  beets,  carrots  or  onions  ;  forty-eight  pounds  for  a  bushel  of 
barley  ;  forty-five  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  timothy  seed  ;  forty-four  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  pai-s- 
nips  ;  forty-two  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  common  flat  turnips  ;  thirty-two  pounds  for  a  bushel  of 
oats ;  and  twenty-eight  pounds  for  a  bushel  of  dried  apples  or  dried  peaches. 


ABSTRACT   OF    LAWS.  279 

No  person  shall  sell,  buy  or  receive  in  store  any  grain  at  any  weight  or  measure  per  bushel 
other  than  the  standard  weight  or  measure  per  bushel  fixed  by  law  ;  and,  for  any  violation,  the 
offender  shall  forfeit  not  less  than  five  nor  more  than  fifty  dollars. 

DAMAGES  FOR  TRESPASS. 

Any  person  who  shall  willfully,  maliciously  or  wantonly  destroy,  remove,  throw  down  or 
injure  any  fence,  hedge  or  wall  inclosing  any  orchard,  pasture,  meadow,  garden,  or  any  field 
whatever  on  land  belonging  to  or  lawfully  occupied  by  another,  or  open  and  leave  open,  throw 
down,  injure,  remove  or  destroy  any  gate  or  bars  in  such  fence,  hedge  or  wall,  or  cut  down,  root 
up,  sever,  injure,  destroy  or  carry  away  when  severed,  any  fruit,  shade,  ornamental  or  other  tree, 
or  any  shrub,  root,  plant,  fruit,  flower,  grain  or  other  vegetable  production,  or  dig  up,  sever  or 
carry  away  any  mineral,  earth  or  stone,  or  tear  down,  mutilate,  deface  or  injure  any  building, 
signboard,  fence  or  railing,  or  sever  and  carry  away  any  part  thereof,  standing  or  being  upon  the 
land  of  another  or  held  in  trust,  or  who  shall  willfully,  maliciously  or  wantonly  cut  down,  root 
up,  injure,  destroy  or  remove  or  carry  away  any  fruit,  ornamental  or  other  tree,  or  any  shrub, 
fruit,  flower,  vase  or  statue,  arbor,  or  any  ornamental  structure,  standing  or  being  in  any  street 
or  public  ground  in  any  city  or  village,  in  any  private  inclosure  or  highway,  or  destroy,  remove, 
mutilate  or  injure  any  milestone  or  board,  or  any  guide-post  or  board  erected  in  any  highway  or 
public  way,  or  on  any  turnpike,  plank-road  or  railroad,  or  deface  or  obliterate  any  device  or  inscrip- 
tion thereon,  or  cut  down,  break  down,  remove,  mutilate  or  injure  any  monument  erected  or  tree 
marked  for  the  purpose  of  designating  the  boundaries  of  any  town  or  tract  of  land  or  subdivision 
thereof,  or  deface  or  obliterate  any  figures,  letters,  device  or  inscription  thereon,  made  for  such 
purpose,  or  break,  remove,  destroy  or  injure  any  post,  guard,  railing  or  lamp-post  or  lamp 
thereon,  erected  or  being  on  any  bridge,  street,  sidewalk,  alley,  court,  passage,  park,  public 
ground,  highway,  turnpike,  plank  or  rail  road,  or  extinguish  or  break  any  lamp  on  any  such 
lamp-post,  or  tear,  deface,  mutilate  or  injure  any  book,  map,  pamphlet,  chart,  picture  or  other 
property  belonging  to  any  public  library,  or  take  and  carry  away  the  same  with  intent  to  con- 
vert to  his  own  use,  or  shall  injure  or  destroy  any  personal  property  of  another,  shall  be  pun- 
ished by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  six  months,  or  by  fine  not  exceeding 
one  hundred  dollars. 

Any  person  who  sBall  willfully,  maliciously  or  wantonly  kill,  maim,  mutilate,  disfigure  or 
injure  any  hoi'se,  mule,  cattle,  sheep  or  other  domestic  animal  of  another,  or  administer  poison 
to  such  animal,  or  expose  any  poison,  with  intent  that  the  same  may  be  taken  or  swallowed  by 
such  animal ;  and  any  person  who  shall  overdrive,  overwork,  overload,  maim,  wound,  torture, 
torment,  cruelly  beat  or  kill  any  sucli  animal  belonging  to  himself  or  another,  or  being  the  owner 
or  having  the  care  or  charge  thereof,  shall  fail  to  provide  necessary  food,  water  or  shelter  for  any 
such  animal,  or  who  shall  turn  out  and  abandon,  without  proper  care  and  protection,  or  cruelly 
work  any  such  animal  when  old,  diseased,  disabled  or  unfit  for  work,  or  shall  carry  or  confine 
any  live  animal,  fowl  or  bird,  in  a  cruel  or  inhuman  manner,  or  who  shall  cause,  procure  or  abet 
any  cruelty  above  mentioned,  or  the  fighting  or  baiting  of  bulls,  dogs  or  cocks,  shall  be  punished 
by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  six  months  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  one  hun- 
dred dollars. 

ESTRAYS. 

No  stray,  except  horses  and  mules,  shall  be  taken  up  by  any  person  not  a  resident  of  the 
town  in  which  it  is  found  ;  nor  unless  it  is  found  upon  land  owned  or  occupied  by  him.  Every 
finder  for  a  stray  must  notify  the  owner,  if  he  is  known,  within  seven  days,  and  request  him  to 
pay  all  reasonable  charges  and  take  the  stray  away.  If  the  owner  is  not  known,  he  must  file  a 
notice  with  the  Town  Clerk  within  ten  days,  who  shall  transmit  a  copy  thereof  to  the  County 
Clerk. 

If  the  stray  is  not  worth  five  dollars,  the  finder  shall  po?t  a  copy  of  such  notice  in  two  pub- 
lic places  in  such  town  ;  if  it  exceed  five  dollars  in  value,  he  shall  publish  such  notice  four 


280  IIISTOKY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

successive  weeks  either  in  some  newspaper  published  in  the  county  or  in  an  adjoining  county,  if  one 
be  published  nearer  his  residence  than  any  published  in  his  county ;  but  if  no  newspaper  is  pub- 
lished within  twenty  miles  of  his  residence,  then  he  must  post  such  notice  in  three  public  places 
in  his  county.  Such  notice  shall  describe  the  stray  by  giving  its  marks,  natural  or  artificial,  as 
near  as  possible,  the  name  and  residence  of  the  finder,  specifying  the  section  and  town,  and  tlie 
time  when  such  stray  was  taken  up.  For  neglect  to  post  up  or  publish  as  required,  the  finder 
shall  be  liable  to  double  the  amount  of  damages  sustained  by  the  owner.  For  neglect  to  post  or 
publish  for  one  year,  the  finder  shall  be  liable  for  its  full  value,  to  be  recovered  in  the  name  of 
the  town,  and  the  amount  recovered  to  be  added  to  the  school  fund  of  such  town. 

The  finder  shall,  within  one  month,  cause  the  stray  to  be  appraised  by  a  Justice  of  the  Peace 
and  a  certificate  of  such  appraisal  signed  by  such  Justice  filed  in  the  Town  Clerk's  office.  The 
finder  shall  pay  the  Justice  fifty  cents  for  such  certificate,  and  ten  cents  per  mile  for  each  mile 
necessarily  traveled  to  make  the  same. 

The  owner  may  have  the  same  restored  to  him  any  time  within  one  year  after  such  notice 
is  filed  in  the  town  Clerk's  ofiice,  by  pi'oving  that  the  stray  belongs  to  him,  and  paying  all  lawful 
charges  incurred  in  relation  to  the  same.  If  the  owner  and  finder  cannot  agree  as  to  the  charges, 
either  party,  on  notice  to  the  other,  may  apply  to  a  Justice  of  such  town  to  settle  the  same,  who, 
for  that  purpose,  may  examine  witnesses  upon  oath,  and  tlie  amount  found  due,  with  the 
costs,  sliali  be  a  lien  upon  sucli  stray.  If  no  owner  applies  for  the  return  of  such  stray,  as  pro- 
vided, and  the  same  is  not  worth  more  than  ten  dollars,  it  shall  become  the  absolute  property  of 
such  finder ;  but  if  the  appraisal  shall  exceed  ten  dollars,  it  shall  be  sold  at  public  auction  by 
the  Sheriff  or  any  Constable  of  the  county,  on  the  request  of  the  finder,  and  he  shall  be  entitled 
to  one-half  the  proceeds,  and  the  other  half  shall  be  paid  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  town  within 
ten  days.  If  the  finder  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  cause  such  sale,  he  shall  pay  to  the  town  the 
value  of  such  stray,  to  be  recovered  by  the  town. 

If  any  person,  without  the  consent  of  the  owner,  shall  take  away  such  stray,  without  first 
paying  the  lawful  charges,  he  shall  be  liable  to  the  finder  for  the  value  of  such  stray.  If  the  finder 
shall  neglect  to  do  any  act  prescribed  above,  he  shall  be  precluded  from  acquiring  any  right  in 
such  stray,  and  from  receiving  any  charges  or  expenses  relative  thereto. 

FENCES.  • 

The  Overseers  of  Highways  in  their  respective  towns,  the  Aldermen  of  cities  in  their 
respective  wards,  and  the  Trustees  of  villages  in  their  respective  villages,  shall  be  Fence  Viewers, 
and  in  towns  liaving  less  than  three  road  districts,  the  Supervisors  shall  be  Fence  Viewers. 

All  fences  four  and  a  half  feet  high,  and  in  good  repair,  consisting  of  rails,  timber,  boards 
or  stone  walls,  or  any  combination  thereof,  and  all  brooks,  rivers,  ponds,  creeks,  ditches  and 
hedges  or  other  things  which  shall  be  considered  equivalent  thereto,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Fence  Viewers,  within  whose  jurisdiction  the  same  may  be,  shall  be  deemed  legal  and  sufficient 
fences.  Every  partition  of  a  fence,  or  line  upon  which  a  fence  is  to  be  built,  made  by  the  owners 
of  the  adjoining  lands,  in  writing,  sealed  and  witnessed  by  two  witnesses,  or  by  Fence  Viewers 
in  writing,  under  their  hands,  after  being  recorded  in  the  Town  Clerk's  office,  shall  oblige  such 
owners  and  their  heirs,  as  long  as  they  remain  owners,  and  after  parting  with  the  ownership, 
until  a  new  partition  is  made.  A  division  of  a  partition  fence,  or  line  upon  which  a  partition 
fence  between  adjoining  lands  shall  be  built,  may  be  made  by  Fence  Viewers  in  the  following 
cases : 

1.  When  any  owner  of  uninclosed  lands  shall  desire  to  inclose  the  same,  he  may  have  the 
line  between  his  land  and  the  adjoining  land  of  any  other  person  divided,  and  the  portion  upon 
which  the  respective  owners  shall  erect  their  share  of  the  partition  fence  assigned,  whether  sucii 
adjoining  land  be  inclosed  or  not. 

2.  When  any  lands  belonging  to  different  persons  in  severalty,  shall  have  been  occupied 
in  common,  or  without  a  partition  fence  between  them,  and  one  of  the  occupants  shall  be  desirous 


ABSTRACT   OF    LAWS.  281 

to  occupy  his  part  in  severalty,  and  the  others  shall  refuse  or  neglect,  on  demand,  to  divide 
with  him  the  line  where  the  fence  ought  to  be  built,  or  to  build  a  sufficient  fence  on  his  part  of 
the  line,  when  divided,  the  occupant  desiring  it  may  have  the  same  divided,  and  the  share  of 
each  assigned. 

3.  When  any  controversy  shall  arise  about  the  right  of  the  respective  occupants  in  parti- 
tion fences,  or  their  obligations  to  maintain  the  same,  either  party  may  have  the  line  divided,  and 
the  share  of  each  assigned. 

In  either  case,  application  may  be  made  to  two  or  more  Fence  Viewers  of  the  town  where 
the  lands  lie,  wlio  shall  give  reasonable  notice  in  writing  to  each  party,  and  they  shall  in  writing 
under  their  hands,  divide  the  partition  fence  or  line,  and  assign  to  each  owner  or  occupant  his 
share  thereof,  and  in  the  second  and  third  cases  direct  within  what  time  each  party  shall  build 
or  repair  his  share  of  the  fence,  having  regard  to  the  season  of  the  year,  and  shall  file  such  deci- 
sion in  the  Town  Clerk's  office.  If  either  party  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  build  or  repair  within 
the  time  so  assigned,  his  part  of  the  fence,  the  other  may,  after  having  completed  his  own  part, 
build  or  repair  such  part,  and  recover  double  the  expense  thereof 

Where  the  whole  or  a  greater  share  than  belongs  to  him  has  been  built  by  one  of  the  occu- 
pants, before  complaint  to  the  Fence  Viewers,  the  other  shall  be  obliged  to  pay  for  his  share  of 
such  fence. 

Where  uninclosed  land  is  afterward  inclosed,  the  owner  shall  pay  for  one-half  the  partition 
fence  upon  the  line  between  him  and  any  other  owner  or  occupant. 

If  any  person  shall  determine  not  to  keep  inclosed  any  part  of  his  land  adjoining  any  par- 
tition fence,  and  shall  give  six  months'  notice  of  such  determination  to  all  adjoining  occupants, 
he  shall  not  be  required  to  maintain  any  part  of  such  fence  during  the  time  his  lands  shall  lie 
open. 

LANDLORD  AND  TENANT. 

The  common  law  right  to  destrain  for  rent  is  abolished. 

The  atonement  of  a  tenant  to  a  stranger  shall  be  absolutely  void,  and  shall  not  in  anywise 
effect  the  possession  of  his  landlord,  unless  it  be  made 

1.  With  the  consent  of  the  landlord ;  or 

2.  Pursuant  to,  or  in  consequence  of,  a  judgment  or  order  of  a  court  of  competent  juris- 
diction; or 

3.  To  a  purchaser  upon  a  judicial  sale,  who  shall  have  acquired  title  to  the  lands  by  a 
conveyance  thereof,  after  the  period  for  redemption,  if  any,  has  expired.  A  tenancy,  a  will  or 
sufferance  may  be  determined  by  the  landlord,  giving  one  month's  notice  to  quit,  or  the  tenant 
giving  one  month's  notice  of  his  intention  to  quit,  or  if  the  terms  of  payment  are  for  less  than  a 
month,  notice  equal  to  the  time  between  payments,  or  for  non-payment  of  rent,  fourteen  days' 
notice  to  quit.  Such  notice  shall  be  served  by  delivering  the  same  to  such  tenant,  or  to  some 
person  of  proper  age  residing  on  the  premises,  or  if  no  such  person  can  be  found,  by  affixing  the 
same  in  a  conspicuous  part  of  the  premises,  where  it  may  be  conveniently  read,  and,  at  the  expi- 
ration of  the  time  required  after  the  service  of  such  notice,  the  landlord  may  re-enter,  or  main- 
tain an  action  for  the  recovery  of  the  possession  thereof,  or  proceed  in  the  manner  prescribed  by 
law  to  remove  such  tenant  without  further  or  other  notice  to  quit.  If,  after  giving  notice  of  deter- 
mination to  quit,  the  tenant  neglects  or  refuses  to  deliver  up  the  premises,  he  shall  be  liable  to 
double  the  rent  agreed  upon,  to  be  collected  the  same  as  single  rent. 

MARKS  AND  BRANDS. 

Every  Town  Clerk  shall,  on  application  of  any  person  residing  in  his  town,  record  a 
description  of  the  marks  or  brands  with  which  such  person  may  be  desirous  of  marking  his 
horses,  cattle,  sheep  or  hogs ;  but  the  same  description  shall  not  be  recorded  or  used  by  more 
than  one  resident  of  the  same  town.     If  any  person  shall  mark  any  of  his  horses,  cattle,  sheep 


282  HISTORY   OF    WISCONSIN. 

or  hogs,  with  the  same  mark  or  brand  previously  recorded  by  any  resident  of  the  same  town, 
and  while  the  same  mark  or  brand  shall  be  used  by  such  resident,  he  shall  forfeit  for  every  such 
offense  $5 ;  if  any  person  shall  willfully  mark  or  brand  any  of  the  horses,  cattle,  sheep  or  hogs, 
of  any  other  person  with  his  mark  or  brand,  he  shall  forfeit  for  every  such  offense  $10  ;  and,  if 
any  person  shall  willfully  destroy  or  alter  any  mark  or  brand  upon  any  of  the  horses,  cattle,  sheep 
or  hogs  of  another,  he  shall  forfeit  $10,  and  pay  to  the  party  injured  double  damages. 

SURVEYORS  AND  SURVEYS. 

A  County  Surveyor  is  elected  every  two  years. 

The  surveyor  may  appoint  and  remove  deputies  at  will,  on  filing  a  certificate  thereof  with 
the  County  Clerk.  He  shall  be  responsible  on  his  bond  for  the  faithful  performance  by  every 
deputy  of  his  duties. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  County  Surveyor: 

(1.)  To  execute,  himself  or  by  his  deputy,  any  survey  which  may  be  required  of  him  by 
order  of  court,  or  upon  application  of  any  individual  or  corporation. 

(2.)  To  make  a  record  of  the  plat  and  field  notes  of  each  survey  made  by  him  or  his 
deputies,  in  record  books  kept  therefor,  and  to  so  arrange  or  index  the  same  as  to  be  easy  of 
reference,  and  to  file  and  preserve  in  his  office  the  original  field  notes  and  calculations  thereof. 

(3.)  To  safely  keep  all  books,  records,  plats,  files,  papers  and  property  belonging  to  his 
ofiice ;  afford  opportunity  to  examine  the  same  to  any  person  desiring,  and  deliver  the  same  to 
his  successor  in  office. 

(4.)  To  furnish  a  copy  of  any  record,  plat  or  paper  in  his  office,  to  any  person  on  demand 
and  payment  of  his  legal  fees  therefor. 

(5.)  To  administer  to  every  chainman  and  marker  assisting  in  any  survey,  before  com- 
mencing their  duties  as  such,  an  oath  or  affirmation  faithfully  and  impartially  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  chainman  or  marker,  as  the  case  may  be ;  and  the  surveyor  and  his  deputies  are 
empowered  to  administer  the  same. 

(6.)     To  perform  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  by  law. 

The  surveyor  and  his  deputies  may  demand  and  receive  the  following  fees,  except  it  be  other- 
wise agreed  upon  with  the  parties  employing  them,  to  wit  : 

For  each  day's  service,  $3. 

For  each  mile  traveled  in  going  from  his  office  to  the  place  of  rendering  service  and  return- 
ing, 10  cents. 

For  plat  and  certificate,  except  town  plats,  50  cents. 

For  recording  a  survey,  50  cents. 

For  each  chainman  and  marker  necessarily  employed,  $1.50  per  day,  unless  they  be  fur- 
nished by  the  person  for  whom  the  survey  is  made. 

For  making  a  copy,  10  cents  a  folio,  and  25  cents  for  his  certificate. 

SUPPORT  OF  THE  POOR. 

Every  town  shall  relieve  and  support  all  poor  and  indigent  persons  lawfully  settled  therein, 
whenever  they  shall  stand  in  need  thereof,  excepting  as  follows: 

The  father,  mother  and  children,  being  of  sufficient  ability,  of  any  poor  person,  who  is  blind, 
old,  lame,  impotent  or  decrepit,  so  as  to  be  unable  to  maintain  himself,  shall,  at  their  own 
charge,  relieve  and  maintain  such  poor  person  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  approved  by  the  Super 
visors  of  the  town  where  such  person  may  be,  and,  upon  the  failure  of  any  such  relative  so  to  do, 
the  Supervisors  shall  apply  to  the  County  Judge  for  an  order  to  compel  such  relief 

Legal  settlement  may  be  acquired  by  one  year's  residence  in  a  town  of  this  State. 


ABSTRACT   OF   LAWS.  283 

MARRIED  WOMEN. 

In  Wisconsin,  the  marriage  of  a  femvie  sole,  executrix  ot  administratrix,  extinguishes  her 
authority  ;  and  of  a  female  ward,  terminates  the  guardianship  as  to  custody  of  person,  but  not 
as  to  estate.  The  husband  hokls  his  deceased  wife's  lands  for  life,  unless  she  left,  by  a  former 
husband,  issue  to  whom  the  estate  might  descend.  Provisions  exist  by  which  powers  may  be 
given  to  married  women,  and  regulating  their  execution  of  them.  If  husband  and  wife  are 
impleaded,  and  the  husband  neglects  to  defend  the  rights  of  the  wife,  she  applying  before  judg- 
ment, may  defend  without  him ;  and,  if  he  lose  her  land,  by  default,  she  may  bring  an  action 
for  ejectment  after  his  death.  The  real  estate  of  females  married  before,  and  the  real  and  per- 
sonal property  of  those  after  February  21,  1850,  remain  their  separate  property.  And  any 
married  woman  may  receive,  but  not  from  her  husband,  and  hold  any  property  as  if  unmarried. 
She  may  insure  the  life  of  her  husband,  son,  or  any  other  person,  for  her  own  exclusive  benefit. 
The  property  of  the  wife  remains  to  her  separate  use,  not  liable  for  her  husband's  debts,  and 
not  subject  to  his  disposal.  She  may  convey  her  separate  property.  If  her  husband  desert 
her,  or  neglect  her,  she  may  become  a  sole  trader;  and  she  may  insure  his  life  for  her  benefit. 
Her  husband  is  not  liable  for  her  debts  contracted  before  marriage  ;  the  individual  earnings  of 
the  wife  are  her  separate  property,  and  she  may  sue,  and  be  sued  alone,  in  regard  to  the  same. 
She  may  make  and  hold  deposits  in  savings-banks.  She  may,  by  a  separate  conveyance,  release 
her  dower  in  any  lands  which  her  husband  has  conveyed. 

If  a  woman  has  authority,  she  can  transact  all  her  husband's  business  for  him  ;  and  while 
they  live  together,  the  wife  can  buy  all  family  things  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  family, 
and  for  which  he  is  liable. 

The  husband  is  responsible  for  necessaries  supplied  to  his  wife,  if  he  does  not  supply  them 
himself ;  and  he  continues  so  liable,  if  he  turns  her  out  of  his  house,  or  otherwise  separates  him- 
self from  her  without  good  cause.  But  he  is  not  so  liable,  if  she  deserts  him  (unless  on  extreme 
provocation),  or  if  he  turns  her  away  for  good  cause.  If  she  leaves  him,  because  he  treats  her 
so  ill,  that  she  has  good  right  to  go  from  him,  this  is  the  same  thing  as  turning  her  away,  and 
she  carries  with  her  his  credit  for  all  necessaries  supplied  to  her  ;  but  what  the  misconduct  must 
be,  to  give  this  right,  is  uncertain.  In  America  the  law  miist  be,  and  undoubtedly  is,  that  the 
wife  is  not  obliged  to  stay  and  endure  cruelty  and  indecency. 

If  a  man  lives  with  a  woman  as  his  wife,  and  represents  her  to  be  so,  he  is  responsible,  the 
same  as  if  she  were  his  wife,  even  if  it  is  known  that  she  is  not  his  wife.        • 

ACTIONS. 

All  distinctions  have  been  abolished,  and  there  is  now  but  one  form,  which  must  be  prose- 
cuted in  the  name  of  the  real  party  in  interest,  except  in  case  of  executors,  administrators  and 
trustees,  and  which  is  begun  by  the  service  of  a  summons  on  the  defendant,  to  be  answered 
within  twenty  days. 

ARREST. 

Defendant  may  be  arrested  :  1.  In  an  action  to  recover  damages  not  on  contract,  where 
the  defendant  is  a  non-resident,  or  is  about  to  remove  from  the  State,  or  where  the  action  is  for 
injury  to  the  person  or  character,  or  for  injury  to,  or  wrong  taking,  detaining  or  converting 
property,  or  in  an  action  to  recover  damages  for  property  taken  under  false  pretenses. 

2.  In  an  action  for  a  fine  or  penalty  or  for  money  received  or  property  embezzled  or 
fraudulently  misapplied  by  a  public  officer  or  attorney,  solicitor,  or  counsel  or  officer  of  a  corpora- 
tion as  such,  or  factor  agent  or  broker,  or  for  misconduct  or  neglect  in  ofl5cial  or  professional 
employment. 

3.  In  an  action  to  recover  property  unjustly  detained  where  it  is  so  concealed  that  the 
Sheriff  cannot  find  the  same. 


284  HISTORY  OF   WISCONSIN. 

4.  Where  the  defendant  was  guilty  of  fraud  in  contracting  the  debt,  or  in  concealing  or 
disposing  of  the  property  for  the  taking,  detaining  or  disposing  of  which  the  action  is  brought. 

An  affidavit  must  be  made  on  the  part  of  the  plaintiff,  stating  the  cause  of  action  and  one 
of  the  above  causes. 

ATTACHMENT 

is  allowed  on  an  affidavit  that  the  defendant  is  indebted  to  plaintiff,  and  stating  the  amount  and 
that  it  is  due  on  contract ;  and, 

1.  That  defendant  has  absconded,  or  is  about  to  abscond,  or  is  concealed  to  the  injury  of 
his  creditors. 

2.  That  defendant  has  assigned,  disposed  or  concealed  his  property  or  is  about  to  do  so 
with  intent  to  defraud  creditors. 

3.  That  the  defendant  has  removed,  or  is  about  to  remove,  liis  property  from  the  State 
with  intent  to  defraud  creditors. 

4.  That  the  debt  was  fraudulently  contracted. 

5.  That  he  is  a  non-resident. 

6.  Or  a  foreign  corporation. 

7.  That  he  has  fraudulently  conveyed  or  disposed  of  his  property  with  intent  to  defraud 
creditors. 

The  amount  sued  for  must  exceed  $50. 

GARNISHMENT 

is  allowed  on  an  affidavit  on  behalf  of  the  creditor,  that  he  believes  that  any  third  person  (naming 
him)  has  property  effects,  or  credits  of  defendant,  or  is  indebted  to  him,  also  in  execution,  on  a 
similar  affidavit. 

JUDGMENT 

is  a  lien  on  real  estate  in  the  county  where  rendered  from  the  date  of  docketing,  and  in  other 
counties  from  the  time  of  filing  a  transcript,  and  the  lien  continues  for  ten  years.  It  bears 
interest  at  7  per  cent,  or  as  high  as  10  per  cent  if  stipulated  for  in  the  contract. 

STAY   LAWS. 

In  Justices'  Courts,  on  giving  bond  with  surety  within  five  days  after  judgment  was  ren- 
dered, stay  of  execution  is  allowed,  as  follows : 

On  sums  not  exceeding  $10,  exclusive  of  costs,  one  month  ;  between  $10  and  $30,  two 
months  ;  between  $30  and  $50,  three  months ;  over  $50,  four  months. 

EXEMPTIONS. 

A  homestead  not  exceeding  forty  acres,  used  for  agriculture  and  a  residence,  and  not 
included  in  a  town  plat  or  a  city  or  village ;  or,  instead,  one-quarter  of  an  acre  in  a  recorded 
town  plat,  city  or  village.  Also,  1,  Family  Bible :  2,  Family  pictures  and  school-books;  3, 
Private  library ;  4,  Seat  or  pew  in  church ;  5,  Right  of  burial :  6.  Wearing-apparel,  beds,  bed- 
steads and  bedding,  kept  and  used  in  the  family,  stoves  and  appurtenances,  put  up  and  used, 
cooking  utensils  and  houseliold  furniture  to  the  value  of  $200,  one  gun,  rifle  or  fire-arm  to  the 
value  of  $50  ;  7,  Two  cows,  ten  swine,  one  yoke  of  oxen  and  one  horse  or  mule,  or,  in  lieu 
thereof,  a  span  of  horses  or  mules,  ten  sheep  and  the  wool  therefrom,  necessary  food  for  exempt 
stock  for  one  year,  provided  or  growing  or  both,  one  wagon,  cart  or  dray,  one  sleigh,  one  plow, 
one  drag  and  other  farm  utensils,  including  tackle  for  the  teams  to  the  value  of  $50 ;  8,  Provis- 
ions and  fuel  for  the  family  for  one  year ;    9,  Tools  and  implements  or  stock-in-trade  of  a 


ABSTRACT   OF   LAWS.  285 

mechanic  or  miner,  used  and  kept,  not  exceeding  $200  in  value,  library  and  implements  of  a 
professional  man  to  the  value  of  $200 ;  10,  Money  arising  from  insurance  of  exempt  property 
destroyed  by  fire;  11,  Inventions  for  debts  against  the  inventor;  12,  Sewing-machines;  13, 
Sword,  plate,  books  or  articles  presented  by  Congress  or  Legislature  of  a  State ;  14,  Printing- 
material  and  presses  to  the  value  of  $1,500;  15,  Earnings  of  a  married  person  necessary  for 
family  support  for  sixty  days  previous  to  issuing  process. 

LIMITATIONS  OF  ACTIONS. 

Real  actions,  twenty  years  ;  persons  under  disabilities,  five  years  after  removal  of  the  same. 
Judgments  of  Courts  of  Record  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  and  sealed  instruments  when  the 
cause  accrues  within  the  State,  twenty  years.  Judgments  of  other  Courts  of  Record  and  sealed 
instruments  accruing  without  the  State,  ten  years.  Other  contracts,  statute  liabilities 
other  than  penalties  and  forfeitures,  trespass  on  real  property,  trover  detinue  and  replevin, 
six  years.  Actions  against  Sheriffs,  Coroners  and  Constables,  for  acts  done  in  their  official 
capacity,  except  for  escapes,  three  years.  Statutory  penalties  and  forfeitures,  libel,  slander, 
assault,  battery  and  false  imprisonment,  two  years.  Actions  against  Sheriffs,  etc.,  for  escapes, 
one  year.  Persons  under  disabilities,  except  infants,  may  bring  action  after  the  disability  ceases, 
provided  the  period  is  not  extended  more  than  ^'re  2/ears,  and  infants  one  year  after  coming  of 
age.  Actions  by  representatives  of  deceased  persons,  one  year  from  death ;  against  the  same, 
one  year  from  granting  letters  testamentary  or  of  administration.  New  promise  must  be  in 
■writing. 

COMMERCIAL   TERMS. 

$ — Means  dollars,  being  a  contraction  of  U.  S.,  which  was  formerly  placed  before  any 
denomination  of  money,  and  meant,  as  it  means  now.  United  States  currency. 

£ — Means  pounds,  English  money. 

@ — Stands  for  at  or  to ;  Ife  for  pounds,  and  bbl.  for  barrels ;  "^  for  per,  or  by  the.  Thus  : 
Butter  sells  at  20@.30c  f  ft,  and  Flour  at  $8(«  12  f  bbl.   %  for  per  cent.,  and  *  for  numbers. 

May  1.  Wheat  sells  at  $1.20@$1. 25,  "  seller  June."  Seller  June  means  that  the  person 
who  sells  the  wheat  has  the  privilege  of  delivering  it  at  any  time  during  the  month  of  June. 

Selling  short  is  contracting  to  deliver  a  certain  amount  of  grain  or  stock  at  a  fixed  price, 
within  a  certain  length  of  time,  when  the  seller  has  not  the  stock  on  hand.  It  is  for  the  interest 
of  the  person  selling  short  to  depress  the  market  as  much  as  possible,  in  order  that  he  may  buy 
and  fill  his  contract  at  a  profit.     Hence  the  "shorts  "  are  termed  "bears." 

Buying  long  is  to  contrive  to  purchase  a  certain  amount  of  grain  or  shares  of  stock  at  a 
fixed  price,  deliverable  within  a  stipulated  time,  expecting  to  make  a  profit  by  the  rise  in  prices. 
The  "  longs  "  are  termed  "  bulls,"  as  it  is  for  their  interest  to  "  operate  "  so  as  to  "  toss  "  the 
prices  upward  as  much  as  possible. 

SUGGESTIONS  TO  THOSE  PURCHASING  BOOKS  BY  SUBSCRIPTION. 

The  business  of  publishing  books  by  subscription  having  so  often  been  brought  into  disre- 
pute by  agents  making  representations  and  declarations  not  authorized  by  the  publisher,  in 
order  to  prevent  that  as  much  as  possible,  and  that  there  may  be  more  general  knowledge  of 
the  relation  such  agents  bear  to  their  principal,  and  the  law  governing  such  cases,  the  following 
statement  is  made : 

A  subscription  is  in  the  nature  of  a  contract  of  mutual  promises,  by  which  the  subscriber 
agrees  to  pay  a  certain  sum  for  the  work  described ;  the  consideration  is  concurrent  that  the 
publisher  shall  publisli  the  book  named,  and  deliver  the  same,  for  which  the  subscriber  is  to 
pay  the  price  named.  The  nature  and  character  of  the  work  is  described  by  the  prospectus 
and  sample  shown.     These  should  be  carefully  examined  before  subscribing,  as  they  are  the 


286  HISTORY  OF  WISCONSIN. 

basis  and  consideration  of  the  promise  to  pay,  and  not  the  too  often  exaggerated  statements  of 
the  agent,  who  is  merely  employed  to  solicit  subscriptions,  for  which  he  is  usually  paid  a  com- 
mission for  each  subscriber,  and  has  no  authority  to  change  or  alter  the  conditions  upon  which 
the  subscriptions  are  authorized  to  be  made  by  the  publisher.  Should  the  agent  assume  to 
agree  to  make  the  subscription  conditional  or  modify  or  change  the  agreement  of  the  publisher, 
as  set  out  by  the  prospectus  and  sample,  in  order  to  bind  the  principal,  the  subscriber  should 
see  that  such  condition  or  changes  are  stated  over  or  in  connection  with  his  signature,  so  that 
the  publisher  may  have  notice  of  the  same. 

All  persons  making  contracts  in  reference  to  matters  of  this  kind,  or  any  other  business, 
should  remember  that  the  law  as  written  is,  that  they  cannot  be  altered,  varied  or  rescinded 
verbally,  but,  if  done  at  all,  must  be  done  in  writing.  It  is  therefore  important  that  all  persons 
contemplating  subscribing  should  distinctly  understand  that  all  talk  before  or  after  the  sub- 
scription is  made,  is  not  admissible  as  evidence,  and  is  no  part  of  the  contract. 

Persons  employed  to  solicit  subscriptions  are  known  to  the  trade  as  canvassers.  They  are 
agents  appointed  to  do  a  particular  business  in  a  prescribed  mode,  and  have  no  authority  to  do 
it  in  any  other  way  to  the  prejudice  of  their  principal,  nor  can  they  bind  their  principal  in  any 
other  matter.  They  cannot  collect  money,  or  agree  that  payment  may  be  made  in  anything 
else  but  money.  They  cannot  extend  the  time  of  payment  beyond  the  time  of  deli.ery.  nor 
bind  their  principal  for  the  payment  of  expenses  incurred  in  their  business. 

It  would  save  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  and  often  serious  loss,  if  persons,  before  signing 
their  names  to  any  subscription  book,  or  any  written  instrument,  would  examine  carefully  what 
it  is ;  if  they  cannot  read  themselves  call  on  some  one  disinterested  who  can. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  STATE  OF  WISCONSIN. 


CONDENSED. 


PREAMBLE. 


We,  the  People  of  Wisconsin,  grateful  to  Almighty  God  for  our  freedom  ;  in  order  to  secure 
its  blessings,  form  a  more  perfect  government,  insure  domestic  tranquillity,  and  promote  the 
general  welfare,   do  establish  this  Constitution. 

Article  I. 

DECLARATION    OF    RIGHTS. 

Section  1.  All  men  are  born  free  and  independent,  and  have,  among  other  rights,  those 
of  life,  liberty  and  pursuit  of  happiness.     Governments  are  instituted  to  secure  these  rights. 

Sec.  2.  There  shall  be  neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude,  except  for  the  punish- 
ment of  crimes. 

Sec.  3.     Liberty  of  speech  and  of  the  press  shall  not  be  abridged. 

Sec.  4.  The  right  of  the  people  to  peaceably  assemble  to  consult  for  the  common  good 
shall  never  be  abridged. 

Sec.  5.     The  right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  I'emain  inviolate. 

Sec.  6.  Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed,  nor  cruel  pun- 
ishments inflicted. 

Sec.  7.     In  criminal  prosecutions,  the  rights  of  the  accused  shall  be  protected. 

Sec.  8.  Criminal  off'enses  shall  be  prosecuted  on  presentment  of  a  grand  jury.  No  one 
shall  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  for  the  same  offense,  nor  be  compelled  to  be  a  witness  against 
himself  Every  one  shall  have  the  right  of  giving  bail  except  in  capital  offenses ;  and  the  writ  of 
habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  except  in  case  of  rebellion  or  invasion. 

Sec.  9.     Every  person  is  entitled  to  a  certain  remedy  for  all  injuries  or  wrongs. 

Sec.  10.  Treason  consists  in  levying  war  against  the  State,  or  giving  aid  and  comfort  to 
its  enemies.     Two  witnesses  are  necessary  to  convict  a  person  of  the  crime. 

Sec.  11.     The  people  are  to  be  secure  against  unreasonable  searches  and  seizures. 

Sec.  12.  Bills  of  attainder,  ex  post  facto  laws,  or  laws  impairing  obligation  of  contracts, 
shall  never  be  passed. 

Sec.  13.     No  property  shall  be  taken  for  public  use  without  compensation. 

Sec.  14.     All  laws  in  the  State  are  allodial.     Feudal  tenures  are  prohibited. 

Sec.  15.     The  rights  of  property  are  the  same  in  resident  aliens  and  citizens. 

Sec.  16.     No  person  shall  be  imprisoned  for  debt. 

Sec.  17.     Wholesome  exemption  laws  shall  be  passed. 

Sec.  18.  Liberty  of  conscience  and  rights  of  worship  shall  never  be  abridged.  The 
public  money  shall  never  be  applied  to  sectarian  uses. 

Sec.  19.     No  religious  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a  qualification  for  any  office. 

287 


288  HISTOKY    OF    WlbCOXSlN. 

Sec.  20.     The  military  shall  be  in  strict  subordination  to  the  civil  power. 
Sec.  21.     Writs  of  error  shall  never  be  prohibited  by  law. 

Sec.  22.  A  free  government  can  only  be  maintained  by  adhering  to  justice,  moderation, 
temperance,  frugality  and  virtue. 

Article  II. 

BOUNDARIES. 

Section  1.  The  boundary  of  the  State,  beginning  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  State  of 
Illinois,  runs  with  the  boundary  line  of  Michigan,  through  Lake  Michigan  and  Green  Bay,  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Menominie  River :  up  that  stream  and  the  Brule  River  to  Lake  Brule ;  along 
the  southern  shore  of  that  lake  to  the  Lake  of  the  Desert ;  thence  in  a  direct  line  to  the  head 
of  Montreal  River ;  down  the  main  channel  of  that  stream  to  the  middle  of  Lake  Superior ; 
thence  through  the  center  of  said  lake  to  the  mouth  of  St.  Louis  River ;  up  the  channel  of  that 
stream  to  the  first  rapids ;  thence  due  south  to  the  main  branch  of  the  St.  Croix ;  down  that 
river  and  the  Mississippi  to  the  northwest  corner  of  Illinois  ;  thence  due  east  with  the  northern 
boundary  of  that  State  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

Sec.  2.     The  propositions  in  the  enabling  act  of  Congress  are  accepted  and  confirmed. 

Article  III. 

SUFFRAGE. 

Section  1.  The  qualified  electors  are  all  male  persons  twenty-one  years  of  age  or  upward, 
who  are  (1.)  white  citizens  of  the  United  States  ;  (2.)  who  are  white  persons  of  foreign  birth  that 
have  declared  their  intentions,  according  to  law,  to  become  citizens ;  (3)  who  are  persons  of 
Indian  blood  and  citizens  of  the  United  States  ;  and  (4.)  civilized  Indians  not  members  of  any 
tribe. 

Sec.  2.  Persons  under  guardianship,  such  as  are  non  compus  mentis  or  insane,  and  those 
convicted  of  treason  and  felony  and  not  pardoned,  are  not  qualified  electors. 

Sec.  3.  All  votes  shall  be  by  ballot,  except  for  township  officers  when  otherwise  directed 
by  law. 

Sec.  4.  No  person  shall  be  deemed  to  have  lost  his  residence  by  reason  of  his  absence  on 
business  for  the  State  or  United  States. 

Sec.  5.  No  person  in  the  army  or  navy  shall  become  a  resident  of  the  State  in  conse- 
quence of  being  stationed  therein. 

Sec.  6.  Persons  convicted  of  bribery,  larceny  or  any  infamous  crime,  or  those  who  bet 
on  elections,  may  be  excluded  by  law  from  the  right  of  suffrage. 

Article  IV. 

LEGISLATIVE. 

Section  1.     The  Legislative  power  is  vested  in  a  Senate  and  Assembly. 

Sec.  2.  Members  of  the  Assembly  shall  never  number  less  than  fifty-four,  nor  more  than 
one  hundred ;  of  the  Senate,  not  more  than  one-third,  nor  less  than  one-fourth  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Assembly. 

Sec.  8.  Census  shall  be  taken,  every  ten  years,  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  State,  beginning 
with  1855,  when  a  new  apportionment  of  members  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly  shall  be  made ; 
also,  after  each  United  States  census. 

Sec.  4.  Members  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  chosen  on  the  Tuesday  succeeding  the  first 
Monday  of  November  of  each  year. 

Sec.  5.  Members  of  the  Senate  shall  be  elected  for  two  years,  at  the  same  time  and  in 
the  same  manner  as  members  of  the  Assembly. 


CONSTITUTION    OF    THE    STATE    OF    WISCONSliS'.  28y 

Sec.  6.  No  person  shall  be  eligible  to  the  Legislature,  unless  a  resident  of  the  State  one 
year,  and  a  qualified  elector. 

Sec.  7.  Each  House  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  qualifications  of  its  members.  A  majority 
shall  be  necessary  to  form  a  quorum. 

Sec.  8.     Each  House  shall  make  its  own  rules. 

Sec.  9.     Each  House  shall  choose  its  own  officers. 

Sec.  10.     Each  House  shall  keep  a  journal  of  its  proceedings. 

Sec.  11.     The  Legislature  shall  meet  at  the  seat  of  government  once  a  year. 

Sec.  12.  No  member  shall  be  eligible  to  any  other  civil  office  in  the  State,  during  the 
term  for  which  he  was  elected. 

Sec.  13.  No  member  shall  be  eligible  to  any  oflSce  of  the  United  States,  during  the  term 
for  which  he  was  elected. 

Sec.  14.  Writs  of  election,  to  fill  vacancies  in  either  House,  shall  be  issued  by  the  Gov- 
ernor. 

Sec.  15.  Except  treason,  felony  and  breach  of  the  peace,  members  are  privileged  from 
arrest  in  all  cases;  nor  subject  to  any  civil  process  during  a  session. 

Sec.  16.     Members  are  not  liable  for  words  spoken  in  debate. 

Sec.  17.  The  style  of  all  laws  shall  be,  "  The  people  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  rep- 
resented in  Senate  and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows:  " 

Sec.  18.     Private  or  local  bills  shall  not  embi'ace  more  than  one  subject. 

Sec.  19.  Bills  may  originate  in  either  House,  and  a  bill  passed  by  one  House  may  be 
amended  by  the  other. 

Sec.  20.  Yeas  and  nays,  at  the  request  of  one-sixth  of  the  members  present,  shall  be 
entered  on  the  journal. 

Sec.  21.  [Each  member  shall  receive,  as  an  annual  compensation,  three  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars  and  ten  cents  for  each  mile  traveled  in  going  to  and  returning  from  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment].    As  amended  in  1867. 

Sec.  22.  Boards  of  Supervisors  may  be  vested  with  powers  of  a  local,  legislative  and 
administrative  character,  such  as  shall  be  conferred  by  the  Legislature. 

Sec.  23.  One  system  only,  of  town  and  county  government,  shall  be  established  by  the 
Legislature. 

Sec.  24.     The  Legislature  shall  never  authorize  any  lottery,  or  grant  any  divorce. 

Sec.  25.  Stationery,  for  State  use  and  State  printing,  shall  be  let  by  contract  to  the  low- 
est bidder. 

Sec.  26.  Extra  compensation  to  any  public  officer  shall  not  be  granted  after  service  is 
rendered,  nor  shall  his  compensation  be  increased  or  diminished  during  his  term  of  office. 

Sec.  27.  The  Legislature  shall  direct,  by  law,  in  what  manner  and  in  what  Courts  suits 
against  the  State  may  be  brought. 

Sec.  28.     Public  oflRcers  shall  all  take  an  oath  of  office. 

Sec.  29.  The  Legislature  shall  determine  what  persons  shall  constitute  the  militia,  and 
may  provide  for  organizing  the  same. 

Sec.  30.  Members  of  the  Legislature  shall  vote  viva  voce  in  all  elections  made  by 
them. 

Sec.  31.  [Special  legislation  is  prohibited  (1)  for  changing  the  names  of  persons,  or  con- 
stituting one  person  the  heir-at-law  of  another ;  (2)  for  laying  out,  opening  or  altering  high- 
ways, except  in  certain  cases;  (3)  for  authorizing  persons  to  keep  ferries;  (4)  for  authorizing 
the  sale  of  the  pi'operty  of  minors ;  (5)  for  locating  a  county  seat ;  (6)  for  assessment  of  taxes  ; 
(7)  for  granting  corporate  powers,  except  to  cities;  (8)  for  apportioning  any  part  of  the  school 
fund ;  and  (9)  for  incorporating  any  town  or  village,  or  to  award  the  charter  thereof].  Added 
by  amendment,  in  1871. 

Sec.  32.  [General  laws  shall  be  passed  for  the  transaction  of  any  business  prohibited  by 
Section  21  of  this  Article.]     Added  by  amendment,  in  1871. 


290  HISTORY    OF    WISCOXSIX. 

Article  V. 

Section  1.  The  executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a  Governor,  who  shall  hold  his  office 
two  years.     A  Lieutenant  Governor  shall  be  elected  at  the  same  time  and  for  the  same  term. 

Sec.  2.  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor  must  be  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and 
qualified  electors  of  the  State. 

Sec.  3.  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor  are  elected  at  the  times  and  places  of  choosing 
members  of  the  Legislature.  ^ 

Sec.  4.  The  Governor  shall  be  (1)  commander-in-chief  of  the  military  and  naval  forces  of 
the  State;  (2)  he  has  power  to  convene  the  Legislature  in  extra  session  ;  (3)  he  shall  communi- 
cate to  the  Legislature  all  necessary  information ;  (4)  he  shall  transact  all  necessary  business 
with  the  officers  of  the  State ;  and  (5)  shall  expedite  all  legislative  measures,  and  sec  that  th» 
laws  are  faithfully  executed. 

Sec.  5.  [The  Governor's  salary  shall  be  five  thousand  dollars  per  annum.]  As  amended 
in  1869. 

Sec.  6.     The  Governor  shall  have  power  to  grant  reprieves  and  pardons. 

Sec.  7.  The  executive  duties  shall  devolve  upon  the  Lieutenant  Governor  when,  from  any 
cause,  the  executive  office  is  vacated  by  the  Governor. 

Sec.  8.  The  Lieutenant  Governor  shall  be  President  of  the  Senate.  The  Secretary  of 
State  shall  act  as  Governor  when  both  the  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor  are  incapacitated 
from  any  causes  to  fill  the  executive  office. 

Sec.  9.  [The  Lieutenant  Governor  shall  receive  a  salary  of  one  thousand  dollars  per 
annum.]     As  amended  in  1869. 

Sec.  10.  All  legislative  bills  shall  be  presented  to  the  Governor  for  his  signature  before 
they  become  laws.  Bills  returned  by  the  Governor  without  his  signature  may  become  laws  by 
agreement  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  in  each  house. 

Article  VL 
administration. 

Section  1.  A  Secretary  of  State,  Treasurer  and  Attorney  General  shall  be  elected  at  the 
times  and  places  of  choosing  members  of  the  Legislature,  who  shall  severally  hold  their  offices 
for  two  years. 

Sec.  2.  The  Secretary  of  State  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  official  acts  of  the  Legislature 
and  Executive  Department.     He  shall  be  ex  officio  Auditor. 

Sec.  3.  The  powers,  duties  and  compensation  of  the  Treasurer  and  Attorney  General 
shall  be  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  4.  Sheriffs,  Coroners,  Registers  of  Deeds  and  District  Attorneys  shall  be  elected 
every  two  years. 

Article  VTI. 
judiciary. 

Section  1.  The  Senate  shall  form  the  Court  of  Impeachment.  Judgment  shall  not 
extend  further  than  removal  from  office ;  but  the  person  impeached  shall  be  liable  to  indictment, 
trial  anil  punishment,  according  to  law. 

Sec.  2.  The  judicial  power  of  the  State  is  vested  in  a  Supreme  Court,  Circuit  Courts, 
Courts  of  Probate,  and  in  .Justices  of  the  Peace.     Municipal  courts,  also,  may  be  authorized. 

Sec.  3.  The  Supreme  Court  shall  have  appellate  jurisdiction  only.  Trial  by  jury  is  not 
allowed  in  any  case.  The  Court  shall  have  a  general  superintending  control  over  inferior  courts, 
and  power  to  issue  writs  of  habeas  corpus,  mandamus,  injunction,  quo  warranto,  certiorari,  and 
other  original  and  remedial  writs. 


CONSTITUTION    OF    THE    STATE    OF    WISCONSIN.  293 

Sec.  4.  [The  Supreme  Court  shall  consist  of  one  Chief  Justice,  and  four  Associate 
Justices,  each  for  the  term  often  years.]     As  amended  in  1877. 

Sec.  5.     The  State  shall  be  divided  into  five  Judicial  Circuits. 

Sec.  6.     The  Legislature  may  alter  the  limits  or  increase  the  number  of  the  circuits. 

Sec.  7.  There  shall  be  a  Judge  chosen  for  each  Circuit,  who  shall  reside  therein ;  his 
term  of  ofiBce  shall  be  six  years. 

Sec.  8.  The  Circuit  Courts  shall  have  original  jurisdiction  in  all  matters  civil  and  crim- 
inal, not  excepted  in  this  Constitution,  and  not  prohibited  hereafter  by  law,  and  appellate  juris- 
diction from  all  inferior  courts.  They  shall  have  power  to  issue  writs  of  habeas  corpus,  man- 
damus, injunction,  quo  warranto,  certiorari,  and  all  other  writs  necessary  to  carry  their  orders 
and  judgments  into  effect. 

Sec.  9.  Vacancies  in  the  office  of  Supreme  or  Circuit  Judge  shall  be  filled  by  the  Gover- 
nor. Election  for  Judges  shall  not  be  at  any  general  election,  nor  within  thirty  days  before  or 
after  said  election. 

Sec.  10.  Judges  of  the  Supreme  and  Circuit  Courts  shall  receive  a  salary  of  not  less  than 
one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  shall  hold  no  other  office,  except  a  judicial  one,  during 
the  term  for  which  they  are  respectively  elected.  Each  Judge  shall  be  a  citizen  of  the  United 
States,  and  have  attained  the  age  of  twenty-five  years.  He  shall  also  be  a  qualified  elector  within 
the  jurisdiction  for  which  he  may  be  chosen. 

Sec.  11.  The  Supreme  Court  shall  hold  at  least  one  term  annually.  A  Circuit  Court 
shall  be  held  at  least  twice  in  each  year,  in  each  county  of  this  State  organized  for  judicial  pur- 
poses. 

Sec.  12.  There  shall  be  a  Clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  chosen  in  each  county,  whose  term 
of  office  shall  be  two  years.     The  Supreme  Court  shall  appoint  its  own  Clerk. 

Sec.  13.  Any  Judge  of  the  Supreme  or  Circuit  Court  may  be  removed  from  office  by  vote 
of  two-thirds  of  all  the  members  elected  to  both  Senate  and  Assembly. 

Sec.  14.  A  Judge  of  Probate  shall  be  elected  in  each  county,  who  shall  hold  his  office  for 
two  years. 

Sec.  15.  '  Justices  of  the  Peace  shall  be  elected  in  the  several  towns,  villages  and  cities  of 
the  State,  in  such  manner  as  the  Legislature  may  direct,  whose  term  of  office  shall  be  two  years. 
Their  civil  and  criminal  jurisdiction  shall  be  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  16.  Laws  shall  be  passed  for  the  regulation  of  tribunals  of  conciliation.  These  may 
be  established  in  and  for  any  township. 

Sec.  17.  The  style  of  all  writs  and  process  shall  be  "  The  State  of  Wisconsin."  Criminal 
prosecutions  shall  be  carried  on  in  the  name  and  by  authority  of  the  State ;  and  all  indictments 
shall  conclude  against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  the  same. 

Sec.  18.  A  tax  shall  be  imposed  by  the  Legislature  on  all  civil  suits,  which  shall  consti- 
tute a  fund,  to  be  applied  toward  the  payment  of  the  salary  of  Judges. 

Sec.  19.  Testimony  in  equity  causes  shall  be  taken  the  same  as  in  cases  at  law.  The 
office  of  Master  in  Chancery  is  prohibited. 

Sec.  20.  Any  suitor  may  prosecute  or  defend  his  case  in  his  own  proper  person,  or  by 
attorney  or  agent. 

Sec.  21.  Statute  laws  and  such  judicial  decisions  as  are  deemed  expedient,  shall  be  pub- 
lished.    No  general  law  shall  be  in  force  until  published. 

Sec.  22.  The  Legislature  at  its  first  session  shall  provide  for  the  appointment  of  three 
Commissioners  to  revise  the  rules  of  practice  in  the  several  Courts  of  Record  in  the  State. 

Sec.  23.  The  Legislature  may  confer  judicial  powers  on  one  or  more  persons  in  each 
organized  county  of  the  State.  Powers  granted  to  such  Commissioners  shall  not  exceed  that  of 
a  Judge  of  a  Circuit  Court  at  chambers. 


294  HISTORY   OF   WISCONSIN. 

Article  VIII. 

FINANCE. 

Section  1.  Taxation  shall  be  uniform,  and  taxes  shall  be  levied  upon  such  property  as  the 
Legislature  may  prescribe. 

Sec.  2.  [No  money  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury  except  in  pursuance  of  an  appro- 

priation by  law.  Claims  made  against  the  State  must  be  filed  within  six  years  after  having 
accrued.]     As  amended  in  1877. 

Sec.  3.  The  credit  of  the  State  shall  never  be  given  or  loaned  in  aid  of  any  individual, 
association  or  corporation. 

Sec.  4.  The  State  shall  never  contract  any  public  debt,  except  in  the  cases  and  manner 
provided  in  this  Constitution. 

Sec.  5.     A  tax  shall  be  levied  each  year  sufiBcient  to  defray  estimated  expenses. 

Sec.  6.  Debts  not  to  exceed  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  may  be  contracted  by  the  State, 
which  shall  be  paid  within  five  years  thereafter. 

Sec.  7.  The  Legislature  may  borrow  money  to  repel  invasion,  suppress  insurrection  or 
defend  the  State  in  time  of  war. 

Sec.  8.     All  fiscal  laws  in  the  Legislature  shall  be  voted  on  by  yeas  and  nays. 

Sec.  9.  State  scrip  shall  not  be  issued  except  for  such  debts  as  are  authorized  by  the  sixth 
and  seventh  sections  of  this  article. 

Sec.  10.     No  debt  for  internal  improvements  shall  be  contracted  by  the  State. 

Article  IX. 

EMINENT   DOMAIN    AND    PROPERTY    OF    THE    STATE. 

Section  1.  The  State  shall  have  concurrent  jurisdiction  on  all  rivers  and  lakes  border- 
ing on  Wisconsin. 

Sec.  2.  The  title  to  all  property  which  has  accrued  to  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  shall 
vest  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

Sec.  3.  The  ultimate  property  in  and  to  all  lands  of  the  State  is  possessed  by  the 
people. 

Article  X. 

EDUCATION. 

Section  1.  The  supervision  of  public  instruction  shall  be  vested  in  a  State  Superintend- 
ent and  such  other  officers  as  the  Legislature  shall  direct.  The  annual  compensation  of  the 
State  Superintendent  shall  not  exceed  twelve  hundred  dollars. 

Sec  2.  The  school  fund  to  support  and  maintain  common  schools,  academies  and  nor- 
mal schools,  and  to  purchase  apparatus  and  libraries  therefor,  shall  be  created  out  of  (1)  the 
proceeds  of  lands  from  the  L^nited  States ;  (2)  out  of  forfeitures  and  escheats ;  (3)  out  of 
moneys  paid  as  exemptions  from  military  duty ;  (4)  out  of  fines  collected  for  breach  of  penal 
laws;  (5)  out  of  any  grant  to  the  State  where  the  purposes  of  such  grant  are  not  specified;  (6) 
out  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  five  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land  granted  by  Congress  Sep- 
tember 14,  1841 ;  and  (7)  out  of  the  five  per  centum  of  the  net  proceeds  of  the  public  lands  to 
which  the  State  shall  become  entitled  on  her  admission  into  the  Union  (if  Congress  shall  con- 
sent to  such  appropriation  of  the  two  grants  last  mentioned.) 

Sec.  3.  District  schools  shall  be  established  by  law  which  shall  be  free  to  all  children  be- 
tween the  ages  of  four  and  twenty  years.     No  sectarian  instruction  shall  be  allowed  therein. 

Sec.  4.  Each  town  and  city  shall  raise  for  common  schools  therein  by  taxation  a  sum  equal 
to  one-half  the  amount  received  from  the  school  fund  of  the  State. 


CONSTITUTION    OF    THE    STATE    OF    WISCONSIN.  295 

Sec.  5.  Provisions  shall  be  made  by  law  for  the  distribution  of  the  income  of  the  school 
fund  among  the  several  towns  and  cities  for  the  support  of  common  schools  therein  ;  but  no 
appropriation  shall  be  made  when  there  is  a  failure  to  raise  the  proper  tax,  or  when  a  school 
shall  not  have  been  maintained  at  least  three  months  of  the  year. 

Sec.  6.  Provision  shall  be  made  by  law  for  the  establishment  of  a  State  University.  The 
proceeds  of  all  lands  granted  for  the  support  of  a  university  by  the  United  States  shall  consti- 
tute "the  University  fund,"  the  interest  of  which  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  support  of  the 
State  University.     No  sectarian  instruction  shall  be  allowed  in  such  university. 

Sec.  7.  The  Secretary  of  State,  Treasurer  and  Attorney  General  shall  constitute  a  Board 
of  Commissioners  to  sell  school  and  university  lands  and  for  the  investments  of  the  proceeds 
thereof. 

Sec.  8.  School  and  university  lands  shall  be  appraised  and  sold  according  to  law.  The 
Commissioners  shall  execute  deeds  to  purchasers,  and  shall  invest  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of 
such  lands  in  such  manner  as  the  Legislature  shall  provide. 

'  Article  XI. 

CORPORATIONS. 

Section  1.  Corporations  without  banking  powers  may  be  formed  under  general  laws,  but 
shall  not  be  created  by  special  act,  except  for  municipal  purposes,  and  in  cases  where,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Legislature,  the  objects  of  the  corporation  cannot  be  attained  under  general  laws. 

Sec.  2.  No  municipal  corporation  shall  take  private  property  for  public  use,  against  the 
consent  of  the  owner,  except  by  jury  trial. 

Sec.  3.  Cities  and  incorporated  villages  shall  be  organized,  and  their  powers  restricted  by 
law  so  as  to  prevent  abuses.  [No  county,  city,  town,  village,  school  district,  or  other  municipal 
corporation,  shall  become  indebted  to  exceed  five  per  centum  on  the  value  of  the  taxable  property 
therein.]     As  amended  in  1874. 

Sec.  4.     Banks  shall  not  be  created  except  as  provided  in  this  article. 

Sec.  5.  The  question  of  "  bank  "  or  "no  bank  "  may  be  submitted  to  the  voters  of  the 
State;  and  if  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  shall  be  in  favor  of  banks,  the  Legislature  shall 
have  power  to  grant  bank  charters,  or  pass  a  general  banking  law. 

Article  XIL 

Section  1.  Amendments  to  the  Constitution  may  be  proposed  in  either  house  of  the  Legis- 
lature, and  referred  to  the  next  Legislature  and  published  for  three  months  previous.  If  agreed 
to  by  a  majority  of  all  the  members  elected  to  each  house,  then  the  amendment  or  amendments 
shall  submit  them  to  the  vote  of  the  people ;  and  if  the  people  shall  approve  and  ratify  such 
amendment  or  amendments,  they  shall  become  a  part  of  the  Constitution. 

Sec.  2.  If  a  convention  to  revise  or  change  the  Constitution  shall  be  deemed  necessary  by 
the  Legislature,  they  shall  recommend  to  the  electors  of  the  State  to  vote  at  the  next  general 
election  for  or  against  the  same.  If  the  vote  shall  be  for  the  calling  of  such  convention,  then 
the  Legislature,  at  its  next  session,  shall  provide  for  the  same. 

Article  XIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS.  PROVISIONS. 

Section  1.  The  political  year  for  Wisconsin  shall  commence  on  the  first  Monday  in  Jan- 
uary in  each  year.  General  elections  shall  be  holden  on  the  Tuesday  succeeding  the  first  Monday 
in  November. 

Sec.   2.     A  duelist  shall  not  be  qualified  as  an  elector  in  this  State. 

Sec.  3.  United  States  oiBcers  (except  Postmasters),  public  defaulters,  or  persons  convicted 
of  infamous  crimes,  shall  not  be  eligible  to  office  in  this  State. 


296  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSm. 

Sec.  4.  A  great  seal  for  the  State  shall  be  provided,  and  all  official  acts  of  the  Governor 
(except  his  approbation  of  the  laws),  shall  be  authenticated  thereby. 

Sec.  5.  Residents  on  Indian  lands  may  vote,  if  duly  qualified,  at  the  polls  nearest  their 
residence. 

Sec.  6.  Elective  officers  of  the  Legislature,  other  than  the  presiding  officers,  shall  be  a 
Chief  Clerk,  and  a  Sergeant-at-Arms,  to  be  elected  by  each  House. 

Sec.  7.  No  county  with  an  area  of  nine  hundred  square  miles  or  less,  shall  be  divided, 
without  submitting  the  question  to  the  vote  of  the  people  of  the  county. 

Sec.  8.  [The  Legislature  is  proliibited  from  enacting  any  special  or  private  laws,  for  locating 
or  changing  any  county  seat.]  See  amendment  adopted  in  1871,  as  Sec.  31  (Subdivision  5)  of 
Art.  IV. 

Sec.  9.  Officers  not  provided  for  by  this  Constitution  shall  be  elected  as  the  Legislature 
shall  direct. 

Sec.  10.  The  Legislature  may  declare  the  cases  in  which  any  office  shall  be  deemed 
vacant,  and  also  the  manner  of  filling  the  vacancy,  where  no  provision  is  made  for  that  purpose 
in  this  Constitution. 

Article  XIV. 
schedule. 

Section  1.  All  rights  under  the  Territorial  government  are  continued  under  the  State 
government.     Territorial  processes  are  valid  after  the  State  is  admitted  into  the  Union. 

Sec.  2.  Existing  laws  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  not  repugnant  to  this  Constitution 
shall  remain  in  force  until  they  expire  by  limitation  or  are  altered  or  repealed. 

Sec.  3.  All  fines,  penalties  or  forfeitures  accruing  to  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  shall 
inure  to  the  use  of  the  State. 

Si:c.  4.  Territorial  recognizances,  bonds  and  public  property  shall  pass  to  and  be  vested 
in  the  State.  Criminal  prosecutions,  offenses  committed  against  the  laws,  and  all  actions  at  law 
and  suits  in  equity  in  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  shall  be  contained  in  and  prosecuted  by  the 
State. 

Sec.  5.  Officers  holding  under  authority  of  the  United  States  or  of  the  Territory  of  Wis- 
consin shall  continue  in  office  until  superseded  by  State  authority. 

Sec.  6.  The  first  session  of  the  State  Legislature  shall  commence  on  the  first  Monday  in 
June  next,  and  shall  be  held  at  the  village  of  Madison,  which  shall  be  and  remain  the  seat  of 
government  until  otherwise  provided  by  law. 

Sec.  7.  Existing  county  and  town  officers  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  Legislature  of 
the  State  shall  provide  for  the  holding  of  elections  to  fill  such  offices. 

Sec.  8.  A  copy  of  this  Constitution  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States  to  be  laid  before  Congress  at  its  pi-esent  session. 

Sec.  9.  This  Constitution  shall  be  submitted  to  the  vote  of  the  people  for  ratification  or 
rejection  on  the  second  Monday  in  March  next.  If  ratified,  an  election  shall  be  held  for 
Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  Treasurer,  Attorney  General,  members  of  the  State  Legisla- 
ture and  members  of  Congress,  on  the  second  Monday  of  May  next. 

Sec.  10.     [^Omitted.     See  Section  1,  Chapter  3,  Acts  of  Extra  Session  of  1878.] 

Sec.  11.  The  several  elections  provided  for  in  tliis  Article  shall  be  conducted  according 
to  the  existing  laws  of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin. 

Sec.  12.     [^Omitted.     See  Section  1,  Chapter  3,  Acts  of  Extra  Session  of  1878.] 

Sec.  13.  The  common  law  in  force  in  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  shall  continue  in  force 
in  the  State  until  altered  or  suspended  by  the  Legislature. 

Sec.  14.  The  Senators  first  elected  in  the  even-numbered  Senate  districts,  the  Governor, 
Lieutenant  Governor  and  other  State  officers  first  elected  under  this  Constitution,  shall  enter 
upon  their  duties  on  the  first  Monday  of  June  next,  and  hold  their  offices  for  one  year  from  the 
first  Monday  of  January  next.     The  Senators  first  elected  in  the  odd-numbered  districts  and  the 


CONSTITI'TION    OF    THE    UNITED    STATES.  297 

members  of  the  Assembly  first  elected  shall  enter  upon  their  duties  on  the  first  Monday  of  June 
next,  and  continue  in  office  until  the  first  Monday  in  January  next. 

Sec.  15.     The  oath  of  office  may  be  administered  by  any  Judge  or  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
until  the  Legislature  shall  otherwise  direct. 


We,  the  undersigned,  members  of  the  Convention  to  form  a  Constitution  for  the  State  of 
Wisconsin,  to  be  submitted  to  the  people  thereof  for  their  ratification  or  rejection,  do  hereby 
certify  that  the  foregoing  is  the  Constitution  adopted  by  the  Convention. 

In  testimony  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands,  at  Madison,  the  1st  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, A.  D.  1848. 

Morgan  L.  Martin, 
President  of  the  Convention  and  Delegate  from  Brozvn  County. 
Thomas  McHugh, 

Secretary. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


CONDENSE  r>. 


PREAMBLE. 


We,  the  peoj}le  of  the  United  States,  in  order  to  form  a  more  perfect  union,  establish  justice,, 
insure  domestic  tranquillity,  provide  for  the  common  defense,  promote  the  general  welfare, 
and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty  to  ourselves  and  our  posterity,  do  ordain  and  establish 
this  Constitution  for  the  United  States  of  America. 

ARTICLE   I. 

Section  1.  All  legislative  powers  herein  granted  shall  be  vested  in  a  Congress,  which  shall 
consist  of  a  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives. 

Sec.  2.  The  House  of  Representatives  shall  be  composed  of  members  chosen  every  second 
year  by  the  people  of  the  States,  and  electors  shall  have  qualifications  for  electors  of  the  most 
numerous  branch  of  the  State  Legislature. 

Representatives  must  be  twenty-five  years  of  age,  and  must  have  been  seven  years  citizens 
of  the  United  States,  and  inhabitants  of  the  State  in  which  they  shall  be'  chosen. 

Representatives  and  direct  taxes  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  several  States  according  to 
population,  which  shall  be  determined  by  adding  to  the  whole  number  of  free  persons,  including 
apprentices  and  excluding  Indians  not  taxed,  three-fifths  of  all  other  persons.  The  enumeration 
shall  be  made  within  three  years  after  the  first  meeting  of  Congress,  and  every  ten  years  there- 
after in  such  manner  as  Congress  fehall  by  law  direct.  States  shall  have  one  Representative  only 
for  each  tliirty  thousand,  but  each  State  shall  have  at  least  one  Representative ;  and  until  such 
enumeration  shall  be  made.  New  Hampshire  shall  choose  three ;  Massachusetts,  eight ;  Rhode 
Island,  one ;  Connecticut,  five  ;  New  York,  six  ;  New  Jersey,  four ;  Pennsylvania,  eight ;  Del- 
aware, one;  Maryland,  six;  Virginia,  ten;  North  Carolina,  five ;  South  Carolina,  five,  and 
Georgia,  three. 

Vacancies  in  the  representation  from  any  State  shall  be  filled  by  elections,  ordered  by  the 
executive  authority  of  the  State. 


298  HISTORY   OF    WISC0XS1^•. 

The  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  their  Speaker  and  other  officers,  and  shall  have 
the  sole  power  of  impeachment. 

Sec.  3.  The  Senate  shall  be  composed  of  two  Senators  from  each  State,  chosen  by  the 
Legislature  thereof  for  six  years ;  and  each  Senator  shall  have  one  vote. 

Senators  shall  be  divided  as  equally  as  may  be  into  three  classes  immediately  after  assem- 
bling, in  consequence  of  the  first  election.  The  first  class  shall  vacate  their  seats  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  second  year ;  the  second  class,  at  the  expiration  of  the  fourth  year,  and  the  third 
class,  at  the  expiration  of  the  sixth  year,  so  that  one-third  may  be  chosen  every  second  year ; 
and  vacancies  happening  by  resignation  or  otherwise  during  the  recess  of  the  Legislature  of  any 
State  may  be  filled  by  temporary  appointments  of  the  Executive  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Legislature. 

All  Senators  shall  have  attained  the  age  of  thirty  years,  and  shall  have  been  nine  years 
citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  shall  be  inhabitants  of  the  State  for  which  they  shall  be 
chosen. 

The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States  shall  be  President  of  the  Senate,  but  shall  have 
no  vote,  unless  they  be  equally  divided. 

The  Senate  shall  choose  their  other  officers,  and  also  a  President  pro  tempore,  in  the 
absence  of  the  Vice  President,  or  when  he  shall  exercise  the  office  of  President, 

Tlie  Senate  shall  have  the  sole  power  to  try  impeachments.  When  sitting  for  that  purpose, 
they  shall  be  on  oath  or  affirmation.  When  the  President  is  tried,  the  Chief  Justice  shall  pre- 
side, and  concurrence  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  shall  be  necessary  to  conviction. 

Judgment  in  cases  of  impeachment  shall  be  limited  to  removal  from  office  and  disqualifica- 
tion to  hold  any  office  under  the  United  States ;  but  the  party  convicted  shall  be  liable  to  trial 
and  punishment  according  to  law. 

Sec.  4.  Tlie  Legislature  of  each  State  shall  prescribe  the  times,  places  and  manner  of 
holding  elections  for  Senators  and  Representatives,  but  Congress  may  make  or  alter  such  regu- 
lations, except  as  to  the  place  of  choosing  Senators. 

Congress  shall  assemble  annually,  on  the  first  Monday  in  December,  unless  a  different  day 
be  appointed. 

Sec.  5.  Each  House  shall  be  the  judge  of  the  elections,  returns  and  qualifications  of  its 
own  members,  and  a  majority  of  each  shall  constitute  a  quorum  to  do  business ;  but  a  smaller 
number  may  adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  may  compel  attendance  of  absent  members,  under 
penalties. 

Each  House  may  determine  its  own  rules  of  proceeding,  punish  its  members,  and,  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote,  expel  a  member. 

Each  House  shall  keep  a  journal,  which  shall  be  published  at  their  discretion,  and  one-fifth 
of  those  present  may  require  the  yeas  and  nays  to  be  entered  on  the  journal. 

Neither  House  shall  adjourn  for  more  than  three  days  without  the  consent  of  the  other, 
nor  to  any  other  place  than  that  in  which  they  are  sitting. 

Sec.  6.  The  compensation  of  Senators  and  Representatives  shall  be  fixed  by  law,  and 
paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States.  They  shall  be  privileged  from  arrest  during 
attendance  at  the  session  of  their  respective  Houses,  except  for  treason,  felony  and  breach  of 
the  peace,  and  shall  not  be  questioned  in  any  other  place  for  any  speech  or  debate  in  either 
House. 

No  Senator  or  Representative  shall,  during  the  time  for  which  he  was  elected,  be  appointed 
to  any  civil  office  under  the  United  States  which  shall  have  been  created  or  the  emoluments 
whereof  shall  have  been  increased  during  such  time ;  and  no  person  holding  office  under  the 
United  States  shall  be  a  member  of  either  House  during  his  continuance  in  office. 

Sec.  7.  All  bills  for  raising  revenue  shall  originate  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  but 
may  be  amended  by  the  Senate. 

Every  bill  passed  by  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  Senate  shall,  before  it  becomes 
a  law,  be  presented  to  the  President ;  if  he  approve,  he  shall  sign  it ;  but  if  not,  he  shall  return 


CONSTITUTION   OF   THE    UNITED   STATES. 

it,  with  his  objections,  to  that  House  in  which  it  originated,  who  shall  enter  the  objections  on 
their  journal  and  proceed  to  reconsider  it.  If,  after  reconsideration,  two-thirds  shall  agree  to 
pass  the  bill,  it  shall  be  sent,  with  the  objections,  to  the  other  House,  and,  if  approved  by  two- 
thirds  of  that  House,  it  shall  become  a  law.  But  in  all  such  cases,  the  yeas  and  nays  shall  be 
taken,  and  entered  upon  the  journal  of  each  House,  respectively.  Any  bill  not  returned  by 
the  President  within  ten  days  (Sundays  excepted)  after  it  shall  have  been  presented  to  him,  shall 
be  a  law,  as  if  he  had  signed  it,  unless  Congress,  by  adjournment,  shall  prevent  its  return,  in 
which  case  it  shall  not  be  a  law. 

Every  order,  resolution  or  vote  requiring  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives (except  a  question  of 'adjournment),  shall  be  approved  by  the  President  before  tak- 
ing effect ;  or,  being  disapproved  by  him,  shall  be  repassed  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  each  House, 
as  in  the  case  of  a  bill. 

Sec.  8.     Congress  shall  have  power: 

To  lay  and  collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts  and  excises,  to  pay  the  debts  and  provide  for  the 
common  defense  and  general  welfare  of  the  United  States ;  but  all  duties,  imposts  and  excises 
shall  be  uniform  throughout  the  United  States ; 

To  borrow  money  on  the  public  credit; 

To  regulate  commerce  with  foreign  nations,  and  among  the  several  States  and  with  the 
Indian  tribes ; 

To  establish  a  uniform  rule  of  naturalization,  and  uniform  laws  on  the  subject  of  bank- 
ruptcies ; 

To  coin  money,  regulate  the  value  thereof  and  foreign  coin,  and  fix  the  standard  of  weights 
and  measures ; 

To  provide  for  the  punishment  of  counterfeiting  the  securities  and  current  coin  of  the  United 
States  ; 

To  establish  post  offices  and  post  roads ; 

To  promote  the  progress  of  science  and  useful  arts,  by  securing  for  limited  times  to  authors 
and  inventors  the  exclusive  right  to  their  respective  writings  and  discoveries ; 

To  constitute  tribunals  inferior  to  the  Supreme  Court ; 

To  define  and  punish  piracies  and  felonies  committed  on  the  high  seas,  and  offenses  against 
the  laws  of  nations  ; 

To  declare  war,  grant  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  make  rules  concerning  captures  on 
land  and  water ; 

To  raise  and  support  armies,  but  no  appropriation  of  money  to  that  use  shall  be  for  a  longer 
term  than  two  years ; 

To  provide  and  maintain  a  navy  ; 

To  make  rules  for  the  government  and  regulation  of  the  land  and  naval  forces ; 

To  provide  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws  of  the  Union,  suppress  insur- 
rection and  repel  invasions ; 

To  provide  for  organizing,  arming  and  disciplining  the  militia,  and  for  governing  such  parts 
of  them  as  may  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the  United  States — the  several  States  to  appoint 
the  officers  and  to  train  the  militia  according  to  the  discipline  prescribed  by  Congress ; 

To  exercise  exclusive  legislation,  in  all  cases,  over  the  seat  of  Government,  and  over  all 
forts,  magazines,  arsenals,  dock -yards  and  other  needful  buildings  ;  and 

To  make  all  laws  necessary  and  proper  for  carrying  into  execution  all  powers  vested  by  this 
Constitution  in  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  department  or  officer  thereof. 

Sec.  9.  Foreign  immigration  or  the  importation  of  slaves  into  the  States  shall  not  be  pro- 
hibited by  Congress  prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight,  but  a  tax  or  duty 
may  be  imposed  not  exceeding  ten  dollars  for  each  person  so  imported. 

The  writ  of  habeas  corpus  shall  not  be  suspended,  unless  required  by  the  public  safety  in 
cases  of  rebellion  or  invasion. 

No  bill  of  attainder  or  ex  post  facto  law  shall  be  passed. 


300  HISTORY    OF    WISCONSIN. 

No  capitation  or  other  direct  tax  shall  be  laid,  unless  in  proportion  to  the  census  or  enu- 
meration hereinbefore  directed  to  be  made. 

No  tax  or  duty  shall  be  laid  on  articles  exported  from  any  State. 

In  regulating  commerce  or  revenue,  no  preference  shall  be  given  to  the  ports  of  one  State 
over  those  of  another ;  nor  shall  vessels  bound  to  or  from  one  State  be  obliged  to  enter,  clear  or 
pay  duties  in  another. 

No  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury  unless  appropriated  by  law  ;  and  accounts  of 
the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  all  public  money  shall  be  published  from  time  to  time. 

No  title  of  nobility  shall  be  granted  by  the  United  States ;  and  no  person  holding  any 
office  under  them  shall  accept  any  present,  emolument,  office  or  title  from  any  foreign  State, 
without  the  consent  of  Congress. 

Sec.  10.  No  State  shall  enter  into  any  treaty,  alliance  or  confederation  ;  grant  letters  of 
marque  and  reprisal;  coin  money;  emit  bills  of  credit;  make  anything  but  gold  and  silver  coin 
a  tender  in  payment  of  debts;  pass  bills  of  attainder,  ex  post  facto  laws,  or  law  impairing  the 
obligation  of  contracts,  or  grant  any  title  of  nobility. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  imposts  or  duties  on  imports  or 
exports,  except  for  the  execution  of  its  inspection  laws;  and  all  such  duties  shall  be  for  the  use 
of  the  United  States;  and  all  such  laws  shall  be  subject  to  the  revision  and  control  of  Congress. 

No  State  shall,  without  the  consent  of  Congress,  lay  any  duty  of  tonnage,  keep  troops  or 
ships  of  war  in  time  of  peace,  enter  into  any  agreement  or  compact  with  another  State  or  with  a 
foreign  power,  or  engage  in  war  unless  actually  invaded  or  in  imminent  and  immediate  danger. 

Article  II. 

Section  1.  The  executive  power  shall  be  vested  in  a  President.  He  shall  hold  office  for 
four  years,  and,  together  with  the  Vice  President  chosen  for  the  same  term,  shall  be  elected  as 
follows : 

Each  State  shall  appoint  in  the  manner  directed  by  the  Legislature,  a  number  of  electors 
equal  to  the  whole  number  of  its  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Congress;  but  no  Senator  or 
Representative  or  person  holding  any  office  under  the  United  States  shall  be  appointed  an 
elector. 

[  The  third  clause  of  this  section  has  been  superseded  and  ameyided  by  the  12th  Amendment. '\ 

Congress  may  determine  the  time  of  choosing  the  electors,  and  the  day  on  which  they  shall 
give  their  votes,  which  day  shall  be  the  same  throughout  the  United  States. 

A  natural  born  citizen,  or  a  citizen  of  the  United  States  at  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  this 
Constitution,  only  shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  President;  and  he  must  have  attained  the  age 
of  thirty-five  years,  and  been  fourteen  years  a  resident  within  the  United  States. 

If  the  President  be  removed  from  office,  die,  resign,  or  become  unable  to  discharge  the  duties 
of  his  office,  the  same  shall  devolve  upon  the  Vice  President,  and  Congress  may  provide  by  law 
for  the  case  of  removal,  death,  resignation  or  inability  of  both  the  President  and  Vice  President, 
declaring  what  officer  shall  then  act  as  President,  and  such  officer  shall  act  accordingly,. until  the 
disability  be  removed  or  a  President  elected.* 

The  President  shall  receive  a  compensation  for  his  services,  which  shall  be  neither  increased 
nor  diminished  during  the  period  for  which  he  shall  have  been  electedf  and  within  that  period 
he  shall  not  receive  any  other  emolument  from  the  United  States  or  from  any  of  them. 

Before  entering  upon  office  he  shall  take  the  following  oath  or  affirmation  :  "  I  do  solemnly 
swear  (or  affirm)  that  I  will  faithfully  execute  the  office  of  President  of  the  United  States,  and 
will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  preserve,  protect  and  defend  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States." 

*  By  act  of  March  1, 1792,  Congress  proTided  for  this  contingency,  designating  the  President  of  the  Senate  pTo  tempore,  or  if  there  be  noD* 
the  Spealter  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  succeed  to  the  chief  Executive  office  in  the  event  of  a  vacancy  in  the  offices  of  both  President 
and  Vice  President. 

t  The  Presideot'a  salary  was  fixed  February  18, 1793,  at  $i5,O0O.  and  was  increased  March  3, 1873,  to  $20,000. 


CONSTITL'TION    OF    THE   UNITED    STATES.  301 

Sec.  2.  The  President  shall  be  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  army  and  navy  of  the 
United  States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  States,  when  in  actual  service  of  the  United 
States;  he  may  require  the  written  opinion  of  the  principal  officers  of  the  several  executive 
departments  upon  subjects  relating  to  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices,  and  shall  have  power  to 
grant  reprieves  and  pardons  for  oflenses  against  the  United  States,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment. 

He  shall  have  power,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  to  make  treaties, 
provided  two-thirds  of  the  Senators  present  concur,  and  shall  nominate  to  the  Senate  ambassa- 
dors, other  public  ministers  and  consuls,  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  all  other  officers  of 
the  United  States  whose  appointment  is  not  otherwise  provided  for ;  but  Congress  may  vest  the 
appointment  of  inferior  officers  in  the  President  alone,  in  the  courts  of  law,  or  in  the  heads  of 
departments. 

The  President  may  fill  all  vacancies  that  may  happen  during  the  recess  of  the  Senate,  by 
granting  commissions  which  shall  expire  at  the  end  of  their  next  session. 

He  shall,  from  time  to  time,  give  Congress  information  of  the  state  of  the  Union,  and 
recommend  measures  to  their  consideration ;  he  may,  on  extraordinary  occasions,  convene  both 
Houses  or  either  of  them,  and,  in  case  of  disagreement  between  them  as  to  the  time  of  adjourn- 
ment, he  may  adjourn  them  to  such  time  as  he  shall  think  proper ;  he  shall  receive  ambassadors 
and  other  public  ministers  ;  he  shall  take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed,  and  shall  com- 
mission all  the  officers  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  4.  The  President,  Vice  President  and  all  civil  officers  of  the  United  States,  shall  be 
removed  from  office  on  impeachment  for  and  conviction  of  treason,  bribery,  or  other  high  crimes 
and  misdemeanors. 

Article  III. 

Section  1.  The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  be  vested  in  one  Supreme 
Court,  and  in  such  inferior  courts  as  Congress  may  establish.  The  Judges,  both  of  the  Suprehie 
and  inferior  Courts,  shall  hold  their  offices  during  good  behavior,  and  shall  receive  a  compensa- 
tion which  shall  not  be  diminished  during  their  continuance  in  office. 

Sec.  2.  The  judicial  power  shall  extend  to  all  cases,  in  law  and  equity,  arising  under  this 
Constitution,  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  treaties,  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  other  public 
ministers  and  consuls,  all  cases  of  admiralty  and  maritime  jurisdiction  ;  to  controversies  to  which 
the  United  States  shall  be  a  party ;  controversies  between  two  or  more  States  ;  between  a  State 
and  citizens  of  another  State ;  between  citizens  of  different  States  ;  between  citizens  of  the  same 
State  claiming  lands  under  grants  of  different  States,  and  between  a  State  or  the  citizens  thereof 
and  foreign  States,  citizens  or  subjects. 

In  all  cases  affecting  Ministers  and  Consuls,  and  those  in  which   a  State  is  a   party,  the 
Supreme  Court  shall  have  original  jurisdiction.     In  all   other  cases  mentioned,  the   Supreme 
Court  shall  have  appellate  jurisdiction,  both  as  to  law  and  fact,  subject  to  exceptions  and  regu 
lations  made  by  Congress. 

All  crimes,  except  in  cases  of  impeachment,  shall  be  tried  by  jury,  and  in  the  State  where 
the  crime  was  committed ;  but  Congress  shall  fix  the  place  of  trial  for  crimes  not  committed 
within  any  State. 

Sec.  3.  Treason  against  the  United  States  shall  consist  only  in  levying  war  against  them, 
or  in  adhering  to  their  enemies,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort.  No  person  shall  be  convicted  of 
treason  unless  on  the  testimony  of  two  witnesses  to  the  same  overt  act,  or  on  confession  in  open 
court. 

Congress  shall  have  power  to  declare  the  punishment  of  treason,  but  no  attainder  of  treason 
shall  work  corruption  of  blood  or  forfeiture,  except  during  the  life  of  the  person  attainted. 

Article  IV. 

Section  1.  Each  State  shall  give  full  faith  and  credit  to  the  public  acts,  records  and  judi- 
cial proceedings  of  every  other  State,  and  Congress  may  prescribe  the  manner  in  which  such 
acts,  records  and  proceedings  shall  be  proved,  and  the  effect  thereof 


302  HISTORY    OF   WISCONSIN. 

Sec.  2.  The  citizens  of  each  State  shall  be  entitled  to  all  privileges  and  immunities  of 
citizens  in  the  several  States. 

Fugitives  from  justice  in  any  State  found  in  another  State,  shall,  on  demand  of  the  Execu- 
tive, be  delivered  up  and  removed  to  the  State  having  jurisdiction  of  the  crime. 

No  person  held  to  service  or  labor  in  one  State  under  the  laws  thereof,  escaping  into  another, 
shall,  in  consequence  of  any  law  or  regulation  therein,  be  discharged  from  such  service  or  labor, 
but  shall  be  delivered  up  on  claim  of  the  party  to  whom  such  service  or  labor  may  be  due. 

Sec.  3.  New  States  may  be  admitted  to  the  Union,  but  no  new  State  shall  be  formed 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  any  other  State;  nor  by  the  junction  of  two  or  more  States,  or  parts 
of  States,  without  the  consent  of  the  Legislatures  of  the  States  concerned,  as  well  as  of  Congress. 

Congress  shall  have  power  to  dispose  of  and  to  regulate  and  govern  the  territory  or  other 
property  belonging  to  the  United  States;  and  nothing  in  this  Constitution  shall  be  construed  to 
prejudice  any  claims  of  the  United  States,  or  any  particular  State. 

Every  State  shall  be  guaranteed  a  republican  form  of  government,  and  shall  be  protected 
against  invasion  ;  and  on  an  application  of  the  Legislature,  or  of  the  executive  (when  the  Legis- 
lature cannot  be  convened),  against  domestic  violence. 

Article  V. 

Congress,  whenever  two-thirds  of  both  Houses  shall  deem  it  necessary,  shall  propose  amend- 
ments to  this  Constitution,  or,  on  application  of  two-thirds  of  the  Legislatures  of  the  several 
States,  shall  call  a  convention  for  proposing  amendments,  which,  in  either  case,  shall  be  valid  to  all 
intents  and  purposes,  as  part  of  this  Constitution  when  ratified  by  the  Legislatures  of  three-fourths 
of  the  several  States,  or  by  conventions  in  three-fourths  thereof,  as  the  one  or  the  other  mode  of 
ratification  may  be  proposed  by  the  Congress ;  provided  that  no  amendment  which  may  be  made 
prior  to  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eight  shall  in  any  manner  affect  the  first  and 
fourth  clauses  in  the  ninth  section  of  the  first  article ;  and  that  no  State,  without  its  consent, 
shall  be  deprived  of  its  equal  sufirage  in  the  Senate. 

Article  VI. 

All  existing  debts  and  engagements  shall  be  valid  against  the  United  States  under  this 
Constitution. 

This  Constitution  and  the  laws  of  the  United  States  made  in  pursuance  thereof,  and  all 
treaties  made  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  the  supreme  law  of  the  land, 
and  the  Judges  in  every  State  shall  be  bound  thereby ;  anything  in  the  Constitution  or  laws  of 
any  State  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Senators  and  Representatives,  members  of  the  several  State  Legislatures,  and  all  executive 
and  judicial  officers,  both  of  the  United  States  and  of  the  several  States,  shall  be  bound  by  oath 
or  affirmation,  to  support  this  Constitution ;  but  no  religious  test  shall  ever  be  required  as  a 
qualification  to  any  office  or  public  trust  under  the  United  States. 

Article  VIL 

The  ratification  of  the  Convention  of  nine  States  shall  be  sufficient  for  the  establishment  of 
this  Constitution  between  the  States  so  ratifying  the  same. 

Done  in  convention  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  States  present,  the  seventeenth  day 
of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  and  of  the 
independence  of  the  United  States  of  America  the  twelfth. 

In  witness  whereof  we  have  hereunto  subscribed  our  names. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON, 
President  and  Deputy  from  Virginia. 
[Other  signatures  omitted.] 


CONSTITUTION    OF    THE    UNITED   STATES.  303 

Amendments  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Proposed  by  Congress  and  ratified  by  the  Legislatures  of  the  several  States,  pursuant  to 
the  Fifth  Article  of  the  original  Constitiition. 

Article  I. 

Congress  shall  make  no  law  respecting  religion,  or  prohibiting  the  free  exercise  thereof; 
or  abridging  the  freedom  of  speech  or  of  the  press ;  or  of  the  right  of  the  people  peaceably  to 
assemble  and  to  petition  the  Government  for  a  redress  of  grievances. 

Article  II. 

A  well-regulated  militia  being  necessary  to  the  security  of  a  free  State,  the  right  of  the 
people  to  keep  and  bear  arms  shall  not  be  infringed. 

Article  III. 

No  soldier  shall,  in  time  of  peace,  be  quartered  in  any  house  without  the  consent  of  the 
owner,  nor  in  time  of  war,  but  in  a  manner  to  be  prescribed  by  law. 

Article  IV. 

The  right  of  the  people  to  be  secure  in  their  persons  and  property  against  unreasonable 
searches  and  seizures  shall  not  be  violated,  and  no  warrants  shall  issue  but  upon  probable  cause, 
supported  by  oath  or  affirmation,  and  particularly  describing  the  place  to  be  searched  and  the 
persons  or  things  to  be  seized. 

Article  V. 

No  pei'son  shall  be  held  to  answer  for  any  infamous  crime  unless  on  an  indictment  of  a 
grand  jury,  except  in  cases  arising  in  the  land  or  naval  forces,  or  in  the  militia,  when  in  actual 
service  in  time  of  war  or  public  danger  ;  nor  shall  any  person  be  twice  put  in  jeopardy  of  life 
or  limb  for  the  same  offense  ;  nor  shall  he  be  compelled,  in  any  criminal  case,  to  be  a  witness 
against  himself,  nor  be  deprived  of  life,  liberty  or  property  without  due  process  of  law ;  nor 
shall  private  property  be  taken  for  public  use  without  just  compensation. 

Article  VI. 

In  all  criminal  prosecutions,  the  accused  shall  enjoy  the  right  to  speedy  and  public  trial, 
by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  State  and  district  wherein  the  crime  shall  have  been  committed,  and 
to  be  informed  of  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  accusation  ;  to  be  confronted  witli  the  witnesses 
against  him  ;  to  have  compulsory  process  for  obtaining  witnesses  in  his  favor,  and  to  have  the 
assistance  of  counsel  for  his  defense. 

Article  VII. 

In  suits  at  common  law,  when  the  value  in  controversy  shall  exceed  twenty  dollars,  the 
right  of  trial  by  jury  shall  be  preserved,  and  no  fact  tried  by  a  jury  shall  be  otherwise 
re-examined  in  any  court  of  the  United  States  than  according  to  the  rules  of  the  common  law. 

Article  VIII. 

Excessive  bail  shall  not  be  required,  nor  excessive  fines  imposed,  nor  cruel  and  unusual  pun- 
ishments inflicted. 


304  HISTORY    OF    AVISCONSIN. 

Article  IX. 

The  enumeration  in  the  Constitution  of  certain  rights  shall  not  be  construed  to  deny  or  dis- 
parage others  retained  by  the  people. 

Article  X. 

The  powers  not  delegated  to  the  United  States  by  the  Constitution,  nor  prohibited  by  it  to 
the  States,  are  reserved  to  the  States  respectively  or  to  the  people. 

Article  XI. 

The  judicial  power  of  the  United  States  shall  not  be  construed  to  extend  to  any  suit  in  law 
or  equity  commenced  or  prosecuted  against  one  of  the  United  States  by  citizens  of  another 
State,  or  by  citizens  or  subjects  of  any  foreign  State. 

Article  XII. 

The  electors  shall  meet  in  their  respective  States,  and  vote  by  ballot  for  President  and  Vice 
President,  one  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  not  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  same  State  with  themselves ; 
distinct  ballots  shall  be  made  for  President  and  Vice  President,  and  distinct  lists  made  of  such 
ballots  and  of  the  number  of  votes  for  each,  which  lists  they  shall  sign  and  certify  and  transmit 
sealed  to  the  seat  of  government,  addressed  to  the  President  of  the  Senate ;  the  President  of  the 
Senate  shall,  in  presence  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  open  all  the  certificates, 
and  the  votes  shall  then  be  counted ;  the  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes  for  Presi- 
dent shall  be  President,  if  such  number  be  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed ; 
if  no  person  have  such  majority,  then  from  those  having  the  highest  numbers,  not  exceeding 
three  on  the  list  of  those  voted  for  as  President,  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  choose  imme- 
diately by  ballot  the  President.  But,  in  choosing  the  President,  the  vote  shall  be  taken  by 
States,  each  State  having  one  vote ;  a  quorum  for  this  purpose  shall  consist  of  a  member  or  mem- 
bers from  two-thirds  of  the  States,  and  a  majority  of  all  the  States  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 
If,  whenever  the  right  of  choice  shall  devolve  upon  them,  the  House  of  Representatives  shall  not 
choose  a  President  before  the  fourth  day  of  March  next  following,  then  the  Vice  President  shall 
act  as  President,  as  in  the  case  of  death  or  disability  of  the  President.  The  person  having  the 
greatest  number  of  votes  as  Vice  President  shall  be  the  Vice  President,  if  such  number  be  a 
majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed,  and  if  no  person  have  a  majority,  then  from 
the  two  highest  numbers  on  the  list,  the  Senate  shall  choose  the  Vice  President ;  a  quorum  for 
the  purpose  shall  consist  of  two-thirds  of  the  whole  number  of  Senators,  and  a  majority  of  the 
whole  number  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice.  But  no  person  ineligible  to  the  office  of  President 
shall  be  eligible  to  that  of  Vice  President  of  the   United  States. 

Article  XIII. 

Section  1.  Neither  slavery  nor  involuntary  servitude,  except  as  a  punishment  for  crime 
whereof  the  party  shall  have  been  duly  convicted,  shall  exist  within  the  United  States,  or  any 
place  subject  to  their  jurisdiction. 

Sec.  3.     Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate  legislation. 

Article  XIV. 

Section  1.  All  persons  born  or  naturalized  in  the  United  States,  or  subject  to  the  juris- 
diction thereof,  are  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  State  wherein  they  reside.  No 
State  shall  make  or  enforce  any  law  which  shall  abridge  the  privileges  or  immunities  of  citizens 
of  the  United  States ;  nor  shall  any  State  deprive  any  person  of  life,  liberty  or  property  without 


CONSTITUTION   OF   THE    UNITED   STATES. 


305 


due  process  of  law,  nor  deny  to  any  person  within  its  jurisdiction  the  equal  protection  of  the 
law. 

Sec.  2.  Representatives  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  States  according  to  population, 
counting  the  whole  number  of  persons  in  each  State,  including  Indians  not  taxed.  But  when 
the  right  to  vote  is  denied  to  any  of  the  male  inhabitants  of  a  State,  being  twenty-one  years  of 
age  and  citizens  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  way  abridged,  except  for  participation  in 
rebellion  or  other  crime,  the  basis  of  representation  therein  shall  be  reduced  in  the  proportion 
which  the  number  of  such  male  citizens  shall  bear  to  the  whole  number  of  male  citizens  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  in  such  State. 

Sec.  3.  No  person  shall  hold  any  office  under  the  United  States  or  under  any  State,  who 
having  previously,  as  an  officer  of  the  United  States  of  any  State,  faken  an  oath  to  support  the 
Constitution  of  the  United  States,  shall  have  engaged  in  insurrection  or  rebellion  against  the 
same,  or  given  aid  and  comfort  to  the  enemies  thereof.  But  Congress  may,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  each  House,  remove  such  disability. 

Sec.  4.  The  validity  of  the  public  debt  of  the  United  States,  including  pensions  and 
bounties,  shall  not  be  questioned.  But  neither  the  United  States  nor  any  State  shall  assume 
or  pay  any  debt  or  obligation  incurred  in  aid  of  insurrection  or  rebellion  against  the  Uniied 
States,  or  any  claim  for  the  loss  or  emancipation  of  any  slave  ;  but  all  such  debts,  obligations 
and  claims  shall  be  held  illegal  and  void. 

Sec.  5.  Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce,  by  appropriate  legislation,  the  provisions 
of  this  article. 

Article  XV. 

Section  1.  The  right  of  citizens  to  vote  shall  not  be  denied  or  abridged  by  the  United 
States,  or  by  any  State,  on  account  of  race,  color,  or  previous  condition  of  servitude. 

Sec.  2.     Congress  shall  have  power  to  enforce  this  article  by  appropriate  legislation. 


306 


ALPHABETICAL    LIST  OF    COUNTIES    AND    CITIES 

WITH  GUBERNATORIAL  AND  PRESIDENTIAL  VOTES. 


!fote. — The  Republican  or  Democratic  majority  in  each  county  is  given  as  between  Smith  and  Mallory.     Oreea* 
back  majority  is  only  given  when  the  vote  for  AUis  exceeds  the  others,  and  is  talten  from  the  highest  vote. 


COUNTIES. 

GOVERNOR. 

1877. 

PRESIDENT. 
1876. 

Smith. 

Mallory 

Allis. 

Maj. 

1 
Hayes. 

Tildeo. 

M^j. 

Adams.. 

580 

86 

459 

40 

1387 

1076 

336 

460 

686 

449 

2048 

806 

3613 

2333 

477 

21 

1174 

1208 

3086 

2620 

1823 

879 

1461 

802 

1917 

1045 

938 

247 

1968 

1409 

27 

1365 

301 

447 

5843 

1102 

1059 

777 

437 

521 

1523 

916 

1080 

2304 

233I    1 1  6 

R.  347 
D.   77 
R.  256 
R.    6 
D.  353 
R.  265 
R.  312 
D.  680 
D.   18 
G.  367 
R   451 
D.  202 
D.  290 
D.  1934 
R.  351 
D.    7 
R.  767 
R.  403 
D.  328 
R.  682 
R.  974 
D.   17 
R.  286 
R.  411 
D.  201 
R.  162 
R.   31 
D.  311 
R.  853 
R.  109 
G.  142 
D.  586 
D.  454 
D.  283 
D.  545 
R.    6 
R.  295 
D.  1228 
D.  1142 
R.  350 
R.  9781 
R.  553 
R.  163| 
R.  398 

981 

109 

644 

86 

I   2756 

1186 

285 

1012 

1596 

1255 

3532 

1356 

6435 

3236 

1095 

42 

2033 

2266 

4845 

4723 

2601 

1739 

2651 

1507 

2874 

1714 

1610 

561 

2644 

2424 

71 

2700 

668 

697 

9981 

2558 

1813 

1859 

583 

836 

2135 

1019 

1855 

3560 

442 

189 

257 

74 

3647 

1162 

28 

2145 

1774 

660 

2493 

1604 

5726 

6361 

696 

67 

894 

1785 

5660 

3198 

1736 

1514 

2348 

R   539 

Ashland 

163 

203 

34 

1740 

810 

24 

1130 

693 

153 

1597 

1008 

3903 

4267 

12c 

28 

407 

805 

3414 

D   80 

63 

2 

1015 

76 

R   387 

Bayfield 

R   12 

Brown 

D   892 

BufiFalo 

R   24 

Burnett 

R.  267 

Calumet 

389 
689 
816 
118 
146 
614 
381 
283 

D  1133 

D   178 

Clark 

R   595 

Columbia 

R  1039 

Crawford 

D.  249 

Dane 

D.  291 

Dodge 

D.  3125 

Door 

R.  499 

D   25 

Dunn 

'412 

597 

1949 

R.  1139 

Eau  Claire 

R.  481 

D.  815 

Grant 

1938J   1037 
849!    580 
896;   215 

1176'   1021 
3911    521 

2418    296 
883    463 
907     51 

R.  1526 

Green 

R.  866 

Green  Lake 

R.  225 

R.  303 

Jackson 

718  R.  789 

4134  D.  1260 

1458 

1432 

1664 

2481 

2299 

174 

3908 

1796 

1112 

12026 

2030 

1174 

3608 

5480 

394 

985 

362 

1794 

2880 

R.  256 

Kenosha 

R.  178 

Kewaunee 

558 

1115 

1300 

15 

20 
524 
269 
169 

D.  1093 

La  Crosse 

R.  163 

La  Fayette 

R.  125 

D.  103 

1951!    98 

755,    746 

730'    70 

6388   1228 

1096^   1019 

764    157 

20051    992 

1579     17 

171    123 

645    408 

363     60 

917    728 

1906    112 

D.  1208 

D.  1128 

Marquette 

D.  415 

D.  2045 

Monroe  

R.  528 

R.  639 

D.  1749 

D.  1897 

Pepin 

R.  447 

R.  1152 

Polk 

R.  650 

R.   61 

Racine 

R.  680 

307 


GUBEKNATORIAL  AND  PRESIDENTIAL  VOTES— 1877-1876— CowiMmcd. 


COUNTIES— Confinued. 


Richland 

Rock 

St.  Croix 

Sauk 

Shawano 

Sheboygan 

Taylor 

Trempealeau 

Vernon 

Walworth 

Washington 

Waukesha 

Waupaca 

Waushara 

Winnebago 

Wood.  

CITIES 

Appleton 

Beaver  Dam 

Beloit 

Berlin 

Buffalo 

Centralia 

Chilton 

Chippewa  Falls 

Columbus 

Eau  Claire 

Fond  du  Lac 

Fort  Howard 

Grand  Rapids 

Green  Bay 

Hudson 

Janesville 

Kenosha 

La  Crosse 

Madison 

Manitowoc 

Menasha 

Milwaukee 

Mineral  Point 

Neenah 

New  London 

Oconomowoc 

Oconto 

Oshkosh 

Plymouth 

Portage 

Prairie  du  Chiea 

Prescott 

Racine 

Ripon 

Shawano 

Sheboygan 

Stevens  Point 

Watertown 

Waupaca 

Wausau 


GOVBRNOB. 

PRESIDENT. 

IS 

77. 

1876. 

Smith. 

Mallory. 

AIIU. 

Maj. 

Hayes. 

Tilden. 

Maj. 

1201 

729 

705 

R. 

472 

2038 

1591 

R. 

447 

3375 

1620 

781 

R. 

1755 

5755 

2814 

R. 

2893 

1558 

1489 

93 

R. 

70 

1775 

1736 

R. 

39 

1826 

922 

574 

R. 

904 

3395 

2201 

R. 

1194 

269 

605 

92 

D. 

336 

582 

873 

D. 

291 

1598 

1737 

750 

D. 

139 

3224 

3633 

D. 

409 

195 

254 

53 

D. 

59 

240 

24b 

D. 

6 

2483 

731 

176 

R. 

1452 

2360 

790 

R. 

1570 

1678 

416 

846 

R. 

1262 

2764 

1117 

R. 

1647 

2904 

1374 

160 

R. 

1530 

4212 

1970 

R. 

2242 

994 

2187 

187 

D. 

1993 

1321 

3047 

D, 

1726 

2484 

2388 

276 

R. 

96 

3129 

3335 

D. 

206 

1473 

990 

772 

R. 

483 

2642 

1592 

R. 

1050 

1282 

-   257 

377 

R. 

1025 

2080 

548 

R. 

1532 

2068 

2238 

1887 

D. 

170 

5092 

4426 

R. 

666 

247 

196 

601 

G 

354 

658 

745 

D. 

87 

231 

522 

201 

D. 

291 

549 

911 

D. 

362 

320 

361 

6 

D. 

41 

357 

465 

D. 

108 

377 

109 

240 

R. 

268 

745 

627 

R. 

118 

219 

197 

36 

R. 

22 

456 

312 

R. 

144 

25 

17 
5 

R. 
G. 

8 
81 

14 
64 

31 

93 

D. 
D. 

17 

16 

97 

29 

31 

128 
294 

33 
143 

D. 
D. 

97 
65 

229 

475 

572 

D. 

97 

210 

123 

3 

R. 

87 

254 

212 

R. 

42 

620 

459 

250 

R. 

161 

1205 

1013 

R. 

189 

862 

884 

520 

D. 

22 

1382 

1542 

D. 

160 

150 

85 

195 

G. 

45 

669 

288 

R. 

81 

50 

42 

110 

G. 

60 

121 

191 

D. 

70 

432 

333 

181 

R. 

99 

696 

647 

R. 

49 

226 

207 

3 

R. 

19 

250 

224 

R. 

26 

771 

605 

31 

R. 

166 

1036 

848 

R. 

188 

281 

314 

42 

I). 

33 

514 

544 

D. 

30 

712 

671 

351 

R. 

41 

1085 

1549 

D. 

464 

740 

1057 

13 

D. 

317 

834 

12-52 

D. 

418 

349 

284 

17 

R. 

61 

660 

512 

R. 

148 

146 

311 

67 

D. 

165 

291 

344 

D. 

53 

4816 

5027 

1050 

D. 

211 

8218 

9625 

D. 

1407 

260 

249 

21 

R. 

11 

348 

324 

R. 

24 

115 

146 

376 

G. 

230 

511 

385 

R. 

126 

84 

125 

118 

D. 

41 

206 

208 

D. 

2 

172 

167 

24 

R. 

5 

222 

238 

D. 

16 

270 

311 

6 

D. 

41 

399 

506 

D. 

107 

724 

954 

375 

D. 

230 

1496 

1910 

D. 

414 

69 
245 

127 

405 

28 

7 

D. 
D. 

58 
160 

366 

532 

D. 

1G6 

155 

267 

3 

D. 

112 

215 

377 

D. 

162 

87 

61 

10 

R. 

26 

143 

108 

R. 

35 

1052 

921 

82 

R. 

131 

1672 

1324 

R. 

348 

270 

239 

33 

R. 

31 

397 

333 

R. 

64 

65 

73 

13 

D 

18 

87 

83 

R. 

4 

248 

440 

68 

L). 

192 

575 

873 

D. 

298 

252 

270 

145 

D. 

18 

423 

563 

D. 

140 

232 

687 

164 

D. 

446 

372 

1295 

D 

923 

210 

49 

20 

R. 

161 

280 

52 

R. 

228 

76 

170 

300 

G. 

130 

210 

595 

D. 

385 

POPULATION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


MlIS 
R.  R. 
1872. 


Statks  A>'n 
Tkrritorikr. 


States. 

Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentuclty 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts.. 

Michtpan" 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New  Hampshire. 

New  Jersey 

New  York 

North  Carolina. 

Ohio 

Oregon 


Area  in 
s<iuare 
Miles. 


50, 

58, 

188, 

4 

2, 

59, 

58, 

55, 

33, 

55, 

81, 

37, 

41, 

31, 

11, 

7, 

56, 

83, 

47 

B5, 

75, 

112, 

9, 

8. 

47. 

50, 

39, 

95, 


*  Last  Census  of 


722 
198 
981 
674 
120 
268 
000 
410 
809 
045 
,318 
,600 
,346 
,T76 
,184 
,800 
,451 
531 
,156 
,350 
9P5 
090 
,280 
320 
000 
704 
964 
244 
Mich 


PoPTLATION. 


1,3.M.544 
528,349 


857.039 


996,992 
484,471 
560.247 
537.454 
135.015 
187.T48 
184.109 
539.891 
680.637 
191.79^ 
364,399 
.321,011 
726,915 
626,915 
780,894 
,457.351 
,184.059 
439.706 
827.922 
,721,295 
123,993 

42,491 
318.300 
906,096 
382.759 
,071.361 
,665,260 

90,923 
igan  taken  in  1874. 


1,651,912 

1.334,031 

598.429 


246.280 
52,540 


1,026.502 
4.705.208 


Miles 
R.  K. 
1872. 


,671 
25 
,013 
820 
227 
466 
.108 
.904 
.529 
.160 
,760 
,123 
539 
871 
820 
,606 
,23.", 
,612 
990 
,580 
828 
593 
790 
,265 
,470 
.190 
,740 
139 


State-s  ani> 
Territories. 

Slnlts. 

Pennsylvania 

Rtiode  Island.  .. 
South  Carolina... 

Tennessee 

Tex.is 

Vermont 

^'ir^,'iIlia 

West  VirRlnla 

Wisconsin 

Total  Slates 

Territories. 

Arizona  

Colorado 

Dakota 

Dlst.  of  Columbia. 

Idaho 

Montana 

New  Mexico 

Utah 

WasliiiiRton 

Wyoming 

Totnl  Trrritortet. 


Area  In 
square 
Miles. 


46, 
1 
29, 
45, 
237, 
10. 
40. 
23, 
53, 


Population. 


3,521.791 
217.353 
705,606 

1,258.620 
818.579 
330,551 

1,225,163 
442,014 

1,054.670 


258,239 
925.145 


1.236.729 


1,950,171 


113,916 

104,500 

147,490 

60 

90.932 

143,776 

121,201 

80,056 

69,944 

93,107 


38,113,253  . 


965,032 


9, 
39, 
14, 
131, 
14, 
20, 
91. 
86, 
23, 

9. 


658!. 
864  ., 
181;., 
700  . 
999'. 
595i. 
874,. 
786  . 
955  . 
118  . 


S,11S 
136 

1.201 

1,530 
865 
675 

1,490 
485 

1.725 


59.587 


875 


498 


442,7301 ;    1.265 


Aggregateof  U.  S..  2,91d,203'38,555.983i 160,85'. 

•  Included  in  the  Railroad  Mileage  of  Maryland. 


PRINCIPAL  COUNTRIES  OF  THE  WORLD; 

]'OPULATION   AND   ArEA. 


COUNTIilKS. 


Populatloti. 


China 

British  Kmpire 

Russia 

United  States  with  Alaska... 

France 

Austria  and  Hungary 

Japan 

Great  Britain  and  Ireland... 

German  Empire 

Italy 

Spain 

Ilrazll 

Turkey 

Mexico 

Sweden  and  Norway 

Persia 

Belgium 

Bavaria , 

Portugal 

Holland 

>ew  Grenada 

Chili 

Switzerland 

Peru 

Bolivia 

Argetitine  Kepubllc 

Wurteinljurg 

Denmark 

Venezuela 

Baden 

Greece 

Guatemala 

Ecuador 

Paraguay 

Hesse 

Liberia 

San  Salvador 

Haytl 

Nicaragua 

Uruguay 

Honduras 

San  I>onilngo 

Costa  Rica 

Hawaii 


446, 

226. 

81, 

38. 

36, 

35, 

34, 

31. 

29, 

27, 

16, 

10, 

16, 

9, 

5, 

6, 

5, 

4, 

3, 

3, 

3, 

2, 

2, 

2, 

2, 

1 

1 

1 

I, 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1, 


500,000 
817,108 
925,4'10 
925.600 
469  800 
904,400 
785.300 
817,100 
906,093 
439,921 
642,000 
000,000 
463.000 
173.000 
921.500 
000,000 
021.300 
861,400 
995,200 
688.300 
000.000 
000.000 
669.100 
500.000 
,000,000 
,812,000 
,818,500 
,784.700 
.500,000 
,461,400 
,457,900 
,180,000 
300,000 
000.000 
823,138 
718,000 
600,000 
572,000 
350,000 
300.000 
350.000 
136,000 
165,000 
62.9.50 


Date  of 
Census. 


1871 
18T1 
1871 
1870 
1866 
1869 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1867 


1869 
1870 
1870 
1869 
1871 
1868 
1870 
1870 
1869 
1870 
1871 

1869 
1871 
1870 

'1871 
1870 
1871 


1871 
1871 

'isVi 

1871 
1871 


Area  in 
Square 

Miles. 


3,741,846 

4,677,432 

8,003,778 

2.603,884 

204,091 

240.348 

149,399 

131,315 

160,207 

118,847 

195  775 

3,253,029 

673,621 

761,526 

292,871 

635.964 

11.373 

29,292 

34.494 

12.680 

357.157 

132.616 

15.992 

471.838 

497,321 

871.848 

7,533 

14,753 

368.238 

5.912 

19,353 

40.879 

218,838 

63,787 

2,969 

9,576 

7.335 

10,205 

58.171 

66,722 

47,093 

17,827 

21.505 

7.633 


Inhabitants 

to  Square 

Mile. 


119.3 

486 

10.2 

7.78 

178.7 

149.4 

232.8 

262.3 

187. 

230.9 

85. 

3.07 
24.4 


20. 
7.8 
441.5 
165.9 
115.8 
290.9 
8.4 
15.1 
166.9 
5.3 
4. 
2.1 
241.4 
120.9 
4,2 
247. 
75.3 
28.9 
5.9 
15.6 
277. 
74.9 
81.8 
56. 
6. 
6.5 
7.4 
7.6 
7.7 
80. 


Pekln 

London 

St.  Petersburg.. 

Washington 

Paris 

Vienna 

Yeddo 

London 

Berlin 

Rome 

Madrid 

Rio  Janeiro 

ConstantinoiJle . 

Mexico 

Stockholm 

Teheran 

Brussels..." 

Munich 

Lisbon 

Hague 

Bogota 

.Santiago 

Berne 

Lima 

chuquisaca. ..  . 
Buenos  Ayres. . 

Stuttgart 

Copenhagen 

I'uraccas 

Carisruhe 

Athens 

Guatemala 

Quito 

Asuncion 

Darmstadt 

(Monrovia 

Sal  Salvador 

Port  au  Prince 

Managua 

Monte  V.deo... 

Comayagua 

San  Domingo... 

Sin  Jose 

Honolulu 


Population. 


,648,800 

,351,800 

667,000 

109,199 

,835.300 

833,900 

.554.900 

,351,800 

885.400 

244,464 

332,000 

420,000 

,075,000 

210,300 

136.900 

120,000 

314,100 

169.500 

224.063 

90,100 

45,000 

115.400 

36.001) 

160,100 

25,000 

177,800 

91,600 

162,043 

47,000 

36,600 

43,400 

40,00(1 

70.000 

48.000 

30.0011 

3.0011 

15.000 

20.000 

10.000 

44.500 

12.000 

20.000 

2,000 

7,683 


■ti,^\     "■''* 


^_ 


(DECEA  SE   D) 

PORTAGE    CITY. 


HISTORY  OF  COLUMBIA  COUNTY. 


CHAPTEE    I. 

Geological  ±'ormations  of  Coltjmbia  County  — Geological  Formations  of  the  Several 
Towns— Rivers  in  Columbia  County— WATERsiiEDS-ALXixunES. 

GEOLOGICAL    FORMATIONS    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY 

The  geological  formations  of  Columbia  County  are  the  Huronian  quartzite  and  quartz- 
porphyry;  the  Potsdam  sandstone;  the  Mendota  limestone  and  Madison  sandstone  (beds  of 
passage  between  the  Potsdam  and  Lower  Magnesian) ;  the  Lower  Magnesian  limestone  ;  the 
St.  Peters  sandstone;  the  Trenton  limestone;  the  Glacial  drift,  and  the  recent  alluvial  deposits. 
The  Huronian  appears  in  the  quartzite  ridges  of  the  town  of  Caledonia,  which,  uniting  at  tlieir 
eastern  extremities  form  a  bold  point  around  which  the  Wisconsin  is  forced  to  find  its  way  in  a 
wide  bow.  The  Huronian  also  rises  to  the  surfiice  on  Section  7,  of  the  town  of  Marcellon, 
where  are  low  knobs  of  quartz-porphyry.  The  quartzite  and  quartz-porphyry  have  a  tliickness 
measured  by  thousands  of  feet,  are  folded  and  tilted,  and  have  all  the  more  recent  formations 
placed  upon  them  unconformably.  The  Potsdam  sandstone,  eight  hundred  to  one  thousand 
feet  thick,  underlies  the  whole  of  the  county,  except  where  the  Huronian  appears,  coming 
to  the  surface  over  all  the  lower  levels  along  the  Wisconsin  and  its  tributaries,  besides  forming 
considerable  portions  of  the  slopes  of  the  outliers  and  higher  lands.  All  about  the  Caledonia 
quartzite  ranges,  it  rises  to  very  considerable  altitudes,  apparently  rising  here  into  the  horizon 
of  some  of  the  newer  formations.  Farther  north  again,  it  occupies  all  levels,  having  attained 
now  a  much  increased  altitude  by  virtue  of  its  general  northern  rise.  The  Mendota  and  Madi- 
son beds,  sixty  to  eighty  feet  thick,  occupy  parts  of  the  slope,  or  else  cap  the  summits,  of 
many  of  the  outliers,  flanking  the  great  limestone  escarpment  which  runs  diagonally  across  the 
county  from  Scott,  in  the  northeast,  to  West  Point,  in  the  southeast.  These  layers  also  form 
the  surface  rock  along  the  western  slope  of  the  limestone  edge  just  westward,  occasionally,  as 
in  Lowville  and  Springvale,  coming  to  the  surface  over  a  belt  of  country  several  miles  in  width. 
Even  east  of  the  limestone  escarpment,  a  considerable  area  in  the  adjoining  portions  of  Otsego 
and  Fountain  Prairie  is  eroded  down  to  the  level  of  the  Madison  sandstone.  The  Lower 
Magnesian,  with  a  thickness  of  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  and  forty  feet,  caps  many  of  the  outlying 
bluffs  east  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  is  the  surface  rock  over  most  of  the  county  east  of  the  limestone 
escarpment.  It  is  overlaid,  however,  by  the  St.  Peters'  sandstone  (thickness  fifteen  to  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  feet),  and  the  Trenton  limestone  (thickness  in  Columbia  County  proba- 
bly never  more  than  thirty  feet),  in  southeastern  Hampden,  southern  Columbus,  eastern  Fountain 
Prairie,  northeastern  Courtland  and  eastern  Randolph.  The  St.  Peters  sandstone  alone,  occurs 
also  in  several  patches  in  southeastern  Arlington,  lying  upon  the  irregular  upper  surface  of  the 
Lower  Magnesian.  It  also,  with  the  great  thickness  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  feet,  forms 
the  face  of  Gibraltar  Bluff,  in  the  town  of  West  Point.  The  Glacial  drift  spreads  all  over 
Columbia  County,  reaching  a  morainic  development  in  the  towns  of  West  Point  and  Newport. 


310  iriSTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

GEOLOGICAL    FORMATIONS    OF    THE    SEVERAL    TOWNS. 

Randolph  {Township  13  7iorth,  Range  L?  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  comes  to  the 
surface  along  the  bottom  of  a  deep  ravine  in  the  southeast  corner  of  this  town.  Through  this 
ravine,  the  bottom  of  which  has  an  altitude  above  Lake  Michigan  of  only  240  feet,  flow  the 
headwaters  of  Duck  Creek.  On  its  walls,  the  Mendota  and  Madison  beds  are  seen  in  several 
quarries.  The  Lower  Magnesian  limestone  underlies  the  western  and  northern  parts  of  the 
town,  and  comes  to  the  surface,  also,  in  the  low  area  along  the  east  line  in  Sections  13,  24,  2.5 
and  36.  The  principal  exposure  noticed  is  at  P.  Schleissmann's  quarry,  on  the  west  line  of  the 
southwest  quarter  of  Section  6.  Here  a  ten-foot  quarry-face  shows  below,  in  thin  and  very 
regular  layers,  a  close-textured,  buiF-colored,  nearly  pure  dolomite,  which  weathers  with  a 
smooth,  yellowish  surface,  is  marked  finely  with  dendritic  manganese  oxide,  and  is  coated,  in 
places,  with  white  stalactitic  lime  carbonate ;  and  at  the  top.  a  heavy  layer  of  concretionary, 
dark-colored  dolomite.  On  the  hill  above,  are  exposures  of  the  ordinary  rough-textured  Lower 
Magnesian,  near  the  base  of  which  formation  the  quarry  layers  appear  to  lie.  The  Lower 
Magnesian  is  to  be  seen,  also,  near  the  middle  of  the  south  line  of  Section  6  ;  on  a  small  open- 
ing on  B.  Evans'  land,  southeast  quarter  of  Section  17  ;  on  the  hill  above  the  Madison  and 
Mendota  quarry,  in  Section  31 ;  on  T.  Sanderson's  land,  near  the  east  line  of  Section  32  ;  at 
the  head  of  Duck  Creek,  near  the  center  of  Section  28  ;  on  A.  Wolsleyel's  land,  southeast 
quarter  of  Section  9  ;  on  the  east  side  of  the  marsh,  southeast  quarter  of  Section  1  ;  in  the 
road  on  south  side  of  Section  13  ;  at  the  creek-crossing,  on  the  south  line  of  Section  24,  and  at 
the  grist-mill,  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  36. 

The  Trenton  limestone,  with  the  underlying  St.  Peters  sandstone,  covers  most  of  the  mid- 
dle and  western  sections  of  the  town,  in  one  continuous  area,  and  occurs,  also,  in  small,  isolated 
areas  in  Sections  15,  11,  2  and  1.  Eight  feet  of  the  lower  layers  of  the  Trenton  are  exposed 
in  a  small  quarry  at  the  top  of  the 'hill  on  the  north  side  of  the  marsh  in  Section  2;  the  lower 
layers  thick  and  regular,  the  upper  ones  shaly.  Two  feet  below  the  base  of  the  quarry  is  the 
junction  with  the  St.  Peters,  seventy-five  feet  above  the  marsh,  beneath  which  the  Lower  Mag- 
nesian lies,  at  shallow  depths.  Another  quarry  in  the  lower  layers  of  the  Trenton,  on 
the  south  side  of  the  same  marsh,  northeast  quarter  of  Section  11,  shows  ten  feet  of  thin 
and  regularly  bedded  buff  limestone,  underlaid  by  ferruginous  sand,  the  junction  sharply  defined. 
Other  exposures  of  Trenton  were  noticed  at  several  points  on  the  road  running  north  through 
Section  12,  at  D.  R.  Jones'  quarry,  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  13,  where  the  junc- 
tion with  the  St.  Peters  is  again  seen  ;  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  2.5, in  a  quarry 
on  H.  Hutchinson's  land,  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  26,  where 
the  junction  of  the  blue  and  buff  beds  is  seen ;  and  in  a  quarry  on  R.  Arms'  land,  near 
the  center  of  Section  15.  At  the  latter  place,  the  St.  Peters  and  Lower  Magnesian  are  also 
exposed,  the  former  nearly  loose  sand,  and  having  a  thickness  of  not  over  fifteen  feet.  The 
same  small  thickness  was  observed  again  on  Sections  36  and  25,  where  the  Lower  Magnesian  at 
the  grist-mill  is  only  twenty  feet  below  the  Trenton,  one-half  mile  south. 

Courtland  {Township  1 .',  Range  13  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  at  the  surface  only 
along  the  bottom  of  the  ravines  on  Sections  5  and  6.  It  is  seen  in  small  exposures  below  the 
mill-dam  at  Cambria.  The  Mendota  and  Madison  beds  constitute  the  tongue  of  high  land  lying 
between  the  branches  of  Duck  Creek,  and  on  which  the  village  of  Cambria  is  built,  and  are  the 
surface  formations  over  a  considerable  area  in  the  northern  parts  of  Sections  4  and  5.  Reddish 
shaly  Mendota  is  exposed  in  a  railway  cutting  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  5.  The 
Lower  Magnesian'  is  the  surface  rock  over  the  larger  part  of  the  town,  though,  for  the  most  part, 
covered  by  drift.  It  may  be  seen  at  the  head  of  the  ravine  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section 
.5,  on  the  roadside  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  34,  and  on  a  high  point  on  the  prairie  in 
the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  20.  The  Trenton  and  St.  Peters  occupy  an  area  in  the  north- 
eastern sections  continuous  with  that  of  middle  and  eastern  Randolph.  The  Trenton  is  quar- 
ried on  R.  Davies'  land,  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  12.     At  Randolph,  on  Section  1,  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  311 

wells  pass  through  twenty-eight  feet  of  Trenton  limestone  and  twenty  feet  of  St.  Peters  sand- 
stone into  the  lower  magnesian.  The  eastward  slant  of  the  strata  begins  in  this  town  to 
increase  rapidly  eastward. 

Fountain  Prairie  {Township  11,  Range  12  east). — The  Madison  sand-beds  come  to  the 
sui-face  along  the  valley  of  the  Crawfish,  in  Sections  17  and  18,  where  tliey  give  rise  to  a  very 
sandy  soil.  The  Lower  Magnesian  is  the  surface  formation  for  nearly  all  the  town,  though  not 
frequently  exposed.  It  is  little  exposed  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  32  ;  on  the  south- 
west quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  29 ;  in  the  railway  cutting  near  Fall  River 
Depot,  where  it  is  a  white  crystalline-textured  rock,  with  numerous  cavities  ;  on  the  southwest 
quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  32,  and  at  other  points.  A  narrow  northeast  and 
Southwest  ridge,  composed  of  St.  Peters  and  Trenton,  extends  into  the  town  in  Sections  1 3 
and  24. 

Columbus  (Township  10,  Range  13  east). — The  lower  levels  are  occupied  by  the  Lower 
Magnesian  limestone,  which  may  be  seen  exposed  in  a  small  quarry  on  the  southeast  quarter  of 
Section  3,  with  a  thickness  of  six  feet  of  a  reddish,  concretionary  and  cherty  rock  ;  on  the 
west  side  of  Section  9 ;  on  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  24,  and  again  on  the  east  side  of 
the  stream  in  the  east  half  of  Section  26.  The  Trenton  and  St.  Peter's  formations  occupy 
higher  ground  in  the  south  and  southwest,  projecting  northeastward  in  long  narrow  points.  At 
Luey's  place,  on  thanortheast  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  20,  the  quarry  face 
shows  the  following :  (1)  soil  and  drift,  one  foot ;  (2)  blue  shaly  limestone,  containing  brachi- 
opods,  orthoceratite  casts,  G-yroceras  and  Raphistoma,  five  feet;  third,  bluff  limestone  in  heavy 
regular  layers,  ten  feet.  The  St.  Peters  sandstone  is  found  in  Mr.  Luey's  well,  thirty  feet 
below  the  base  of  the  quarry  and  forty  feet  below.  The  Trenton  shows  also  in  the  road  near 
the  center  of  Section  19,  and  near  the  center  of  Section  20.  A.t  Vosburg's  quarr.y,  on  the 
south  side  of  the  stream,  in  Section  29,  the  buff  limestone  only  is  exposed,  the  layers  being 
regular,  three  to  ten  inches  in  thickness,  and  showing  a  few  of  the  ordinary  braehiopods  and 
orthoceratite  casts.  Large  slabs,  four  feet  by  three  feet  eight  inches,  are  easily  obtained. 
Below  the  quarry,  the  junction  with  the  St.  Peters  is  seen.  Boldt's  quarry,  near  the  cen- 
ter of  Section  22,  is  on  nearly  the  same  horizon  as  Luey's,  on  Section  20,  showing  six  feet  of 
the  blue  and  seven  feet  of  the  buff  beds.  The  junction  of  the  two  is  thirty  feet  below  the 
same  junction  at  Lucy's,  proving  an  eastward  descent  of  fifteen  feet  per  mile.  Miller's  quarry, 
on  the  southwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  26,  is  at  the  top  of  the  steep 
southern  bank  of  a  small  stream.  It  shows  only  five  feet  of  thin-bedded  buff"  limestone,  which 
is  burned  for  lime.  In  the  bank  below,  and  running  down  to  the  stream,  the  St.  Peters  is  seen 
with  a  thickness  of  twenty  feet.  Half  a  mile  down  the  stream,  the  Lower  Magnesian  is  exposed 
at  an  elevation  of  only  twenty-five  feet  below  the  top  of  the  St.  Peters  at  Miller's.  The  buff  beds 
are  exposed  again  in  a  small  quarry  on  the  east  side  of  Section  36,  at  a  short  distance  from 
which  place  the  St.  Peters  is  found  in  wells.  The  base  of  the  Trenton,  thus  indicated, 
has  descended  from  its  elevation  at  Luey's  quai-ry,  in  a  distance  of  four  and  three-fourths  miles, 
and  a  direction  E.,  25°;  S.,  6.5  feet,  or  13.6  feet  per  mile.  From  Miller's  quarry,  two 
miles  in  the  same  direction,  the  descent  is  35  feet,  or  17i  feet  per  mile.  These  figures  agree 
with  the  generally  observed  fact  of  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  an  eastern  dip  as  we  pass  east- 
ward. 

Hampden  [Township  10,  Range  11  east). — Except  in  the  southeast,  where  the  Trenton 
and  St.  Peters  occur,  the  Lower  Magnesian  appears  to  be  everywhere  the  surface  rock,  but  it 
is  not  frequently  exposed.  Small  exposures  may  be  seen  on  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section 
11 ;  near  the  northwest  corner  of  Section  33,  and  on  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  33. 

Otsego  {Totvnship  11,  Range  11  east). — A  large  area  in  the  central  sections  of  the  town- 
ship, is  eroded  down  to  the  horizon  of  the  Madison  sandstone,  and  presents  a  loose,  sandy  soil. 
This  sandstone,  coarse,  brown  and  friable,  is  exposed  on  the  roadside  just  north  of  the  center 
of  the  east  line  of  Section  11,  and  again  on  the  road  ascending  the  hill  on  the  east  line  of 
Section  23,  where  it  is  overlaid  by  twenty  feet  of  roughly  weathered,   concretionary  Lower 


312  HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT\ . 

Magnesian.  In  the  railroad-cutting,  just  northwest  of  Rio,  both  Madison  and  Mendota  beds 
are  to  be  seen. 

Springvale  {Township  12,  Range  11  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  the  surface  forma- 
tion along  the  stream  valleys.  The  Mendota  and  Madison  beds  reach  the  surface  on  the  flanks 
of  the  higher  land,  and  form  the  whole  of  one  large,  elevated  area  in  Sections  21  and  22. 
Coarse,  friable,  brown-stained  Madison  sandstone  is  seen  in  a  large,  flat  exposure  at  the  center 
of  the  west  half  of  Section  6,  and  again  near  the  center  of  the  south  line  of  Section  15.  The 
Lower  Magnesian  occupies  all  the  higher  levels.  It  is  exposed  on  the  north  half  of  Section  16, 
at  the  center  of  the  south  half  of  Section  15,  and  at  a  few  other  points. 

Scott  {Township  13,  Raiige  11,  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  immediately  underlies  all 
the  lower  parts  of  the  town,  but  is  infrequently  exposed.  It  shows  on  the  north  of  the  north- 
east quarter  of  Section  6,  fine-grained,  friable,  noncalcareous,  light  colored,  and  in  horizon 
about  seventy  feet  below  the  Mendota  base.  The  Mendota  and  Madison  beds  reach  the  surface 
in  belts  along  the  flanks  of  the  higher  ground.  Reddish,  shaly  Mendota  shows  on  the  side  of 
the  ravine,  on  the  south  line  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  34,  and  brown,  friable,  non- 
calcareous  Madison  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Section  31.  The  Lower  Magnesian  caps  all  the 
high  land,  and  may  be  seen  in  a  small  quarry  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  34,  and  on 
the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  27,  and   several  small  outcrops  on  the  west  line  of  Section  31. 

Marcellon  {Township  13,  Range  10  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  exposed  quite  fre- 
quently in  the  southwestern  sections,  where  it  is  generally  friable,  fine  grained,  light  to  dark 
brown  in  color,  and  upward  of  a  hundred  feet  below  the  Mendota  base. 

Wyocena  {Township  13,  Range  10  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  everywhere  the 
surface-rock,  and  is  not  often  exposed,  more  commonly  in  the  southern  than  in  the  northern 
portions.     For  the  most  part,  it  is  eroded  below  the  calcareous  portions  of  the  formation. 

LowviUe  {Township  11,  Range  10  east). — The  eastern  and  southeastern  sections  of  this 
town  are  underlaid  by  the  Lower  Magnesian  limestone.  Further  northwest,  the  surface  forma- 
tions are  the  Madison  and  Mendota  beds,  except  on  a  few  isolated  outliers.  The  northern  and 
northwestern  sections  have  the  Potsdam  sandstone  as  the  surface-rock,  but  including  several 
very  prominent  limestone-capped  outliers.  In  these  sections  are  the  ravines  in  which  heads 
Rocky  Run.  In  Sections  31  and  32,  is  a  low  area,  about  the  headwaters  of  Okee  Creek,  with 
a  basement  of  Potsdam  sandstone,  but  including  a  large  and  prominent  limestone  outlier. 

The  Potsdam  sandstone,  friable,  light  colored,  non-calcareous,  is  seen  in  the  ravine  near 
the  northwest  corner  of  Section  9.  The  Mendota  beds  are  passed  through  in  a  well  on  S.  W. 
Delaney's  land,  southwest  quarter  of  Section  20,  with  a  thickness  of  twenty  feet  of  hard,  yel' 
lowish,  fine-grained,  argillaceous  limestone.  On  the  hill  one-fourth  of  a  mile  south  of  here,  are 
exposures  of  fine-grained,  friable,  brown,  non-calcareous  Madison  sandstone,  composed  of  sub- 
angular  glassy  quartz  grains.  The  same  rock  is  seen  quite  largely  exposed  on  the  road  in  the 
northwest  quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  28  ;  also  near  the  middle  of  Section  31, 
and  near  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  13.  The  Lower  Magnesian  may  be  seen  in  rough- 
weathered  exposures  on  the  hill  near  the  southwest  corner  of  Section  1 ;  in  a  large  ledge  on  the 
top  of  the  blufl'  in  Section  3 ;  on  the  bluff"  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  9  ;  on  the  west 
line  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  13 ;  on  the  hill  on  the  south  line  of  the  southeast  quar- 
ter of  Section  23 ;  on  top  of  the  bluff  near  the  middle  of  Section  31,  and  at  H.  M.  Delaney's 
quarry,  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  28.  This  quarry  lies  on  the  south  side  of  an 
isolated  hill  of  Lower  Magnesian.  It  shows  a  face  of  five  feet  of  very  regularly  bedded,  yel- 
lowish, fine-textured  limestone,  which  is  more  nearly  alike  in  character  to  the  limstone  of  the 
Mendota  beds  than  to  that  of  the  Lower  Magnesian,  as  ordinarily  seen.  The  layers  are  one  to 
two  inches  in  thickness,  and  flat  slabs  of  large  size  are  obtainable.  The  surface  of  the  layers 
shows  fucoidal  and  fine  black  dendritic  markings.  Below  the  quarry  is  a  large  exposure  of  the 
ordinary  rough-weathered  lower  magnesian,  whose  base  is  on  a  level  with  the  tops  of  the 
Madison  sandstone  exposures  a  few  rods  west,  the  whole  thickness  of  limestone  uncovered  being 
fifteen  feet. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  313 

Leeds  and  Arlington  {Township  10,  Range  10  east,  and  Township  10,  Range  9  east). — 
In  these  towns,  the  Potsdam  sandstone  comes  to  the  surface  in  the  lower  ground  in  northern 
Arlington  and  northwestern  Leeds.  Large  ledges  of  it  rise  on  the  south  side  of  a  small  creek 
in  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  3,  Arlington,  a  short  distance  south 
of  the  village  of  Poynette.  Here  are  exposed  iifteen  feet  of  white,  heavily  bedded,  friable,  non- 
calcareous  sandstone,  with  some  thin  green-sand  layers,  the  base  of  the  ledge  being  fifty  to 
sixty  feet  below  the  base  of  the  Mendota  horizon.  Similar  but  higher  ledges  occur  along  the 
creek  in  Pine  Hollow,  in  the  adjoining  parts  of  Sections  3  and  4.  At  this  place  are  exposed 
thirty  feet  of  very  friable,  white-and-yellow-banded  sandstone,  heavily  bedded  below,  thinner 
above,  the  base  of  the  exposures  being  almost  eighty  feet  below  the  Mendota  base.  Along  the 
slopes  up  to  the  high  ground,  the  Madison  and  Mendota  beds  are  at  the  surface.  The  former 
rock  is  quarried  near  the  southeast  corner  of  Section  2,  yielding  a  coarse-grained,  white, 
regularly  bedded  sandstone.  The  Lower  Magnesian  is  the  surface  rock  of  nearly  the  whole  of 
the  two  townships,  and  must  reach  a  thickness  in  the  higher  parts  of  at  least  120  feet. 
Rose's  well,  southeast  corner  of  Section  20,  Arlington,  is  ninety-eight  feet  in  limestone.  In 
Arlington,  the  Lower  Magnesian  is  exposed  above  the  sandstone  quarry  on  Section  2 ;  on  the 
east  line  of  Section  10 ;  at  a  high  point  on  the  south  line  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section 
1-i;  at  a  similar  point  on  the  south  line  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  21,  where  it  holds 
an  unusual  amount  of  cherty  material ;  in  several  small  outcrops  on  Section  29 ;  in  a  small 
quarry  on  the  south  line  of  Section  31,  and  in  the  south  part  of  Section  6.  In  Leeds,  the 
exposures  are  not  frequent.  The  St.  Peters  sandstone  remains  on  top  of  the  Arlington  prairie, 
in  five  isolated  knobs,  the  highest  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  feet  in  height.  Three  of  these 
are  close  together,  on  each  side  of  the  line  between  Sections  28  and  29.  The  bluffs  on 
Spoonam's  land,  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  29,  shows  large  outcrops, 
in  a  disturbed  condition,  of  fine-grained,  friable,  white  and  brown  mottled  sandstone,  composed 
of  glassy  quartz  grains,  the  larger  ones  of  which  ai-e  rolled,  the  smaller  ones  angular.  Most  of 
the  rock  has  a  very  hard  vitrified  crust,  one-fourth  to  one-half  inch  in  thickness,  in  which 
the  quartz  grains  appear  to  possess  distinct  crystalline  surfaces.  No  trace  of  calcareous  matter 
is  present.  Fine  lamination  and  cross-lamination  are  plainly  perceptible.  The  smaller  knob 
on  Mrs.  A.  D.  Forbes'  land  has,  on  the  south  side,  a  vertical  cliff,  eighty  feet  in  height,  of  sim- 
ilar but  of  distinctly  horizontal  and  undisturbed  sandstone.  In  the  southwest  quarter  of  the 
southwest  quarter  of  Section  27,  and  extending  into  Section  28,  and  again  in  the  north  half  of 
Section  34,  are  other  similar  bluffs.  At  the  west  end  of  the  first  named,  the  ledges  are  large, 
rising  abruptly  from  the  prairie  level,  the  rock  being  much  disturbed,  and  in  all  other  respects 
like  that  on  Spoonam's  land,  on  Section  29.  Near  the  southwest  corner  of  Section  27,  the 
sandstone  is  thin-bedded,  incoherent  and  disturbed.  At  the  east  end  of  the  bluff,  which  is  about 
half  a  mile  in  length,  there  is  a  vertical  cliff  of  entirely  horizontal  rock.  On  the  prairie  around 
these  sandstone  mounds,  exposures  of  the  Lower  Magnesian  limestone  are  seen  at  several  points 
whose  elevation  is  greater  than  that  of  the  sandstone  ledges ;  whilst  at  two  points  on  the  south 
line  of  Section  21,  and  in  the  north  part  of  Section  29,  the  limestone  rises  as  high  as  the  tops 
of  the  St.  Peters.  The  irregular  nature  of  the  upper  surface  of  the  Lower  Magnesian  is  thus 
distinctly  proven. 

Dekorra  {including  Township  11,  Range  9  east,  and  the  triangular  half  of  Township  11, 
Range  8  east,  which  borders  the  Wisconsin  River),  lies  almost  wholly  within  the  area  of  the 
Potsdam  sandstone,  whose  proximity  to  the  surface  is  evinced  by  the  prevalent  sandy  soil.  The 
surface  is  generally  wooded  with  the  ordinary  small  oaks,  showing  only  one  small  patch  of 
prairie  in  the  southeast  corner  of  Township  11,  Range  8  east.  Along  Okee  Creek,  in  the 
southern  part,  and  along  Rocky  Run,  in  the  northern  part,  are  marsh  belts  about  a  mile  in 
width.  Near  the  Wisconsin  River,  the  altitude  is  generally  190  to  200  feet;  away  from  it, 
2-50  to  300  feet.  The  higher  limestone  country  skirts  Dekorra  along  its  southern  and  western 
sides,  sending  into  it  a  few  projecting  points.  A  number  of  isolated  bluffs  also  dot  the  surface 
of  Dekorra,  rising  100  to  200  feet  above  the  general  level,  the  higher  ones  reaching  the  horizon 


314  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY. 

of  the  Lower  Magnesian.  The  Lodi  and  Portage  road  crosses  in  Section  20,  Township  11,^ 
Range  9  east,  a  high  bluff,  in  a  deep  cut,  which  exposes  about  thirty  feet  of  the  calcareous  lay- 
ers which  immediately  underlie  the  Mendota  beds. 

Pacific  (includinff  that  part  of  Township  12,  Raiufe  9  east,  ivhich  lies  east  of  the  Wis- 
consin River). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  the  only  indurated  formation  and  is  unfrequently 
exposed. 

Fort  Winnebago  ( Township  IS,  Range  9  east). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  the  only  indurated 
formation,  and  the  soil  is  generally  loose  and  sandy.  At  T.  Coughlin's  quarry,  northeast  quar- 
ter of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  20,  are  exposed  ten  feet  of  heavily  bedded,  fine-grained, 
white,  porous,  friable  sandstone,  which  is  composed  of  glassy  subangular  quartz  grains,  and  is 
blotched  with  ferruginous  spots.  Rows  of  little  brown-stained  pores  mark  the  laminations  very 
plainly.  Large  fucoidal  impressions  occur.  Large  regular-shaped  blocks  are  obtained.  The 
isolated  bluff  on  the  adjoining  parts  of  Sections  25  and  36  shows  numerous  small  exposures  of  , 
white  crumbling  non-calcareous  sandstone  for  a  thickness  of  about  ninety  feet. 

Lewiston  and  Newport  {Toivnship  13,  Range  7  east,  and  portions  of  Township  12,  Range 
8  east  and  Township  13,  Range  6  east),  are  like  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  in  being 
entirely  within  the  Potsdam  sandstone  area. 

Lodi  and  West  Point  {Township  10,  Range  S  east,  and  that  part  of  Township  10,  Range 
7  east,  which  is  south  of  the  Wisconsin). — The  Potsdam  sandstone  underlies  all  the  lower  levels, 
and  forms  the  lower  portions  of  the  bluffs,  which  above  includes  the  Mendota  and  Madison 
beds,  the  Lower  Magnesian  limestone,  and  in  one  case  the  whole  thickness  of  the  St.  Peters 
sandstone.     Rock  exposures  are  very  frequent  along  the  bluff  sides. 

Near  the  southeast  corner  of  Section  27,  Lodi,  Township  10,  Range  8  east,  the  road 
ascending  the  bluff  is  cut  into  the  Madison  sandstone,  of  which  twenty-five  feet  in  thickness 
is  exposed.  The  uppermost  layers  are  light-brownish,  medium  grained,  friable  and  calcareous, 
the  rolled  quartz  grains  having  mingled  with  their  fragments  of  cleavable  calcite.  The  rest  of 
the  exposure  shows  the  usual  dark  brown,  friable,  non-calcareous  sandstone.  Above  is  sixty 
feet  of  Lower  Magnesian  limestone  in  small  weather-roughened  exposures,  and  below  a  small 
outcropping  of  the  Mendota  beds.  The  Lower  Magnesian,  Mendota  and  upper  calcareous  layers 
of  the  Potsdam  are  exposed  again  on  the  south  side  of  the  bluff  in  the  southeast  quarter  of 
Section  12 ;  and  again,  on  the  south  face  of  the  blufi"  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  21, 
both  in  Township  10,  Range  8  east.  The  Lower  Magnesian  limestone  is  also  exposed  in  quar- 
ries in  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  7 ;  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  20 ;  the  southwest 
quarter  of  Section  20 ;  the  southeast  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  32 ;  near  the 
middle  of  the  north  half  of  Section  34,  where  the  Madison  sandstone  shows  well  in  a  cave 
below  the  quarry,  and  near  the  center  of  the  north  line  of  Section  31 ;  all  in  Township  10, 
Range  8  east;  also  near  the  center  of  the  north  line  of  Section  13,  in  the  southwest  quarter  of 
Section  24;  the  northwest  quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  26,  the  north  half  Sec- 
tion 31,  and  in  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  36,  all  in  Township 
10,  Range  7  east.  These  quarries  are  generally  at  the  top  of  the  bluff  faces,  where  the  rock 
is  often  to  some  extent  naturally  exposed.  The  Mendota  is  quarried  on  the  hillside  just  west 
of  the  depot  at  Lodi,  where  it  presents  the  typical  yellow  color  and  reddish  stains,  and  is  over- 
laid at  the  top  of  the  hill  by  white  incoherent  Madison  sandstone.  Another  and  much  larger 
Mendota  quarry  is  on  the  south  side  of  the  blufi"  in  the  south  half  of  Section  18,  Township 
10,  Range  8  east.  There  are  some  ten  feet  of  very  regularly  bedded,  yellow  sandy  lime- 
stone, the  layers  below  heavy,  above  thin  and  shaly,  with  fine  large  specimens  of  Dicello^ 
cephalus  Minnesotvnsis. 

Gibraltar  Blufi"  is  the  name  given  to  the  bold  cliff  of  St.  Peters  sandstone,  which  sur- 
mounts the  western  end  of  a  large  outlying  area  of  limestone-capped  bluffs  in  Sections  17 
and  18,  Township  10,  Range  8  east.  The  area  over  which  the  sandstone  is  present  is  proba- 
bly not  more  than  forty  rods  in  diameter,  but  the  top  of  the  bluff  reaches  an  elevation  of  about 
six  hundred  and  thirty  feet  above  Lake  Michigan,  or  upwards  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  feet 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  315 

above  the  adjacent  river,  so  that  it  constitutes  one  of  the  most  striking  points  in  the  scenery  of 
this  part  of  the  valley  of  the  Wisconsin,  rising  far  above  all  the  immediate  surrounding  country. 
The  eastern  face  of  the  bluff  is  precipitous  in  its  upper  portion  for  over  a  hundred  feet. 
At  the  top  of  the  cliff  is  a  wooded  summit,  composed  in  part  of  glacial  drift,  but  showing  in 
one  place  a  few  broken  layers  of  limestone,  which  are  in  the  proper  place  and  have  the  proper 
character  for  the  buff  or  lower  Trenton  limestone.  The  cliff  itself  is  made  up  of  fine-grained, 
light-colored  to  nearly  white,  friable  sandstone,  which  is  composed  of  angular  and  subangular 
quartz  grains,  and  possesses  a  hard,  vitrified  crust.  In  the  uppermost  part  of  the  cliff,  the  hori- 
zontal bedding  is  distinct — the  layers  being  quite  thin  ;  below,  however,  it  is  not  plainly  percep- 
tible ;  whilst  the  whole  has  n  sort  of  a  vertically  columnar  appearance  due  to  jointing.  On  the 
upper  part  of  the  long,  wooded  slope  below  are  numerous  very  large  sandstone  masses,  evidently 
fallen  from  the  cliff.  At  the  lower  edge  of  this  slope,  the  Mendota  limestone  is  partly  exposed  ; 
and  below  it,  the  upper  layers  of  the  Pottsdam  with  intercalated  calcareous  bands.  To  the  right 
and  left  of  the  line  of  section,  lower,  non-calcareous  sandstone  layers  are  exposed,  in  low  cliffs, 
rising  from  the  edge  of  a  marsh.  At  a  point  on  top  of  the  hill,  only  a  few  rods  from  the  sand- 
stone cliff,  but  at  an  elevation  of  forty-eight  feet  above  its  base,  is  an  outcrop  of  much  disturbed 
Lower  Magnesian  limestone. 

Numerous  points  on  the  surrounding  bluffs  also  show  limestone  at  elevations  above  the  base 
of  the  sandstone  of  the  Gibraltar  cliff,  proving  the  existence  of  a  very  irregular  upper  surface 
to  the  Lower  Magnesian. 

Caledonia. — This  large  township  is  the  most  interesting,  geologically,  of  any  in  the  county. 
Extending  east  and  west  through  the  central  part  are  the  two  bold  quartzite  ridges  known  as 
the  Baraboo  Bluffs.  In  the  eastern  part  of  the  township,  these  two  ranges  unite,  forming  a  bold 
point,  around  which  the  Wisconsin  River  is  forced  to  flow.  The  spoon-shaped  space  between 
the  two  uniting  ranges  is  filled  up  by  the  Potsdam  sandstone  to  a  high  level.  The  same  forma- 
tion shows  in  numerous  remnants  clinging  to  the  outer  flanks  of  both  quartzite  ranges,  and  the 
surface  rocks  over  all  of  r.he  rest  of  the  town,  except  on  the  tops  of  the  highest  bluffs  of  the 
southern  portions,  where  Madison,  Mendota  and  Lower  Magnesian  beds  all  present  themselves. 
Very  fine  and  striking  sections,  showing  the  unconformity  of  the  Potsdam  sandstone  and  con- 
glomerate to  the  Huronian  quartzite,  are  to  be  seen  at  Derevan's  Glen,  on  the  north  side  of 
Section  18,  Township  11  north,  Range  8  east,  and  at  Jones'  Glen,  on  Section  22,  Township  12 
north.  Range  8  east,  both  of  which  places  are  very  interesting,  also,  from  a  scenic  point  of  view. 

RIVERS    IX    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Central  Wisconsin  may  be  said  to  include  portions  of  four  distinct  drainage  systems — those 
of  the  Wisconsin,  Black  and  Rock  Rivers,  flowing  southward  and  westward  to  the  Mississippi, 
and  that  of  the  Fox  River,  of  Green  Bay,  flowing  northward  and  eastward  to  Lake  Michigan, 
and  is  thus  tributary  to  the  St.  Lawrence.  The  direction  and  areas  of  these  river  systems  are 
more  or  less  directly  influenced  by  the  rock  structure  of  the  State.  Extending  into  Wisconsin 
from  the  Upper  Peninsula  of  Michigan,  and  forming  the  central  nucleus  of  the  northern  half  of 
Wisconsin,  is  a  great  mass  of  ancient  crystalline  rocks,  which  is  bordered  on  all  sides  by  newer 
and  undisturbed  formations,  whose  outcropping  edges,  on  the  south,  east  and  west,  succeed  one 
another  in  concentric  bands.  The  central  crystalline  mass,  probably  for  the  most  part  never 
covered  by  later  formations,  includes  the  highest  land  in  the  State.  It  has  a  general  slope  to 
the  southward,  reaching  its  greatest  elevation — 1,100  feet  above  Lakes  Michigan  and  Superior — 
along  its  northern  edge,  within  thirty  miles  of  the  latter  lake.  The  waters  which  fall  upon  it 
are  shed  in  four  different  directions — to  the  north,  into  Lake  Superior ;  ro  the  southeast,  into 
Lake  Michigan  ;  to  the  south,  into  the  Wisconsin,  which  ultimately  reaches  the  Mississippi, 
and  to  the  southwest,  directly  into  the  last  mentioned  river. 

Wisconsin  River. — This  stream  is  much  the  most  important  of  those  which  drain  the  ele- 
vated lands  of  the  State.  Its  total  length  from  its  source  to  its  mouth  is  about  four  hundred 
and  fifty  miles.     It  forms,  with  its  valley,  the  main  topographical  feature  of  Central  Wisconsin. 


316  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Rising  in  Lac  Vieux  Desert,  on  the  summit  of  the  Archsean  watershed,  at  an  elevation  of  951 
feet  above  Lake  Michigan,  it  ])ursucs  a  general  southerly  course  for  300  miles  over  the  crystal- 
line rocks,  and  then,  passing  on  to  the  sandstones  which  form  its  bed  for  the  remainder  of  its 
course,  continues  to  the  southward  some  eighty  miles  more.  Turning  then  westward,  it  reaches 
the  Mississippi  within  forty  miles  of  the  south  line  of  the  State,  at  an  elevation  of  only  thirty  feet 
above  Lake  Michigan,  so  that  its  fall  from  Lac  Vieux  Desert  is  921  feet,  an  average  of  a  frac- 
tion over  two  feet  to  the  mile.  Like  all  the  other  streams  which  run  to  the  south,  southeast  and 
southwest  from  the  crystalline  rocks,  it  has  its  quite  distinct  upper  or  crystalline  rock  portion, 
and  its  lower  or  sandstone  portion.  This  river,  however,  may  be  regarded  as  having  three  dis- 
tinct sections — the  first  including  all  that  part  from  the  source  to  the  last  appearance  of  crystal- 
line rocks  in  the  bed  of  the  stream,  in  the  southern  part  of  Wood  County ;  the  second,  that 
part  from  this  point  to  the  Dalles,  on  the  south  line  of  Adams  and  Juneau  Counties,  and  the 
third,  that  portion  from  the  Dalles  to  the  mouth  of  the  stream.  The  first  of  these  divisions  is 
broken  constantly  by  rapids  and  falls,  caused  by  the  descent  south  of  the  surface  of  the 
Archa-an  area,  and  by  the  obstructions  produced  by  the  inclined  ledges  of  rock  which  cross  the 
stream.  The  second  and  third  sections  are  alike  in  being  almost  entirely  without  rapids  or 
falls,  and  in  the  nature  of  the  bed  rock,  but  are  separated  by  the  contracted  gorge  known  as  the 
Dalles,  which,  acting  in  some  sort  as  a  dam,  prevents  any  considerable  rise  in  the  river  below, 
the  water  above  not  infrequently  rising  as  much  as  fifty  feet  in  flood  seasons,  whilst  below,  the 
e.xtreme  fluctuation  does  not  e.xceed  ten  feet. 

The  width  of  the  river,  where  it  enters  Marathon  County,  is  from  three  hundred  to  five 
hundred  feet.  It  pursues  a  general  southerly  course  through  Townships  2'.i,  28,  27,  26,  2.5  and 
•24  north,  of  Range  7  east,  and  Townships  24  and  23  north,  of  Range  8  east,  in  the  southern 
portion  of  Portage  County.  In  this  part  of  its  course,  the  Wisconsin  flows  through  a  densely 
timbered  country,  and  has,  except  where  it  makes  rapids  or  passes  through  rock  gorges,  a  narrow 
bottom  land,  which  varies  in  width,  is  usually  raised  but  a  few  feet  above  the  water  level,  and  is 
wider  on  one  side  than  on  the  other.  Above  this  bottom,  terraces  can  often  be  made  out,  with 
surfaces  in  some  cases  one  or  two  miles  in  width.  Above,  again,  the  country  surface  rises 
steadily  to  the  dividing  ridges  on  each  side,  never  showing  the  bluft'  edges  so  characteristic  of 
the  lower  reaches  of  the  river.  Heavy  rapids  and  falls  are  made  at  Wausau  (Big  Bull  Falls), 
at  Mosinee  (Little  Bull  Falls),  at  Stevens  Point,  and  on  Section  8,  in  Township  23  north,  of 
Range  8  east  (Conant's  Kapids).  All  but  the  last  named  of  these  are  increased  in  height  by 
artificial  dams.  Two  miles  below  the  foot  of  Conant's  Rapids,  just  after  receiving  the  Plover 
River  on  the  east,  the  Wisconsin  turns  a  right  angle  to  the  west,  and  enters  upon  the  sparsely 
timbered  sand  plains  through  which  it  flows  for  100  miles.  At  the  bend,  the  river  is  quiet,  with 
high  banks  of  sand,  and  a  few  low  outcrops  of  gneiss  at  the  water's  edge.  From  the  bend  the 
course  is  westward  for  about  nine  miles,  then,  after  curving  southward  again,  the  long  series  of 
rapids  soon  begin,  which,  with  intervening  stretches  of  still  water,  extend  about  fifteen  miles 
along  the  river  to  the  last  rajiid  at  Point  Basse,  in  southern  Wood  County. 

East  of  the  river  line,  between  the  city  of  Grand  Rapids  and  Point  Basse,  the  country  rises 
gradually,  reaching  altitudes  of  one  hundred  feet  above  the  river  at  points  ten  or  fifteen  miles 
distant.  On  the  west,  the  surface  is  an  almost  level  plain,  descending  gradually  as  the  river  is 
receded  from.  At  Point  Basse,  the  gneissic  rocks  disappear  beneath  the  sandstones  which  for 
some  miles  have  formed  the  upper  portions  of  the  river  banks  and  now  become,  in  turn,  the 
bed-rock ;  and  the  first  division  of  the  river's  course  ends.  The  main  tributaries  which  it  has 
received  down  to  this  point  are,  on  the  left  bank,  the  Big  Eau  Claire,  three  miles  below  Wausau ; 
the  Little  Eau  Claire,  on  the  north  side  of  Section  3,  in  Township  25  north,  of  Range  7  east, 
just  south  of  the  north  line  of  Portage  County  ;  and  the  Big  Plover,  on  Section  9,  in  Township 
28  north,  of  Range  5  east,  just  at  the  foot  of  Conant's  Rapids  ;  on  the  right  bank,  the  Plaoota 
or  Big  Rib,  about  two  miles  below  Wausau  ;  the  Sheshe-ga-ma-isk,  or  Big  Eau  Pleine,  on  Sec- 
tion 19,  in  Township  26  north,  of  Range  7  east,  in  Marathon  County ;  and  the  Little  Eau 
Pleine,  on  Section  9,  in  Township  25  north,  of  Range  7  east,  in  Portage  County.     All  of  these 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  317 

Streams  are  of  considerable  size  and  drain  large  areas.  They  all  make  much  southing  in  their 
courses,  so  that  their  lengths  are  much  greater  than  the  actual  distances  from  the  sources  to  the 
Wisconsin  at  the  nearest  point ;  and  all  of  them  have  a  very  considerable  descent,  making 
many  rapids  aud  falls  over  the  tilted  edges  of  schistose  and  gneissic  rocks,  even  down  to  within 
short  distances  of  their  junctions  with  the  main  river.  The  streams  on  the  west  side  head  on 
the  high  country  along  the  line  of  the  Fourth  Principal  Meridian,  about  forty  miles  west  of  the 
Wisconsin,  and  at  elevations  of  from  two  hundred  to  three  hundred  feet  above  their  mouths  ; 
those  on  the  east  head  on  the  divide  between  the  Wisconsin  and  Wolf,  about  twenty  miles  east, 
at  elevations  not  very  much  less.  Reaching  back,  as  these  streams  do,  into  a  country  largely 
timbered  with  pine,  and  having  so  large  a  descent,  they  are  of  great  value  for  logging  and 
milling  purposes. 

The  second  section  of  the  Wisconsin  River  begins  at  Point  Basse,  with  a  width  of  from 
seven  hundred  to  nine  hundred  feet.  The  next  sixty  miles  of  its  course,  to  the  head  of  the 
Dalles,  is  a  southerly  stretch,  with  a  wide  bow  to  the  westward,  through  sand  plains,  here  and 
there  timbered  with  dwarf  oaks  and  interspersed  with  marshes.  These  plains  stretch  away  to 
the  east  and  west  for  twenty  miles  from  the  river  bottom,  gradually  rising  in  both  directions. 
Scattered  over  them,  at  intervals  of  one  to  ten  miles,  are  erosion  peaks  of  sandstone,  from  fifty 
to  three  hundred  feet  in  height,  rising  precipitously  from  the  level  ground.  Some  of  these 
are  near  and  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  which  is  also,  in  places,  bordered  by  low,  mural  expos- 
ures of  the  same  sandstone.  The  river  itself  is  constantly  obstructed  by  shifting  sand-bars, 
resulting  from  the  ancient  disintegration  of  the  sandstone,  which,  in  the  vicinity,  everywhere 
forms  the  basement  rock ;  but  its  course  is  not  interrupted  by  rock  rapids.  As  it  nears  the 
northern  line  of  Columbia  County,  the  high  ground  that  limits  the  sand  plain  on  the  west 
curving  southeastward,  finally  reaches  the  edge  of  the  stream,  which,  by  its  southeasterly 
course  for  the  last  twenty  miles,  has  itself  approached  the  high  ground  on  the  east.  The  two 
ridges  thus  closing  in  upon  the  river,  have  caused  it  to  cut  for  itself  the  deep,  narrow  gorge 
known  as  the  Dalles. 

In  the  second  section  of  its  course,  the  Wisconsin  receives  several  important  tributaries. 
Of  those  on  the  east,  the  principal  ones  are  Duck  Creek  and  Ten-Mile  Creek,  in  the  southern 
part  of  Wood  County  ;  and  the  Little  and  Big  Roche-a-Cris  Creeks,  both  in  Adams  County. 
The  two  former  head  in  a  large  marsh  twenty-five  miles  east  of  and  over  one  hundred  feet  above 
the  main  stream.  The  two  latter  head  on  the  high,  dividing  ridge,  on  the  west  line  of  Wau- 
shara County,  at  elevations  between  one  hundred  and  fifty  and  two  hundred  feet  above  their 
mouths.  These  streams  do  not  pass  through  a  timbered  country,  but  have  very  valuable  water- 
powers.  Of  those  on  the  west,  two  are  large  and  important — the  Yellow  and  Lemonweir 
Rivers.  Yellow  River  heads  in  Township  25  north,  in  the  adjoining  corners  of  Wood,  Jackson 
and  Clark  Counties,  and  runs  a  general  southerly  course,  nearly  parallel  to  the  Wisconsin  for 
over  seventy  miles — the  two  gradually  approaching  one  another  and  joining  in  Township  17 
north  of  Range  4  east.  The  Yellow  River  has  its  Archtean  and  sandstone  sections — the  former 
exceedingly  rocky  and  much  broken  by  rapids  and  falls,  the  latter  comparatively  sluggish  and 
without  rock  rapids.  The  upper  portions  of  the  river  extend  into  the  pine  regions,  and  much 
logging  is  done  in  times  of  high  water.  The  water-powers  are  of  great  value.  The  Lemonweir 
is  also  a  large  stream.  Heading  in  a  timbered  region  in  the  southeast  corner  of  Jackson 
County,  it  flows  southward  for  some  distance  through  Monroe  and  entering  Juneau  on  the  mid- 
dle of  its  west  side,  crosses  it  in  a  southeasterly  direction,  reaching  the  Wisconsin  in  Section 
24,  in  Township  15  north,  of  Range  5  east,  having  descended  in  its  length  of  some  seventy 
miles  about  two  hundred  feet. 

The  Wisconsin  enters  the  gorge  already  spoken  of  as  the  Dalles  not  far  above  the  southern 
boundary  line  of  Juneau  and  Adams  Counties.  This  well-known  passage,  of  about  seven  and  one- 
half  miles,  is  hereafter  described.  At  its  foot,  between  the  counties  of  Sauk  and  Columbia,  the 
Wisconsin  enters  upon  the  last  section  of  its  course,  and  also  upon  the  most  remarkable  bend  in 
its  whole  length.     Through  the  Dalles,  its  general  course  is  southward,  but  it  now  turns  almost 


318  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

due  east,  in  which  direction  it  continues,  with  one  or  two  subordinate  turns  southward  for  about 
seventeen  miles,  through  low  sand  banks,  as  far  as  Portage.  Here  it  bends  abruptly  south  again, 
and,  reaching  its  most  eastern  point  not  far  below,  soon  swerves  around  into  the  final  southwest- 
ward  stretch  to  the  Mississippi.  The  cause  of  this  long  detour  to  the  east  is  siiiSciently  evident. 
As  the  river  leaves  the  Dalles,  it  finds  lying  directly  athwart  its  course  two  bold  quartzite 
ranges,  which  extend  east  and  west  through  Sauk  County  for  upwards  of  twenty  miles,  and,  crossing 
into  Columbia,  finally  unite  about  eight  miles  east  of  the  county  line  in  a  sharp  and  bold,  east- 
ward-projecting point,  rising  four  hundred  feet  above  the  river-bottom.  Above  Portage, 
where  the  Wisconsin  forms  the  southern  boundary  line  of  the  town  of  Lewiston,  the  ground 
immediately  north  is  lower  than  the  water  in  the  river — the  heads  of  Neenah  Creek,  a  tributary 
of  the  Fox,  rising  a  short  distance  from  its  banks.  In  times  of  high  water,  the  Wisconsin  over- 
flows into  these  streams,  and  thus  contributes  to  a  totally  different  river  system.  At  Portage,  the 
Fox,  after  flowing  south  of  west  for  twenty  miles,  approaches  the  Wisconsin,  coming  from  the  oppo- 
site direction.  Where  the  two  streams  are  nearest,  they  are  less  than  two  miles  apart,  and  are 
separated  by  a  low,  sandy  plain,  the  water  in  the  Fox  being  five  feet  below  that  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin at  ordinary  stages.  The  greater  part  of  this  low  ground  is  overflowed  by  the  latter  stream 
in  times  of  high  water,  and  to  this  is  chiefly  due  the  spring  rise  in  the  Fox  River. 

After  do'ubling  the  eastern  end  of  the  quartzite  ranges,  as  already  said,  the  Wisconsin  turns 
again  to  the  west,  being  forced  to  this  by  impinging  on  the  north  side  of  a  high  belt  of  limestone 
country,  which,  after  trending  southward  across  the  eastern  part  of  Columbia  County,  veers 
gradually  to  a  westerly  direction,  lying  to  the  south  of  the  river,  along  the  rest  of  its  course. 
Soon  after  striking  this  limestone  region,  the  river  valley  assumes  an  altogether  new  character, 
which  it  retains  to  its  mouth,  having  now  a  nearly  level,  for  the  most  part  treeless,  bottom, 
from  three  to  six  miles  in  width,  ten  to  thirty  feet  in  height,  usually  more  on  one  side  than  on 
the  other,  and  bounded  on  both  sides  by  bold  and  often  precipitous  bluffs,  one  hundred  to  three 
hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  height,  of  sandstone  capped  with  limestone.  Immediately  along  the 
water's  edge  is  usually  a  narrow  timbered  strip,  rising  two  to  four  feet  above  the  river,  which  is 
overflowed. at  high  water.  The  line  of  bluffs  along  the  north  side  of  the  valley  is  the  northern 
edge  of  the  high  limestone  belt  just  mentioned,  which  reaches  its  greatest  elevation  ten  to  fifteen 
miles  south  of  this  edge.  In  front  of  the  main  bluff'-face,  especially  in  its  eastern  extension,  are 
frequently  to  be  seen  bold  and  high  isolated  outliers  of  the  limestone  country.  On  the  north 
bank,  the  bluffs  are  at  first  the  edges  of  similar  large  outlying  masses,  but  farther  down  they 
become  more  continuous,  the  river  crossing  over  the  northwestward-trending  outcrop  line  of  the 
Lower  Magnesian  limestone. 

In  this  last  section  of  its  course,  the  Wisconsin  is  much  obstructed  by  bars  of  shifting 
sand,  derived  originally  from  the  erosion  of  the  great  sandstone  formation  which  underlies  the 
whole  region,  and  to  whose  existence  the  unusual  amount  of  obstruction  of  this  kind  in  the 
river  is  due.  The  altitude  of  the  water  surface  of  the  Wisconsin  at  Lac  Vieux  Desert  above 
Lake  Michigan,  is  951  feet ;  at  Wausau,  above  dam,  623  feet ;  at  Knowlton  (high),  538  feet — 
(low),  523  feet ;  at  Stevens  Point,  485  feet ;  at  Conant's  Rapids,  468  feet ;  at  Grand  Rapids, 
— railroad  bridge,  420  feet;  at  Kilbourn  City — railroad  bridge,  233  feet;  at  Portage.  211 
feet ;  at  Merrimac,  182  feet ;  at  Sauk  City,  165  feet ;  at  Spring  Green  bridge,  134  feet ;  at 
Muscoda,  115  feet;  at  the  mouth  of  the  stream,  34  feet.  The  average  velocity  of  the  river 
below  Portage  is  remarkably  uniform,  and  is  just  about  two  miles  per  hour.  The  daily  discharges 
of  the  river  at  Portage,  in  times  of  extreme  low  water,  is  about  two  hundred  and  fifty-nine 
million  cubic  feet.  The  average  fall  of  the  water  surface  of  the  river  below  Portage  is  one  and 
one-half  foot  per  mile.  This  rapid  fall,  were  it  not  for  the  great  amount  of  sand  in  the  river- 
bed, would  make  the  stream  a  series  of  pools  and  rock  rapids. 

Rock  River. — The  Rock  River,  by  its  head  streams,  drains  nearly  all  of  eastern  Columbia 
County  territory.  Its  branches  are  everywhere  divided  from  the  tributaries  of  the  Wisconsin 
by  the  high  belt  of  limestone  country,  already  described  as  running  southwestward  through  the 
eastern  part  of  the  county,  and  then  westward  through  the  northern  part  of  Dane  County. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  319 

Fox  River. — This  stream  heads  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Columbia  County,  and  the 
adjoining  portions  of  Green  Lake  County,  on  the  west  edge  of  the  high  limestone  belt  previously 
alluded  to.  Flowing  at  first  southwest  and  then  due  west  nearly  parallel  to  the  Duck  Creek 
branch  of  the  Wisconsin,  it  approaches  the  latter  stream  at  Portage.  When  within  less  than 
two  miles  of  the  Wisconsin,  separated  from  it  and  from  Duck  Creek  by  only  a  low,  sandy  plain, 
it  turns  abruptly  northward,  and  with  a  sluggish  current  continues  on  this  course  for  twelve 
miles  to  the  head  of  Lake  Buffalo,  in  the  southern  part  of  Marquette  County.  It  has  already 
been  said  that  in  the  spring  this  portion  of  the  Fox  receives  a  large  amount  of  water  from  the 
Wisconsin,  much  of  which  reaches  it  through  a  branch  known  as  the  Big  Slough,  or  Neenah 
Creek,  which,  heading  within  a  mile  of  the  Wisconsin,  in  the  town  of  Lewiston,  reaches  the 
Fox  just  south  of  the  north  line  of  Columbia  County,  in  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago. 

At  the  head  of  Lake  Buifalo,  the  Fox  begins  a  wide  curve,  which  brings  its  direction 
finally  around  to  due  east.  From  the  foot  of  the  lake,  the  river  for  seven  miles  has  an  irregular, 
easterly  course,  with  a  somewhat  rapid  current,  to  the  head  of  Lake  Packawa.  At  the  foot 
of  the  last-mentioned  lake,  there  are  wide  marshes  through  which  the  river  leaves  on  the  north 
side,  and,  after  making  a  long,  narrow  bend  to  the  west,  begins  its  northeast  stretch  to  Lake 
Winnebago,  keeping  along  the  western  edge  of  the  northern  extension  of  the  same  limestone 
ridge,  so  many  times  referred  to.  From  Lake  Packawa  to  Berlin,  the  river  is  wider  and  deeper, 
interrupted  by  but  few  sand-bars,  and  nins  for  a  considerable  portion  of  the  distance  between 
high  banks.  The  distance  from  Portage  to  Berlin  is  seventy-thi-ee  miles — the  river  falling  a 
fraction  over  twenty-five  feet.  It  is  thought  unnecessary  in  this  connection  to  continue  the 
description  of  this  stream  after  it  leaves  Berlin. 

WATERSHEDS. 

The  high  limestone  prairie  belt,  which  separates  the  systems  of  the  Rock  and  Wisconsin 
Rivers,  crosses  Green  Lake  County  in  a  south-southwest  direction,  enters  Columbia  County  on 
the  north  line  of  the  towns  of  Scott  and  Randolph,  crosses  the  county  in  a  line  gradually 
veering  to  the  west,  and,  entering  Dane  County  in  the  towns  of  Dane  and  Vienna,  turns  due  west. 
On  the  west,  this  divide  has  an  abrupt  serrated  face,  which  increases  in  boldness  and  height  as 
followed  southward  and  westward  —  the  watershed  itself  reaching  altitudes  of  400  feet  above 
the  adjacent  Wisconsin.  The  eastern  slope  on  the  other  hand,  is,  in  Columbia  County,  very 
gradual,  owing  to  the  general  descent  eastward  of  the  strata.  As  the  watershed  turns  westward, 
the  direction  of  the  dip  changes  gradually  to  the  south,  its  amount  at  the  same  time  becoming 
lessened.  As  a  result,  the  slopes  toward  the  Catfish  Valley  are  again  somewhat  more  abrupt, 
but  never  become  like  those  on  the  Wisconsin  side  of  the  divide.  The  western  and  northern 
face  of  this  divide  forms  the  eastern  and  southern  side  of  the  Wisconsin  Valley  continuously  from 
the  mouth  of  the  river  to  the  most  eastern  point  of  its  great  bend  in  Columbia  County.  Farther 
north,  however,  the  ridge  continues  its  northeasterly  trend,  leaving  the  Wisconsin  entirely,  and 
becoming  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  valley  of  the  Upper  Fox  River  as  far  as  Lake  Winnebago.  . 

The  "  Baraboo  Bluffs  "  are  two  bold  east  and  west  ridges — the  southern  much  the  bolder 
and  more  continuous  of  the  two  —  extending  through  Sauk  and  western  Columbia  County  for 
twenty  miles  and  lying  within  the  great  bend  of  the  Wisconsin  River.  Their  cores  and  summits, 
in  some  places  their  entire  slopes,  are  composed  of  tilted  beds  of  quartzite,  metamorphic  con- 
glomerate, and  porphyry,  whilst  their  flanks  are  for  the  most  part  made  up  of  beds  of  horizontal 
sandstone,  which,  in  lower  places,  sometimes  surmounts  and  conceals  the  more  ancient  rocks. 

ARTESIAN   WELLS. 

The  great  usefulness  of  artesian  wells  as  a  source  of  water  uncontaminated  by  surface 
impurities,  and  the  great  success  with  which  these  wells  have  met  in  other  parts  of  the  State, 
will  render  a  brief  statement  of  the  probabilities  of  success  in  the  attempt  to  obtain  flowing 
wells  in  Columbia  County  of  some  interest.     In  this  respect  the  county  divides  itself  at  once 


320  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA  COUNTY. 

into  two  portions.  For  that  portion  east  of  the  meridian  of  Portage,  the  prospect  of  success  is 
good,  growing  more  and  more  nearly  to  a  certainty  as  the  attempt  shall  be  made  nearer  and 
nearer  to  the  east  line  of  the  county.  At  Portage,  to  judge  from  the  boring  at  Kilbourn,  in 
which  the  water  reaches  a  level  of  about  forty-nine  feet  above  the  Portage  depot,  there  would 
probably  be  a  flow  above  the  top  of  the  well,  though  this  is  not  quite  a  certainty.  At  all  events 
the  expense  attending  the  experiment  would  be  but  slight,  since  the  boring  would  pass  through 
soft  rock,  and  if  not  successful  at  500  feet,  would  not  be  so  at  all.  East  of  the  Wisconsin  River 
within  the  limits  of  Columbia  County,  the  probabilities  are  very  strongly  against  success. 

ALTITUDES. 

The  altitudes  of  several  points  in  each  of  the  towns  in  Columbia  County  have  been  deter- 
mined, and  when  hereafter  mentioned  are  given  in  feet  above  Lake  Michigan.  By  adding  589 
feet  to  the  height  of  any  particular  point,  the  result  will  be  the  altitude  above  the  ocean. 

Township  10  north,  Range  7  east  ( West  Point). —  Gibraltar  Bluff,  middle,  east  line, 
Section  13,  635  feet;  marsh  at  foot  of  same,  east  half.  Section  13,  230  feet ;  cemetery,  south- 
east quarter  of  southeast  quarter,  Section  14,  370  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter. 
Section  15,  270  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  14,  290  feet;  middle,  south  line.  Section  15, 
280  feet ;  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  16.  290  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  Section  16. 
280  feet ;  bend  in  road,  north  line,  northeast  quarter,  Section  20,  250  feet ;  top  of  limestone 
bluff,  northeast  quarter.  Section  20,  485  feet ;  southeast  corner,  Section  21,  320  feet ;  middle, 
south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  22,  280  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  22,  325  feet ; 
middle,  south  line.  Section  24,  420  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter.  Section  25,  400  feet ;  mid- 
dle, east  half,  Section  27,  270  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter.  Section  27,  310  feet ;  southeast 
corner,  Section  27,  275  feet ;  center,  southwest  quarter,  Section  27,  310  feet ;  middle,  south 
line,  southwest  quarter,  southwest.  Section  27,  340  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  28,  330 
feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  28,  290  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section 
29,  280  feet ;  road,  southeast  quarter.  Section  31,  290  feet ;  middle,  west  half,  northeast  quar- 
ter. Section  33,  370  feet ;  cross-roads,  north  half.  Section  36,  245  feet. 

Township  10  north,  Range  S  east  [Lodi  and  West  Point,  in  j) art). — Bluff,  top,  southwest 
quarter.  Section  7,  520  feet;  road,  corners,  northwest  quarter.  Section  14,  330  feet ;  middle,  south 
line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  14,  420  feet ;  middle,  north  half.  Section  14,  475  feet ;  center, 
northwest  quarter,  Section  15,  340  feet;  center,  northwest  quarter.  Section  16,  315  feet;  mid- 
dle, east  line.  Section  19,  310  feet ;  middle,  west  half,  Section  20,  250  feet ;  one-eighth  mile 
south  of  center.  Section  20,  240  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  20,  440  feet ;  center,  north- 
west quarter.  Section  23,  360  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  northeast  quarter.  Section  23,  460  feet  ; 
middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  23,  340  feet;  bluff-top,  southeast  quarter.  Sec- 
tion 23,  560  feet ;  bluff-top,  northwest  quarter.  Section  24,  560  feet ;  center.  Section  26,  250 
feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter.  Section  27,  330  feet ;  center,  southwest  quarter,  Section  28, 
470  feet;  middle,  west  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  28,  420  feet;  middle,  west  line.  Sec- 
tion 29,  360  feet ;  bluff-top,  middle,  north  half.  Section  31,  475  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  Section 
31,  350  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  32,  380  feet. 

Township  10  7iorth,  Range  6'  east  [Arlington). — Creek  crossing,  northeast  quarter.  Sec- 
tion 1,  300  feet ;  bluff-top,  southeast  corner.  Section  2,  445  feet ;  southwest  corner,  Section  2, 
380  feet ;  center.  Section  3,  305  feet ;  creek  crossing,  southeast  quarter.  Section  3,  270  feet ; 
middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  4,  375  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  4,  355 
feet;  southwest  quarter.  Section  5,370  feet;  middle,  west  line,  Section  5,340  feet;  south 
line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  7,  525  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  7.  425  feet ;  southeast 
corner.  Section  8,  465  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  8,  440  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section 
10,  520  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  10,  480  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northwest  quarter. 
Section  13,  440  feet;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  13,  460  feet;  Arlington 
Station,  Section  13,  460  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  14,  470  feet;  southwest  corner.  Sec- 
tion 15,  500  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  16,  460  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  16,  440 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  321 

feet;  southwest  corner,  Section  17,  490  feet;  middle,  west  line,  Section  17,  460  feet;  center, 
Section  19,  540  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  19,  460  feet ;  knob,  south  line,  southeast  quar- 
ter, Section  21,  525  feet;  middle,  east  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  21,  500  feet;  bluff-top, 
southwest  ([uarter.  Section  27,  520  feet ;  bluff-top,  northwest  quarter,  Section  28,  525  feet ; 
bluff-top,  west  line,  southwest  quarter,  Section  28,  520  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  Section  28, 
420  feet ;  southwest  corner,  Section  29,  480  feet ;  bluff-top,  northeast  quarter,  Section  34, 
520  feet. 

Township  10  north,  Range  12  eagt  {Columbus). — Middle,  south  line  Section  7,  300  feet; 
stream,  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  8,  275  feet ;  middle,  north  line.  Section  9,  310 
feet ;  northeast  corner,  Section  9,  385  feet ;  northeast  corner,  Section  16,  285  feet ;  northwest 
corner.  Section  17,  295  feet ;  middle,  north  line.  Section  17,  285  feet ;  west  line,  northeast 
quarter.  Section  19,  365  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  20,  325  feet ;  northeast  corner.  Sec- 
tion 20,  305  feet;  middle,  east  half.  Section  21,  285  feet;  stream  crossing,  northwest  quarter, 
Section  28,  300  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Section  32,  395  feet ;  middle,  east  half,  Section  33, 
395  feet. 

Township  11  north.  Range  8  east  (Dekorra). — Middle,  east  half,  Section  23,  240  feet ; 
middle,  east  line,  Section  23,  240  feet. 

Township  11  north,  Range  9  east  (Dekorra). — Middle,  west  line,  southwest  quarter.  Sec- 
tion 11,  280  feet;  cross-roads,  west  half.  Section  11,  335  feet;  middle,  west  line.  Section  17, 
340  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  17,  370  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  20,  220  feet; 
middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  16,  380  feet ;  cemetery,  west  half,  Section  23, 
310  feet ;  middle,  west  half.  Section  28,  320  feet ;  stream  crossing,  northeast  quarter,  Section 
30,  220  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  northeast  quarter.  Section  30,  240  feet ;  middle,  south  half, 
Section  33,  270  feet ;  Poynett  Depot,  264  feet. 

Toivnship  11  north.  Range  10  east  (Lowville). — Southeast  corner.  Section  1,  360  feet ; 
middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  2,  330  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southweast  quar- 
ter. Section  3,  320  feet;  bluff  one-fourth  mile  north,  725  feet;  ravine,  southwest  corner,  Sec- 
tion 4,  260  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  5,  320  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter. 
Section  6,  300  feet ;  middle,  east  half.  Section  8,  280  feet ;  bluff-top,  southeast  quarter.  Section 
9,  400  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  9,  330  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Sec- 
tion 10,  350  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  11,  350  feet;  southeast  corner.  Section  11,  370 
feet;  southeast  corner.  Section  12,  370  feet;  middle,  west  line.  Section  13,  350  feet;  middle, 
southwest  quarter,  Section  17,  310  feet;  middle,  west  half.  Section  18,  290  feet;  middle,  east 
line.  Section  19,  .840  feet ;  middle,  east  half,  Section  20,  360  feet ;  middle,  south  line.,  south- 
east quarter.  Section  20,  420  feet;  knob,  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  23,  460  feet; 
southeast  corner.  Section  23,  400  feet;  middle,  south  line.  Section  24.  400  feet;  middle,  west 
line,  northwest  quarter,  Section  28,  400  feet ;  center,  northeast  quarter.  Section  29,  420  feet ; 
bluff-top,  southeast  quarter.  Section  31,  410  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  Section  31,  350  feet ;  mid- 
dle, east  half.  Section  32,  400  feet. 

Township  11  north,  Range  11  east  [Otsego). — Middle,  west  half.  Section  1,  345  feet; 
middle,  west  line.  Section  1,  375  feet;  center.  Section  2,  345  feet;  middle,  east  half.  Section 
3,  330  feet;  middle,  west  line.  Section  3,  350  feet;  center.  Section  4,  375  feet;  center,  Sec- 
tion 5,  340  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  Section  5,  360  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  Section  7,  420  feet ; 
middle,  east  line,  Section  11,  365  feet;  Doylestown,  Section  12,  360  feet ;  southwest  corner. 
Section  15,  380  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  16,  390  feet;  middle,  south  line,  Section  17, 
365  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  17,  380  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  Section  19,  340  feet ; 
southeast  corner.  Section  19,  350  feet;  middle,  south  line.  Section  20,  355  feet;  center,  south- 
west quarter.  Section  22,  360  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Section  22,  365  feet ;  Otsego,  Section 
22,  355  feet ;  stream,  east  line,  northeast  quarter.  Section  23,  345  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Sec- 
tion 23,  365  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  23,  345  feet ;  middle,  east  half 
Section   32,   365  feet;  middle,  east  line,  Section  32,365  feet;  center.  Section  33,  365  feet ; 


322  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

center,  Section  34,  365  feet ;  middle,  west  half,  Section  35,  355  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section 
35,  350  feet. 

Toivrmhip  11  north,  Range  S  east  {Fountain  Prairie). — Marsh  west  half.  Section  2,  312 
feet;  center,  northwest  quarter.  Section  2,  370  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter.  Sec- 
tion 6,  400  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  6,  340  feet ;  middle,  south  half  of  north  half,  Sec- 
tion 7,  370  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  8,  370  feet ;  middle,  south  line, 
southwest  quarter.  Section  8,  360  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  9,  350 
feet;  middle,  south  line.  Section  9,  330  feet ;  stream,  south  line,  southwest  quarter,  Section  10, 
300  feet;  middle,  south  line,  Section  10,  330  feet;  middle,  west  half.  Section  11,  360  feet; 
stream  crossing,  north  half,  Section  14,  320  feet ;  center,  northeast  quarter.  Section  13,  314  feet; 
middle,  west  line.  Section  28,  350  feet ;  middle,  east  half,  Section  29,  360  feet ;  stream,  south- 
east corner.  Section  30,  295  feet ;  one-quarter  mile  south,  340  feet ;  southeast  corner,  Section 
31,  310  feet;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter,  Section  32,  335  feet;  middle,  south  line.  Sec- 
tion 33,  295  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  34,  280  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  36,  252 
feet. 

Township  11  north,  liange  8  east  (Caledonia). — Middle,  northwest  quarter,  Section  3,  360 
feet  ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  7,  480  feet;  middle,  so(ith  half.  Section  8,  510  feet ;  center, 
southeast  quarter,  Section  8,  395  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter,  Section  9.  520  feet ;  middle, 
south  line.  Section  IG,  485  feet ;  middle,  west  line.  Section  16,  385  feet ;  middle  west  line, 
northwest  quarter,  Section  21,  330  feet;  middle,  west  line,  Section  21,  375  feet. 

Township  12  north,  Range  S  east  {Caledonia). — Church,  northwest  quarter,  northwest  quar- 
ter. Section  21,  280  feet ;  one-third  mile  south,  420  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter, 
Section  22,  500  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Sec.  25,  205  feet ;  center,  northwest  quarter.  Section 
25,  340  feet ;  road,  west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  25,  505  feet ;  middle,  east  half.  Sec- 
tion 26,  560  feet;  center.  Section  26,  560  feet;  southeast  quarter  of  northeast  quarter,  Sec- 
tiou  26,  620  feet ;  center.  Section  27,  510  feet ;  stream  ci'ossing,  southwest  quarter,  Section 
27,  480  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter,  Sectino  27,  610  feet ;  center,  southeast 
quarter.  Section  28,  470  feet;  southwest  corner,  Sectino  28,  440  feet;  middle,  south  line. 
Section  29,  360  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  29,  420  feet ;  middle,  north  half.  Section  29, 
580  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  29,  505  feet ;  center,  northwest  quar- 
ter. Section  30,  515  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  30,540  feet ;  bluff-top, 
southeast  quarter,  Section  34,  760  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter,  Section  35, 
310  feet. 

Township  12  north,  Range  10  east  {Caledonia). — Bridge,  Section  7,  220  feet. 

Township  }2  north.  Range  10  east  {  Wyocena). — Railroad,  east  line,  Section  1,  235  feet ; 
middle,  west  line.  Sec.  10,  225  feet ;  southwest  corner,  Section  10,  240  feet ;  center,  Section 
12,  230  feet;  stream,  south  line.  Sec.  12,  215  feet;  center,  Sec.  13,  260  feet;  middle,  west  line. 
Section  13, 275  feet ;  stream,  center.  Section  14,  210  feet;  center.  Section.  15,  250  feet; 
middle,  west  line.  Section  15,  230  feet;  Wyocena  depot,  240  feet ;  center.  Section  28,  280 
feet ;  middle  west  line.  Section  28310  feet ;  middle,  east  half.  Section  29,  275  feet ;  southwest 
corner.  Section  29,  320  feet ;  middle,  east  half.  Section  31,  280  feet ;  middle,  west  half,  Sec- 
31,  235  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  36,  290  feet. 

Totvnship  13  north.  Range  11  east  {Springvale). — One-fourth  mile,  north  of  center.  Sec- 
tion 1,  235  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  1,  240  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  (juarter. 
Section  2,  280  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Section  3,  290  feet ;  middle,  west  line.  Section  4,  235 
feet ;  railroad,  west  line,  Section  5,  240  feet ;  southeast  quarter.  Section  5.  230  feet ;  middle, 
east  half  Section  7,  235  feet ;  center.  Section  7,  230  feet ;  center.  Section  15,  360  feet ;  middle, 
west  line.  Section  15,  360  feet ;  bluff-top,  northeast  quarter.  Section  16,  370  feet ;  middle,  east 
half  Section  17,  300  feet;  stream  crossing,  north  half,  Section  18,  222  feet;  stream  crossing, 
north  half,  Section  22,  266  feet ;  middle,  south  half,  Sec.  22,  320  feet ;  middle,  north  half, 
Section  27,  270  feet;  road,  west  line,  northwest  quarter,   Section  27,  260  feet;  middle,  south 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  323 

line,  southeast  quarter,  Sec.  28,  280  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  Section  28,  300  feet ;  south- 
west quarter.  Section  28,  290  feet;  southwest  corner.  Section  28,  290  feet;  middle,  south  half. 
Section  29.  250  feet ;  southwest  corner,  Sec.  29,  300 ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter, 
Section  29,  280  feet. 

Toivnship  1:2  north,  Range  13  east  {Oourtland). — Randolph  depot.  Section  1,  378  feet; 
southeast  cornei'.  Section  1,  360  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Sec.  2,  365  feet ;  center.  Section 
2,  355  feet;  middle  west  line,  Section  2,  375  feet;  middle  west  half,  Sec.  3,  355  feet;  middle, 
north  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  3,  355  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northeast  quarter,  Sec- 
tion 4,  355  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northwest  quarter,  Section  4,  325  feet ;  middle,  south 
line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  5,  375  feet;  Cambria  depot.  Section  6,  284  feet ;  middle,  west 
half.  Section  8,  380  feet ;  southwest  quarter.  Section  8,  390  feet ;  center  northwest  quarter. 
Section  11,  402  feet ;  middle,  west  half,  Section  11,390  feet ;  southwest  quarter.  Section  11, 
383 ;  southwest  corner,  Sec.  13,  377  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  Section  14,  364  ;  middle,  west 
line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  14,  380  feet ;  middle  east  line,  Section  13,  367  feet ;  middle, 
west  half,  Section  17,  410  feet;  center,  Section  19,  430  feet;  middle,  south  half.  Sec.  19,  350 
feet ;  middle,  west  half.  Section  20,  390  feet ;  middle,  north  half.  Section  23,  360  feet ; 
stream  crossing,  north  half.  Section  26,  335  feet ;  middle,  south  half.  Section  26,  357  feet ; 
middle  north  half.  Section  30,  400  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  30,  360  feet ;  middle,  south 
half,  Section  31,  360  feet;  middle,  north  half.  Section  35,  369  feet;  middle,south  line.  Sec- 
tion 35,  370  feet. 

Township  13,  north.  Range  7  east  (Lewiston). — Lewiston  depot.  Section  26,  231  feet. 

Township  13  north.  Range  8  east  (Lewiston). — Middle,  north  half  of  southwest  quarter, 
Section  14,  250  feet ;  center,  southwest  quarter.  Section  23,  220  feet ;  middle,  west  line.  Section 
25,  240  feet ;  middle,  north  half.  Section  36,  230  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter.  Section  36, 
249  feet. 

Township  13  north,  Range  0  east  {Fort  Winnebago). — Middle,  west  half.  Section  16,  230 
feet ;  middle,  west  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  16,  260  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  16, 
280  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter.  Section  19,  300  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter. 
Section  19,  250  feet;  middle,  south  line.  Section  20,  260  feet:  middle,  west  line,  Section  21, 
240  feet ;  Coughlin's  quarry,  east  half  Section  20,  350  feet ;  center,  northeast  quarter.  Section 
30,  240  feet ;  middle,  east  half.  Section  31,  390  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Section  36,  265  feet ; 
bluff-top,  northwest  quarter.  Section  36,  390  feet. 

Toivnship  13  north.  Range  10  east  (Marcellon). — Northeast  quarter.  Section  1,  260  feet ; 
middle  north  line,  northeasfquarter.  Section  1,  320  feet;  northwest  corner.  Section  1,  260  feet; 
middle,  west  line.  Section  1,  300  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  12,  320  feet ; 
middle,  south  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  12,  290  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter. 
Section  13,  270  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter  of  northeast  quarter.  Section  14,  285  feet ;  center, 
northwest  quarter,  southeast  quarter,  Section  14,  295  feet ;  middle,  south  half,  southwest  quarter, 
Section  14,  290  feet;  one-eighth  mile  east,  southwest  quarter.  Section  14,  270  feet;  center.  Sec- 
tion 16,  370  feet ;  middle,  south  half.  Section  16,  340  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter, 
Section  16,  350  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  Section  16,  350  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  northeast 
quarter.  Section  21,  355  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  21,  305  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter, 
southeast  quarter.  Section  21,  335  feet;  center,  southeast  quarter,  northeasfquarter.  Section  22, 
-320  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  23,  350  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter,  Section 
23,  360  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  23,  350  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  24,  300  feet; 
middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter,  Section  24,  290  feet ;  middle,  east  line,  northwest  quarter, 
Section  25,  350  feet ;  center,  northwest  quarter,  northeast  quarter.  Section  28,  260  feet. 

Toivnship  13  north.  Range  11  east  {Scott). — One-eighth  mile  east,  northwest  corner,  Sec- 
tion 2,  390  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  Section  2,  360  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northeast  quarter. 
Section  3,  330  feet ;  northwest  corner.  Section  3,  280  feet;  middle,  north  line,  northwest  quarter, 
of  northeast  quarter.  Section  4,  280  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  4,  260 
feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northeast  quarter,  Section  5,  320  feet ;  one-eighth  mile  east,  northwest 


324  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

corner,  Section  5,  260  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  northeast  quarter,  Section  6,  280  feet ;  middle, 
north  half  of  north  half  of  Section  11,  350  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  Section  11,  340  feet  ; 
middle,  north  half.  Section  14,  385  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  south  half.  Section  14,  340  feet ; 
middle,  south  line.  Section  14,  320  feet ;  middle,  north  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  14,  370 
feet ;  one-sixteenth  mile  north,  southeast  corner.  Section  19,  230  feet :  middle,  south  line,  Sec- 
tion 19,  270  feet;  middle,  north  half  of  north  half  of  Section  23,  290  feet;  middle,  south  line. 
Section  23,  370  feet ;  one-eighth  mile  north,  center.  Section  26,  380  feet ;  one-sixteenth  mile 
south,  northwest  corner.  Section  29,  230  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  Section  29,  240  feet ;  south- 
west corner,  Section  29,  325  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  31,  400  feet ;  one-eighth  mile  north, 
southeast  corner,  Section  31,  375  feet ;  one-eighth  mile  east,  southwest  corner.  Section  32,  350 
feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  32,  440  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  33, 
380  feet ;  middle,  south  line,  southwest  quarter,  Section  34,  275  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section 
34,  400  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  35,  420  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  35,  425  feet ; 
middle,  south  line,  Section  36,  420  feet ;  southeast  corner.  Section  36,  400  feet. 

Township  13  north,  Range  12  east  [Randolph] — Northwest  corner.  Section  1,  415  feet; 
center,  southeast  quarter.  Section  1,  320  feet ;  middle,  north  line.  Section  2,  420  feet ;  north- 
west corner.  Section  2,  250  feet ;  middle,  west  line.  Section  2,  370  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  south 
half.  Section  5,  350  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  5,  340  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  6, 
320  feet ;  southwest  corner.  Section  6,  350  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  7,  420  feet ;  middle, 
west  line,  southwest  quarter.  Section  7,  320  feet ;  middle,  north  half.  Section  8,  350  feet ;  middle, 
south  line.  Section  8,  360  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section  9,  365  feet ;  middle,  east  line.  Section 
11,  395  feet ;  center.  Section  12,  395  feet ;  southwest  corner,  Section  15,  390  feet ;  middle, 
west  line.  Section  15,  356  feet;  middle,  north  half,  north  half,  Section  16,  356  feet;  middle, 
north  half,  south  half.  Section  16,  432  feet ;  middle,  south  line.  Section  16,  409  feet ;  center, 
southeast  quarter.  Section  17,  400  feet;  center,  northwest  quarter.  Section  17,  365  feet;  middle, 
west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  18,  380  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter. 
Section  19,  400  feet ;  middle,  north  half,  north  half.  Section  20,  400  feet ;  center, 
southwest  quarter.  Section  20,  400  feet;  middle,  east  line,  southeast  quarter.  Section  21,  386 
feet ;  middle,  north  half,  west  half.  Section  24,  350  feet ;  center,  southwest  quarter,  southeast 
quarter.  Section  24,  330  feet ;  center,  northeast  quarter.  Section  25,  330  feet ;  middle,-  west  line. 
Section  25,  365  feet ;  middle,  west  line.  Section  27,  420  feet ;  center.  Section  28,  353  feet ; 
southwest  quarter,  Section  28,  420  feet ;  center,  southeast  quarter,  northeast  quarter.  Section  29, 
360  feet ;  northwest  corner.  Section  30, 440  feet ;  one-eighth  mile  north,  southwest  corner,  Sec- 
tion 30,  400  feet ;  middle,  west  line,  northwest  quarter.  Section  31,  350  feet ;  southwest  corner. 
Section  31,  240  feet;  southeast  corner.  Section  31,  260  feet;  center,  southwest  quarter,  north- 
west quarter.  Section  32,  390  feet ;  middle,  south  half,  northwest  quarter,  Section  32,  380  feet ; 
southeast  corner,  Section  36,  360  feet. 


f;^i^4^t^^0^ 


PORTAGE    CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  327 


CHAPTER    IT. 


e 


JM'RFACE  Features  of  the  County— The  Mound-Builders— Indian  Occupancy— Was  John 
NicoLET  IN  Columbia  County  in  1634?— First  White  Men  at  the  Portage— Early 
Visits  to  what  is  now  Columbia  County— The  Portage  from  1793  to  1827— The  "Win- 
nebago War"— Fort  Winnebago. 

surface  features  of  the  county. 

The  surface  of  Columbia  County  is  drained,  as  already  explained,  by  three  principal  rivers 
— the  Rock,  the  Fo.x  and  the  Wisconsin ;  but  only  the  two  last  mentioned  have  any  part  of 
their  main  channels  in  the  county.  The  Crawfish  River  carries  the  water  from  the  eastern  side 
of  the  county  into  the  Rock  River  ;  the  north  central  portions  of  the  county  are  drained  by 
the  Fox  River  and  its  affluents ;  the  western  and  central  parts,  by  the  Wisconsin  and  its  tribu- 
taries. The  principal  affluent  of  the  Fox  on  the  east  is  French  Creek  ;  on  the  west,  Neenah 
Creek.  The  Wisconsin  has,  on  the  west,  the  Baraboo  River  as  a  tributary  ;  on  the  east,  its 
main  affluents  in  the  county  are  Duck  Creek,  Rock  Run  and  Spring  Creek.  The  three  princi- 
pal branches  of  Duck  Creek  are  the  North  Branch,  Middle  Branch  and  the  South  Branch. 

The  Baraboo  heads  in  the  counties  of  Monroe,  Vernon  and  Juneau,  at  an  elevation  of  about 
four  hundred  feet  above  its  mouth  ;  runs  southeastward  into  Sauk  County,  where  it  breaks  into 
the  valley  between  the  two  east  and  west  quartzite  ranges,  already  spoken  of,  through  a  narrow 
gorge  in  the  northern  range.  Turning  then  eastward,  it  runs  along  the  middle  of  the  valley 
between  the  two  ranges  for  about  fifteen  miles,  and  then,  breaking  again  northward  through  the 
north  range,  follows  its  northern  side  east  to  the  Wisconsin,  into  which  it  empties  on  Section  28, 
of  Township  12  north,  of  Range  9  east,  in  the  town  of  Caledonia.  The  Baraboo  is  a  stream  of 
very  considerable  size,  and  yields  a  number  of  excellent  water-powers  in  the  valley  between  the 
quartzite  ranges  (Baraboo  Bluffs), — having  a  fall,  on  this  portion  of  its  course,  of  seventy  feet. 
The  other  streams  of  the  county  are  sufficiently  described  in  the  histories  of  the  various  towns. 
There  are  a  half  score  of  small  lakes  in  the  county,  which  are  considered  of  sufficient 
importance  to  appear  with  names  upon  the  county  map  and  county  atlas.  They  are :  Swan 
Lake,  in  Wyocena  and  Pacific ;  Whiting's  Lake,  Lake  Loomis  and  Lake  Corning,  in  Lewiston  ; 
Lake  George,  in  Pacific  ;  Mud  Lake,  in  Fort  Winnebago ;  Grass  Lake  in  Otsego,  and  Silver 
Lake,  in  the  city  of  Portage.  One  of  these.  Mud  Lake,  in  Fort  Winnebago,  may  be  consid- 
ered  merely  as  an  enlargement  of  the  channel  of  Fox  River. 

The  three  different  kinds  of  surface  in  Columbia  County,  as  to  vegetation,  are  the  prairies, 
marshes  and  timber  land.  The  prairies,  or  treeless  portions,  are  not  exactly  identical  in  extent 
now  as  when  the  county  was  first  settled,  for  the  reason  that  in  some  places,  once  prairie,  there 
has  been  an  invasion  of  a  timber  growth, — this,  in  former  times,  having  been  checked  by  the 
annual  prairie  fires.  The  prairie  areas  are  by  no  means  always  flat ;  indeed  the  flat  prairies  are 
the  exception,  and  are  chiefly  seen  along  the  bottom  land  of  the  Wisconsin  River.  The  ordi- 
nary prairie  of  the  county  is  very  rolling,  commonly  showing  abrupt  changes  of  level,  even  up 
to  fifty  or  a  hundred  feet.  The  changes  in  level  are,  scientifically  speaking,  due  in  places  to 
heaped-up  drift,  but  more  commonly  to  unequal  denudation  of  the  rocky  strata.  In  some  cases, 
as,  for  instance,  in  the  town  of  West  Point,  the  prairie  area  includes  both  lowland  and  bold  out- 
lying bluffs,  as  much  as  two  hundred,  or  even  three  hundred,  feet  in  height.  The  limestone-prairie 
belt  in  Columbia  County  occupies  large  portions  of  the  towns  of  West  Point,  Lodi,  Arlington, 
Leeds,  Hampden  and  Lowville,  continuing  northeast,  though  somewhat  broken,  through  the 
towns  of  Otsego  and  Courtland,  and  finally  passing  into  Green  Lake  County.  This  extensive 
prairie  area  is.  for  the  most  part,  on  high  land,  occupying  the  summit  of  the  watershed  between 

B 


328  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

the  Wisconsin  anJ  Rock  Rivers.  It  is  nearly  always  underlaid  by  the  lower  magnesian  lime- 
stone, whose  irregular  upper  surface  contributes  much  to  the  rolling  character  of  the  prairie. 

In  the  south  central  part  of  the  county,  the  northern  limb  of  Empire  Prairie  projects  far 
out,  like  a  great  bay,  through  the  southern  and  into  the  second  tier  of  townships.  In  the  south- 
east part  of  the  county  lies  Fountain  Prairie,  and  in  the  northeast  are  Welsh  and  Portage 
Prairies.     All  these,  as  before  intimated,  are  beautifully  rolling. 

The  marshes  of  Columbia  County  are  usually  small.  There  are,  however,  some  notable 
exceptions — those  extending  along  Duck  Creek  and  the  Upper  Fox  River,  east  of  portage,  are 
several  miles  in  extent. 

With  regard  to  forest  trees,  it  may  be  said  that  the  whole  of  the  county  outside  the  prairie 
region  is  covered  by  a  prevailing  growth  of  small  oaks  of  different  varieties,  frequently  inter- 
spersed with  other  forest  trees.  Along  the  Wisconsin  and  Baraboo  Rivers,  on  one  side  or  both, 
nearly  through  their  whole  length  in  the  county,  is  a  belt  of  heavy  timber  of  several  kinds  of 
oak,  basswood,  elm  and  hickory,  with  some  butternuts  and  soft  maple.  There  are  a  few  groves 
of  heavy  oaks  in  other  parts  of  the  county. 

THE   MOUND-BUILDERS. 

Within  the  boundaries  of  Columbia  County  are  found  many  notable  and  interesting  evi- 
dences of  prehistoric  occupation  and  existence.  The  geographical  position  of  the  county  is  such 
as  to  intimately  associate  it  with  some  of  the  important  chains  or  series  of  earthworks  that  are 
found  extending  along  most  of  the  favorable  routes  for  primitive  transportation  between  the 
great  lakes  and  the  Mississippi  River. 

The  county  in  this  regard  seems  to  confirm  the  generally  accepted  theory  that  primitive 
man,  or  the  Mound-Builders,  whoever  they  were,  existed  in  greatest  numbers  along  the  borders 
of  lakes  and  rivers ;  and  the  more  prominent  these  bodies  of  water  and  the  position  occupied 
appear  with  relation  to  the  great  problems  of  transportation  and  subsistence,  the  more  important 
and  numerous  are  these  ancient  artificial  works. 

The  importance  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  and  their  navigable  tributaries  has  been 
recognized  by  all  nations  and  tribes  in  this  region  that  have  a  written  or  traditional  history. 
This  and  the  numerous  evidences  of  a  prehistoric  occupation  found  along  their  entire  course, 
would  seem  to  warrant  a  conclusion  that  these  rivers  have  furnished  a  medium  of  transporta- 
tion from  the  days  of  primitive  man's  unrecorded  existence  down  to  the  present  time. 

In  this  great  thoroughfare  of  ancient  and  modern  times,  the  "  portage"  occupies  a  central 
and  important  position. 

The  situation  of  the  mounds  (many  of  them)  seems  to  establish  a  belief  that  the  observation 
since  the  settlement  of  the  county  by  the  whites  with  relation  to  the  gradual  diminution  in 
volume  of  the  lakes  and  rivers,  is  not  exceptional  as  to  the  present,  but  that  this  decrease  has 
been  continuous  from  the  time  the  mounds  were  erected;  and,  with  relation  to  the  importance 
of  some  of  the  streams  associated  with  the  Mound-Builders,  their  present  condition  would  not 
justify  conclusions  that  are  consistent  with  former  proportions. 

Not  only  is  it  certain  that  there  has  been  a  notable  decrease  in  the  volume  of  all  existing 
bodies  of  water,  but  in  some  instances  appearances  would  indicate  that  even  quite  large  lakes 
have  entirely  disappeared,  and  that  some  of  the  works  of  the  Mound-Builders  now  stranded  on 
an  inland  hillside,  at  the  time  of  their  construction  marked  the  water-line  of  their  primitive 
proportions. 

As  usual  in  these  ancient  earthworks,  spherical  mounds,  numerically  considered,  occupy 
the  leading  position,  while  the  irregular  works  rank  first  in  size  and  importance,  and  would 
require  special  drawings  and  exjilanations  to  render  a  description  valuable  or  intelligent. 

In  some  of  the  mounds  examined  in  Columbia  County  are  found,  near  the  surface,  relics  of 
Indian  origin,  such  as  flint  arrowheads,  beads,  etc.,  while  farther  below,  and  always  near  the 
base  line,  come  the  stone  implements  and  the  remnants  of  human  bones  that  crumble  into  dust 
as  soon  as  brought  to  the  surface. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  329 

In  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Dalles,  there  are  several  groups  of  mounds,  all  of  which 
will  be  found  well  worthy  of  a  visit.  There  is  a  portion  of  one  in  Kilbourn  City,  but  it  is  not 
perfect  now,  having  been  partially  destroyed  in  grading  a  street.  It  appears  to  have  been  made 
to  represent  a  lizard-like  animal.  Originally,  the  figure  must  have  been  200  feet  long,  its  head 
pointing  toward  the  west. 

Very  often,  one  of  these  image  or  animal  mounds  will  be  surrounded  by  several  of  the 
conical  ones.  A  few  miles  from  Kilbourn  may  be  found  one  of  the  most  curious  groups  to  be 
seen  in  this  section  of  the  State.  It  occupies  a  plat  of  ground  about  five  rods  wide  and  eighteen 
long.  Near  the  southeast  corner  of  the  plat  is  the  figure  of  a  deer,  the  head  being  towai'd  the 
west.  Immediately  to  the  north  is  a  representation  of  a  lizard,  the  length  being  about  eighteen 
rods,  while  around  its  head  are  arranged  eight  or  ten  conical  mounds,  some  of  them  being 
twelve  feet  in  height. 

About  four  miles  south  of  Kilbourn,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  but  a 
short  distance  from  the  railroad  track,  may  be  found  quite  an  interesting  group  which  is  well 
worth  visiting.     Other  groups  may  be  found  by  driving  a  few  miles  in  almost  any  direction. 

Many  of  the  mounds  in  the  vicinity  have  been  opened,  and  bones  and  various  stone  imple- 
ments found ;  while  in  others,  broken  pottery  has  been  unearthed  in  considerable  quantities. 

That  the  mounds  were  built  at  a  remote  period,  it  is  evident.  On  many  of  them,  trees 
more  than  two  hundred  years  old  are  found  growing,  and  how  many  more  have  attained  their 
full  size  and  then  died  and  fallen  into  decay,  it  is  impossible  to  tell.  As  another  proof  of  the 
great  antiquity  of  the  mounds,  we  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  depth  of  the  alluvial 
soil  is  the  same  on  the  mounds  as  it  is  twenty  rods  distant.  This  is  one  of  the  strongest  evi- 
dences of  the  age  of  these  remains  of  the  handiwork  of  a  people  long  since  extinct. 

INDIAN     OCCUPANCY. 

As  early  as  the  year  1615,  Samuel  Ohamplain  heard  of  a  tribe  of  Indians  living  many 
leagues  beyond  Lake  Huron,  called  the  Fire  Nation,  better  known  at  a  later  date  as  the  Mas- 
coutins.  Their  homes  were  upon  the  Fox  River  at  that  time,  as  it  is  believed,  and  hgre  they 
were  visited  by  civilized  man  a  little  less  than  a  score  of  years  after.  It  is  presumed  that  their 
villages  were  located  within  the  present  limits  of  Green  Lake  County,  somewhere  on  Fox  River, 
between  Berlin  and  Lake  Puckaway,  and  that  they  claimed  as  their  hunting-grounds,  among 
much  other  territory,  that  now  included  within  the  boundary  lines  of  the  county  of  Columbia. 
The  nearest  tribe  to  the  Mascoutins  down  the  Fox  River  was  that  of  the  Winnebagoes,  whose  homes 
were  at  the  mouth  of  that  stream.  To  the  south,  extending  perhaps  well  up  Rock  River,  was 
the  territory  of  the  Illinois.  In  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  the  Mascoutins  (but  in  what 
direction  is  uncertain)  were  the  Kickapoos  and  the  Miamis. 

The  Illinois,  who  lived  in  a  country  "  where  there  was  a  quantity  of  buffaloes,"  were  afterward 
driven  beyond  the  Mississippi,  but  subsequently  returned  to  the  river  which  still  bears  their 
name.  Meanwhile,  there  commenced  an  emigration  of  the  Mascoutins  and  their  kindred,  the 
Kickapoos  and  Miamis,  to  the  southward,  as  far  at  least  as  the  south  end  of  Lake  Michigan. 
Their  place  was  taken  by  the  Foxes  and  their  relatives,  the  Sacs,  and,  in  time,  these  also  emi- 
grated, but  not  to  the  southward  ;  the  course  taken  by  them  was  to  the  west  and  southwest.  It 
is  certain  the  Foxes  claimed  for  a  time  the  country  now  forming  Columbia  County,  as  well  as 
much  other  circumjacent  territory.  Then  came  the  Winnebagoes  from  below,  that  is,  from  the 
head  of  Green  Bay,  moving  up  the  Fox  River  by  degrees,  having  outlying  villages  on  the  shores 
of  Winnebago  Lake  and  in  the  valley  of  Rock  River.  They  finally  reached  the  "  portage," 
and  their  territory  extended  down  the  Wisconsin.  This  brings  us  to  the  time  when  the  LTnited 
States  began  making  treaties  with  them.  The  first  of  these  was  held  at  St.  Louis,  June  3,  1816, 
with  that  portion  of  the  tribe  residing  on  the  Wisconsin.  This  treaty  (so  soon  after  the  war 
with  Great  Britain,  in  which  the  Winnebagoes  engaged  on  the  side  of  the  British)  was  one  for 
peace  only,  no  cession  of  land  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  being  made  to  the  United  States. 
In  1820,  the  Winnebagoes  had  five  villages  on  Winnebago  Lake,  and  fourteen  on  Rock  River. 


330  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

In  1825,  the  claim  of  this  tribe  was  extensive,  so  far  as  territory  was  concerned.  Its  southeast 
boundary  stretched  away  from  the  sources  of  Rock  River  to  within  forty  miles  of  its  mouth,  in 
Illinois,  where  they  had  a  villaije.  On  the  west,  it  extended  to  the  heads  of  the  small  streams 
flowing  westward  and  southwestward  into  the  Mississippi.  To  the  northward,  it  reached  as  far 
as  Black  River  and  the  Upper  Wisconsin  ;  in  other  words,  to  the  Chippewa  territory ;  but  did 
not  extend  across  the  Fox  to  the  lands  of  the  north  side,  although  they  contended  for  the  whole  of 
Winnebago  Lake.  Within  their  territory,  then,  in  182.5,  was  the  whole  of  the  present  county 
of  Columbia,  except  so  much  of  what  is  now  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  as  lies  west  of  the 
Fox  River,  and  also  excepting  the  present  towns  of  Lewiston  and  Newport. 

By  a  treaty  held  with  the  Winnebagoes  on  the  1st  day  of  August,  1829,  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  these  Indians  relinquished,  among  much  other  territory,  all  of  their  land  in  what  is  now 
Columbia  County,  lying  west  of  a  line  drawn  along  the  road  running  "by  the  most  northern  of 
the  four  lakes  to  the  crossing  of  Duck  Creek,  thence  in  a  direct  course  toward  the  most  south- 
easterly bend  of  Lake  Puckaway."  Three  years  later,  at  a  treaty  held  at  Fort  Armstrong, 
Rock  Island,  the  residue  of  the  Winnebago  lands  lying  in  the  present  Columbia  County — that 
is,  all  east  of  the  line  just  mentioned — was  (with  much  other  territory)  ceded  to  the  United 
States.  This  treaty  was  proclaimed  February  13,  1833,  and  on  that  day  all  of  what  had  been 
before  that  time,  in  what  is  now  Columbia  County,  the  lands  of  the  Winnebagoes,  now  belonged 
to  the  General  Government.  And  these  lands  were  ready  for  the  surveyor,  that  is,  all  of  Colum- 
bia County  except  the  present  towns  of  Caledonia,  Newport,  Lewiston,  and  so  much  of  Fort 
Winnebago  as  lies  west  of  the  Fox  River. 

West  of  the  Wisconsin,  including  the  whole  of  the  present  town  of  Caledonia,  was  still  a 
part  of  Winnebago  territory ;  but,  in  November,  1837,  this  nation  ceded  to  the  General  Gov- 
ernment all  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi  River.  Not  an  acre  was  reserved.  So  the 
Winnebago  title  to  all  of  what  is  now  Columbia  County  was  extinguished. 

Ever  since  the  Menomonee  Indians  had  been  taken  under  the  wing  of  the  General  Govern- 
ment, and  treaties  made  with  them,  their  claim  was  (including  other  territory)  to  all  lands  lying 
north  of  the  Fox  River,  and  east  of  the  Wisconsin,  extending  northward  to  the  Chippewa 
country.  This  being  recognized  as  their  territory  by  the  United  States,  made  them  owners  of 
so  much  of  the  present  county  of  Columbia  as  includes,  in  general  terms,  the  towns  of  Newport, 
Lewiston,  and  that  part  of  Fort  Winnebago  lying  west  of  the  Fox  River.  Finally,  by  treaty, 
confirmed  January  23,  184!',  the  Menomonees  sold  all  their  land  to  the  General  Government  in 
Wisconsin,  including,  of  course,  so  much  of  it  as  lay  within  the  limits  of  what  is  now  Columbia 
County  ;  that  is  to  say,  the  whole  of  the  territory  now  forming  the  towns  of  Newport  and 
Lewiston,  and  so  much  of  Fort  Winnebago  as  lies  west  of  Fox  River.  The  Menomonees 
remained  in  possession  two  years,  when  it  was  delivered  over  to  the  United  States.  Thus  it 
was  that  the  General  Government,  at  different  periods,  became  the  actual  owners  and  possessors 
of  all  the  domain  of  Columbia  County. 

Although  owners  of  a  portion  of  Columbia  County,  under  treaties  with  the  United  States, 
the  Menomonees  were  never  residents,  any  of  them,  of  territory  now  included  within  its  present 
boundaries.  Not  so  the  Winnebagoes.  Their  chief  had  a  village  two  miles  above  the  portage. 
Afterward,  this  chief,  De-kau-ry  (the  name  that  is  now  written  Dekorra),  had  a  village  on  land 
that  is  now  known  as  the  Caffrey  place,  in  the  town  of  Caledonia,  at  the  foot  of  the  bluff,  be- 
tween the  Wisconsin  and  Baraboo  Rivers.  The  schoolhouse  of  District  No.  .5  now  occupies 
the  spot.  De-kau-ry 's  town  contained  over  one  hundred  lodges,  and  was  the  largest  of  the 
Winnebago  villages.  Outside  of  the  present  Columbia  County,  soon  after  the  building  of 
Fort  Winnebago,  the  villages  of  the  nation  which  were  included  in  the  agency  established  at  the 
fort  were  scattered  in  various  directions.  Their  occupants  assembled  here  to  be  paid  their 
annuities,  and  to  have  talks  with  their  father,  the  agent.  A  payment  made  to  the  Winnebagoes 
in  1830  is  thus  described  by  an  eye-witness: 

"  There  were  two  divisions  of  tlie  Winnebago  Indians,  one  of  which  was  paid  by  the  agent 
at  the  portage;  the  other  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  by  Gen.  Street.     The   first,   between   four  and 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  331 

five  thousand  in  number,  received,  according  to  treaty  stipulations,  $15,000  annually,  besides  a 
considerable  amount  of  presents  and  a  certain  number  of  rations  of  bread  and  pork,  to  be 
issued  in  times  of  emergency  throughout  the  year.  The  principal  villages  of  this  division  of 
the  tribe  were  at  Lake  Winnebago,  Green  and  Fox  Lakes,  the  Barribault  [now  written  Bara- 
boo],  Mud  Lake  [in  the  present  Dodge  County],  the  Four  Lakes,  Kosh-ko-nong  [White  Crow's 
village]  and  Turtle  Creek  [now  Beloit],  Messengers  were  dispatched,  at  or  before  the  arrival 
of  the  annuity  money,  to  all  the  diiferent  villages,  to  notify  the  heads  of  fiimilies  or  lodges  to 
assemble  at  the  portage. 

"  When  arrived,  the  masters  of  families,  under  their  different  chiefs,  gave  in  their  names 
and  the  number  in  their  lodges,  to  be  registered.  As,  in  paying,  a  sum  of  money  is  apportioned 
to  each  individual,  it  is,  of  course,  an  object  to  the  head  of  a  lodge  to  make  the  number  regis- 
tered as  great  as  possible.  Each  one  brings  his  little  bundle  of  sticks  and  presents  it  to  the 
agent  to  register.  Sometimes  a  dialogue  like  the  following  occurs  :  '  How  many  have  you  in 
your  lodge?'  The  Indian  carefully  and  with  great  ceremony  counts  a  bundle  of  sticks — '  Fif- 
teen.' '  How  many  men  y  'Two.'  The  agent  lays  aside  two  sticks.  '  How  many  women '.'' 
'Three.'  Three  more  sticks  are  separated.  '  How  many  children ':"  'Eight.'  Eight  sticks 
are  added  to  the  heap.  '  What  is  the  meaning  of  those  two  sticks  that  remain  'i'  The  culprit, 
whose  arithmetic  had  not  served  him  to  carry  out  this  deception,  disappears  amid  the  shouts 
and  jeers  of  his  companions,  who  are  always  well  pleased  at  the  detection  of  any  roguery  in 
which  they  have  had  no  share. 

"  The  young  officers  generally  assisted  in  counting  out  and  delivering  the  money  at  these 
payments,  and  it  was  no  unusual  thing,  as  the  last  band  came  up,  for  the  chiefs  to  take  a  quan- 
tity of  silver  out  of  the  bo.x  and  request  their  father  to  pay  his  friends  for  their  trouble,  seem- 
ing really  disturbed  at  his  refusal.  In  this,  as  in  almost  every  instance,  we  see  the  native 
courtesy  and  politeness  which  are  never  lost  sight  of  among  them.  If  a  party  comes  to  their 
father  to  beg  for  provisions,  and  food  is  offered  them,  however  hungry  they  may  be,  each  waits 
patiently  until  one  of  the  company  makes  an  equal  distribution  of  the  whole,  and  then,  taking 
his  share,  eats  it  quietly,  with  the  greatest  moderation.  I  never  saw  this  rule  violated,  save  in 
one  instance. 

"  Our  friend,  Pawnee  Blanc,  '  tlie  old  dandy,'  once  came  with  a  party  of  Indians,  request- 
ing permission  to  dance  for  us  in  the  open  space  before  the  door.  It  was  a  warm,  dusty  after- 
noon, and,  as  our  friends  grew  heated  and  fatigued  with  the  violent  and  long-continued  exercise, 
a  pitcher  of  raspberry  negus  was  prepared  and  sent  out  to  them.  Pawnee  received  the  pitcher 
and  tumbler,  and  pouring  the  latter  about  half-full,  gave  it  to  the  first  of  the  circle,  then  filled 
the  same  for  the  next  and  so  on,  until  it  occurred  to  him  to  look  into  the  pitcher.  What  he 
saw  there  determined  his  course  of  action ;  so,  setting  the  tumbler  upon  the  ground,  he  raised 
the  pitcher  to  his  lips  and  gave  a  hearty  pull,  after  which  he  went  on,  giving  less  and  less, 
until  he  was  called  to  have  the  pitcher  replenished.  All  present  agreed  it  was  the  only  instance 
they  had  ever  witnessed  of  an  Indian  appearing  afraid  of  getting  less  of  a  thing  than  his  share. 

"  During  the  payment,  a  good  many  kegs  of  whisky  find  their  way  into  the  lodges  of  the 
Indians,  notwithstanding  the  watchfulness  of  both  officers  and  agent.  Where  there  is  a  demand, 
there  will  always  be  a  supply,  let  the  legal  prohibitions  be  what  they  may.  The  last  day  of 
the  payment  is  invariably  one  of  general  carousing. 

"  When  the  men  begin  their  frolic,  the  women  carefully  gather  all  the  guns,  knives,  toma- 
hawks and  weapons  of  every  description,  and  secrete  them,  that  as  little  mischief  as  possible 
may  be  done  in  the  absence  of  all  restraint  and  reason.  I  am  sorry  to  record  that  our  little 
friend,  Pawnee  Blanc,  was  greatly  addicted  to  the  pleasures  of  the  bottle. 

"Among  the  presents  for  the  chiefs  which  Shaw-nee-aw-kee  had  brought  from  the  East, 
was  a  trunk  of  blue  cloth  coats  trimmed  with  broad  gold  lace,  and  a  box  of  round,  black  hats, 
ornamented  in  a  similar  manner.  All  who  are  familiar  with  Indians,  of  whatever  tribe,  will 
have  observed  that  their  first  step  toward  civilization,  whether  a  man  or  woman,  is  mounting  a 
man's  hat,  decorated  with  tinsel,  ribbons  or  feathers.     Pawnee   was   among  the  happy  number 


382  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

remembered  in  the  distribution,  so,  donning  at  once  his  new  costume  and  tying  a  few  addi- 
tional bunches  of  gay-colored  ribbons  to  a  long  spear  that  was  always  his  baton  of  ceremony, 
he  came  at  once,  followed  by  an  admiring  train,  chiefly  of  women,  to  pay  me  a  visit  of 
state. 

"  The  solemn  gravity  of  his  countenance  as  he  motioned  away  those  who  would  approach 
too  near  and  finger  his  newly  received  finery ;  the  dignity  with  which  he  strutted  along,  edging 
this  way  and  that,  to  avoid  any  possible  contact  from  homely,  everyday  wardrobes,  augured 
well  for  a  continuance  of  propriety  and  self-respect  and  a  due  consideration  of  the  good  opinion 
of  all  around. 

*'  But  alas  for  Pawnee  I  late  in  the  day,  we  saw  him  assisted  toward  his  lodge  by  two  stout 
young  Indians,  who  had  pulled  him  out  of  a  ditch,  his  fine  coat  covered  with  mud,  his  hat  bat- 
tered and  bruised,  his  spear  shorn  of  its  gay  streamers,  and  poor  Pawnee  himself  weeping  and 
uttering  all  the  doleful  lamentations  of  a  tipsy  Indian." 

When,  in  1837,  the  Winnebagoes  disposed  of  all  their  land  to  the  United  States  east  of 
the  Mississippi,  they  stipulated  that,  within  eight  months,  they  would  move  west  of  the  great 
river.  This  arrangement  was  not  carried  out  fully,  and  many  of  the  AVinnebagoes,  as  elsewhere 
mentioned,  were  afterward  forcibly  carried  beyond  the  Mississippi.  The  last  of  these  forcible 
removals  occurred  in  1878,  and,  as  to  those  captured  in  Columbia  County,  is  thus  described  by 
a  Portage  writer  at  that  date  : 

"  On  Saturday  morning  last  [December  23,  1873],  a  thrill  of  excitement  ran  through  the 
community  by  the  announcement  that  Capt.  S.  A.  Hunt,  agent  for  the  removal  of  the  Winne- 
bago Indians,  and  ex-Sheriff  Pool,  had  crossed  the  Wisconsin  River  bridge  at  this  place,  at  the 
head  of  a  detachment  of  the  United  States  troops,  at  the  early  break  of  day.  What  did  it  all 
mean  ?  A  little  inquiry  revealed  the  further  fact  that  a  considerable  number  of  the  '  'Bagoes  ' 
had  gathered  on  tiie  Baraboo  River,  near  the  Crawford  bridge,  and  were  having  an  annual  meet- 
ing, a  dog  feast,  a  deer-feast,  or  something  of  that  kind.,  Almost  every  lodge  for  forty  miles 
had  its  delegate.  They  had  pooled  their  wigwams,  their  squaws,  their  feathers,  their  paint, 
their  wampum,  and  were  having  a  first-class  blow-out,  when  their  festivities  were  interrupted  by 
the  appearance  in  their  caravansary  of  the  uninvited  boys  in  blue.  Of  course,  the  greatest 
consternation  prevailed,  for  they  knew  at  once  it  meant  they  must  go  to  the  Winnebago  reserva- 
tion, in  Nebraska,  where  the  larger  portion  of  the  tribe  had  gone  several  years  since,  in  accord- 
ance with  their  treaty  obligations.  Considerable  parleying  followed,  and  there  was  a  manifest 
determination  not  to  go. 

"  Capt.  Hunt  was  anxious  to  use  as  little  force  as  possible  to  accomplish  the  success  of  his 
mission,  and  used  all  the  persuasive  power  he  could,  as  he  had  been  doing  all  through  the 
season,  to  have  them  go  with  him  ;  but  when  it  became  fully  apparent  that  they  would  not  do 
so  unless  comjjolled  to,  he  gave  the  signal,  and  at  once  the  leaders  of  the  Indians  found  them- 
selves captives.  With  as  little  delay  as  possible,  they  were  arranged  in  marching  order,  and, 
just  before  noon,  the  entire  number — eighty-five,  we  believe — were  seen  coming  over  the  hill 
near  the  Catholic  Church,  escorted  by  the  troops,  conspicuous  among  them  being  the  stately 
and  towering  form  of  Big  Jim.  They  were  at  once  marched  to  the  depot  and  safely  lodged  in 
the  cars,  and  a  full  supply  of  rations  was  dealt  out  to  them. 

"  After  they  had  been  safely  housed,  Capt.  Hunt  set  about  informing  himself  whether  any 
of  his  captives  had  become  real-estate  owners,  or  had  done  anything  else  to  show  that  they  had 
abandoned  their  tribal  relations,  and  were  entitled  to  remain  as  citizens.  Inquiry  was  made 
for  Yellow  Thunder,  Good  Village,  War  Club,  Snake  Swallow,  McWima  and  Pretty  Man  and 
one  or  two  others,  but  it  was  found  that  only  two  of  them  were  among  the  captives,  and  they 
were  permitted  to  take  their  departure.  '  John  Little  John  '  and  '  High  Snake  '  were  of  the 
number  and  were  taken  along,  but  we  are  informed  they  will  be  returned  here  if  they  desire  to 
be,  although  they  are  not  legally  entitled  to  remain.  They  are  vouched  for  by  respectable  citi- 
zens as  making  some  progress  in  the  line  of  civilization,  and  there  are  no  objections  to  their 
remaining. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  333 

"  The  ponies  and  the  '  traps  and  calamities '  generally  belonging  to  the  Indians  were  brought 
in  and  placed  in  baggage  cars,  and  at  about  6  o'clock  the  train  was  under  motion  for  Sparta, 
which  was  to  be  the  point  of  rendezvous. 

"  As  an  Indian  dance  is  very  like  a  white  man's  frolic  in  some  of  its  characteristics,  it  was 
not  a  matter  of  surprise  to  learn  that  a  number  of  braves  were  alone  at  this  dance,  while  the 
squaws  were  doing  the  menial  work  of  housekeeping  at  home  and  attending  to  the  papooses. 
Now,  Big  Jim  was  just  one  of  that  kind,  and  several  others  might  be  named,  but,  out  of  respect 
to  their  families,  we  will  not  put  their  names  in  print.  The  circumstances,  however,  made  it 
necessary  for  Capt.  Hunt  to  dispatch  Mr.  Pool  and  other  messengers  for  their  families,  which 
were  at  Briggsville  and  other  places.  By  Monday  evening,  Mr.  Pool  had  two  or  three  dozen 
of  them  congregated  here,  and,  on  Tuesday  evening,  they  were  forwarded  to  Sparta,  and  we 
presume  that  they  took  their  Christmas  dinner  on  their  reservation,  although  at  the  time  of 
writing  this  we  had  not  learned  definitely  as  to  when  they  were  sent  forward." 

WAS    JOHN    NICOLET    IN    COLUMBIA    COUNTY    IN    1634?* 

The  question  is  no  longer  an  open  one  as  to  whether  John  Nicolet  was  the  first  white  man 
who  set  foot  upon  any  portion  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin.  It  has  been  definitely  settled.  It  is 
also  quite  as  well  determined  that  his  explorations  and  discoveries  were  made  in  the  Great  West 
during  the  last  half  of  the  year  1634 — only  ten  years  after  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  on 
Plymouth  Eock — and  the  first  half  of  the  following  year.  He,  therefore,  who  would  read  under- 
standingly  the  first  chapter  in  the  history  of  Wisconsin  ought  to  investigate  the  life-history 
of  that  remarkable  man.  He  will  find  him,  at  an  early  age,  leaving  his  home  in  Normandy  for 
the  New  World,  landing  at  Quebec  in  1618,  and  immediately  starting  for  the  Ottawa  River  to 
immure  himself  in  the  dark  forests  of  Algonquins,  sent  thither  by  the  Governor  of  Canada  to 
learn  their  language.  He  will  see  how  the  young  Norman  applied  himself  to  his  task  "  in  the 
midst  of  those  hardships  which  may  be  readily  conceived,  if  we  will  reflect  what  it  must  be  to 
pass  severe  winters  in  the  woods,  under  a  covering  of  cedar  or  birch  bark  ;  to  have  one's  means 
of  subsistence  dependent  upon  hunting ;  to  be  perpetually  hearing  rude  outcries  ;  to  be  deprived 
of  the  pleasant  society  of  one's  own  people ;  and  to  be  constantly  exposed,  not  only  to  derision 
and  insulting  words,  but  even  to  daily  peril  of  life."  He  will  note  how  the  youthful  French- 
man followed  the  Indians  in  their  wanderings ;  how  he  partook  of  their  dangers,  their  fatigues 
and  their  privations ;  how,  finally,  having  become  familiar  with  their  language,  he  entered  into 
their  frequent  councils. 

The  return  of  Nicolet  to  the  St.  Lawrence  and  civilization,  after  a  half-score  years  of 
savage  life,  an  excellent  interpreter  of  the  Algonquin  language,  was  followed,  in  1634,  by  his 
being  sent  to  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace  with  nations  beyond — far  beyond — the  Ottawa.  So  he 
started  upon  his  perilous  voyage.  He  visited  the  Hurons,  upon  the  Georgian  Bay  of  Lake 
Huron.  With  seven  of  tlikt  nation,  he  struck  boldly  into  wilds  to  the  northward  and  westward 
never  before  visited  by  civilized  man.  He  paddled  his  birch-bark  canoe  up  the  St.  Mary's 
Strait  to  the  falls.  He  floated  back  to  the  waters  of  Lake  Huron,  and  courageously  turned 
toward  the  west,  passing  through  the  straits  of  Mackinaw  out  upon  the  broad  expanse  of  Lake 
Michigan.  He  then  entered  Green  Bay  and  Fox  River.  It  is  claimed  that  he  ascended  the 
last-mentioned  stream  as  far  as  the  "portage,"  now  the  city  of  Portage,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
and  descended  the  Wisconsin  River  a  considerable  distance,  thus  re-discovering  the  great  Valley 
of  the  Mississippi.  The  term  "re-discovering"  is  used,  for  no  one  will  call  in  question  its  dis- 
covery by  De  Soto  in  1.541,  although  its  existence  seems  soon  to  have  well  nigh  faded  from  the 
recollections  of  men — to  have  been  almost  wholly  forgotten. 

What  has  been  written  in  support  of  Nicolet's  claim  as  the  re-discoverer  of  the  Mississippi 
is  based  upon  this  declaration  of  Father  Vimont,  in  the  Jesuit  Relation  of  1640  :  "  The  Sieur 
Nicolet,  who  has  penetrated  the  furthest  into  these  so  remote  countries,  assured  me  that,  if  he 

By  C.  W.  Butterfield,  of  Madison,  Wis. 


334  HISTORY    OF    COLUMJUA    COUNTY. 

had  sailed  three  days  further  upon  a  large  river  which  issues  from  this  lake,  he  would  have 
reached  the  sea."  It  is  evident  that  the  "remote  countries"  referred  to  by  Vimont  are  those 
of  the  upper  lakes  traversed  by  Nicolet.  and  that  the  words  "this  lake"  had  reference  to 
Green  Bay  and  Lake  Michigan  combined.  But  we  are  told,  also,  that  the  phrase  "a  large 
liver"  means  the  Wisconsin;  and  that  "the  sea"  spoken  of  is  the  Mississippi,  Nicolet  taking 
the  word  missippi  (great  water)  to  mean  "the  sea,"  instead  of  that  river.  A  careful  consid- 
eration of  the  length  of  the  Wisconsin  below  the  "  portage,"  and  of  the  time  usually  employed 
by  Indians  in  navigating  it,  justify  the  assertion  that  the  words  of  the  Relation  of  1640 — ■■  if 
he  had  sailed  three  days  further  upon  a  large  river" — have  no  application  to  that  stream.  The 
words  "three  days  further"  clearly  imply  that  he  had  already  sailed  several  days;  whereas,  the 
distance,  118  miles,  down  the  rapid  current  of  the  river,  from  the  "portage"  to  the  Mississippi, 
was  less  than  three  days'  "sail"  for  the  swift  birch-bark  canoe  of  the  savage,  and  would  have 
been  for  the  swift  birch-bark  canoe  of  Nicolet.  Upon  examination  of  the  Relation  of  1654,  a 
sentence  is  found  which  has  heretofore  escaped  attention,  in  this  connection  :  "  It  is  only  nine 
days' journey  from  this  great  lake  [Green  Bay  and  Lake  Michigan  combined]  to  the  sea," 
where  "the  sea"  is  evidently  identical  with  the  one  mentioned  by  Nicolet  to  Vimont  and 
spoken  of  by  the  latter  in  the  Relation  of  1640.  It  is  discovered,  upon  investigation,  that  the 
average  time  for  canoe  voyages  up  the  Fox  River,  from  its  mouth  to  the  "portage,"  in  early 
times,  was  nine  days.  The  "sea,"  then,  of  Nicolet — musippi  of  the  savages — was  the  Wiscon- 
consin  River,  considered  by  itself  or  as  a  tributary  of  the  Mississippi ;  and  the  "large  river" 
was  the  Fox  River,  of  Green  Bay. 

A  word  as  to  the  mistake  of  Nicolet  in  stating  that,  while  on  "  a  large  river  "  (the  Fox)  he 
nearly  reached  "the  sea."  Nicolet's  mind,  even  before  he  left  the  St.  Lawrence,  was  inflamed 
with  vague  reports  of  a  "great  water"  to  the  westward  of  the  Winnebagoes,  which  was  supposed 
by  him  to  be  a  sea.  When,  therefore,  he  entered  Green  Bay  and  the  Fox  River,  and  heard  the 
savages,  as  they  pointed  toward  the  west,  repeat  the  word  missippi  (great  water,  not  "  father  of 
waters  ")  it  was  an  easy  matter  for  him  to  mistake  their  meaning  and  conclude  a  sea  was  nigh, 
when,  in  fact,  they  w^ere  trying  to  tell  him  of  the  Wisconsin,  which  was  itself  the  "  great  water," 
or  a  tributary  thereof.  But  why  should  Nicolet  have  "  sailed  "  up  Fox  River  to  within  three  days 
of  "  the  sea  "  (that  is  to  say,  of  the  Wisconsin)  and  have  gone  no  further 't  The  answer  is  that  six 
days'  journeying  up  the  Fox  brought  him  to  the  homes  of  the  Mascoutins  or  Fire  Nation — Gens  de 
Feu.  These  Indians  were  a  powerful  nation  of  Algonquins,  who  had  for  their  neighbors,  prob- 
ably, the  Kickapoos  and  Miamis.  It  is  certain  that  Nicolet  visited  not  only  the  Winnebagoes, 
but  some  of  the  surrounding  tribes.  It  would  be  his  policy,  of  course,  to  smoke  the  pipe  of 
peace  with  the  bravest  and  most  warlike  of  these,  were  they  of  easy  access.  Such  were  the 
Mascoutins,  as  is  to  be  inferred  from  cotemporaneous  accounts  and  from  the  journals  of  those  whites 
who,  not  long  after,  saw  them  in  their  villages,  located,  probably,  within  the  present  limits  of 
Green  Lake  County,  Wis.  West  of  the  Mascoutins,  at  that  period  (16-34),  there  vere  living  no 
tribes  of  Indians  either  upon  the  Fox  or  Wisconsin ;  at  least  there  is  no  tradition  that  such  was 
the  case.  Beyond  the  Wisconsin,  and  above  its  confluence  with  the  Mississippi,  there  resided 
some  Dakota  bands — the  terrible  Sioux.  Without  doubt,  a  journey  so  far  as  the  villages  of 
these  savages  was  not  to  be  thought  of  by  Nicolet,  if  it  was  his  purpose,  as  it  must  have  been, 
to  return  to  the  St.  Lawrence  early  in  the  summer  of  1635.  It  is  believed,  therefore,  that  he 
turned  back,  after  visiting  the  Mascoutins,  to  the  Winnebagoes — going  up  Fox  River  no  farther 
than  the  village  of  the  Fire  Nation. 

It  will  be  borne  in  mind  that  Vimont  speaks  of  a  "  large  river  [the  Fox]  which  issues  from 
the  lake,"  meaning  Green  Bay  and  Lake  Michigan  combined.  Now,  the  account  taken  from 
the  lips  of  Nicolet  by  Vimont  found  in  the  Relation  of  1640,  was  not,  probably,  reduced  to 
writing  until  sometime  subsequent  to  its  narration,  and  very  naturally  the  writer  (Vimont)  would 
conclude  that  the  narrator  was  mistaken  in  stating  (and  he  probably  did  so  state)  that  the  "large 
river  "  flowed  into  Green  Bay  ;  at  the  same  time  declaring  that,  had  he  sailed  three  days  further 
upon  it,  he  would  have  reached  the  sea.     Rivers  do  not  flow  out  of  seas  into  lakes ;    they 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  335 

frequently  flow  out  of  lakes  into  seas.  Doubtless,  then,  when  Vimont  wrote  down  his  recollection 
of  what  Nicolet  had  told  him,  he  took  the  liberty  of  correcting  what  to  him  seemed  to  be  so  mani- 
festly an  error.  Hence,  as  the  sentence  stands  in  the  Relation  of  1640,  Fo.x  River  flows  out  of 
Green  Bay  ;  but  every  one  knows  that  it  empties  into  it.  The  language,  therefore,  of  Vimont, 
as  now  interpreted,  is  equivalent  to  this :  "  The  Sieur  Nicolet,  who  has  penetrated  the  furthest 
into  the  upper  lake  regions,  assured  me  [Vimont]  that  if  he  had  paddled  his  birch-bark  canoe 
three  days  further  up  the  Fox  River,  which  flows  into  Green  Bay,  he  would  have  reached  the 
Wisconsin."  Nicolet,  then,  did  not  visit  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi — he  did  not  re-discover 
it.  This  honor  belongs  to  another.  He  was  not  in  what  is  now  Columbia  County  in  1634,  nor 
at  any  other  time. 

FIRST    WHITE    MEN    AT    THE    PORTAGE. 

John  Talon,  intendant  of  Canada,  labored  assiduously  to  develop  the  industrial  resources 
of  New  France.  In  1670,  he  ordered  Daumont  de  St.  Lusson  to  search  for  copper  mines  on 
Lake  Superior,  and  at  the  same  time  to  take  possession,  in  a  formal  manner,  of  the  whole  interior 
country  for  the  King  of  France.  St.  Lusson  set  out  accordingly,  accompanied  by  a  small  party 
of  men  and  Nicholas  Perrot,  a  Canadian  voyageur,  as  interpreter,  who  spoke  Algonquin  fluently 
and  was  favorably  known  to  many  tribes  of  that  family.  It  was  arranged  that  St.  Lusson  should 
winter  at  the  Manatoulin  Islands,  while  Perrot  proceeded  to  invite  the  tribes  to  a  general  confer- 
ence at  the  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  in  the  following  spring.  The  interpreter,  having  first  sent  messages 
to  the  diff'erent  ti'ibes  of  the  north,  proceeded  to  Green  Bay,  to  urge  the  nations  upon  its  waters 
to  the  meeting. 

St.  Lusson  and  his  men,  fifteen  in  number,  arrived  at  the  Sault  more  than  a  month  in 
advance  of  the  day  set  for  the  meeting.  When  all  the  Indians  had  reached  the  rapids,  the 
Frenchman  prepared  to  execute  the  commission  with  which  he  was  charged.  A  large  cross  of 
wood  had  been  made  ready.  It  was  now  reared  and  planted  in  the  ground.  Then  a  post  of 
cedar  was  planted  beside  it  with  a  metal  plate  attached,  engraven  with  the  royal  arms.  "  In 
the  name,"  said  St.  Lusson,  "  of  the  most  high,  mighty  and  redoubtable  monarch,  Louis,  four- 
teenth of  that  name,  most  Christian  King  of  France  and  of  Navarre,  I  take  possession  of  this 
place,  Sainte  Marie  du  Sault,  as  also  of  Lakes  Huron  and  Superior,  the  island  of  Manatoulin, 
and  all  countries,  rivers,  lakes,  and  streams  contiguous  and  adjacent  thereunto  ;  both  those  which 
have  been  discovered  and  those  which  may  be  discovered  hereafter,  in  all  their  length  and 
breadth,  bounded  on  the  one  side  by  the  seas  of  the  North,  and  of  the  West,  and  on  the  other 
by  the  South  Sea  :  declaring  to  the  nations  thereof,  that  from  this  time  forth  they  are  vassals  of 
his  majesty, bound  to  obey  his  laws  and  follow  his  customs:  pi-omising  them  on  his  part  all  succor 
and  protection  against  the  incursions  and  invasions  of  their  enemies  :  declaring  to  all  other 
potentates,  princes,  sovereigns,  states,  and  republics — to  them  and  their  subjects — that  they 
cannot  and  are  not  to  seize  or  settle  upon  any  parts  of  the  aforesaid  countries,  save  only  under 
the  good  pleasure  of  his  most  Christian  majesty,  and  of  him  who  will  govern  in  his  behalf;  and 
this  on  pain  of  incurring  his  resentment  and  the  eff'orts  of  his  arms."  Thus  passed,  so  far  as 
words  and  shouts  could  eff"ect  it,  the  Northwest,  including  the  present  State  of  Wisconsin,  under 
the  domination  of  France.  And  why  not  ?  She  had  discovered  it — had  to  a  certain  extent 
explored  it — had  to  a  limited  extent  established  commerce  with  it — and  her  missionaries  had 
proclaimed  the  faith  to  its  wondering  savages.  But  none  of  her  fur-traders — none  of  her  mis- 
sionaries— none  of  her  agents — had  yet  reached  the  Mississippi — the  great  river,  concerning 
which  so  many  marvels  had  been  heard.  Now,  however,  the  hour  was  at  hand,  in  which  would 
be  solved  the  problem  and  be  revealed  the  mystery  of  the  "  great  water  "  of  the  savages.  The 
Governor  of  Canada  was  resolved  that  the  stream  should  be  reached  and  explored.  He  made 
choice  of  Louis  Jolliet,*  who  was  with  St.  Lusson  when  the  Northwest  was  for  the  first  time 
claimed  for  the  King  of  France,  and  who  had  just  returned   to  Quebec  from  Lake   Superior. 

*The  spelling  of  the  nauie  as  here  given  is  the  same  as  that  adopted  by  the  indomitiible  Canadian  himself— with  two  Vs  and  one  t :  no* 
with  one  I  And  one  t  ( Joliet ),  as  it.  usually  seen  in  print. — Ed. 


336  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

This  was  in  the  year  1672.  Said  the  governor,  on  the  2d  of  November :  "  It  has  been 
judged  expedient  to  send  Sieur  Jolliet  to  the  Ma-skouteins  [Mascoutins],  to  discover  the  South 
Sea,  and  the  great  river  they  call  the  Mississippi,  which  is  supposed  to  discharge  itself  into  the 
Sea  of  California,"  "  He  is  a  man,"  continues  Frontenac,  "of  great  experience  in  these  sorts 
of  discoveries,  and  has  already  been  almost  at  the  great  river,  the  mouth  of  which  he  promises 
to  see." 

Jolliet  passed  up  the  lakes,  and,  on  the  17th  of  May,  1673  (having  with  him  Father  James 
Marquette  and  five  others),  started  from  the  mission  of  St.  Ignatius,  a  point  north  of  the 
Island  of  Mackinaw,  in  the  present  county  of  that  name  in  the  State  of  Michigan,  journeying 
in  two  bark  canoes,  firmly  resolved  to  do  all  and  to  suffer  all  for  the  glory  of  re-discovering  the 
Mississippi.  Every  possible  precaution  was  taken  that,  should  the  undertaking  prove  hazardous, 
it  should  not  be  foolhardy ;  so,  whatever  of  information  could  be  gathered  from  the  Indians  who 
had  frequented  those  parts,  was  laid  under  contribution,  before  paddling  merrily  over  the  waters 
to  the  westward,  and  up  Green  Bay  to  the  mouth  of  Fox  River.  The  first  Indian  nation  met  by 
Jolliet  was  the  Menomonees.  He  was  dissuaded  by  them  from  venturing  so  far  into  ulterior 
regions,  assured  that  he  would  meet  tribes  which  never  spare  strangers,  but  tomahawk  them 
without  provocation ;  that  the  war  which  had  broken  out  among  various  nations  on  his  route, 
exposed  him  and  his  men  to  another  evident  danger — that  of  being  killed  by  the  war  parties 
constantly  in  the  path ;  that  the  "great  river"  was  very  dangerous  unless  the  difficult  parts 
were  known;  that  it  was  full  of  frightful  monsters  who  swallowed  up  men  and  canoes  together: 
that  there  was  even  a  demon  there,  who  could  be  heard  from  afar,  who  stopped  the  passage  and 
engulfed  all  who  dared  approach ;  and  lastly,  that  the  heat  was  so  excessive  in  those  countries, 
that  it  would  infallibly  cause  their  deaths.  Nevertheless,  Jolliet  determined  to  persevere;  so 
he  ascended  Fox  River  to  the  portage,  he  and  his  companions  being  the  first  white  men  to  set 
foot  upon  any  portion  of  the  territory  now  constituting  Columbia  County. 

Jolliet  found  the  Fox  River  very  beautiful  at  its  mouth,  having  a  gentle  current.  It  was 
full  of  bustards,  duck,  teal  and  other  birds,  attracted  by  wild  oats  which  were  plentiful  and  of 
w'hich  they  were  very  fond.  As  the  party  advanced  up  the  river  a  little  distance,  it  was  found 
to  be  difficult  of  ascent,  both  on  account  of  the  currents  and  of  the  sharp  rocks  which  cut  their 
canoes.  Nevertheless,  the  rapids  in  the  stream  were  passed  in  safety,  when  the  party  not  long 
after  came  to  the  nation  of  the  Mascoutins.  In  their  village  were  also  gathered  two  other  tribes 
— the  Miamis  and  Kickapoos.  The  Miamis  were  found  to  be  civil  in  their  deportment.  They 
wore  two  long  ear-locks  which  gave  them  a  good  appearance.  They  had  the  name  of  being 
warriors,  and  seldom  sent  out  war  parties  in  vain.  They  were  found  very  docile,  disposed  to 
listen  quietly  to  what  was  said  to  them.  The  Mascoutins  and  the  Kickapoos,  however,  were 
rude  and  more  like  peasants,  compared  to  the  Miamis.  Bark  for  cabins  was  found  to  be  rare 
in  this  village,  the  Indians  using  rushes,  which  served  them  for  walls  and  roof,  but  which  were 
no  great  shelter  against  the  wind  and  still  less  against  the  rain  when  it  fell  in  torrents.  The 
advantage  of  that  kind  of  cabins  was  that  they  could  be  rolled  up  and  easily  carried  whenever 
it  suited  these  Indians  in  hunting-time. 

The  view  from  the  Indian  village  was  beautiful  and  very  pictures([ue,  for,  from  the  emi- 
nence on  which  it  was  perched,  the  eye  discovered  on  every  side  delightful  prairies,  spreading 
away  beyond  its  reach,  interspersed  with  thickets  or  groves  of  lofty  trees.  The  soil  was  found 
to  be  very  good,  producing  much  corn.  Plums,  also,  and  grapes  were  gathered  in  the  autumn 
in  quantities  by  the  Indians. 

The  arrival  of  Jolliet  and  his  party  at  the  village  of  the  Mascoutins,  was  on  the  7th  of 
June;'  their  departure  was  on  the  10th. 

"We  knew,"  wrote  Father  Marquette,  "that  there  was,  three  [thirty]  leagues  from  Mas- 
koutens  [Mascoutins],  a  river  entering  into  the  Mississippi ;  we  knew,  too,  that  the  point  of 
the  compass  we  were  to  hold  to  reach  it  was  west,  southwest,  but  the  way  is  so  cut  up  by  marshes 
and  little  lakes  that  it  is  easy  to  go  estray,  especially  as  the  river  leading  to  it  is  so  covered 
with  wild  oats  that  you   can   hardly   discover  the   channel.      Hence,  we  had  good  need  of  our 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  337 

two  [Miami]  guides  who  led  us  safely  to  a  portage  of  twenty-seven  hundred  paces  [the  site 
now  occupied  by  the  city  of  Portage],  and  helped  us  to  transport  our  canoes  to  enter  this  river 
[Wisconsin],  after  whicli  they  returned,  leaving  us  alone  in  an  unknown  country  in  the  hands 
of  Providence. 

"We  now  leave,"  continues  Marquette,  "the  waters  which  flow  to  Quebec,  a  distance  of 
four  or  five  hundred  league.s,  to  follow  those  which  will  henceforth  lead  us  into  strange  lands. 
Before  embarking,  we  all  began  together  a  new  devotion  to  the  Blessed  Virgin  Immaculate, 
which  we  practiced  every  day,  addressing  her  particular  prayers  to  put  under  her  protection 
both  our  persons  and  the  success  of  our  voyage.  Then  after  having  encouraged  one  another, 
we  got  into  our  canoes.  The  river  on  which  we  embarked  is  called  Meskousing  [Wisconsin ;]  it 
is  very  broad,  with  a  sandy  bottom,  forming  many  shallows,  which  render  navigation  very  dif- 
ficult. It  is  full  of  vine-clad  islets.  On  the  banks  appear  fertile  lands  diversified  with  wood, 
prairie  and  hill.  Here  you  find  oaks,  walnut,  whitewood,  and  another  kind  of  tree  with 
branches  armed  with  thorns.  We  saw  no  small  game  or  fish,  but  deer  and  moose  in  considera- 
ble numbers." 

On  the  17th  of  June,  with  a  joy  that  was  inexpressible,  Jolliet  and  his  party  entered  the 
Mississippi.  After  dropping  down  the  "great  river"  many  miles,  Jolliet  returned  to  Green 
Bay,  thence  to  Quebec,  to  report  his  discovery  and  explorations  to  the  Governor  of  New 
France. 

EARLY    VISITS    TO    WHAT    IS    NOW    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Not  many  years  elapsed  after  the  visit  of  Jolliet  and  his  companions  to  the  portage,  before 
the  narrow  neck  of  land  connecting  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  in  what  is  now  Columbia 
County,  was  again  crossed  by  civilized  man.  Louis  Hennepin,  a  Recollet  friar,  and  his  party, 
as  a  detail  from  La  Salle's  expedition  to  the  Illinois,  reached  the  portage  in  1680,  on  his  way 
from  the  Upper  Mississippi  to  the  great  lakes,  passing  up  the  Wisconsin  and  down  the  Fox  River 
to  Green  Bay.     He  says: 

"  After  we  had  rowed  about  seventy  leagues  upon  the  river  Ouisconsin  [Wisconsin],  we 
came  to  the  place  where  we  were  forced  to  carry  our  canoe  for  half  a  league.  We  lay  at  this 
place  all  night,  and  left  marks  of  our  having  been  there  by  the  crosses  which  we  cut  on  the 
barks  of  the  trees.  Next  day,  having  carried  our  canoe  and  the  rest  of  our  little  equipage  over 
this  piece  of  land  [the  portage],  we  entered  upon  a  river  [the  Fox]  which  makes  almost  as 
many  meanders  as  that  of  the  Illinois  at  its  rise." 

Le  Sueur  and  his  party  made  the  portage  in  1683,  on  his  way  to  the  Mississippi. 

"  About  forty-five  leagues  up  this  river  [the  Wisconsin],  on  the  right,  is  a  portage,  of  more 
than  a  league  in  length.  The  half  of  this  portage  is  a  bog  ;  at  the  end  of  this  portage,  there  is 
a  little  river  [the  Fox]  that  falls  into  a  bay  called  the  Bay  of  the  Puans  [Green  Bay],  inhabited 
by  a  great  number  of  nations  that  carry  their  furs  to  Canada." 

In  1766,  Jonathan  Carver  made  a  voyage  to  St.  Anthony's  Falls,  by  way  of  the  portage, 
from  the  East.  Of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  and  the  carrying  place  [the  portage]  he 
wrote : 

"  The  Fox  River,  from  the  Green  Bay  to  the  carrying  place,  is  about  one  hundred  and  eighty 
miles.  From  the  Winnebago  Lake  to  the  carrying  place,  the  current  is  gentle,  and  the  depth  of  it 
considerable ;  notwithstanding  which,  in  some  places,  it  is  with  difficulty  that  canoes  can  pass 
through  the  obstructions  they  meet  with  from  the  rice-stalks,  which  are  very  large  and  thick,  and 
grow  here  in  great  abundance.  The  country  ai-ound  it  is  very  fertile,  and  proper  in  the  highest 
degree  for  cultivation,  excepting  in  some  places  near  the  river,  where  it  is  rather  too  low.  It  is 
in  no  part  very  woody,  and  yet  can  supply  sufficient  to  answer  the  demands  of  any  number  of 
inhabitants.  This  river  is  the  greatest  resort  for  wild  fowl  of  every  kind  that  I  met  with  in  the 
whole  course  of  my  travels ;  frequently  the  sun  would  be  obscured  by  them  for  some  minutes 
together. 

"  About  forty  miles  up  this  river  from  the  great  town  of  the  Winnebagoes,  stands  a  smaller 
town,  belonging  to  that  nation. 


338  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

"  Deer  and  bears  are  very  numerous  in  these  parts,  and  a  great  many  beavers  and  other 
furs  are  taken  on  the  streams  that  empty  themselves  into  this  river.  The  river  I  am  treating 
of  is  remarkable  for  having  been,  about  eighty  years  ago,  the  residence  of  the  united  bands  of 
the  Ottigaumies  and  the  Saukies,  whom  the  French  had  nicknamed,  according  to  their  wonted 
custom  Des  Sacs,  and  Des  Reynards — the  Sacs  and  the  Foxes.  About  twelve  miles  before  I 
reached  the  carrying  place,  I  observed  several  small  mountains,  which  extended  quite  to  it. 
These,  indeed,  would  only  be  esteemed  as  mole-hills  when  compared  with  those  on  the  back  of  the 
colonies ;  but  as  they  were  the  first  I  had  seen  since  my  leaving  Niagara,  a  track  of  nearly 
eleven  hundred  miles,  I  could  not  leave  them  unnoticed. 

"  The  Fox  River,  where  it  enters  the  Winnebago  Lake,  is  about  fifty  yards  wide,  but  it 
gradually  decreases  to  the  carrying  place,  where  it  is  no  more  than  five  yards  over,  except  in 
a  few  places,  where  it  widens  into  small  lakes,  though  still  of  a  considerable  depth.  I  cannot 
recollect  anything  else  that  is  remarkable  in  this  river,  except  that  it  is  so  serpentine  for  five 
miles  as  only  to  gain  in  that  place  one-quarter  of  a  mile. 

"  The  carrying  place,  between  the  Fox  and  Ouisconsin  Rivers,  is  in  breadth  not  more 
than  a  mile  and  three-quarters,  though  in  some  maps  it  is  so  delineated  as  to  appear  to  be  ten 
miles.  Near  one-half  of  the  way  between  the  rivers  is  a  morass  overgrown  with  a  kind  of  long 
grass ;  the  rest  of  it  a  plain,  with  some  few  oak  and  pine  trees  growing  thereon.  I  observed 
here  a  great  number  of  rattlesnakes.  I  observed  that  the  main  body  of  the  Fox  River  came 
from  the  southwest,  that  of  the  Ouisconsin  from  the  northeast ;  and,  also,  that  some  of  the 
small  branches  of  these  two  rivers,  in  descending  into  them,  doubled  within  a  few  feet  of  each 
other,  a  little  to  the  south  of  the  carrying  place.  That  two  such  rivers  should  take  their  rise 
so  near  each  other,  and,  after  running  such  different  courses,  empty  themselves  into  the  sea  at 
a  distance  so  amazing  (for  the  former,  having  passed  through  several  great  lakes  and  run  upward 
of  two  thousand  miles,  falls  into  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  and  the  other,  after  joining  the 
Mississippi  and  run  an  equal  number  of  miles,  disembogues  itself  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico),  is 
an  instance  scarcely  to  be  met  in  the  extensive  continent  of  North  America.  I  had  an  oppor- 
tunity, the  year  following,  of  making  the  same  observations  on  the  affinity  of  various  head 
branches  of  the  waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  Mississippi  to  each  other ;  and  now  bring 
them  as  a  proof  that  the  opinion  of  those  geographers  who  assert  that  rivers  taking  their  rise 
so  near  each  other  must  spring  from  the  same  source,  is  eiToneous.  For  I  perceived  a  visibly 
distinct  separation  in  all  of  them,  notwithstanding,  in  some  places,  they  appeared  so  near  that 
I  could  have  stepped  from  one  to  the  other. 

On  the  8th  of  October,  we  got  our  canoes  into  the  Ouisconsin  River,  which  at  this  place 
is  more  than  a  hundred  yards  wide ;  and  the  next  day  arrived  at  the  great  town  of  the  Saukies. 
This  is  the  largest  and  best-built  Indian  town  I  ever  saw.  It  contains  about  ninety  houses, 
each  large  enough  for  several  families.  These  are  built  of  hewn  plank,  neatly  jointed  and 
covered  with  bark  so  compactly  as  to  keep  out  the  most  penetrating  rains.  Before  the  doors  are 
placed  comfortable  sheds,  in  which  the  inhabitants  sit,  when  the  weather  will  permit,  and  smoke 
their  pipes.  The  streets  are  regular  and  spacious  ;  so  that  it  appears  more  like  a  civilized  town 
than  the  abode  of  savages.  The  land  near  the  town  is  very  good.  In  their  plantations,  which 
lie  adjacent  to  their  houses,  and  which  are  neatly  laid  out,  they  raise  great  quantities  of  Indian 
corn,  beans,  melons,  etc.,  so  that  this  place  is  esteemed  the  best  market  for  traders  to  furnish 
themselves  with  provisions,  of  any  within  eight  hundred  miles  of  it. 

"  The  Saukies  can  raise  about  three  hundred  warriors,  who  are  generally  employed  every 
summer  in  making  incursions  into  the  territories  of  the  Illinois  and  Pawnee  nations,  from  whence 
they  return  with  a  great  number  of  slaves.  But  those  people  frequently  retaliate,  and  in  their 
turn  destroy  many  of  the  Saukies,  which  I  judge  to  be  the  reason  that  they  increase  no  faster. 

"  Whilst  I  stayed  here,  I  took  a  view  of  some  mountains  that  lie  about  fifteen  miles  to  the 
southward,  and  abound  in  lead  ore.  I  ascended  one  of  the  highest  of  these,  and  had  an  exten- 
sive view  of  the  country.  For  many  miles  nothing  was  to  be  seen  but  lesser  mountains,  which 
appeared  at  a  distance  like  hay  cocks,  they  being  free  from  trees.      Only  a  few  groves  of  hickory 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  339 

and  stunted  oaks  covered  some  of  the  valleys.  So  plentiful  is  lead  here,  that  I  saw  large 
quantities  of  it  lying  about  the  streets  in  the  town  belonging  to  the  Saukies,  and  it  seemed  to  be 
as  good  as  the  product  of  other  countries. 

"  On  the  iOth  of  October,  we  proceeded  down  the  river,  and  the  next  day  reached  the  first 
town  of  the  Ottigaumies.  This  town  contained  about  fifty  houses,  but  we  found  most  of  them 
deserted,  on  account  of  an  epidemical  disorder  that  had  lately  raged  among  them  and  carried 
off  more  than  half  of  the  inhabitants.  The  greater  part  of  those  who  survived  had  retired  into 
woods  to  avoid  the  contagion. 

"  On  the  15th,  we  entered  that  extensive  river,  the  Mississippi.  The  Ouisconsin,  from  the 
carrying  place  to  the  part  where  it  falls  into  the  Mississippi,  flows  with  a  smooth  but  a  strong 
current ;  the  water  of  it  is  exceedingly  clear,  and  through  it  you  may  perceive  a  fine  and  sandy 
bottom,  tolerably  free  from  rocks.  In  it  are  a  few  islands,  the  soil  of  which  appeared  to  be 
good,  though  somewhat  woody.  The  land  near  the  river  also  seemed  to  be,  in  general,  excellent ; 
but  that  at  a  distance  is  very  full  of  mountains,  where  it  is  said  there  are  many  lead  mines." 

The  Wisconsin  River  was  visited  by  Maj.  S.  H.  Long  in  1817,  and  again  in  1823.  He  says : 
"The  Wisconsin  River,  from  its  magnitude  and  importance,  deserves  a  high  rank  among  the  trib- 
utaries of  the  Mississippi.  When  swollen  by  a  freshet,  it  affords  an  easy  navigation  for  boats  of 
considerable  burden  through  a  distance  of  more  than  one  hundred  and  eighty  miles.  [The  actual 
distance  to  the  portage  is  but  118  miles.]  Its  current  is  rapid,  and,  like  the  Mississippi,  it 
embosoms  innumerable  islands.  In  a  low  stage  of  water,  its  navigation  is  obstructed  by  numer- 
ous shoals  and  sand-banks.  At  the  distance  from  its  mouth  above  mentioned  [which  is  too  great 
an  estimate  by  over  sixty  miles],  there  is  a  portage  of  one  mile  and  a  half  across  a  flat  meadow, 
which  is  occasionally  subject  to  inundation,  to  a  branch  of  Fox  River  of  Green  Bav,  thus 
affording  another  navigable  communication  which  boats  have  been  known  to  pass." 

In  1819,  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  United  States  Infantry  made  the  voyage  from  Fort  How- 
ard, near  Green  Bay,  to  Prairie  du  Chien  by  the  way  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  crossing 
the  portage.  Capt.  Henry  Whiting,  of  that  regiment,  says  :  "  The  Fox  River,  from  Lake 
Winnebago  to  the  portage,  has  always  a  strong  current,  and  is  often  entirely  overgrown  with 
grass  and  wild  rice,  but  presents  no  other  impediments.  It  winds  through  a  narrow  prairie, 
bordered  by  oak  openings  and  undulating  lands,  generally  of  a  beautiful  appearance,  but  prob- 
ably not  remarkably  I'ich  in  their  soil,  which,  wherever  the  river  washes  them,  seems  to  be  a 
sandy,  reddish  loam.  The  portage  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  is  about  two  thou- 
sand five  hundred  yards  ;  the  road  runs  over  a  marshy  prairie.  There  is  a  Frenchman  [Francis 
Le  Roy]  residing  on  the  rising  ground  between  the  rivers.  He  keeps  the  proper  transportation 
for  boats  and  baggage.  The  limestone  bluffs  and  highlands  begin  on  the  Wisconsin  about  eight 
miles  below  the  portage.  Just  above  Prairie  du  Sac  appears  to  be  the  apex  of  the  highland  of 
that  river,  and  the  head  of  the  great  valley  through  which  it  winds." 

THE  PORTAGE  FROM  1793  TO  1827. 

In  1792-93,  Laurent  Barth  and  family  (French  Canadians)  wintei-ed  on  the  St.  Croix 
River,  with  James  Portier  and  Charles  Reaume.  On  his  return  East,  in  the  spring  of  1793, 
with  his  family,  he  stopped  at  the  portage  and  obtained  permission  from  the  Indians  to  trans- 
port goods  at  the  carrying-place — that  is,  from  the  Fox  to  the  Wisconsin  Rivers.  On  his 
arrival,  he  built  a  cabin  at  the  portage,  the  first  one  ever  erected  by  a  white  man  within  the 
present  limits  of  Columbia  County.  Its  locality  was  somewhere  on  the  low  land  between  the 
two  rivers ;  the  exact  site  is  unknown  ;  it  was  probably  within  what  are  now  the  boundaries  of 
the  city  of  Portage,  and  southeast  of  the  canal.  Barth,  finding  the  spot  occasionally  sub- 
merged by  water  from  the  Wisconsin,  during  floods  in  that  stream,  removed  the  next  year  to 
the  high  ground  above. 

Shortly  afterward,  the  elder  De-kau-ry,  a  French  trader,  made  his  appearance  from  Lake 
Puckaway,  and  founded  an  Indian  settlement  on  the  Wisconsin,  two  miles  above  the  portage. 
Others  followed,  and  it  grew  to  comparative  size  and  importance. 


340  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

The  next  white  resident  at  the  portage  was  John  Lecuyer,  a  brother-in-law  of  De-kau-ry  ; 
he  stopped  there  in  1798.  Competition  and  improvement  are  not  things  of  to-day  only. 
Lecuyer,  too,  gained  permission  of  the  Winnebagoes  to  transport  goods.  Barth  had  used  but 
a  single  horse  and  cart ;  but  Lecuyer  brought  several  teams  and  carts,  with  the  addition  of  a 
wagon  constructed  with  a  long  reach,  to  transport  barges  between  the  rivers.  Augustin  Grig- 
non  spent  the  winters  of  1801  and  1802  at  this  point,  and  James  Portier  early  passed  two  cr 
three. 

About  1803,  Mr.  Campbell — later  the  first  Indian  agent  at  Prairie  du  Chien — purchased 
Earth's  right.  Shortly  afterward,  he  sold  his  fi.xtures  to  Lecuyer,  who  supposed  that  he  was 
relinquishing  the  business.  But  he  placed  his  son  John,  and  afterward  his  son  Duncan,  at  the 
east  end  of  the  portage.  Barth  removed  to  Prairie  du  Chien  and  died  there,  at  the  opening  of 
the  war  of  1812.  Campbell  was  killed  in  a  duel  in  1808.  Lecuyer  died  in  1810.  His  widow 
continued  the  transf.ortation  business  through  the  agency  of  Laurent  Filly,  until  the  British 
war  broke  out,  when  Francis  LeRoy,  a  son  of  Joseph  LeRoy,  of  Green  Bay,  became  her  son-in- 
law  and  carried  on  the  business. 

LeRoy  was  at  the  portage  in  1817,  and  charged  $10  for  taking  a  boat  from  one  river  to 
the  other.  His  price  for  carrying  goods  across  was  50  cents  per  100  pounds.  After  the  war, 
Joseph  Rolette  was  also  engaged  for  a  brief  period  in  the  transportation  business,  employing 
Peter  Pauquette  as  manager. 

During  the  years  of  which  we  have  been  writing,  the  portage  was  a  point  of  some  conse- 
quence as  a  trading-post.  Barth  kept  no  goods  for  sale  to  the  Indians  after  he  had  disposed  of 
the  remnant  of  stock  which  he  brought  from  the  St.  Croix,  but  Lecuyer  always  kept  a  consider- 
able variety.  His  widow,  and,  after  her,  LeRoy,  had  smaller  quantities,  and  Campbell  sold 
goods  during  one  year. 

In  1814,  CoL  McKay,  of  the  British  army,  came  up  the  Fox,  from  Green  Bay,  with  a 
large  force  of  wliites  and  Indians,  crossed  the  portage,  descended  the  Wisconsin  and  captured 
the  post  at  Prairie  du  Chien. 

In  1818,  William  Farnsworth,  who  subsequently  resided  at  Sheboygan,  accompanied  by 
twenty  others,  traveled  from  Green  Bay  to  St.  Louis  by  these  rivers  and  the  Mississippi. 

In  1819,  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  United  States  Infantry  (as  already  related)  crossed  the 
portace  on  their  way  from  Fort  Howard  to  Prairie  du  Chien,  when  Francis  LeRoy  was  still 
found  as  a  resident  of  the  carrying-place.  He  lived  upon  the  high  ground,  northwest  of  what 
is  now  the  canal,  in  the  city  of  Portage,  and  was  engaged  in  the  transportation  business  between 
the  two  rivers.     He  remained  there  a  number  of  years  longer. 

Ebenezer  Childs  records  making  the  same  trip  in  a  bark  canoe,  in  1821.  He  conducted 
the  first  Durham  boat  that  ever  went  up  the  Fox  and  over  the  portage. 

In  1826,  a  flotilla  of  thirty-five  boats  carried  the  ^hird  United  States  Infantry  from 
Green  Bay  to  St.  Louis,  by  the  same  streams  and   crossing. 

In  1827,  Gen.  Cass  passed  over  this  route  to  ascertain  the  feeling  among  the  Winneba- 
goes toward  the  United  States  Government. 

THE    "WINNEBAGO    WAR." 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1827,  a  party  of  twenty-four  Chippewas,  being  on  their  way  to 
Fort  Snelling,  at  the  mouth  of  St.  Peter's  River,  were  surprised  and  attacked  by  a  war-party  of 
the  Winnebagoes;  and  eight  of  them  were  killed.  The  commandant  of  the  United  States  troops 
at  the  fort  took  four  of  the  offending  Winnebagoes  prisoners,  and  (certainly  with  great  impru- 
dence) delivered  them  into  the  hands  of  the  exasperated  Chippewas,  who  immediately  put  them 
to  death.  This  act  was  greatly  resented  by  a  chief  of  the  Winnebagoes,  named  "Red  Bird," 
and  in  addition  to  this  source  of  enmity  was  to  be  added  the  daily  encroachment  of  the  whites 
in  the  lead  region  ;  for  at  this  time  they  had  overrun  the  mining  country  from  Galena  to  the 
Wisconsin  River.     In  the  spirit  of  revenge  for  the  killing  of  the  four  Winnebagoes,  Red  Bird 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  341 

led  a  war-party  against  the  Cbippewas,  by  whom  he  was  defeated,  and  thus,  having  been  disap- 
pointed, he  turned  the  force  of  his  resentment  against  the  whites,  whom  he  considered  as  having 
not  only  invaded  his  country,  but  as  having  aided  and  abetted  his  enemies  in  the  destruction  of 
his  people. 

Some  time  previously,  a  murder  by  the  Winnebagoes  had  been  committed  in  the  family  of 
a  Mr.  Methode,  near  Prairie  du  Chien,  in  which  several  persons  had  been  killed.  It  was  ajjpar- 
ent  that  a  spirit  of  enmity  between  the  Indians  and  the  whites  was  effectually  stirred  up  ;  and, 
for  the  first  time  since  the  war  of  1812,  disturbances  were  daily  looked  for  by  the  settlers  and 
miners. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  1827,  Red  Bird,  We-Kaw,  and  three  of  their  companions,  entered 
the  house  of  Registre  Gagnier,  about  three  miles  from  Prairie  du  Chien,  where  they  remained 
several  hours.  At  last,  when  Mr.  Gagnier  least  expected  it,  Red  Bird  leveled  his  gun,  and  shot 
him  dead  on  his  hearthstone.  A  person  in  the  building,  by  the  name  of  Sip  Cap,  who  was  a 
hired  man,  was  slain  at  the  same  time  by  We-Kaw.  Madame  Gagnier  turned  to  fly  with  her 
infant  of  eighteen  months.  As  she  was  about  to  leap  through  the  window,  the  child  was  torn 
from  her  arms  by  We-Kaw,  stabbed,  scalped,  and  thrown  violently  on  the  floor  as  dead. 

The  murderer  then  attacked  the  woman,  but  gave  way  when  she  snatched  up  a  gun  that 
was  leaning  against  the  wall,  and  presented  it  to  his  breast.  She  then  effected  her  escape.  Her 
eldest  son,  a  lad  of  ten  years,  also  shunned  the  murderers ;  and  they  both  arrived  in  the  village 
at  the  same  time.  The  alarm  was  soon  given  ;  but,  when  the  avengers  of  blood  arrived  at 
Gagnier's  house,  they  found  in  it  nothing  living  but  his  mangled  infant.  It  was  carried  to  the 
village,  and,  incredible  as  it  may  seem,  it  recovered. 

Red  Bird  and  his  companions  immediately  proceeded  from  the  scene  of  their  crime  to  the 
rendezvous  of  their  band.  During  their  absence,  thirty-seven  of  the  warriors  who  acknowl- 
edged the  authority  of  Red  Bird,  had  assembled,  with  their  wives  and  children,  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Bad  Axe  River.  They  received  the  murderers  with  joy,  and  loud  approbation  of  their 
exploit.  A  keg  of  liquor  which  they  had  secured  was  set  abroach  ;  and  the  red  men  began  to 
drink,  and,  as  their  spirits  rose,  to  boast  of  what  they  had  already  done  and  intended  to  do.  Two 
days  did  they  continue  to  revel ;  and  on  the  third  the  source  of  their  excitement  gave  out.  They 
were,  at  about  four  in  the  afternoon,  dissipating  the  last  fumes  of  their  excitement  in  the  scalp- 
dance,  when  they  descried  one  of  the  keel-boats,  which  had  a  few  days  before  passed  up  the  river 
with  provisions  for  the  troops  at  Fort  Snelling,  on  her  return  in  charge  of  Mr.  Lindsay.  Forth- 
with a  proposal  to  take  her,  and  massacre  the  crew,  was  made,  and  carried  by  acclamation.  They 
counted  upon  doing  this  without  risk ;  for  they  had  examined  her  on  the  way  up,  and  supposed 
there  were  no  arms  on  board. 

Mr.  Lindsay's  boats  had  descended  the  river  as  far  as  the  village  of  Wabashaw,  where 
they  expected  an  attack.  The  Dakotas  on  shore  were  dancing  the  war-dance,  and  hailed  their 
approach  with  insults  and  menaces,  but  did  not,  however,  offer  to  obstruct  their  passage.  The 
whites  now  supposed  the  danger  over ;  and,  a  strong  wind  at  that  moment  beginning  to  blow  up 
stream,  the  boats  parted  company.  So  strong  was  the  wind,  that  all  the  force  of  the  sweeps 
could  scarcely  stem  it ;  and,  by  the  time  the  foremost  boat  was  near  the  encampment  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Bad  Axe  River,  the  crew  were  very  willing  to  stop  and  rest.  One  or  two  French- 
men, or  half-breeds,  who  were  on  board,  observed  hostile  appearances  on  shore,  and  advised  the 
rest  to  keep  the  middle  of  the  stream  ;  but  their  counsel  was  disregarded.  Most  of  the  crew  were 
Americans,  who,  as  usual  with  our  countrymen,  combined  a  profound  ignorance  of  Indian  char- 
acter with  a  thorough  contempt  for  Indian  prowess.  They  urged  the  boat  directly  toward  the 
camp  with  all  the  force  of  the  sweeps.  There  were  sixteen  men  on  deck.  It  may  be  well  to 
observe  here,  that  this,  like  all  keel-boats  used  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  was  built  almost  exactly 
on  the  model  of  the  Erie  and  Middlesex  canal-boats. 

The  men  were  rallying  their  French  companions  on  their  apprehensions,  and  the  boat 
(named  Oliver  H.  Perry)  was  within  thirty  yards  of  the  shore,  when  suddenly  the  trees  and 
rocks  rang  with  the  blood-chilling,  ear-piercing  tones  of  the  warwhoop,  and  a  volley  of  rifle-balls 


342  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

rained  upon  the  deck.  Happily,  tlie  Winnebagoes  had  not  yet  recovered  from  the  effects  of  their 
debauch,  and  their  arms  were  not  steady.  One  man  only  fell  from  their  fire.  He  was  a  little 
negro,  named  Peter.  His  leg  was  dreadfully  shattered,  and  he  afterward  died  of  the  wound. 
A  second  volley  soon  came  from  the  shore;  but.  as  the  men  were  lying  at  the  bottom  of  the  boat, 
thdv  all  escaped  but  one,  who  was  shot  through  the  heart.  Encouraged  by  the  non-resistance, 
the  Winnebagoes  rushed  to  their  canoes,  with  intent  to  board.  The  whites,  having  recoverel 
from  their  first  panic,  seized  their  arras,  and  the  boarders  were  received  with  a  very  severe 
discharge.  In  one  canoe,  two  savages  were  killed  with  the  same  bullet,  and  several  were 
•wounded.  The  attack  was  continued  until  night,  when  one  of  the  party,  named  Mandeville, 
who  had  assumed  command,  sprang  into  the  water,  followed  by  four  others,  who  succeeded  in 
setting  the  boat  afloat,  and  then  went  down  the  stream. 

Thirty-seven  Indians  were  engaged  in  this  battle,  seven  of  whom  were  killed,  and  fourteen 
wounded.  They  managed  to  put  Gt'S  bullets  into  and  through  the  boat.  Two  of  the  crew  were 
killed  outright,  two  mortally  and  two  slightly  wounded.  The  presence  of  mind  of  Mandeville 
undoubtedly  saved  the  rest,  as  well  as  the  boat.  Mr.  Lindsay's  boat,  the  rear  one,  did  not 
reach  the  mouth  of  the  Bad  Axe  until  midnight.  The  Indians  opened  fire  upon  her,  which  was 
promptly  returned,  but,  owing  to  the  darkness,  no  injury  was  done,  and  the  boat  passed  on 
safely. 

Great  was  the  alarm  at  Prairie  du  Chien  when  the  boats  arrived  there.  The  people  left 
their  houses  and  farms,  and  crowded  into  the  dilapidated  fort.  An  express  was  immediately 
sent  to  Galena,  and  another  to  Fort  Snelling,  for  assistance.  A  company  of  upward  of  a 
hundred  volunteers  soon  arrived  from  Galena,  and  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants  were  quieted. 
In  a  few  days,  four  imperfect  companies  arrived  from  Fort  Snelling.  The  consternation  of  the 
people  of  the  lead  mines  was  great,  and  in  all  the  frontier  settlements.  This  portion  of  the 
■country  then  contained,  as  is  supposed,  about  five  thousand  inhabitants.  A  great  many  of  them 
fled  from  the  country. 

On  the  1st  of  September,  1827,  Maj.  William  Whistler,  with  Government  troops,  arrived 
at  the  portage;  and,  while  here,  an  express  arrived  from  Gen.  Atkinson,  announcing  his 
approach,  and  directing  the  former  to  halt  and  fortify  himself  at  the  portage  and  wait 
his  arrival.  The  object  of  the  joint  expedition  of  Gen.  Atkinson  from  Jefferson  Barracks 
below  St.  Louis,  and  of  Maj.  Whistler  from  Fort  Howard  on  Green  Bay.  was  to  capture  those 
who  had  committed  the  murders  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  put  a  stop  to  any  further  aggression. 
At  the  opening  of  the  council  at  the  Butte  des  Morts,  between  the  Government  and  the  Indians, 
the  Winnebagoes  were  advised  that  the  security  of  their  people  lay  in  the  surrender  of  the  mur- 
derers of  the  Gagnier  family.  While  Maj.  Whistler  was  at  the  portage,  he  received  a  call  in  a 
mysterious  way.  An  Indian  came  to  his  tent,  and  informed  him  that,  at  about  3  o'clock  the 
next  day,  "they  will  come  in."  In  reply  to  the  question,  "Who  will  come  in?"  he  said, 
"Red  Bird  and  WeKaw."  After  making  this  answer,  he  retired  by  the  way  he  came.  At 
3  o'clock  the  same  day,  another  Indian  came,  and  took  position  in  nearly  the  same  place  and 
in  the  same  way,  when,  to  like  questions  he  gave  like  answers;  and  at  sundown  a  third  came, 
•confirming  what  the  two  had  said,  adding  that  he  had,  to  secure  that  object,  given  to  the  fami- 
lies of  the  murderers  nearly  all  his  property. 

There  was  something  heroic  in  this  voluntary  surrender.  The  giving-away  of  property  to 
the  families  of  the  guilty  parties  had  nothing  to  do  with  their  determination  to  devote  them- 
selves for  the  good  of  their  peojde,  but  only  to  reconcile  those  who  were  about  to  be  bereaved  to 
the  dreadful  expedient.  The  heroism  of  the  purpose  is  seen  in  the  fact  that  the  murders  com- 
mitted at  Prairie  du  Chien  were  not  wanton,  but  in  retaliation  for  wrongs  committed  on 
this  people  by  the  whites.  The  parties  murdered  at  the  prairie  were  doubtless  innocent  of  the 
wrongs  and  outrages  of  which  the  Indians  complained;  but  the  law  of  Indian  retaliation  does 
not  require  that  he  alone  who  commits  a  wrong  shall  suffer  for  it.  One  scalp  is  held  due  for 
another,  no  matter  whose  head  is  taken,  provided  it  be  torn  from  the  crown  of  the  family,  or 
(people  who  may  have  made  a  resort  to  this  law  a  necessity. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  345 

About  noon  of  the  day  following,  there  were  seen  descending  a  mound  on  the  portage  a 
body  of  Indians.  Some  were  mounted  and  some  were  on  foot.  By  the  aid  of  a  glass  it  could 
be  discerned  that  the  direction  was  toward  Maj.  Whistler.  They  boi'e  no  arms,  and  Whistler 
was  at  no  loss  to  understand  that  the  promise  made  by  the  three  Indians  was  about  to  be  fulfilled. 
In  the  course  of  half  an  hour  they  had  approached  within  a  short  distance  of  the  crossing  of 
Fox  River,  when  on  a  sudden  was  heard  singing.  Those  who  were  familiar  with  the  air  said, 
"  It  is  a  death-song.''  When  still  nearer,  some  present  who  knew  him  said,  "  It  is  Red  Bird 
singing  his  death-song."  The  moment  a  halt  was  made,  preparatory  to  crossing  over,  two  scalp- 
yrlls  were  heard. 

The  Menomonees  and  other  Indians  who  had  accompanied  us  were  lying  carelessly  about 
tiie  ground,  regardless  of  what  was  going  on;  but  when  tlie  "scalp-yells"  were  uttered  they 
sprang  as  one  man  to  their  feet,  seized  their  rifles,  and  were  ready  for  battle.  They  were  at  no 
loss  to  know  what  these  "yells"  were;  but  they  had  not  heard  with  sufficient  accuracy 
to  decide  whether  they  indicated  scalps  to  be  taken  or  given,  but  doubtless  inferred  the  first. 

Barges  were  sent  across  to  receive,  and  an  escort  of  military  to  accompany  them  within 
Whistler's  lines.  The  white  flag  which  had  been  seen  in  the  distance  was  borne  by  Red 
Bird. 

And  now  the  advance  of  the  Indians  had  reached  half  up  the  ascent  of  the  bluff"  on  which 
was  Whistler's  encampment.  In  the  lead  was  Kar-ray-mau-nee,  a  distinguislied  chief.  Arriv- 
ing on  the  level  upon  which  was  the  encampment  of  the  Americans,  and  order  being  called, 
Kar-ray-mau-neo  spoke,  saying,  "They  are  here.  Like  braves  they  have  come  in;  treat  them 
as  braves;  do  not  put  them  in  irons."  This  address  was  made  to  Col.  McKenney.  The  latter 
tdld  him  he  was  not  the  big  Captain.  His  talk  must  be  made  to  Maj.  Whistler,  who  would  do 
what  was  right.  Mr.  Marsh,  the  sub-agent,  being  there,  an  advance  was  made  to  him,  and  a 
hope  expressed  that  the  prisoners  might  be  turned  over  to  him. 

The  military  had  been  previously  drawn  out  in  line.  The  Menomonee  and  Wabanackie 
(Oneida)  Indians  were  in  groups,  upon  their  haunches,  on  the  left  flank.  On  the  right  was  the 
band  of  music,  a  little  in  advance  of  the  line.  In  front  of  the  center,  about  ten  paces  distant, 
were  the  murderei's.  On  their  right  and  left  were  those  who  had  accompanied  them,  forming  a 
semicircle;  the  magnificent  Red  Bird  and  the  miserable-looking  We-Kaw  a  little  in  advance  of 
the  center.  All  eyes  were  fi.xed  on  the  Red  Bird.  In  height  he  is  about  six  feet,  straight,  but 
without  restraint.  His  proportions  were  those  of  most  exact  symmetry  ;  and  these  embraced 
the  entire  man  from  his  head  to  his  feet.- 

He  and  We-Kaw  were  told  to  sit  down.  At  this  moment,  the  band  struck  up  Pleyel's 
Hymn.  Everything  was  still.  Red  Bird  turned  his  eyes  toward  the  band.  The  music  having 
ceased,  he  took  up  his  pouch,  and,  taking  from  it  kinnikinnic  and  tobacco,  cut  the  latter  in  the 
palm  of  his  hand,  after  the  Indian  fashion  ;•  then,  rubbing  the  two  together,  filled  the  bowl  of 
his  calumet,  struck  fire  on  a  bit  of  punk  with  his  flint  and  steel,  lighted,  and  smoked  it.  All 
sat  except  the  speaker.     The  substance  of  what  they  said  was  as  follows : 

They  were  required  to  bring  in  the  murderers.  They  had  no  power  over  any  except  two  ; 
the  third  had  gone  away  ;  and  these  had  voluntarily  agreed  to  come  in  and  give  themselves  up. 
As  their  friends,  they  had  come  with  them.  They  hoped  their  white  brothers  would  agree  to 
accept  the  horses,  of  which  there  were  perhaps  twenty ;  the  meaning  of  which  was,  to  take 
them  in  commutation  for  the  lives  of  their  two  friends.  They  asked  kind  treatment  for  tiiem, 
and  earnestly  besought  that  they  might  not  be  put  in  irons,  and  concluded  by  asking  for  a  little 
tobacco  and  something  to  eat. 

They  were  answered  and  told  in  substance  that  they  had  done  well  thus  to  come  in.  By 
having  done  so,  they  had  turned  away  our  guns  and  saved  their  people.  They  were  admonished 
against  placing  themselves  in  a  like  situation  in  the  future,  and  advised,  when  they  were 
aggrieved,  not  to  resort  to  violence,  but  to  go  to  their  agent,  who  would  inform  the  Great 
Father  of  their  complaints,  and  he  would  redress  their  grievances  ;  that  their  friends  should  be 
treated   kindly,  and  tried  by  the  same  laws  by  which  their   Great  Father's  white  children  were 

c 


346  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

tried ;  that  for  the  present  Red  Bird  and  We-Kaw  should  not  be  put  in  irons  ;  that  thev  should 
all  have  something  to  eat  and  tobacco  to  smoke. 

Having  heard  this,  Red  Bird  stood  up;  the  commanding  officer,  Maj.  Whistler,  a  few 
paces  in  front  of  the  center  of  the  line,  facing  him.  After  a  moment's  pause  and  a  quick  sur- 
vey of  the  troops,  he  spoke,  saying,  "/a?w  ready."  Then,  advancing  a  step  or  two,  he  paused, 
saying,  "I  do  not  wish  to  be  put  in  irons.  Let  me  be  free.  I  have  given  away  my  life  ;  it  is 
gone"  (stooping  and  taking  some  dust  between  his  finger  and  thumb  and  blowing  it  away)  "like 
that,"  eying  the  dust  as  it  fell  and  vanished  from  his  sight,  adding,  "  I  would  not  take  it  back  ; 
it  is  gone."  Having  thus  spoken,  he  threw  his  hands  behind  him  and  marched  up  to  Maj. 
Whistler,  breast  to  breast.  A  platoon  was  wheeled  backward  from  the  center  of  the  line,  wlien, 
the  Major  stepping  aside.  Red  Bird  and  We-Kaw  marched  through  the  line,  in  charge  of  a  file 
of  men,  to  a  tent  provided  for  them  in  the  rear,  where  a  guard  was  set  over  them.  The  com- 
rades of  the  two  captives  then  left  the  ground  by  the  way  they  had  come,  taking  with  them 
Maj.  Whistler's  advice  and  a  supply  of  meat,  flour  and  tobacco. 

We-Kaw.  the  miserable-looking  being,  the  accomplice  of  the  Red  Bird,  was  in  all  things 
the  opposite  of  that  unfortunate  brave.  Never  were  two  persons  so  totally  unlike.  The  one 
seemed  a  prince,  and  as  if  born  to  command,  and  worthy  to  be  obeyed ;  the  other,  as  if  he  had 
been  born  to  be  hanged — meager,  cold,  dirty  in  his  person  and  dress,  crooked  in  form  like  the 
starved  wolf,  gaunt,  hungry  and  bloodthirsty  ;  his  entire  appearance  indicating  the  presence  of 
a  spirit  wary,  cruel  and  treacherous.  The  prisoners  were  committed  into  safe-keeping  at  Prairie 
du  Chien,  to  await  their  trial  in  the  regular  courts  of  justice  for  murder. 

The  next  spring.  Red  Bird,  We-Kaw  and  another  Winnebago  prisoner  were  tried  at  Prairie 
du  Chien,  before  Judge  J.  D.  Doty,  who  went  from  Green  Bay,  by  way  of  the  portage,  for  that 
purpose,  convicted  and  sentenced  to  death.  Red  Bird  died  in  prison.  A  deputation  of  the  tribe  went 
to  Washington  to  solicit  the  pardon  of  the  others.  President  Adams  granted  it  on  the  implied 
condition  that  the  tribe  would  cede  the  lands  then  in  the  possession  of  the  miners.  The  Winne- 
bagoes  agreed  to  this.  Mme.  Gagnier  was  compensated  for  the  loss  of  her  husband  and  the 
mutilation  of  her  infant.  At  the  treaty  held  at  Prairie  du  Chien  in  1829,  provision  was  made 
for  two  sections  of  land  to  her  and  her  tAvo  children  ;  and  the  Government  agreed  to  pay  her 
the  sum  of  $50  per  annum  for  fifteen  years,  to  be  deducted  from  the  annuity  of  the  Winnebago 
Indians. 

In  closing  this  account  of  the  "Winnebago  war,"  we  give  an  anecdote  which  places  the 
Winnebago  character  in  an  amiable  light :  The  militia  of  Prairie  du  Chien,  immediately  after 
the  affair  of  the  boats,  seized  the  old  chief,  De-kau-ry,  and  four  other  Indians ;  and  he  was 
informed  that,  if  Red  Bird  should  not  be  given  up  within  a  certain  time,  he  and  the  others 
were  to  die  in  his  place.  This  he  steadfastly  believed.  A  messenger,  a  young  Indian,  was 
sent  to  inform  the  tribe  of  the  state  of  affairs  ;  and  several  days  had  elapsed  and  no  information 
was  received  of  the  murderers.  The  dreadful  day  was  near  at  hand,  and  De-kau-ry,  being  in  a 
bad  state  of  health,  asked  permission  of  the  officer  to  go  to  the  river  to  indulge  in  his  long- 
accustomed  habit  of  bathing  in  order  to  improve  his  health ;  upon  which  Col.  Snelling  told  him 
if  he  would  promise,  on  the  honor  of  a  chief,  that  he  would  not  leave  town,  he  might  have  his 
liberty  and  enjoy  all  his  privileges  until  the  day  appointed  for  his  execution.  Accordingly,  he 
first  gave  his  hand  to  the  Colonel,  thanking  him  for  his  friendly  offer,  then  raised  both  hands  aloft 
and  in  the  most  solemn  adjuration  promised  that  he  would  not  leive  the  bounds  prescribed,  and 
said  if  he  had  a  hundred  lives  he  would  sooner  lose  them  all  than  forfeit  his  word.  He  was 
then  set  at  liberty.  He  was  advised  to  flee  to  the  wilderness  and  make  his  escape.  "  But  no  !" 
said  he,  "  do  you  think  I  prize  life  above  honor?"  He  then  complacently  remained  until  nine 
days  of  the  ten  which  he  had  to  live  had  elapsed,  and  still  nothing  was  heard  promising  the 
apprehension  of  the  murderers.  No  alteration  could  be  seen  in  the  countenance  of  the  chief. 
It  so  happened  that,  on  that  day.  Gen.  Atkinson  arrived  with  his  troops  from  Jefferson  Bar- 
racks, and  the  order  for  the  execution  was  countermanded  and  the  Indians  permitted  to  return 
to  their  homes. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  347 


FORT   WINNEBAGO. 


There  seems  to  hang,  in  perpetual  solemnity,  an  enchanted  halo  around  the  site  of  Fort 
Winnebago.  We  approach  this  historical  spot  with  feelings  profound  and  reverential.  The 
fragmentary  descriptions  written  of  the  old  place  and  its  early  associations  have  been  wafted 
upon  the  wave  of  intelligence  far  and  wide.  We  know  that,  immediately  preceding  its  com- 
mencement, there  were  at  the  east  end  of  the  portage  a  log  house  and  barn,  which  then  formed 
a  trading-post  of  the  American  Fur  Company,  and  that  Peter  Pauquette  lived  there  and  had 
charge  of  the  buildings ;  that  there  was  another  building,  where  the  sub-agent,  John  Kinzie, 
was  living,  and  still  two  others,  occupied  by  half-breeds ;  and  on  the  east  side  of  Fox  River, 
there  was  a  house  belonging  to  Francis  LeRoy,  son  of  Joseph  LeRoy,  of  Green  Bay.  Where 
that  house  was,  the  fort  was  afterward  built. 

At  the  west  end  of  the  portage,  there  was  a  log  house  built,  and  three  houses  where  Per- 
rish  Grignon  and  his  wife,  sister  of  the  chief,  De-kau-ry,  were  living ;  the  second  one  was  occu- 
pied by  his  son,  Lavoin  Grignon  ;  the  other,  by  J.  B.  Lecuyer.  LeRoy  was  living  near  where 
0.  P.  Williams'  house  was  afterward  located. 

Fort  Winnebago  was  established  at  a  period,  not  remote,  when  civilization  had  but  a  sin- 
gle line  of  communication  from  the  great  lakes  to  the  "  American  Amazon."  The  necessity 
for  some  means  of  protection  to  the  fur  trade  from  Winnebago  exactions,  and  as  security  against 
further  aggressions — such  as  the  "Winnebago  War,"  just  described — becoming  evident,  the 
General  Government,  at  the  solicitation  of  John  Jacob  Astor,  who  was  then  at  the  head  of  the 
American  Fur  Company,  and  upon  whose  goods  the  Indians  levied  exorbitant  tolls,  authorized 
the  erection  of  a  post  at  the  portage. 

Late  in  the  fall  of  1828,  the  First  Infantry,  stationed  at  Fort  Howard,  and  commanded  by 
Maj.  Twiggs,  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  the  portage  and  enter  upon  the  work.  The  small 
detachment  was  composed  of  three  companies,  under  Capt.  Buell,  Capt.  Spence  and  Captain — 
afterward  General — Harney,  of  Mexican  war  fame.     The  First  Lieutenants  were  Jefferson  Davis, 

Ganes  Miller   and Abercrombie.     The  latter  commanded  at  the  battle  of  Falling  Waters, 

early  in  the  rebellion,  and  rose  to  the  rank  of  a  general  officer.  The  Second  Lieutenants  were 
Pegram,  Lamotte  and  Burbanks.  Surgeon  Abbott  accompanied  the  troops  to  heal  the  wounds 
incident  to  house-building. 

The  soldiers  came  amply  provided  with  provisions  and  otherwise  prepared  for  a  winter  cam- 
paign. Maj.  Twiggs,  in  the  capacity  of  "  boss  carpenter,"  erected  temporary  barracks  of  tam- 
arack logs,  in  which  to  winter  his  command,  and  detailed  a  party  to  go  up  the  Wisconsin  River 
and  procure  pine  timber,  with  which  to  construct  the  permanent  fort.  Another  party  was 
detailed  to  quarry  stone,  at  what  was  called  "  Stone  Quarry  Hill."  With  the  first  rise  of 
water  in  the  spring  of  1829,  rafts  of  logs  were  floated  down  to  the  portage,  and  were  hauled, 
by  teams,  to  the  place  of  building,  where  all  the  lumber  was  sawed  by  hand,  with  whip-saws, 
with  which  to  build  the  entire  fort.  The  brick  necessary  for  the  chimneys,  etc.,  were  burned 
just  opposite  the  "  narrows,"  on  the  Wisconsin  River,  where  Armstrong's  brickyard  is  now 
located. 

The  manual  labor  was  performed  by  the  private  soldiers,  while  the  officers  did  the  "  heavy 
work,"  such  as  drawing  plans  and  superintending  the  job.  Some  amusing  incidents  occurred, 
in  which  the  architectural  skill  of  the  epauleted  "bosses"  was  sorely  tried.  During  the  con- 
struction of  the  commissary-stores  building,  one  of  the  young  Lieutenants  being  in  charge,  a 
question  arose  among  the  privates  as  to  the  propriety  of  placing  in  the  building  thirty-foot 
beams  as  "sleepers,"  without  anything  beneath  them  to  prevent  the  floor  from  "sag- 
ging" when  the  structure  should  be  filled  with  heavy  and  indigestible  army  stores.  One 
of  the  workmen,  a  practical  builder,  was  delegated  by  his  companions  to  interview  the  "super- 
intendent," and  point  out  to  him  the  fallacy  of  observing  the  plans  and  specifications  in  this 
regard.  He  did  so,  but  beat  a  hasty  retreat  after  receiving  this  reply  from  his  superior  :  "  Who 
in  h— 11  pays  you  for  thinking?  " 


348  HISTORY    OF    COHMBIA    COUXTY. 

The  fort  was  completed  in  the  spring  of  1830.  The  principal  buildings  stood  on  the  side 
of  a  s(|uare.  Defense  against  cannon  did  not  enter  the  plan.  The  only  structures  in  the 
nature  of  fortifications  were  two  heavy,  compact  blockhouses,  perforated  for  musketry,  and  situ- 
ated at  the  northeast  and  southwest  corners  of  the  quadrangle.  .\t  the  same  angle  was  the 
magazine,  a  low,  arched  structure  of  heavy  stone.  A  little  south,  and  acro.ss  the  military  road 
leailing  to  Fort  Howard,  were  the  hospital  and  the  quarters  of  the  medical  staff:  and  still  fur- 
ther south,  were  the  carpenters'  shops,  in  which  Jeff  Davis  is  said  to  have  exhibited  more  skill 
in  the  manufacture  of  (juaint  furniture  than  he  has  since  shown  in  a  wellrcmembered  attempt 
to  organize  a  "  government. "' 

Westward,  on  tlie  slope  toward  the  river,  was  the  commissary  building,  near  which  was  the 
cynosure  of  the  sutler.  The  capacious  stables  were  not  many  rods  away,  and  just  removed 
from  them  were  the  slaughter-houses.  Forty  rods  east  were  located  the  blacksmith-shops.  On 
the  north  and  south  sides  of  the  fort  itself  were  the  gardens,  which,  in  time,  became  highly 
cultivated.  On  the  east  was  the  drill  and  parade  ground.  The  fort  proper  was  inclosed 
by  a  solid  picket  or  stockade.  There  were  two  entrances,  each  guarded  by  thick,  double  gates. 
The  main  buildings  were  neat  one-and-a-half-story  edifices,  painted  r.diite,  with  sharply  sloping 
roofs  and  uniform  dormer  windows,  the  whole  being  clean  and  tasty  of  aspect. 

Time  does  not  appear  to  have  hung  heavily  on  the  garrison.  There  was  much  leisure  for 
amusement,  anrl  they  improved  it.  Billiards,  cards,  dancing  and  amateur  theatricals  varied  the 
monotony  by  night,  while  liorse-racing  and  athletic  sports  diminished  the  hours  by  day.  At 
one  period,  the  n.ail  arrived  every  two  weeks  from  Chicago  via  Mineral  Point.  The  vehicle 
which  brought  it  hove  in  sight  upon  a  height  three  miles  distant  from  the  fort.  It  was  a  favor- 
ite pastime  to  lay  wagers  on  the  moment  of  its  first  appearance,  the  precise  moment  it  would  reach 
the  post  office  (which  was  the  sutler's  storehouse),  or  whether  the  wagerer  would  have  a  letter  or 
not.  Game  was  abundant  in  its  season,  and  many  days  were  devoted  to  the  hunt.  Sleigh-riding 
parties  were  also  popular. 

In  the  spring  of  1834,  when  Henry  Merrell  came  to  the  fort,  he  found  there  Col.  Cutler, 
the  conimanding  officer;  Lieut.  Lacy,  Quartermaster  and  Commissary;  Captains  Low,  Clark 
and  Plyrapton ;  Lieutenants  Van  Cleve,  Johnston,  Collinsworth,  Kuggles,  Hooe  and  Reed,  and 
Surgeon  McDougall ;  also  Burley  Follett,  Daniel  Bushnell  and  Satterlee  Clark,  Jr.,  the  latter 
three  in  charge  of  the  sutler's  store  as  agents  for  Oliver  Newberry,  of  Detroit;  Capt.  McCabe 
w;us  Postmaster  and  Indian  agent.  Maj.  Twiggs  had  been  relieved  by  Companies  C,  D,  E 
and  F  of  the  Sixth  United  States  Infantry.  Capt.  Plymi)ton,  who  was  a  brevet  Major, 
assumed  command  for  a  short  time  prior  to  the  arrival  of  Col.  Cutler.  Two  companies  of  the 
First  Infantry  subsequently  relieved  this  detachment  and  remained  until  the  evacuation  in 
1845.  Col.  Cutler's  successors  in  command  at  the  fort  were  Maj.  Green,  Col.  Mcintosh, 
Capts.  Low  and  Jewett,  and  Lieut.  Mumford.  When  the  evacuation  took  place,  the  fort  was 
left  in  charge  of  Ordnance  Sergeant  Van  Camp,  who  looked  after  it  until  1847,  when  he  died. 
William  Weir,  an  old  soldier  of  the  fort,  then  had  charge  of  it  until  1853,  when  it  was  sold  at 
auction  under  an  order  affecting  such  property,  made  by  Jeff  Davis,  as  Secretary  of  War.  In 
March,  1856,  a  fire  destroyed  or  seriously  damaged  most  of  the  buildings,  which  were  then 
occupied  by  private  families.  The  reservation,  comprising  nearly  four  thousand  acres,  l)ecame 
the  property  of  J.  B.  Martin  and  others,  of  Milwaukee ;  they  paid  for  it  $20,000.  W.  H. 
Wells,  of  Fond  du  Lac,  anil  F.  II.  Marsten,  of  Buffalo,  subse(|uently  owned  it.  In  1809,  Val- 
entine Ilelmann,  of  Portage,  bought  forty  acres  of  Messrs.  Widls  and  Marsten,  and,  on  the  14th 
of  Febriuiry,  1873,  he  added  another  "forty"'  by  purchase.  The  latter  sale  included  all  the 
old  buildings,  spared  by  time  and  fire,  on  the  left-hand  side  of  the  old  military  road,  in  the 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago.  The  stone  was  afterward  sold  by  Mr.  Helraann  to  the  Government 
and  used  in  constructing  breakwaters  along  the  Wisconsin  River.  Thirty-three  thousand  brick 
(the  first  ever  made  at  the  portage)  were  taken  from  the  massive  fireplaces  and  chimneys  and 
used  in  the  construction  of  Mr.  Helmann's  residence  on  his  farm.  The  old  commissary  build- 
ing was  removed  and  now  does  service  as  a  barn  on  the  same  farm.     Nearly  all  of  the  remaining 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT r.  349 

buildings  were  torn  away,  the  material  being  sold  to  different  parties  in  Portage  and  tlie 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago.  All  that  now  remains  of  old  Fort  Winnebago  are  the  well  and  the 
cellars.  In  the  fall  of  1879,  the  framework  about  the  former  plunged  into  the  shaft  below. 
OM  age  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  cause  of  the  rash  act.  About  thirty  rods  south  stands  a 
portion  of  the  old  hospital  building,  owned  by  Andrew  Weir  and  occupied  by  a  family  named 
Estabrook.  The  agency  building,  on  Agency  Hill,  west  of  the  canal  and  river,  fell  not  into 
the  hands  of  the  despoiler.  It  is  owned  and  occupied  as  a  residence  by  E.  S.  Baker,  who  has 
put  upon  it  improvements  calculated  to  keep  it  intact  for  another  half  a  generation.  In  size,  it 
is  30x36  feet  on  the  ground,  and  two  stories  high  with  a  garret.  The  kitchen  is  20x24  feet, 
and  one  and  a  half  stories  high.  The  framework  is  very  ponderous,  the  studding,  rafters, 
joists,  sleepers  and  sills  being  twice  the  size  of  similar  material  used  in  buildings  of  the  present 
day.  The  house  was  originally  surrounded  by  a  circular  row  of  maples  and  elms,  planted  fifty 
years  ago.  But  four  trres  have  survived,  and  they  are  now  two  feet  in  diameter.  Near  by  is 
the  icehouse,  a  hole  in  the  ground  twenty  feet  deep  and  sixteen  across  the  top,  substantially 
walled  with  "hard-head"  stone. 

A  lady  resident  of  the  fort,  in  1831,  has  left  the  following  interesting  reminiscence  of  her 
observations  and  experience  at  the  post.* 

"Maj.  and  Mrs.  Twiggs  and  a  few  of  the  younger  officers  (for  nearly  all  of  the  older  ones 
were  absent),  with  our  brother  Robert,  or  Bob,  as  he  is  called  throughout  all  of  the  Indian 
tribes,  gave  us  a  cordial  welcome — how  cordial  those  alone  can  know  who  have  come  like  us  to  a 
remote,  isolated  home  in  the  wilderness.  The  Major  insisted  on  our  taking  possession  at  once 
of  vacant  quarters  in  the  fort,  instead  of  at  '  the  agency,'  as  had  been  proposed. 

"  No  ;  we  must  be  under  the  same  roof  with  them.  Mrs.  Twiggs  had  been  without  a  com- 
panion of  her  own  sex  for  more  than  four  months,  and  would  certainly  not  hear  of  a  separation 
now.  But  we  must  be  their  guests  untTl  the  arrival  of  the  boats  containing  our  furniture,  which, 
under  the  care  of  our  old  acquaintance,  Hamilton  Arndt.  was  making  its  way  slowly  up  from 
Green  Bay.  * 

"  A  dinner  had  been  prepared  for  us.  This  is  one  of  the  advantages  of  the  zigzag  ap- 
proach by  the  Fox  River — travelers  never  take  their  friends  by  surprise ;  and  when  the  whole 
circle  sat  down  to  the  hospitable  board,  we  were  indeed  a  merry  company.  After  dinner.  Mrs. 
Twiggs  showed  me  the  quarters  assigned  to  us,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  spacious  hall.  They 
consisted  of  two  large  rooms  on  each  of  the  three  floors  or  stories  of  the  building.  On  the 
ground  floor  the  front  room  was  vacant.  The  one  in  the  rear  was  to  be  the  sleeping  apartment, 
as  was  evident  from  a  huge,  unwieldy  bedstead  of  proportions  amply  sufficient  to  have  accom- 
odateil  Oil,  the  Kinc  of  Bashan,  with  Mrs.  Os  and  the  children  into  the  baro;ain.  AVe  could 
not  repress  our  laughter;  but  the  bedsteiid  was  nothing  to  another  structure  which  occupied  a 
second  corner  of  the  apartment.  This  edifice  had  been  built  under  the  immediate  superinten- 
dence of  one  of  our  young  lieutenants,  and  it  was  plain  to  be  seen  that  upon  it  both  he  and  the 
soldiers  who  fabricated  it  had  exhausted  all  their  architectural  skill.  The  timbers  of  which  it 
was  composed  had  been  grooved  and  carved ;  the  pillars  that  supported  the  front  swelled  in  and 
out  in  a  most  fanciful  manner;  the  doors  were  not  only  paneled,  but  radiated  in  a  way  to  excite 
the  admiration  of  all  unsophisticated  eyes.  A  similar  piece  of  workmanship  had  been  erected 
in  each  set  of  quarters,  to  supply  the  deficiency  of  closets,  an  inconvenience  which  had  never 
occurred,  until  too  late,  to  the  bachelors  who  planned  them.  The  three  apartments  of  which 
each  structure  was  composed,  were  unquestionably  designed  for  clothes-press,  storeroom  and 
china-close^ ;  such,  at  least,  were  the  uses  to  which  Mrs.  Twiggs  had  appropriated  the  one 
assigrned  to  her.  There  was  this  slight  difficultv,  that  in  the  latter  the  shelves  were  too  close 
to  admit  of  setting  in  even  a  gravy-boat,  but  they  made  up  in  number  what  was  wanting  in 
space.  We  christened  the  whole  aifiiir,  in  honor  of  its  projector,  a  Davis,  thus  placing  the  first 
laurel  on  the  brow  of  one  who  was  afterward  to  signalize  himself  in  cabinet-making  of  quite  a 
different  character. 


'  Waii-Buu,  the  Early  Day  in  the  Northwest,"  (.ty  Mra.  John  H.  Kiuzie,  lip.  6S-76. 


350  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

"  The  bold  promontory  upon  which  Fort  Winnebago  was  built  looked  down  upon  the  ex- 
tended prairie  and  the  Fox  River  on  one  side,  and,  on  the  other,  stretched  away  into  the  thickly 
wooded  ridge  that  led  off  to  Belle  Fontaine  and  Lake  Puckaway.  In  front  lay  an  extent  of 
meadow,  across  which  was  the  portage  road,  of  about  two  miles  in  length,  leading  between  the 
Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers.  Teams  of  oxen  and  a  driver  were  kept  at  the  agency  by  the  Gov- 
ernment to  transport  the  canoes  of  the  Indians  across  the  place,  which,  at  many  seasons,  was 
wet,  miry  and  almost  impassable.  The  woods  were  now  brilliant  with  the  many  tints  of  autumn, 
and  the  scene  around  was  further  enlivened  by  groups  of  Indians,  in  all  directions,  and  their 
lodges,  which  were  scattered  here  and  there,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  agency  buildings.  On  the 
low  grounds  might  be  seen  the  white  tents  of  the  traders,  already  prepared  to  furnish  winter  sup- 
plies to  the  Indians  in  exchange  for  the  annuity  money  they  were  about  to  receive. 

"A  great  concourse  had  been  for  many  days  assembling  in  anticipation  of  the  payment, 
which  was  expected  to  take  place  as  soon  as  Shawnee-aiv-kee  should  arrive  with  the  silver. 
Preparatory  to  this  event,  the  gre.it  chief  of  the  nation,  Four-Legs,  whose  village  we  had  passed 
at  the  entrance  to  Winnebago  Lake,  had  thought  proper  to  take  a  little  carouse,  as  is  too  apt  to 
be  the  custom  when  the  savages  come  into  the  neighborhood  of  a  sutlers  establishment.  In  the 
present  instance,  the  ficilities  for  a  season  of  intoxication  had  been  augmented  by  the  presence 
on  the  ground  of  some  traders  too  regardless  of  the  very  stringent  laws  prohibiting  the  sale  of 
liquor  to  the  Indians.  Poor  Four-Legs  could  not  stand  this  full  tide  of  prosperity.  Unchecked 
by  the  presence  of  his  Father,  the  agent,  he  carried  his  indulgence  to  such  excess  that  he  fell  a 
victim  in  the  course  of  a  few  days.  His  funeral  had  been  celebrated  with  the  usual  pomp  the 
day  before  our  arrival,  and  great  was  my  disappointment  at  finding  myself  too  late  to  witness  all 
the  ceremonies.  His  body,  according  to  their  custom,  having  been  wrapped  in  a  blanket  and 
placed  in  a  rude  coffin  along  with  his  guns,  tomahawk,  pipes  and  a  quantity  of  tobacco,  had  been 
carried  to  the  most  elevated  point  of  the  hill  opposite  the  fort,  followed  by  an  immense  procession 
of  his  people,  whooping,  beating  their  drums,  howling,  and  making  altogether  what  is  emphati- 
cally termed  a  'pow-wow.'  After  the  interment  of  the  body,  a  stake  was  planted  at  its  head. 
on  which  was  painted,  in  vermilion,  a  series  of  hieroglyphics,  descriptive  of  the  great  deeds  and 
events  of  his  life.  The  whole  was  then  surrounded  with  pickets  of  the  trunks  of  the  tamarack 
trees,  and  hither  the  friends  would  come  for  many  successive  days,  to  renew  the  expression  of 
their  grief,  and  to  throw  over  the  grave  tobacco  and  other  offerings  to  the  Great  Spirit.  It  was 
a  consolation  to  find  that,  although  delayed,  we  were  yet  in  time  to  furnish  a  (juantity  of  white 
cotton  for  a  flag  to  Avaive  over  the  grave,  and  also  to  pay  a  considerable  bill  at  the 
sutler's  for  the  different  articles  that  had  been  found  necessary  for  the  funeral  parade 
— it  being  a  duty  expected  of  their  Father,  to  bury  the  dead  suitably.  The  funeral 
observances  in  honor  of  the  chief  had  not  yet  ceased.  Throughout  the  day,  and  all  that 
night,  the  sound  of  instruments,  mingled  with  doleful  lamentations,  and  with  the  discordant 
whoops  and  yells  of  those  in  a  partial  state  of  intoxication,  filled  the  air  and  disturbed  our  repose. 
To  these  were  added  occasionally  the  plaintive  sounds  of  the  Indian  flute,  upon  which  the  young 
savage  plays  when  he  is  in  love.  Grief  and  whisky  had  made  their  hearts  tender,  and  the 
woods  resounded  to  their  melancholy  strains.  Early  the  following  morning,  before  I  left  my  room, 
I  was  startled  by  the  sounds  of  lamentation  and  woe  proceeding  from  the  adjoining  apartment. 
On  entering  it,  I  found  several  squaws  seated  on  the  floor,  with  downcast  looks,  expressive  of 
condolence  and  sympathy,  while  in  their  midst  sat  a  little  ugly  woman  in  tattered  garments  and 
blackened  face  and  disheveled  hair,  sobbing  and  wailing  bitterly.  Not  doubting  they  were  the 
family  of  the  deceased  chief,  I  was  quite  troubled  at  my  inability  to  express,  otherwise  than  by 
gestures,  my  participation  in  their  sorrows.  LTnacquainted  as  I  was  with  their  customs,  I  took 
it  for  granted,  from  their  wietched  appearance,  that  poverty  and  destitution  formed  one  of  the 
sources  of  their  aflliction.  One  of  the  party,  at  least,  seemed  in  the  very  depth  of  misery.  Can 
it  be  possible,  said  I  to  myself,  that  this  poor  creature  has  only  these  scanty  rags  to  cover  her  ? 
Stepping  back  to  my  own  room,  I  brought  out  a  pretty  calico  wrapper,  which  I  presented  to  the 
little  dirty,  blackened  object.     She  took  it  and  commenced  a  fresh  series  of  sobbing  and  sighing. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  351 

I  made  signs  to  her  to  put  it  on,  opening  it,  and  explaining  to  her  how  it  was  to  be  worn,  and 
recommending  to  her,  by  gestures,  to  lose  no  time  in  making  herself  more  comfortable.  At 
this  the  other  women  burst  into  a  laugh.  Very  mal-apropos,  thought  I,  and  somewhat  unfeeling. 
At  that  moment  my  husband,  entering,  explained  to  me  that  the  chief  mourner  was  Madam 
Four-Legs,  the  widow  ;  that  she  had  undoubtedly  a  comfortaple  wardrobe  at  home,  but  that  it 
was  part  of  the  etiquette  of  mourning  to  go  for  a  season  with  neglected  persons  and  blackened 
faces.  All  this  was  told  me  in  the  interval  of  shaking  hands,  and  offering  and  receiving  con- 
dolences in  the  most  uncouth,  guttural  language  that  I  had  ever  heard.  Their  Father  at  length 
dismissed  them  with  a  promise  of  some  presents  to  help  dry  up  their  tears.  It  must  not  be 
inferred  that  the  grief  of  the  poor  little  widow  was  not  sincere.  On  the  contrary,  she  was 
greatly  attached  to  her  husband,  and  had  had  great  influence,  not  only  with  him,  but  with  the 
nation  at  large.  She  was  a  Fox  woman,  and  spoke  the  Chippewa,  which  is  the  court  language 
among  all  the  tribes,  so  that  she  was  often  called  upon  to  act  as  an  interpreter.  She  was  a 
person  of  great  shrewdness  and  judgment,  and,  as  I  afterward  experienced,  of  strong  and 
tenacious  affections. 

"  After  breakfast,  I  received  a  visit  from  the  principal  chiefs,  who  had  put  on  their  beat  of 
apparel  and  paint,  to  receive  their  new  mother.  There  was  Naw-Kaw  or  Kar-ray-mau-nee,  '  The 
Walking  Turtle,'  then  the  principal  chief  of  the  nation,  a  stalwart  Indian,  with  a  broad,  pleas- 
ant countenance,  the  great  peculiarity  of  which  was  an  immense  under  lip,  hanging  nearly  to 
his  chin.  There  was  the  old  De-Kau-ray,  the  most  noble,  dignified  and  venerable  of  his  own, 
or,  indeed,  of  any,  tribe.  His  fine  Roman  countenance,  rendered  still  more  striking  by  his  bald 
head,  with  one  solitary  tuft  of  long,  silvery  hair,  neatly  tied,  and  falling  back  on  his  shoulders ; 
his  perfectly  neat  and  appropriate  dress,  almost  without  ornament,  and  his  courteous  demeanor, 
never  laid  aside  under  any  circumstances,  all  combined  to  give  him  the  highest  place  in  the  con- 
sideration of  all  who  knew  him.  There  was  Black  Wolf,  whose  lowering,  surly  face  was  well 
described  by  his  name.  The  fierce  expression  of  his  countenance  was  greatly  heightened  by 
the  masses  of  heavy,  black  hair  hanging  around  it,  quite  contrary  to  the  usual  fashion  among  the 
Winnebagoe?.  They,  for  the  most  part,  remove  a  portion  of  their  hair,  the  remainder  of  which 
is  drawn  to  the  back  of  the  head,  clubbed  and  ornamented  with  beads,  ribbons,  cock  feathers,  or, 
if  they  are  so  entitled,  an  eagle's  feather  for  every  scalp  taken  from  an  enemy.  There  was 
Talk-English,  a  remarkably  handsome,  powerful  young  Indian,  who  received  his  name  in  the 
following  manner :  He  was  one  of  the  party  of  sixteen  Winnebagoes  who  had,  by  invitation, 
accompanied  their  agent  and  Maj.  Forsyth  (or  the  Chippewa,  as  he  was  called),  on  a  visit  to 
the  President,  at  Washington,  the  year  previous.  On  the  journey,  the  question  naturally  ad- 
dressed to  them  by  people  not  familiar  with  Western  Indians,  was  :  '  Do  you  talk  English  ? ' 
The  young  fellow,  being  very  observant,  came  to  his  Father.  '  What  do  they  mean  by  this  ? 
Every  body  says  to  me  talk  English  !  '  The  agent  interpreted  the  words  to  him.  '  Ah,  very 
well.'  The  next  place  they  arrived  at  was  Lockport,  in  the  State  of  New  York.  Jumping  off 
the  canal  boat  upon  the  lock,  he  ran  up  to  the  first  man  he  met  and,  thrusting  forward  his  face, 
called  out:  'Talk  Eengeesh  ?  '  '  Yes,"  said  the  man;  'Do  you  talk  English?'  'Ya-as.' 
From  that  time  forward  he  always  bore  the  name  of  Talk-English,  and  was  registered  on  the 
pay-rolls  by  that  title,  of  which  he  was  not  a  little  proud.  Hoo-wau-nee-kah,  '  The  Little  Elk,' 
was  another  of  the  distinguished  men  of  the  tribe.  He  had  likewise  been  at  Washington. 
Henry  Clay,  when  he  visited  them,  after  looking  carefully  at  the  countenances  and  bearing  of  all 
the  members  of  the  deputation,  had  indicated  him  as  the  one  possessing  the  greatest  talent ;  and  he 
was  greatly  pleased  when  informed  that  he  was  the  principal  orator  of  the  nation,  and  decidedly  su- 
perior in  abilities  to  any  other  individual  of  the  tribe.  Then  there  was  Kau-ray-kaiv-saw- 
kaw,  'The  White  Crow,'  a  Rock  River  Indian,  who  afterward  distinguished  himself  as  a  friend 
of  the  whites  during  the  Sauk  war.  He  was  called  by  the  French,  '  le  Borgne,'  from  having 
lost  an  eye ;  and  the  black  silk  handkerchief  which  he  wore  drooping  over  the  left  side  of  his 
face,  to  disguise  the  blemish,  taken  with  his  native  costume,  gave  him  a  very  singular  appearance. 
There  was  a  nephew  of  the  defunct  chief  Four-Legs,  to  whom,  with  justice,  was  given,  by  both 


352  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

whites  and  Indians,  the  appellation  of  '  the  Dandy.'  When  out  of  mourning,  his  dress  was  of  the 
most  studied  and  fanciful  character.  A  shirt  (when  he  condescended  to  wear  any)  of  the  briglitest 
colors,  ornamented  with  innumerable  rows  of  silver  brooches  set  thickly  together;  never  less  than 
two  pairs  of  silver  arm  bands  ;  leggings  and  moccasins  of  the  most  elaborate  embroidery,  in  ribbons 
and  porcupine  quills  ;  everything  that  he  could  devise  in  the  shape  of  an  ornament,  hanging  to  his 
club  of  hair  behind  ;  a  feather  fan  in  one  hand,  and  in  the  other  a  mirror,  in  which  he  contemplated 
himself  every  few  minutes.  These,  with  the  variety  and  brilliancy  of  the  colors  upon  his  face, 
the  suitable  choice  and  application  of  which  occupied  no  small  portion  of  the  hours  allotted  to 
his  toilet,  made  up  the  equipment  of  young  Four-Legs.  This  devotion  to  dress  and  appearance 
seemed  not  altogether  out  of  place  in  a  youthful  dandy  ;  but  wo  had  likewise  an  old  one  of  the 
same  stamp.  Pawnee  Blanc,  or  the  White  Pawnee,  surpassed  his  younger  competitor,  if  possi- 
ble, in  attention  to  his  personal  attractions.  Upon  the  present  occasion,  he  appeared  in  all  his 
finery,  and  went  through  the  customary  salutations  with  an  air  of  solemn  dignity,  and  then 
walked,  as  did  the  other,  into  the  parlor  (for  I  had  received  them  in  the  hall),  where  tliey  all 
seated  themselves  on  the  floor.  Fortunately,  the  room  was  not  bare  of  furniture,  but  '  alas  ! ' 
thought  I,  'for  my  pretty  carpet,  if  this  is  to  be  the  way  they  pay  their  respects  to  me  I  '  I 
watched  the  falling  of  the  ashes  from  their  long  pipes,  and  the  other  inconveniences  of  the  use 
of  tobacco,  or  kin-ni-kin-nic,  with  absolute  dismay. 

"  The  visit  of  the  chiefs  was  followed  by  one  from  the  interpreter  and  his  wife,  with  all  the 
Canadian  and  half-breed  women  whose  husbands  found  employment  at  the  agency,  or  at  the  Ameri- 
can Fur  Company's  establishment.  By  this  time,  my  piano  had  been  taken  from  its  case  and  set 
up  in  our  quarters.  To  our  great  joy,  we  found  it  entirely  uninjured,  not  a  note  was  out  of  tune. 
The  women,  to  whom  it  was  an  entire  novelty,  were  loud  in  their  exclamations  of  wonder  and 
delight:  '  Eh-h-h  !  regardezdonc ;  Quelles  inventions  !  Quellcs  merveilles  !' *  One,  observing 
the  play  of  my  fingers  reflected  in  the  name-board,  called  in  great  exultation  to  her  compan- 
ions. She  had  discovered,  as  she  thought,  the  hidden  machinery  by  which  the  sounds  were 
produced,  and  was  not  a  little  mortified  when  she  was  undeceived." 


*  Ooly  look!  what  inventions!  what  wonders! 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  353 


CHAPTER  in. 

The  Blaok  H.vwk  "War— A  Supplemental  Episode  ok  the  Black  Hawk  War— United 
States  Land  Surveys— United  States  Land  Districts- Early  Govehnmknt  of 
Columbia   County   Territory— Colujiuia   County   on    Early'   Maps. 

THE    black    hawk    WAR. 

The  months  of  June  and  July,  1882,  were  months  of  excitement  in  Fort  Winnebago  and 
its  immediate  vicinity,  for  it  was  known  that  the  Sacs,  painted  and  plumed,  at  war  with  the 
whites,  with  Black  Hawk  as  their  leader,  had  retreated  up  Rock  River.  The  Sac  chief,  with 
his  braves,  finally  reached  a  point  (Black  Hawk  Grove)  just  outside  of  what  is  now  the  city  of 
•Janesville,  Rock  County,  where  he  remained  some  time  in  camp.  It  must  not  be  understood 
that  they  were  now  at  their  former  homes.  This  was  not  the  ease.  It  was  not  then  the  country 
of  the  Sacs,  but  of  the  Rock  River  Winnebagoes.  The  last  mentioned  had  not  yet  ceded  their 
territory  east  of  Sugar  River. 

While  Black  Hawk  Avas  in  camp  at  the  grove,  which  has  received  his  name,  there  were 
brought  in  two  prisoners — Sylvia  and  Rachel  Hall ;  and  it  was  there  they  were  handed  over  to 
the  Winnebagoes. 

The  tent-poles,  ashes  and  brands  of  the  Indian  camp-fires,  where  the  two  captives  were  given 
over  to  the  Winnebagoes  by  the  Sac  Indians,  were  plainly  discernible  when  the  first  settlers 
located  in  the  vicinity. 

Gen.  Atkinson,  having  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pecatonica,  in  pursuit  of  the  savages, 
and,  hearing  that  Black  Hawk  was  further  up  Rock  River,  determined  to  follow  him,  with  the 
intention  of  deciding  the  war  by  a  general  battle,  if  possible.  Black  Hawk,  judging  of  his 
intentions  from  the  report  of  his  spies,  broke  up  his  camp,  near  what  is  now  Janesville,  and 
retreated  still  farther  up  the  stream  to  the  foot  of  Lake  Koshkonong,  where,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  river,  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  iNHlton,  Rock  County,  he  again  formed  a  camp.  Here  he 
remained  some  time,  when  he  again  removed,  this  time  to  an  island  in  the  lake,  still  known  as 
Black  Hawk's  Island.  It  is  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  town  of  Sumner,  in  Jefferson 
County.     He  afterward  made  his  way  farther  up  the  valley. 

The  march  of  Gen,  Atkinson  in  pursuit  of  Black  Hawk  through  what  is  now  Rock  County, 
and  his  arrival  at  Lake  Koshkonong,  in  the  present  county  of  Jefferson,  where  he  found  the 
Sac  chief  had  eluded  him,  is  best  related  by  one  who  was  present  : 

'•  The  oOth  of  June,  1832,  we  passed  through  the  Turtle  Village  [now  the  city  of  Beloit], 
which  is  a  considerable  Winnebago  town,  but  it  was  deserted.  We  marched  on  about  a  mile, 
and  encamped  on  the  open  prairie,  near  enough  to  Rock  River  to  get  water  from  it.  We  here 
saw  very  fresh  signs  of  the  Sac  Indians,  where  they  bad  been,  apparently,  fishing  on  that  day. 
Gen.  Atkinson  believed  we  were  close  to  them,  and  apprehended  an  attack  that  night.  The 
sentinels  fired  several  times,  and  we  were  as  often  paraded  and  prepared  to  receive  the  enemy ; 
hut  they  never  came,  though,  from  the  accounts  given  by  the  sentinels  to  the  officers  of  the 
day,  there  was  no  doubt  that  Indians  had  been  prowling  about  the  camp. 

"July  1.  We  had  not  marched  but  two  or  three  miles  before  an  Indian  was  seen  across 
Rock  River,  at  some  distance  off,  on  a  very  high  prairie,  who,  no  doubt,  was  a  spy,  and.  likely, 
was  one  that  had  been  prowling  about  our  encampment  the  night  before.  We  proceeded  a  few 
miles  further,  and  came  to  the  place  where  the  Indians,  who  had  taken  the  two  Misses  Hall 
prisoners,  had  stayed  for  several  days  [near  the  present  city  of  Janesville].  It  was  a  strong 
position,  where  they  could  have  withstood  a  very  powerful  force.  We  afterward  discovered  that  they 
always  encamped  in  such  places.     We  Iiad  not  marched  but  a  few  miles  from  this  place  before 


354  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUKTY. 

one  of  our  front  scouts  came  back,  meeting  the  array  in  great  haste,  and  stated  that  he  had 
discovered  a  fresh  trail  of  Indians,  where  they  had  just  gone  along  in  front  of  us.  Maj.  Ewing, 
who  was  in  front  of  the  main  army  some  distance,  immediately  formed  his  men  in  line  of  battle, 
and  marched  in  that  order  in  advance  of  the  main  army  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile.  We 
had  a  very  thick  wood  to  march  through,  where  the  undergrowth  stood  very  high  and  thick. 
The  signs  looked  very  fresh,  and  we  exjjected  every  step  to  be  fired  upon  from  the  thickets. 
We  marched  in  this  order  about  two  miles,  not  stopping  for  the  unevenness  of  the  ground  or 
anything  else,  but  keeping  in  line  of  battle  all  the  time,  until  we  found  the  Indians  had  scat- 
tered ;  then  we  resumed  our  common  line  of  march,  which  was  in  three  divisions.  Soon  after 
we  had  formed  into  three  divisions,  the  friendly  Indians  that  were  with  us  raised  an  alarm  by 
seven  or  eight  of  them  shooting  at  a  deer — some  little  in  advance  of  the  army.  The  whole 
army  here  formed  for  action,  but  it  was  soon  ascertained  that  these  children  of  the  forest  had 
been  at  what  their  whole  race  seems  to  have  been  born  for — shooting  at  the  beasts  of  the  forest. 

"We  here  camped  by  a  small  lake  [Storr's]  this  night,  and  had  to  drink  the  water, 
which  was  very  bad,  but  it  was  all  that  could  be  found.  Here  a  very  bad  accident  happened. 
One  of  the  sentinels,  mistaking  another  that  was  on  post,  with  a  blanket  wi-apped  around  him. 
for  an  Indian,  shot  him  just  below  the  groin  in  the  thick  of  the  thigh.  At  first  the  wound 
was  thought  mortal.  I  understood,  before  I  left  the  army,  that  the  man  was  nearly  well. 
Here  Gen.  Atkinson  had  on  this  night  breastworks  thrown  up,  which  was  easily  done,  as  we 
were  encamped  in  thick,  heavy  timber.  This  was  a  precaution  which  went  to  show  that  he  set 
a  great  deal  by  the  lives  of  his  men,  and  by  no  means  was  any  mark  of  cowardice  ;  for  general- 
ship consists  more  in  good  management  than  anything  else. 

"July  2.  We  started  this  morning  at  the  usual  time,  but  went  oftly  a  few  miles  before 
Maj.  Ewing,  who  was  still  in  front  with  his  battalion,  espied  a  very  fresh  trail,  making  off  at 
about  a  left  angle.  He  dispatched  ten  men  from  the  battalion,  in  company  with  Capt.  George 
Walker  and  a  few  Indians,  to  pursue  it,  and  see,  if  possible,  where  it  went  to.  He  moved  on 
in  front  of  his  battalion  a  short  distance  further,  when  we  came  on  the  main  Sac  trail  of  Black 
Hawk's  whole  army,  which  appeared  to  be  about  two  days  old.  Capt.  Early,  who  commanded 
a  volunteer  independent  company,  and  had  got  in  advance,  this  morning  called  a  halt ;  so  did 
Maj.  Ewing  with  his  battalion.  Then  Maj.  Ewing  sent  back  one  of  his  staff  officers  for  the 
main  army  to  call  a  halt  for  a  few  minutes.  He,  with  Maj.  Anderson,  of  the  infantry,  Capt. 
Early  and  Jonathan  H.  Pugh,  went  a  little  in  advance,  when  Maj.  Anderson,  with  a  telescope, 
took  a  view  across  the  lake,  as  we  had  now  got  to  Lake  Koshkonong.  [The  army  entered  what 
is  now  Jefferson  County,  very  nearly  where,  in  going  north,  its  south  line  is  crossed  by  the 
Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway.  The  trail,  after  leaving  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  35, 
in  Township  5  north,  of  Range  13  east,  ran  nearly  due  north  to  the  southeast  corner  of  Section 
26,  in  the  same  township  and  range,  where  the  army  reached  the  lake,  in  what  is  now  the  town 
of  Koshkonong.]  They  then  discovered  three  Indians  apparently  in  their  canoes.  Maj. 
Ewing  went  himself  and  informed  Gen.  Atkinson  what  discovery  was  made,  and  requested 
Gen.  Atkinson  to  let  him  take  his  battalion  round  through  a  narrow  defile  that  was  between 
two  of  those  lakes,  where  we  supposed  the  Indians  were.  By  this  time  our  scouts,  who  had 
taken  the  trail  that  led  off  on  our  left,  returned,  bringing  with  them  five  white  men's  scalps. 
They  followed  the  Indian  trail  until  it  took  them  to  a  large  Indian  encampment  that  they  had 
left  a  few  days  before.  They  reached  it ;  the  scalps  were  sticking  up  against  some  of  their  wig- 
wams ;  some  of  them  were  identified,  but  I  do  not  recollect  the  names  of  any  except  one,  which 
was  said  to  be  an  old  gentleman  of  the  name  of  Hall.  Maj.  Ewing  then  marched  his  battalion 
about  a  mile,  where  the  pass  on  the  side  of  the  lake  appeared  so  narrow  that  he  dismounted 
his  men  and  had  his  horses  all  tied,  and  a  few  men  left  to  guard  them.  The  rest  of  us  marched 
on  foot  about  one  mile  through  a  narrow  defile  on  the  [east]  bank  of  Koshkonong  Lake.  This 
was  considered  a  dangerous  procedure  ;  but  Maj.  Ewing,  who  was  in  front  with  Maj.  Ander- 
son, would  have  been  first  in  danger.  We  now  found  that  we  were  getting  too  far  in  advance  of 
our  horses,  so  Maj.  Ewing  sent  a  part  of  the  men   back   for   them.      When  we   mounted  our 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  355 

horses,  we  were  joined  by  Capt.  Early  and  his  independent  corps.  We  then  marched  some  dis- 
tance around  the  [Koshkonong]  lake,  and  went  in  between  two  of  them  in  a  narrow  defile,  until 
we  found  another  deserted  encampment.  We  now  saw  clearly  that  the  Indians  were  gone  from 
the  Koshkonong  Lake,  so  the  next  thing  to  be  done  was  to  find  in  which  direction  they  had 
steered  their  course." 

Gen.  Atkinson  having  been  re-enforced  by  Gen.  Alexander,  took  up  his  line  of  march, 
arriving  at  the  Burnt  Village  on  the  6th  of  July.  The  Burnt  Village,  known  also  as  the 
White  Crow's  town,  was  on  the  south  side  of  what  was  then  called  the  Whitewater  River,  now 
Bark  River,  at  its  most  southerly  point,  on  the  north  half  of  Section  12,  in  Township  5  north, 
of  Range  14  east,  town  of  Koshkonong,  about  two  and  a  half  miles  southeast  of  the  present 
Fort  Atkinson.  This  is  the  village  generally,  but  incorrectly,  stated  to  have  been  located  upon 
the  north  side  of  Lake  Koshkonong,  some  eight  miles  distant.  When  Gen.  Atkinson  reached 
the  place,  it  was  found  deserted.  That  evening  (the  6th),  Gen.  Posey's  brigade,  in  company 
with  Col.  Dodge's  squadron,  joined  Atkinson.  Col.  John  Ewing  and  his  regiment  came  within 
a  mile  and  a  half  of  the  main  army  and  encamped.  On  the  10th,  Gen.  Atkinson  sent  Col. 
Ewing  with  his  regiment  down  Rock  River  to  Dixon's;  Gen.  Posey,  with  the  rest  of  his  bri- 
gade, was  dispatched  to  Fort  Hamilton,  while  Col.  Henry  and  his  brigade.  Gen.  Alexander's 
brigade  and  Col.,  Dodge's  squadron  were  sent  to  Fort  Winnebago,  now  Portage,  Columbia  Co., 
for  provisions.  Atkinson  dropped  down  a  short  distance  from  the  Burnt  Village  and  built  a 
stockade  fort,  which  he  called  Fort  Koshkonong.  It  was  located  on  the  south  side  of  Rock 
River,  in  the  eastern  outskirts  of  the  present  village  of  Fort  Atkinson.  Alexander  returned 
from  Fort  Winnebago  by  the  direct  )-oute,  while  Dodge  and  Henry  took  a  more  easterly  one, 
striking  Rock  River  at  a  point  where  there  was  a  small  Winnebago  village,  now  Hustisford, 
Dodge  County,  which  point  was  reached  July  18.  Information  was  here  obtained  that  Black 
Hawk  was  at  "Cranberry  Lake,"  farther  up  the  river.  This  was  believed  to  be  reliable,  and  an 
express  was  immediately  started  down  the  stream  to  inform  Gen.  Atkinson  of  the  Sac  chief's 
whereabouts.  The  express,  consisting  of  Dr.  E.  H.  Merryman,  W.  W.  Woodbridge,  with  Lit- 
tle Thunder,  a  Winnebago,  came  very  unexpectedly,  at  a  distance  of  not  more  than  eight  miles 
from  their  starting-point,  upon  the  trail  of  Black  Hawk,  making  his  way  down  the  river.  The 
express  returned  to  the  army  with  the  news,  and  the  next  morning,  July  19,  the  pursuit  began. 
The  fugitives,  leaving  the  river  near  what  is  now  the  city  of  Watertown,  were  followed  to  the 
Third  Lake  (Monona),  across  the  site  where  the  city  of  Madison  now  stands.  Meanwhile, 
Atkinson  being  informed  of  the  movements  of  Henry  and  Dodge,  broke  up  his  camp  and  fol- 
lowed on  with  the  main  army,  leaving  Capt.  Gideon  Low,  of  the  United  States  Regulars,  with 
thirty  or  forty  men,  to  hold  Fort  Koshkonong,  afterward  known  as  Fort  Atkinson.  The  two 
commands,  following  so  close  upon  the  Sac  chief,  brought  on  an  engagement  on  the  21st  of 
July,  upon  the  Wisconsin  River,  mention  of  which — the  battle  of  Wisconsin  Heights — has 
already  been  made  in  the  general  history  of  the  State.  After  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  Capt. 
Gideon  Low  abandoned  Fort  Atkinson,  proceeding  with  his  men  to  Fort  Winnebago. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Black  Hawk  and  his  army  did  not,  in  their  northward  move- 
ment, reach  the  limits  of  what  is  now  Columbia  County,  yet  his  retreat  up  the  Rock  River 
valley  and  the  danger  of  (as  many  believed)  the  Winnebagoes  joining  him  in  a  body,  caused 
not  only  much  uneasiness  at  Fort  Winnebago,  but  the  resort  to  active  measures  to  induce  that 
tribe  to  remain  steadfast  in  their  friendship  to  the  Americans.  What  transpired  at  that  post 
during  these  months  of  alarm,  is  best  related  by  one  who  was  there  a  resident:* 

"  The  arrival  of  my  brother,  Arthur,  from  Kentucky,  by  way  of  the  Mississippi,  in  the 
latter  part  of  April,  bi'ought  us  the  uncomfortable  intelligence  of  new  troubles  with  the  Sauks 
and  Foxes.  Black  Hawk  had,  with  the  flower  of  his  nation,  recrossed  the  Mississippi,  once 
more  to  take  possession  of  their  old  homes  and  corn-fields. 

"  It  was  not  long  before  our  own  Indians  came  flocking  in  to  confirm  the  tidings,  and  to 
assure  us  of  their  intention  to  remain  faithful  friends  to  the  Americans.     We  soon  heard  of  the 


Mrs.  John  H.  Kinzie.    See  "  Wau-BiMi,  the  Early  9ay  in  the  Northwest,"  pp.  311-318. 


356  HISTORY    OF    COLl'MBIA    COUXTY. 

arrival  of  the  Illinois  Rangers  in  the  Rock  River  Country,  also  of  the  progress  of  the  regular 
force  under  Gen.  Atkinson,  in  pursuit  of  the  hostile  Indians,  who,  by  the  reports,  wore  always 
able  to  elude  their  vigilance.  It  not  being  their  custom  to  stop  and  give  battle,  the  Sauks  soon 
scattered  themselves  through  the  country,  trusting  to  some  lucky  accident  (and  sucii  arriveil, 
alas  I  only  too  often)  to  enable  them  to  fall  upon  their  enemies  unexpectedly. 

"The  experience  of  the  pursuing  army  was,  for  the  most  part,  to  make  their  way,  by  toil- 
some and  fatiguing  marches,  to  the  spot  where  they  imagined  the  Sauks  would  be  waiting  to 
receive  them,  and  then  to  discover  that  the  rogues  had  scampered  ofl"  to  quite  a  different  part  of 
the  country. 

''  Wherever  these  latter  went,  their  course  was  marked  by  the  most  atrocious  barbari'ie.s, 
though  the  worst  had  not  at  this  time  reached  our  ears.  We  were  only  assured  that  they  were 
down  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Rock  River  and  Kishwaukee,  and  that  they  lost  no  opportunity 
of  falling  on  the  defenseless  inhabitants  and  cruelly  murdering  them. 

"As  soon  as  it  became  certain  that  the  Sauks  and  Fo.xes  would  not  pursue  the  same  course 
they  had  on  the  previous  year,  that  is,  retreat  peaceably  across  the  Mississippi,  Mr.  Kinzie 
resolved  to  hold  a  council  with  all  the  principal  chief's  of  the  Winnebagoes  who  were  accessible 
at  this  time.  He  knew  that  the  Sauks  would  use  every  effort  to  induce  their  neighbors  to  join 
them,  and  that  there  existed  in  the  breasts  of  too  many  of  the  young  savages  a  desire  to  dis- 
tinguish themselves  by  •  taking  some  white  scalps.'  They  did  not  love  the  Americans.  Why 
should  they  ?  By  them  they  had  been  gradually  dispossessed  of  the  broad  and  beautiful 
domains  of  tlicir  forefathers,  and  hunted  from  place  to  place,  and  the  only  equivalent  they  had 
received  in  exchange  had  been  a  few  thousands  annually  in  silver  and  presents,  together  with  the 
pernicious  example,  tlie  debasing  influence  and  the  positive  ill  treatment,  of  too  many  of  the  new 
settlers  upon  their  lands. 

"With  all  these  facts  in  view,  therefore,  their  Father  felt  that  the  utmost  watchfulness  was 
necessary,  and  that  the  strongest  arguments  must  be  brought  forward  to  preserve  the  young  men 
of  the  Winnebagoes  in  their  allegiance  to  the  Americans.  Of  the  older  members  he  felt  quite 
sure.  About  fifty  lodges  had  come  at  the  commencement  of  the  disturbances  and  encamped 
around  our  dwelling,  saying  that,  if  the  Sauks  attacked  us,  it  must  be  after  killing  them  ;  and. 
knowing  them  well,  we  had  perfect  confidence  in  their  assurances. 

"  But  their  vicinity,  wliile  it  gave  us  a  feeling  of  protection,  likewise  furnished  us  with  a 
channel  of  the  most  exciting  and  agitating  daily  communications.  As  the  theater  of  operations 
approached  nearer  and  nearer,  intelligence  was  brought  in  by  their  runners — now  that  '  Capt. 
Harney's  head  had  been  recognized  in  the  Sauk  camp,  where  it  had  been  brought  the  day  pre- 
vious; '  next,  that  'the  Sauks  were  carrying  Lieut.  BealTs  head  on  a  pole  in  front  of  tlicm  as 
they  marched  to  meet  the  whites.'  Sometimes  it  was  a  story  which  we  afterward  found  to  be 
unhappily  true,  as  that  of  the  murder  of  their  agent,  M.  St.  Vrain,  at  Kellogg's  Grove,  by  the 
Sauks  themselves,  who  ought  to  have  protected  him. 

"It  was  after  the  news  of  this  last  occurrence  that  the  appointed  council  with  the  Winne- 
bagoes was  to  be  held  at  the  Four  Lakes,  thirty-five  miles  distant  from  Fort  Winnebago.  In 
vain  we  pleaded  and  remonstrated  against  such  an  exposure.  It  was  his  duty  to  assemble  his 
people  and  talk  to  them,  my  husband  said,  and  he  must  run  the  risk  if  there  were  any.  He  had 
perfect  confidence  in  the  Winnebagoes.  The  enemy,  by  all  that  he  could  learn,  were  now  far 
ilistant  from  the  Four  Lakes — probably  at  Kosh-ko-nong.  He  would  set  off  early  in  the  morn- 
ing with  Pauquette,  hold  his  council,  and  return  to  us  the  same  evening. 

"  It  were  useless  to  attempt  to  describe  our  feelings  during  that  long  and  dreary  day. 
When  night  arrived,  the  cry  of  a  drunken  Indian,  or  even  the  barking  of  a  dog,  would  fill  our 
hearts  with  terror. 

"  As  we  sat,  at  a  late  hour,  at  the  open  window,  listening  to  every  sound,  with  what  joy 
did  we  at  length  distinguish  the  tramp  of  horses  I  We  knew  it  to  be  Griffin  and  Jerry  ascend- 
ing, the  hill,  and  a  cheerful  shout  soon  announced  that  all  was  well.  My  husband  and  his 
interpreter  had  ridilen  seventy  miles  that  day,  besides  holding  a  long  'talk'  with  the  Indians. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  357 

"  The  Winnebagoes,  in  council,  had  promised  to  use  their  utmost  endeavors  to  preserve 
peace  and  good  order  among  their  young  men.  They  informed  their  father  that  the  bands  on 
the  Rock  River,  with  the  exception  of  Wiu-no-sheek's,  were  all  determined  to  remain  friendly, 
and  keep  aloof  from  the  Sauks.  To  that  end  they  were  abandoning  their  villages  and  corn- 
fields and  moving  north,  that  their  Great  Father,  the  President,  might  not  feel  dissatisfied  with 
them.  With  regard  to  Win-no-sheek  and  his  people,  they  professed  themselves  unable  to 
answer. 

"  Time  went  on,  and  brought  with  it  stories  of  fresh  outrage.?.  Among  these  were  the 
murders  of  Auberry,  Green  and  Force,  at  Blue  Mound,  and  the  attack  on  Apple  Fort.  The 
tidings  of  the  latter  were  brought  by  old  Crelie,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Pauquette,  who  rode  express 
from  Galena,  and  who  averred  that  he  once  passed  a  bush  behind  which  the  Sauks  were  hiding, 
but  that  his  horse  smelt  the  sweet-scented  grass  with  which  they  always  adorn  their  persons 
when  on  a  war  party,  and  set  out  on  such  a  gallop  that  he  never  stopped  until  he  arrived  at  the 
portage. 

"  Another  bearer  of  news  was  a  young  gentleman  of  the  name  of  Follet,  whose  eyes  had 
become  so  protruded  and  set  from  keeping  an  anxious  lookout  for  the  enemy,  that  it  was  many 
days  after  his  arrival  at  a  place  of  safety  before  they  resumed  their  accustomed  limits  and 
expression. 

''  Among  other  rumors  which,  at  this  time,  reached  us,  was  one  that  an  attack  upon  Fort 
Winnebago  was  in  contemplation  among  the  Sauks.  That  this  was  in  no  state  of  defense,  the 
Indians  very  well  knew.  All  the  effective  men  had  been  withdrawn  upon  a  requisition  from 
Gen.  Atkinson  to  join  him  at  his  newly-built  fort  at  Kosh-ko-nong. 

"  Fort  Winnebago  was  not  picketed  in  ;  there  were  no  defenses  to  the  barracks  or  officers' 
quarters,  except  slight  paneled  doors  and  Venetian  blinds,  nothing  that  would  long  resist  the 
blows  of  clubs  or  hatchets.  There  was  no  artillery,  and  the  Commissary's  store  was  without 
the  bounds  of  the  fort,  under  the  hill. 

"  Mr.  Kinzie  had,  from  the  first,  called  the  attention  of  the  officers  to  the  insecurity  of  their 
position  in  case  of  danger,  but  he  generally  received  a  scoffing  answer. 

•'  'Never  fear,'  they  would  say,  •  the  Sauks  are  not  coming  here  to  attack  us.' 

■'  One  afternoon,  we  were  over  on  a  visit  to  some  ladies  in  the  garrison,  and,  several  officers 
being  present,  the  conversation,  as  usual,  turned  upon  the  present  position  of  affairs. 

•■  '  Do  you  not  think  it  wiser,'  inquired  I  of  a  blustering  young  officer, '  to  be  prepared  against 
possible  danger  ? ' 

'•  'Not  against  these  fellows,'  replied  he,  contemptuously.  'I  do  not  think  I  would  even 
take  the  trouble  to  fasten  the  blinds  to  my  quarters.' 

"  '  At  least,'  said  I,  'if  you  some  night  find  a  tomahawk  raised  to  cleave  your  skull,  you 
will  have  the  consolation  of  remembering  that  you  have,  not  been  one  of  those  foolish  fellows 
who  keep  on  the  safe  side.'  '    • 

"  He  seemed  a  little  nettled  ac  this,  and  still  more  so  when  sister  Margaret  observed — 

•"For  my  part,  I  am  of  Gov.  Cass'  opinion.  He  was  at  Chicago  during  the  Winnebago 
war.  We  were  all  preparing  to  move  into  the  fort  on  the  first  alarm.  Some  were  for  being  brave 
and  delaying,  like  our  friends  here.  ''Come,  come,"  said  the  Governor,  "  hurry  into  the  fort  as  fast 
as  possible;  there  is  no  merit  in  being  brave  with  the  Indians.  It  is  the  height  of  folly  to  stay 
and  meet  danger  which  you  may  by  prudence  avoid."  ' 

''In  a  few  days,  our  friends  w^aked  up  to  the  conviction  that  something  must  be  done  at 
once.  The  first  step  was  to  forbid  any  Winnebagoes  coming  within  the  garrison,  lest  they  should 
find  out  what  they  had  known  as  well  as  ourselves  for  three  months  past,  namely,  the  feebleness 
of  the  means  of  resistance.  The  next  was  to  send  fatigue  parties  into  the  woods,  under  the 
protection  of  a  guard,  to  cut  pickets  for  inclosing  the  garrison. 

"  There  was  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  enemy  were  not  very  far  distant,  and  that  their 
object  in  coming  north  was  to  break  a  way  into  the  Chippewa  country,  where  they  would  find  a 
place  of  security  among  their  friends  and  allies.     The  story  that  our  Indian  runners  brought  in 


358  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

most  frequently  was,  that  the  Sauks  were  determined  to  fall  upon  the  whites  at  the  portage  and 
fort,  and  massacre  all  except  the  families  of  the  agent  and  interpreter. 

"  Plante  and  Pillon,  with  their  families,  had  departed  at  the  first  word  of  danger.  There 
only  remained  with  us  Manaigre,  whose  wife  was  a  half  Winnebago,  Isidore  Morrin  and  the 
blacksmith  from  Sugar  Creek,  Mata  and  Turcotte. 

"  At  night,  we  were  all  regularly  armed  and  our  posts  assigned  us.  After  every  means  had 
been  taken  to  make  the  house  secure,  the  orders  were  given.  Sister  Margaret  and  I,  in  case  of 
attack,  were  to  mount  with  the  children  to  the  rooms  above,  while  my  husband  and  his  men  were 
to  make  good  their  defense  as  long  as  possible  against  the  enemy.  Since  I  had  shown  my  sports- 
manship by  bringing  down  accidentally  a  blackbird  on  the  wing,  I  felt  as  if  I  could  do  some 
execution  with  my  little  pistols,  which  were  regularly  placed  beside  my  pillow  at  night,  and  I 
was  fully  resolved  to  use  them  if  necessity  i-equired.  I  do  not  remember  to  have  felt  the  slightest 
compunction  at  the  idea  of  taking  the  lives  of  two  Sauks — as  I  had  no  doubt  I  should  do  ;  and 
this  explains  to  me  what  I  had  before  often  wondered  at,  the  indifterence,  namely,  of  the  soldier 
on  the  field  of  battle  to  the  destruction  of  human  life.  Had  I  been  called  upon,  however,  to 
use  my  weapons  effectually,  I  should  no  doubt  have  looked  back  upon  it  with  horror. 

"  Surrounded  as  we  were  by  Indian  lodges,  which  seldom  became  perfectly  quiet,  and 
excited  as  our  nerves  had  become  by  all  tliat  we  were  daily  in  the  habit  of  hearing,  we  rarely 
slept  very  soundly.  One  night,  after  we  had,  as  much  as  possible,  composed  ourselves,  we  were 
startled,  at  a  late  hour,  by  a  tap  on  the  window  at  the  head  of  our  bed,  and  a  call  of  '  Chon  I 
Chon  !  (John!  John!)  '  Tshah-ko-zhah '  (what  is  it?).     It  was  Hoo-wau-ne-kah,  the  Little  Elk. 

"He  spoke  rapidly  and  in  a  tone  of  great  agitation.  I  could  not  understand  him,  and  I 
lay  trembling  and  dreading  to  hear  his  errand  interpreted.  Now  and  then  I  could  distingush 
the  word  '  Saukee '  (Sauks),  and  '  shoonk-hat-tay-rah '  (horse),  and  they  were  not  very  re-assur- 
ing. 

"The  trouble,  I  soon  learned,  was  this:  A  fresh  trail  had  been  observed  near  the  Petit 
Rocher,  on  the  Wisconsin,  and  the  people  at  the  villages  on  the  Barribault  [now  Baraboo],  were  in 
a  state  of  great  alarm,  fearing  it  might  be  the  Sauks.  There  was  the  appearance  of  a  hundred 
or  more  horses  having  passed  by  this  trail.  Hoo-wau-nekah  had  been  dispatched  at  once  to 
tell  the  Father  and  to  ask  his  advice. 

"  After  listening  to  all  he  had  to  communicate,  his  Father  tohl  him  the  trail  was  undoubt- 
edly that  of  Gen.  Henry's  troops,  who  were  said  to  have  come  north  looking  for  the  enemy  ; 
that  as  the  marks  of  the  horses'  hoofs  showed  them  by  this  report  to  have  been  shod,  that  was 
sufficient  proof  that  it  was  not  the  trail  of  the  Sauks.  He  thought  that  the  people  of  the  villages 
need  not  feel  any  uneasiness. 

" '  Very  well.  Father,'  replied  Hoo-wau-nee-kah,  '  I  will  go  back  and  tell  my  people  what 
you  say.  They  will  believe  you,  for  you  always  tell  them  the  truth.  You  are  not  like  us 
In'dians,  who  sometimes  deceive  each  other.'  So  saying,  he  returned  to  his  friends  much  com- 
forted. 

"  The  completion  of  the  picketing  and  other  defenses,  together  with  the  arrival  of  a  detach- 
ment of  troops  from  Fort  Howard,  under  Lieut.  Hunter,  at  our  fort,  now  seemed  to  render  the 
latter  the  place  of  greatest  safety.  We  therefore,  regularly  every  evening  immediately  before 
dusk,  took  up  our  line  of  march  for  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  repaired  to  quarters  that 
had  been  assigned  us  within  the  garrison,  leaving  our  own  house  and  chattels  to  the  care  of  the 
Frenchman  and  our  friends  the  Winnebagoes." 

A    SUPPLEMENTAL    EPISODE    OF    THE    BLACK    HAWK    WAR. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  a  summons  was  sent  to  the  Indian  agent  at 
Fort  Winnebago — John  H.  Kinzie — to  collect  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Winnebagoes  and 
meet  Gen.  Scott  and  Gov.  Reynolds  at  Fort  Armstrong  (Rock  Island),  wliere  it  was 
proposed  to  hold  a  treaty  for  the  purchase  of  all  the  Indian  lands  south  and  east  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin and  Fox  River  of  Green  Bay.     The  principal  men  of  that  nation  were  collected  accordingly, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  359 

and  a  treaty  concluded  September  15,  1832.  One  of  tlie  stipulations  of  the  treaty  was  the 
surrender  by  the  Winnebagoes,  of  certain  individuals  of  their  tribe  accused  of  having  participated 
with  the  Sacs  in  some  of  the  murders  on  the  frontier,  in  order  that  they  might  be  tried  by  the 
laws  of  the  United  States,  and  acquitted  or  punished,  as  the  ca.'^e  might  be. 

A  Winnebago  Indian  called  the  Little  Snake,  gave  himself  voluntarily  as  a  hostage  until 
the  suspected  persons  of  his  tribe  should  be  delivered  to  the  custody  of  the  United  States.  He 
was  accordingly  received  by  the  Indian  agent  at  Fort  Winnebago,  and  placed  in  confinement 
until  the  seven — the  number  of  the  accused — should  appear  to  redeem  him.  The  suspected 
Indians  having  engaged  the  services  of  James  Duane  Doty,  of  Green  Bay,  to  defend  them  on 
their  future  trial,  notice  was  given  that  on  a  certain  day  they  would  be  brought  to  the  portage — 
Fort  Winnebago — and  surrendered  to  the  Indian  agent,  to  be  by  him  transferred  to  the  keep- 
ing of  the  military  officer  at  the  fort  appointed  to  receive  them.  It  was  joyful  news  to  Little 
Snake,  that  the  day  of  his  release  was  at  hand. 

At  the  time  appointed,  a  moving  concourse  of  people  was  discerned  from  the  fort,  upon 
the  portage  road.  Gen.  Dodge,  Maj.  Plympton,  and  one  or  two  other  officers  took  their 
seats  with  Mr.  Kinzie  on  a  platform  in  front  of  the  residence  of  the  agent,  to  receive  the  Win- 
nebagoes who  were  coming  with  seven  of  their  tribe  to  be  delivered  up  as  prisoners  for  trial.  The 
procession  wound  slowly  up  the  hill  and  approached  Mr.  Kinzie's  residence.  It  was  a  grand, 
solemn  sight.  First  came  some  of  the  principal  chiefs  in  their  most  brilliant  array ;  ne.xt,  the 
prisoners,  all  of  them  habited  in  white  cotton,  in  token  of  their  innocence,  with  girdles  about 
their  waists.  The  music  of  the  drum  and  the  shee-shee-qua  accompanied  their  death-song,  which 
they  were  chanting.  They  wore  no  paint,  no  ornaments — their  countenances  were  grave  and 
thoughtful.  It  might  well  be  a  serious  moment  to  them,  for  they  knew  but  little  of  the  customs 
of  the  whites,  and  that  little  was  not  such  as  to  inspire  cheerfulness.  Only  the  agent's  assurance 
that  they  should  receive  strict  justice  would  probably  have  induced  them  to  comply  with  the 
engagements  of  their  nation  made  at  the  treaty,  by  delivering  themselves  up  to  the  United  States. 
The  remainder  of  the  procession  was  made  up  of  a  long  train  of  Winnebagoes — all  of  them 
decked  out  in  their  holiday  garb. 

The  chiefs  approached  and  shock  hands  with  the  gentlemen,  who  stood  ready  to  receive 
their  greeting.  Then  the  prisoners  came  forward  and  went  through  the  same  salutation  with  the 
officers.  When  they  offered  their  hands  to  the  agent,  he  declined.  "No,"  said  he,  "You  have 
come  here  accused  of  great  crimes — of  having  assisted  in  taking  the  lives  of  some  of  the 
defenseless  settlers.  When  you  have  been  tried  by  the  laws  of  the  land,  and  proved  innocent 
then  I  will  give  my  hand."  The  accused  looked  still  more  serious  at  this  address,  as  if  they 
thought  it  indicated  that  Mr.  Kinzie,  too,  believed  them  guilty,  and  stepping  back  a  little,  they 
seated  themselves,  without  speaking,  in  a  row  upon  the  ground,  facing  the  agent  and  the  officers. 
The  other  Indians  all  took  seats  in  a  circle  around  them,  except  the  one-eyed  chief,  Kau-raw- 
kaw-saw-kaw  (the  White  Crow),  who  had  been  deputed  to  deliver  the  prisoners  to  the  agent.  He 
made  a  speech  in  which  he  set  forth  that,  "although  asserting  their  innocence  of  the  charges 
preferred  against  them,  his  countrymen  were  quite  willing  to  be  tried  by  the  laws  of  white  men. 
He  hoped  they  would  not  be  detained  long,  but  that  the  matter  would  be  investigated  soon,  and 
that  they  would  come  out  of  it  clear  and  white.' 

In  reply  he  was  assured  that  all  things  would  be  conducted  fairly  and  impartially,  exactly 
as  if  the  accused  were  white  men,  and  the  hope  was  added  that  they  would  be  found  to  have 
been  good  and  true  citizens,  and  peaceful  children  of  their  Great  Father,  the  President.  The 
accused  were  then  conducted  by  a  file  of  soldiers  and  committed  to  the  dungeon  of  the  guard- 
house until  such  time  as  they  should  be  summoned  to  attend  court  appointed  to  try  them.  Not 
long  after  the  incarceration  of  the  prisoners,  they  commenced  their  operations  to  effect  an  escape. 
They  observed  that  their  meals  were  brought  regularly,  three  times  a  day,  and  that  in  the  intei'- 
vals,  they  were  left  entirely ,to  themselves.  With  their  knives,  they  began  e.xcavating  an  opening, 
the  earth  from  which,  as  it  was  withdrawn,  they  spread  about  on  the  floor  of  their  prison.  A 
blanket  was  placed  over  the  hole,  and  one  of  the  company  was  always  seated  upon  it  before  the 


•i60  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COIXTY. 

regular  time  for  the  soMier  who  ha  I  chai-^e  of  them  to  make  his  appearance.  When  the  perioil- 
ical  visit  was  made,  the  Indians  were  always  observed  to  be  seated,  smoking  in  the  most  quiet 
and  orderly  manner.  There  was  never  anything  in  their  appearance  to  excite  suspicion.  Thev 
worked  on,  shaping  the  opening  spirally,  until,  in  about  si.x  weeks,  they  came  out  to  the  open 
air  beyond  the  walls  of  the  fort.  That  they  might  be  as  little  encumbered  as  possible  in  their 
flight,  they  left  their  blankets  behind  thera,  and  although  it  was  bitter  December  weather,  they 
took  to  the  woods  and'prairies  with  only  their  calico  shirts  and  leggings  for  covering. 

The  question  among  the  officers  of  the  fort  was,  how  to  get  the  fugitives  back.  Mr.  Kin- 
zie,  the  agent,  could  promise  no  more  than  that  he  would  communicate  with  the  chiefs  and 
represent  the  wishes  of  the  officers  that  the  prisoners  should  once  more  surrender  themselves, 
and  thus  free  those  who  had  the  charge  of  them  from  the  imputation  of  carelessness,  which  the 
Government  would  be  very  likely  to  throw  upon  them.  When,  therefore,  according  to  their 
custom,  the  Winnebago  chiefs  assembled  at  the  agency  on  New  Year's  Day,  1833,  the  agent 
laid  the  subject  before  them.  The  Indians  archly  replied  that  if  they  sair  the  young  men  they 
would  tell  them  what  the  officers  would  like  to  have  them  do!  They  could,  themselves,  do 
nothing  in  the  matter.  They  had  fulfilled  their  engagement  by  bringing  them  once  and  putting 
them  in  the  hands  of  the  officers.  The  Government  had  had  them  in  its  power  once  and  could 
not  keep  them  ;  it  must  now  go  and  catch  them  I  The  United  States,  having  had,  during  the 
trouble  with  the  Sacs  just  ended,  some  experience  in  catching  Indians,  wisely  concluded  to  drop 
the  matter. 

UNITED    STATES    LAND    SURVEYS. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  in  1832,  and  after  the  acquisition  by 
the  United  States  of  the  Indian  title  to  all  the  land  west  of  Lake  Michigan  not  reserved  to  par- 
ticular tribes  or  secured  to  specified  individuals  by  terms  of  previous  treaties,  a  survey  was  com- 
menced by  the  General  Government.  The  northern  boundary  line  of  the  State  of  Illinois, 
fixed  April  11,  1818,  on  the  parallel  of  42^^  3U'  north  latitude,  became,  properly  enough,  the 
base  line  of  these  surveys.  A  principal  north  and  south  line  (known  as  the  Fourth  Meridian) 
was  run,  extending  from  the  base  line  to  Lake  Superior,  at  right  angles  with  the  last-mentioned 
line.  The  Fourth  Meridian  is  west  of  the  territory  of  Columbia  County,  running  on  the  east 
boundary  of  what  is  now  the  county  of  Grant,  and  on  the  west  boundary  of  La  Fayette  and 
Iowa  Counties,  and  thence  onward  due  north,  a  distance  west  of  the  most  westerly  point  of 
Columbia  County  of  thirty-three  miles,  striking  Lake  Superior  a  short  distance  west  of  the 
mouth  of  Montreal  River. 

Parallel  lines  to  the  Fourth  Meridian  were  run  every  six  miles  on  the  east  and  west  sides 
of  it.  The  intervening  six  miles  between  these  lines  are  called  ranges.  Range  1  east  is  the 
first  six  miles  of  territory  east  of  the  Fourth  Meridian  ;  Range  2  east  is  the  second  six  miles, 
and  so  on  to  Lake  Michigan — Columbia  County  lying  in  Ranges  6,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11  and 
12  east. 

Parallel  lines  north  of  the  base  line  (the  north  boundary  line  of  the  State  of  Illinois)  were 
lun  evcrv  six  miles,  wliich,  crossini;  the  ranges  at  risht  ansrles,  cut  the  whole  into  blocks  six 
miles  square,  called  townshi])s.  These  are  numbered  by  tiers  going  north  from  the  base  line, 
the  first  tier  being  known  as  Townships  1  north,  the  secon<l  tier  as  Townships  2  north,  and  so 
on.  .\s  the  most  southern  boundary  of  Columbia  County  is  distant  from  the  base  line  fifty-four 
miles,  or  nine  townships,  of  course  the  first  or  most  southern  tier  of  townships  in  the  county  is 
numbered  10  north  ;  and  as  there  are  four  tiers,  they  are  numbered  consecutively.  Townships 
10,  11,  12  and  13  north. 

Columbia  County,  then,  lies  in  Townships  10,  11,  12  and  13  north  of  Ranges  G,  7.  8,  0, 
10,  11  and  12  east  ;  that  is  to  say,  it  would  so  lie  if  it  were  not  that  all  of  Range  6  l^except 
small  fractions  of  two  townships)  and  all  of  Range  7  (except  larger  fractions  of  two  townships) 
are  a  part  of  Sauk  County.  After  specified  territory  was  surveyed  into  townships,  the  latter 
were  subdivided  into  sections  and  quarter-sections. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  363 

Each  town  in  Columbia  County  contains  surveyed  territory  described  by  the  United  States 
survey  as  follows : 

Arlington — Township  10,  Range  9.  Caledonia — Township  11,  Range  8  (except  so  much 
as  lies  southeast  of  the  Wisconsin) ;  Township  11,  Range  9  (being  only  a  small  fraction,  north- 
west of  the  Wisconsin) ;  Township  12,  Range  8  (except  what  lies  north  of  the  Wisconsin  and 
what  is  included  in  the  city  of  Portage) ;  Township  12,  Range  9  (except  what  lies  east  of  the 
Wisconsin  and  the  city  of  Portage  and  what  is  included  in   the  latter).     Columbus — Township 

10,  Range  12  (except  what  is  included  in  Columbus  City).  Courtland — Township  12,  Range 
12.     Dekorra — Township  11,  Range  8  (except  what  is  northwest  of  the  Wisconsin) ;  Township 

11,  Range  9  (except  what  is  northwest  of  the  Wisconsin).  Fort  Winnebago — Township  13, 
Range  9  (except  what  is  included  in  the  city  of  Portage).  Fountain  Prairie — Township  11, 
Range  12.  Hampden — Township  10,  Range  11.  Leeds — Township  10,  Range  10.  Lewiston 
— Township  13,  Range  8  (except  what  is  included  in  the  city  of  Portage) ;  Township  13,  Range 

7  (including  only  that  part  of  the  east  half  lying  north  of  the  Wisconsin) ;  Township  12,  Range 

8  (including  only  so  much  as  lies  north  of  the  Wisconsin  and  west  of  the  city  of  Portage). 
Lodi — Township  10,  Range  8  (except  the  west  tier  of  sections).  Lowville — Township  11. 
Range  10.  Marcellon — Township  13,  Range  10.  Newport — Township  13,  Range  7  (includ- 
ing so  much  of  the  west  half  as  lies  north  of  the  Wisconsin) ;  Township  13,  Range  6  (includ- 
ing so  much  only  as  lies  north  and  east  of  the  Wisconsin).  Otsego — Township  11,  Range  11. 
Pacific — Township  12,  Range  9  (including  so  much  as  lies  east  of  the  Wisconsin  and  the  city 
of  Portage).  Randolph — Township  13,  Range  12.  Scott — Township  13,  Range  11.  Spring- 
vale — Township  12,  Range  11.  West  Point — Township  10,  Range  8  (including  only  the  west 
tier  of  sections) ;  Township  10,  Range  7  (including  so  much  as  lies  east  and  south  of  the 
Wisconsin) ;  Township  10,  Range  6  (a  small  fraction  only ;  it  lies  east  of  the  Wisconsin). 
Wyocena — Township  12,  Range  10. 

The  towns  of  Arlington,  Courtland,  Fountain  Prairie,  Hampden,  Leeds,  Lowville,  Marcel- 
lon, Otsego,  Randolph,  Scott,  Springvale  and  Wyocena  are  each  co-extensive  with  a  township  of 
the  Government  survey.  Caledonia,  Dekorra  and  Lewiston  each  contains  more  territory  than  would 
make  a  full  township,  but  each  is  made  up  of  parts  of  townships.  Lodi,  West  Point,  Pacific, 
Newport,  Fort  Winnebago  and  Columbus  each  contains  less  than  a  Government-surveyed  town- 
ship ;  the  last  two  because  of  the  fact  that  portions  are  taken  from  them  and  included  in  the 
cities  of  Portage  and  Columbus. 

The  number  of  acres  in  each  of  the  townships  included  within  the  limits  of  Columbia 
County  is  as  follows  : 

Acres. 

Township  \^  north,  Range    6  east  (northeast  of  the  Wisconsin) 5,270.66 

Township  13  north,  Range    7  east  (north  of  the  Wisconsin) 19,990.69 

Township  13  north.  Range    8  east 22,160.66 

Township  13  north.  Range    9  east  (west  of  Fox  River) 10.158.58 

Township  13  north.  Range    9  east  (east  of  Fox  River) 12,826.0.3 

Township  13  north.  Range  10  east 22,863.92 

Township  13  north,  Range  11  east 22,784.51 

Township  13  north,  Range  12  east 23,149.18 

Township  12  north,  Range    8  east  (north  of  the  Wisconsin) 2,699.32 

Township  12  north,  Kange    8  east  (south  of  the  Wisconsin) 18,864.46 

Township  12  north.  Range    9  east  (north  of  the  Wisconsin) 1,316.17 

Township  12  north,  Range    9  east  (south  and  west  of  the  Wisconsin) 5,860.71 

Townsliip  12  north.  Range    9  east  (east  of  the  Wisconsin) 13,128.51 

Township  12  north,  Range  10  east  25,931.61 

Township  12  north.  Range  11  east 26,123.98 

Township  12  north.  Range  12  east 23,085.13 

Township  11  north.  Range    8  east  (southeast  of  the  Wisconsin) 7,211,39 

Township  11  north,  Range    8  east  (northwest  of  the  Wisconsin) 14,056.64 

Township  11  north.  Range    9  east  (southeast  of  the  Wisconsin) 22,192.12 

Township  11  north,  Range    9  east  (northwest  of  the  Wisconsin) 344.28 

Township  11  north.  Range  10  east 22,971.67 

Township  11  north.  Range  11  east 22,909.04 

Township  11  north,  Range  12  east 23,134.52 

n 


364  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Acres, 

Township  10  north.  Range    6  east  (east  of  the  Wisconsin) 93.46 

Township  10  north,  Range    7  east 16,070.65 

Township  10  north,  Range    8  east 22,905.95 

Township  10  north,  Range    9  east 22,863.49 

Township  10  north.  Range  10  east 22,680.42 

Township  10  north,  Range  11  east 22,556.14 

Township  10  north.  Range  12  east 22,027.36 

The  town  lines  of  Newport,  Lewiston  and  so  much  of  Fort  Winnebago  as  lies  west  of  the 
Fox  River  were  surveyed  in  May,  1851,  by  George  R.  Stuntz  and  James  0.  Sargent.  This 
territory  was  surveyed  into  sections  and  quarter-sections  in  June,  July  and  August  of  the  same 
year,  by  Henry  S.  Howell.  The  town  lines  of  all  the  residue  of  the  county,  lying  east  and 
south  of  the  Wisconsin,  were  run  in  the  years  1832,  1833  and  1834,  by  John  Mullett  and  John 
Brink  ;  the  sections  and  quarter-sections  by  John  Mullett,  James  H.  Mullett  and  John  Brink. 
The  town  lines  of  Caledonia  were  run  by  William  A.  Burt,  in  1840,  and  John  Brink  and  J.  E, 
Whicher,  in  1845 ;  sections  and  quarter-sections  by  Alvin  Burt,  in  1842,  and  John  Brink, 
in  1845. 

UNITED    STATES    LAND    DISTRICTS. 

By  the  end  of  1833,  a  large  amount  of  the  public  land  in  Wisconsin,  south  and  east  of  the 
Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  had  been  surveyed ;  and  the  fact  being  reported  by  the  Surveyor 
General,  two  land  districts  were  erected  by  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  June  26,  1834.  These 
districts  embraced  all  the  land  north  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  west  of  Lake  Michigan,  south  and 
southeast  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  included  in  the  then  Territory  of  Michigan.  The 
area  was  then  divided  by  a  north  and  south  line,  drawn  from  the  base  line  to  the  Wisconsin 
River,  between  Ranges  8  and  9.  All  east  of  that  line  was  called  the  Green  Bay  Land  District ; 
all  west,  the  Wisconsin  Land  District.  A  land  office  of  the  eastern  district  was  established  at 
Green  Bay ;  of  the  western  district,  at  Mineral  Point. 

In  general  terms,  it  may  be  said  that  the  whole  of  the  present  county  of  Columbia  lying 
east  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  and  east  of  the  range  line  between  Ranges  8  and 
9,  fell  into  the  Green  Bay  District ;  while  so  much  as  lay  east  of  the  Wisconsin,  but 
west  of  the  range  line  just  mentioned,  was  in  the  Wisconsin  District.  But  to  be  more 
specific,  it  may  be  said  that,  beginning  at  a  point  on  the  Fox  Rjver  where  the  north  line  of  the 
county  crosses  that  stream,  and  running  thence  up  that  river  to  the  southeast  boundary  line  of 
what  was  known  as  the  "A.  Grignon  Claim"  (in  what  is  now  the  city  of  Portage);  thence 
along  that  boundary  line  to  the  Wisconsin  River ;  thence  down  the  last-mentioned  stream  to 
the  range  line  between  Ranges  8  and  9  east ;  thence  south  on  that  line  to  the  southern  boundary 
line  of  the  county ;  and  all  east  of  the  line  so  described,  lying  within  the  present  limits  of 
Columbia  County,  was  in  the  Green  Bay  Land  District — including  what  are  now  the  towns 
of  Randolph,  Courtland,  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbus  (with  the  site  of  the  city  of  Columbus), 
Hampden,  Otsego,  Springvale,  Scott,  Marcellon,  Wyocena,  Lowville,  Leeds,  Arlington,  all  of 
Dekorra  lying  in  Range  9  east.  Pacific,  so  much  of  the  city  of  Portage  as  lies  southeast  of  the 
"A.  Grignon  Claim,"  and  all  of  Fort  Winnebago  lying  east  of  the  Fox  River.  The  whole  of 
the  territory  of  the  present  towns  of  Lodi  and  West  Point,  and  so  much  of  Dekorra  as  lies 
southeast  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  in  Range  8  east,  were  in  the  AVisconsin  Land  District. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  towns  of  Lewiston.  Newport  and  Caledonia,  and  so  much  of  Fort 
Winnebago  as  lies  west  of  Fox  River,  together  with  the  "  A.  Grignon  Claim,"  and  all  of  the 
city  of  Portage  lying  northwest  of  it  and  south  of  the  Wisconsin,  were  not  included  in  either 
district,  being,  at  that  date,  unsurveyed  lands  of  the  Government,  or  owned  by  the  Indians,  or 
included  in  the  "A.  Grignon  Claim." 

Public  sales  of  the  surveyed  lands  in  the  two  districts  were  held  in  1835,  at  Green  Bay 
and  Mineral  Point ;  but  Andrew  Jackson,  then  President  of  the  United  States,  reserved  from 
sale,  Sections  2,  3,  4  and  9,  in  Township  12  north,  and  Sections  33,  34  and  35,  in  Township  13 
north  (both  townships  in  Range  9  east),  for  military  purposes,  these  sections  forming  a  tract 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  365 

near  the  center  of  which  was  Fort  Winnebago.  Except  these  reserved  sections,  all  of  the  land 
of  what  is  Columbia  County  at  the  present  time,  lying  east  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers, 
was  immediately  open  to  private  entry,  at  $1.25  per  acre,  after  the  land  sales  in  1835  at 
at  Green  Bay  and  5lineral  Point,  none  of  it  being  purchased  at  these  sales.  The  first  entry  was 
made  on  the  6th  day  of  June,  1886,  by  Wallace  Rowan,  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast 
quarter  of  Section  34,  in  Township  11  north,  of  Range  9  east,  being  forty  acres  in  what  is  now  the 
town  of  Dekorra,  near  the  village  of  Poynette.  Although  this  was  the  first  tract  regularly  entered 
at  the  land  office,  yet  a  patent  had  been  granted  as  early  as  the  12th  of  April,  1832,  by  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  for  648.82  acres,  to  Augustin  Gr.ignon  (the  "  A.  Grignon 
Claim"),  the  tract  lying  at  the  "portage"  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  wholly  within 
what  is  now  the  city  of  Portage,  in  Columbia  County.  This  was  what  was  known  as  a 
"French  claim,"  and  had  been  confirmed  previously  by  United  States  Commissioners  to 
Augustin  Grignon,  as  will  be  more  fully  explained  hereafter. 

By  an  Act  of  Congress  of  June  15,  1836,  the  Milwaukee  Land  District  was  erected  out 
of  the  southern  portion  of  the  Green  Bay  District,  including  all  the  land  lying  between 
Range  8  east  and  Lake  Michigan, bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Illinois  State  line  and  extending 
north  so  as  to  reach  to  and  include  the  tier  of  townships  numbered  10  north;  also  Townships 
11  and  12  north,  of  Ranges  21  and  22  east.  Of  course  in  this  new  district  fell  all  of  the  town- 
ships numbered  10  north,  in  Ranges,  9,  10,  11  and  12  east,  in  Columbia  County,  being  the 
territory  now  constituting  the  towns  of  Arlington,  Leeds,  Hampden  and  Columbus,  including 
the  city  of  Columbus.  The  land  ofiice  for  the  new  district  was  located  at  Milwaukee,  where  the 
first  public  sale  of  lands,  which  had  been  surveyed  after  the  other  lands  had  been  offered  at 
Green  Bay  and  Mineral  Point,  was  held.  This  was  in  the  spring  of  1839,  but  as  all  the  lands 
in  the  tier  of  townships  last  mentioned  had  been  offered  at  public  sale  in  Green  Bay  and 
Mineral  Point,  in  1835,  of  course  they  were  not  again  put  up  for  sale;  but  parties  now  desiring 
to  enter  lands  in  those  townships  had  to  go  to  Milwaukee  to  purchase  of  the  Government  instead 
of  Green  Bay  and  Mineral  Point  as  formerly. 

It  was  provided  in  the  act  of  Congress  creating  the  Green  Bay  and  Wisconsin  Land 
Districts,  that  they  should  embrace  the  country  north  of  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers  where 
the  Indian  title  to  the  same  had  become  extinguished.  On  the  1st  day  of  November,  1837, 
the  Winnebago  Indians  ceded  to  the  General  Government  all  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi 
River.  By  this  treaty,  the  United  States  came  into  possession  of  lands  north  of  the  Wisconsin, 
of  which  that  portion  lying  in  the  great  bend  of  that  river  (now  Caledonia,  Columbia  Co.),  was 
a  part;  so  this  territory  (with  much  other)  was  ordered  surveyed,  which  survey,  as  before 
stated,  was  finished  in  1845.  The  two  land  districts — the  Green  Bay  and  Wisconsin — were 
then  extended  north,  so  that  all  of  what  is  now  the  town  of  Caledonia,  lying  in  Range  9  east, 
and  so  much  of  the  city  of  Portage,  south  of  the  Wisconsin,  as  lies  in  that  range,  fell  into  the 
Green  Bay  Land  District,  while  all  that  is  now  in  that  town  lying  in  Range  8  east,  and  so  much 
of  the  city  of  Portage  south  of  the  Wisconsin,  as  lies  in  this  range,  fell  into  the  Wisconsin 
Land  District. 

The  Menomonee  Indians,  on  the  18th  day  of  October,  1848,  ceded  all  their  lands  in  Wis- 
consin to  the  United  States,  but  the  latter  did  not  come  into  possession  of  them  until  the  spring 
of  1851.  That  part  lying  in  Columbia  County — which  included  all  the  territory  of  the 
present  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  lying  west  of  the  Fox  River,  also  all  of  the  city  of  Portage 
lying  north  and  west  of  what  was  formerly  known  as  the  "A.  Grignon  Claim,"  together  with 
all  of  what  are  now  the  towns  of  Lewiston  and  Westport — was  surveyed  immediately  after, 
and  the  two  land  districts — the  Green  Bay  and  Wisconsin — again  extended  north,  so  that 
that  all  in  Range  9  east,  fell  into  the  Green  Bay  District,  and  all  in  Ranges  6,  7  and  8  east, 
into  the  Wisconsin  District.  The  whole  county  thus  came  to  be  included  in  the  Milwaukee, 
Green  Bay  and  Wisconsin  Land  Districts,  with  land  offices,  as  before  stated,  at  Milwaukee,  Green 
Bay  and  Mineral  Point,  where  lands  subject  to  entry  could  be  had  at  $1.25  an  acre. 


366  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

EARLY    GOVERNMENT    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY   TERRITORY. 

The  first  civilized  claimants  to  the  territory  now  included  within  the  boundaries  of  Wis- 
consin were  the  French.  The  whole  of  the  Northwest  was  claimed  by  France  from  1671  to 
1763,  when  it  was  surrendered  to  the  British.  By  the  "  Quebec  Act "  of  177-i,  all  of  this 
region  was  placed  under  the  local  administration  of  Canada.  It  was,  however,  practically  put 
under  a  despotic  military  rule,  and  so  continued  until  possession  passed  to  the  United  States. 
Before  the  last-mentioned  event,  and  during  and  after  the  Revolution,  the  conflicting  claims  of 
Virginia,  New  York,  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  to  portions  of  the  country,  were  relin- 
quished to  the  General  Government.  All  these  claims  were  based  upon  supposed  chartered  rights, 
Virginia  adding  to  hers  the  right  of  conquest,  as  she  contended,  of  the  "  Illinois  country,"  dur- 
ing the  Revolution.  As  early  as  October,  1778,  Virginia  declared,  by  an  act  of  her  General 
Assembly,  that  all  the  citizens  of  that  commonwealth  who  were  then  settled  or  should  there- 
after settle,  on  the  western  side  of  the  Ohio,  should  be  included  in  a  distinct  county,  which 
should  be  called  Illinois.  No  Virginians  were  then  settled  as  far  north  as  the  southern  boun- 
dary line  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  and,  as  none  thereafter  located  so  f;ir  north  before  Virginia 
relinquished  to  the  United  States  all  her  rights  to  territory  on  the  western  and  northern  side  of 
the  Ohio,  it  follows  that  no  part  of  the  territory  which  afterward  became  Wisconsin  was  ever 
included  in  Illinois  County  as  a  part  of  Virginia  ;  nor  did  the  last-mentioned  State  ever  exer- 
cise any  jurisdiction  over  the  territory  of  this  State,  or  make  claim  to  any  part  of  it  by  right  of 
conquest.    Wisconsin  was  never  a  part  of  Virginia. 

Notwithstanding  the  passage  of  the  ordinance  of  1787,  establishing  a  government  over  the 
territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River,  which  territory  was  acquired  by  the  treaty  of  178-3  from 
Great  Britain,  possession  only  was  obtained  by  the  United  States  of  the  southern  portion,  the 
northern  part  being  held  by  the  British  Government  until  17U6.  Arthur  St.  Clair,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1790,  exercising  the  functions  of  Governor,  and  having  previously  organized  a  government 
for  the  country  under  the  ordinance  above  mentioned,  established  in  what  is  now  the  State  of 
Illinois,  a  county  which  was  named  St.  Clair.  But,  as  this  county  only  extended  north  "  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Little  Mackinaw  Creek,  on  the  Illinois,"  it  did  not  include,  of  course,  any  part  of 
the  present  State  of  Wisconsin,  although  being  the  nearest  approach  thereto  of  any  organized 
county  up  that  date. 

In  1796,  Wayne  County  was  organized,  which  was  made  to  include,  beside  much  other  ter- 
ritory, iill  of  what  is  now  Wisconsin  watered  by  streams  flowing  into  Lake  Michigan.  This 
brought  so  much  of  the  territory  of  the  present  Columbia  County  into  the  county  of  Wayne 
as  is  watered  by  the  Fox  River  ;  that  is  to  say,  the  whole  of  what  are  now  the  towns  of  Scott, 
Marcellon  and  Winnebago,  and  a  large  part  of  the  present  town  of  Lewiston.  From  1800  to 
1809,  what  are  now  the  limits  of  Columbia  County  were  within  the  Territory  of  Indiana  and 
in  the  year  last  mentioned  passed  into  the  Territory  of  Illinois.  It  is  probable  that  Indiana 
Territory  exercised  jurisdiction  over  what  is  now  Wisconsin,  at  least  to  the  extent  of  appointing 
two  Justices  of  the  Peace,  one  for  Green  Bay  and  one  for  Prairie  du  Chien.  In  the  year  1809, 
the  Illinois  Territorial  Government  commissioned  three  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  two  militia 
oflBcers  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  the  county  of  St.  Clair  having  previously  been  extended  so  as  to 
include  that  point,  and  probably  Green  Bay,  thereby  bringing  into  its  jurisdiction  what  is  now 
Columbia  County.  In  the  course  of  time,  other  Illinois  counties  had  jurisdiction,  until,  in  1818, 
what  is  now  Wisconsin  became  a  portion  of  Michigan  Territory. 

By  a  proclamation  of  Lewis  Cass,  Governor  of  Michigan  Territory,  of  October  26,  1818, 
Brown  and  Crawford  Counties  weie  organized.  The  county  of  Brown  originally  comprised  all 
of  what  is  now  Wisconsin  east  of  a  line  passing  north  and  south  through  the  middle  of  the 
portage  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  except  a  small  portion  of  the  Door  County 
peninsula,  which  was  included  in  the  county  of  Michilimackinac.  The  limits  of  the  county 
extended  north  into  the  territory  of  the  present  State  of  Michigan  so  far  that  its  north  line  ran 
due  west  from  the  head  of  Noquet  Bay.     An  east  and  west  line,  passing  near  the  northern 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  367 

limits  of  the  present  county  of  Barron,  separated  the  county  of  Crawford  from  the  county  of 
Michilimackinac  on  the  north  ;  on  the  east,  it  was  bounded  by  the  county  of  Brown  ;  on  the 
south,  by  the  State  of  Illinois,  and  on  the  west,  by  the  Mississippi  River.  The  present  county 
of  Columbia  was  thus  included  in  both  the  counties  of  Brown  and  Crawford.  By  an  act  of  the 
Legislative  Council  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  approved  October  29,  1829,  to  take  effect  the 
1st  of  January  following,  the  county  of  Iowa  was  established,  embracing  all  the  pi'esent  State 
of  Wisconsin  south  of  the  Wisconsin  River  and  west  of  Rjown  County ;  in  other  words,  it 
included  the  whole  of  what  was  previously  Crawford  County  lying  south  of  the  Wisconsin 
River.  What  is  now  Columbia  County  was  thereby  included  in  portions  of  Brown,  Crawford 
and  Iowa  Counties.  On  the  6th  of  September,  1834,  the  county  of  Milwaukee  was  set  off 
from  Brown  County,  embracing  all  of  the  last- mentioned  county  south  of  a  line  drawn  between 
Townships  11  and  12,  in  all  the  ranges  east  of  Range  9.  Columbia,  as  at  present  constituted, 
embraces  portions  of  what  was  then  Brown,  Crawford  and  Milwaukee  Counties. 

In  general  termsj  all  that  portion  of  Columbia  now  lying  west  and  north  of  the  Wisconsin 
River  was  then  a  part  of  Crawford  County  ;  that  part  lying  south  of  that  stream  was  a  part  of 
Iowa  County,  and  all  the  residue  was  a  part  of  Brown  County,  except  the  territory  now  consti- 
tuting the  towns  of  Lowville,  Leeds,  Hampden,  Otsego,  Fountain  Prairie  and  Columbus,  which 
then  was  a  part  of  Milwaukee  County. 

By  an  act  of  the  Territorial  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  approved  December  7,  1836,  Town- 
ship numbered  10  north,  in  Range  6  east  (now  wholly  included  in  Sauk  County) ;  Township 
10,  in  Range  7  (now  a  portion  of  the  town  of  Merrimack,  in  Sauk,  and  of  West  Point,  in 
Columbia) ;  Townships  10  and  11,  in  Range  8  (now  portions  of  the  towns  of  Caledonia,  Dekorra 
and  West  Point  and  the  whole  of  Lodi,  in  Columbia);  Townships  10,  11,  12  and  13,  in  Ranges 
9,  10,  11,  12  and  13  east  (now  including  the  towns  of  Fort  Winnebago,  Pacific,  Arlington,  Leeds, 
Lowville,  Wyocena,  Marcellon,  Scott,  Springvale,  Otsego,  Hampden,  Columbus,  Fountain  Prairie, 
Courtland  and  Randolph  ;  a  large  portion  of  Dekorra  and  a  small  part  of  Caledonia,  as  well  as 
most  of  the  city  of  Portage,  in  Columbia  County,  and  the  towns  of  Fox  Lake,  Westford,  Cala- 
mus and  Elba,  in  Dodge  County),  were  constituted  a  separate  county  and  named  Portage,  the 
county  seat  being  "established  at  the  town  of  Winnebago."  It  will  be  seen,  therefore,  that 
very  nearly  the  present  territory  of  the  county  of  Columbia  was,  in  1836,  established  as  Portage 
County.     It  was,  at  the  same  time,  attached  to  Brown  County  for  judicial  purposes. 

During  the  legislative  session  of  1837-38,  the  four  townships  on  the  east — that  is,  those 
numbered  10,  11,  12  and  13,  in  Range  13,  were  detached  from  Portage  and  made  a  part  of 
Dodge  County.  This  change  left  the  county,  except  most  of  that  lying  north  of  the  Wisconsin 
River,  identical  with  the  present  county  of  Columbia.  Sauk  County  having  been  formed  in 
January,  1840,  taking  a  township  and  a  fraction  from  Portage  County,  left  the  latter  with  terri- 
tory equivalent  to  about  eighteen  townships  until  February  18,  1841,  when  a  large  addition  was 
made  upon  the  north,  comprising  all  of  the  area  in  ranges  from  Nos.  2  to  9,  inclusive,  com- 
mencing with  Township  14  north,  and  extending  to  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Territory  of 
Wisconsin,  with  the  slight  exception  of  fractional  Townships  14  and  15,  in  Range  9.  The 
whole  was  then  attached  to  Dane  County  for  judicial  purposes. 

An  election  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  for  county  government  was  authorized  to  be  held 
on  the  fourth  Monday  of  March,  1841.  Returns  of  this  election  were  to  be  made  to  the  Clerk 
of  Dane  County,  and  the  county  officers  elected  were  to  hold  their  offices  at  "  Wisconsin  Port- 
tage."  The  voting- places  of  the  several  election  precincts  were  established  at  the  Franklin 
House,  in  Portage ;  Stevens'  Mills,  at  Big  Bull  Falls ;  at  the  house  of  E.  Bloomer,  at  Grand 
Rapids ;  at  the  house  of  Abraham  Brawley,  on  Mill  Creek,  and  at  Dickason  &  Stroud's  mills, 
on  Crawfish  River.  The  people  having  neglected  to  hold  this  election,  the  Legislature  passed  a 
special  "Relief  Act,"  on  the  9th  of  February,  1842,  authorizing  the  Sheriff  of  Dane  County 
to  call  an  election  of  county  officers  in  Portage  County  on  the  fourth  Monday  in  March,  1842, 
to  hold  office  until  the  first  Monday  in  January,  1843.  By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  approved 
May  31,  1844,  Portage  was  authorized  to  organize  with  all  county  privileges,  and  was  assigned 


368  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

as  a  portion  of  the  Second  Judicial  District.  On  the  18th  day  of  April  of  the  same  year,  the 
people  voted  to  accept  the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  also  voted  on  the  location  of  a  county  seat. 
The  north  end  of  the  county  triumphed,  and  Plover  became  the  county  seat,  instead  of  the 
other  contestant,  Fort  Winnebago,  at  the  Wisconsin  portage.  The  first  election  of  county 
officers  occurred  on  the  fourth  Monday  of  September,  1844.  There  were  then  elected,  as 
County  Commissioners,  Mathias  Mitchell,  Benjamin  F.  Berry  and  Luther  Houghton ;  Nelson 
Strong  was  elected  Sheriif;  Joha  Batten,  Treasurer;  George  Wyatt,  Circuit  Clerk,  County 
Clerk  and  Register  of  Deeds.  The  first  terra  of  the  Circuit  Court  was  held  at  Plover  on  the 
first  Monday  of  April,  184.5.  It  was  thus  that,  finally,  the  county  of  Portage  was  fully  organ- 
ized ;  but,  as' all  of  what  afterward  became  Columbia  was  included  within  its  limits,  it  was,  at  the 
same  time,  virtually  an  organization  of  the  last-mentioned  county — that  is  to  say,  all  the  people 
living  within  the  limits  of  what  afterward  became  Columbia  County  were  enjoying  the  blessings 
of  a  county  government,  but  it  was  Portage  County  in  which  they  lived. 

"  A  very  few  af  the  pioneers  in  this  vicinity,"  says  a  resident  of  what  is  now  the  city  of 
Columbus,  "  came  together  in  an  informal  manner  in  1844,  and  cast  their  ballots  at  the  election 
which  sent  James  Duane  Doty  as  a  delegate  to  Washington  from  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  ; 
but  the  first  election  in  this  part  of  the  territory  which  at  all  approached  a  regular  canvass  was 
in  September,  184.5. 

"  Columbia  County  was  not  organized,  and  there  was  not  an  organized  township  within  its 
present  area.  It  was  a  portion  of  Portage  County,  with  its  county  seat  at  Plover  Portage,  14-5 
miles  away.  With  unimportant  exceptions,  the  area  west  of  the  Mississippi  River  and  north 
to  Lake  Superior  was  a  vast  wild,  into  whose  forest  and  over  whose  prairies  the  dawn  of  civili- 
zation had  not  begun  to  break. 

"  The  only  subdivisions  of  the  present  county  was  then  in  three  election  precincts,  known 
as  Dekorra,  the  Fort  Winnebago  and  the  Columbus  Precincts.  The  latter  comprised  the  pres- 
ent townships  of  Randolph,  Courtland,  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbus,  Hampden.  Otsego,  Spring- 
vale  and  Scott,  and  including  an  area  twenty -four  miles  long  and  twelve  wide.  The  only  offi- 
cers of  any  kind  within  a  precinct  were  the  Judges  of  Election,  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Over- 
seer of  Highways — the  system  of  County  Commissioners  then  prevailing. 

"  The  election  at  this  time  was  for  members  of  Assembly  to  the  Territorial  Legislature, 
composed  of  a  Council  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  including  that  year  only  thirteen 
members  in  the  former  body  and  thirteen  in  the  latter.  The  Assembly  district  then  included 
the  counties  of  Brown,  Calumet,  Fond  du  Lac,  Manitowoc,  Marquette,  Portage,  Sheboygan  and 
Winnebago,  and  the  area  then  reached  to  the  Mississippi  and  Superior,  and  embraced  almost  all 
the  civilization  in  Wisconsin  to  the  west,  northwest  and  northeast  of  us.  Tim  Burns  had  not 
discovered  La  Crosse,  and  little  attempt  had  been  made  at  settlement  beyond  the  lumber  dis- 
trict of  the  Wisconsin  River. 

"  The  district  was  represented  by  three  members,  all  of  whom  seem  to  have  been  voted  for 
by  every  elector.  The  only  contest  in  this  locality  seems  to  have  been  between  Stodard  Judd, 
the  Whig  candidate,  then  a  resident  of  Green  Bay,  and  Abram  Brawley,  Democrat,  then  living 
at  Grand  Rapids,  in  Portage  County.  Judd  had  just  been  removed  by  President  Tyler  from 
the  position  of  Receiver  of  the  Land  Office  at  Green  Bay.  Thus,  one  of  the  candidates  lived 
on  the  head-waters  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  the  other  on  the  head-waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence. 
A  trackless  wilderness  lay  between  them,  and  they  were  practically  at  least  200  miles  apart, 
as  the  only  communication  between  Green  Bay  and  Grand  Rapids  was  by  the  Wisconsin  and 
Fox  Rivers. 

"  In  this  precinct,  the  Judges  of  that  election  were  Jeremiah  Drake,  of  Columbus  :  Asa 
Proctor,  father  of  W.  A.  Proctor,  and  James  C.  Carr,  the  two  latter  from  the  prairie,  after- 
ward erected  into  the  township  of  Fountain  Prairie.  The  Clerks  of  Election  were  W.  W. 
Drake  and  John  Quincy  Adams. 

"  The  chief  local  issues  at  that  time  were  whether  the  present  area  of  Columbia  should 
be  erected  into  a  county  or  not,  the  people  in  this   vicinity  being  in  favor  of   this  change. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  369 

and  the  residents  of  other  localities  opposing  any  subdivisions.  Judd  promised  our  people 
to  use  his  influence  to  secure  the  new  county,  and  received  nearly  all  the  votes  in  this  pre- 
cinct and  in  the  Dekorra  and  Fort  Winnebago  Precincts.  But,  as  the  record  shows,  Brawley 
was  elected.  About  fifty  votes  were  polled  in  this  precinct,  and  about  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  in  the  area  of  this  county.  The  year  previous,  Maj.  Dickason  had  made  a  claim  of  Wyo- 
cena,  and  was  then  living  there.  The  pretty  name  of  Wyocena  was  then  unadopted,  and 
that  region  was  then  called  Duck  Creek,  from  the  stream  on  which  the  Major's  cabin  stood. 
Under  the  law,  a  man  could  vote  in  any  part  of  a  district  for  which  the  ofiicer  voted  for  was 
elected,  and  the  Major  came  down  to  Columbus  and  cast  his  ballot  here.  Judd  had  been 
canvassing  his  district,  and  had  come  down  from  Green  Bay  to  Fox  Lake,  through  to  Portage 
and  so  up  the  Wisconsin  to  Grand  Rapids,  to  the  home  of  his  competitor.  He  reached  Maj. 
Dickason's  cabin,  on  his  retui-n,  on  the  day  previous  to  the  election,  and  came  to  Columbus 
with  the  Major,   and  was  here  during  the  election. 

"  The  next  day,  John  Quincy  Adams  started  with  the  returns  of  the  election  to  carry 
them  to  Plover,  the  county  seat.  He  went  with  the  Major  as  far  as  Wyocena,  the  latter  being 
on  foot,  and  Mr.  Adams  mounted  on  a  ponv.  This  was  Mr.  Adams'  first  experience  of  the 
pioneer  mode  of  traveling — '  ride  and  tie,'  as  it  was  called.  One  rode  a  couple  of  miles  or 
more,  tied  his  'horse  to  a  blazed  tree  and  walked  on  along  the  trail  until  he  was  overtaken 
and  passed,  and  afterward  came  up  with  the  horse,  tied  and  waiting  for  him.  This  was  not 
a  sociable  fashion  of  journeying,  and  often  the  party  overtaken  would  trot  along  beside  his 
mounted  friend,  to  get  a  few  minutes'  chat.  Adams  broke  bread  that  afternoon  at  the 
Major's  cabin,  reached  Fort  Winnebago  at  nightfall  and  stopped  at  the  old  Franklin  House, 
with  Capt.  Low.  The  present  site  of  Portage  was  merely  an  Indian  camping-ground,  and  the 
only  settlement  was  at  Fort  Winnebago. 

"  One  day  on  the  trail  satisfied  Mr.  Adams  that  it  was  hardly  worth  while  for  him  to 
make  a  pilgrimage  of  100  miles  more  to  carry  the  returns  of  50  votes,  and  he  handed  over  his 
papers  to  Charles  Temple,  who  was  going  with  the  returns  of  the  Winnebago  Precinct. 
Some  idea  of  the  distance  to  the  county  seat  at  Plover  may  be  formed  from  Esquire  Top- 
lifF's  experiences.  He,  with  two  other  residents  of  Columbus,  were  drawn  as  jurors,  and  it 
took  them,  as  the  country  was,  four  days  to  go  and  four  days  to  return,  and  they  did  duty 
as  jurors  exactly  two  days. 

COLUMBIA    COUNTY    ON    EARLY   MAPS. 

As  early  as  the  year  1632,  Samuel  Champlain,  then  at  Quebec,  drew  a  map  of  the  Valley 
of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  of  the  region  of  the  Upper  Lakes — the  firfet  attempt  of  the  kind.  His 
delineations  of  the  country  to  the  westward  and  northwestward  of  Lake  Huron,  were  wholly 
from  Indian  reports.  Upon  this  map.  Fox  River  is  placed  to  the  north  of  Lake  Superior  and 
the  Wisconsin  is  rudely  given  as  leading  into  a  northern  sea.  There  i  is  a  narrow  space  between 
the  two  rivers  and  possibly  it  had  been  described  to  him  by  the  savages. 

But  the  first  map  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  and  the  portage,  made  with  any  degree 
of  accuracy,  was  by  Father  James  Marquette,  who  accompanied  Louis  JoUiet  up  the  first-men- 
tioned stream  and  down  the  last,  in  1673.  The  portage  i^  distinctly  traced  and  the  general 
course  of  the  two  rivers  given.  Other  maps  were  published  at  subsequent  periods  down  to  1768 
when  the  one  by  J.  Carver  appeared  attached  to  his  "Travels."  This  one  is,  considering  the 
circumstances  under  which  it  was  made,  exceedingly  creditable.  It  locates  the  "carrying 
place" — the  portage — and  has  a  representation  of  Swan  Lake,  besides  a  pretty  accurate  delin- 
ation  of  the  Baraboo  River.  On  the  south  side  of  Lake  Puckaway  is  the  Winnebago  Upper 
Town  and  on  Sauk  Prairie,  down  the  Wisconsin  is  located  the  "  Saukies  Chief  Town."  The 
portage,  then,  in  1766,  was  about  the  boundary  line  between  the  Sacs  upon  the  Wisconsin  and 
the  Winnebagoes  upon  the  Fox  River.  But,  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  the  latter  tribe  took 
the  place  of  the  former  as  already  mentioned. 

In  1830,  John  Farmer,  of  Detroit,  published  a  "  Map  of  the  Territories  of  Michigan  and 
Ouisconsin."     Fort  Winnebago  appears  as  if  situated  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin,  while 


370 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


"  Roi's"  (Le  Roy's)  house  occupies  the  site  where  the  fort  was,  in  fact,  located — that  is,  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Fox.  Pauquette's  place  is  designated  farther  down  the  last-mentioned 
stream,  but  on  the  west  side.  The  Baraboo  River  is  noted  as  "  Bonibau's  Creek,"  while  Duck 
Creek  appears  by  its  proper  name,  but  in  French — "Riviere  aux  Canards."  Neenah  Creek  is 
put  down  as  "The  Fork" — of  the  Fox.  Winnebago  villages  are  represented  down  the  Fox 
and  the  Wisconsin,  and  upon  the  Baraboo,  but  none  so  near  the  "  Portage  of  the  Ouisconsin  "  as 
to  bring  them  within  what  are  now  the  boundaries  of  Columbia  County.  About  fifteen  miles 
south  of  the  carrying  place,  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin,  another  portage  is  noted  between 
a  creek  flowing  into  the  last-mentioned  river  and  one  flowing  into  Lake  Mendota  (Fourth 
Lake).     This  portage  is  put  down  as  being  only  200  yards  across. 

Farmer's  revised  map  of  1836  correctly  puts  the  territory  now  constituting  Columbia 
County,  in  the  four  counties  of  Crawford,  Iowa,  Brown  and  Milwaukee — the  latter  printed 
"  Milwalky."  Fort  Winnebago  appears  in  its  correct  position  on  the  east  side  of  the  Fox 
River,  and  there  is  but  one  road  represented  as  leading  from  it — the  old  military  road. 

The  first  "Map  of  Wiskonsin  Territory,  Compiled  from  Public  Surveys,"  contains  a  repre- 
sentation of  so  much  of  the  present  Columbia  County  as  lies  east  of  Fox  and  Wisconsin 
Rivers — then  a  part  of  Portage  County.  Fort  Winnebago  is  correctly  located  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Fox  River,  and  the  Grignon  tract,  properly  delineated,  occupies  the  space  between  the 
two  rivers ;  but  the  proposed  canal  runs  from  the  outlet  of  Swan  Lake  to  the  point  on  Duck 
Creek  where  the  stream  is  crossed  by  the  main  road  leading  south  from  Fort  Winnebago. 
This  road  continues  on  to  "  Pauquette,"  afterward  called  Poynette,  then  in  a  southwesterly  direc- 
tion toward  the  Blue  Mounds.  Duck  Creek  appears  as  "  Wauonah  River  "  ;  Rock  Run,  as  "  Tay- 
nah  River  ;  "  and  Spring  Creek  as  "  Ockee  River."  "  Pauquette  ""is  a  small  village  ;  a  larger  one 
is  "  Ida,"  on  the  north  side  of  Swan  Lake  ;  and  a  still  larger  one  is  "  Dekorra,"  on  the  Wisconsin. 
A  road  leads  out  of  "  Dekorra  "  due  east,  and  then  branches — one  branch  continues  the  same 
direction  to  "  Hochimgra  "  (Winnebago),  now  Horicon,  Dodge  County.  The  other  branch  takes  a 
northeasterly  direction  to  the  south  side  of  Fox  Lake,  where  was  then  the  village  of  "  Waushara." 
and  thence  on  to  Fond  du  Lac.  A  revised  map  by  the  same  compiler  restores  the  name  Duck 
Creek  and  omits  any  names  for  what  are  now  Rocky  Run  and  Spring  Creek.  As  both  these 
maps  have  the  county  of  Portage  marked  upon  them,  they  must  have  been  published  after  the 
"setting  off"  of  that  county  by  the  Territorial  Legislature. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  371 


CHAPTER  lY. 

First  Settler  in  the  County— Pioneer  Life— Organization  of  the  County— Establishing 
THE  County  Seat— First  and  Second  Census— Early  Highways— Territorial  Dis- 
trict Court  and  State  Circuit  Coitrt- Territorial,  State  and  Congressional 
Representation— Photographing  the  Pioneers. 

first  settler  in  the  county. 

•The  first  settler  in  what  is  now  Columbia  County  was  Wallace  Rowan.  On  the  6th  day  of 
June,  1836,  he  entered,  at  the  Green  Bay  Land  Office,  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast 
quarter  of  Section  34,  Township  11  north,  of  Range  9  east,  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Dekorra, 
adjoining  the  village  of  Poynette.  This  was  the  first  land  entered  in  the  county,  but  it  was 
then  Brown  County,  in  Michigan  Territory ;  afterward  Brown  County,  Wisconsin  Territory  : 
subsequently  Portage  County,  Wisconsin  Territory  ;  then  Columbia  County,  Wisconsin  Terri- 
tory ;  finally,  Columbia  County,  State  of  Wisconsin,  and  so  it  remains.  He  moved  from  Dane 
County  to  his  forty  acres  in  what  is  now  Columbia  County.  "  I  was  at  his  house,"  says  Moses 
M.  Strong,  "on  the  19th  day  of  February,  1837,  and  there  was  no  appearance  of  his  having 
just  arrived  there."  He  was  living  in  a  log  house,  built  by  himself,  on  his  own  land,  and  he 
went  there  to  stay.  There  was  no  other  settler  (as  the  term  "  settler  "  is  usually  understood), 
within  the  limits  of  what  is  now  Columbia  County,  so  early  as  Rowan. 

Rowan's  house  was  a  double  log  tenement,  built  for  the  purpose  of  trafiicking  with  the 
Indians,  and  as  a  house  of  entertainment  for  travelers.  It  was  on  the  military  road  that  ran 
from  Prairie  du  Chien  by  the  way  of  Fort  Winnebago,  to  Fort  Howard.  On  this  highway,  there 
was  considerable  travel  for  a  number  of  years.  Rowan's  tavern  was  a  little  south  of  what  is 
now  Dole's  mill,  near  a  large  spring.  Rowan  was  a  kind-hearted  man,  perfectly  honest,  one 
in  whom  you  would  at  first  sight  be  persuaded  you  could  put  confidence.  His  wife,  though  not 
so  refined  as  her  husband,  was  equal  to  him  in  kindness  to  travelers  and  friends.  Rowan  was  a 
man  of  medium  height,  rather  thin  in  flesh  and  of  a  somewhat  dark  complexion.  He  had  great 
conversational  powers,  was  very  social,  and  took  great  pains  to  make  everybody  who  stopped  with 
him  as  comfortable  as  his  situation  would  permit.  He  carried  on  a  small  farm  at  the  same  time, 
raising  corn,  potatoes,  oats,  and  the  very  best  kinds  of  vegetables.  He  had  a  large  family  of 
children.  His  oldest  daughter  Mr.  Rowan  always  called  "  Ducky."  She  was  a  splendid  girl — 
handsome,  smart  and  well-behaved.  His  second  daughter  was  called  "  Pop."  Rowan  also  kept 
a  trading-house  at  Portage  City,  in  1838.  In  1840,  with  a  man  by  the  name  of  Wood,  he  made 
a  claim  on  the  Baraboo  River.     They  built  a  saw-mill  just  at  the  upper  end  of  Baraboo  Village. 

They  supplied  the  lumber  that  was  used  in  building  up  the  village,  and  rafted  lumber  down 
the  river,  which  was  so  crooked  that  it  caused  them  a  good  deal  of  trouble  to  reach  the  Wiscon- 
sin. In  1842,  Rowan  left  Columbia  County  and  took  his  family  with  him  to  Baraboo.  He 
soon  after  died.  His  beautiful  daughter  quickly  followed  her  father  to  the  grave,  and  then  the 
mother. 

Rowan  and  his  wife  were  from  the  State  of  Indiana,  as  is  understood  by  a  remark  made  by 
Mrs.  Rowan,  who,  when  asked  to  what  tribe  she  belonged,  answered,  "  Gol  darn  it,  I  don't 
belong  to  no  tribe  ;  I  am  from  Indianer.^' 

There  have  been  many  stories  told  of  Rowan's  Hotel.  An  old  settler  relates  this  one : 
"  I  arrived  there  in  1837,  at  about  11  o'clock  P.  M.,  on  horseback.  The  hostler,  a  French- 
man, was  yet  up,  making  fires  to  keep  those  comfortable  who  were  sleeping  on  the  floor.  After 
taking  care  of  my  horse,  I  went  into  the  house.  There  was  a  good  fire,  and  the  floor  was  cov- 
ered with  men,  sleeping.     I  asked  the  French  hostler  for  something  to  eat ;  so  he  went  into  the 


37-2  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTr. 

kitchen  and  brought  me  a  whole  duck  and  two  potatoes.  He  said  that  was  all  he  could  find 
cooked.  After  eating,  I  felt  like  lying  down.  He  pointed  to  a  place  between  two  men.  I  took 
my  blanket  and  crowded  myself  into  it.  Next  morning,  the  teamsters  got  up  to  feed  their  teams, 
and,  in  taking  out  their  corn,  they  scattered  some  inside  and  outside  the  house.  James  Duane 
Doty  (afterward  Governor)  was  lying  next  to  the  door,  in  his  robes ;  I  was  next  to  him.  in  my 
blanket.  A  lean,  long  old  sow  found  the  corn  that  the  teamsters  had  scattered  outside  the 
door.  This  encouraged  her  to  follow  up  the  corn  that  was  scattered  inside.  Finding  some 
amongst  Doty's  robes,  she  put  her  nose  under  him  and  rolled  him  over,  when  he  exclaimed : 
'  Landlord  !  Landlord  !  you  must  postpone  my  breakfast  for  some  time,  as  I  have  not  yet  got 
rested.'  Instead  of  the  landlord  disturbing  him,  it  was  the  old  sow.  Then  I  heard  some  curious 
noise  outside,  which  kept  me  awake  ;  so  I  got  up,  and  found  that  the  noise  was  created  by  a 
modern  grist-mill,  erected  in  front  of  the  door,  for  grinding  corn  into  meal.  A  pestle  hung  to 
the  end  of  a  spring-pole  ;  there  was  a  mortar  made  by  burning  out  a  hollow  in  the  top  of  a 
stump.  We  all  of  us  had  the  first  mess  made  out  of  this  mill,  and  you  could  compare  it  to 
nothing  but  the  fine  siftings  of  stonecoal,  such  as  you  find  in  a  blacksmith-shop.  We  had  good 
coffee  and  plenty  of  honey.      We  all  made  a  hearty  breakfast,  and  were  thankful  for  it." 

PIONEER    LIFE. 

Records  of  the  olden  time  are  interesting,  and  they  are  not  without  their  lessons  of  instruc- 
tion. By  the  light  of  the  past  we  follow  in  the  footprints  of  the  adventurous  and  enterprising 
pioneer.  We  see  him,  as  it  were,  amid  the  labors  and  struggles  necessary  to  convert  the  wilder- 
ness into  a  fruitful  field.  We  sit  by  his  cabin  fire,  partaking  of  his  homely  and  cheerfully 
granted  fare,  and  listen  to  the  accounts  which  he  is  pleased  to  give  us  of  frontier  life,  and  of  the 
dangers,  trials,  hardships  and  sufferings  of  himself  and  others  in  their  efforts  to  make  for  them- 
selves homes  in  regions  remote  from  civilization,  and  unexplored  hitherto,  save  by  wandering 
Indians  and  wild  beasts.  Through  these  ancient  records  we  make  our  way  along  to  the  present. 
From  small  beginnings,  we  come  to  the  mighty  achievements  of  industry,  the  complex  results 
of  daring  enterprise,  subduing  and  creative  energy,  and  untiring  perseverance. 

Following  on  in  the  path  of  progress  and  improvement,  we  see  once  waste  places  rejoicing 
under  the  kindly  care  of  the  husbandman ;  beautiful  farms,  with  all  the  fixtures  and  appurten- 
ances necessary  to  make  the  tillers  of  the  soil  and  their  families  contented  and  happy,  are 
spread  out  before  us ;  villages  and  cities  have  arisen  as  if  by  magic,  and  by  hundreds,  thousands 
and  tens  of  thousands  human  souls  are  congregated  within  their  precincts ;  the  mart  of  trade 
and  traffic,  and  the  workshop  of  the  artisan  are  thronged;  common  schools,  academies  and  col- 
leges have  sprung  up ;  young  and  ardent  minds — children  of  the  rich  and  poor — may  press 
forward  together  in  the  acquisition  of  science ;  churches  are  built,  and  a  Christian  ministry  is 
sustained  for  the  inculcation  of  religious  sentiments  and  the  promotion  of  piety,  virtue  and 
moral  goodness ;  the  press  is  established,  whence  floods  of  light  and  glory  may  emanate  for  the 
instruction  and  benefit  of  all ;  railroads  are  built  to  bring  the  products  of  every  clime  and  the 
people  from  afar  to  our  doors  ;  and  the  telegraph,  "  upon  the  lightning's  wing,"  carries  messages 
far  and  near.  Let  the  records  of  the  olden  time  be  preserved ;  in  after  years  our  children,  and 
our  children's  children,  will  look  over  them  with  pleasure  and  profit. 

The  first  important  business  of  the  pioneer  settler,  upon  his  arrival  in  Columbia  County, 
was  to  build  a  house.  Until  this  was  done,  he  had  to  camp  on  the  ground  or  live  in  his  wagon — 
perhaps  the  only  shelter  he  had  known  for  weeks.  So  tlie  prospect  for  a  house,  which  was  also 
to  be  a  home,  was  one  that  gave  courage  to  the  rough  toil,  and  added  a  zest  to  the  heavy  labors. 
The  style  of  a  home  entered  very  little  into  his  thoughts — it  was  shelter  he  wanted,  and  protec- 
tion from  stress  of  weather  and  wearing  exposures.  The  poor  settler  had  neither  the  money  nor 
the  mechanical  appliances  for  building  himself  a  house.  He  was  content,  in  most  instances,  to 
have  a  mere  cabin  or  hut.  Some  of  the  most  primitive  constructions  of  this  kind  were  half- 
faced,  or,  as  they  were  sometimes  called,  "  cat-faced,"  sheds  or  '' wike-ups,"  the  Indian  term  for 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  373 

house  or  tent.  It  is  true,  a  "  claim  "  cabin  was  a  little  more  in  the  shape  of  a  human  habita- 
tion, made,  as  it  was,  of  round  logs,  light  enough  for  two  or  three  men  to  lay  up,  about  fourteen 
feet  square — perhaps  a  little  larger  or  smaller — roofed  with  bark  or  clapboards,  and  floored  with 
puncheons  (logs  split  once  in  two,  and  the  flat  side  laid  up),  or  with  earth.  For  a  fire-place,  a 
wall  of  stones  and  earth — frequently  the  latter  only,  when  stone  was  not  convenient — was 
made,  in  the  best  practicable  shape  for  the  purpose,  in  an  opening  in  one  end  of  the  building, 
extending  outward,  and  planked  on  the  outside  by  bolts  of  wood  notched  together  to  stay  it. 
Frequently,  a  fire-place  of  this  kind  was  made  so  capacious  as  to  occupy  nearly  the  whole  width 
of  the  house.  In  cold  weather,  when  a  great  deal  of  fuel  was  needed  to  keep  the  atmosphere 
above  freezing  point — for  this  wide-mouth  fire-place  was  a  huge  ventilator — large  logs  were 
piled  into  this  yawning  space.  To  protect  the  crumbling  back-wall  against  the  eifects  of  fire, 
two  back-logs  were  placed  against  it,  one  upon  the  other.  Sometimes  these  were  so  large  that 
they  could  not  be  got  in  in  any  other  way  than  to  hitch  a  horse  to  them.  The  animal  was 
driven  in  at  the  door,  when  the  log  was  unfastened  before  the  fire-place.  It  was  afterward  put 
in  proper  position.     The  horse  would  be  driven  out  at  another  door. 

For  a  chimney,  any  contrivance  that  would  convey  the  smoke  out  of  the  building  would 
do.  Some  were  made  of  sods,  plastered  upon  the  inside  with  clay  ;  others — the  more  common, 
perhaps — were  of  the  kind  we  occasionally  see  in  use  now,  clay  and  sticks,  or  "cat  in  clay,"  as 
they  were  sometimes  called.  Imagine,  of  a  winter's  night,  when  the  storm  was  having  its  own 
wild  way  over  this  almost  uniniiabited  land,  and  when  the  wind  was  roaring  like  a  cataract  of 
cold  over  the  broad  wilderness,  and  the  settler  had  to  do  his  best  to  keep  warm,  what  a  royal  fire 
this  double  back-log  and  well-filled  fire-place  would  hold  !  It  was  a  cozy  place  to  smoke,  pro- 
vided the  settler  had  any  tobacco  ;  or  for  the  wife  to  sit  knitting  before,  provided  she  had  any 
needles  and  yarn.  At  any  rate,  it  gave  something  of  cheer  to  the  conversation,  which,  very 
likely,  was  upon  the  home  and  friends  tliey  had  left  behind  when  they  started  out  on  this  bold 
venture  of  seeking  fortunes  in  a  new  land. 

For  doors  and  window  s,  the  most  simple  contrivances  that  would  serve  the  purposes  were 
brought  into  requisition.  The  door  was  not  always  immediately  provided  with  a  shutter,  and  a 
blanket  often  did  duty  in  guarding  the  entrance.  But,  as  soon  as  convenient,  some  boards  were 
split  and  put  together,  hung  upon  wooden  hinges  and  held  shut  by  a  wooden  pin  inserted  in  an 
auger-hole.  As  a  substitute  for  window-glass,  greased  paper,  pasted  over  sticks  crossed  in  the 
shape  of  sash,  was  sometimes  used.  This  admitted  the  light  and  excluded  the  air,  but,  of  course, 
lacked  transparency. 

In  regard  to  the  furniture  of  such  a  cabin,  it  varied  in  proportion  to  the  ingenuity  of  the 
occupants,  unless  it  was  where  settlers  brought  with  them  their  old  household  supply,  which, 
owing  to  the  distance  most  of  them  had  come,  was  very  seldom.  It  was  easy  enough  to  impro- 
vise tables  and  chairs ;  the  former  could  be  made  of  split  logs — and  there  were  instances  where 
the  door  would  be  taken  from  its  hinges  and  used  at  meals,  after  which  it  would  be  rehung ;  the 
the  latter  were  designed  after  the  three-legged  stool  pattern,  or  benches  served  their  purposes. 
A  bedstead  was  a  very  important  item  in  the  domestic  comfort  of  the  family,  and  this  was  the 
fashion  of  improvising  them  :  A  forked  stick  was  driven  into  the  ground  diagonally  from  the 
corner  of  the  room,  and  at  proper  distance,  upon  which  poles  reaching  from  each  were  laid. 
The  wall  ends  of  the  pole  either  rested  in  the  openings  between  the  logs  or  were  driven  into 
augur-holes.  Barks  or  boards  were  used  as  a  substitute  for  cords.  Upon  this  the  tidy  house- 
wife spread  her  straw  tick,  and,  if  she  had  a  home-made  feather  bed,  stie  piled  it  up  into  a  lux- 
urious mound,  and  covered  it  with  her  whitest  drapery.  Some  sheets  hung  behind  it  for 
tapestry  added  to  the  coziness  of  the  resting-place. 

The  house  thus  far  along,  it  was  left  to  the  deft  devices  of  the  wife  to  complete  its  comforts. 
and  the  father  of  the  family  was  free  to  superintend  out-of-door  affairs.  If  it  was  in  season,  his 
first  important  duty  was  to  prepare  some  ground  for  planting,  and  to  plant  what  he  could. 

The  first  year's  farming  consisted  mainly  of  a  "truck  patch,"  planted  in  corn,  potatoes, 
turnips  and  other  vegetables.     Generally,  the  first  year's  crop  fell  far  short  of  supplying  even 


^"^4  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

the  most  rigid  economy  of  food.  Many  of  the  settlers  brought  with  them  small  stores  of  such 
things  as  seemed  indispensable  to  frugal  living,  such  as  flour,  bacon,  coffee  and  tea.  But  these 
supplies  were  not  inexhaustible,  and  once  used  were  not  easily  replaced.  A  long  winter  must 
come  and  go  before  another  crop  could  be  raised.  If  game  was  plentiful,  it  helped  to  eke  out 
their  limited  supplies. 

But  even  when  corn  was  plentiful,  the  preparation  of  it  was  the  next  difficulty  in  the  way. 
The  mills  for  grinding  it  were  usually  at  such  long  distances  that  every  other  device  was  resorted 
to  for  reducing  it  to  meal.  Some  grated  it  on  an  implement  made  by  punching  small  holes 
through  a  piece  of  tin  or  sheet-iron,  and  fastening  it  upon  a  board  in  concave  shape  with  the 
rough  side  out.  Upon  this  the  ear  was  rubbed  to  produce  the  meal.  But  grating  could  not 
be  done  when  the  corn  became  so  dry  as  to  shell  off  when  rubbed.  Some  used  a  coffee-mill  for 
grinding  it ;  and  a  very  common  substitute  for  bread  was  hominy — a  palatable  and  wholesome 
diet — made  by  boiling  corn  in  a  weak  lye  till  the  hull  or  bran  peeled  off,  after  which  it  was  well 
washed  to  cleanse  it  of  the  lye.  It  was  then  boiled  again  to  soften  it,  when  it  was  ready  for  use, 
as  occasion  required,  by  frying  and  seasoning  it  to  the  taste.  Another  mode  of  preparing  hominy 
was  by  pestling.  A  mortar  was  made  by  burning  a  bowl-shaped  cavity  in  the  end  of  an  upright 
block  of  wood.  After  thoroughly  cleaning  it  of  the  charcoal,  the  corn  would  be  put  in,  hot 
water  turned  upon  it,  when  it  was  subjected  to  a  severe  pestling  by  a  club  of  sufBcient  length 
and  thickness,  in  the  large  end  of  which  was  inserted  an  iron  wedge,  banded  to  keep  it  there. 
The  hot  water  would  soften  the  corn  and  loosen  the  hull,  while  the  pestle  would  crush  it. 

When  breadstuffs  were  needed,  they  had  to  be  obtained  from  long  distances.  Owing  to  the 
lack  of  proper  means  for  thrashing  and  cleaning  wheat,  it  was  more  or  less  mixed  with  foreign 
substances,  such  as  smut,  dirt  and  oats.  And  as  the  time  when  the  settler's  methods  of  thrash- 
ing and  cleaning  may  be  forgotten,  it  may  be  well  to  preserve  a  brief  account  of  them  here. 
The  plan  was  to  clean  off  a  space  of  ground  of  sufficient  size,  and,  if  the  earth  was  dry,  to 
dampen  it,  and  beat  it  to  render  it  somewhat  compact.  Then  the  sheaves  were  unbound  and 
spread  in  a  circle,  so  that  the  heads  would  be  uppermost,  leaving  room  in  the  center  for  the  per- 
son whose  business  it  was  to  turn  and  stir  the  straw  in  the  process  of  thrashing.  Then,  as  many 
horses  or  oxen  were  brought  as  could  conveniently  swing  around  the  circle,  and  these  were  kept 
moving  until  the  wheat  was  well  trodden  out.  After  several  "  floorings  "  or  layers  were  thrashed, 
the  straw  was  carefully  raked  off  and  the  wheat  shoveled  into  a  heap  to  be  cleaned.  This 
cleaning  was  sometimes  done  by  waving  a  sheet  up  and  down  to  fan  out  the  chaff  as  the  grain 
was  dropped  before  it ;  but  this  trouble  was  frequently  obviated  when  the  strong  winds  of  autumn 
were  all  that  was  needed  to  blow  out  the  chaff  from  the  grain.  This  mode  of  preparing  the 
grain  for  flouring  was  so  imperfect  that  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  a  considerable  amount  of 
black  soil  got  mixed  with  it,  and  unavoidably  got  into  the  bread.  This,  with  an  addition  of 
smut,  often  rendered  it  so  dark  as  to  have  less  the  appearance  of  bread  than  mud  ;  yet  upon 
such  diet  the  people  were  compelled  to  subsist  for  want  of  a  better. 

Not  the  least  among  the  pioneers'  tribulations,  during  the  first  few  years  of  the  settlement, 
was  the  going  to  mill.  The  slow  mode  of  travel  by  ox  teams  was  made  still  slower  by  the  almost 
total  absence  of  roads  and  bridges,  while  such  a  thing  as  a  ferry  was  hardly  even  dreamed  of. 
The  distance  to  be  traversed  was  often  as  far  as  sixty  or  ninety  miles.  In  dry  weather,  common 
sloughs  and  creeks  offered  little  impediment  to  the  teamsters  ;  but  during  floods  and  the  break- 
ing-up  of  winter,  they  proved  exceedingly  troublesome  and  dangerous.  To  get  stuck  in  a  slough, 
and  thus  be  delayed  for  many  hours,  was  no  uncommon  occurrence,  and  that,  too,  when  time  was 
an  item  of  grave  import  to  the  comfort  and  sometimes  even  to  the  lives  of  the  settlers'  families. 
Often  a  swollen  stream  would  blockade  the  way,  seeming  to  threaten  destruction  to  whoever 
would  attempt  to  ford  it. 

With  regard  to  roads,  there  was  nothing  of  the  kind  worthy  of  the  name.  Indian  trails  were 
common,  but  they  were  unfit  to  travel  on  with  vehicles.  They  were  mere  paths  about  two  feet 
wide — aU  that  was  required  to  accommodate  the  single-file  manner  of  Indian  traveling. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  375 

When  the  early  settlers  were  compelled  to  make  these  long  and  difficult  trips  to  mill,  if  the 
country  was  prairie  over  which  they  passed,  they  found  it  comparatively  easy  to  do  in  summer 
when  grass  was  plentiful.  By  traveling  until  night,  and  then  camping  out  to  feed  the  teams, 
they  got  along  without  much  difficulty.  But  in  winter  such  a  journey  was  attended  with  no 
little  danger.  The  utmost  economy  of  time  was,  of  course,  necessary.  When  the  goal  was 
reached,  after  a  week  or  more  of  toilsome  travel,  with  many  exposures  and  risks,  and  the  poor 
man  was  impatient  to  immediately  return  with  the  desired  staff  of  life,  he  was  often  shocked  and 
■disheartened  with  the  information  that  his  turn  would  come  in  a  week.  Then  he  must  look  about 
for  some  means  to  pay  expenses,  and  he  was  lucky  who  could  find  employment  by  the  day  or 
job.  Then,  when  his  turn  came,  he  had  to  be  on  hand  to  bolt  his  own  flour,  as  in  those  days  the 
bolting  machine  was  not  an  attached  part  of  the  other  mill  machinery.  This  done,  the  anxious 
soul  was  ready  to  endure  the  trials  of  a  return  trip,  his  heart  more  or  less  concerned  about  the 
affiiirs  of  home. 

Those  milling  trips  often  occupied  several  weeks,  and  were  attended  with  an  expense,  in 
one  way  or  another,  that  rendered  the  cost  of  the  breadstuffs  extremely  high.  If  made  in  the 
winter,  when  more  or  less  grain-feed  was  required  for  the  team,  the  load  would  be  found  to  be 
so  considerably  reduced  on  reaching  home  that  the  cost  of  what  was  left,  adding  other  expenses, 
would  make  their  grain  reach  the  high  cash  figure  of  from  $3  to  $5  per  bushel.  And  these  trips 
■could  not  always  be  made  at  the  most  favorable  season  for  traveling.  In  spring  and  summer, 
so  much  time  could  hardly  be  spared  from  other  essential  labor ;  yet,  for  a  large  family,  it  was 
almost  impossible  to  avoid  making  three  or  four  trips  during  the  year. 

Among  other  things  calculated  to  annoy  and  distress  the  pioneer  was  the  prevalence  of  wild 
beasts  of  prey,  the  most  numerous  and  troublesome  of  which  was  the  wolf.  While  it  was  true, 
in  a  figurative  sense,  that  it  required  the  utmost  care  and  exertion  to  "  keep  the  wolf  from  the 
door,"  it  was  almost  as  true  in  a  literal  sense.  There  were  two  species  of  these  animals — the 
large,  black,  timber  wolf,  and  the  smaller  gray  wolf  that  usually  inhabited  the  prairie.  At  first, 
it  was  next  to  impossible  for  a  settler  to  keep  small  stock  of  any  kind  that  would  serve  as  a  prey 
to  these  ravenous  beasts.  Sheep  were  not  deemed  safe  property  until  years  after,  when  their 
enemies  were  supposed  to  be  nearly  exterminated.  Large  ^numbers  of  wolves  were  destroyed 
during  the  early  years  of  settlement.  When  they  were  hungry,  which  was  not  uncommon,  par- 
ticularly during  the  winter,  they  were  too  indiscreet  for  their  own  safety,  and  would  often 
approach  within  easy  shot  of  the  settlers'  dwellings.  At  certain  seasons  their  wild,  plaintive 
yelp  or  bark  could  be  heard  in  all  directions  at  all  hours  of  the  night,  creating  intense  excitement 
among  the  dogs,  whose  howling  would  add  to  the  dismal  melody.  It  has  been  found  by  experi- 
ment that  but  one  of  the  canine  species — the  hound — has  both  the  fleetness  and  courage  to  cope 
with  his  savage  cousin,  the  wolf.  Attempts  were  often  made  to  capture  him  with  the  common 
■cur,  but  this  animal,  as  a  rule,  proved  himself  wholly  unreliable  for  such  a  service.  So  long  as 
the  wolf  would  run  the  cur  would  follow ;  but  the  wolf,  being  apparently  acquainted  with  the 
■character  of  his  pursuer,  would  either  turn  and  place  himself  in  a  combative  attitude,  or  else 
act  upon  the  principle  that  "  discretion  is  the  better  part  of  valor,"  and  throw  himself  upon  his 
back  in  token  of  surrender.  This  strategic  performance  would  make  instant  peace  between 
these  two  scions  of  the  same  house  ;  and  not  infrequently  dogs  and  wolves  have  been  seen  play- 
ing together  like  puppies.  But  the  hound  was  never  known  to  recognize  a  flag  of  truce  ;  his 
baying  seeming  to  signify  "no  quarter  ;"  or,  at  least,  so  the  terrified  wolf  understood  it. 

Smaller  animals,  such  as  panthers,  lynxes,  wildcats,  catamounts  and  polecats,  were  also 
sufficiently  numerous  to  be  troublesome.  And  an  exceeding  source  of  annoyance  were  the 
swarms  of  mosquitoes  which  aggravated  the  trials  of  the  settler  in  the  most  exasperating  degree. 
Persons  have  been  driven  from  the  labors  of  the  field  by  their  unmerciful  assaults. 

The  trials  of  the  pioneer  were  innumerable,  and  the  cases  of  actual  suff'ering  might  fill  a 
volume  of  no  ordinary  size.  Timid  women  became  brave  through  combats  with  real  dangers, 
and  patient  mothers  grew  sick  at  heart  with  the  sight  of  beloved  children  failing   in  health  from 


376  ir  [STORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

lack  of  commonest  necessaries  of  life.     The  struggle  was  not  for  ease  or  luxury,  but  was  a  con- 
stant one  for  the  sustaining  means  of  life  itself. 

ORGANIZATION    OF    THE   COUNTY. 

On  the  3d  day  of  February,  1846,  an  act  of  the  Territorial  Legislature  of  Wisconsin  was 
approved  by  the  Governor,  to  divide  the  county  of  Portage  and  organize  the  county  of  Columbia. 
By  that  act,  all  that  portion  of  country  then  embraced  within  a  boundary  beginning  on  tlie  north 
line  of  Township  13,  at  Fox  River,  thence  running  southerly  along  that  river  to  the  south  line 
of  lands  then  owned  by  the  Menomonee  Indians ;  thence  westerly  on  that  line  to  the  Wisconsin 
River ;  thence  up  the  middle  channel  of  that  stream  to  the  east  line  of  Range  No.  7  east ; 
thence  south  by  the  east  line  of  Range  7  east,  to  where  it  intersects  the  river  just  mentioned  ; 
thence  down  the  middle  channel  of  that  stream  to  the  county  of  Dane  on  the  south  ;  thence 
east,  bounded  by  Dane  County  on  the  south,  to  Dodge  County  on  the  east ;  thence  north, 
bounded  by  the  county  of  Dodge  on  the  east,  to  the  county  of  (what  was  then)  Marquette  on 
the  north  ;  thence  west,  bounded  by  Marquette  County  on  the  north,  to  the  place  of  beginning 
on  the  northwest,  was  set  off  into  a  separate  county  and  called  Columbia.  The  county,  how- 
ever, was  near  being  called  York,  instead  of  Columbia.  James  T.  Lewis  presented  a  petition 
to  the  Legislature  for  "  Columbia;"  but  Wayne  B.  Dyer,  at  Otsego,  and  some  of  the  settlers  at 
Portage  forwarded  another  petition  for  "  York,"  and  the  bill,  so  worded,  was  about  to  ])ass, 
when  the  first  petitioner  succeeded  in  inducing  the  members  to  vote  for  an  amendment,  striking 
out  the  latter  and  inserting  the  former. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  county  thus  "  set  off"  was  not  identical,  as  to  territory,  with  the 
present  county.  The  northwest  part  was  then  owned  by  the  Menomonee  Indians,  and  remained 
a  part  of  Portage  County.  The  south  line  of  their  lands  commenced  at  a  point  on  the  west 
side  of  Fox  River  (now  within  the  city  of  Portage)  just  below  the  township  line  between  Town- 
ships 12  and  13,  of  Range  9  east,  as  afterward  surveyed  by  the  General  Government,  running 
thence  in  a  straight  course  to  what  is  now  the  northeast  corner  of  Block  No.  185,  of  the  city  of 
Portage ;  thence  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  on  what  is  now  Block  140  on  Webb  &  Bronson's  plat. 

By  the  organic  act,  it  was  provided  that  the  county  should  be  organized  on  the  1st  day  of 
May,  1846,  for  all  the  purposes  both  of  county  and  judicial  government,  and  that  it  should 
enjoy  all  the  rights,  privileges,  immunities  and  powers  of  the  other  counties  of  the  Territory. 
It  was  further  provided  that  an  election  should  be  held  in  the  several  towns,  or  precincts,  of  the 
county,  such  as  were  then,  or  as  might  thei'eafter  be,  established  by  law,  on  the  1st  day  of 
April  of  that  year,  for  the  election  of  all  such  town  or  county  oificers  as  the  county,  by  virtue 
of  its  organization  and  the  provisions  of  the  organic  act,  should  be  entitled  to,  who  were, 
severally,  to  hold  their  offices  until  the  next  general  election  and  until  their  successors  were 
duly  elected  and  qualified,  provided  that  nothing  in  the  act  should  be  so  construed  as  to  render 
the  Sheriff  of  the  county  to  be  elected  ineligible  to  a  re-election  at  the  ensuing  annual  election. 

It  was  provided  by  the  act  just  mentioned,  that  the  first  election  to  be  held  in  the  county 
should  be  conducted  in  all  respects  in  the  manner  then  provided  by  law  for  holding  general 
elections,  and  the  votes  cast  were  to  be  returned  and  canvassed  as  therein  provided ;  and  the 
Judges  of  the  election  were  authorized  to  issue  certificates  of  election  to  any  person  duly 
elected  to  office,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Clerks  of  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners  were 
then  authorized  to  do  in  other  counties. 

But  the  act  contained,  also,  this  section  :  "  Pursuant  to  the  election  herein  provided  for, 
it  shall  be  the  duty  of  some  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  said  county,  or  Justices  within  the  limits  of 
the  respective  precincts  of  the  same,  if  there  be  one  or  more  in  each  precinct,  to  post  up,  or 
cause  to  be  posted,  notices  of  said  election,  the  officers  then  and  there  to  be  elected,  with  all  the 
purposes  of  the  same,  at  two  or  more  of  the  most  public  places  in  each  precinct,  at  least  ten 
days  before  the  said  day  of  election."  But  this  provision  of  the  act  seems  to  have  been  entirely 
overlooked,  and,  as  a  consequence,  it  began  to  be  generally  understood  that  the  election  was 
illegal.     Some  of  the  officers,  however,  were  sworn  in. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  377 

Among  these  were  two  of  the  County  Commissioners — Solomon  Leach  and  J.  Q.  Adams  ;  also, 
James  C.  Carr,  Clerk  of  the  Board.  The  two  Commissioners  organized  on  the  16th  day  of 
July,  1846,  at  the  house  of  Elbert  Dickason,  in  Wyocena ;  present,  James  C.  Carr,  as  Clerk  ; 
also  "Maj."  Dickason,  as  lobby.  Mr.  Leach  was  called  to  the  chair.  The  only  business  trans- 
acted was  the  formation  of  election  precincts,  "without  any  particular  authority,"  as  the  Chair- 
man afterward  declared,  for  the  ensuing  fall  election.     It  was 

Resolved,  That  60  much  of  Columbia  County,  commencing  at  the  northeast  corner  of  said  county,  embracing 
Townships  12  and  1.3  of  Kange  12,  and  all  that  part  of  Townships  12  and  13  of  Range  11,  lying  east  of  the  section 
line  between  5  and  6.  be  set  off  in  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Le  Roy  Precinct ;  and  that  Nathan 
Griffin,  James  Buoy  and  Irwin  McCall  be  Judges  of  Election  in  said  precinct,  said  election  to  be  held  at  the  house 
of  Oliver  Langdon. 

Resolved,  That  the  portion  of  said  county  embraced  in  Townships  10  and  11,  in  Range  12,  comprise  a  precinct 
to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Columbus  Precinct ;  elections  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  A.  P.  Birdsey,  and  that  Asa 
Proctor,  J.  T.  Lewis  and  Jeremiah  Drake  be  Judges  of  said  election. 

Resolved,  That  Townships  10  and  11,  of  Range  11,  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Dyers- 
burgh  Precinct;   and  that  the  elections  be  held  at  the  house  of  Landy  Sowards,  and   that  Landy  Sowarda,  Jonathan 

E.  Haight  and  Henry  Pellet  be  the  Judges  of  Election  in  said  precinct. 

Resolved.  That  Town[ship]  10,  Range  10.  south  half  of  Town[ship]  11,  Range  10,  and  east  half  of  Town[ship] 
10,  Range  9,  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Lowville  ;  elections  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Jacob 
Low,  and  that  William  Young,  Henry  Herring  and  Stephen  Brayton  be  Judges  of  Election  in  said  precinct. 

Resolved,  That  west  half  of  Town  [ship]  10,  Kange  9,  Town  [ship]  10,  Range  8,  Fractional  Town  [ship]  10, 
Range  7,  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Pleasant  Valley  Precinct  ;  and  Marston  Bartholomew, 
Aaron  (^halfant  and  J.  Maynard  be  Judges  of  said  elections,  elections  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Marston 
Bartholomew. 

R'solved,  That  Township  11,  Ranges  8  anJ  9,  and  the  south  half  of  Town[ship]  12,  Range  9,  and  all  that 
part  of  Town[ship]  12,  Range  8,  lying  south  of  the  Bariiboo  River,  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of 
Dekorra  Precinct ;  elections  to  be  lield  at  the  House  of  La  Fayette  Hill,  and  that  Josliua  W.  Rhodes,  John  Springer 
and  Thomas  Swearingen  be  Judges  of  Election  in  said  precinct. 

Resolved,  That  all  that  part  of  Town[ship]  12,  north  of  the  Baraboo  River,  and  Town[ship]  13,  and  Fractional 
Town[ship]  14,  Range  8;  Tovvn[ship]  13,  north  h.alf  of  12,  Range  9,  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name 
of  Winnebago  Portage  Precinct  ;  elections  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Gideon  Low,  and  that  Richard  F.  Veeder, 
Daniel  D.  Robertson  and  Henry  Jlerrell  be  Judges  of  Election  in  said  precinct. 

Resolved,  That  Townships  13  and  12  and  the  north  half  of  Town  11,  Range  10,  and  one  tier  of  sections  on  the 
west  side  of  Town[ships]  12  and  13.  Range  11,  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Wyocena  Precinct  ; 
elections  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Elbert  Dickason,  and  that  Charles  Spear,  Darius  Bisbee  and  Harvey  Bush  be  Judges 
of  Election  in  said  precinct. 

On  the  7th  (first  Monday)  of  September,  1846,  the  annual  election  was  held.  Two  tickets 
— Whig  and  Democratic — were  in  the  field.  Persons  were  voted  for  to  hold  legislative,  county 
and  precinct  offices.  The  Democratic  nominees  for  legislative  and  county  offices  were :  For  the 
.  Council,  Mason  C.  Darling,  of  Fond  du  Lac  County ;  House  of  Representatives,  Hugh  McFarlane, 
of  Columbia  County,  and  Elisha  Morrow,  of  Brown  County ;  Delegates  to  the  Constitutional 
Convention,  Harvey  Bush  and  James  T.  Lewis ;  Sheriff,  Thomas  C.  Smith  ;  County  Commis- 
sioners, J.  C.  Axtell,  William  McDonald  and  John  Newell,  Clerk  of  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners, Alvin  B.  Alden;  Register  of  Deeds,  Elbert  Dickason;  County  Treasurer,  Solomon 
Leach ;  Collector  of  Ta.xes,  John  Swarthout ;  Judge  of  Probate,  Josiah  Arnold ;  County  Sur- 
veyor, Elbert  Dickason  ;  Coroner,  William  Bradley ;  Assessors,  Powell  Austen,  E.  S.  Smith 
and  Hugh  Muir;   School  Commissioners,  John  Converse,  Isaiah  Robinson  and  John  Springer. 

Tiie  Whig  nominees  were :  For  the  Council,  Israel  Green  ;  House  of  Representatives, 
Henry  Merrill  and  Henry  0.  Sholes ;  for  Delegates  to  the  Constitutional  Convention,  Jere- 
miah Drake  and  Lafayette  Hill ;   Sheriff,  William  C.  Morgan ;   County  Commissioners,  Richard 

F.  Veeder,  Nathan  Griffin  and  John  Q.  Adams ;  Assessors,  Hiram  B.  Swift,  Chauncey  Spear 
and  George  M.  Bartholomew  ;  Clerk  of  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners,  Nelson  Swarthout; 
Treasurer,  James  C.  Karr ;  Surveyor,  Alfred  Topliff;  Register  of  Deeds,  Sylvester  L.  Corbin  ; 
Coroner,  Daniel  E.  Bassett ;  Collector,  Wayne  B.  Dyer;  Judge  of  Probate,  Silas  Walsworth  ; 
School  Commissioners,  Henry  Merrell,  John  Langdon  and  Jeremiah  C.  Drake. 

A  portion  of  each  of  the  tickets  was  elected  as  follows  :  Council,  Mason  C.  Darling  ;  House 
of  Representatives,  Hugh  McFarlane  and  Elisha  Morrow  ;   Constitutional  Convention,  Jeremiah 


378  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Drake  and  LaFayette  Hill;  Probate  Judge,  Silas  Walsworth;*  Sheriff,  T.  Clark  Smith;  Clerk 
Board  County  Commissioners,  Nelson  Swarthoutf;  Treasurer,  James  C.  Carr ;  Collector,  John 
Swarthout;  Register  of  Deeds,  Elbert  Dickason  ;  Surveyor,  Alfred  Topliff;  Coroner,  Daniel 
E.  Bassett ;  Assessors,  Hiram  B.  Swift,  Chauncey  Spear,  George  M.  Bartholomew  ;  School 
Commissioners,  Jeremiah  C.  Drake,  John  Langdon  and  Isaiah  Robinson  ;  County  Commis- 
sioners, R.  F.  Veeder,  Nathan  Griffin,  Jolin  D.  McCall ;  Assessors,  Hiram  B.  Swift,  George 
M.  Bartholomew,  Chauncey  Spear. 

This  election  was  believed  to  be  void  because  it  was  held  under  the  action  of  the  Board  of 
Commissioners  elected  at  the  previous  spring  election,  dividing  the  county  into  voting  precints, 
which  action  was  without  authority  of  law,  even  had  the  board  been  legally  elected;  so  an  act 
of  the  Legislature,  approved  February  11,  1847,  amending  the  "  Act  to  divide  the  county  of 
Portage,  and  organize  the  county  of  Columbia,"  was  passed,  which  provided  ''That  the  election 
held  in  the  county  of  Columbia,  in  the  month  of  April,  1846,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby, 
legalized,  and  the  acts  of  all  officers  elected  are  hereby  declared  to  be  as  valid  to  all  intents  and 
purposes  as  if  said  election  had  been  legal  from  the  beginning,  and  said  county  had  been  prop- 
erly organized,  and  said  officers  properly  qualified. 

"  That  the  election  held  in  said  county,  on  the  first  Monday  in  September  last,  be,  and  the 
same  is  hereby,  declared  to  be  as  valid  to  all  intents  and  purposes  as  if  said  election  had  been 
legal  from  the  beginning,  and  said  county  fully  organized,  and  the  persons  elected  to  fill  county 
and  precinct  offices,  at  the  election  held  as  aforesaid,  are  hereby  authorized  to  qualify  within 
thirty  davs  from  the  passage  of  this  act,  and  act  accordingly." 

In  March,  1848,  the  people  of  Wisconsin  adopted,  by  vote,  a  State  Constitution  that  had 
been  framed  by  a  convention  which  assembled  December  15,  1847,  and  adjourned  February 
1,  1848. 

In  the  first  session  of  the  Legislature  of  the  newly  admitted  State,  which  convened  at 
Madison  June  5,  1848,  Henry  Merrell,  of  Fort  Winnebago,  represented  Columbia,  Portage, 
Marquette  and  Sauk  Counties  in  the  Senate,  and  Joseph  Kerr,  of  Randolph,  represented  Colum- 
bia County  in  the  Assembly. 

At  this  Session,  an  act  was  passed  for  submitting  to  a  vote  of  the  people  the  question 
whether  the  territory  lying  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River  should  be  detached  from  Columbia 
County  and  be  annexed  to  Sauk.  The  latter  county  was  desirous  of  acquiring  this  territory, 
and  we  believe  the  inhabitants  of  the  territory  proposed  to  be  detached  also  favored  it.  At  that 
time,  there  were  no  bridges  or  ferries  across  the  Wisconsin  River ;  the  county  seat  was  at  Colum- 
bus, making  it  very  inaccessible  for  them,  and  Baraboo  was  a  more  convenient  point  at  which 
to  transact  county  business. 

At  the  election,  it  was  opposed  by  the  people  of  Fort  Winnebago,  as  they  were  anxious  to 
preserve  territory  that  would  naturally  be  their  ally,  and  was  supported  at  Columbus,  with 
the  view  of  making  their  own  position  as  a  contestant  for  the  county  seat  more  secure.  The 
act  provided  that : 

"  On  the  Tuesday  after  the  first  Monday  in  November  next,  the  legal  voters  of  the  county 
of  Columbia  are  hereby  authorized  to  vote  in  favor  or  against  having  all  that  part  of  said  county 
lying  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River  stricken  therefrom  and  attached  to  Sauk   County." 

The  vote,  as  officially  declared,  stood  as  follows  :  "  For  division,  103 ;  against  divis- 
ion, 246." 

The  title  of  the  Menomonee  Indians  having  been  extinguished,  an  act  extending  the  north- 
ern boundaries  of  the  county  from  Fox  River  to  the  Wisconsin  River  was  passed  in  1849,  which 
brought  into  the  jurisdiction  of  the  county  what  is  now  known  as  the  towns  of  Newport  and 
Lewiston,  also  a  port  of  the  present  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  and  a  part  of  what  is  now  the 
city  of  Portage.     The  act  provided : 

"That  all  that  portion  of  the  country  contained  in  townships  numbered  twelve  (12)  and 
thirteen  (13)  north,  in  ranges  numbered  six  (6),  seven  (7),  eight  (8)  and  nine  (9),  lying  and 

*  Refused  to  qualify  ;  James  T.  Lewis  was  appointed  in  hii  place.  t  Did  not  serve ;  hia  place  wag  filled  by  Wayne  B.  Dyer. 


PORTAGE      CIT 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  381 

being  north  and  east  of  the  Wisconsin   River,  is  hereby  annexed  to  and  made  a  part  of  the 
county  of  Columbia." 

The  territory  thus  added  to  Columbia  County  gave  to  it  the  form  and  area  which  it  still 
retains. 

ESTABLISHING    THE    COUNTY    SEAT. 

An  election  was  held  in  Columbia  County,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April,  1846,  in  accor- 
dance with  the  provisions  of  the  act  organizing  the  county,  to  vote  for  the  location  of  the  county 
seat.  The  following  places  were  voted  for,  each  receiving  the  number  of  votes  stated  :  Colum- 
bus, 97  ;  Winnebago  Portage,  49 ;  Duck  Creek,  47 ;  Dekorra,  33 ;  Dyers,  10  ;  Van  Duer,  3 
votes.  No  place  received  the  majority  of  the  votes  ;  the  act  was  found  defective  in  not  providing 
for  such  a  contingency,  and  the  county  seat  remained  unlocated. 

At  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature,  the  act  was  amended  by  declaring  the  county  seat 
temporarily  located  at  Wyocena,  and  providing  for  a  vote  on  the  question  at  each  annual  election, 
until  some  place  should  receive  a  majority.  It  provided:  "  That  the  county  seat  of  the  county 
of  Columbia  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  located  at  Wyocena,  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  section 
number  twenty-one  (21)  in  township  number  twelve  (12)  north  of  range  number  ten  (10)  east, 
until  the  next  annual  general  election,  at  which  time  the  location  of  the  same  shall  be  submitted 
to  a  vote  of  all  white  male  inhabitants  above  twenty-one  years  of  age,  who  shall  have  actually 
resided  in  said  county  thirty  days  previous  to  said  election,  and  the  place  receiving  a  majority 
of  all  the  votes  cast,  shall  be  taken  and  considered  as  the  permanent  location  of  the  county  seat 
for  said  county  :  Provided,  that  the  same  shall  be  temporarily  established  at  Wyocena,  until  the 
same  shall  be  located  permanently  by  a  majority  of  the  voters  of  said  county,  which,  unless 
determined  at  the  next  annual  general  election,  shall  be  voted  upon  annually  thereafter,  until 
the  same  is  settled  and  decided  in  favor  of  some  one  point,  by  a  majority  of  the  voters  of  said 
county  :  And  provided  further,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to 
authorize  the  raising  of  any  tax  for  the  erection  of  any  public  buildings,  for  three  years  after 
the  next  general  annual  election,  until  which  time  buildings  suitable  for  county  purposes  shall 
be  furnished  free  of  cost  or  charge  to  the  said  county  by  the  place,  or  proprietors  of  the  same, 
at  which  the  said  county  seat  is,  or  shall  be  located,  by  virtue  of  this  section,  until  the  expiration 
of  the  time  herein  specified;  Provided  further,  that  if  the  proprietor  of  said  town  of  Wyocena 
shall  fail  to  furnish  buildings  as  aforesaid,  during  its  location  at  said  town,  then  the  commission- 
ers of  said  county  shall  furnish  the  same  at  such  place  as  they  deem  most  suitable  and  con- 
venient for  the  use  of  said  county  :  The  votes  cast  at  said  election  for  the  location  of  the  said 
county  seat  shall  be  received  and  kept  in  a  separate  box,  and  returned  and  canvassed  as  other 
Votes  are  at  said  elections." 

The  Territorial  Legislature  in  1848,  passed  an  act,  approved  March  6,  of  that  year, 
temporarily  locating  the  county  seat  at  Columbus  for  the  period  of  five  years.  The  act  declared  : 
"  That  for  the  term  of  five  years  from,  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  the  seat  of  justice  of 
Columbia  County  shall  be  established  at  the  village  of  Columbus,  on  section  thirteen  (13), 
township  ten  (10),  range  twelve  (12),  east;  and  all  district  courts  to  be  held  in  and  for  said 
county,  during  said  time,  shall  be  held  at  the  public  schoolhouse  in  said  village,  until  some  other 
and  more  suitable  place  shall  be  provided  for  that  purpose.  The  several  county  ofiices  required 
by  law,  to  be  kept  at  the  county  seat,  shall  be  removed  to  and  kept  at  the  said  county  seat  as 
soon  as  suitable  and  convenient  rooms  or  buildings  shall  be  provided  therefor,  without  expense 
or  charge  to  the  county  ;  and  that  all  acts  and  parts  of  acts  heretofore  passed,  and  contravening 
this  act  are  hereby  repealed." 

But  Columbus  was  not  permitted  to  enjoy  the  honor  for  the  full  five  years,  for  an  act  for  the  loca- 
tion of  the  county  seat  was  passed  in  1850,  declaring"  That  at  the  annual  town  meeting,  to  be  held 
in  Columbia  County  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April,  1850,  the  people  of  said  county  shall  be,  and 
hereby  are,  authorized  to  vote  for  the  permanent  location  of  the  county  seat  of  said  county  at 
Wyocena,  in  said  county;  if  said  Wyocena  shall  receive  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  on  that 


382  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

subject  at  such  town  meetings,  then  said  Wyocena  shall  be  and  remain  the  county  seat  of  said 
county. 

"  If  said  Wyocena  shall  not  receive  a  majority  of  the  votes  at  such  town  meetings,  then  it 
Bhall  be  lawful  for  the  people  of  said  Columbia  County  to  vote  at  the  annual  election  to  be  holden 
in  November  next,  for  the  location  of  the  county  seat  of  said  county  at  Fort  Winnebago,  in  said 
county,  and  if  said  Fort  Winnebago  shall  receive  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  on  that  subject 
at  such  election,  then  said  Fort  Winnebago  shall  be  and  remain  the  county  seat  of  said  Columbia 
County. 

"  The  votes  shall  be  cast  by  ballot.  At  the  town  meeting  above  mentioned,  the  ballots 
shall  have  written  or  printed  on  them  the  words  '  For  Wyocena.'  or  'Against  Wyocena :  '  at  the 
election  in  November  next,  the  ballots  shall  have  written  or  printed  on  them,  '  For  Fort  Winne- 
bago,' or  'Against  Fort  Winnebago.' 

"  The  proprietors  of  the  village  where  the  said  county  seat  may  be  located,  shall  make  to 
the  county  a  warrantee  deed  of  land,  sufficient  to  build  all  county  buildings  on  and  suitable  for 
the  same,  to  be  selected  by  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  said  county. 

The  vote  being  taken  April  2,  1850,  under  the  act  just  mentioned,  the  result  was,  for 
Wyocena,  580 ;  against  Wyocena,  511.  The  returns  from  several  precincts  were  either  not 
received  within  the  time  required  by  law,  or  were  rejected  for  informalities. 

The  total  votes  polled  in  the  various  precincts  was  as  follows:  [Returns  canvassed.]  Colum- 
bus, for  Wyocena,  12,  against  Wyocena,  142  ;  Fort  Winnebago  (Portage),  16  for,  246  against  ; 
Fountain  Prairie,  86  for,  3  against ;  Lowville,  54  for,  1  against ;  Marcellon,  4  for,  85  against ; 
Otsego,  75  for,  10  against ;  Portage  Prairie  (Randolph,  etc.),  81  for,  —  against ;  Scott,  51  for, 
20  against ;  Springvale,  68  for,  —  against ;  Wyocena,  133  for,  —  against.  Total  for  Wyocena, 
580  ;  total   against  Wyocena,  507.     Four  scattering  votes  against  Wyocena  were  returned. 

The  votes  of  the  following  precincts  were  not  canvassed  :  Lodi,  for  Wyocena,  1,  against 
Wyocena,  36  ;  West  Point,  7  for,  19  against ;  Hampden,  9  for, 68  against;  Kossuth  (Leeds  and 
Arlington),  30  for,  33  against ;  Dekorra,  7  for,  92  against ;  Port  Hope  (Fort  Winnebago),  — ■ 
for,  73  against. 

The  total  vote  actually  cast  was  1,372,  divided  as  follows :  For  Wyocena,  587,  against 
Wyocena,  785 — a  majority  of  198  against. 

Proceedings  were  immediately  commenced  in  court  to  obtain  a  decree  in  favor  of  Fort  Win- 
nebago as  the  county  seat,  in  accordance  with  the  actual  vote,  but,  before  it  could  be  brought  to  a 
hearing,  another  act  of  the  Legislature  was  obtained,  re-submitting  the  vote  to  the  people  at  the 
election  in  April,  1851. 

The  act  provided  "  That  at  the  annual  town  meeting,  to  be  held  in  the  several  towns  of 
Columbia  County  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-one,  the  electors  of 
said  county  shall  be,  and  are  hereby,  authorized  to  vote  for  the  permanent  location  of  the  county 
seat  of  said  county  at  Fort  Winnebago,  in  said  county ;  if  said  Fort  Winnebago  shall  receive  a 
majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  on  that  subject,  at  such  town  meetings,  then  Fort  Winnebago  shall 
be  and  remain  the  county  seat  of  said  county. 

"  The  votes  shall  be  by  ballot,  and  shall  have  written  or  printed,  or  partly  written  and 
partly  printed,  on  each  of  them  the  words,  'Fort  Winnebago — yes,'  or  'Fort  Winnebago 
—no'.' 

"  If  said  Fort  Winnebago  shall  not  receive  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  cast  on  this  sub- 
ject at  such  town  meetings,  then  the  county  seat  shall  be  permanently  established  at  Wyocena. 
"  The  proprietors  of  the  village  where  the  said  county  seat  may  be  located  shall  make  to 
the  county  a  warrantee  deed   of  land,  suitable  and   sufficient,  upon  which   to  erect  all  county 
buildings,  to  be  selected  by  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  said  county. 

"  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  within  ten  days  after  the 
votes  cast  upon  this  subject  have  been  canvassed,  to  notify  the  Clerk  of  the  County  Court  of 
the  result  of  such  election  for  the  location  of  the  county  seat ;  and,  upon  the  receipt  of  said 
notice,  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  shall  cause   the  same   to   be  published  in  one  of  the  newspapers 


HISTORY    OF    COLl'MBIA    COUNTY.  383 

printed  in  the  village  of  Madison,  and  also  in  the  newspapers  published  in  the  said  county  of 
Columbia. 

"  From  and  after  the  publication  of  said  notice,  the  county  seat  of  said  county  of  Colum- 
bia shall  be  located  in  accordance  with  said  notice,  namely,  at  Fort  Winnebago,  if  all  the  votes 
cast  on  that  subject  are  in  favor  of  that  place,  or  at  Wyocena,  if  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  are' 
not  in  favor  of  Fort  Winnebago." 

The  following  was  the  vote : 

Portage  Prairie,  "Fort  Winnebago — yes,"  20;  "  Fort  Winnebago — no,"  43.  Springvale, 
no,  82.  Wyocena,  yes,  1;  no,  182.  Dekorra,  yes,  90;  no,  22.  Otsego,  yes,  2;  no,  79. 
Fountain  Prairie,  yes,  5;  no,  95.  Columbus,  yes,  119;  no,  50.  Hampden,  yes,  36;  no,  35. 
Kossuth,  yes,  47  ;  no,  37.  West  Point,  yes,  32 ;  no,  7.  Lodi,  yes,  41 ;  no,  6.  Fort  Win- 
nebago, yes,  441 ;  no,  9.  Port  Hope,  yes,  73.  Marcellon,  yes,  92  ;  no,  3.  Scott,  yes,  17  ; 
no,  57.  Randolph,  yes,  69  ;  no,  32.  Lowville,  yes,  11 ;  no,  57.  Total:  Yes,  1,096;  no, 
796 — a  majority  of  300  for  Fort  Winnebago. 

This  vote  definitely  fixed  the  location  of  the  county  seat  at  Fort  Winnebago  (now  Por- 
tage). 

THE    FIRST    AND    SECOND    CENSUS. 

The  first  census  in  the  county  was  taken  in  June,  1846,  by  Hugh  McFarlane,  assisted  by 
William  Donaghue.  The  names  of  the  householders  only  were  taken,  with  the  number  of  inmates 
of  each  household.  The  county  was  divided  between  the  two  as  follows:  The  territory,  the 
enumeration  of  which  was  taken  by  McFarlane,  comprehended  Townships  10  and  11  north,  of 
Ranges  8,  9,  10,  11  and  12  east — or  what  are  now  the  towns  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Otsego, 
Lowville,  Dekorra,  Lodi,  Arlington,  Leeds,  Hampden  and  Columbus,  also  the  south  half  of  Cale- 
donia and  one  tier  of  sections  off  the  east  side  of  West  Point,  together  with  the  area  now  included 
within  the  boundaries  of  the  city  of  Columbus.  In  this  division  of  the  county,  there  were  705 
white  males  and  564  white  females,  making  a  total  of  1,269  persons.  The  names  of  house- 
holders, with  the  number  of  inmates  of  each  household,  were  as  follows  : 

L.  Pearsons,  10;  Julius  Higbie,  3;  P.  Underwood,  4;  Mr.  Ketchum,  2;  John  Boutwell, 
5  ;  Natt  Kenyon,  2  ;   Clark  Heifron,  5  ;  W.  B.  Dyer,  8  ;   Harvey  Bush,  5  ;   Stephen  James,  4 
Samuel  Gibson,  4 ;  Athen  Bow,  7  ;   Calvin  Martin,  8 ;  James  C.  Carr,  4 ;  Jacob  Swarthout,  7 
J.  Q.  Adams,  1;  John  O'Brien,  7;  William  Walker,  2;  Benjamin  Sage,  9;   William  Grout,  5 
Alfred  A.  Brayton,  6;   Thomas  Swarthout,  6;  J.  McLegon,  7;  Mr.  Blodgett,  5;  William  Aus- 
tin, 3 ;  Charles  D.  Bradley,  2;  H.  B.  Swift,  6;  T.  C.  Smith,  6 ;  E.  J.  Smith,  4;  David  King, 
5;  Henry  Regue,  3 ;  Nehemiah  Allen,  10  ;  R.  W.  Misner,  5  ;  Wm.  Randall,  9 ;  Ira  Randall,  3 ; 
Warren  Loomis,  5  ;  Jacob  Dickenson,  9  ;  Thomas  Sawyer,  5  ;  Noah  Dickenson,  6  ;  J.  Slackley, 
1;  J.  Newman,  1;  Morris  Burnour,  1;  J.  Loomis,  5  ;  C.  Johnson,  4  ;  A.  Lasher,  2  ;  John  Bentley, 

7  ;  Joel  Badger,  2  ;  Natt  Jones,  4  ;  Orrin  Rogers,  4  ;  Jonathan  Gilbert,  8 ;  S.  Brayton,  12  ;  S. 
W.  Herring,  9  ;  John  Barmore,  5 ;  Jacob  Low,  8  ;  Thomas  I.  Green,  2  ;  Perry  Lee,  5  ;  Cephus 
Tillotson,  5  ;  Elijah  Lee,  4  ;  Ever  Peterson,  5  ;  Erick  Tossen,  6  ;  Peter  Munson,  3  ;  William 
Michelson,  4 ;  Evans  Wilson,  6;  John  Johnson,  4;  Owen  Johnson,  3;  Mr.  Godlake,'8;  Peter 
Leland,  6  ;  Tossen  Hanson,  5  ;  Nelson  Tossen,  3  ;  Stark  Evans,  4  ;  Tossen  Parr,  8  ;  Tess. 
Pearson,  8  ;  Nels  Olson,  12 ;  Sjur  Sturken,  8 ;  Oliver  G.  Chilson,  4 ;  Thomas  Dalziel,  6  : 
Wm.  T.  Bradley,  3  ;  Wm.  Wells,  3;  Sylvester  Dutton,  2;  Hiram  A.  Wheeler,  5 ;  Nathan 
Stafford,  5 ;  Ole,  Peterson,  1 ;  Gearge  Bradley,  8  ;  Stephen  Brayton,  12 ;  Joel  Hubbard,  3 ; 
Justice  Worden,  2  ;  Elisha  Town,  8  ;   Christopher  Hughes,  12  ;   Smith  Orton,  5  ;  Asa  Proctor, 

8  ;  M.  R.  Cobb,  4  ;  Edward  J.  Smyth,  4  ;  Henry  Pellett,  6  ;  Horace  Dodge,  2  ;  Albert  Nichols, 
3;  Johnson  King,  5  ;  Dearborn  Taylor,  6;  LaFayette  Hill,  5  ;  Thomas  Swearingen,  4  ;  Chris- 
topher Randall,  7  ;  John  Springer,  5 ;  Christopher  Clark,  6 ;  Elias  Botman,  3  ;  Joshua  W. 
Rhoads,  2;  Wm.  McDonald,  2;  Thomas  Robertson,  9;  Quintin  Smith,  6  ;  James  AVilson,  11; 
Henry  Botman,  12;  Hugh  Muir,  4 ;  John  Pate,  5;  Allen  Johnson,  6;  Mr.  Swan,  1;  CM. 
Young,  3 ;  Wm.  H.  Young,  4 ;  John  A.  Franklin,  5  ;  Usual  Young,  6 ;  Michael  Van  Winter, 


384  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

11 ;  Horace  Carver,  5 ;  Miamy  York,  6  ;  James  Ensminger,  3  ;  Nathaniel  Blood,  7  ;  Alfred 
Johnson,  2  ;  Nathan  Palmer,  10  ;  Wm.  Green,  2 ;  Thomas  Kobinson,  3  ;  Mr.  Linsley,  4  ; 
George  M.  Bartholomew,  6  ;  Nancy  Bowman,  5  ;  Jacob  Hurley,  5  ;  Joseph  Brown,  5  ;  Samuel 
falraer,  7  ;  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  8;  Garrett  Palmer,  1;  William  G.  Simons,  5;  Henry  May- 
nard,  10  ;  Thomas  C.  Armor,  1 ;  Thomas  Robinson,  2 ;  Aaron  Chalfant,  5  ;  James  McCloud, 
1 ;  Hugh  Downey,  1 ;  Theodosus  B.  Northrup,  7  ;  Mr.  Diefendorf,  10  ;  three  families  on  Fox 
River,  the  names  of  whom  could  not  be  learned,  supposed  to  be  18  in  number. 

The  territory,  the  enumeration  of  which  was  taken  by  Donagliue,  included  Townships  12 
and  13  north,  of  Ranges  8,  9,  10,  11  and  12  east;  or,  what  are  now  the  towns  of  Courtland, 
Springvale,  Wyocena,  Pacific,  the  north  half  of  Caledonia,  all  of  Lewiston  except  three  tiers  of 
sections  off  its  west  side,  Fort  Winnebago,  Marcellon,  Scott  and  Randolph  ;  also,  what  is  now 
the  area  included  within  the  limits  of  the  city  of  Portage.  In  this  division  of  the  county 
there  were  438  white  males,  261  white  females,  and  1  male  of  color,  making,  in  all,  700 
persons. 

The  names  of  the  householders  in  this  district,  with  the  number  of  inmates  of  each  house- 
hold, were  as  follows:  Elijah  Bowman,  7;  Patrick  Griffith,  5 ;  James  Buoy,  11;  Perry 
Griffith,  5  ;  Richard  Jones,  10  ;  Robert  Edwards,  5  ;  George  W.  Orr,  1  ;  Wm.  Wolf  1  ;  Perry 
Fisher,  1;  John  Rogers,  9;  John  Merchant,  4;  Joel  Galer,  1  ;  Rose  Robinson,  8;  Wm.  A. 
Buoy,  4  :  Jacob  Towman,  8 ;  Wm.  Harris,  6 ;  Owen  Jones,  6 ;  John  R.  Evans,  1 ;  Otis  Hub- 
bard, 1;  Wm.  N.  Ilsley,  5;  T.  B.  Enos,  1  ;  Nathan  Griffin,  9;  Robert  Williams,  4;  Nathan 
Benjamin,  1 ;  Wm.  Williams,  4 ;  Elias  L.  Williams,  3  ;  John  L.  P.  Jess,  12 ;  Alonzo  Johnson,  4 
John  Johns,  1  ;  Dexter  Blanchard,  1  ;  John  Blanchard,  1  ;  N.  F.  Coolidge,  1  ;  S.  A.  Coolidge,  1 
Robert  Cloyd,  4  ;  Wm.  Jones,  3  ;  Hugh  Edwards,  7  ;  Samuel  Langdon,  3  ;  James  Wamke,  1 
Francis  Drahity,  2  ;  Samuel  Drahity,  2  ;  Moses  Rogers,  1  ;  Rachel  Coil,  4 ;  Thomas  B.  Newland 
1 ;  John  Hagadore,  8  ;  Leonard  H.  Newton,  1 ;  John  Prentice,  1 ;  Milton  Chadcey,  1 ;  M.  D.  Nun- 
son,  6  ;  Leonard  Steward,  1 ;  Charles  E.  Mosher,  1;  E.  Alphert,  6  ;  J.  Tupper,  4  ;  Owen  Powderly, 
8  ;  Benjamin  Dodge,  11  ;  Charles  Spear,  1  ;  Elbert  Dickason,  9  ;  Chancey  Spear,  1  ;  Darius  Bris- 
bey,  7  ;  Mr.  Battey,  6  ;  Solomon  Saulsbury,  2 ;  Christopher  Bredenburg,  4  ;  Wm.  Bredenburg,  4  ; 
John  Robinson,  8;  John  R.  Williams,  4;  Robert  Closs,  6;  David  Robertson,  3;  Evan 
Edwards,  7  ;  Jane  Thomas,  5 ;  Hugh  Edwards,  6 ;  John  Dodge,  2  ;  Ervin  McCall,  4 ;  Samuel 
McConochie,  10  ;  John  Smith,  5 ;  James  Smier,  8 ;  Wm.  King,  3  ;  Abner  Case,  5 ;  Daniel 
Bachen,  3  ;  Horace  Austin,  4 ;  Palmer  Peach  am,  2;  Aaron  Powell,  10  :  Francis  Langdon,  5  ; 
Simeon  Hamlin,  3  ;  John  Hamlin,  7;  Sylvester  Langdon,  1 ;  John  Madden,  8 ;  Gideon  Low,  9 ; 
H.  Carpenter,  24  ;  Wm.  Chalfinch,  4  ;  Wm.  Jones,  13  ;  M.  W.  Patton,  8  ;  Milo  Bradley,  2  ;  John 
Dunlap,  2  ;  Daniel  Plumley,  5  ;  Powell  Stein,  8  ;  Wm.  Meades,  7  ;  John  Englehart,  4;  Edward 
Root,  3  ;  Samuel  Torbert,  4  ;  Henry  Dence,  6  ;  Isaac  Morris,  3  ;  Jonas  Evans,  3;  David  Roberts, 
5;  Thomas  Roberts,  7;  John  Roberts,  7;  Job  W.  Perry,  13 ;  Levi  W.  Perry,  4  ;  James  E.  Knowles, 
8;  Pearson  Lowell,  3;  Philip  Hartwell,  3;  Alvin  B.  Alden,  4;  George  Colben,  5;  John  Con- 
verse, 8  ;  H.  Dickenson,  1 ;  Thomas  Kelsey,  1 ;  Frank  Roberts,  3  ;  Ephraim  Blood,  11 ;  Lem- 
uel Aiken,  1;  Oliver  Bush,  3;  Francis  L.  Smith,  1;  Oliver  Rablin,  1;  Lewis  Havens,  1; 
Robert  Lindsey,  1 ;  Stephen  Wood,  1  ;  Wm.  B.  McEwen,  1  ;  Neil  McFee,  1 ;  Captain  Harvey, 
1;  Elijah  Francisco,  1;  John  G.  Potter,  1 ;  George  Lawrence,  1 ;  Richard  F.  Veeder,  8 ; 
Charles  Gliders,  1 ;  0.  F.  Waggoner,  3 ;  Jesse  Boynton,  1 ;  Wm.  Lawrence,  1 ;  Silas  Wals- 
worth,  3 :  D.  D.  Robinson,  6 ;  Richard  Downing,  3 ;  Charles  Lavigne,  4 ;  Henry  Lewis,  7 ; 
Terry  Smyth,  2;  John  T.  De  LaRonde,  4;  Leo  Ambrose,  2;  Fred  Gilbrew,  1 ;  0.  P.  Williams, 
1 ;  Charles  Temple,  4 ;  Thomas  Getty,  1 ;  Wm.  Weir,  5 ;  N.  St.  German,  2 ;  0.  Bellrude,  1 ; 
H.  Hansen,  1;  John  Champlain,  4;  Manchy  Rangg,  1;  H.  McFarlane,  30;  Clark  Whitney, 
4  ;  Wm.  Logan,  3  ;  Bassil  DuBay,  2  ;  Louis  DuBay,  2  ;  Stranger  (unknown),  1  ;  James  Porter, 
2 ;   Henry  Morris,  6 ;  S.  S.  Torbert,  2 ;  Kennedy  Anderson,  1. 

Recapitulation  :  First  District — White  males,  705  ;  white  females,  564  ;  total  persons, 
1,269.  Second  District — White  males,  438  ;  white  females,  261 ;  male  of  color,  1  ;  total  per- 
sons, 700.     The  entire  population  of  the  county  was,  therefore,  1,969. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  385 

The  census  of  the  county  was  taken  the  second  time  in  June,  1847.  The  enumerator 
was  James  T.  Lewis,  assisted  by  Nathaniel  Blood,  Harvey  Bush,  John  Converse,  Elisha  Lynn 
and  Emerson  Thayer.  Lewis  took  Columbus  Precinct;  Blood,  Dekorra ;  Bush,  Wyocena ; 
Converse,  LeRoy ;  Lynn,  Dyersburg,  and  Thayer,  the  three  precincts  of  Winnebago  Portage, 
Pleasant  Valley  and  Lowvilie.     The  following  was  the  result : 

White  Males.        White  Females.       Colored  Males.  Total. 

Columbus  Precinct 514  435                      949 

Dekorra 104  97                       201 

Wyocena 253  222                      475 

LeRoy 515  464  1  980 

Dyersburg 2-38  228                     466 

Winnebago  Portage 102  61  1  164 

Pleasant  Valley 110        '  93                    203 

Lowvilie 190  163                    353 

Total 2026  1763  2  3791 

a 

EARLY    HIGHWAYS. 

The  first  regularly  laid  out  highway  or  road  Columbia  County  had  was  called  the  "  mili- 
tary road,"  and  was  built  at  Government  expense  for  the  transportation  of  supplies  from  Fort 
Howard,  as  the  army  "  post "  was  then  called,  at  Green  Bay,  to  Fort  Winnebago,  and  on  to 
Fort  Crawford,  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  In  summer,  provisions  were  transported,  in  batteaux,  by 
water  from  Fort  Howard  to  Forts  Winnebago  and  Crawford,  but  in  winter  this  could  not  be 
done.  Therefore,  early  in  1835,  Lewis  Cass,  then  Secretary  of  War,  sent  out  orders  to  open, 
lay  out  and  bridge  a  road  from  Fort  Howard  to  Fort  Crawford,  by  the  way  of  Fond  du  Lac 
and  Fort  Winnebago.  The  soldiers  at  Fort  Crawford  were  ordered  to  build  and  bridge  the 
road  to  Fort  Winnebago  ;  those  stationed  at  Fort  Winnebago,  from  their  post  to  the  Fond  du 
Lac  River  and  bridge  that  stream,  and  those  at  the  "  Bay,"  or  Fort  Howard,  to  open  the  road 
from  their  post  to  Fond  du  Lac.  The  soldiers  at  these  three  posts  were  under  command  of 
Brig.  Gen.  George  Mercer  Brooke,  and  composed  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  the  standing  army. 
The  road  was  laid  out  by  Lieut.  Centre  and  James  Duane  Doty.  Mr.  Doty  was  appointed 
because  he  knew  the  road  better  than  almost  any  other  man  in  the  Territory.  It  entered  Colum- 
bia County  from  the  south,  on  Section  31,  Township  10,  Range  9  east  (town  of  Arlington), 
and  ran  in  a  northeasterly  direction  to  "  Pauquette,"  now  Poynette,  in  the  town  of  Dekorra  ; 
thence,  almost  due  north,  to  Fort  Winnebago.  From  Fort  Winnebago,  it  ran  through  the 
southern  tier  of  sections  of  the  present  towns  of  Fort  Winnebago,  Marcellon,  Scott  and  Ran- 
dolph, to  Fox  Lake ;  thence,  to  Waupun  and  Fond  du  Lac,  to  its  terminus — Fort  Howard.  It 
was  a  crude  affair,  and  constructed  by  cutting  through  timber-land,  clearing  a  track  about  two 
rods  wide,  and  setting  mile  stakes.  On  the  prairies,  the  mile  stakes  were  set  and  small  mounds 
thrown  up.  Where  stone  could  be  had,  it  was  used  ;  otherwise,  the  earth  was  thrown  up.  On 
the  marshes  and  other  low  places,  corduroy  roads  were  made  by  crossing  timbers  and  covering 
with  brush  and  earth. 

In  1837,  a  Territorial  road  was  opened  from  Fort  Winnebago,  running  east  through  the 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  into  Marcellon ;  thence,  in  a  northeasterly  direction,  through  the 
town,  into  Marquette  County,  intersecting  the  military  road  in  Fond  du  Lac.  This  road  has 
often  been  mistaken  for  the  old  military  road,  from  the  fact  that,  during  certain  seasons  of  the 
year,  it  was  traveled  more  than  the  other. 

About  the  same  time,  two  roads  were  opened  from  the  village  of  Dekorra — one  taking  aa 
easterly  course,  intersecting  the  military  road  near  Fox  Lake ;  the  other  running  east,  through 
Horicon,  Dodge  County,  and  thence  to  Lake  Michigan,  at  a  point  then  called  Sauk  Harbor. 
This  last  road  was  surveyed  by  the  General  Government. 

Another  road  was  opened  from  Swan  Lake,  taking  a  southeasterly  course,  into  Jefferson 
County.    From  "  Pauquette  "  (now  Poynette),  a  road  was  opened  south,  to  the  City  of  the  Four 


386  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Lakes;  also  one  to  Madison.     These  comprised  all  the  roads  laid  out  in  the' county  previous 

to  18.38. 

TERRITORIAL    DISTRICT    COURT    AND    STATE    CIRCUIT    COURT. 

The  act  establishing  the  Territorial  Government  of  Wisconsin  provided  for  the  division  of 
the  Territory  into  three  judicial  districts,  and  for  the  holding  of  a  district  court  by  one  of  the 
Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  each  district,  two  terms  in  each  year  in  each  organized  county 
in  the  district.  The  three  Justices  were  Charles  Dunn,  David  Irvin  and  William  C.  Frazer. 
By  an  act  of  the  Territorial  Legislature,  approved  November  15,  18.36,  the  counties  of  Brown 
and  Milwaukee  were  constituted  the  Third  District,  and  assigned  to  Justice  Frazer  ;  the  coun- 
ties of  Crawford  and  Iowa  the  First  District,  and  assigned  to  Chief  Justice  Dunn.  As,  at  that 
date,  what  is  now  the  county  of  Columbia  was  then  portions  of  the  four  counties  just  named,  it 
was,  of  course,  in  both  tlie  Third  and  First  Districts.  However,  there  being  no  population  except 
what  clustered  in  and  around  Fort  Winnebago,  the  region  was  understood  to  be,  judicially  con- 
sidered, a  part  of  Brown  County,  and  so  it  had  been  ever  since  the  county  became  a  part  of 
Michigan  Territory..  The  people  at  the  Portage  were  considerec'  vs  amenable  to  the  court  which 
sat  at  Green  Bay.  Nor  was  this  state  of  things  changed  by  tne  setting  apart,  in  December, 
1836,  of  pretty  nearly  what  is  now  Columbia  into  a  county  by  itself,  called  Portage,  as  the  latter 
was  attached  to  Brown  County  for  judicial  purposes,  and  it  so  remained  until  February  18, 1841, 
when  it  was  attached  for  the  same  purpose  to  Dane  County,  then  in  the  Second  Judicial  District 
presided  over  by  Judge  Irvin.  It  so  continued  until  the  fall  of  1844,  when  Portage  County 
was  fully  organized;  and  on  the  first  Monday  of  April,  184.5,  was  held  the  first  district  court 
for  the  county.     Portage  County  was  still  in  the  Second  Judicial  District. 

The  first  term  of  the  District  Court  in  Columbia  County,  began  August  80,  1847,  with 
David  Irvin  as  Judge  of  the  Second  Judicial  District.  The  court  was  held  at  Fort  Winnebago, 
in  a  store  attached  to  the  Franklin  House,  kept  by  Gideon  Low.  Doubt  as  to  the  legality  of 
the  elections  in  Columbia  County  in  1846.  was  the  cause  of  there  being  no  court  held  therein 
during  that  year.  The  names  of  the  first  grand  jury  for  the  United  States  and  Columbia  County 
were  as  follows  :  Morrell  Stroud,  Jerome  B.  Fargo,  La  Fayette  Hill,  Edward  J.  Smith,  John 
Converse,  Benjamin  F.  Stanton,  Isaac  B.  Hancock,  Jonathan  E.  Haight,  Perry  GriiBth,  Chan- 
cey  Spear,  Samuel  Gibson,  Joseph  Edwards,  Albert  Pease,  Horace  Dodge,  Enos  Grant.  F.  K. 
Haskins,  Job  W.  Perry,  W.  B.  Dyer,  William  W.  Drake. 

On  the  first  day,  Owen  Powderly  was  naturalized.  The  first  case  on  the  docket  was  Lorenzo 
Bevans  vs.  Andrew  Dunn,  in  assumpsit ;  the  case  was  continued  generally.  The  next  case  was 
also  in  assumpsit,  Youngs  Allen  vs.  Miami  York  ;  the  plaintift"  recovered,  by  default  of  the 
defendant,  a  judgment  for  $64.73. 

Upon  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  as  a  State  into  the  Union,  it  was  divided  into  five  judicial 
circuits.  Columbia  County  was  included  in  the  Third.  By  an  act  of  the  State  Legislature, 
approved  April  22,  1855,  the  county  was  attached  to  the  Ninth  Judicial  Circuit,  and  has  ever 
since  remained  in  that  circuit.  At  the  election  on  the  first  Monday  of  August,  1848,  Charles 
H.  Larrabee  was  chosen  Judge  of  the  Third  Judicial  Circuit,  his  term  expiring  at  the  close  of 
the  31st  day  of  December,  1854.  At  the  previous  April  election,  in  1854,  he  had  been  elected 
for  a  full  term  of  six  years,  commencing  January  1,  185.5,  and  to  end  at  the  close  of  December 
31,  1859,  but  Columbia  County  was  taken  out  of  his  jurisdiction  by  being  attached,  in  April, 
1855,  as  previously  mentioned,  to  the  Ninth  Judicial  Circuit. 

The  first  term  of  the  Circuit  Court  commenced  May  21,  1849,  Chief  Justice  Stow  presid- 
ing. The  first  case  tried  was  John  Converse  vs.  Martin  Hoffman,  in  error  from  a  justice's  court; 
judgment  affirmed. 

The  grand  jury  was  as  follows:  John  Hasey,  Thomas  D.  Wallace,  Cornwall  Esmond,  Isaac 
Requa,  William  (j.  Simons,  Benjamin  A.  Hagamen,  Sylvanus  Langdon,  Dearborn  Taylor,  Linus 
Blair,  Martin  Porter,  Hugh  McFarlane,  John  Q.  Adams,  Lucius  Warner,  Thomas  Swarthout, 
Oscar  F.  Hamilton,  Benjamin  Sage,  Cyrus  Smith,  Joseph  Farrington,  Edward  J.  Smith  and 
Israel  Sales. 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  387 

There  was  no  court,  either  district  or  circuit,  held  in  Columbia  County  during  the  year  1848. 

When,  in  1855,  Columbia  County  was  taken  out  of  the  Third  Judicial  Circuit  and  attached 
to  the  Ninth,  it  came  into  the  jurisdiction  of  Judge  Alexander  L.  Collins,  but,  on  the  5th  of 
September,  1858,  he  resigned,  and  Luther  S.  Dixon  was  appointed  in  his  place  until  a  successor 
was  elected  and  qualified.  Before  the  next  April  election,  however.  Judge  Dixon  resigned, 
being  elevated  to  the  Supreme  Bench,  and  Harlow  S.  Orton  was  elected  Judge  of  the  Ninth 
Judicial  Circuit,  to  fill  out  the  full  term  for  which  Judge  Collins  was  elected,  which  expired 
December  31,  1860.  On  the  3d  day  of  April,  1860,  Judge  Orton  was  elected  for  a  full  term 
of  six  years,  but  he  resigned  January  28,  1865,  when  Alva  Stewart  was  appointed  to  hold  until 
the  next  April  election.  In  April,  1865,  Judge  Stewart  was  elected  to  fill  out  the  full  term  of 
Judge  Orton,  which  expired  December  31,  1866.  In  April,  1866,  he  was  again  elected,  but 
this  time  for  a  full  term  of  six  years,  which  began  January  1,  1867,  and  ended  December  31, 
1872.  In  April,  1872,  he  was  re-elected  for  a  full  term,  commencing  January  1,  1873,  and  to 
end  December  31,  1878.  However,  on  April  2,  1877,  upon  the  increase  of  the  Ninth  Judicial 
Circuit  by  the  addition  of  three  counties,  Juneau,  Adams  and  Marquette,  Judge  Stewart  resigned, 
but  was  appointed  on  the  5th  of  the  same  month,  as  his  own  successor,  to  fill  out  his  full  term. 
In  April,  1878,  he  was  re-elected  for  another  full  term  of  six  years,  which  commenced  January 
1,  1879,  and  will  end  December  31,  1884. 

TERRITORIAL,    STATE,  AND    CONGRESSIONAL    REPRESENTATION. 

The  First  Legislative  Assembly  under  the  Territorial  Government  of  Wisconsin,  convened 
at  Belmont,  Lafayette  County,  in  October,  1836.  The  counties  of  Brown,  Crawford,  Iowa  and 
Milwaukee  then  embraced,  as  previously  stated,  the  whole  territory  of  what  now  constitutes 
Wisconsin,  and  a  portion  of  the  present  county  of  Columbia  was  contained  in  the  limits  of  each 
of  the  above-named  counties.  In  1846,  as  already  narrated,  the  county  of  Columbia  was  organ- 
ized from  the  county  of  Portage. 

(/.)  Territorial  Representation. — [District — Brown,  Calumet,  Columbia,  Fond  du  Lac, 
Manitowoc,  Marquette,  Portage  and  Winnebago.]  Council — 1847-48,  Mason  C.  Darling,  of 
Fond  du  Lac.  Representatives — 1847,  Elisha  Morrow,  of  Bi-own,  and  Hugh  McFarlane,  of 
Columbia  ;  1848,  Geo.  W.  Featherstonhaugh,  of  Calumet,  and  Moses  S.  Gibson. 

(II.)  State  Representation. — First  Constitutional  Convention,  1846,  Jeremiah  Drake  and 
LaFayette  Hill.     Second  Constitutional  Convention,  1847-48,  James  T.  Lewis. 

Senate — 1848-49,  Henry  Merrell,of  Fort  Winnebago ;  1850-51,  George  DeGraw  Moore,  of 
Prairie  du  Sac ;  1852,  James  S.  Alban,  of  Plover ;  1853,  James  T.  Lewis,  of  Columbus ; 
1854-55,  John  Q.  Adams,  of  Fall  River ;  1856,  John  Q.  Adams,  of  Fall  River ;  1857-58, 
Moses  M.  Davis,  of  Portage;  1859-60,  Moses  M.  Davis,  of  Portage;  1861-62,  Gerry  W. 
Hazleton,  of  Columbus ;  1863-64,  Jonathan  Bowman,  of  Kilbourn  City ;  1865-66,  Jonathan 
Bowman,  of  Kilbourn  City  ;  1867-68,  Robert  B.  Sanderson,  of  Arlington ;  1869-70,  Wm.  M. 
Griswold,  of  Columbus;  1871-72,  Wm.  M.  Griswold,  of  Columbus;  1873-74,  Evan  0.  Jones, 
of  Cambria ;  1875-76,  Levi  W.  Barden,  of  Portage ;  1877-78,  Levi  W.  Barden,  of  Portage ; 
1879-80,  Charles  L.  Dering,  of  Portage. 

Assembly — 1848 — Joseph  Kerr,  of  Randolph.  1849 — Joseph  Kerr,  of  Randolph.  1850 — 
Hugh  McFarlane,  of  Portage.  1851— Wm.  T.  Bradley,  of  Leeds.  1852— James  T.  Lewis, 
of  Columbus.  1853 — Orrin  D.  Coleman,  of  Marcellon ;  John  Q.  Adams,  of  Fall  River. 
1854— Alfred  Topliff,  of  Columbus ;  Asa  C.  Ketchum,  of  Portage.  1855— Alfred  Topliff,  of 
Columbus ;  William  T.  Whirry,  of  Randolph.  1856— Moses  M.  Davis,  of  Portage ;  Oliver  C. 
Howe,  of  Lowville.  1857 — George  M.  Bartholemew,  of  Lodi ;  Oliver  C.  Howe,  of  Lowville ; 
Henry  Converse,  of  Wyocena.  1858 — Alvin  B.  Alden,  of  Portage ;  Wm.  M.  Griswold,  of 
Columbus ;  Jonathan  W.  Earle,  of  Pardeeville.  1859 — Gysbert  Van  Steenwyk,  of  Newport ; 
Wm.  M.  Griswold,  of  Columbus;  John  O.Jones,  of  Springvale.  1860 — Henry  B.  Munn,  of 
Portage;  William  M.  Griswold,  of  Columbus;  Marcus  Barden,  of  Scott.  1861 — Harvey  W. 
Emery,  of  Portage;  Nathan  Hazen,  of  Arlington;  James  H.  Bonney,  of  Marcellon.     1862 — 


388  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Jonathan  Bowman,  of  Kilbourn  City  ;  William  Dutcher,  of  Columbus ;  Robert  B.  Sanderson, 
of  Springvale.  1863 — A.  J.  Turner,  of  Portage  ;  John  Q.  Adams,  of  Fountain  Prairie;  Yates 
Ashley,  of  Pardeeville.  1864 — A.  J.  Turner,  of  Portage;  Edwin  W.  McNitt,  of  Otsego; 
Yates  Ashley,  of  Pardeeville.  1865 — Levi  W.  Barden,  of  Portage ;  Jesse  F.  Hand,  of  Low- 
ville ;  William  Owen,  of  Randolph.  1866 — A.  J.  Turner,  of  Portage  ;  Robert  B.  Sanderson, 
of  Arlington;  Evan  0.  Jones,  of  Cambria.  1867 — AV.  Scott  Schermerhorn,  of  Lodi;  Ira  H. 
Ford,  of  Hampden ;  Evan  0.  Jones,  of  Cambria.  1868 — Alanson  Holly,  of  Kilbourn  City  ; 
Ira  H.  Ford,  of  Hampden ;  David  C.  Davies,  of  Cambria.  1869 — ^A.  J.  Turner,  of  Portage ; 
Thornton  Thompson,  of  Otsego  ;  Freeman  M.  Ross,  of  Scott.  1870 — Jonas  Narracong.  of  Lodi ; 
Winslow  Bullin,  of  Arlington;  Carmi  W.  Beach,  of  Marcellon.  1871 — Stillman  E.  Dana,  of 
Portage  ;  Thos.  Sanderson,  of  Leeds  ;  George  G.  Marvin,  of  Randolph.  1872 — Wm.  W.  Corn- 
ing, of  Portage;  Henry  C.  Brace,  of  Fountain  Prairie;  Jacob  Low,  of  Lowville.  1873 — 
Samuel  S.  Brannan,  of  Portage ;  Henry  C.  Brace,  of  Fountain  Prairie ;  John  L.  Porter,  of 
Pacific.  1874 — Jonathan  Bowman,  of  Kilbourn  City  ;  Samuel  Hasey,  of  Hampden  ;  Hiram 
W.  Roblier,  of  Wyocena.  1875 — Marcus  Barden,  of  Scott ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  of  Springvale  ; 
John  B.  Dwinnell,  of  Lodi.  1876— Michael  Griffin,  of  Kilbourn  City;  John  G.  Griffin,  of 
Randolph;  Augustus  0.  Dole,  of  Poynette.  1877 — David  Owen,  of  Portage;  Harmon  J.  Fisk, 
of  Fall  River.  1878— Josiah  Arnold,  of  Portage ;  Lester  Woodard,  of  Pardeeville.  1879— 
Charles  R.  Gallett,  of  Portage  ;  John  Sanderson,  of  Cambria.  1880 — Addison  Eaton,  of  Lodi ; 
Matthew  Lowth,  of  Columbus. 

{Ill-)  Concp'essional  Representation. — The  act  of  Congress,  approved  April  20,  1836, 
organizing  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  conferred  upon  the  people  the  right  to  be  represented  in 
the  National  Congress  by  one  delegate,  to  be  chosen  by  the  votes  of  the  qualified  electors  of  the 
Territory.  Under  this  authority  the  Territory  was  represented  by  the  following  delegates  : 
George  W.  Jones,  elected  October  10,  1836 ;  James  Duane  Doty,  September  10,  1838 ;  James 
Duane  Doty,  August  5,  1840  (Doty  afterward  resigned,  he  having  been  appointed  Governor  of 
the  Territory  by  President  Tyler,  September  13,  1841) ;  Henry  Dodge,  September  27,  1841 ; 
Henry  Dodge,  September  25,  1843 ;  Morgan  L.  Martin,  September  22,  1845,  and  John  H. 
Tweedy,  September  6,  1847. 

By  the  Constitution,  adopted  when  the  Territory  became  a  State,  in  1848,  two  represent- 
atives in  Congress  were  provided  for  by  dividing  the  State  into  two  Congressional  Districts,  the 
First  District  being  composed  of  the  counties  of  Milwaukee,  Waukesha,  Jefferson,  Racine,  Wal- 
worth, Rock  and  Green  ;  the  Second  District,  of  Washington',  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Calumet, 
Brown,  Winnebago,  Fond  du  Lac,  Marquette,  Sauk,  Portage,  Columbia,  Dodge,  Dane,  Iowa, 
La  Fayette,  Grant,  Richland,  Crawford,  Chippewa,  St.  Croix  and  La  Pointe.  Under  this 
authority,  an  election  was  held  May  8,  1848,  and  William  Pitt  Lynde  was  elected  member  of 
Congress  from  the  First  District ;  Mason  C.  Darling,  of  Fond  du  Lac,  for  the  Second  District. 
The  people,  therefore,  then  residing  within  the  limits  of  Columbia  County,  were  represented  in 
the  Thirtieth  Congress  by  Dr.  Mason  C.  Darling. 

At  the  first  session  of  the  State  Legislature,  which  continued  from  June  5  to  August  21, 
1848,  the  State  was  divided  into  three  Congressional  Districts,  Columbia  County  falling  into 
the  Third  District,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Washington,  Sheboygan,  Manitowoc,  Brown, 
Winnebago,  Calumet,  Fond  du  Lac,  Marquette,  Dodge,  Jefferson  and  Columbia.  This  appor- 
tionment continued  unchanged  until  1861.  The  Third  District  was  represented  during  that 
period  as  follows :  Thirty-first  Congress,  1849-51,  James  Duane  Doty ;  Thirty-second  Con- 
gress, 1851-53,  John  B.  Macy  ;  Thirty-third  Congress,  1853-55,  John  B.  Macy;  Thirty-fourth 
Congress,  1855-1857,  Charles  Billinghurst ;  Thirty-fifth  Congress,  1857-59,  Charles  Billing- 
hurst  ;  Thirty-sixth  Congress,  1859-61,  Charles  H.  Larrabee ;  Thirty-seventh  Congress, 
1861^63,  A.  Scott  Sloan. 

At  the  fourteenth  session  of  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  continuing  from  January  9  to 
May  27,  1861,  the  State  was  divided  into  six  Congressional  Districts,  Columbia  County  falling 
into  the  Second  District,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Rock,  Jefferson,  Dane  and  Columbia.  For 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  389. 

the  next  ten  years,  the  Second  District  was  represented  in  Congress  as  follows :  Thirty-eighth 
Congress,  1863-65,  Ithamar  C.  Sloan  ;  Thirty-ninth  Congress,  1865-67,  Ithamar  C.  Sloan  ; 
Fortieth  Congress,  1867-69,  Benjamin  F.  Hopkins;  Forty-first  Congress,  1869-71,  Benjamin 

F.  Hopkins,  who  died  January  1,  1870,  and  was  succeeded,  February  15  of  the  same  year,  by 
David  Atwood ;  Forty-second  Congress,  1871-73,  Gerry  W.  Hazleton. 

The  present  Congressional  apportionment  was  made  at  the  twenty-fifth  session  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  Wisconsin,  continuing  from  January  10  to  March  27,  1872,  when  the  State  was 
divided  into  eight  districts,  Columbia  County  again  falling  into  the  Second  District,  composed 
of  the  counties  of  Jefferson,  Dane,  Sauk  and  Columbia.  In  the  Forty-third  Congress,  1873-75, 
the  district  was  represented  by  Geny  W.  Hazleton  ;  in  the  Forty-fourth,  1875-77,  by  Lucien 
B.  Caswell;  in  the  Forty-fifth,  1877-79,  by  Lucien  B.  Caswell;  in  the  Forty-sixth,  1879-81, 
by  Lucien  B.  Caswell. 

PHOTOGRAPHING    THE    PIONEERS. 

Some  time  ago,  a  plan  was  inaugurated  to  preserve  photographs  of  pioneers  of  Columbia 
County.  The  result  is  the  collection,  in  what  is  now  the  gallery  of  S.  L.  Plumb,  in  Portage, 
of  a  considerable  number  of  negatives,  which  are  to  be  preserved  for  future  generations.  The 
"counterfeit  presentments"  of  the  following  persons  have,  up  to  the  present  time,  been 
secured : 

J.  J.  Guppey,  Henry  Merrell,  C.  C.  Britt,  0.  P.  Williams,  Hugh  McFarlane,  Israel 
Holmes,  A.  Chambei'lin,  Josiah  Arnold,  George  Payne,  Samuel  M.  Carr,  E.  L.  Jaeger,  Volney 
Foster,  Thomas  Drew,  Sr.,  G.  M.  Oddie,  John  Williamson,  Joseph  Ludwig,  George  Wall,  Carl 
Haertel,  D.  T.  Eastman,  J.  F.  Hand,  G.  C.  Prentiss,  Elbridge  Curtis,  Solomon  Leach,  Elisha 
A.  Wells,  J.  W.  Roades,  M.  M.  Ege,  Fred  C.  Curtis,  R.  0.  Loomis,  Benjamin  Dey,  W.  P.  St. 
John,  Job  Purnell,  Alexander  Cai-nagie,  William  Sylvester,  S.  Race,  R.  C.  Rockwood,  V. 
Helmann,  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Jesse  Van  Ness,  H.  S.  Haskell,  Jonathan  Whitney,  S.  S.  Brannan, 
Samuel  Edwards,  John  Orthman,  E.  Hagan,  William  Wier,  Henry  Carpenter,  Gordon  H.  Mer- 
rell, H.  B.  Munn,  Jacob  Township,  C.  Collipp,  William  Armstrong,  S.  S.  Johnson,  Earl  A. 
Fargo,  Thomas  Raynolds,  John  Peterson,  Thomas  Lee,  B.  J.  Pixley,  Thornton  Thompson,  A. 
J.  Turner,  N.  H.  Wood,  James  Prentice,  Hiram  Sexton,  D.  H.  Langdon,  George  Shackell,  D. 
A.  Goodyeai-,  G.  C.  Jackson,  Mr.  Larmouth,  H.  M.  Ayer,  E.  F.  Lewis,  Theodore  Thomas, 
S.  M.  Smith,  Horace  Rust,  Samuel  Berry,  Alexander  McMillan,  Thomas  Walker,  M.  W.  Pat- 
ton,  Hugh  Doherty,  Alva  Stewart,  B.  F.  Flower,  C.  C.  Dow,  John  Reedal,  Joseph  Hartman, 
Sat.  Clark,   Mr.   Shulze,  A.  Bates,  A.  Brown,  P.  S.  Hollenbeck,  Peter  Houston,  L.  S.   Dixon, 

G.  W.  Webb,  Emmons  Taylor,  William  Bates,  John  Leatherman,  S.  W.  Herring,  Charles 
Spear,  P.  Pool,  Elijah  Johnson,  F.  B.  Langdon,  William  McDonald,  William  Holden,  Marcus 
Barden,  Charles  Baker,  G.  T.  Morrison,  John  Converse,  D.  Buchanan,  Peter  Drake,  D.  Van- 
dercook,  G.  N.  Richmond,  F.  L.  Henry,  D.  B.  Peck,  A.  McDonald,  A.  0.  Green,  James  Wil- 
son, J.  R.  McMillan,  Seth  Allen,  S.  Calverly,  A.  Voertman,  A.  A.  Bull.  C.  R.  Gallett,  J.  T. 
Clark,  Robert  Balentine,  John  Foot,  William  McKenzie,  Samuel  Herriman,  John  N.  Kind,  T. 
L.  Kennen,  Chauncy  Roberts,  Donald  Ferguson,  George  W.  Morrison,  John  Palmer,  George 
W.  Bennett,  W.  Tillotson,  Hans  H.  Tongen,  James  Patterson,  D.  C.  Berry. 


390  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  Y. 

PIONEER    REMINISCENCES. 

By  Tiiojias  L.  McKinney— Mrs.  Margaret  C.  Low— John  T.  De  La  Roxde— Satterlee 
Clark— Mrs  John  H.  Kinzie— Henry'  Merrell— J.  T.  Kingston- Robert  L.  Ream- 
Hugh  McFarlane— N.  H.  Wood— William  T.  Whirry— Amplius  Chamberlain— Moses 
M.  Strong— Charles  Whittlesey— Freedom  Simons— G.  W.  Featherstonhaugh. 

I. — BY   THOMAS    L.    MCKINNEY. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3d  [of  September,  1827,  at  the  portage],  having  little  else  to  do,  I 
busied  myself  to  find  out,  if  I  could,  how  the  Indians  could,  without  danger,  capture  the  rattle- 
snake. This  whole  country  is  full  of  them,  and  so  constant  is  the  noise  of  their  rattles,  when 
anything  happens  to  molest  them,  that  the  ear  is  kept  half  the  time  deceived  by  what  seems  to 
be  the  ticking  of  watches  in  a  watchmaker's  window.  I  was  honored  by  a  visit  from  one  in  my 
tent,  that  morning,  and  was  prompted  by  that  call,  perhaps,  to  find  out  in  what  way  my  civilities 
might  best  protect  me  from  their  too  close  attention.  I  was  told  that  the  smell  of  tobacco  made  the 
snake  sick  ;  and  this  explained  why,  in  two  instances  in  which  I  had  witnessed  the  taking  of 
this  reptile  by  the  Indians,  tobacco  was  employed.  They  also  employ  a  root  (but  of  what  herb 
or  shrub  I  could  not  find  out),  which  they  pound  and  put  on  a  stick  ;  then  they  excite  the 
snake  to  bite  it,  when  the  poison  of  the  root,  being  taken  into  the  snake's  mouth,  kills  it.  I 
was  told  that  they  take  from  the  neck  of  the  turkey-buzzard  a  piece  of  the  flesh,  and  dry  and 
pound  it,  and  rub  their  bodies  with  this  powder.  Thus  guarded,  the  snake  will  not  bite  or  come 
near  them.  How  true  all  or  any  part  of  all  this  is,  I  cannot  vouch,  never  having  made  trial  of 
either. 

At  9  in  the  morning,  in  company  with  Count  de  Lillier,  Judge  Lecuyer  and  Rev.  Mr. 
Jones  (a  Protestant  Episcopal  clergyman — the  first  settled  at  Green  Bay),  I  started  for  a 
descent  of  the  Wisconsin  River.  Having  crossed  the  Fox  River  to  the  opposite  landing,  on 
the  portage,  an  ox-cart  was  provided  for  our  transportation  across  to  the  Wisconsin,  the  width  of 
the  portage  being  about  twenty-five  hundred  paces.  The  entire  way  was  miry  and  full  of  rattle- 
snakes. The  veteran  interpreter,  Pauquette,  was  employed  to  drive  us  over.  The  wheels  of 
the  cart,  though  broad,  sank  deep  into  the  mud,  and  the  sturdy  beasts  bent  to  their  duty  ;  but 
without  the  constant  employment  of  Pauquette's  powerful  arms  and  the  exertion  of  his  great 
strength  in  applying  to  their  sides  repeated  strokes  from  what  seemed  like  a  hoop  or  hop  pole, 
exciting  them,  meantime,  with  his  stentorian  voice,  and  givjng  vent  to  anathemas,  in  Winne- 
bago, with  almost  every  breath,  we  must  have  been  forced  into  some  other  conveyance  or  taken 
to  our  feet  in  mud  a  foot  deep,  to  have  in  any  reasonable  time  reached  the  Wisconsin.  But,  by 
the  aid  of  the  hop-pole  and  the  Winnebago  anathemas,  both  well  understood,  doubtless,  by  the 
oxen,  we  were  carted  over  in  safety.  When  about  midway,  and  during  one  of  the  numerous 
pauses  which  the  oxen  were  wont  to  make,  the  man  bearing  the  flagstaft'  of  my  canoe  struck, 
with  the  lower  end  of  it,  a  rattlesnake  that  lay  near  where  Pauquette  was  standing — for  he 
■walked  the  entire  distance.  The  snake,  enraged  at  the  blow,  gave  signs  of  resistance,  and, 
apprehending  it  might  dart  its  fangs  into  Paucjuette's  legs,  I  stooped  from  the  cart  and  ran  it 
through  with  my  sword,  when  one  of  the  men  cut  off  its  head  with  an  ax.  Whether  Pauquette 
trusted  to  his  leather  leggins  and  moccasins,  or  their  being  well  imbued  with  tobacco-smoke,  or  the 
powdered  root,  or  the  buzzard's  neck,  I  did  not  learn ;  but  he  was  as  composed  in  regard  to 
these  reptiles  as  if  he  had  been  mailed  in  brass  or  iron. 

Having  crossed  the  portage,  our  canoes,  supplies  and  our  baggage  being  all  over,  we 
embarked  at  11  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  Wisconsin.  The  current  which  we  had  been  oppos- 
ing, the  entire  length   of  the  Fox  River,  was  now  in  our  favor ;  the  waters  of  the  Wisconsin 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  391 

running  from  its  source  to  the  Mississippi,  as  do  those  of  the  Fox  River  on  the  other  side  of  the 
portage,  into  Green  Bay.  The  first  find  their  way  through  the  lakes  into  the  ocean  by  the  St. 
Lawrence,  and  the  last  by  the  way  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Whether  after 
having  started  for  those  diverse  directions,  from  sources  so  near  one  another,  they  ever  meet  and 
mingle  more  in  the  deep  blue  sea,  is  a  problem  which  I  do  not  pretend  to  solve.  I  could  not 
help  thinking  how  closely  they  resembled  early  friends,  who  in  boyhood  were  hand  in  hand  with 
each  other,  and  rarely,  for  a  series  of  years,  out  of  one  another's  sight,  when  at  last  "some 
current's  thwarting  course"  separated  them,  to  meet  no  more  forever. 

II. — BY    MRS.    MARUARET    C.    LOW. 

I  was  born  on  the  17th  day  of  March,  1793.  My  father,  Stephen  Foulk,  emigrated  from 
England  at  an  early  day  when  a  young  man,  and  settled  at  Carlisle,  Penn.;  married 
Miss  Carson,  of  Philadelphia,  by  whom  he  had  ten  children.  She  died  and  he  married  a  second 
time — Miss  Thornburgh,  of  Philadelphia,  she  not  living  but  a  short  time.  There  were  no  chil- 
dren by  the  second  marriage.  He  married  Sarah  De  Lap,  of  Adams  County,  Penn.  a 
Scotch  lady,  who  bore  him  seven  children,  of  whom  I  was  the  youngest.  He  established  the 
Holly  Iron  Works,  six  miles  from  Carlisle.  During  the  Revolution,  he  could  not  make  up  his 
mind  to  fight  against  his  mother  country,  but  assisted  the  patriots  with  money  and  materials,  as 
he  was  a  man  of  much  wealth.  My  brother  Willis  was  in  the  United  States  Army  ;  was 
wounded  in  the  side  at  the  battle  of  Chippewa,  and  brevetted  Major  General.  All  of  the  family 
belonged  to  the  Church  of  England. 

I  was  married  to  Gideon  Low  August  10,  1815.  He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  was 
commissioned  Ensign  in  the  regular  army  on  June  1,  1812.  He  was  made  Second  Lieutenant 
of  the  Twenty-second  Infantry  in  April,  1813  ;  First  Lieutenant,  in  February,  1814;  but  his 
company  in  June,  1815,  was  disbanded.  After  this  we  were  married,  as  I  have  just  mentioned, 
and  my  husband  embarked  in  the  dry-goods  business.  He  was  wounded  in  the  hand  by  splin- 
ters from  a  boat  in  which  he  was,  on  Lake  Ontario,  when  a  shot  from  the  British  fleet  struck 
the  boat,the  marks  of  which  he  bore  to  his  grave.  We  lived  in  Easton,  Penn.,  for  three  years 
or  a  little  over.  Mr.  Low  got  re-instated  in  the  army  as  Second  Lieutenant  in  a  rifle  company, 
February,  1819,  and  was  ordered  to  St.  Louis,  where  we  moved  in  the  spring  of  that  year,  and 
next  March  moved  to  Belle  Fountain.  My  husband  was  made  First  Lieutenant  in  that  month, 
and  Assistant  Commissary  of  Subsistence  in  April  following.  He  was  ordered  to  Fort  Edwards, 
on  the  Mississippi,  in  July,  to  re-establish  it,  as  it  had  been  abandoned  in  consequence  of  the 
excitement  in  regard  to  the  Indians.  He  took  a  company  of  riflemen  and  re-organized  the  fort. 
While  there,  Maj.  B.  F.  Larned,  Paymaster,  arrived  at  the  landing  with  money  to  pay  ti-oops  at 
Fort  Snelling.  The  men  had  not  been  paid  for  two  years.  Maj.  Larned  could  not  pay  them 
(the  rifle  corps)  until  he  received  orders  from  Washington,  which  the  men  could  not  understand, 
and  they  determined  to  rob  him.  Capt.  Low  had  gone  to  the  village.  I  sent  a  servant  with 
milk  to  the  company  quarters,  as  I  was  in  the  habit  of  doing,  but  he  returned  saying  the  sentry 
would  not  pass  him,  something  I  did  not  understand,  but  I  said  I  would  see  if  I  could  pass  him. 
As  I  approached  the  sentry,  he  said  he  could  pass  me  out.  No,  I  said,  I  did  not  wish  to  go  out. 
I  then  saw  the  Captain  coming,  and  I  called  to  him,  as  I  saw  by  the  man's  priming  his  gun  that 
he  was  going  to  shoot.  As  he  came  up,  the  man  pointed  his  gun  at  him,  which  he  kicked  up 
and  knocked  the  man  down  ;  then,  seizing  his  gun,  he  knocked  down  eight  or  ten  more  of  the 
guard  who  were  forming,  and  ordered  the  drummer  to  call  the  roll.  The  men  formed  without 
their  arms  and  had  to  submit.  He  sent  some  of  the  leaders  into  the  guard-house  and  thus 
quelled  the  mutiny.  The  Major  went  on  to  Fort  Snelling  and  paid  the  troops  there.  He  always 
thought  he  owed  his  life  to  the  energetic  action  of  Capt.  Low. 

In  1821,  we  moved  in  keel-boats  to  Fort  Snelling,  where  we  remained  but  a  few  months 
when  my  husband  was  ordered  back  to  Fort  Edwards,  to  relieve  Maj.  Marston.  After  a  year 
and  a  half,  Lieut.  Low  was  ordered  to  Fort  Armstrong  under  Maj.  Vose.      He   remained  there 


392  HISTORY   OF    COLI'MBIA   COUNTY. 

eighteen  months ;  he  was  then  ordered  to  Jefferson  Barracks  where  we  remained  until  ordered 
to  Green  Bay,  in  1828.  In  August  of  that  year,  he  was  commissioned  Captain.  The  Captain 
transported  me  and  my  two  daughters  in  a  small  boat  from  St.  Louis  to  Green  Bay,  by  way  of 
the  Mississippi,  Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers.  Gen.  Twiggs  was  in  command  at  Fort  Winnebago, 
living  in  log  buildings.  In  1831,  the  Captain  was  ordered  to  Fort  Winnebago,  under  Maj. 
Plympton,  who  was  relieved  by  Col.  E.  Cutler.  Afterward  the  command  fell  successively  to 
Maj.  Clark,  Maj.  Green,  Maj.  Cobb,  Capt.  Low,  Capt.  Jewett  and  finally  to  Lieut.  Mumford,  when 
he  (Mumford)  was,  in  1845,  ordered  to  evacuate  the  fort  and  remove  all  the  property  to  St.  Louis. 

Capt.  Low  resigned  his  commission  the  29th  of  February,  1840,  and  we  retired  to  private 
life.  I  had  two  daughters,  Margarette  F.  and  Elizabeth  Missouri.  Margarette  was  born  in 
Easton,  Penn.;  was  married  to  Charles  Temple  and  removed  to  Vermont.  He  was  a  lawyer, 
but  turned  his  attention  to  civil  engineering.  Subsequently,  he  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and 
settled  at  Mineral  Point,  taking  charge  of  the  railroad  as  engineer.  During  the  duties  thereof, 
he  contracted  a  disease  of  which  he  died.  Elizabeth  M.  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  was 
married  to  Henry  Merrill,  at  Portage,  in  1847,  but  died  in  1853,  leaving  a  son  and 
daughter.     The  Captain  died  in  May,  1850,  at  Portage. 

It  will  be  seen  that  I  have  traveled  from  St.  Louis  by  keel-boats  to  Fort  Snelling  and  back, 
and  from  St.  Louis,  by  way  of  the  Mississippi,  Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  to  Green  Bay  by 
small  boat,  at  an  early  day,  when  there  was  no  other  mode  of  conveyance.  When  we  were  going 
to  Fort  Snelling,  in  crossing  Lake  Pepin,  the  wind  rose  and  the  soldiers  became  frightened,  and 
called  to  the  men  to  let  go  the  sail  as  the  water  was  dashing  into  the  keel-boat ;  but  the  Captain 
saw  it  would  not  do,  as  we  would  be  cast  on  to  the  rocks.  He  therefore  caught  up  an  oar  or  pole 
and  said  the  first  man  who  attempted  to  let  go  the  sail  he  would  knock  into  the  lake,  which  saved 
us.  I  expected  we  would  be  sunk  and  put  my  two  children  to  bed  that  they  need  not  be  fright- 
ened, as  they  were  very  young. 

While  living  in  Carlisle,  before  I  was  married,  I  was  very  fond  of  horseback  riding,  and 
traveled  from  Carlisle  to  Bradford,  eighty  miles,  in  two  days,  and  from  Carlisle  to  Baltimore,  about 
eighty  miles,  in  two  days,  arid  back  in  two  days.  While  stationed  at  Fort  Winnebago,  I  trav- 
eled, in  the  fall  of  1832,  after  the  Black  Hawk  war,  from  Fort  Winnebago  to  Galena,  111., 
on  horseback. 

At  Fort  Winnebago,  I  was  well  acquainted  with  Mr.  Kinzie,  the  Indian  agent,  and  his 
wife,  and  Gen.  Twiggs,  who  turned  traitor  and  surrendered  his  troops  to  the  rebels  in  Texas. 
I  knew  Jefferson  Davis  at  Jefferson  Barracks,  near  St.  Louis,  when  he  joined  the  army  as 
Second  Lieutenant,  from  West  Point.  He  was  afterward  ordered  to  Fort  Winnebago,  and 
thence  to  Fort  Snelling  under  Col.  Taylor  (afterward  General  and  President).  While  there, 
he  got  leave  of  absence  and  went  to  Cincinnati,  where  the  Colonel's  daughter  was  at  school,  and 
married  her  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Colonel,  and  sent  in  his  resignation,  settling  in 
Mississippi.     His  wife  died  within  a  year,  and  her  parents  never  saw  her  after  her  marriage. 

I  was  at  Fort  Winnebago  during  the  Black  Hawk  war,  when  we  had  many  fights,  but  noth- 
ing serious  happened.  At  one  time,  a  large  party  of  Winnebagoes,  who  all  claimed  to  be  friendly 
to  the  whites,  came  on  horseback  to  the  fort,  avowedly  to  assist  in  defending  it.  They  wanted  to 
come  into  the  fort  to  encamp  there,  but  Maj.  Plympton,  who  was  in  command,  would  not  allow 
them,  but  told  them  to  encamp  outside  the  stockade.  There  were  but  few  soldiers  in  the  fort, 
as  a  company  had  been  picked  out  and  sent  to  Lake  Koshkonong,  under  Capt.  Low.  It  was 
thought  by  many  if  they  had  been  let  in,  the  force  would  have  been  massacred.  Being  denied 
admission  they  all  rode  off.  At  one  time,  there  were  some  rangers  (militia)  encamped  on  the 
bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  one  and  half  miles  from  the  fort,  and  one  evening  there  was  heavy 
firing  heard  over  there,  and  it  was  supposed  Indians  had  attacked  them,  which  caused  much 
fright.  Mr.  Kinzie  was  living  at  the  agency  house,  on  a  hill  opposite  the  fort,  half  a  mile  off. 
The  family  ran  over  to  the  fort ;  old  Mrs.  Kinzie,  Mr.  Kinzie's  mother,  left  the  supper-tablo 
and  came  into  the  fort  with  a  biscuit  in  her  hand,  not  knowing  it,  until  her  attention  was  called 
to  it.     The  report  proved  to  be  the  soldiers  discharging  their  pieces. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  393 

III. BY    JOHN    T.  DE    LA    RONDE.* 

My  father,  Louis  Denys,  Chevalier  de  La  Ronde,  was  born  at  Detroit,  Mich.,  during  the 
period  when  his  father,  Francis  Paul  Denys  de  La  Ronde,  an  officer  in  the  French  service,  was 
stationed  there,  several  years  prior  to  the  final  surrender  of  Canada  and  its  dependencies  to  the 
English,  in  1760.  After  the  death  of  my  grandmother,  my  grandfather  returned  to  France  and 
was  killed,  with  one  of  my  uncles,  at  La  Colle,  in  1785,  when  Gen.  Blackstone  lost  his  life. 

My  grandfather  was  the  son  of  Louis  Denys  de  La  Ronde,  an  early  commandant  at  Che- 
goimegon,  on  Lake  Superior  ;  and,  returning  to  Quebec,  he  died  there  in  consequence  of  wounds 
received  in  two  difierent  engagements.  One  of  my  uncles,  Philip  Louis  Denys  de  La  Ronde, 
was  killed  at  the  fall  of  Quebec,  September  13,  1759.  He  was  a  captain  of  marines,  and  served 
under  Montcalm. f 

After  the  death  of  my  grandfather,  my  father,  who  was  Colonel,  and  in  service  in  the  French 
Army,  remained  in  France  till  the  battle  of  Waterloo.  After  the  defeat  of  Napoleon,  not  wish- 
ing to  live  under  the  rule  of  Louis  XVIII,  he  came  to  Canada  with  all  his  family,  and  was 
admitted  a  partner  in  the  Northwest  Company.  He  died  soon  after,  and  was  buried  in  the  Cath- 
olic Church  of  St.  Anne,  Montreal,  May  12,  1818. 

I  was  born  in  Bordeaux,  France,  the  25th  of  February,  1802.  After  I  left  the  College  of 
Montreal,  in  ISld,  I  studied  medicine  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  Robert  Nelson  V.  Smith  ; 
remaining  with  him,  however,  but  a  short  time  after  my  father's  death.  I  had  made  the  acquaint- 
ance of  some  clerks  of  the  Northwest  Company,  and,  in  1819,  engaged  myself  to  that  company 
for  the  term  of  seven  years.  During  this  time,  I  went  to  London,  England,  as  a  witness  in  the 
dispute  between  the  Hudson  Bay  Company  and  the  Northwest  Company.  These  two  companies 
subsequently  effected  a  compromise,  and  the  business  thereafter  was  carried  on  by  the  Hudson 
Bay  Company,  to  whose  service  I  was  transferred.  In  1826,  my  time  of  service  having  expired, 
I  engaged  for  two  years  more. 

After  my  time  was  out  as  clerk  for  the  Hudson  Bay  Company,  April  10,  1828, 1  came  to  the 
straits  of  Sault  Ste.  Marie  ;  thence  across  to  the  American  side,  where  I  met  Roderick  McKenzie 
and  Joseph  Cadott.  who  were  coming  up  to  Mackinaw ;  thence  to  the  Mississippi,  to  visit 
that  region  and  enjoy  the  excitement  of  hunting.  I  came  to  Mackinaw  in  a  small  bark  canoe, 
and  thence  to  the  portage,  in  Wisconsin,  now  called  Portage  City,  the  29th  of  May,  1828. 
There  were  at  the  portage,  a  log-house  and  barn,  which  then  formed  a  trading-post  of  the  Ameri- 
can Fur  Company  ;  and  Peter  Pauquette  and  his  family  lived  there.  Pauquette  was  in  charge 
of  the  post ;  he  was  then  absent  at  Washington,  to  assist  in  making  a  treaty  between  the  Gov- 
ernment and  the  Winnebago  Indians.  John  Kinzie,  the  sub-agent,  and  Judge  Doty,  Cha-ge- 
kaka,  the  son  of  Cha-chip-ka-ka,  or  the  War  Eagle,  and  Black  Wolf's  son.  Dandy,  called  the 
Little  Soldier,  Yellow  Thunder  and  his  wife,  and  some  others,  went  with  him.  The  post  was 
erected  almost  opposite  where  the  mill  was  subsequently  built  on  Fox  River,  and  since  burnt. 
There  was  another  house  where  the  sub-agent  was  living  ;  and  still  two  others,  occupied  by  half- 
breeds,  and  on  the  other,  or  east  side  of  Fox  River,  there  was  a  nice  house  belonging  to  Francis 
Le  Roy,  son  of  Joseph  Le  Roy,  of  Green  Bay.  Francis  Le  Roy  was  married  to  Therese 
Lecuyer,  a  half-breed  woman  ;  the  house  was  built  where  the  fort  is  now.  He  used  to  keep 
merchandise  to  trade  with  the  Indians,  and  to  transfer  boats  from  the  Fox  to  the  Wisconsin 
River. 

De-kau-ry,  or  Scha-chip-ka-ka,  was  principal  chief  of  the  Winnebagoes,  often  called  by  his 
■countrymen  Ko-no-koh  De-kau-ry,  meaning  the  eldest  De-kau-ry.  Scha-chip-ka-ka  was  the  son 
of  Chouke-ka,  called  by  the  whites  Spoon  De-kau-ry,  who  was  the  son  of  Sabrevoir  De 
Carrie,  corrupted  into  De-kau-ry,  an  officer  in  the  French  army  in  1699,  under  De  Boisbriant ; 
he    resigning    his    commission    in  1729,  became    an   Indian  trader  among  the  Winnebagoes, 

*The  foot-notes  to  the  reniini-scences  of  Mr.  de  La  Ronde,  marked  '■  L  C.  D.,"  are  bj  Lyman  C.  Draper,  LL.D.,  of  Madison,  Wis. — Ed. 

fThere  was  a  La  Ronde,  probably  Denys  the  elder,  an  officer  at  Louisburg,  in  1733.  Ensign  Denys  de  La  Ronde,  evidently  the  j'onnger, 
■was  sent  to  Chegoimegon,  Lake  Snperior,  in  June,  1747,  and,  ten  years  later,  in  July,  17.37,  was  slightly  wounded,  while  serving  as  Captain 
■of  French  grenadiers,  at  Ticonderoga.    See  N.  Y.  Colonial  Documents,  V.  970 ;  X  167,  1086.  L.  C.  D, 


394  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

subsequently  taking  for  a  wife  the  head  chiefs  sister,  named  Wa-ho-po-e-kau,  or  the  Glory  of  the 
Morning.  After  living  with  her  seven  or  eight  years,  he  left  her,  tind  their  two  sons,  whom  she 
refused  to  let  him  take  away,  but  permitted  him  to  take  their  daughter.  De  Carrie  re-entered 
the  army,  and  was  mortally  wounded  at  Quebec,  April  28,  1760,  dying  of  his  wounds  at  the 
hospital  at  Montreal.  His  eldest  son,  Chou-ke-ka,  or  the  Spoon  or  Ladle,  was  made  a  chief, 
and  was  quite  aged  when  he  died  at  the  portage,  about  1816  ;*  and,  at  his  request,  was  buried 
in  a  sitting  posture  on  the  surface  of  the  ground,  with  a  small  log  structure  over  it,  surrounded 
by  a  fence.  I  saw  his  burial-place  in  1828,  when  the  red-cedar  posts,  of  which  the  fence  was 
made,  were  yet  undecayed.  His  widow  died,  two  miles  above  Portage,  about  1868,  at  a  very 
advanced  age.  The  old  chief's  sister,  who  had  been  taken  by  her  father  to  Montreal,  and  edu- 
cated there,  was  married  to  Laurent  Filly,  a  Quebec  merchant,  whose  son,  of  the  same  name, 
was  long  a  clerk  for  Augustin  Grignon. 

Chou-ke-ka  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Scha-chip-ka-ka,  who  had  six  brothers  and  five 
sisters.  One  of  the  brothers  was  called  Ruch  ka-scha-ka,  or  White  Pigeon,  called  by  the  whites 
Bla«k  De-kau-ry ;  another,  Chou-me-ne-ka-ka,  or  Raisin  De  kau-ry;  another  Ko-ke-mau-ne-ka, 
or  He-who-walks-between-two-Stars,  or  the  Star-walker ;  another  Young  De-kau-ry,  called  by 
the  whites,  on  account  of  his  trickish  character.  Rascal  De-kau-ry;  another  Wau-kon-gako,  or 
the  Thunder  Hearer,  and  the  sixth,  Ongs-ka-ka,  or  White  Wolf,  who  died  young.  Of  the 
sisters,  three  married  Indian  husbands ;  one  married  a  trapper  named  Dennis  De  Riviere,  and 
afterward  Perrish  Grignon  ;  the  other  married  John  B.  Lecuyer,  the  father  of  Madame  Le  Roy. 

At  the  western  end  of  the  portage,  there  was  a  warehouse  built,  and  three  houses  where 
Perrish  Grignon  and  his  wife,  sister  of  the  chief  De-kau-ry,  were  living;  the  second  one  was 
occupied  by  his  son,  Lavoin  Grignon  ;  the  other  one  by  J.  B.  Lecuyer.  Mr.  Le  Roy  was 
living  near  where  Mr.  0.  P.  Williams'  house  was  subsequently  located.  He  told  me  that  JNIaj. 
Twiggs,  of  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  infantry,  required  the  place  where  his  first  house  stood  for 
post  purposes ;  for  which,  however,  he  paid  him  well. 

From  the  portage  we  went,  in  June,  1828,  to  the  Mississippi.  I  had  heard  much  about 
the  Painted  Rock,  about  twenty  miles  above  the  mouth  of  Black  River;  and  while  McKenzie 
and  Cadott  were  looking  for  places  to  set  their  traps,  I  went  to  see  the  Calumet  or  Paiiited 
Rock.  The  Indians  travel  many  hundred  miles  to  obtain  the  red  stone  with  which  to  make 
their  pipes,  and,  while  they  are  on  that  rock,  not  one  will  draw  a  bow  or  wield  a  hatchet  against 
his  most  deadly  enemy.  I  was  sitting  under  a  projecting  rock  of  one  of  those  bluffs,  when  I 
saw  an  Indian  advancing  on  horseback.  I  kept  hid  from  his  view,  that  I  might  watch  his 
motions,  for  I  could  see  by  his  rigging  of  feathers,  paint  and  beard  that  he  was  a  chief  of  some 
tribe,  which  I  judged  to  be  the  Sioux,  from  his  long  hair,  nor  was  I  mistaken.  He  was  a  powerful 
fellow,  armed  with  his  bow  and  arrow  and  shield,  and  his  horse  was  as  noble  an  animal  as  ever 
trod  the  prairies.  When  he  arrived  at  the  base  of  the  bluff",  he  turned  his  horse  loose,  and  walked 
upon  the  rock  in  silence  for  a  few  moments  ;  his  lips  moved  as  if  engaged  in  prayer,  then,  taking 
a  quantity  of  tobacco,  he  scattered  it  upon  the  rock.  This  ceremony  being  finished,  he  took  a 
good  smoke,  and  then  commenced  hammering  upon  the  rock  until  he  had  knocked  off"  a  large 
piece,  which  he  began  to  fashion  into  a  pipe.  I  had  just  made  up  my  mind  to  show  myself  and 
make  his  acquaintance,  when  I  saw  another  Indian  coming  rapidly  on  horseback  toward  the 
bluff's.  Anxious  to  see  how  the  two  Indians  would  meet  each  other,  I  continued  to  remain  con- 
cealed from  their  view,  and  then  watching  the  new-comer,  who  advanced  without  slackening 
the  speed  of  his  horse,  until  he  drew  up  to  the  foot  of  the  same  bluff"  where  the  other  Indian 
was.  Like  the  former,  he  turned  his  horse  loose,  took  a  portion  of  tobacco  which  he  scattered 
upon  the  rock,  and,  after  having  mumbled  his  prayer,  he  filled  his  pipe,  and  proceeded  to  the 
spot  where  the  other  Indian  was  manufacturing  a  pipe.  He  quietly  took  a  seat  beside  him  ; 
then  lighted  his  pipe,  and,  after  drawing  one  or  two  puff"s,  handed  it  to  the  other,  who,  after  a 
few  whiffs,  returned  it  to  the  owner.  They  seemed,  by  their  actions,  to  be  on  the  best  of  terms; 
but  as  they  did  not  speak  together,   I    became  a  little   suspicious  of  their   true  feelings,  and 

*Chou-ke-ka  lived  to  sign  the  treaty  at  St.  Louis,  June  3,  18ir>,  an<l  iTobnbly  dieci  not  long  after  his  return.— L.  C.  T). 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  395 

concluded  I  should  see  a  little  fun  before  their  separation.  I  was  not  long  kept  in  suspense,  for  the 
last  fellow,  having  knocked  oflf  as  much  stone  as  he  wanted,  caught  his  horse  and  prepared  to 
depart.  He  was  not  as  large  as  the  Sioux  Indian,  but  he  was  splendidly  dressed,  after  the 
manner  of  the  Pyeur  or  Pillager,  Chippewa  chief,  and  was  armed  like  the  Sioux,  with  bow  and 
arrow  and  shield.  The  Sioux,  when  he  saw  the  Pyeur  or  Pillager  preparing  to  depart,  made 
like  preparations,  and  the  two  left  the  bluffs  together,  keeping  company  until  they  were  about 
three  hundred  yards  distant  from  the  rock.  Then  I  saw  the  Sioux,  keeping  a  little  back,  shoot 
an  arrow  at  the  Pyeur,  whom  he  missed.  The  Pyeur,  turning  as  quick  as  lightning,  was  ready 
for  the  fray.  They  were  both  good  horsemen,  but  the  Pyeur  understood  how  best  to  guard 
himself  and  his  horse.  He  succeeded  in  killing  the  horse  of  his  enemy,  sent  an  arrow  into  the 
heart  of  the  Sioux,  killing  him  on  the  spot.     I  ran  down  the  bluif  as  fast  as  I  could,  but  before 

I  came  up  to  him  the  Sioux  was  dead,  scalped,  and  the  Pyeur  had  mounted  his  horse  and 
departed.     I  never  learned  the  names  of  either  of  them. 

I  joined  my  partners.  We  wintered  at  the  River  St.  Croix,  and  thence  we  went  over  to 
Canada.  In  the  winter  of  1832,  I  engaged  myself  as  clerk  to  the  American  Fur  Company  ; 
and,  early  in  the  spring,  we  came  West  Avith  110  hired  men  for  the  company.  Some  were 
destined  for  Lake  Superior,  and  some  for  Missouri.  We  came  to  Mackinaw  in  boats,  and  I 
remained  a  few  weeks  at  that  place.  Then  I  took  my  departure  in  the  schooner  Nancy  Dous- 
man.  The  passengers  were  H.  L.  Dousman,  clerk  for  the  American  Fur  Company;  Maj. 
De  Quant,  Madame  Coursolle  and  myself.  When  we  left  Mackinaw,  in  the  night,  there  was  a 
very  heavy  wind — so  strong  and  rough  that  I  believe  I  saw  the  bottom  of  Lake  Michigan.  We 
reached  Green  Bay  about  two  hours  before  daylight,  and  we  were  obliged  to  wait  two  days  for 
the  keel-boats  to  come.  Dousman  started  on  horseback,  and  I  took  charge  of  the  boat.  We 
came  to  Kaukana,  where  there  were  two  men  of  the  name  of  Paul  Ducharme,  and  a  house 
belonging  to  Capt.  Augustin  Grignon  ;  and  when  we  came  to  the  place  where  is  now  the  city  of 
Oshkosh,  there  was  a  small  log  house,  where  Charles  Grignon  was  living,  and  about  four  miles 
above,  Nex,  son-in-law  of  Charles  Grignon,  was  residing.  About  six  or  seven  miles  above  that, 
Capt.  Grignon  was  living;  he  had  goods,  and  was  trading  with  the  Menomonee  Indians.  From 
there  we  came  to  Lake  Puckaway,  where  there  was  a  trader  of  the  name  of  Luther  Gleasoii, 
having  a  Winnebago  woman  for  a  wife.  There  was  no  house  between  Gleason's  and  the 
portage. 

The  fort  was  beginning  to  look  very  respectable,  and  there  was  a  nice  frame  house  for  the 
sub-agent,  on  the  same  side  as  the  post  of  the  American  Fur  Company.  There  was  another 
house,  where  William  Gourdain,  the  blacksmith,  was  living ;  and  still  another,  occupied  by 
Louis  Managre.  At  the  other  end  of  the  portage,  a  little  north  of  the  landing,  Pierre  Grignon 
resided,  half-brother  to  Capt.  Grignon. 

In  the  summer,  about  the  10th  or  12th  of  July,  I  went,  with  Peter  Pauquette,  Kau-kish- 
ka-ka,  or  White  Crow,  commander  of  the  Indians,  Rascal  De-kau-ry,  Pa-nee-wah-sa-ka,  or 
Pawnee  Blanc,  and  a  dozen  other  Winnebagoes,  to  the  Fox  and  Sauk  war.  We  joined  Col. 
Dodge,  accompanied  by  a  detachment  of  soldiers  from  the  portage,  under  Lieut.  Hooe,*  per- 
haps the  whole  of  his  company.  We  went  to  Rock  River,  found  the  enemy's  trail  and  followed 
it  to  the  Heights  of  Wisconsin;  there  we  overtook  Col.  Dodge  and  Gen.  Henry,  and  found 
the  Indians.  The  battle  began  on  the  21st  of  July,  at  5  or  6  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  rain 
setting  in  about  the  commencement  of  the  battle,  and  did  not  stop  until  after  a  heavy  fall,  about 

II  at  night. 

Peter  Pauquette,  the  interpreter,  having  received  orders  that  we,  the  Indian  party,  should 
return  to  the  portage,  we  started  off  in  the  night  and  arrived  there  in  the  morning.  A  few 
days  after,  I  went  over  to  the  village  of  Car-a-mau-nee,  or  the  Counselor  of  the  Baraboo,  a 
little  north  of  where  the  present  village  of  that  name  is  located.  I  went  and  saw  the  Devil's 
Lake,  which  is  a  little  south  of  the  village  of  Baraboo.     The  lake  is  surrounded  by  high  bluffs. 

♦Alexander  Seymour  Hooe,  of  Virginia,  v/a^  a  cadet  from  1823  to  1827,  when  he  entered  the  army  as  a  Brevet  Second  Lieutenant.  H  ■ 
became  First  Lieutenant  in  18.33 ;  a  Captain  in  1838;  Brevet  Major,  for  gallant  and  distinguished  cotlduct  in  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  at-<l 
Resaca  de  la  Palma,  May  9,  18i6 ;  lost  an  arm  in  August  following;  died  at  Baton  Rouge,  La.,  December  9,  1847.  L.  C.  D. 


396  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

and  I  could  not  see  the  sun  until  about  10  or  11  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  it  would  disappear 
from  view  about  2  or  3  o'clock,  so  hemmed  in  by  bluffs  is  this  romantic  body  of  water.  The 
Indians  gave  it  the  name  of  Holy  Water,  declaring  that  there  is  a  spirit  or  manitou  that  resides 
there.  I  saw  a  quantity  of  tobacco  that  the  Indians  had  deposited  there  for  the  manitou.  The 
French  voyageurs  denominated  it  the  Devil's  Lake,  from  the  sound  resembling  hammering  and 
tinkling  of  a  bell  that  we  hear  all  the  time,  and  from  the  darkness  of  the  place. 

From  there,  I  went  to  a  Winnebago  town  called  the  Little  Sioux's  Village,  perhaps  three- 
fourths  of  a  mile  above  the  present  village  of  Reedsburg;  and  thence  I  proceeded  to  the 
Lemonweir  River — Ca-na-man-woi  Sepe — which  means  a  child,  or  affluent. 

L'Espagnol,  the  Menomonee  chief,  who  served  in  the  war  of  1812-1.5,  lived  almost  oppo- 
site where  Mauston  is  now  situated.  Near  there,  I  met  with  Chaetar,  who  subsequently  died 
at  Turkey  River,  and  One-Eyed  De-kau-ry  ;  they  were  bringing  with  them,  as  prisoners,  the 
Prophet  and  Black  Hawk,  whom  they  had  taken  at  the  Big  Dells,*  a  little  above  the  mouth  of 
the  Dell  Creek.  Black  Hawk's  camp  was  between  two  rocks,  on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
close  to  the  water.  The  Prophet  only  was  with  him  in  his  lodge,  and  they  made  no  resistance 
when  told  that  they  were  wanted.  This  camp  was  a  mile  and  a  half  or  two  miles  above  Kil- 
bourn  City.  Chaetar  and  One-Eyed  De-kau-ry  were  going  to  take  their  prisoners  to  Gen. 
John  M.  Street,  the  Winnebago  Indian  agent  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  This  was  some  time  pretty 
well  along  in  August. 

When  I  was  stationed  at  Portage,  Pauquette  was  interpreter,  and  used  to  pass  boats  from 
Fox  River  to  the  Wisconsin,  and  take  the  goods  in  wagons.  We  had  a  man  that  was  attacked 
with  the  cholera.  I  left  a  man  to  take  care  of  him,  and  obtained  medicine  for  him  from  the 
doctor.  I  left  him  in  an  old  house  where  no  one  was  living,  and  the  others  of  my  party  accom- 
panied me  to  Prairie  du  Chien. 

Some  time  in  November,  there  arrived  at  the  portage,  from  Mackinaw,  a  boat  with  a  large 
number  of  soldiers,  some  destined  for  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  others  for  St.  Peters,  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi. Eighty-nine  of  them  were  left  at  the  portage.  The  Captain  asked  me  to  furnish  him 
a  guide  to  go  down  the  Wisconsin.  I  supplied  him  one,  and,  the  next  morning,  Peter  Pau- 
quette passed  the  boat  and  their  goods  over  the  portage.  Pauquette  had  three  yoke  of  oxen 
to  drag  the  boat  from  one  river  to  the  other.  He  was  the  strongest  man  I  ever  saw.  When 
he  had  drawn  the  boat  about  a  rod  from  the  river  with  the  oxen,  one  of  the  oxen  broke  his 
bow,  and  Pauquette  sent  a  man  named  Bareau  to  get  another.  As  he  thought  he  was  a  long 
time  in  procuring  it,  he  took  the  yoke  against  his  shoulder  and  told  the  teamster  to  give  the 
whip  to  the  oxen,  and  Pauquette  kept  up  his  end  of  the  yoke  across  the  portage,  where  the 
mud  was  about  knee-deep. f 

On  the  2Gth  of  November,  a  bark  canoe  passed  the  portage,  conducted  by  four  men. 
Judge  Doty,  afterward  Governor,  and  Ebenezer  Childs,  Sheriff  of  Green  Bay,  took  passage  in 
it.  As  I  had  occasion  to  go  down  the  Wisconsin  to  Prairie  du  Chien  on  business,  I  concluded  to 
accompany  them.  I  went  to  the  landing-place  on  the  Wisconsin,  on  the  west  side  of  the  portage, 
where  there  was  a  warehouse  belonging  to  Capt.  Daniel  Whitney.  The  same  day,  the  Indians 
were  receiving  provisions  from  the  Government,  and  among  them  was  Chas-ka-ka,  or  White 
Ox,  whose  son  had  been  killed  by  another  Indian  two  days  before.  The  murderer  happened  to 
be  there,  when  the  oldest  son  of  White  Ox  took  his  rifle  and  shot  the  fellow,  the  ball  pass- 
ing through  his  stomach  and  out  a  little  above  the  right  shoulder.  The  wounded  Indian 
started  on  a  run  from  the  place  where  he  was  shot,  near  the  warehouse  and  near  the  Fox  River 
bridge.  I  met  him  about  half-way  between  the  two  rivers.  He  was  making  wads  in  his 
mouth,  and   with   them   plugging  up   the  holes  made  by  the  rifle-ball ;    but  the  blood  would 


*  In  previous  articles  on  tlie  geological  forniationa  of  the  county  and  on  its  rivers,  the  orthography  "  Dalles,"  has  oeen  preserved  83 
'being  more  in  accordance  with  scientific  usage  than  "Dells,"  but  the  spelling  as  last  given  is  universal  in  Wisconsin,  outside  of  works  on 
geology,  and  is  the  one  hereafter  used  in  this  history. — Ed. 

t  There  is  a  tradition  current  in  Columljia  County  that,  instead  of  Pauquette's  taking  "  the  yoke  against  his  shoulder,"  he  ran  a  long  polo 
'through  the  o.x-bow  and  seizing  hold  of  the  farther  end  of  the  pole  very  easily  managed  to  do  his  share  of  the  work — taking,  as  he  did,  the  ox 
Nit  a  great  disadvantage  ! — Ed. 


■''Y   ..;i; 


PORTAGE   CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  399 

•every  now  and  then  force  out  the  wads.  He  succeeded  in  reaching  the  other  end  of  the  por- 
tage, near  Whitney's  warehouse,  where  his  lodge  was,  and  as  he  reached  there  he  dropped 
dead. 

On  the  22d  of  December,  Abraham  Godin  was  brought  to  our  post  by  a  Winnebago  Indian 
named  Big  Fox.  Godin  was  one  of  the  hired  men  I  had  engaged  in  Montreal  for  the  Amercan 
Fur  Company.  He  had  run  away,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin,  from  Mr.  Rouseaux,  the 
clerk  of  the  company.  He  was  lost  twenty-two  days.  He  said  that  he  intended  to  go  to  St. 
Louis.  He  had  with  him  his  gun,  and  some  bags  containing  his  clothes,  and  a  blanket.  When 
he  first  missed  his  road,  he  lived  well  for  a  time ;  but  after  his  ammunition  became  exhausted  he 
began  to  suifer  from  starvation.  He  lived  upon  birds  some  time;  and  some  days  he  had  noth- 
ing whatever.  He  came  to  a  lake  and  found  dead  fish  ;  and  soon  reached  another  lake  where 
the  city  of  Madison  now  stands.  From  there,  he  walked  two  days  without  food  ;  and  then, 
fortunately,  he  found  the  carcass  of  a  deer  that  the  wolves  had  left,  from  which  he  got  a  supply, 
such  as  it  was,  that  lasted  him  for  two  days.  He  then  came  across  an  Indian  trail,  which  he 
followed,  without  knowing  where  it  would  lead  him.  Godin  at  length  took  his  course  through 
the  woods.  Reaching  a  little  creek,  he  followed  it.  It  was  now  three  days  since  he 
had  eaten  anything ;  the  bottoms  of  his  feet  were  covered  with  blisters.  He  came  to  a  deserted 
Indian  camp  where  there  was  an  old  lodge  made  of  grass  and  branches,  and  slept  there.  The 
next  morning  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  walk,  his  feet  were  so  swelled  and  blistered,  and  he 
was  well-nigh  starved.  He  dragged  himself  out,  picked  up  some  branches  to  cover  his  body, 
and  commended  himself  to  the  mercy  of  God,  and  laid  down  to  die.  Sleep  overcame  his  ex- 
hausted nature,  nor  did  he  know  how  long  he  remained  in  that  condition.  When  he  awoke,  he 
saw  an  old  Indian  that  was  administering  to  him  refreshment  with  a  wooden  spoon.  The  Indian 
was  Big  Fox,  who  remained  faithfully  with  him  for  two  days,  permitting  him  to  eat  only  a  little 
at  a  time,  but  very  often  of  venison.  He  made  some  medicine  for  his  feet,  then  left  him,  show- 
ing him  where  there  was  some  venison.  When  Godin  saw  the  Indian  going  off  he  felt  very  bad, 
thinking  he  was  about  to  abandon  him  to  his  fate ;  but  he  came  back,  bringing  a  horse  for  him 
to  ride,  and  conveyed  him  to  his  lodge  on  Fox  Lake — and  from  this  Indian  the  lake  took  its 
name.  As  soon  as  Godin's  feet  got  well.  Big  Fox  brought  him  to  us  at  Portage.  Godin  had 
given  all  the  property  he  had  to  the  Indian;  but  Big  Fox  returned  to  him  all  his  clothes,  re- 
taining the  blanket  and  gun  for  his  trouble.  When  the  Indian  brought  him  to  us,  I  did  not 
know  him  at  all ;  his  long  hair  and  beard  added  not  a  little  to  his  haggard  appearance.  He 
asked  me  if  I  was  willing  to  receive  him  to  finish  his  time,  according  to  agreement ;  which  I 
did,  and  he  never  again  undertook  to  run  away. 

In  the  summer  of  1834,  I  went  up  to  the  head  of  the  Lemonweir  to  establish  a  trading 
post  for  the  winter.  There  were  a  good  many  Winnebagoes  wintering  there.  On  my  way  up, 
about  the  Seven  Mile  Creek,  at  the  top  of  the  bluff,  I  saw,  at  a  considerable  distance,  an  object 
which  I  took  to  be  a  deer  ;  but  so  far  away  that  I  was  not  certain  about  it.  Leaving  my  horse 
at  the  foot  of  the  bluff,  I  took  my  rifle  and^went  up ;  but  in  some  places,  where  there  was  sand, 
I  saw  the  tracks  of  a  man's  feet,  which  I  judged  was  a  white  man's,  as  when  the 
white  man  walks  he  throws  his  feet  outwards,  while  the  Indian  turns  his  quite  the  other  way. 

After  1  got  upon  the  top  of  the  bluff,  I  saw  a  man,  his  clothes  all  in  rags,  looking  toward 
the  prairie.  He  heard  me  walking,  turned  his  head  and  saw  me,  then  jumped  up  and  ran  off.  I 
discovered  that  he  was  afraid,  and  hallooed  to  him  in  French  ;  but  he  did  not  answer  me  and  kept 
on  running.  I  then  called  to  him  in  English  to  stop,  with  assurances  that  I  was  not  going  to 
hurt  him.  He  finally  stopped  and  walked  up  to  me,  informing  me  that  he  came  from  the 
^Mississippi;  that  he  had  been  hired  to  cut  cordwood  near  about  Coon  Channel,  on  the  Missis- 
sippi, for  Judge  Lockwood,  of  Prairie  du  Chien.  That,  starting  with  his  gun  to  hunc  partridges, 
about  the  4th  of  May,  he  got  lost.  He  kept  on  walking  tdl  he  came  to  a  little  creek  that  he 
followed  for  a  long  time  in  the  direction  that  he  thought  would  take  him  to  the  Mississippi;  he 
cime  across  an  Indian  trail  that  he  lost  sight  of  in  the  woods.  He  said  that  he  kept  his 
gun  a  long  time  after  he  had  used  up  his  ammunition  ;  but  fatigue  and  weakness  at  length  obliged 

F 


400  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

him  to  throw  it  away.  He  said  that  he  iiad  often  heard  the  report  of  guns,  but  was  afraid- it 
proceeded  from  Indians ;  and  that  he  would  rather  die  in  the  woods  of  starvation,  than  be  butch- 
ered by  the  savages.  On  one  occasion,  he  came  to  a  place  where  he  saw,  at  a  distance,  three 
Indians ;  and  he  ran  with  all  his  might  in  the  woods,  thinking  every  moment  they  were  after 
him,  and  if  overtaken,  his  life  would  pay  the  forfeit.  After  his  shoes  and  clothes  were  worn 
out,  he  came  to  a  lodge;  he  was  so  hungry  and  feeble  that  he  resolved  to  venture  in  ;  but  it 
was  empty,  the  owner  having  evidently  gone  off  to  hunt.  He  found  plenty  to  eat  of  all  kinds 
of  meat,  and  indulged  himself  very  heartily ;  after  which  he  went  to  sleep,  and  dreamed  very 
bad  dreams,  causing  him  to  get  up  earlier  than  he  otherwise  would  have  done.  Taking  a  pair 
of  moccasins,  a  pair  of  buckskin  leggins,  a  blanket,  as  much  venison  as  he  could  conveniently 
carry,  a  pouch  full  of  tobccco,  a  ilint  and  steel,  some  punk  and  a  pipe,  he  took  his  departure. 
About  twenty  days  after,  he  found  a  dead  Indian  in  the  woods,  which  circumstance  greatly 
increased  his  fears  lest  the  Indians  should  think,  if  they  came  across  him,  that  he  had  caused 
his  death.  He  had  with  him  a  large  butcher-knife  ;  and  he  told  me  that  had  he  been  chased  by 
an  Indian,  he  would  have  cut  his  own  throat  rather  than  to  have  been  taken.  He  said  that  he 
had  not  lived  very  well,  having  subsisted  on  berries  from  about  the  25th  of  June  to  the  time  I 
found  him.  He  was  lost  180  days.  When  I  found  him,  he  had  scarcely  the  semblance  of  a 
human  being.  I  made  him  ride  behind  me ;  and  after  visiting  the  place  where  I  proposed 
establishing  my  trading-post,  I  took  him  to  Portage.  He  told  me  that  his  name  was  Dodge, 
and  that  he  desired  to  go  to  Green  Bay.     I  never  saw  or  heard  anything  of  him  afterward. 

By  the  treaty  made  in  1832,  at  Fort  Armstrong,  by  the  Winnebagoes,  Gens.  Scott  and 
Atkinson  were  the  United  States  Commissioners.  The  Indians  agreed  to  cultivate  some  of 
their  lands,  and  the  Government  was  to  aid  and  instruct  them  in  the  effort.  Peter  Pauquette 
was  employed  by  the  Government  to  attend  to  the  matter.  Eight  yoke  of  oxen,  a  plow,  a  drag 
and  all  the  tools  necessary  for  farming  were  furnished  for  the  purpose.  Pauquette  chose  for 
the  Indians  the  place  that  used  to  be  called  Black  Earth,  now  known  as  the  Indian  farm,  in  the 
town  of  Caledonia,  Columbia  County.  The  first  plowing  that  was  done  there  was  on  the  lOth 
day  of  June,  1835. 

At  a  subsequent  treaty,  made  in  1837,  between  the  United  States  and  the  Winnebagoes, 
ratified  by  Congress  the  following  year,  the  Indians  sold  all  the  lands  they  had  east  of  the 
Mississippi.  Capt. 'Gideon  Low,  formerly  of  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  infantry,  located  at  Portage 
City,  and  made  a  claim  on  the  same  piece  of  land  where  the  Indians  had  formerly  their  experi- 
mental farm.  He  employed  Michael  Arquette  as  farmer ;  then  Francis  Provoncil,  and,  still 
later,  his  son-in-law.  Temple,  and  many  others.  Capt.  Low  entered  the  land  when  it  came  into 
market,  and  Robert  Tannant  was  the  last  man  that  managed  his  Indian  farm.  Low's  heirs  sold 
out  to  Mr.  McKinzie,  who  now  resides  there. 

In  1836,  the  Indians  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  the  best  of  their  chiefs — Scha-chipka-ka, 
or  De-kau-ry.  His  death  occurred  April  20,  at  the  age  of  ninety,  at  his  village — the  locality 
now  known  as  the  Caffrey  place,  in  the  town  of  Caledonia,  at  the  foot  of  the  bluff,  between  the 
Wisconsin  and  Baraboo  Rivers.  The  schoolhouse  of  District  No.  5  now  occupies  the  spot 
where  the  old  chief  died.  De-kau-ry's  town  contained  over  one  hundred  lodges,  and  was  the 
largest  of  the  Winnebago  villages.  Before  he  died,  De-kau-ry  called  the  Catholic  priest,  Mr. 
Vanderbrook,  who  was  at  the  portage  at  the  time,  by  whom  he  was  baptized,  according  to  Cath- 
olic rites,  the  day  of  his  death,  and  was  buried  in  their  cemetery  near  the  present  court  house 
in  Portage  City  ;  and  since  the  abandonment  of  that  burial  ground,  the  old  chief's  resting-place 
cannot  be  identified.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  called  by  the  whites  Little  De-kau-ry, 
whose  Indian  name  was  Cha-ge-ka-ka ;  and  he  did  not  long  survive,  dying  six  months  after  liis 
father.     He  was  succeeded  by  his  brother,  Hope-ne-scha-ka,  or  White  French. 

This  part  of  Wisconsin,  at  the  portage,  was  considered  to  be  part  of  Brown  County. 
Daniel  Whitney,  of  Green  Bay,  had  obtained  a  permit  from  the  War  Department  to  erect  a 
saw-mill  and  cut  pine  logs  on  the  Wisconsin,  within  the  territory  of  the  Indians.  He  built  the 
first  saw-mill  at  Whitney's  Rapids,  a  little  below   Point  Basse  in   1831-32.     Amable  Grignon 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  401 

and   Lieut.  Marcy  had  also  obtained  the  privilege   to  build  a  saw-mill  at  Grignon's  Rapids  in 
1836.     These  were  the  first  saw-mills  on  the  Wisconsin  River. 

In  1836,  by  the  treaty  with  the  Menoraonee  Indians  at  Cedar  Point,  on  Fox  River,  held 
by  Gov.  Dodge,  the  Indian  title  was  extinguished  in  this  part  of  the  country  and  the  Upper 
Wisconsin  region,  six  miles  wide  from  Point  Basse,  for  forty  miles  up  the  river.  This  was 
designed  to  open  the  route  to  the  lumbermen.  The  high  price  and  the  large  demand  for  lumber 
hurried  the  business.  The  river  was  explored  from  Point  Baosse  to  Big  Bull  Falls  that  year, 
and  no  time  was  lost  in  the  occupation  and  claim  of  the  best  localities.  Messrs.  Bloomer  and 
Strong  and  George  Cline  took  possession  of  the  Grand  Rapids  ;  Abraham  Brawley  commenced 
at  Mill  Creek  ;    Parry  and  Veeder  on  the  same  stream. 

In  the  year  1839,  John  L.  Moore  occupied  the  Little  Bull  Falls  and  George  Steele  the  Big 
Bull  Falls,  so  that  all  that  region  was  in  the  possession  of  the  lumbermen  before  the  year  1810. 
In  1839,  the  Cedar.  Point  section,  three  miles  wide,  on  that  river,  was  ordered  to  be  reported  to 
the  Surveyor  General,  at  Dubuque.  Joshua  Hathaway,  of  Milwaukee,  was  appointed  sur- 
veyor, and  surveyed  the  Upper  Wisconsin  region.  All  the  land  in  that  section  of  country  was 
offered  at  public  sale  at  Mineral  Point  from  1840  to  1845.  The  saw-mills  increased  with  great 
rapidity,  villages  and  towns  sprang  up,  so  that  when  Mr.  W.  Owen  and  his  party  passed  Portage 
in  1847,  coming  down  from  the  Upper  Wisconsin,  the  population  at  Wausau  was  estimated  at 
three  hundred  and  fifty,  and  that  of  the  Upper  Wisconsin  country  at  more  than  a  thousand. 
The  Wisconsin  pinery  soon  became  extensively  known  throughout  all  the  Northwest,  and  it  fur- 
nished the  lumber  needful  for  the  improvement  and  habitation  of  the  immense  prairies  of  Illinois, 
Iowa,  and  Missouri. 

In  1837,  Leon  Braux,  who  had  a  half-breed  Winnebago  woman  named  Mariette  Grignon, 
daughter  of  Pierre  Grignon,  obtained  permission  to  open  a  farm  on  the  south  side  of  the  Baraboo,  on 
the  bluff  where  Moses  Pauquette  now  lives.  It  was  the  second  fiirm  improved  in  the  town  of 
Caledonia.  In  the  same  year  Silas  Walsworth  came  to  Portage  on  board  a  steamboat,  the  name 
of  which  I  forget.  Andrew  Dunn,  a  man  of  the  name  of  Baker,  and  Hugh  McFarlane  arrived 
the  same  year.  The  Indians  were  that  year,  1837,  invited  to  go  to  Washington  to  sell  the 
remainder  of  their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi.  One-eyed  De-kaury,*  Little  De-kau-ry,  Win- 
nosheek,  Waukon  De-kau-ry,  and  six  other  chiefs,  complied  with  his  request,  taking  me  with 
them  ;  and  ceded  to  the  Government  their  remaining  lands,  but  reserved  the  privilege  of  occu- 
pying them  until  1840,  and  receive  their  annuity  at  Portage  until  that  time.  This  did  not 
prevent  the  whites  from    making  claims  on  the  ceded  lands. 

I  had  a  trading-post  at  To-kau-nee's  village,  where  Mauston  is  now  situated,  then  a  small 
village  of  only  five  or  six  wigwams,  named  after  its  chief,  a  mixed  blood  of  Winnebago  and 
Menomonee,  though  his  people  were  called  Winnebagoes. 

Abraham  Wood  was  keeping  a  grog-shop  a  little  below  Henry  Carpenter's  house,  on  the 
Wisconsin.  An  Indian  came  there  to  get  some  liquor  by  force,  with  his  knife  in  his  hand. 
Wood  was  a  very  strong  man,  and  pushed  old  Vane  Blanc,  the  Indian,  and  struck  him  on  the 
head  with  a  stick  he  had  in  his  hand,  breaking  the  skull,  he  falling  dead.  The  Indians  collected 
around  the  house  to  butcher  him  in  their  own  way.  I  made  myself  a  road  through  them  to 
Wood's  house  for  his  protection.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  next  day,  I  sent  Wood  to  give 
himself  up  to  Henry  Merrell,  who  was  then  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  ;  and  he  told  me  that  Merrell 
advised  him  to  run  off.  Merrell  did,  however,  issue  a  warrant  at  the  request  of  the  sub-agent, 
Thomas  Buoy,  which  was  served  by  Satterlee  Clark,  who  overtook  Wood  at  Asa  Springer's  and 
brought  him  back  to  the  portage.  He  was  sent  to  Green  Bay  for  trial ;  the  grand  jury  did  not 
find  a  bill  against  him. 

Wood,  together  with  Wallace  Rowan,  went  and  made  a  claim  on  the  Baraboo,  in  the  fall  of 
1840;  they  built  a  saw-mill  just  at  the  upper  end  of  Baraboo  Village.  They  supplied  the  lum- 
ber that  was  used  in  building  up  the  place  ;  and  they  rafted  lumber  down  the  river,  which  is  so 

*  Wadge-hut-ta-kaw,  or  the  Big  Canoe,  commonly  culled  One-Eyed  De-kau-ry,  son  of  Cha-poat-ka-kaw,  or  the  Buzzard,  and  grandson  o( 
the  French  De-kau-ry,  died  at  the  Channel,  Monroe  County,  Wisconsin,  in  August,  1H64.  L.  0.  D. 


402  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTV. 

crooked  that  it  caused  them  a  good  deal  of  fatigue  and  trouble  to  reach  the  Wisconsin.  The 
same  winter,  1  made  up  some  square  timber  on  the  Lemonweir  River  near  my  trading-post.  I 
'took  the  mill  site  just  where  the  town  of  Mauston  now  stands.  I  am  the  first  person  who  tried 
to  take  square  timber  from  the  Lemonweir  :  and  was  the  first,  in  the  same  year,  that  undertook 
to  make  a  wagon  road  from  Portage  to  Lemonweir,  and  thence  to  La  Crosse,  where  is  now  the 
city  of  La  Crosse.  At  that  time,  there  was  but  one  trading-house  at  La  Crosse,  and  that 
belonged  to  the  American  Fur  Company. 

Edward  Pezenne,  and  two  or  three  men  with  him,  came  to  Portage  in  the  summer  of  1836. 
Near  the  end  of  June,  I  went  to  the  Four  Lakes,  where  the  city  of  Madison  now  stands,  to 
trade  some  red  deerskins.  I  had  with  me  Simon  Lecuyer,  Pierre  and  John  Le  Roy.  We 
found  there,  A.  Godin,  Oliver  Arimell,  his  squaw  and  three  or  four  children,  and  Michael  St. 
Cyr ;  Arimell,  and  St.  Cyr  used  to  get  goods  from  traders  at  Portage ;  and  besides  these,  there 
were  Charles  Jalefoux  and  Joe  Peltier,  engaged  in  hunting  and  fishing.  We  met  together, 
about  the  4th  of  July,  at  the  lake ;  they  had  venison  and  fish,  and  we  had  flour,  pork,  tea, 
coffee,  sugar  and  whisky.  John  Le  Roy  had  his  violin,  and  we  had  a  great  feast;  I  believe  we 
were  the  first  to  celebrate  the  fourth  at  Madison.  I  do  not  remember  that  as  many  white  men 
had  ever  met  there  before. 

In  the  spring  of  1838,  Martin  Rowney.  a  discharged  soldier,  who  had  been  trading  with 
the  Indians  on  the  Puckaway  Lake,  came  back  to  the  portage,  and  had  a  spree  for  two  weeks 
or  more.  I  do  not  know  whether  he  was  tired  of  drinking,  or  wanted  to  break  off;  but  he  took 
an  oath  that  he  would  not  drink  another  drop  of  liquor  as  long  as  he  lived.  He  was  living  with 
me  in  a  house  occupied  by  myself  and  Walsworth,  a  little  below  Carpenter's  house.  He  slept 
in  the  same  room  that  I  did.  He  awoke  in  the  night  with  terror,  jumped  close  to  my  bed,  and 
told  me  that  the  devil  wanted  to  take  him  away.  I  pushed  him  with  force,  and  told  him  that  if 
the  devil  had  him,  he  had  no  business  with  me.  He  began  to  cry  and  lament  over  his  condi- 
tion, keeping  it  up  some  time.  When  tendered  some  liquor  in  the  morning,  he  declined  it,  say- 
ing he  had  sworn  not  to  drink  any  more,  and  he  would  rather  die  than  taste  it.  I  had  toast 
and  strong  tea  made  for  him  at  breakfast ;  he  barely  tasted  the  bread,  but  drank  two.  cups  of 
tea,  and  appeared  much  better.  He  told  me  he  had  an  idea  of  going  to  Madison  to  take  a  lot 
there,  as  it  seemed  a  point  of  some  promise.  He  left  us  about  8  or  9  o'clock  ;  and  about 
11  or  12,  Smith,  the  mail  carrier,  told  us  that  he  saw  a  man  four  or  five  miles  up  the 
road  crying,  and  appeared  to  be  out  of  his  mind.  I  started  in  company  with  J.  Walsworth, 
Laront,  Harin  Carpenter,  and  old  man  Rowan  ;  we  found  the  track  about  half  a  mile  north  of 
Rocky  Run  ;  there  was  a  little  island  surrounded  by  sand  ;  we  measured  it  all  around,  and  I 
found  it  twenty-five  and  a  lialf  feet  on  either  side  to  where  any  trees  or  grass  grew.  On  that 
patch  of  grass,  thus  surrounded,  we  found  his  coat,  vest,  pants,  hat  and  other  clothing,  but  no 
trace  of  himself.  In  his  pocket  there  was  a  pocket-book  containing  some  memorandum  papers, 
and  several  dollars  in  money.  We  took  all  his  things  and  brought  them  home.  We  met  Capt. 
Low,  and  reported  to  him  the  sad  story  ;  he  told  us  to  go  and  get  some  soldiers  to  aid  us  in 
making  a  further  search.  I  engaged  fifteen  Indians,  whom  I  promised  to  pay  well,  to  find  him 
dead  or  alive.  Capt.  Low  came  with  twelve  soldiers,  and  ten  or  twelve  citizens  joined  in  the 
search,  which,  witii  a  brief  intermission,  wa.s  kept  up  till  the  close  of  the  following  day ;  but  no  clew 
was  found  of  him,  and  nothing  was  ever  iieard  of  him  afterward.  I  knew  him  to  be  very  clumsy, 
not  being  able  to  jump  three  feet  to  save  his  life,  and  what   became  of  him  Avas  a  mystery. 

During  that  summer  I  opened  a  farm  in  Caledonia,  where  Thomas  Prescott  now  lives  ;  it 
was  the  third  farm  put  in  cultivation  in  that  townsiiip.  In  the  fall  of  that  year,  John  Baptiste 
Dubay  improved  a  farm  on  the  bluff,  a  little  north  of  G.  Geyman.  In  1840,  Thomas  Riley 
improved  a  farm,  or  made  a  claim,  where  John  Corridon  lives;  Thomas  Robertson,  one  in  Cale- 
donia in  1840-41,  on  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin 'River,  which  Wardrop  owns  now.  In  1841, 
Henry  Lewis  made  a  claim  where  Patrick  Skerritt  now  lives. 

In  1810,  the  troops  came  to  Portage  to  remove  the  Winnebago  Indians,  a  p:irt  of  the  Eighth 
Regiment  of  infantry  under  coinniand  of  Col.  Worth,  and  a  part  of  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  infantry 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  403 

under  Gen.  Brooke,  with  Gen.  Atkinson  as  commander  in  chief.  There  were  three  interpreters 
employed  by  the  Government,  Antoine  Grignon,  Pierre  Meneg  and  myself.  Meneg  was  sent 
after  Yellow  Thunder  and  Black  Wolfs  son,  inviting  them  to  Portage  to  get  provisions  ; 
but  instead  of  that,  as  soon  as  they  arrived  they  were  put  into  the  guardhouse,  with  ball 
and  chain,  which  hurt  the  feelings  of  the  Indians  very  much,  as  they  had  done  no  harm  to 
the  Government.  The  General  had  understood  that  they  were,  going  to  revolt,  refusing  to 
emigrate,  according  to  treaty  stipulations ;  but  as  soon  as  Gov.  Dodge  came  here,  they  were 
released.  They  all  promised  faithfully  to  be  at  Portage,  ready  for  removal,  in  three  days, 
and  they  were  all  there  the  second  day. 

There  were  two  large  boats,  in  which  to  take  down  such  of  the  Indians  as  had  no 
canoes.  Antoine  Grignon  and  Pierre  Meneg  went  down  with  the  boats.  I  was  kept  here  by 
the  order  of  Gen.  Atkinson,  at  the  suggestion  of  Gen  Brady,  to  assist  the  dragoons  commanded 
by  Capt.  Sumner*  and  Lieuts.  McCratef  and  SteeleJ.  We  went  down  to  Rock  River,  to 
look  for  Mas-i-ma-ni-ka-ka  ;  from  there  we  went  to  Madison,  and  thence  to  Fox  River.  We 
picked  up  250  Indians,  men,  women  and  children,  and  we  took  them  down  to  Prairie  du 
Chien.  Before  we  got  there,  at  the  head  of  the  Kickapoo  River,  we  came  to  three  Indian 
wigwams.  The  Captain  directed  me  to  order  the  Indians  to  break  up  their  camp  and  come 
along  Avith  him.  Two  old  women,  sisters  of  Black  Wolf,  and  another  one  came  up,  throwing 
themselves  on  their  knees,  crying  and  beseeching  Capt.  Sumner  to  kill  them  ;  that  they  were 
old,  and  would  rather  die  and  be  buried  with  their  fathers,  mothers  and  children,  than  be  taken 
away,  and  that  they  were  ready  to  receive  their  death-blows.  Capt.  Sumner  had  pity  on 
them  and  permitted  them  to  stay  where  they  were,  and  left  three  young  Indians  to  hunt  for 
them. 

A  little  further  on,  we  came  to  the  camp  of  Ke  ji-que-we-ka  and  others,  when  they 
were  told  by  the  Captain,  through  me,  to  break  up  their  camp  and  put  their  things  in  ihe 
wagon  and  come  along.  After  they  had  thus  deposited  their  little  property,  they  started  south 
from  where  we  were.  The  Captain  bade  me  to  ask  them  where  they  were  going.  They  said 
they  were  going  to  bid  good-bye  to  their  fathers,  mothers  and  children.  The  Captain  directed 
me  to  go  with  them  and  watch  them,  and  we  found  them  on  their  knees,  kissing  the  ground 
and  crying  very  loud,  where  their  relatives  were  buried.  This  touched  the  Captain's  feel- 
ings, and  he  exclaimed,  "  Good  God  !  What  harm  could  those  poor  Indians  do  among  the 
rocks  ?  " 

I  was  employed  by  the  Indian  Department  as  interpreter  at  the  time  of  the  removal  of 
the  Indians  from  the  portage  to  Turkey  River,  after  the  payment  was  made.  It  was  late  in 
the  fall.  I  wintered  at  Prairie  du  Chien  ;  and,  in  the  spring  of  1841,  came  back  to  Cale- 
donia to  improve  my  land. 

In  1842,  James  Wilson  came  with  his  family,  and  brought  with  him  Thomas  Roberts 
and  family.     Wilson  made  a  claim  in  Caledonia,  opposite  Dekorra. 

In  1844,  Capt.  Sumner  came  here  again,  with  the  dragoons,  and  sent  for  me  to  help 
him  in  hunting  in  the  woods  after  Dandy,  the  Winnebago  chief.  We  found  him  at  the  head 
of  the  Baraboo,  and  the  Captain  made  him  ride  on  horseback,  and  fastened  his  legs  with 
ox-chains  under  the  horse's  belly,  when  he  demanded  to  be   conducted   to    Gov.  Dodge.       This 

*  Edwin  V.  Sumner  was  bom  in  Boston,  Maes.,  in  January,  1796,  spending  his  early  life  in  mercantile  establishments,  and  entering  the 
army  as  a  Second  Lieutenant  in  1819.  Became  First  Lieutenant  in  1823,  and  served  in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  He  was  promoted  to  a  captaincy 
of  dragoons  in  1833,  and  a  Major  in  1846.  He  led  the  famous  cavalry  i  barge  at  Cerro  Gordo,  in  April,  1847,  in  which  he  was  woundt-d.  and 
was  brevetted  Lieutenant  Colonel ;  and  distinguished  himself  at  Contreras,  Churubusco  and  Molino  del  Rey,  in  the  latter,  commanding  the 
whole  cavalry  force,  and  holding  5,01)0  Mexican  lancers  in  check,  for  which  he  was  brevetted  Colonel.  He  wa.-*  subsequently  made  Lieutenant 
Colonel  of  Dragoons,  Military  Governor  of  New  Mexico,  and,  in  1857,  led  a  successful  expedition  against  the  Cheyennes,  whom  be  defeated  at 
Solomon's  Fork  of  Kansas  Kiver.  He  was  made  first  a  Brigadier  General,  and  then  a  Miijor  General  of  A'olunteers,  and  a  Brevet  Slajor  Gen- 
eral in  the  regular  army  in  May,  1862.  He  commanded  the  left  wing  of  tlie  army  at  the  siege  of  Yorktown;  was  in  all  the  battles  of  the  Pen- 
insula, and  twice  wounded.  He  was  again  wounded  at  Antietam  ;  and  at  Fredericksburg,  in  December,  1862,  he  commanded  the  right  grand 
division  of  the  army.     He  died  at  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  March  21,  1863.  L.  C.  1>. 

tThomas  McCrate,  a  native  of  Maine,  was  a  cadet  from  1832  to  1836,  when  he  entered  the  army  as  a  Second  liieutenant  of  dragoons, 
serving  on  the  frontiers  and  at  Fort  Crawford,  in  1840-41,  and  subsequently  on  the  frontiers,  until  his  health  failing  him,  when  he  retired  on 
sick  leave,  dying  at  Boston  Septtmber  18,  1845,  at  the  age  of  thirty.  L.  G.  D. 

J  William  Steele,  of  New  York,  was  a  cadet  from  1836  to  1840,  when  he  joined  the  army,  in  the  dragoons,  as  Second  Lieutenant,  and, 
for  good  conduct  in  various  battles  in  the  Mexican  war,  was  brevetted  Captain,  and,  from  1848  to  1861,  was  mucli  engaged  on  the  frontiers, 
against  the  Indians.    In  May,  1861,  he  resigned  and  joined  the  Confederate  forces,  and  survived  the  war.  L.  C.  D. 


404  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

was  granted,  and  he  was  taken  to  Mineral  Point.  Gov.  Dodge  asked  him  what  he  wanted 
of  him,  after  having  given  so  much  trouble  to  the  Government.  He  .said  he  Avaiited  to  talk  with 
him  in  council,  which  request  was  granted.  Then  Dandy  took  a  Bible  from  his  bosom,  and 
sisked  the  Governor,  through  me.  if  it  was  a  good  book.  The  Governor  was  surprised  to  see 
a  Bible  in  the  hands  of  an  Indian,  and  bade  me  intjuire  where  he  got  it.  Dandy  answered 
that  if  the  Governor  would  be  so  good  as  to  answer  his  question,  he  would  render  an  account 
of  all  he  would  like  to  know.  Then  the  Governor  told  him  that  it  was  a  good  book — that  he 
could  never  have  a  better  one  in  his  hand.  "  Then,"  said  Dandy,  "  if  a  man  would  do  all 
that  was  in  that  book,  could  any  more  be  required  of  him?"  The  Governor  said  no. 
"  Well,"  said  Dandy,  "look  that  book  all  through,  and  if  you  find  in  it  that  Dandy  ought  to 
be  removed  by  the  Government  to  Turkey  River,  then  I  will  go  right  off;  but  if  you  do 
not  find  it,  I  will  never  go  there  to  stay."  The  Governor  gave  him  an  answer  that  his  trick 
had  no  effect.  He  was  then  replaced  on  the  horse,  chained  up  again  and  taken  to  Prairie 
du  Chien. 

The  chain  had  so  blistered  his  legs  and  feet  that  it  was  two  or  three  weeks  before  he  was 
able  to  walk.  Some  time  after,  an  order  came  from  Turkey  River  to  send  Dandy  there.  He 
had  been  put  in  charge  of  a  corporal  at  Fort  Crawford,  who  was  obliged  to  carry  Dandy  on 
his  back  when  he  had  occasion  to  be  moved.  After  the  order  was  given  to  the  Corporal  to 
take  his  prisoner  to  Turkey  River,  he  procured  a  buggy  and  drove  it  to  the  fort  gate,  carried 
Dandy  on  his  back  to  the  vehicle,  and  then  went  back  into  the  fort  to  get  his  whip.  He 
thought  that  the  prisoner  was  not  able  to  run  away,  as  he  could  not  walk.  But  as  soon  as 
the  Corporal  was  out  of  sight.  Dandy  jumped  from  the  buggy  and  took  his  course  toward  the 
bluffs,  at  a  full  run.  When  the  Corporal  returned,  finding  his  prisoner  gone,  he  went  after 
him,  but  failed  to  overtake  him.  The  Corporal  swore  that  if  he  ever  saw  Dandy  again  he 
would  kill  him,  as  he  had  made  him  so  much  trouble  in  carrying  him  about  from  place  to 
place,  and  then  to  play  him  such  a  bad  trick. 

"  That  was  the  last  time  the  military  ever  went  after  Dandy  ;  and  the  good  old  chief  lived 
many  a  year  thereafter,  to  recount  his  exploits.  Like  the  most  of  his  people,  he  was  a  great 
beggar,  and  dearly  loved  the  "fire-water  '  of  the  whites.  He  died  at  Peten  Well,  near  Nece- 
dah,  where  he  and  his  family  were  encamped,  in  June,  1870,  at  about  the  age  of  seventy- 
seven  years.* 

IV BY    SATTKRLEE    CLARK. t 

To  give  a  proper  understanding  of  the  history,  not  only  of  Fort  Winnebago,  but  of  the 
persons  connected  with  it,  it  will  be  necessary  to  detail  my  early  recollections,  from  my  arrival 
in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Wisconsin.  On  the  14th  day  of  April,  1828,  I  landed  at  Green 
Bay,  then  considered  a  small  French  settlement.  Fort  Howard  was  then  situated  near  where 
the"  passenger  depot  of  the  Chicago  &  North- Western  Railway  now  stands.  On  the  opposite 
side  of  the  river,  where  the  city  of  Green  Bay  is  located,  there  was  a  wilderness.  Three  miles 
above,  on  the  river,  was  a  small  group  of  houses  that  could  hardly  be  termed  a  village,  but 
which  was,  nevertheless,  called  "  Shanty  Town."  Residing  there  were  several  American 
families,  among  whom  were  Daniel  Whitney,  Henry  S.  Baird,  Robert  Irwin,  Alexander  Irwin, 
Samuel  Irwin,  and  quite  a  number  of  French  and  half-breeds.  The  fort  contained  three  com- 
panies of  United  States  Infantry,  and  was  commanded  by  then  Major,  afterward  General,  Twiggs. 
The  companies  were  severally  commanded  by  Captain,  and  his  brother,  Major,  Buell,  Capt. 
Spence,  and  Captain,  since  General,  William  Harney. 

The  same  season,  1828,  the  First  Infantry  was  ordered  to  the  portage  to  build  a  fort,  to 
be  called  Fort  Winnebago.     They  were  relieved  at  Fort  Howard  by  four  companies  of  the  Fifth 

*  J.  T.  KiiiKHton  furrii.shcs  this  date  of  Dandy'8  death  aud  his  ag(>,  di'iivod  from  his  band  of  Winnelmgooi.  "  IVti-n  Well,"  adds  Mr. 
Kinestoii,  •'  is  an  isolated  rockv  peak,  250  feet  ahove  the  surface  of  the  river,  inimediatcly  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Wiaciinsin,  and  situated  on 
Section  !l,  Tonii  Is  north.  Uange  4  east."  Owen,  in  his  Geological  Report,  says :  "It  is  the  most  elevated  of  all  the  isolated  peaks  measured  on 
this  part  of  the  Wisconsin,  being  isa  feet  above  the  river.  Its  east  face  is  nearly  perpendicular;  on  the  west  side  is  a  very  steep  elope,  Kii)  feet 
alwve  tliH  surface  of  the  plain,  thickly  strewn  with  immense  blocks  of  sandstone.  The  north  side  is  worn  into  several  subordinate  peaks,  but 
little  inf.rior  in  height  to  the  m  lin  mass,  being  about  200  feet  above  a  creek  that  flows  near  their  base."  L.  C.  D. 

tThe  foot-notes  to  Sir,  Clark's  reminiscence,  marked  "  L.  C.  D,"  are  from  the  able  pen  of  Dr.  Lyman  C.  Draper.— E». 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  405 

United  States  Infantry,  under  command  of  Col.  William  Lawrence.  Previous  to  1827  (the  year 
of  "the  Winnebago  war,"  under  Red  Bird,  a  Winnebago  chief),  the  Indians  had  been  in  the 
habit  of  levying  tolls  on  the  goods  of  the  American  Fur  Company,  and  others  who  were  obligeil 
to  unload  to  cross  the  portage.  At  the  earnest  solicitation  of  John  Jacob  Astor,  who  was  then  . 
the  head  of  the  American  Fur  Company,  the  Government  concluded  to  erect  a  fort  for  their 
protection. 

Maj.  Twiggs  then  left  for  the  portage,  where  he  erected  temporary  barracks  of  tamarack 
logs,  in  which  to  winter  his  command,  and  detailed  a  party  to  go  up  the  Wisconsin  and  procure 
pine  timber  with  which  to  erect  a  permanent  fort.  Another  party  was  detailed  to  quarry  stone 
at  what  was  called  "  Stone  Quarry  Hill."  With  the  first  rise  of  water  in  the  spring  of  1829. 
the  timber  and  logs  were  floated  down  to  the  portage,  were  hauled  by  teams  to  the  fort,  where 
all  the  lumber  was  sawed  by  hand  with  whip-saws  with  which  to  build  the  entire  fort.  The 
brick  necessary  for  the  chimneys,  fire-places,  etc.,  were  burned  just  opposite  the  narrows,  on  the 
Wisconsin  River,  a  short  distance  above. 

Of  the  officers  stationed  at  Fort  Winnebago  from  1828  till  the  5th  of  July,  1831,  only  two 
survive,  to  wit,  Gen.  William  Harney  and  Lieut.  Jefiierson  Davis.  Harney,  at  that  time,  was 
a  Captain,  and  Davis  was  his  subaltern.  Both  were  considered  among  the  best  ofiicers  in  the 
service.  I  think  it  is  conceded  that,  for  frontier  service,  Capt.  Harney  had  no  superior  any- 
where. There  was  no  better  disciplinarian,  and  no  more  indulgent  officer  to  his  men  when 
their  behavior  was  good.  It  has  been  said  of  him  by  persons  in  civil  life  that  he  was  cruel  to 
his  men ;  but  this  was  not  true.  He  was,  however,  a  terror  to  evil-doers,  whether  soldiers  or 
citizens.  To  give  an  idea  of  the  man,  he  was  over  six  feet  in  height,  well  proportioned,  and 
exceedingly  active  and  strong.  I  will  relate  an  anecdote  or  two,  which  will  give  a  more  correct 
idea  of  his  character. 

Gen.  Harney  once  took  offense  at  an  Indian,  and  determined  to  cowhide  him  ;  but  was  per- 
suaded to  give  him  "a  chance  for  his  life."  He  had  him  taken  half  a  mile  above  the  Govern- 
ment wash-houses,  on  the  bank  of  the  river ;  gave  him  100  yards  the  start,  with  the  agreement 
that,  if  the  Indian  passed  the  wash-houses  before  he  was  caught,  he  should  go  free  for  that  time. 
Peter  Pauquette  gave  the  word,  and  away  they  went.  Harney  gained  on  him  so  rapidly  that  * 
he  seemed  sure  to  overtake  him.  There  was  a  spot  about  200  yards  from  the  wash-house  that 
only  froze  over  in  very  cold  weather,  and  opened  again  during  the  day.  The  night  before  was 
very  cold,  and  this  point  had  frozen  over  about  half  an  inch  thick.  When  they  reached  this 
point,  Harney  was  just  ready  to  put  his  hand  on  him,  when  the  Indian,  being  quite  light,  crossed 
the  thin  ice  safely.  Not  so,  however,  with  the  Captain ;  he  carried  too  many  pounds,  and 
down  he  went.  He  came  to  the  surface  at  once,  and  called  to  a  sentinel  to  shoot  the  Indian. 
The  sentinel  fired  well  and  the  ball  struck  the  ice  half  a  mile  from  the  Indian.  All  the  officers 
were  on  the  bank  witnessing  the  race  and  of  course  were  convulsed  with  laughter. 

On  another  occasion  it  was  necessary  to  punish  the  champion  pugilist  of  the  fort,  a  very 
large  man  named  Hewitt.  The  man  said  to  the  Captain :  "  If  you  were  an  enlisted  man,  or  I 
was  a  captain,  you  could  not  treat  me  in  that  way."  Harney  took  him  out  behind  the  barracks, 
told  him  to  consider  himself  a  captain,  and  do  his  best.  Hewitt  pitched  at  the  Captain  fuwously, 
when  the  Captain  knocked  him  down.  This  was  repeated  about  a  dozen  times  when  he  said,"  Cap- 
tain, I  have  been  captain  long  enough  to  suit  me,  I  would  now  like  to  be  reduced  to  the  ranks." 

At  another  time,  Harney  causht  a  citizen  from  the  lead  mines  selling  whisky  to  his  men. 
He  tied  him  up  to  the  flag-staff  and  cowhided  him  with  his  own  hand. 

Neither  Harney  nor  Davis  were  addicted  to  those  habits  that  destroyed  so  many  worthy 
officers,  and  it  in  some  measure  accounts  for  their  being  still  alive. 

In  June,  1830,  I  was  appointed  sutler  at  Fort  Winnebago,  by  Gen.  Jackson,  who  was  then 
President.  Being  under  age,  I  was  obliged  to  farm  the  privilege  out  to  Oliver  Newbury,  of 
Detroit,  and  as  the  sutler  was  required  to  remain  at  the  post,  I  was  employed  by  Mr.  Newbury 
as  clerk,  devoting  most  of  my  time  to  the  Indian  trade.  I  arrived  at  Fort  Winnebago  on  the 
21st  of  July,  1830. 


406  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

The  most  interesting  event  since  my  advent  into  Wisconsin  was  what  is  known  as  the- 
"  Black  Hawk  war,"  the  truthful  history  of  which  has  never  been  published,  and  I  think  the 
causes  which  led  to  it,  and  the  incidents  connected  therewith,  are  known  to  very  f(W  people 
now  living. 

In  1831,  in  violation  of  a  treaty  stipulation,  the  Sauk  and  Fox  Indians,  under  Black 
Hawk  and  the  Prophet,  crossed  the  Mississippi  into  Illinois.  Black  Hawk  was  a  Fox  Indian, 
and  the  Prophet  was  a  Winnebago,  who,  with  a  small  band,  became  discontented  and  left  the 
Winnebagoes  and  joined  the  Sauk  and  Fox  tribes,  where  they  had  intermarried,  and  became 
part  of  the  same  tribe.  Gen.  Atkinson  was  ordered  to  remove  them.  They  offered  to  go  back 
and  remain  for  60,000  bushels  of  corn,  and  as  corn  was  only  5  cents  a  bushel  he  gave  it  to 
them  and  they  retired. 

The  following  summer,  thinking  to  get  60,000  bushels  of  corn  quite  easily,  they  again 
crossed  the  river,  and  again  Gen.  Atkinson  was  ordered  to  remove  them.  Instead  of  buying 
corn  for  them,  he  ordered  all  the  available  troops  into  the  field,  and  the  President  ordered  out 
the  Illinois  militia  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Henry  and  Gen.  Alexander,  all  under  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Atkinson.  The  Indians  started  up  Rock  River,  pursued  by  the  troops,  commit-, 
ting  occasional  depredations  as  they  went  along.  After  they  got  into  Wisconsin  the  troops  lost 
track  of  them,  and  Gen.  Atkinson  continued  up  Rock  Riv^  to  where  the  village  of  Fort  Atkin- 
son now  stands,  where  he  established  his  headquarters  and  built  a  temporary  fort. 

In  the  meantime.  Black  Hawk,  learning  from  the  Winnebagoes  who  also  promised  to  assist 
him,  that  only  thirty  men  remained  in  Fort  Winnebago,  determined  to  burn  it  and  massacre  its 
inmates.  They  accordingly  came  and  encamped  on  the  Fox  River,  about  four  miles  above 
Swan  Lake,  and  about  eight  miles  from  the  fort.  Every  possible  means  that  could  be  devised 
was  adopted  to  protect  the  fort,  and  save  the  lives  of  the  inhabitants,  most  of  whom  were  women 
and  children  ;  but  after  all  had  been  done  that  was  possible,  the  commanding  officer  concluded 
that  without  re-enforcements  we  would  be  lost,  and  determined  to  send  to  Gen.  Atkinson  for 
troops.  I  was  selected  for  that  duty  for  several  reasons ;  among  which  was  my  thorough 
acquaintance  with  the  country,  and  another  was  the  probability  that  the  Winnebagoes  would 
not  harm  me. 

Every  day  some  Winnebago  would  come  to  me  and  advise  me  to  go  at  night  and  stay  in 
his  wigwam,  where,  he  said,  I  would  be  safe.  At  9  o'clock  at  night  I  left  the  fort,  with  many  a 
God  speed  you,  armed  with  a  small  Ruggles  rifle,  my  dispatches,  a  tomahawk  and  bowie-knife. 
I  crossed  the  Fox  River  at  a  shallow  point  just  above  where  the  public  stables  used  to  stand,  and 
keeping  the  Indian  trail  that  led  from  here  to  White  Crow's  village*  on  Lake  Kosh-ko-nong  on 
my  right,  I  traveled  rapidly  all  night,  walking  up  hill,  and  running  down  hill,  and  on  a  level. 
I  struck  the  trail  several  times  during  the  night,  but  left  it  immediately,  as  I  feared  some  Indians 
might  be  encamped  upon  it,  whose  dogs  would  discover  me  before  I  would  discover  them.  I 
arrived  safely  at  the  fort  at  half-past  11  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  delivered  my  dispatches  to 
Gen.  Atkinson,  who  sent  3,000  men  at  once  to  relieve  Fort  Winnebago.  I  may  add,  that  Fort 
Atkinson  was  constructed  of  log  pickets,  with  loop-holes  for  musketry,  with  block-houses  on  the 
southeast  and  northwest  corners,  with  about  an  acre  of  ground  within  the  inclosure. 

I  slept  till  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  then  started  on  my  return,  following  the  trail  of 
the  mounted  militia  for  twelve  miles,  when  I  passed  them,  and  reached  the  head  of  a  stream  that 
used  to  be  called  Rowan's  Creek,  about  twelve  miles  from  the  fort,  shortly  after  daylight;  and 
fearing  to  go  further  till  night,  I  crawled  into  some  brush  and  went  to  sleep. 

As  soon  as  it  was  quite  dark,  I  left  my  hiding-place  and  returned  to  the  fort  as  near  as  pos- 
sible by  the  route  Heft  it,  arriving  between  10  and  11  o'clock  P.  M.  I  reported  that  the  troops 
were  on  the  way,  and  would  arrive  next  evening.  We  kept  close  watch  all  that  night,  and  at  4 
o'clock  P.  M.  next  day,  the  troops  arrived.     It  may  surprise  some  of  my  readers  that  I  should 

*  Mr.  Clark  writes  thiit  White  Crow's  village  was  built  in  the  usual  style  of  ludgee,  nut  wigwams,  more  like  houses,  covered  with  wliite 
cedar  bark  ;  and  contained  a  population  of  about  twelve  hundred  souls. —  L-  C.  V. 

[This  estimate  of  the  population  of  the  White  Crow's  village  is  probably  too  large. — Ed.] 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  407 

travel  so  rapidly,  and  the  mounted  troops  should  be  so  long  on  the  road  ;  but,  you  must  recollent, 
the  marshes  were  very  wet  at  that  time,  that  the  whole  country  was  a  wilderness,  and  that  when 
I  jumped  into  a  stream  and  waded  through  or  walked  across  the  marsh,  the  troops  had  to  build 
bridges  and  causeways. 

The  war  would  have  been  ended  within  two  days  if  the  militia  had  been  in  condition  to  fol- 
low the  Indians;  but  the  horses  needed  rest  and  food,  rations  had  to  be  issued  to  the  men,  and 
many  of  them  were  without  a  change  of  underclothing,  and  it  was  absolutely  necessary  to  wait 
at  least  one  day  at  the  fort. 

The  second  night  the  horses  took  fright  (probably  at  some  Winnebago  Indians),  and  there  was 
a  regular  stampede.  Probably  some  of  my  readers  may  not  thoroughly  comprehend  a  stampede; 
and  it  may  be  proper  to  describe  it,  if  possible,  though  only  an  eye-witness  can  properly  appre- 
ciate how  terrible  it  is.  Some  horse,  or  may  be  a  few  horses  get  frightened  and  start  to  run  ; 
the  entire  drove  may  see  nothing  to  alarm  them,  but,  presuming  there  is  danger,  they  fall  into 
line,  and  once  fairly  under  way  nothing  can  stop  them. 

Those  in  front  cannot  stop  without  being  run  over,  and  those  in  the  rear  run  to  keep  up. 
On  this  occasion,  several  hundred  horses  started  with  a  noise  like  thunder,  running  so  close 
together  that  when  one  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  face  a  tree  he  was  either  killed  or  so  badly  injured 
as  to  be  unable  to  proceed,  and  was  run  over  by  the  whole  drove ;  so,  if  a  horse  was  unable  to 
keep  up,  he  was  knocked  down  and  killed  ;  between  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin  and  the  point  of 
land  between  there  and  the  fort,  thirty-seven  horses  were  found  dead.  They  took  the  trail  they 
came  on  and  ran  to  the  prairie,  a  distance  of  about  sixteen  miles  ;  over  sixty  horses  were  killed, 
and  it  was  late  next  day  before  those  recovered  were  brought  back.* 

This,  of  course,  occasioned  another  delay,  and  it  was  not  till  the  fifth  day,  that  they  lef 
the  fort  in  pursuit  of  the  Indians. 

The  enemy,  in  the  mean  time,  went  to  the  Four  Lakes,  where,  as  I  learned  later,  they 
were  advised  to  cross  the  Wisconsin  and  the  Mississippi  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  few  reliable  Winnebagoes,  under  Peter  Pauquette  and  myself,  were  secured  for  scouts. 

We  had  no  difficulty  in  following  their  trail,  and  gained  upon  them  rapidly,  overtaking 
them  on  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin,  about  twenty-five  miles  below,  where  the  battle  of  the 
Wisconsin  was  fought. 

That  battle  made  many  heroes,  and  so  it  should. 

About  one  hundred  and  twenty  half-starved  Indians  defended  the  pass  against  nearly  three 
thousand  whites,  while  the  remainder  of  the  Indians  in  plain  sight  were  crossing  the 
Wisconsin  with  the  women  and  children,  and,  as  soon  as  these  were  safe,  the  Indians  broke 
and  ran.  Then  came  the  struggle  for  scalps.  Every  man  who  could  run  started  down 
the  hill  at  his  top  speed,  my  Indian  scouts  and  myself  far  ahead  of  the  militia,  and  I  was  about 
thirty  feet  ahead  of  all.  Just  as  I  commenced  raising  the  hill  on  the  other  side  of  the  valley, 
Pauquette  passed  me  on  horseback,  and,  as  he  went  by,  I  caught  his  horse  by  the  tail  and  held 
on  till  we  reached  the  top  of  the  hill,  where  we  found  four  dead  Indians.  Pauquette  took 
one  scalp,  I  took  one,  and  the  Indian  scouts  took  the  other  two. 

The  Indians  lost  four  killed  all  told,  and  the  whites  one.  This  ended  the  battle  of  the  Wis- 
consin, about  which  so  much  has  been  written. 

The  Indians  traveled  as  rapidly  as  possible  to  the  Mississippi,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Bad  Axe 
River.  I  went  home.  Shortly  after,  Capt.  Alexander  Johnson  was  ordered  to  take  command  of 
the  regular  troops,  and  endeavor  to  intercept  the  Indians  and  prevent  their  crossing  the  Mississippi. 

A  steamboat  was  sent  up  the  river  from  Fort  Crawford,  commanded  by  Jefferson  Davis. 
He  drove  the  Indians  back,  and  they  were  all  killed  or  taken  prisoners  except  Black  Hawk  and 
the  Prophet  and  their  families,  who  crossed  the  river  before  the  steamboat  arrived. 

*Iii  Wakefield's  "History  of  the  Sank  and  Fox  War,"  published  at  Jacksonville,  111.,  in  1834,  the  following  account  is  given  of  this 
stampede — the  writer  then  servinf;  with  the  Illinois  troops  :  "  Our  horses  were  given  to  fripht  and  running  in  a  most  fearful  manner ;  and  the 
army  was  constantly  in  danger  of  sufteriug  great  damage  by  their  taking  those  frights.  No  one  can  tell  what  a  horrid  sight  it  i.s  to  see  2,1100 
horses  coming  at  full  speed  toward  an  encampment  in  tlie  dead  hour  of  night.  This  night — at  Fort  Winnebago — they  got  more  scared  than 
common.  There  were  about  three  hundred  on  this  night,  that  ran  about  thirty  miles  before  they  stopped,  and  that,  too,  through  the  worst 
kind  of  swamps.  This  circumstance  caused  us  to  stay  here  two  days,  trying  to  recover  our  horses ;  but  all  could  not  be  found  ;  our  road  baoK 
the  way  we  had  come  was  hunted  for  upward  of  fifty  miles,  and  still  a  great  number  of  them  was  missing."  L.  C.  D. 


408  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY. 

Gen.  Winfield  Scott  offered  a  reward  of  $2,000  for  the  capture  of  Black  Hawk  and  the 
Prophet,  which  was  earned  by  a  Winnebago  called  Little  Thunder.*  All  were  then  taken  to 
Rock  Island,  where  Gen.  Scott  had  established  his  headquarters. 

From  there  the  leaders  were  taken  to  all  the  large  cities  in  the  country,  to  show  them  how 
impossible  it  was  for  them  to  wage  successful  war  against  the  whites. 

That  ended  the  Black  Hawk  war. 

In  1837,  a  detachment  of  recruits  arrived  at  Fort  Winnebago,  among  whom  was  a  man 
named  Carpenter,  who  was  discharged  because  he  was  unable  to  pass  the  surgeon  for  muster. 
He  had  a  wife,  and  determined  to  remain  in  the  country.  He  accordingly  located  upon  the 
bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  after  that  time  kept  a  tavern  for  the  accommodation  of  lum- 
bermen. 

It  may  safely  be  said  of  him  that  he  was  the  first  white  civilian  of  Portage  City,  if  bis 
house  was  within  what  are  now  the  city  limits. 

Then  followed  Andrew  Dunn,  Hugh  McFarlane,  Richard  F.  Veeder  and  others,  and  I 
think  in  the  order  I  have  named  them. 

Capt.  Gideon  Low  left  the  army  in  1839  [1840],  and  settled  on  the  portage,  where  he  kept 
a  public  house  a  number  of  years.     He  died  long  ago. 

The  old  man  Crelie  was  an  important  element  in  the  early  history  of  this  locality,  and  I 
cannot  well  avoid  giving  him  a  passing  notice. 

Mr.  Crelie  was  the  father-in-law  of  Pauquette,  and  was  sixty  years  of  age  when  I  came  to 
Fort  Winnebago  in  1830,  so  that  when  he  was  on  exhibition  at  the  several  soldiers'  home  fairs 
in  1863,  he  was  ninety-three  years  old. 

This  corresponds  with  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Beouchard,  a  Frenchman,  who  came  to  the  State 
much  earlier  than  I  did,  as  given  in  his  letter  to  the  Milwaukee  Sentinel,  while  the  old  man  was 
being  exhibited  at  one  hundred  and  forty. 

In  1832,  during  the  Black  Hawk  war,  he  was  bearer  of  dispatches,  much  too  fatiguing  a 
duty  for  a  man  more  than  sixty-two  years  of  age. 

John  T.  De  La  Ronde,  who  died  recently  in  the  town  of  Caledonia,  came  to  Wisconsin  about 
the  year  1834  instead  of  1828.  as  is  stated  in  an  obituary  I  read  recently.!  It  was  the  custom 
of  the  American  Fur  Company  to  enlist  Canadians  for  a  term  of  years  and  bring  them  into  the 
Northwest  to  be  used  as  voyagers  and  packers.  De  La  Ronde  was  so  enlisted,  and  was  assigned 
to  work  for  Peter  Pauquette. 

Shortly  after  his  arrival,  he  married  the  daughter  of  Whitehead  De-kau-ry,  who  had  once 
been  a  sort  of  morganatic  wife  of  an  officer  of  the  army,+  and  had  been  left  a  widow  when  he 
was  ordered  off.      He  lived  with  her  until  she  died,  and  since  then  I  have  known  very  little  of  him. 

I  must  say  something  of  Count  Haraszthy  and  his  family.  In  about  1842  or  1843,  I  am 
not  certain  which,  Haraszthy  came  to  Wisconsin,  bought  some  property  at  Sauk  City,  on  the 
Wisconsin,  and  settled  there  with  his  family.  He  was  a  nobleman  in  every  sense,  and  he  and 
his  wife  were  among  the  most  refined  people  I  ever  knew  ;  and  both  were  exceedingly  good 
looking. 

I  saw  them  frequently,  both  at  home  and  at  Madison.  At  the  latter  place,  they  had  a  large 
number  of  friends  and  acquaintances,  by  whom  they  were  much  respected.     Early  in  the  spring 

*  This  appears  to  be  an  error.  Traditions  are  valuable  when  sustaining  and  elaborating  historical  documents,  written  at  the  time  and 
upon  the  spot,  by  reliable  men  ;  but  it  wiil  not  he  safe  to  set  aside  such  written  documents  and  substitute  traditijuB.  Gen.  .Foseph  M.  .Street, 
then  Indian  agent  at  I'rairiedu  Chien,  writes  from  that  place,  Anguit  2",  18:i2:  "At  11  o'clock  to-day,  Black  Hawk  and  the  Prophet  were 
delivered  to  Gen.  Joseph  M.  Street,  by  the  One-Eyed  Dccorri  and  Chaetar,  Winnebagoes  belonging  to  this  agency"  and  then  gives  in  full  the 
address  of  Decorri  and  ('haetar,  the  latter  claiming  the  chief  merits  of  the  capture,  saying :  "  Near  the  Dalle,  on  the  Wisconsin,  I  took  Black 
Hawk.  No  one  did  it  but  me — I  say  this  in  the  ears  of  all  present,  and  they  know  it — and  [  now  appeal  to  the  Great  Spirit,  our  grandfather, 
and  the  earth,  our  grandmother,  for  the  truth  of  what  I  say."  In  a  subsequent  letter  of  September  ;i.  Gen.  Street  adds:  "  The  day  after  Gens. 
Scott  and  Atkinson  left  this  place,  I  sent  out  t-vo  parties  of  Winnebagoes  to  bring  Black  Hawk,  the  Prophet  and  Neopope  to  me."  Thus  Little 
Thunder  may  have  been  with  the  unsuccessful  party,  aud  would  perhaps  speak  of  it  subseipiently  in  such  a  way  as  to  convey  the  idea  that  he 
aided  in  the  capture  of  Black  Hawk — that  is,  searched  for  him,  but  probably  did  not  mean  to  be  understood  that  he  actually  captured  him. 
"^  .  J-  ^  1,.  U.  D. 

t  De  La  Ronde's  first  visit  to  the  portage  was  in  1828,  remaining  but  a  few  days.     He  returned  in  1832. — En. 

X  Capt.  Tliomas  Page  Gwynne,  who  had  entered  the  army  as  a  cadet  in  1813,  serving  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  had  risen  through  regular 
grades  to  Major,  in  1^47,  and  died  at  Norfolk,  Va.,  February  26,  1861. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  409 

of  1849,  he  joined  a  party  that  left  Madison  to  go  overland  to  California.  Among  those  who 
went  out  with  him  was  Thomas  W.  Sutherland,  who  had  formerly  been  United  States  District 
Attorney  of  the  Territory.  Haraszthy  was  (juite  successful  in  raising  grapes,  and  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  wine  and  distilled  spirits.  Within  two  or  three  years  last  past,  I  read  in  some  paper 
a  thrilling  account  of  his  death.  It  seemed  he  had  procured  the  exclusive  privilege  of  man- 
ufacturing distilled  spirits  in  Central  America  :  that  he  went  with  a  small  party  in  search  of  a 
good  locality  for  raising  grapes  and  establishing  a  distillery  ;  that  the  party  came  to  a  bayou 
filled  with  crocodiles,  over  which  there  was  a  small  foot  bridge.  Haraszthy,  being  in  the  advance, 
attempted  to  cross  the  bridge,  which  gave  way,  precipitating  him  into  the  water,  and,  before  he 
could  be  recovered  by  his  friends,  a  large  crocodile  caught  him  by  the  middle  and  carried  him 
off,  while  a  large  number  followed.     His  fate  can  well  be  imagined.* 

V. BY    MKS    JOHN    H.    KINZlE.f 

This  day  [they  were  traveling  from  Chicago  to  Fort  Winnebago,  in  1831],  we  were  jour- 
neying in  hopes  to  reach,  at  an  early  hour,  that  broad  expanse  of  the  Rock  River  which  here 
forms  the  Kosh-ko-nong.  The  appellation  of  this  water,  rendered  doubly  affecting  by  the  sub- 
sequent fate  of  its  people,  imports  "  the  lake  we  live  on." 

Our  road  for  the  early  part  of  the  day  led  through  forests  so  thick  and  tangled  that  Grig- 
non  and  Lecuyer  were  often  obliged  to  go  in  advance  as  pioneers  with  their  axes,  to  cut  away 
the  obstructing  shrubs  and  branches.  It  was  slow  work  and  at  times  quite  discouraging,  but  we 
were  through  with  it  at  last,  and  then  we  came  into  a  country  of  altogether  different  description 
— low  prairies,  intersected  with  deep,  narrow  streams  like  canals,  the  passage  of  which,  either  by 
horses  or  carriages,  was  often  a  mitter  of  delay  and  even  difficulty. 

Several  times  in  the  course  of  the  forenoon,  the  horses  were  to  be  taken  from  the  carriage 
and  the  latter  pulled  and  pushed  across  the  deep  narrow  channels  as  best  it  might. 

The  wooded  banks  of  the  Kosh-ko-nong  were  never  welcomed  with  greater  delight  than  by 
us  when  they  at  length  broke  upon  our  sight.  A  ride  of  five  or  six  miles  through  the  beautiful 
oak  openings  brought  us  to  Man-Eater's  village,  a  collection  of  neat  bark  wigwams,  with  extensive 
fields  on  each  side,  of  corn,  beans,  and  squashes,  recently  planted,  but  already  giving  promise 
of  a  fine  crop.  In  front  was  the  broad  blue  lake,  the  shores  of  which,  to  the  south,  were  open 
and  marshy,  but  near  the  village  and  stretching  far  away  to  the  north,  were  bordered  by  fine 
lofty  trees.  The  village  was  built  but  a  short  distance  below  the  point  where  the  Rock  River 
opens  into  the  lake,  and  during  a  conversation  between  our  party  and  the. Indians  at  the  village, 
an  arrangement  was  made  with  them  to  take  us  across  at  a  spot  about  half  a  mile  above. 

After  a  short  halt,  we  again  took  up  our  line  of  march  through  the  woods,  along  the  bank 
of  the  river. 

A  number  of  Winnebagoes  (for  we  had  been  among  our  own  people  since  leaving  Gros-pied 
Lake)  set  out  for  the  appointed  place  by  water,  paddling  their  canoes,  of  which  they  had  selected 
the  largest  and  strongest. 

Arrived  at  the  spot  indicated,  we  dismounted,  and  the  men  commenced  the  task  of 
unsaddling  and  unloading.  We  were  soon  placed  in  the  canoes,  and  paddled  across  to  the  oppo- 
site bank.  Next,  the  horses  were  swum  across — after  them  was  to  come  the  carriage.  Two 
long  wooden  canoes  were  securely  lashed  together  side  by  side,  and  being  of  sufficient  width  to 
admit  of  the  carriage  standing  within  them,  the  passage  was  commenced.  Again  and  again  the 
tottering  barks  would  sway  from  side  to  side,  and  a  cry  or  a  shout  would  arise  from  our  party 
on  shore,  as  the  whole  mass  seemed  about  to  plunge  sideways  into  the  water,  but  it  would  pres- 
ently recover  itself,  and  at  length,  after  various  deviations  from  the  perpendicular,  it  reached  the 
shore  in  safety. 

We  now  hoped  that  our  troubles  were  at  an  end,  and  that  we  had  nothing  to  do  but  to 
mount  and  trot  on  as  fast  as  possible  to  Fort  Winnebago.     But  no.     Half  a  mile  farther  on  was 

*Count  Haraszthy'.^  deatli  is  elsewhere  described  in  this  booli  with  particularity, 
t  From  "  Wau-Buii,  the  Early  Day  in  the  Northwest,"  pp.  264-26G. 


410  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

a  formidable  swamp,  of  no  great  width  it  is  true,  but  with  a  depth  of  from  two  to  three  feet  of 
mud  and  water.  It  was  a  question  whether,  with  the  carriage,  we  could  get  through  it  at  all. 
Several  of  the  Indians  accompanied  us  to  this  place,  partly  to  give  us  their  aid  and  counsel,  and 
partly  to  enjoy  the  fun  of  the  spectacle. 

On  reaching  the  swamp,  we  were  disposed  to  laugh  at  the  formidable  representations  which 
had  been  made  to  us.  We  'saw  only  a  strip  of  what  seemed  rather  low  land  covered  with  tall, 
dry  rushes. 

It  is  true,  the  ground  looked  a  little  wet,  but  there  seemed  nothing  to  justify  all  the  ap- 
prehensions that  had  been  excited.  Great  was  my  surprise,  then,  to  see  my  husband,  who  had 
been  a  few  minutes  absent,  returned  to  our  circle  attired  in  his  duck  trowsers,  and  without  shoes 
or  stockings. 

"  What  are  you  going  to  do  ?  "  inquired  I. 

"  Carry  you  through  the  swamp  on  my  shoulder.  Come,  Petaille,  you  are  the  strongest — 
you  are  to  carry  Madame  Kinzie,  and  To-shun-nuck  there  (pointing  to  a  tall,  stout  Winnebago), 
he  will  take  Madame  Helm." 

"  Wait  a  moment,"  said  I,  and,  seating  myself  on  the  grass,  I  deliberately  took  off  my  own 
boots  and  stockings. 

"What  is  that  for  ?  "  they  all  asked. 

"  Because  I  do  not  wish  to  ride  with  wet  feet  all  the  rest  of  the  day." 

"  No  danger  of  that,"  said  they,  and  no  one  followed  my  example.  By  the  time  they  were 
in  the  midst  of  the  swamp,  however,  they  found  my  precaution  had  been  by  no  means  useless. 
The  water  through  which  our  bearers  had  to  pass  was  of  such  a  depth  that  no  efforts  of  the 
ladies  were  sufficient  to  keep  their  feet  above  the  surface,  and  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  feeling 
that  my  burden  upon  my  husband's  shoulders  was  much  less,  from  my  being  able  to  keep  my 
first  position,  instead  of  changing  constantly  to  avoid  a  contact  with  the  water. 

The  laugh  was  quite  on  my  side  when  I  resumed  my  equipment,  and  mounted,  dry-shod, 
into  my  saddle. 

It  will  be  perceived,  that  journeying  in  the  woods  is,  in  some  degree,  a  deranger  of  cere- 
mony and  formality ;  that  it  necessarily  restricts  us  somewhat  in  our  conventionalities.  The 
only  remedy  is,  to  make  ourselves  amends  by  a  double  share  when  we  return  to  the  civilized 
walks  of  life. 

By  dint  of  much  pulling,  shouting,  encouraging  and  threatening,  the  hoi'ses  at  length 
dragged  the  carriage  through  the  difficult  pass,  and  our  red  friends  were  left  to  return  to  their 
village,  with,  doubtless,  a  very  exaggerated  and  amusing  account  of  all  that  they  had  seen  and 
assisted  in. 

We  had  not  forgotten  our  promise  to  Lieut.  Foster  to  put  up  a  "guide-board  of  some  sort, 
for  his  accommodation  in  following  us.  We  therefore,  upon  several  occasions,  carried  with  us 
from  the  woods  a  few  pieces,  of  three  or  four  feet  in  length,  which  we  planted  at  certain  points, 
with  a  transverse  stick  through  a  cleft  in  the  top,  thus  marking  the  direction  he  and  his  party 
were  to  take. 

We  therefore  felt  sure  that,  although  a  few  days  later,  he  would  find  our  trail,  and  avail 
himself  of  the  same  assistance  as  we  had,  in  getting  through  the  difficulties  of  the  way. 

Our  encampins  ground,  this  night,  was  to  be  not  far  distant  from  the  Four  Lakes.  We 
were  greatly  fatigued  by  the  heat  and  exercise  of  the  day,  and  most  anxiously  did  we  look  out 
for  the  clumps  of  willows  and  alders  which  were  to  mark  the  spot  where  water  would  be  found. 
We  felt  hardly  equal  to  pushing  on  quite  to  the  bank  of  the  nearest  lake.  Indeed,  it  would 
have  taken  us  too  much  off  our  direct  course. 

When  we.  at  a  late  hour,  came  upon  a  spot  fit  for  our  purpose,  we  exchanged  mutual  con- 
gratulations that  this  was  to  be  our  last  night  upon  the  road.  The  next  day  we  should  be  at 
Winnebago. 

Our  journey  had  been  most  delightful,  a  continual  scene  of  exhilaration  and  enjoyment ; 
for  the  various  mishaps,  although,  for  the  moment,  they  had  perplexed,  yet,  in  the  end,  had  but 


HISTORY    OF    COI-UMBIA    COUNTY.  411 

added  to  our  amusement.  Still,  with  the  inconstancy  of  human  nature,  we  were  pleased  to 
■exchange  its  excitement  for  the  quiet  repose  of  home. 

Our  next  morning's  ride  was  of  a  more  tranquil  character  than  any  that  had  preceded  it ; 
for,  at  an  early  hour,  we  entered  upon  what  was  known  as  the  "  Twenty  Mile  Prairie,"  and  I 
may  be  permitted  to  observe  that  the  miles  are  wonderfully  long  on  the  prairies.  Our  passage 
■over  this  was,  except  the  absence  of  the  sand,  like  crossing  the  desert.  Mile  after  mile  of 
unbroken  expanse — not  a  tree,  not  a  living  object  except  ourselves. 

The  sun,  as  if  to  make  himself  amends  for  his  two  months'  seclusion,  shone  forth  with 
redoubled  brilliancy.  There  is  no  such  thing  as  carrying  an  umbrella  on  horseback,  though  those 
in  the  wagon  were  able  to  avail  themselves  of  such  a  shelter. 

Our  mother's  energies  had  sustained  her  in  the  saddle  until  this  day,  but  she  was  now  fairly 
■obliged  to  give  in,  and  yield  her  place  on  little  Brunet  to  Sister  Margaret. 

Thus  we  went  on,  one  little  knoll  rising  beyond  another,  from  the  summit  of  each  of  which, 
in  succession,  we  hoped  to  descry  the  distant  woods,  which  were  to  us  as  the  promised  land. 

"  Take  courage !"  were  the  cheering  words,  often  repeated  ;  "Very  soon  you  will  begin  to 
see  the  timber." 

Another  hour  would  pass  heavily  by. 

"  Now,  when  we  reach  the  rising  ground  just  ahead,  look  sharp .'" 

We  would  look  sharp — nothing  but  the  same  unvarying  landscape. 

There  were  not  even  streams  to  allay  the  feverish  thirst  occasioned  by  fatigue  and 
impatience. 

At  length  a  whoop  from  Shaw-nee-aw-kee  broke  the  silence  in  which  we  were  pursuing 
our  way. 

"Le  voila!"  (There  it  is!) 

Our  less-practiced  eye  could  not,  at  first,  discern  the  faint  blue  strip,  edging  the  horizon, 
but  it  grew  and  grew  upon  our  vision,  and  fatigue  and  all  discomfort  proportionately  dis- 
appeared. 

We  were  in  fine  spirits  by  the  time  we  reached  Hasting's  Woods,  a  noble  forest,  watered 
by  a  clear,  sparkling  stream.  Grateful  as  was  the  refreshment  of  the  green  foliage  and  the  cool- 
ing waters,  we  did  not  allow  ourselves  to  forget  that  the  day  was  wearing  on,  and  that  we  must, 
if  possible,  complete  our  journey  before  sunset;  so  we  soon  braced  up  our  minds  to  continue  our 
route,  although  we  would  gladly  have  lingered  another  hour. 

The  marsh  of  Duck  Creek  was,  thanks  to  the  heat  of  the  past  week,  in  a  very  difi"erent 
state  from  what  it  had  been  a  few  months  previous,  when  I  had  been  so  unfortunately  sub- 
merged in  its  icy  waters.  We  passed  it  without  difiiculty,  and  soon  found  ourselves  upon  the 
banks  of  the  creek. 

The  stream,  at  this  point,  was  supposed  to  be  always  fordable ;  and,  even  were  it  not  so, 
that,  to  the  majority  of  our  party,  would  have  been  a  matter  of  little  moment ;  to  the  ladies,  how- 
ever, the  subject  seemed  to  demand  consideration. 

"  This  water  looks  very  deep.     Are  you  sure  we  can  cross  it  on  horseback?" 

"  Oh,  yes !     Petaille,  go  before,  and  let  us  see  how  the  water  is." 

Petaille  obeyed.  He  was  mounted  on  a  horse  like  a  giraife,  and,  extending  his  feet  hori- 
zontally, he  certainly  managed  to  pass  through  the  stream  without  much  of  a  wetting. 

It  seemed  certain  that  the  water  would  come  into  the  wagon,  but  that  was  of  the  less  conse- 
quence, as,  in  case  of  the  worst,  the  passengers  could  mount  upon  the  seats. 

My  horse  Jerry  was  above  the  medium  height,  so  that  I  soon  passed  over  with  no  inconve- 
nience but  that  of  being  obliged  to  disengage  my  feet  from  the  stirrups,  and  tuck  them  up  snugly 
against  the  mane  of  the  horse. 

Sister  Margaret  was  still  upon  Brunet.  She  was  advised  to  change  him  for  one  of  the 
taller  horses,  but,  while  the  matter  was  under  debate,  it  was  settled  by  the  perverse  little  wretch 
taking  to  the  water  most  unceremoniously,  in  obedience  to  the  example  of  the  other  animals. 
He  was  soon  beyond  his  depth,  and  we  were  at  once  alarmed  and  diverted   at  seeing  his  rider. 


412  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

with  surprising  adroitness,  draw  her  feet  from  the  stirrups  and  perch  herself  upon  the  tjp  of  the 
saddle,  where  she  held  her  position,  and  navigated  her  little  refractory  steed  safely  to  land. 

This  was  the  last  of  our  adventures.  A  pleasant  ride  of  four  miles  brought  us  to  the  fort, 
just  as  the  sun  was  throwing  his  last  beams  over  the  glowing  landscape,  and,  on  reaching  the 
ferry,  we  were  at  once  conducted,  by  the  friends  who  were  awaiting  us,  to  the  hospitable  roof  of 
Maj.  Twiggs. 

VI. BY    HENRY    MERRELL.* 

Born  and  brought  up  to  the  age  of  fifteen  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  I  moved  with  my  father's 
family  to  Sacket'.s  Harbor,  in  that  State,  in  1819,  where  I  lived,  with  the  exception  of  two 
years,  until  the  spring  of  1834,  when  it  was  proposed  to  me  to  remove  to  Fort  Winnebago,  and 
carry  on  the  sutler's  business,  and  by  the  advice  of  Col.  Cummings,  Capt.  Clitz  and  Bradley. t 
I  decided  upon  going.  Capt.  Bradley  had  been  through  from  Prairie  du  Chien,  by  way  of  the 
Wisconsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  to  Green  Bay,  at  an  early  date,  stopping  and  making  the  portage 
at  Fort  Winnebago.  Col.  Cummings  was  also  in  Wisconsin  at  an  early  period,  visiting  Mil- 
waukee, when  Solomon  Juneau  was  the  only  trader  and  resident  there,  and  from  them  I  obtained 
valuable  information,  they  being  delighted  with  the  country. 

In  April  of  18-34,  I  made  arrangements,  going  to  New  York,  purchasing  goods  and  ship- 
ping them  to  Fort  Winnebago,  Wis.,  by  way  of  Buifalo.  I  then  returned  to  Sacket's  Harbor, 
bidding  my  friends  good-bye,  who  thought  I  was  going  to  "the  jumping-off  place,"  as  ,;ome 
expressed  it ;  and  in  company  with  J.  L.  Huntington,  who  was  going  out  with  me  as  clerk, 
started  for  Buffalo,  meeting  my  goods  there;  but  I  found  I  could  not  ship  them  farther  tlian 
Detroit  by  steam,  so  I  shipped  them  on  board  the  Pennsylvania,  and  started  out  on  a  beautiful  day, 
the  lake  calm  and  smooth  ;  but  before  we  got  to  Erie,  Penn.,  the  wind  rose  and  blew  fresh. 
We  stopped  a  short  time  and  started  for  Cleveland,  the  wind  increasing,  which  made  many  sick 
ones,  but  we  stood  it  without  any  trouble.  The  next  morning  when  I  went  on  deck,  I  found 
the  land  on  the  wrong  side  of  us,  and  at  first  concluded  the  wind  had  blown  us  on  the  Canada 
shore:  but  on  inquiry  was  told  we  were  running  back  to  Efie,  having  broken  a  shaft.  When 
we  arrived  there,  I  concluded  to  take  the  stage  for  Cleveland,  as  I  had  got  to  stop  there  to  pur- 
chase supplies  of  provisions,  etc.  The  captain  told  me  he  would  be  there  before  me,  but  I 
hardly  tliought  so  ;  but  when  I  got  to  Cleveland  I  found  the  steamer  had  passed.  I  found  matiy 
old  acquaintances  here,  and  was  much  pleased  with  the  town  site.  Getting  through  my 
business,  I  tnok  boat  for  Detroit,  arriving  there  the  Tth  of  June.  I  found  this  a  pleasant  place, 
and  thought  it  would  become  an  important  point  eventually.  Here  I  -  also  found  many 
old  acquaintances,  Gen.  Brady,  Lieut.  Backus  and  others.  This  place  is  an  old  settlement ; 
I  am  told  it  was  settled  before  Philadelphia,  and  is  so  well  known  I  need  not  attempt  a 
description  of  it.  In  improving  it,  many  old  relics  were  found.  In  digging  for  the  foundation 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  many  bodies  were  disinterred,  no  one  knowing  when  they  were  buried  ; 
all  of  them  had  been  tomahawked.  The  landlord  called  my  attention  to  a  tombstone,  standing 
beside  the  house,  which  he  said  was  dug  up  in  the  alley  by  his  house,  with  the  following  inscrip- 
tion :  "  Here  lyes  the  body  of  Johu  Lewis  Page,  Ensign  in  the  31st  regiment  of  foot,  who  died 
the  8th  of  May,  1770  ;  "  the  stone  was  about  two  feet  long,  and  evidently  executed  by  some  inex- 
perienced hand. 

As  there  was  no  certainty  of  a  steamer  going  to  the  upper  lakes,  I  shipped  my  goods  on 
board  a  small  schooner,  the  Commodore  Lawrence,  Capt.  Nelson,  master,  and  started  on  the 
11th  of  June  for  Green  Bay,  where  we  arrived  on  the  18th  at  evening,  or  rather  at  the  mouth  of 


•The  foot-notes  to  this  reminiscence  of  Mr.  Merrell,  marked  "  L.  C.  V.,"  are  frum  the  pen  of  Dr.  Lyman  ('.  Draper,  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  State  Historical  Society. — Ed. 

f  Of  these  three  army  officers,  early  visitors  of  Wisconsin,  Col.  Alexander  CumminKS  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  entering  the  army 
in  1808,  serving  as  captain  during  the  war  of  1812,  a  major  in  181<J,  a  lieutenant  colonel  in  1828,  and  full  colonel  in  1830.  lie  died  in  New  York 
City,  January  31,  1842. 

John  Clitz,  a  native  of  New  York,  entered  the  service  in  March,  1814,  distinguishing  himself  at  the  sortie  of  Fort  Erie,  in  Septemher 
ofthatyear;  rose  to  the  rank  of  captain,  dying  November  0,  183C..  while  in  command  of  Mackinaw. 

John  Bradley  was  first  a  sergeant-major,  second  lieutenant  in  1820,  assistant  quartermaster  from  1826  to  1830,  captain  in  1834, 
resigned  and  retired  from  the  service  in  1830.  L.  C.  D. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  413 

the  river,  and  came  to  anchor  as  the  wind  died  away.  Soon  after,  a  row-boat  approached  with 
Capt.  Cruger  and  Dr.  Worrel  in  it,  from  Fort  Howard.  They  were  in  hopes  we  had  a  mail  on 
board,  but  we,  not  knowing  their  necessities  in  this  far-off  world,  had  not  thought  of  it.  They 
kindly  offered  me  a  ride  up  town,  which  I  gladly  accepted.  When  they  had  landed  me  at 
Navarino,  now  Green  Bay,  they  told  me  to  go  up  the  street  until  I  came  to  a  store  with  a  cupola 
on  top,  and  adjoining.  Judge  Arndt  lived,  who  accommodated  strangers,  as  tliere  was  no  public 
house  in  the  place.  1  called  and  got  into  very  good  quarters.  Here  I  met  Judge  David  Irvin, 
a  judge  of  the  territory,  one  of  tlie  executive  lights,  sent  from  the  East  to  decide  upon  the  law 
and  evidence  among  the  benighted  inhabitants  of  this  f;vr-off  and  wild  country.  He  was 
boarding  with  Juilge  Arndt.  I  wa^  told  that,  three  years  before,  there  was  but  one  house  in  the 
place.  Now  there  are  eight  or  ten  stores,  two  large  public  houses  not  yet  opened,  and  many  com- 
fortable dwellings.  Previously,  all  the  business,  was  done  at  Shanty  Town,  two  or  three  miles  up 
the  river,  and  it  was  not  thought  possible  to  build  a  town  on  the  present  site  of  Green  Bay,  and 
when  Daniel  Whitney  laid  out  a  town  there  he  was  laughed  at  and  called  crazy,  for  it  is  a  level 
plain,  and  was  then  covered  with  bushes.     The  soil  was  a  blackish  sand. 

Here  I  got  acquainted  with  many  estimable  persons— Judge  Doty,  afterward  Governor;  M. 
L.  Martin,  Daniel  Whitney,  David  Jones,  Ebenezer  Childs,  Col.  C.  Tullar,  A.  G.  Ellis,  and  a 
host  of  others;  and  at  Fort  Howard,  situated  across  the  river,  Gen.  Brooks,  Maj.  Forsyth, 
Capt.  Denning,  Lieuts.  Sibley,  Chapman,  Marcy  and  others.  I  was  much  pleased  with  Green 
Bay,  and  have  always  valued  the  acquaintan3es  I  then  made.  At  Shanty  Town,  I  met  Rev.  Mr. 
Cadle,  who  had  charge  of  the  Episcopal  Mission,  delightfully  situated  on  a  hill  back  from  the 
river  in  a  be.iutiful  grove  ;  Ale.xander  Irwin  and  his  lady,  and  Samuel,  his  bother,  who  were 
engaged  in  merchandise  here  ;  and  William  Dickinson  and  others. 

Having  letters  of  introduction  to  Daniel  Whitney,  I  became  well  acquainted  with  him,  and 
have  considered  him  one  ot  the  most  enterprising  men  of  the  West.  At  this  time  he  was  doing 
an  extensive  business  in  merchandise,  reaching  on  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  where  he  had  built 
the  first  saw-mill  upon  the  river  at  Point  Basse,  some  seventy  miles  above  the  portage ;  two 
large  storehouses  at  the  portage,  one  on  the  Wisconsin,  and  one  on  the  Fox,  a  shot  tower  at 
Helena ;  and  extending  his  business  to  the  Mississippi,  at  Galena  and  St.  Louis.  When,  three 
years  before,  he  persisted  in  building  and  laying  off  a  town  at  Green  Bay,  although  he  was 
laughed  at  and  called  crazy,  he  was  ahead  of  the  times,  and  it  proved  a  good  investment, 
although  Navarino  did  not  prove  one,  for  Green  Bay  is  now  a  large  and  flourishing  city.  I  after- 
ward met  him  often,  and  roamed  over  the  country  with  him  on  horseback,  as  all  our  traveling 
was  accomplished  in  that  way  in  those  days,  sometimes  without  roads,  and  sometimes  on  Indian 
trails,  fording  streams,  marshes,  etc.,  etc.,  sometimes  in  the  rain,  and  sometimes  through  snow, 
taking  the  ground  for  our  beds,  with  our  saddles  for  pillows,  carrying  provisions  and  blankets 
with  us.     I  always  found  him  a  cheerful  companion,  and  an  estimable  man. 

He  gave  me  at  one  time  an  account,  the  minutes  of  which  I  took  down,  of  a  journey  of 
his  from  Fort  Snelling,  on  the  St.  Peters,  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  in  1821,  in  the  midst  of  winter, 
as  follows  :  _   . 

December  6,  1821,  he  started  in  a  canoe  with  two  men,  the  ice  running  thick  in  the  river. 
His  acquaintances  tried  hard  to  persuade  him  to  defer  starting  until  the  river  closed  ;  but,  no, 
business  called  him,  and  he  must  go.  They  soon  found  themselves  in  a  bad  fix,  for  the  ice 
blocked  up  under  the  canoe,  so  as  to  raise  it  six  feet  above  the  water.  After  great  exertion, 
they  got  to  shore,  as  he  said,  more  pleased  than  he  ever  was  in  his  life  at  getting  on  land  again. 
They  then  started  on  foot,  and  got  only  nine  miles  the  first  day  and  encamped.  The  next  day, 
started  down  the  river  bank,  packing  their  food  and  blankets  on  their  backs,  each  carrying  a  gun, 
the  weather  extremely  cold,  and  the  snow  six  inches  deep.  They  were  five  days  in  getting  to 
Lake  Pepin.  In  crossing  the  lake,  Mr.  Whitney  broke  through  ;  the  lock  of  his  gun  catching  on 
the  ice  was  the  only  thing  that  saved  him.  The  weather  was  so  cold,  some  of  the  time,  that  they 
had  to  stop  and  build  fires  to  warm  themselves  to  keep  from  freezing.  Thirty  miles  above  Prai- 
rie du  Chien,  they  got  out  of  provisions,  but,  seeing  a  smoke,  they  made  for  it,  and  found  Augustin 


414  HISTORY    OF    COLUMIUA    COUNTY. 

Grignon  encamped,  an  acquaintance  from  Green  Bay.  lie  was  on  a  trading  voyage  among 
the  Indians;  he  supplied  the  travelers  with  provisions.  In  this  way,  they  passed  through  Prai- 
rie du  Chien,  on  to  Fort  Winnebago,  and  from  there  to  Green  Bay,  where  they  arrived  in  twen- 
ty-one days  from  Fort  Snelling.  After  remaining  a  few  days,  he  took  a  guide  and  started  on 
foot  for  Chicago,  where  he  arrived  in  ten  days,  and  from  there  to  Detroit  in  ten  days  more, 
making  his  tramp  in  forty-one  days  from  Fort  Snelling,  and  said  he  could  then  make  his  forty 
miles  a  day,  and  found  it  easier  than  to  ride  on  horseback. 

I  shipped  my  goods  by  water,  contracting  with  Alexander  and  Samuel  Irwin  to  transport 
them  to  Fort  Winnebago  in  Durham  boats,  and,  in  order  to  do  so,  it  was  necessary  for  them  to 
assemble  a  large  number  of  Indians  at  the  rapids,  to  help  them  over  with  the  boats.  At  Grand 
Kau-ka-lo,  they  had  to  unload  and  cart  the  goods  about  one  mile,  and  the  Indians  going  into 
the  water,  pushing,  lifting  and  hauling  the  boats  over  the  rapids ;  then  re-loading,  and  poling 
them  up  to  the  Grand  Chute,  where  Appleton  is  now  situated.  There  they  had  to  unload  and 
carry  the  goods  up  a  hill  and  down  the  other  side  above  the  chute,  which  was  a  perpendicular 
fall  of  three  or  four  feet.  The  Indians  would  wade  in,  as  many  as  could  stand  around  the  boat, 
and  lift  it  over,  while  others  had  a  long  cordelle,  with  a  turn  around  a  tree  above,  taking  up  the 
slack,  and  pulling  as  much  as  they  could.  When  the  boats  were  over,  they  were  reloailcd,  and 
then  pushed  ahead  and  poled  from  there  to  Fort  Winnebago.  Excepting  in  low  water,  they 
would  have  to  make  half-loads  over  the  Winnebago  Rapids  at  Neenah,  and,  with  a  fair  wind, 
would  sail  through  Lake  Winnebago. 

This  was  the  manner  of  transportation  on  Fox  River  at  that  time,  taking  from  fifteen  to 
eighteen  days  to  reach  Fort  Winnebago,  all  of  which  has  been  changed  by  the  improvement  of 
the  river. ' 

Having  made  my  arrangements  and  engaged  Hamilton  Arndt  as  a  guide,  we  mounted  and 
pushed  up  the  river  to  Depere,  where  we  crossed  in  a  scow,  and  followed  an  Indian  trail  up  the 
river  to  thj  Grand  Kau-ka-lo,  as  it  was  called, where  we  stayed  over  night  at  Augustin  Grignon's, 
a  very  comfortable  place.  Here  we  found  his  two  sons,  very  pleasant  and  agreeable  young  men, 
having  English  educations.  The  ride  to-day  was  delightful  to  me,  for  everything  was  new  and 
pleasant,  the  trail  running  on  a  ridge  of  land  fifty  to  seventy-five  feet  above  the  river,  covered 
with  scattered  oaks,  like  an  orchard,  the  ground  bedecked  with  brightest  flowers,  and  descending 
gradually  to  the  river,  which  is  a  broad,  beautiful  stream,  and  on  the  opposite  side  the  banks 
were  covered  with  a  dense  forest.  Riding  over  the  prairies  or  openings  on  the  jump,  through 
such  scenery,  on  a  narrow  foot-path,  was  something  delightful  to  me.  On  the  25th,  we  started 
and  forded  the  rapids,  about  eighty  rods  in  width  and  knee-deep  to  our  horses,  as  we  concluded 
to  go  on  the  east  side  of  Lake  Winnebago,  this  being  a  new  route  to  Portage.  The  usual  way 
was  to  follow  a  trail  on  the  west  side  of  the  lake,  and  cross  the  river  at  Knagg's  Ferry,  where 
Oshkosh  now  is.  We  struck  the  lake  shore  and  followed  it  for  a  time,  but  concluded  to  strike 
for  the  road  that  led  through  the  Stockbridge  settlement;  but,  after  wandering  through  the 
woods  for  some  time,  we  went  back  to  the  lake  shore,  and  saw  an  Indian,  who  directed  us  to  the 
tVail,  so  we  got  to  the  road,  which  was  one  continuous  mud  hole. 

We  wanted  to  get  to  a  house  for  the  night.  Here  was  a  road  cut  through  heavy  timber  by 
the  Stockbridge  and  Brothertown  Indians,  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles  beyond  which  the  road  did 
not  extend.  We  stayed  over  night  at  a  comfortable  log  house.  In  the  morning,  we  rode  to  Mr. 
Abner's,  where  we  got  a  good  breakfiist.  These  people  have  comfortable  buildings,  fields  fenced 
and  cultivated,  and  I  should  have  supposed  we  were  passing  through  a  white  settlement,  if  I  was 
not  told  to  the  contrary.  These  Brothertowns  talk  English,  and  have  lost  their  Indian  language. 
The  lands  are  heavily  timbered,  and  very  rich,  each  family  having  100  acres. 

About  half  a  mile  further  on,  we  struck  the  praiiie,  which  to  me  was  a  beautiful  sight. 
Here  we  could  see  a  grass  plat  for  four  or  five  miles,  and  not  a  tree  or  bush  on  it.  Then  again, 
us  we  passed  on,  we  would  see  orchards,  as  it  were,  the  grass  up  to  our  horses'  mouths,  so  that 
iliey  would  nip  it  as  we  rode  upon  the  jump. 


4 


PORTAGE   CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  417 

We  soon  came  upon  the  bank  of  Lake  Winnebago,  which  is  about  fifteen  miles  wide  and 
thirty  long.  Here  we  found  an  Indian  encampment.  Arndt  was  acquainted  with  them,  having 
traded  with  them  ;  in  fact,  the  chief  knew  me,  having  seen  me  in  Mr.  Arndt's  store  at  Green 
Bay.  Arndt  got  him  to  send  two  boys  to  guide  us  to  the  crossing  of  Fond  du  Lac  River, where 
we  had  to  put  our  valises  and  blankets  on  our  shoulders  to  keep  them  out  of  the  water  while 
fording  the  stream,  as  the  water  was  nearly  over  our  horses'  backs.  A  little  beyond,  we  had  no 
track,  but  met  the  mail-carrier  from  the  fort,  who  told  us  that  Mr.  Mullett  and  party  were  on 
the  route  surveying  Government  land,  and  we  would  get  to  his  tent  about  time  to  encamp  for 
the  night.  Judge  Doty  and  Lieut.  Center*  had  surveyed  the  road  through  to  the  fort,  but  on 
the  prairie  we  had  no  guide ;  but  in  the  timber  they  had  blazed  the  trees  so  we  could  follow 
them.  When  we  struck  the  prairies,  we  had  to  judge,  as  near  as  we  could,  our  course,  and 
when  we  reached  the  timber,  hunt  up  the  blazes,  and  then  go  on.  At  evening,  we  discovered 
some  surveyor's  marks,  that  we  thought  were  made  that  day,  so  we  hallooed,  and  were  answered, 
and  soon  came  upon  their  camp.  We  found  Mr.  Mullett  a  very  gentlemanly  man,  who  invited 
us  to  partake  of  his  pork,  bread  and  tea,  which  were  their  daily  fare.  After  partaking  of  it,  we 
wrapped  our  cloaks  around  us,  and  crawled  between  two  blankets,  and  slept  finely.  Mr.  Mullett 
said  he  had  not  been  in  from  the  field  for  three  months,  and  had  been  surveying  for  twelve 
years.  He  was  from  Detroit.  I  should  think  it  would  kill  most  men  to  be  exposed  so  much,  for 
they  have  to  wade  streams  and  marshes  sometimes  up  to  their  arm-pits. 

We  passed  over  some  fine  prairies.  In  many  places  they  looked  like  cultivated  fields.  We 
would  see  an  orchard  in  the  distance,  and  before  I  knew  it  I  was  frequently  looking  for  the 
house,  not  realizing  there  was  none  from  fifteen  to  twenty  miles  of  us.  We  arrived  at  Mr.  Pau- 
quette's  farm  at  Belle  Fountaine  on  the  27th,  and  got  a  fine  dinner  of  fried  venison,  etc.,  and 
from  here  to  Fort  Winnebago  there  was  a  good  carriage  road  of  twelve  miles.  At  the  fort,  I 
met  Lieut.  Lacey,'  Quartermaster  and  Commissary,  who  received  me  cordially,  and  said  he  had  a 
bed  at  my  disposal,  as  his  wife  was  absent.  He  accompanied  me  in  calling  upon  the  command- 
ing ofiRcer,  Col.  Cutler,'  and  his  lady,  with  whom  I  was  acquainted.  The  Colonel  said  the  store 
should  be  ready  for  me  by  the  time  my  goods  got  here.  I  also  met  Lieuts.  Van  Cleve,^  Johnston,^ 
Collinsworth,'  Ruggles,"  Hooe'  and  Read,^  together  with  Surgeon  McDougall ;  Capts.  Low,'''  Clark*" 
and  Plympton"  were  absent  at  this  time.     Dr.  L.  Foot''  arrived  in  the  fall.     Out  of  thirty-six  days, 

♦Alexander  J.  Center,  a  native  of  New  York,  a  cadet  from  1823  to  1827,  when  he  entered  the  army,  serving  on  frontier  duty,  participat- 
ingln  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  assigned  to  topographical  duty  from  1832  to  1836,  when  he  resigned.  He  has  since  been  much  engaged  as  a 
■civil  engineer  on  canals  and  railroads;  Superintendent  of  the  overland  mail  route  to  California;  President  to  a  Maryland  coal  company,  and 
of  the  Cumberland  &  Pennsylvania  Railroad,  retiring,  in  186G,  to  New  York  City.  L.  C.  D. 

1.  Edgar  M.  Lacey,  of  New  York,  a  cadet  from  1822  to  1827,  when  he  entered  the  army  as  Second  Lieutenant.  He  was  First  Lieutenant 
in  183.5;  Captain,  1838  ;  serving  from  1831  to  1838  at  Fort  Winnebago,  then  at  Fort  Crawford,  Prairie  du  Chicn,  where  he  died  April  2, 1839,  at 
the  age  of  thirty-two  years.  L.  C.  D. 

2.  Gol.  Enos  Cutler,  born  at  Brookfield,  Mass.,  November  1,  1781 ;  graduated  at  Brown  University  at  the  age  of  nineteen ;  was  tutor 
there  a  year  and  then  studied  law  in  Cincinnati.  He  entered  the  army  in  1808  as  Lieutenant,  promoted  to  a  captaincy  in  1810,  serving 
through  the  war  of  1812  as  Asaistilot  .Adjutant  General  and  Assistant  Inspector  General.  He  was  Major  in  1814;  served  under  Gen.  Jackson 
in  the  Creek,  war,  and  on  the  Seminole  campaign;  was  made  Lieutenant  Colonel  in  1826,  and  Colonel  in  1836.  He  resigned  in  1839,  and  died 
at  Salem,  Mass.,  July  14, 1860.  L.  C.  D. 

3.  Horatio  P.  Van  Cleve,  of  New  Jersey,  a  cadet  from  1827  to  1831,  when  he  entered  the  army  as  Second  Lieutenant,  resigning  in  1836, 
and  becoming  a  civil  engineer  in  Michigan.  L.  G.  D. 

4.  Alexander  Johnston,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  a  cadet  from  1820  to  1824,  when  he  entered  the  army,  serving  at  Fort  Snelling  from 
1825  to  1827,  at  Fort  Crawford  in  1827-28,  and  at  Fort  Winnebago  from  1831  to  1835,  during  which  he  participated  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and 
was  in  the  battle  of  Bad  Axe  ;  Captain  in  1836,  and  died  at  Pittsburgh,  Penn.,  June  8,  184.5,  at  the  ago  of  thirty-nine  years.  L.  C.  D. 

5.  John  T.  Collingsworth,  of  Tennessee,  a  cadet  from  1826  to  1830,  when  he"  entered  the  army,  serving  on  the  frontier,  being  at  Fort 
Winnebago  from  1833  to  1836,  in  which  latter  year  he  resigned,  and  became  Inspector  General  of  the  Army  of  the  Republic  of  Texas,  and 
died  there  January  28,  1837,  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight.  l>.  C.  D. 

6.  Daniel  Buggies,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  a  cadet  from  1829  to  1833,  when  he  entered  the  army,  serving  at  Fort  Winnebago  from 
1833  to  1835,  and  again  in  183S ;  served  with  reputation  in  the  Mexican  War,  becoming  a  Captain  and  Brevet  Major  and  Lieutenant  Colonel, 
resigning  in  1861  and  joining  the  Confederates,  and  surviving  the  war.  L.  C.  D. 

7.  Lieut.  Hooe  has  elsewhere  been  noticed. — Ed. 

8.  John  Chester  Reid,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  a  cadet  from  1828  to  1833,  when  he  entered  the  army,  serving  at  Fort  Winnebago  in 
1833-34,  and  again  in  1836-37  ;  was  Aid  de  Camp  to  Gen.  Gaines  from  1837  to  1845;  served  in  the  military  occupation  of  Texas  in  1845,  and 
died  November  17,  in  that  year,  at  Wheeling,  at  the  age  of  thirty-one  years.  L.  C.  D. 

9.  See  the  Reminiscence  of  Mrs.  M.  C.  Low  in  another  chapter  of  this  book. 

10.  Nathan  Clark,  of  Connecticut,  entered  the  service  in  1813;  rose  to  the  rank  of  Captain  in  1824;  he  was  Brevet  Major  in  June, 
1834,  and  died  at  Fort  Winnebago  February  18,  1830.  I..  C.  D. 

11.  Joseph  Plympton  was  born  at  Sudbury,  Mass.,  March  22, 1787  ;  entered  the  army  as  a  Lieutenant  in  January,  1812,  serving  with 
distinction  on  the  northern  frontier  during  the  war  of  1812-15 ;  he  was  a  Captain  i  n  1821 ;  a  Major  in  1840 ;  commanded  in  the  attack  on  the 
Seminolea,  near  Dunn's  Lake,  Fla..  .January  25,  1842;  he  was  Lieutenant  Colonel,  September,  1846,  and  led  his  regiment  under  Gen.  Winlield 
Scott  iu  Mexico,  and  won  brevets  for  gallantry  at  Cerro  Gordo  and  Contreras.  Ho  was  promoted  to  Colonel  in  1853,  and  died  at  Staten  Islanti 
Junes,  1800.  L.  C.  D. 

12.  Lyman  Foot,  of  Connecticut,  entered  the  army  in  1818  as  a  Surgeon  Mate,  becoming  a  Surgeon  in  1831,  and  dying  at  Port  Lavaca, 
Tex.,  October  24,  1846.  I,.  C.  D. 

G 


418  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

the  Colonel  told  me,  they  had  rain,  more  or  less,  thirty-one  days.  I  found  Burley  Follett, 
Daniel  Bushnell  and  Satterlee  Clark,  Jr.,  in  charge  of  the  sutler's  store,  as  agents  of 
Oliver  Newberry  of  Detroit,  for  whom  they  were  carrying  on  the  business.  Capt.  McCabe,' 
Postmaster  and  Indian  agent,  was  living  in  the  agency  house  across  the  river;  a  fine  jolly  man 
I  found  him. 

My  goods  arrived  on  the  1st  of  July,  six  weeks  from  New  York.  How  was  that  for  speed? 
July  2,  Capt.  Low  arrived  at  Duck  Creek,  four  miles  from  the  fort,  with  his  wife  and  two 
daughters  in  a  carriage,  and  sent  up  word  for  men  to  help  them  across.  So  the  Colonel  sent 
twenty  men  to  help  them  across  Duck  Creek  marsh,  and  they  arrived  safe  at  the  fort.  This  fort 
was  situated  on  a  beautiful  plateau  forty  or  fifty  feet  above  the  Fox  River,  on  the  east  side  of  it 
and  of  the  portage,  the  river  forming  an  oxbow  around  it  on  three  sides.  The  grounds  about 
the  buildings  embraced  ten  or  fifteen  acres,  with  a  substantial  board  fence.  The  fort  buildings 
were  inclosed  with  an  ornamental  picket  fence,  in  a  circular  form,  with  walks  graded  and  kept 
in  perfect  order,  together  with  the  rest  of  the  grounds,  and  altogether  it  was  a  delightful  place. 
The  portage  is  low  ground  one  mile  and  a  half  across  the  Wisconsin  River,  over  which  they  haul 
boats.  Peter  or  Pierre  Pauquette,  a  half-breed  Indian  trader,  kept  fifteen  or  twenty  yoke  of 
cattle  to  haul  boats  across  from  one  river  to  the  other,  and  finally  had  large  wheels  mounted,  on 
which  to  convey  the  boats.  As  the  American  Fur  Company  sent  all  their  furs  from  Prairie  flu 
Chien  this  way  to  Mackinaw,  thei'e  were  many  boats  that  crossed  the  portage. 

At  this  time,  there  were  no  white  American  inhabitants  outside  the  fort,  except  the  Indian 
agent,  Capt.  McCabe,  who  had  a  shock  of  palsy,  and  left  in  August,  when  I  was  appointed 
Postmaster  in  his  stead,  which  office  I  held  for  twelve  yeare.  After  he  left,  the  commanding 
ofiicer  at  the  fort  was  ordered  to  perform  the  duties  of  Indian  agent,  and  after  that  there  was 
no  other  agent  at  this  point,  except  for  a  few  months,  when  Thomas  A.  B.  Boyd  was  stationed 
here  as  sub-agent.  Col.  Cutler  commanded  until  May,  1835,  when  he  was  ordered  to  New 
York,  and  Maj.  Nathan  Clark  succeeded  him,  who  died  at  this  post;  and  Maj.  John  Green*  took 
the  command  in  October,  1835,  Maj.  W.  V.  Cobbsf  succeeding  him  in  1838,  he  being  disabled 
with  palsy.  Capt.  Low  was  the  chief  officer  for  a  short  time,  when  Col.  Mcintosh;];  succeeded 
him  in  1840.  The  garrison  was  reduced  to  one  company,  finally,  with  Lieut.  F.  S.  Mumford§ 
in  command,  who  was  ordered,  in  1845,  to  remove  the  property  and  evacuate  the  fort,  leaving 
Ordnance  Sergeant  Van  Camp  in  charge  of  the  premises,  who  soon  after  died,  and  William 
Weir,  who  left  with  the  last  troops,  returning  (he  having  been  discharged),  was  put  in  charge 
of  the  property.  In  1853,  Col.  F.  H.  Marston  was  ordered  to  sell  the  property.  He  had  the 
lands  of  the  reserve,  consisting  of  about  four  thousand  acres,  surveyed  ofi"  into  forty-acre  lots, 
and  sold  them  at  public  sale.  Falling  into  the  hands  of  a  company,  they  were  kept  out  of  the 
market  for  a  number  of  years,  and  the  buildings  went  into  decay,  and  the  lands  ran  to  waste. 

The  fort  was  located  there,  I  was  told,  in  1828,  by  Maj.  David  E.  Twiggs,  who  came 
from  Fort  Howard  with  a  command  of  soldiers,  and  lived  here  in  tents  until  they  could  build 
log  buildings,  in  which  they  wintered,  and  proceeded  to  erect  the  present  buildings,  into  which 
they  moved  in  1830.  Parties  of  soldiers  went  up  the  Wisconsin  River,  cut  and  floated  down 
pine  logs,  out  of  which  they  cut  all  the  lumber  with  whip-saws,  and  made  shingles,  timber,  etc. 
Parties  were  set  at  work  making  brick  near  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  another  party  sent 
out  twelve  miles,  near  Belle  Fontaine,  who  made  there  all  the  lime  needed.  Fine  gardens  were 
made,  where  they  raised  all  the  vegetables  necessary  for  the  men  and  officers. 

1.  Robert  A.  McCabe,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  entered  the  army  as  an  Ensign  in  January,  1812;  participated  in  tlie  battle  «f 
Maguago,  in  Michigan,  after  which  he  was  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy  and  to  a  captaincy  in  1824,  serving  much  on  the  Northwestern  frontier. 
He  resigned  in  October,  le3;j.    He  conducted  two  emi;;raling  parties.  L.  C.  D. 

*  John  Green,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  entered  tlie  army  in  March,  1812,  serving  throughout  the  war  that  ensued,  attaining  the  rank 
of  Captain  in  1814,  IJrevet  Major  in  1824,  Major  in  18;j:i,  Lieutenant  Colonel  in  1838,  and  dying  at  Tallahassee,  Fla.,  September  21,  184(1. 

L.  C.  D. 

f  W^addy  V.  Cobbs,  a  native  of  Virginia,  entered  the  army  as  an  Ensign  in  1813,  rose  to  Captain  in  1810,  Major  in  1838,  and  died  at 
Exeter,  N.  H.,  January  1,  184S.  L.  C.  D. 

I  James  S.  Mcintosh,  born  in  Liberty  County,  Ga.,  June  19,  1787;  entered  the  army  in  1812;  was  in  the  affair  at  Sandy  Creek,  and 
wounded  near  Black  Kook  August  :?,  1814 ;  afterward  served  under  Gen.  -\Ddrew  Jackson.  He  was  Captain  in  1817,  Major  in  1836,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  in  183'.»;  he  served  with  distinction  in  the  Mexican  war,  having  been  wounded  during  the  battles  of  May  0,  184li,  and  was 
mortally  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Molino  del  Key,  dying  in  the  City  of  Mexico  September  26  of  that  year.  L.  C.  D. 

^  Ferdinand  S.  Mumford,  of  New  York,  a  cadet  from  1834  to  1838;  he  entered  the  army  as  Second  Lieutenant;  he  became  FitBt 
Lisutcnant  in  18.39,  Captain  in  1848.  and  resigned  in  August,  1849.  ,  L.  C.  D. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  419 

Although  I  met  Twiggs,  I  had  no  particuhir  acquaintance  with  him.  He  was  a  hirge, 
portly,  pompous  man,  and  had  the  reputation  of  being  an  arbitrary,  overbearing  officer — as  Ebe- 
nezer  Childs  expressed  it,  "A  little  god,  who  could  do  as  he  pleased,  in  his  own  estimation." 
Many  acts  of  his  were  told  in  the  army,  sucli  as  horsewhipping  the  Surgeon,  having  a  soldier 
tied  up  to  a  tree  and  whipped  every  day  for  some  time.  The  same  man  threatened  to  shoot 
him  whenever  he  got  out  of  his  clutches;  but  he  never  had  the  opportunity,  Twiggs  being  spared 
to  turn  traitor,  and  surrendered  his  army  to  the  Confederates  in  1861. 

When  I  arrived  at  the  fort,  the  old  chief  De-kau-ry  had  his  village  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Wisconsin  River,  about  eight  miles  below  the  portage.  His  hair  was  as  white  as  wool,  and  he 
must  have  been  very  old.  He  liad  several  brothers,  but.  from  his  looks,  I  should  judge  that  he 
was  the  oldest  of  the  family.  He  died  soon  after.  His  mother  w.is  pointed  out  to  me  some 
years  afterward,  when  I  was  told  she  must  be  over  one  hundred  and  forty-three  years  old,  for  she 
recollected  the  massacre  of  the  Indians  at  Butte  des  Morts,  she  being  there  at  the  time,  which 
was  140  years  previous ;  but  this,  I  think,  must  be  a  mistake,  as  I  am  informed  that  it  was  not 
so  long  since  that  massacre.*  At  the  time  I  saw  her,  she  was  able  to  walk  six  or  eight  miles  to 
and  from  the  portage.  She  lived  several  years  after,  and  finally  came  to  her  death  by  the 
burning  of  her  wigwam. 

Joseph  Crelie,  the  father  of  Madam  Pauquette,  lived  to  a  great  age.  He  carried  the  mail 
on  horseback  to  and  from  Green  Bay,  and  seemed  to  ride  a  horse  as  well  as  a  young  man,  when 
he  was  thought  to  be  one  hundred  years  old.  He  died  a  few  years  ago,  when,  it  was  said,  that 
from  the  best  information  that  could  be  had,  he  was  one  hundred  and  thirty-odd  years  old, 
though  I  do  not  think  he  was  as  old  as  represented. 

In  the  fall  of  1834,  the  Winnebago  nation  was  assembled  opposite  the  Fort,  and  received 
their  payment  from  the  Government,  through  the  Quartermaster,  together  with  a  quantity  of 
provisions.  Over  3,000  men,  women  and  children  were  assembled,  which  was  quite  a  sight.  I 
had  a  boat-load  of  goods  started  up  from  Green  Bay,  and,  as  it  came  on  freezing  weather,  for 
fear  it  would  be  frozen  in,  I  started  Satterlee  Clark  down  to  put  additional  men  on  and  rush  the 
boat  through.  The  next  day,  I  jumped  on  a  horse  and  started  to  meet  them  at  Lake  Pucka- 
way.  I  soon  found  I  had  taken  a  wrong  road,  it  being  a  wood-track,  on  which  the  soldiers 
were  hauling  wood ;  so  I  took  a  trail  and  followed  it  for  some  time,  but  concluded  it  led  me  too 
much  east,  so  I  drew  up  and  started  in  a  northwest  course,  as  that  would  bring  me  to  the  road, 
which  I  finally  struck  ;  and,  knowing  there  was  no  other  wagon-road,  I  took  it  and  brought  up 
at  Gleason's  house,  where  the  town  of  Marquette  now  is.  Gleason  was  a  Vermonter,  having  a 
squaw  wife,  and  was  engaged  in  the  Indian  trade.  He  was  absent.  I  found  Clark  had  stored 
my  goods  there,  and  gone  to  the  Fort,  so  I  concluded  I  had  missed  him,  I  having  traveled 
through  the  woods  until  I  struck  the  road.  The  next  morning,  I  started  back,  and,  on  arriv- 
ing at  Pauquette's  farm  at  Belle  Fontaine,  I  met  Clark,  who  said  they  thought  at  the  Fort  I 
must  be  lost;  that  Col.  Cutler  sent  the  bugler  out  with  one  man,  with  orders  to  blow  the  bugle 
and  fire  a  gun  every  little  distance.  The  Colonel,  supposing  I  was  not  used  to  the  woods,  was 
sure  I  was  lost.  We  got  in  all  right,  but  the  men  did  not  put  in  an  appeai'ance  until  a  day  <  r 
two  afterward. 

During  the  winter,  it  was  rather  a  lonely  life,  to  be  confined  to  the  garrison,  with 'no  city 
or  village  within  100  miles,  and  not  even  a  farmhouse  to  visit.  But  we  managed  to  enjoy  our- 
selves pretty  well,  there  being  ladies  enough  to  form  one  cotillon,  and  we  often  met  at  one  of 
the  officer's  quarters,  and  danced,  there  being  good  musicians  among  the  soldiers. 

One  winter,  the  soldiers  got  up  a  theater,  the  officers  contributing  toward  scenery  and 
dresses.  There  being  a  great  variety  of  character  among  the  soldiers,  they  got  up  quite  a 
respectable  company,  which  afforded  us  much  amusement.  Then  we  would  sometimes  make  up 
a  party  and  go  a-visiting,  but,  to  do   so,  we  had  to  go  over   100  miles  to  Green  Bay,  Prairie 

*  If  in  17311,  then  it  was  104  years  before  Mr.  MttrreU*s  advent  at  Fort  WinOHba^o;  if  in  1746,  as  the  trailition^  of  Aiigustin  Griguon 
fix  the  time,  then  it  was  only  eighty-eiglit  years  before.  But  this  aged  Winnebago  woman  conld  not  have  been  presant,  as  it  was  the  SaukB 
and  Foxes,  and  not  the  Winnebagoes,  whom  the  French  attacked  and  deleated.  L.  C.  D. 


420  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

du  Chien,  or  Chicago.  One  visit  we  made  to  Chicago  is  very  well  told  by  Gen.  Marcy,  in  a 
former  number  oi Harper' »  Monthly  *  when  we  were  all  taken  upon  the  road  for  stealing  a  buf- 
falo robe,  for  the  purpose  of  filching  money  out  of  us,  as  they  thought  we  would  sooner  pay 
than  be  detained  at  a  log  tavern  over  night. 

About  the  1st  of  March,  1835,  I  got  ready  to  start  for  New  York  on  horseback,  but  the 
only  sure  way  to  go  was  via  Galena,  and  from  there  to  Chicago,  as  there  were  no  roads  through 
the  country  in  any  other  direction,  and  if  I  attempted  to  cross  the  country  to  Milwaukee  or 
Chicago,  there  were  no  bridges  or  ferries  for  crossing  the  streams.  Capt.  Harris,  from  Galena, 
came  up  to  the  Fort  on  business,  and  I  gladly  embraced  the  opportunity  of  accompanying  him 
on  his  return. 

The  first  night,  we  stayed  at  Rowan's  celebrated  house,  thirty-five  miles  from  the  fort. 
I  had  heard  much  of  his  inn,  and  found  that  it  filled  the  bill.  It  consisted  of  two  log  buildings, 
with  an  open  space  about  ten  feet  between,  all  under  the  same  roof  After  taking  care  of  our 
horses  and  getting  something  to  eat,  we  inquired  where  we  should  sleep,  and  madam  told  us  in 
the  other  house ;  so  we  went  in,  and  concluded  we  should  do  very  well,  as  there  was  nothing  in 
the  room  but  a  bed  and  one  or  two  three-legged  stools.  After  lying  down,  and  by  the  time  we 
were  ready  to  go  to  sleep,  there  was  an  unearthly  squeal  and  grunt  of  hogs  in  the  open  space 
between  the  two  rooms,  only  a  partition  of  logs  between  our  heads  and  them.  I  was  told  that 
Gov.  Doty  once  stayed  there,  and  after  supper,  as  was  his  custom,  rolled  himself  in  his  blanket 
on  the  floor.  The  family  all  lived,  cooked  and  slept  in  the  one  room,  and  in  the  night  the 
Governor  felt  something  poking  about  him,  and  found  it  was  a  pet  pig  the  children  had  running 
about  the  house.  The  Governor  felt  of  the  puncheons  of  the  floor,  and  found  one  loose,  which 
he  raised  carefully,  and,  grabbing  the  pig,  thrust  him  under,  and  was  relieved  of  his  company 
that  night.     The  next  morning,  thei'e  was  a  great  search  for  the  pig. 

Dr.  Worrel,  of  the  army,  with  a  companion,  arrived  there  at  one  time,  and  on  hearing  him 
called  doctor,  madam  says,  "  I  am  dreadful  glad  you  are  a  doctor,  for  my  children  are  most  rot- 
ten with  the  itch."  When  she  was  cooking  supper,  there  was  a  dish  of  potatoes  upon  the 
hearth,  and  the  pet  pig  stuck  his  nose  in  it ;  the  doctor  says,  '•  Madam,  I  would  like  to  be 
served  before  the  pig."  So,  in  traveling  through  the  country,  we  came  across  some  curious 
specimens  of  humanity. 

We  journeyed  on  through  Mineral  Point  to  Galena;  as  we  were  going  in,  we  met  most  of 
the  population,  as  I  judged,  going  out  to  a  horse  race.  I  called  for  dinner  at  Bonnet's  Hotel, 
but  it  was  difficult  to  get  waited  upon,  as  most  of  the  folks  had  gone.  So  I  got  something  to 
eat,  and  pushed  on,  taking  the  stage  road  via  Dixon's  Ferry.  At  night,  I  rode  up  in  front  of 
a  house  where  a  woman  was  standing  in  the  door,  and  inquired  if  I  could  stay  with  them  over 
night.  "  I  reckon,"  said  she.  I  looked  at  her,  and  thinks  I  to  myself  she  means  yes ;  so  con- 
cluded to  find  out  by  dismounting  and  walking  in,  when  she  informed  me,  as  the  men  were  not 
in,  I  would  have  to  put  my  horse  in  the  barn  myself,  which  I  was  by  this  time  well  accustomed 
to  do.  I  pushed  on  through  Chicago  around  by  Michigan  City  to  Detroit,  my  pony  and  I 
'anding  it  well.  I  had  prepared  myself  so  well  that  I  could  stand  it,  storm  or  sunshine, 
i     re  I  sold  my  pony,  and  took  a  steamer  to  Cleveland ;  from  there  I  had  to  stage  it. 

T  first  visited  Mineral  Point  in  1835,  where  I  made  many  acquaintances  ;  Col.  Abner 
Nichjls,  a  peculiar  character,  whom  all  will  recollect  who  ever  knew  him;  Col.  William  S. 
Hamilton,  Col.  Charles  Bracken,  Maj.  Henry,  Levi  Sterling,  Tom  Parish,  Mr.  Black,  a  very 
amusing  man — one  who  could  keep  a  company  laughing  all  the  evening  with  his  amusing 
stories;  Col.  Sheldon,  Maj.  Enos,  Ebenezer  Brigham,  resident  of  Blue  Mounds,  who  came  into 
Wisconsin  as  a  settler  in  1828,  a  stanch,  sound  man ;  James  Morrison,  who  afterward  settled  in 
Madison  ;  Gen.  Dodge,  a  firm  old  Roman,  who,  when  in  Congress  as  Senator  with  I.  P.  Walker, 
from  Wisconsin,  was  instructed  by  resolution  of  the  Legislature  to  vote  against  a  clause  in  a 
bill   applying  to  California,  which  was  construed  as  admitting  slavery.     Walker,  disregarding 

*  September,  1869. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  421 

the  dictation  of  the  Legislature,  voted  for  it.  Gen.  Dodge,  being  sick  at  the  time,  had  himself 
carried  into  the  Senate  chamber,  and  when  his  name  was  called,  requested  the  Clerk  to  read 
the  instructions  to  her  Senators  from  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin.  When  finished,  he  voted 
"No,"  which  was  looked  upon  as  great  a  rebuke  as  could  have  been  given  to  Walker,  whose 
action  then  laid  him  on  the  shelf,  for  it  was  never  forgotten  or  forgiven  by  the  people  of  the 
State.     Many  others  too  numerous  to  mention  I  met  there. 

After  visiting  Mineral  Point,  I  called  on  friend  N.  Goodie,  at  Elk  Grove,  and  then  rode 
to  the  furnace  of  Tom  Parish,  a  very  genial  man.  Spending  a  short  time  with  him,  I  pushed 
on,  and  it  became  very  dark,  and  traveling  on  an  Indian  trail,  so  dark  I  could  not  see  it,  but 
let  my  horse  take  his  own  course.  Finally  I  brought  up  to  a  fence,  and  following  it,  I  came  to 
a  house  where  I  was  to  stay,  at  Patch's  Grove.  I  got  into  very  good  quarters,  Mr.  Patch  being 
very  sociable,  as  most  people  were  in  those  days,  for  they  were  glad  to  see  company  and  get  the 
news,  as  probably  they  had  no  mails  oftener  than  once  a  month,  and  neighbors  being  few  and 
far  between.  After  conversing  a  long  time,  he  wanted  to  know  what  State  I  came  from,  for  he 
said  he  could  generally  tell ;  but  in  my  case  he  could  not  make  it  out.  When  I  told  him  I  was 
from  New  York,  he  said  he  thought  so ;  for  it  was  the  only  State  he  was  puzzled  about.  The 
next  morning,  I  followed  a  road  to  a  ferry  across  the  Wisconsin,  and  then  pushed  on  three  miles 
to  Fort  Crawford,  Prairie  du  Chien. 

This  was  my  first  visit  to  the  great  Father  of  Waters — the  Mississippi,  at  Prairie  du  Chien, 

or   "the  Prairie  of  de  d d  dog,"  as  I  heard  a  Frenchman   call  it.     At  Fort   Crawford   I 

made  many  acquaintances,  among  them  Col.  Zachary  Taylor,  afterward  General,  and  since 
President  of  the  United  States.  Fort  Crawford  and  most  of  the  town  were  handsomely  situ- 
ated on  a  beautiful  plateau,  rising,  I  should  think,  not  more  than  ten  or  twelve  feet  above  the 
high-water  mark  of  the  river.  What  was  called  the  Old  Town,  where  the  French  firSt  built, 
was  across  a  slough,  but  as  the  high  waters  of  the  river  overflowed  the  ground,  many  moved 
across  on  to  a  higher  situation.  Here  I  became  acquainted  with  Mr.  Joseph  Rolette,  an  old 
French  trader,  and  a  smart  man  in  his  way.  He,  together  with  Mr.  Hercules  L.  Dousman, 
conducted  the  business  of  the  American  Fur  Company.  I  had  met  them  before,  as  their  busi- 
ness took  them,  via  Portage  and  Green  Bay,  to  Mackinaw,  through  which  route  they  transported 
all  their  fui's  and  peltries,  Mackinaw  being  the  depot  of  the  company  for  the  Northwest,  where 
the  furs  were  received  and  repacked,  previous  to  being  shipped  to  New  York.  Tiiis  town  [Prai- 
rie du  Chien],  being  the  oldest  settled  point,  except  Green  Bay,  by  the  whites,  in  the  North- 
west, invested  much  interest  in  it.  I  thought  it  delightful,  although  there  were  but  few 
Americans  living  there  at  the  time,  most  of  the  inhabitants  being  French  and  half-breeds. 
Their  houses  were  a  curiosity  to  me,  covered,  as  they  were,  I'oof  and  sides,  with  white  cedar 
bark.  The  prairie  is,  I  think,  six  miles  long  by  about  three  miles  back  to  the  bluff.  Like 
the  locality  where  La  Crosse  is  situated,  I  think  it  evidently  all  made  ground,  where  ages  ago 
was  an  extensive  lake. 

The  Mississippi  is  a  noble  river,  it  being  filled  with  islands  covered  with  a  dense  vegeta- 
tion, with  the  bluff  sometimes  rising  perpendicularly  to  some  hundreds  of  feet,  varying  in  shape 
constantly  at  every  turn  in  the  river,  with  here  and  there  a  small  valley  or  ravine  reaching  the 
stream  from  the  hills  or  prairies ;  and  one  never  tires,  while  ascending  or  descending  the  river, 
in  admiring  the  scenery.  I  was  amused  at  the  remarks  of  Daniel  Whitney,  from  Green  Bay, 
while  he  and  I  were  standing  on  the  bank  watching  the  current.  "  Oh,"  said  he,  "  I  wish  I 
had  as  many  guineas  as  drops  of  water  ever  passed  this  place."  I  told  him  he  was  altogether 
too  extravagant,  laughing  at  his  remark. 

In  March,  1836,  I  wanted  to  go  by  the  way  of  Sheboygan  on  a  journey  to  New  York,  so 
the  commanding  officer  gave  a  soldier  by  the  name  of  Moore  a  furlough  for  the  rest  of  his  time 
— about  a  month — and  his  discharge,  for  the  purpose  of  accompanying  me.  I  got  a  jumper- 
sleigh  and  a  harness,  calculating  to  throw  it  away  when  it  was  necessary  ;  put  my  horse  before 
it,  and  Moore  and  I  started  and  went  to  Fond  du  Lac,  where  we  found,  on  the  bank  of  the 
stream,  part  of  an  old   wigwam,    and   decided  to  encamp  in  it.     I  went  to  building  a  fire,  and 


422  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Moore  went  to  the  stream  for  water.  I  heard  him  talking,  and  supposed  some  Indian  had  come 
up :  but  on  his  return  he  said  he  was  swearing,  for  he  had  to  cut  through  three  feet  of  ice  before 
he  got  water.     We  made  our  tea,  ate  our  supper,  and  slept  finely. 

Ne.xt  morning  we  started  east,  but,  after  getting  upon  the  high  lands,  the  small  bushes 
wore  so  thick,  I  told  my  companion  we  could  not  take  the  sleigh  any  further,  so  we  left  the 
sleigh  and  packed  the  baggage  on  the  horse  and  took  it  oft  foot.  When  I  got  tired,  I  mounted 
the  horse  and  rode,  and  after  getting  rested  would  jump  off  and  lead  him.  At  length  we  struck 
a  trail  and  followed  it,  supposing  it  must  lead  to  Sheboygan,  but,  after  going  some  distance,  I 
concluded  it  led  too  far  south.  So  we  altered  our  course  and  struck  north  of  east.  As  night 
approached,  I  selected  a  camping  ground  near  a  little  lake,  as  we  supposed.  The  snow  was  so 
frozen  to  the  ground  we  could  not  get  it  off,  so  I  cut  a  lot  of  bushes  with  the  leaves  on,  and 
spread  them  on  the  frozen  snow,  upon  which  we  laid  ilown,  after  building  a  good  tire  and  eating 
our  supper.  Moore  said  he  cut  through  three  feet  of  ice  for  water  and  struck  into  mud,  thus 
proving  it  to  be  a  marsh  instead  of  a  lake.     We  had  to  melt  ice  for  water. 

The  next  day  we  pushed  on,  and,  hearing  the  report  of  a  gun,  I  called  aloud  and  an  Indian 
came  up,  who  directed  us  to  a  trail,  which  took  us  to  a  house  on  the  river,  where  a  man  by  the 
name  of  Follett  was  living.  I  had  intended  stopping  here  a  day  to  look  at  some  land  I  had 
purchased,  but  Follett  told  me  he  had  no  hay  or  anything  for  my  horse,  and  there  was  none  to 
be  had,  as  there  were  no  other  inhabitants  in  that  region.  I  found  he  had  some  corn  meal, 
and  I  persuaded  him  to  let  me  have  a  peck  for  §1.  I  then  decided  upon  going  on  in  the 
morning.  Moore  struck  up  a  bargain  with  Follett  for  a  pony  to  ride  to  Chicago  ;  so  we  mounted 
in  the  morning  and  renewed  our  journey.  At  night  we  came  to  a  place  where  logs  had  been 
put  up  for  a  house,  inside  of  which  we  camped.  We  had  provisions,  but  nothing  for  our  horses. 
Next  day,  we  arrived  at  Milwaukee,  stopping  at  Mr.  Vail's  Cottage  Inn.  Here  there  was  quite 
a  crowd,  so  much  so  that  they  had  to  set  several  tables,  and  at  meal  times  there  was  a  great  rush 
for  the  table.  The  hostler  asked  me  how  much  oats  he  should  give  my  horse.  "  Haifa  bushel," 
I  said.  He  stared  at  me.  "  I  don't  think  they  will  hurt  him,"  I  added  ;  but  when  I  came  to 
settle  the  bill,  they  charged  me  at  the  rate  of  $3  a  bushel  for  them,  and  I  thought  that  was  what 
astoni.shed  him  so  much.  I  found  that  was  the  price  along  the  road  until  we  got  to  Chicago,  for 
at  that  time  provisions  and  grain  had  to  be  hauled  from  Indiana,  and  necessarily  made  the  prices 
high. 

I  sold  my  horse  at  Chicago  and  took  stage,  having  the  company  of  Capt.  Hunter,  since 
General,  as  far  as  Detroit.  I  became  tired  of  stage-riding,  and  resolved  to  buy  a  horse  the  first 
chance  I  had,  and  secured  one  at  Cleveland,  thence  going  on  horseback  by  way  of  Sacket's 
Harbor  tr  Utica,  N.  Y.  I  found  I  could  get  along  by  daylight  as  far  as  the  stage  could  day  and 
night,  as  the  roads  were  heavy. 

On  my  return  from  Green  Bay  one  season,  I  stayed  at  a  house  in  the  Stockbridge  settle- 
ment, and,  pursuing  my  journey  alone  through  where  Fond  du  Lac  now  is,  seven  miles  south- 
west of  it,  I  came  to  a  creek,  and  there  found  a  shanty  put  up  by  the  soldiers  when  they  were 
cutting  a  road  through  from  Fort  Winnebago.  Thev  had  inserted  some  posts  in  the  ground,  and 
some  poles  across  the  top,  with  brush  and  a  little  straw  for  a  roof.  I  concluded  this  was  a  good 
place  to  encamp,  as  it  began  to  rain.  So  I  spanceled  my  horse,  ate  my  lunch,  which  I  always 
carried  with  me  through  the  country,  then  spread  my  horse  blanket  on  some  loose  straw,  hung 
up  my  saddlebags  and  saddle  carefully,  where  I  thought  they  would  not  get  wet,  and  lay  down, 
covering  myself  with  the  blanket  and  camlet  cloak.  But  I  had  lain  but  a  few  moments 
before  the  Avatcr  came  in  streams  through  the  straw  roof  Soon  I  found  the  water  settling  under 
me ;  it  lodged  upon  the  blanket  and  was  forming  a  pool,  so  I  pulled  it  from  under  me,  and  then 
the  rain  settled  through  the  straw,  and  1  went  to  sleep  and  slept  soundly  until  afier  sunrise. 

When  I  awoke,  it  was  hard  to  get  my  eyes  open  ;  I  went  to  the  creek  and  washed,  when  I 
found  that  all  my  clothing  was  soaking  wet,  even  to  my  saddle-skirts.  Having  a  flask  of  spirits 
along,  I  ate  some  crackers  and  took  a  good  drink,  saddled  and  mounted,  it  still  raining.  I 
hooked  my  cloak,  letting  it  hang  loosely  around  me,  and  rode  through  to  the  fort.     It  stopped 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  423 

raining  in  the  afternoon,  and  from  the  exercise  I  got  dry,  at  least  next  to  my  body.  I  never 
felt  any  ill  effects  from  the  thorough  soaking  I  got,  although  I  supposed,  before  my  experience, 
that  serious  if  not  fatal  results  would  have  attended  such  an  exposure. 

While  I  was  Postmaster  for  many  years  at  Fort  Winnebago,  for  Dr.  Charles  W.  Borup, 
who  had  charge  of  the  American  Fur  Company's  post  at  La  Pointe — now  Bayfield — near  the 
head  of  Lake  Superior,  used  to  send  through  to  me  at  Fort  Winnebago,  for  his  mail  in  the 
winter.  The  only  way  he  could  get  it  was  to  employ  two  or  three  voyageurs,  as  these  men  were 
called,  who  would  come  through  prepared  with  their  snow  shoes,  to  use  when  necessary.  In 
1836  or  1837,  John  Baptiste  Dubay*  came  through  with  two  men  and  a  dog  train.  He  pur- 
chased of  me  supplies  (of  flour  and  tallow  principally)  and  loaded  the  train,  together  with  a 
horse  and  French  train  which  I  sold  him,  and  started  off,  four  dogs  hauling  about  50U  pounds 
on  one  train.  They  and  the  management  of  them  were  quite  a  curiosity.  Those  voyageurs,  I 
was  told,  would  start  into  the  Indian  country,  carrying  on  their  backs  goods  or  furs  to  the  amount 
of  150  pounds,  and  travel  some  days  sixty  or  seventy  miles.  The  daily  rations  allowed  them 
were  a  pint  of  dry  corn  and  two  ounces  of  tallow.  For  anything  else,  they  depended  upon  game 
or  the  Indians.  This  accounted  for  Boi'up's  wanted  tallow,  which  was  at  first  a  mystery  to 
me.  I  had  frequent  communications  from  Mr.  Borup  for  several  years.  He  at  last  settled  at 
St.  Paul,  I  suppose  retiring  from  business. 

One  seasonf  I  arrived  at  Mineral  Point  on  my  way  to  New  York,  and  found  Messrs.  M. 
M.  Strong  and  John  Catlin  were  going  to  Chicago,  and  they  proposed  we  should  all  go  together 
and  strike  a  straight  line  for  that  place.  We  started,  and  went  to  the  East  Branch  of  the  Peca- 
tonica,  and  found  it  full  of  running  ice,  so  we  concluded  to  encamp  there,  as  we  always  went 
prepared  with  our  blankets,  etc.,  for  it ;  and,  the  next  morning,  we  could  build  a  raft  so  as  to 
float  our  baggage  over.  In  the  morning,  we  cut  down  a  small  pine  tree,  and  made  two  string- 
ers of  it,  and  picked  up  some  dry  limbs,  putting  them  across  ;  but  we  found  it  would  not  hold 
up  our  saddles. 

"  Well,"  said  Mr.  Strong,  "  we  can  swim  our  horses  across  twice,  and  so  get  our  baggage 
across,"  and  he  prepared  himself,  putting  his  papers  in  his  hat,  and  swam  his  horse  across,  leav- 
ing his  hat  on  the  opposite  shore,  and  returned ;  by  this  time,  he  shook  like  an  aspen  leaf.  We 
rolled  him  up  in  blankets,  and  he  laid  down  by  the  fire,  trying  to  get  us  to  try  it,  but  we 
declined.  I  told  him  I  could  swim  my  horse  across  once,  but  I  would  not  try  it  twice,  and  the 
only  way  for  us  was  to  go  to  the  West  Branch,  and  around  by  Rockford.  After  urging  us  until 
he  found  it  was  of  no  use,  he  got  warmed  up,  and  mounted  his  horse  and  went  over  and  got  his  hat 
and  papers  ;  returning,  we  mounted  and  rode  over  to  the  West  Branch ;  then  he  got  a  canoe, 
and,  putting  our  baggage  in,  swam  our  horses  over  by  passing  several  times  ;  thence  we  went  on 
to  Rockford. 

One  night  we  came  to  what  we  supposed  a  ravine  full  of  water  running  from  the  prairie. 
Strong  was  on  the  lead.  I,  watching  his  horse  closely,  thought  he  stepped  as  though  there  was 
a  causeway  he  was  going  over  Catlin  said  to  me,  "  Here  is  a  narrower  place  ;  I  believe  I  will 
try  it."  I  answered,  "  I  see  Strong  has  got  over  very  well ;  I  will  follow  him,"  which  I  did, 
and  Catlin  followed  me.  But  a  little  further  on  we  came  to  a  house  we  were  to  stay  at  over 
night.  When  we  rode  up,  a  man  asked  us  which  way  we  came,  and  how  we  got  over  the  bridge. 
We  told  him  we  had  not  crossed  any,  when  he  said,  if  we  had  gone  ten  feet  either  side,  we  would 
have  plunged  into  thirty  feet  of  water.  Strong  tells  the  story  that  our  horses  crossed  on  the 
stringers,  the  bridge  being  carried  off.  We  had  a  great  deal  of  sport  on  our  way,  and  I  do  not 
think  either  of  us  will  ever  forget  the  journey. 

Gov.  Dodge,  being  at  Portage  in  1837,  invited  the  Winnebagoes  to  send  a  delegation  to 
visit  their  Great  Father  at  Washington.     Suspicious  of  a  purpose  to   obtain   their  lands,  they 

*Thi8  early  voyageur  and  trader  was  born  at  Green  Bay  in  1810.  L.  C.  D. 

tMoseB  M.  Strong  states  that  he,  in  company  with  Mr.  Merrell  and  Mr.  Catlin,  started  on  this  trip  from  Mineral  Point  March  21, 
1837,  reaching  Chicago  on  the  Seth.  L.  C.  D. 


424  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

asked,  "  What  for  ? — to  make  a  treaty?"  The  Governor  evaded  the  point,  suggesting  that 
they  could  get  acquainted  with  their  Great  Father,  and  obtain  presents,  and,  after  much  per- 
suasion, it  was  agreed  to  send  a  delegation — Yellow  Thunder  and  two  other  chiefs,  the  others 
being  young  men,  generally  sons  of  chiefs.  Satterlee  Clark  accompanied  them  as  one  of  the 
conductors. 

As  soon  as  they  reached  Washington,  they  were  beset  to  hold  a  treaty  and  cede  their  lands 
to  the  Government.  They  finally  declined,  saying  they  had  no  authority  for  any  such  purpose  ; 
that  the  most  of  their  chiefs  were  at  home,  who  alone  could  enter  into  such  a  negotiation.  Every 
influence  was  brought  to  bear  upon  them,  and  they  began  to  get  uneasy  lest  winter  should  set 
in  and  prevent  their  returning  home.  They  were  without  means  to  defray  their  expenses  back, 
and  those  managing  Indian  matters  at  Washington  availed  themselves  of  the  necessities  of  the 
delegation,  keeping  them  there,  and  urging  them  to  enter  into  a  treaty. 

At  length  they  yielded,  not  their  judgments,  but  to  the  pressure  brought  to  bear  upon 
them,  and,  while  reluctantly  signing  the  treaty,  yet  all  the  while  stoutly  protesting  against  hav- 
ing any  show  of  authority  to  do  so.  The  treaty,  as  they  were  informed,  permitted  them  to 
remain  in  the  peaceful  occupancy  of  the  ceded  lands  eight  years,  when  in  fact  it  was  only  that 
number  of  months  ;  and,  as  each  went  forward  to  attach  his  name,  or  rather  mark,  to  the  treaty, 
he  would  repeat  what  he  understood  as  to  the  time  they  were  to  remain,  "  eight  years,"  And 
thus  the  poor  red  men  were  deceived  and  outwitted  by  those  who  ought  to  have  been  their 
wards  and  protectors. 

One  of  the  young  men,  son  of  a  prominent  chief,  dared  not,  on  his  return  home,  visit  his 
father  for  a  long  time.  The  whole  nation  felt  that  they  had  been  outraged,  and  forced  to  leave 
their  native  homes.  Yellow  Thunder  declared  he  would  never  go — that  he  would  leave  his 
bones  in  Wisconsin  ;  but  he  was  invited,  with  young  Black  Wolf,  into  Fort  Winnebago,  on  pre- 
tense of  holding  a  conncil,  when  the  gates  were  treacherously  closed  on  them,  and  they  and 
many  others  were  conveyed  by  the  United  States  troops  beyond  the  Mississippi,  But  Yellow 
Thunder  got  back  sooner  than  the  soldiers  who  forced  him  away,*  Then  he  induced  John  T. 
De  La  Ronde  to  accompany  him  to  the  Land  Office  at  Mineral  Point,  and  enter  forty  acres  of 
land  in  his  behalf,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Wisconsin,  about  eight  miles  above  Portage.  At  the 
Land  Office,  inquiry  was  made  if  Indians  would  be  permitted  to  enter  land?  "  Yes,"  was  the 
reply,  "  Government  had  given  no  orders  to  the  contrary,"  So  Yellow  Thunder,  the  head  war 
chief  of  his  peo]ile,  secured  a  homestead,  on  which  he  settled,  declaring  that  he  was  going  to  be 
a  ■white  man.t     And  there  he  has  quietly  lived  ever  since. 

The  fraudulent  treaty  of  November  1,  1837,  caused  the  Government  a  vast  deal  of  trouble 
and  e.xpense,  and  very  naturally  engendered  the  most  embittered  feelings  and  recollections  on 
the  part  of  the  Winnebagoes,  Is  it  any  wonder  that  we  have  Indian  wars,  when  they  are  so 
treated  ?  I  think  it  would  be  better  to  do  as  Great  Britain  does — not  recognize  any  title  in  the 
Indians  to  the  soil,  and,  when  the  lands  are  needed,  say  to  them  they  must  move,  and  give  them 
a  country  where  they  can  live,  and  make  comfortable  provision  for  them  ;  but  probably  it  is  too 
late  to  do  that  now.  Still,  it  is  wrong  to  deceive,  cheat  or  mislead  them,  as  they  are  as  sharp  to 
see  through  such  management  as  civilized  men,  if  not  more  so,  for  they  have  more  time  to  think 

over  transactions  of  this  kind. 

*********** 

In  1839,  I  took  charge  of  a  fleet  of  lumber,  and  went  on  board  a  raft  at  the  portage,  float- 
ing down  the  Wisconsin  to  its  mouth,  and  thence  to  St.  Louis,  I  had  a  board  shanty  on  the 
raft  to  sleep  in,  a  canoe,  or,  as  some  called  it,  a  "  dug-out,"  so  that  when  we  came  in  sight  of  a 
town,  I  would  jump  into  the  canoe  and  paddle  ahead,  visit  the  town,  and  when  the  raft  was  near, 

*By  the  rep'irt  eubniittei]  to  tliH  House  of  Representatives,  September  17,  1850,  on  the  removal  of  the  Winnebagoes,  it  appears  that 
aboat  900  were  forced  from  the  Fort  Winnebago  region,  while  aI>out  300  remained  in  swamps,  inaccessible  to  the  troops  bunting  for  them,  of 
which  there  were  over  two  regiments  under  Gens.  W'ortli  and  Brooke.  In  1816,  a  new  treaty  wa-*  effected,  by  which  it  was  stipulated  that  they 
were  to  rem»ve  about  500  miles  north  of  their  allotted  country  in  Iowa,  and  about  1,300  of  them  did  so  in  the  summer  ot  1848,  about  400  still 
lingering  in  Wisconsin  and  Iowa.  In  February,  1850,  quite  a  band  of  them  located  between  the  Bad  Axe  and  Black  Kivera,  became  quite  threat- 
ening and  insolent;  but  they  yielded  to  better  counsels.  L.  C.  D. 

fin  the  Report  to  Congress,  in  l.'*.50,  on  the  removal  of  the  Winnebagoes,  Col.  Francis  Lee,  commanding  at  Fort  Howard,  stated,  in 
March  of  that  year,  that  "  Yellow  Thunder  lias  bought  forty  acres  of  laud  on  Dell  Creek,  resided  there,  and  is  cultivating  it.''  L.  C.  D. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  425 

go  on  board  again.  In  this  way,  I  called  at  nearly  every  town  on  each  side  of  the  river.  After 
leaving  the  Wisconsin,  we  had  all  the  Wisconsin  rafts  locked  together,  and  floated  down  the  Missis- 
sippi in  that  way.  At  some  towns,  men  would  comedown  and  take  passage.  I  would  tell  them 
to  come  on.  At  one  place,  there  was  an  old  backwoodsman  came  on  board,  dressed  with  his 
hunting-shirt,  bullet-pouch  and  powder-horn  strung  over  his  shoulder,  having  a  long  heavy  riile, 
a  quiet,  modest  old  man,  from  Ohio.  Soon  after,  there  was  a  man  of  a  very  different  class  took 
passage,  a  swaggering  boast  of  a  fellow,  from  Texas.  He  had  a  small  steel-barrel  rifle,  and  told 
many  large  stories.  Finally,  he  proposed  to  shoot  at  a  mark  with  the  old  man,  for  the  drinks 
all  round,  it  being  a  fine  calm  day.  So  I  put  up  a  mark  at  one  end  of  the  raft,  a  board  with  a 
piece  of  paper  the  size  of  a  silver  dollar.  The  old  mati  did  not  shoot  as  close  as  I  expected, 
and  the  brag  rather  beat  him,  but  neither  hit  the  mark.  They  then  proposed  that  I  should  shoot. 
"Well,"  I  said,  "I  will  shoot  the  old  man's  rifle,"  and  told  him  to  load  it.  It  was  so  heavy  I 
could  not  hold  it  at  arm's  length,  so  I  kneeled  down  and  rested  it  over  one  knee,  and  drove  the 
nail.  That  pleased  the  old  man  very  much.  The  braggart  left  us  at  Fort  Madison,  without 
saying  anything  about  the  drinks,  and  the  old  man  thought  that  was  mean,  not  that  he  cared 
about  the  drinks ;  but  he  could  not  get  over  his  delight  at  ray  beating  him.  I  considered  it 
rather  luck  than  expertness. 

I  enjoyed  my  trip  vastly.  I  understood  that  one  set  of  rafts,  and  one  only,  had  been  run 
down  the  river  to  St.  Louis  before  mine,  and  many  stories  had  been  told  of  the  dangers.  I  had 
a  crew  of  Canadian  Frenchmen,  some  of  whom  had  had  experience  in  Canadian  waters.  I  got 
what  information  I  could  from  the  steamboat  men  about  the  river,  and  feared  nothing;  but  at 
Dubuque  some  Frenchmen  came  on  board  and  told  my  men  we  would  have  to  hire  a  pilot,  that 
we  could  not  get  over  the  rapids  without,  and  they  felt  alarmed.  I  told  them  we  would  wait 
until  we  got  to  the  rapids,  and,  if  necessary,  we  would  hire  a  pilot.  I  had  learned  enough  of 
the  river  to  know  when  we  got  to  the  rapids,  from  the  descriptions  given.  So  when  we  got 
into  them  and  well  down,  "  Here,"  says  I,  "boys,  these  are  the  great  rapids  you  have  been  so 
much  afraid  of,"  at  which  they  set  up  a  tremendous  shout  and  laugh.  I  heard  no  more  of  their 
fears,  for  it  was  the  best  running  we  had  on  the  river. 

In  1840,  a  commission  was  sent  to  me  by  the  United  States  Marshal,  to  take  the  census  of 
the  country,  and,  as  there  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  I  started  up  the  Wisconsin  to  Messrs.  Camp- 
bell &  Conant's  mill,  opposite  where  Stevens  Point  is  now ;  there  I  hired  two  Chippewas  to 
paddle  me  up  to  Big  Bull  Falls,  now  Wausau.  Leaving  my  horse  at  Little  Bull  Falls.  I  walked 
up  along  the  west  channel,  while  the  Indians  carried  over  the  canoe.  At  Big  Bull  Falls,  I  found 
a  mill  built  by  Mr.  George  Stevens,  who  had  not  quite  completed  it.  After  getting  the  number 
of  his  employes,  who  constituted  all  the  inhabitants,  I  started  back  in  the  canoe,  and,  on  arriv- 
ing at  Campbell  &  Conant's,  I  engaged  Francis  Shaurette  and  his  brother  to  take  me  to  the  port^ 
age  in  a  bark  canoe,  sending  a  boy  with  my  horse. 

I  had  quite  an  exciting  time  of  it  going  over  Grand  Rapids,  but,  having  implicit  confidence 
in  the  men,  I  had  no  fears.  The  way  they  would  handle  the  canoe  was  admirable ;  the  one  in 
the  bow  had  as  much  to  do  in  steering  as  the  one  in  the  stern,  which  was  done  by  holding  his 
paddle  in  the  water  and  turning  it  when  he  wanted  to  change  the  course  of  the  canoe,  which 
sometimes  had  to  be  done  almost  as  quick  as  lightning  ;  for  now  it  would  seem  as  though  we 
must  strike  the  bold  rocks,  and  the  bow  seemed  within  a  foot  of  them,  but,  as  quick  as  thought, 
the  canoe  would  sheer  off"  and  clear  them  ;  and  such  were  the  swells  in  the  rapids,  that  the  spray 
would  dash  all  over  us.  I  sat  in  the  middle  of  the  canoe,  and  enjoyed  the  ride  very  much. 
Further  down  the  river,  the  rock  views  were  grand  and  beautiful.  At  one  point,  we  saw  in  front 
of  us  the  rocks  rising  in  one  solid  perpendicular  front,  a  hundred  or  more  feet,  with  the  top 
scalloped,  and  pinnacles  looking  like  some  ancient  fortifications,  or  the  battlements  of  some  old 
feudal  castle.  I  wondered  where  the  river  was  going  to  get  by  it,  as  it  was  directly  facing  us  ; 
but  the  stream  here  took  a  turn,  and  we  left  the  towering  rock  to  the  right  of  us.  Then  we 
passed  through  the  dells,  a  narrow  gorge  through  the  rocks  for  nine  miles,  ending  where  Kilbourn 
City  now  is,  the  rocks  rising  in  some  places   hundreds  of  feet  perpendicularly,  and  deep  water 


426  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

lashing  the  rocks  on  both  sides,  the  abrasions  of  centuries  having  worked  out  the  rocks  into  cor- 
nices, pilasters,  etc.,  very  much  resembling  the  work  of  art. 

At  another  time,  when  I  was  coming  down  from  the  Upper  Wisconsin  alone  on  horseback, 
I  was  belated  until  it  was  so  dark  I  could  not  see  the  trail,  but  had  to  let  my  faithful  horse  take 
his  way,  and  he  brought  mc  safely  into  Yellow  Thunder's  village.  Yellow  Thunder  was  the 
war  chief  of  the  Winnebagoes,  and  had  his  summer  village  about  sixteen  miles  from  the  portage. 
I  dismounted  and  went  into  a  large  lodge,  twenty  or  twenty-five  feet  long,  built  of  poles  and 
covered  with  bark.  Here  I  found  Uandy  and  others,  on  a  visit.  Little  Duck  said  to  me  "  Go  to 
my  lodge;  "  so  I  followed  him  and  soon  reached  it,  a  little  distance  off.  I  tied  my  horse  near  the 
entrance  of  his  lodge,  and  he  gave  me  .some  corn  with  which  to  feed  him,  and  some  boiled  corn 
for  my  supper,  of  which  I  had  no  need,  as  I  had  some  provisions  along.  After  this,  he  spread 
a  clean  mat  on  a  sort  of  bunk  made  of  poles,  raised  two  feet  from  the  gi-ound,  reaching  along 
the  side  of  the  lodge,  for  me  to  sleep  on.  On  this  I  spread  one  of  my  blankets,  and  with  the 
other  one  over  me  lay  down  and  had  almost  got  to  sleep  when,  from  the  noise  in  the  camp,  I 
discovered  there  were  drunken  Indians  about.  I  felt  something  touch  me,  and  looking 
up  saw  it  was  the  old  man,  who  told  me  to  take  my  horse  into  the  bushes  and  tie  him,  giving 
me  a  long  cord.  I  jumped  up  and  led  the  horse  off  some  distance  into  the  bushes  and  tied  him,  know- 
ing the  old  Indian  was  afraid  the  drunken  ones  would  meddle  with  him  if  they  saw  him.  Then  I 
returned  and  lay  down  again  ;  but  gradually  a  drunken  Indian  approached  the  wigwam,  as  we 
could  hear  him,  singing,  crying  and  shouting  all  the  time,  as  they  generally  do  when  they  are 
drunk.  Finally  he  came  rushing  into  the  lodge,  and  flung  himself  down  by  a  few  brands  of  fire 
in  the  center  of  the  lodge,  singing  and  grieving  about  something,  I  suppose  because  he  could 
get  no  more  whisky.  In  a  short  time  the  old  man  got  up,  called  upon  another  Indian,  and 
helped  up  the  drunken  fellow  and  marched  him  off,  and,  hearing  no  more  of  him,  I  slept 
finely. 

The  ne.xt  morning,  I  went  out  and  found  my  horse  had  broken  loose,  and  while  I  was  look- 
ing for  him.  Dandy  came  up  and  wanted  to  know  what  was  the  matter.  After  telling  him,  he 
wanted  to  know  how  much  cord  was  attached  to  him.  Telling  him  as  near  as  I  could,  he  com- 
menced looking  for  his  track  and  soon  got  on  it.  Following  a  short  distance,  he  called  to  me 
and  pointed  out  the  horse,  quietly  standing  by  a  large  tree.  I  walked  up  to  him  and  led  him 
back  to  the  lodge,  and,  after  saddling  him,  mounted  and  bade  good-bye  to  the  hospitable 
Indians. 

Judge  David  Irvin  was  to  hold  court  at  the  portage  in,  I  think,  1841  or  1842.  He  sent 
me  an  appointment  as  Clerk  of  the  Court,  and  as  there  was  no  time  to  lose,  requested  me  to 
go  to  Columbus  and  have  a  jury  list  made  out  and  put  into  the  hands  of  the  Sheriff.  I  did 
so,  and  the  Judge  held  the  first  court  in  this  county  [then  Portage]  at  the  Franklin  House, 
kept  by  Capt.  Low — after  which  I  resigned. 

In  1848,  I  was  elected  State  Senator  in  the  Second  District,  which  embraced  all  that  part 
of  the  State  north  of  Dane  County  to  Lake  Superior,  and  including  Sauk,  Marquette,  Green 
Lake  and  Portage  Counties,  since  divided  into  eight  or  ten  districts.  I  was  elected  as  the 
Whig  candidate,  over  the  Hon.  James  T.  Lewis,  the  Democratic  nominee.  In  the  Senate, 
there  were  but  three  Whigs.  I  served  during  tliis,  the  first  session  under  the  Constitution, 
which  met  at  Madison  on  the  5th  dav  of  June,  1848,  and  during  the  next  session,  which  met 
on  the  10th  day  of  January,  1849.  During  these  two  sessions,  there  was  an  immense  deal  of 
work  done,  in  organizing  the  State,  revising  the  statutes,  etc.,  etc. 

My  first  visit  to  La  Crosse  was  in  1853,  when  I  arrived  in  company  with  Benjamin  L. 
Webb,  of  Detroit.  La  Crosse  was  then  but  a  small  village.  The  •  United  States  Land  Office 
had  been  removed  there  from  Mineral  Point.  We  met  Judge  Lord,  Col.  Rodolph,  Hon.  S.  D. 
Hastings,  Lieut.  Gov.  Timothy  Burns,  Ebenezer  Childs  (with  whom  I  had  long  been  acquainted) 
and  many  others.  We  stopped  at  the  Tallmadge  House  over  Sunday ;  in  the  afternoon,  I  took 
a  ramble  nearly  to  the  bluffs.  La  Crosse  now,  I  believe,  contains  about  twelve  thousand  inhab- 
itants ;  then  there  could  not,  I  should  think,  have  been  as  many  hundreds. 


HISTORY    OF    COLIMBIA    COUNTY.  427 

We  then  took  steamer  for  St.  Paul,  and  a  carriage  thence  a  hundred  miles  above,  crossing 
the  Mississippi  thirty  miles  west  of  Long  Prairie,  where  the  Winnebagoes  were  located,  culti- 
vating the  lands  assigned  them  by  the  Government ;  but  they  were  uneasy,  as  I  learned,  for 
they  were  afraid  of  the  Chippewa  and  Sioux  Indians,  which,  I  suppose,  was  the  reason  of  their 
subsequent  removal  to  a  less  exposed  region.  We  returned,  by  way  of  Galena,  to  Fort  Win- 
nebago. 

VII. — BY    .1.    T.    KINGSTON. 

In  the  fall  of  1836,  Samuel  B.  Pilkington  and  the  writer,  the  former  a  native  of  Ireland, 
while  at  Helena,  on  the  Wisconsin  River,  heard  of  a  very  extensive  forest  of  pine  timber,  and 
a  spendid  water-power  on  the  Lemonweir  River,  about  twelve  miles  from  the  mouth.  As 
the  Winnebago  Indians  had  just  sold  their  lands  on  the  south  side  of  that  river  to  the  Govern- 
ment, we  conceived  the  idea  of  making  an  exploration  in  that  direction,  to  ascertain  the  truth 
of  those  reports,  intending,  if  matters  were  found  as  represented,  to  engage  in  the  lumber 
business;  but  not  then  being  just  ready  to  make  the  trip,  we  concluded  to  wait  until  the  next 
year. 

Accordingly,  in  the  month  of  December,  in  the  following  year,  1837,  we  packed  our  Indian 
pony  and  started  from  Racine,  to  explore  the  valley  in  question.  Our  outfit  consisted  of  a 
Mackinaw  blanket  and  butcher-knife,  an  ax,  a  box  of  matches,  and  provisions  for  a  week,  besides 
the  necessaiy  camp  fixtures,  including  a  small  fly  tent.  Firearms  and  ammunition  we  considered 
of  no  particular  use,  and  carried  none. 

We  found  but  few  settlers  after  crossing  Fox  River,  thirty  miles  west  of  Racine,  two  or 
three  at  Spring  Prairie,  Luke  Taylor  and  one  or  two  others  on  Turtle  Creek,  near  the  present 
location  of  Delavan,  a  Mr.  Johnson  on  the  east  e<lge  of  Rock  Prairie,  and  Mr.  Henry  F.  Janes 
living  in  a  log  house  on  the  east  bank  of  Rock  River,  near  the  present  site  of  the  city  of  Janes- 
ville.  From  Rock  River  to  the  four  lakes,  now  Madison,  no  signs  of  the  white  man,  but  only 
a  blazed  line  of  trees,  indicating  the  road  to  the  future  capital  of  the  State. 

There  being  six  or  eight  inches  of  snow  on  the  ground,  we  did  not  reach  Madison  until 
about  9  o'clock  on  the  second  morning  after  leaving  Rock  River.  Here  we  found  a  Mr.  Peck 
and  family.  Col.  A.  A.  Bird,  and  several  other  men,  putting  up  the  frame  of  a  house  for  a  hotel, 
and  also  some  materials  on  the  ground  for  the  capitol  building  then  in  course  of  erection.  From 
Col.  Bird  we  obtained  the  proper  directions,  by  landmarks,  to  reach  Mr.  Rowan's  trading- 
post,  on  the  military  road,  twelve  miles  from  Fort  Winnebago,  and  near  the  present  village  of 
Poynette.  On  the  route  from  Madison,  and  ten  or  twelve  miles  out,  we  passed  the  body  of  a 
log  house,  afterward  completed  and  occupied  by  a  Mr.  Lawrence,  but  no  other  marks  of  im- 
provement were  noticed.  We  reached  Rowan's  late  in  the  evening,  tired,  and  glad  to  find  a 
comfortable  place  for  the  night  for  ourselves  and  the  pony. 

Following  the  military  road,  we  reached  Fort  Winnebago  about  noon  the  next  day,  and 
found  a  stopping-place  at  the  Indian  agency  house,  owned  by  the  Government,  but  then  kept 
as  a  tavern  by  an  Italian  named  Ubeldine,  who  had  an  Irish  woman  for  a  wife,  and  during  our 
stay  there  of  a  week  or  more,  we  found  the  wife  "  the  better  man ; "  at  least  Ubeldine  was 
willing  to  acknowledge  such  to  be  the  fact  whenever  any  little  family  difficulty  occurred,  which 
was  not  unfrequent. 

Visited  the  fort  next  day,  met  Capt.  Low,  then  in  command,  and  also  Mr.  Henry  Merrell, 
since  of  La  Crosse,  who  kept  a  sutler's  store  near  the  fort.  Procured  a  supply  of  provisions  to 
last  for  six  or  eight  days,  and  leaving  the  pony  with  Mr.  Ubeldine,  we  proceeded.  Passed  the 
trading-post  of  Silas  Walsworth,  situated  at  the  high  point  of  land  near  the  present  railroad 
bridge  over  the  canal ;  followed  the  Point  Basse  trail  about  fifteen  miles,  to  a  cluster  of  bark 
wigwams,  then  deserted,  situated  on  the  land  afterward  owned  and  occupied  for  several  years  by 
Jared  Walsworth.  Camped  here  over  night.  Snow  about  a  foot  deep,  and  weather  extremely 
cold.  Tried  the  experiment  of  camping  in  a  wigwam,  but  found  it  a  bad  one  on  account  of  not 
being  able  to  keep  up  a  sufficient  fire. 


428  HISTORY    OF    COLl'MBl.V    COUKTY. 

The  next  morning,  continued  on  the  trail  three  or  four  miles,  and  then  struck  west  across 
the  head  of  Dell  Prairie,  and  reached  the  Wisconsin  River  at  the  foot  of  the  Big  Dell  the  even- 
ing of  the  second  day  after  leaving  the  fort ;  but  finding  the  ice  running  in  the  river,  and  the 
crossing  impracticable,  we  continued  along  the  east  bank  of  the  stream  until  we  found  wood 
convenient  and  a  good  shelter  from  the  wind,  and  camped  for  the  night.  In  the  morning,  we 
started  on  our  return  to  the  fort,  and  reached  there  next  day. 

We  remained  with  Mr.  Ubeldine  about  a  week,  and  until  the  river  closed  sufficiently  to 
cross  on  the  ice,  and  again  started  on  our  explorations.  Reaching  the  wigwams  before  men- 
tioned, we  struck  across  the  south  end  of  Dell  Prairie,  arriving  at  the  Wisconsin  River  opposite 
McEwen  Rock. 

During  our  week's  stay  at  the  fort,  there  was  quite  a  heavy  fall  of  snow,  and,  after  leaving 
the  Point  Basse  trail,  we  found  the  traveling  both  slow  and  difficult.  Before  leaving  on  this 
second  trip,  Mother  Ubeldine  handed  us  a  bottle  of  medicine,  with  the  remark:  '■'■  If  you  get 
frost-bited,  try  this ;  it  came  from  Auld  Ireland."  Feeling  grateful  for  the  kindly  feelings 
which  we  knew  accompanied  the  gift,  we  received  it  with  thankfulness. 

The  first  night  after  leaving  the  fort,  we  camped  about  a  mile  from  the  east  side  of  Dell 
Prairie.  In  the  morning,  we  again  started,  but  now  without  a  trail,  snow  two  feet  deep,  and 
weather  extremely  cold.  Proceeding  a  few  rods,  we  noticed  a  singular  mound  of  snow,  a  short 
distance  out  of  our  direct  course.  Examined  it,  and  found  a  one-horse  sleigh,  left  a  few 
days  before  by  Robert  Bloomer,  on  his  way  to  the  Grand  Rapids.  In  the  sleigh,  we  found  a 
couple  of  smoked  hams,  some  bread,  crackers  and  chee.se.  Made  a  note  of  it  as  a  good  place 
to  obtain  a  supply  of  provisions  on  our  return,  if  needed. 

Arriving  at  the  edge  of  the  prairie,  and  facing  a  cold  west  wind,  we  soon  felt  unmis- 
takable evidence  of  the  frosty  atmosphere,  so  much  so  that  we  concluded  to  halt  and  try 
the  remedy  in  the  bottle ;  but  here  we  found  a  difficulty — how  to  apply  it.  After  mature 
consultation  and  reflection,  we  concluded  to  try  an  inward  application,  and  I  must  say  the  result 
was  equal  to  our  highest  expectations.  And  here  I  will  digress  so  far  from  the  narrative  as  to 
say  that,  although  we  found  repeated  occasion  to  try  the  "  medicine,"  and  always  with  the  most 
satisfactory  results,  yet  I  would  not  recommend  it  as  a  remedy  for  constant  use ;  but  only  on 
occasions  when  you  are  making  your  way  on  foot  through  snow  two  feet  deep,  with  a  week's 
provisions  in  your  pack. 

The  second  day  we  made  across  the  prairie,  and  camped  only  two  or  three  miles  from  the 
camping-place  the  night  before.  The  third  day,  we  crossed  the  Wisconsin,  and  camped  that 
night  on  the  higher  part  of  the  land  at  the  foot  of  the  Big  Dell.  Made  three  or  four  miles  in 
distance  this  day.  Weather  continued  extremely  cold.  Made  our  first  and  only  experiment 
with  dry  pine-wood  to  keep  up  our  fire  for  the  night.  Midnight,  wood  all  gone;  almost 
perished  before  morning. 

Fourth  morning,  up  very  early.  Made  the  Lemonweir  about  noon,  but  were  in  consider- 
able doubt,  owing  to  the  crooked  nature  of  the  channel  and  the  numerous  sloughs,  whether  we 
had  found  the  river  we  were  looking  for  or  not.  Finally,  to  settle  the  matter  beyond  doubt,  we 
concluded  to  follow  the  stream  down  to  the  mouth,  and  finding  the  country  to  answer  the 
description  given  us  before,  we  retraced  our  steps  on  the  ice,  and  camped  that  night  at  Proon- 
sal's  Trading  Post,  about  two  or  three  miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  river,  which  we  found 
unoccupied. 

The  Lemonweir  had  frozen  over  after  the  late  heavy  fall  of  snow,  and  this  made  the  trav- 
eling comparatively  easy. 

The  fifth  and  sixth  days,  we  followed  up  the  river,  on  the  ice,  broke  through  two  or  three 
times,  went  ashore,  built  fires  and  dried  our  clothes,  and  then  continued  on.  On  the  morning 
of  the  seventh  day,  we  ate  our  breakfast,  consisting  of  two  crackers  each,  on  the  present  site 
of  the  village  of  New  Lisbon  ;  and  then — December  29,  1837 — started  on  our  return  down 
the  river,  for  Fort  Winnebago.  Following  the  other  tr;iils,  or  slides,  cutting  the  bends  of  the 
river,  we  found  the  distance  greatly  shortened  ;    tightened  our  belts  two  or  three  times  a  day, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT  Y".  429 

dreamed  at  night  of  the  good  times  coming ;  examined  our  depot  of  supplies,  in  the  sleigh,  but 
found  that  some  "  good  Indians  "  had  been  there  before  us. 

Continuing  on  our  journey,  we  arrived  at  the  fort  on  the  afternoon  of  December  31,  the 
third  day  after  turning  back,  weaker  but  not  much  wiser  men — only  learning  that  our  exten- 
sive pine  forest  was  a  myth,  and  that  our  anticipated  lumber  speculation  was  a  failure. 

Vni. — BY   ROBERT    L.    REAM. 

Having  business  at  Fort  Winnebago,  and  there  being  no  travel  in  that  direction,  I  was 
compelled  to  make  the  journey  [from  Madison,  in  the  latter  part  of  April,  1838]  alone,  so  I 
negotiated  with  Mr.  Ubeldine  for  a  roan-colored,  bob-tailed  Canadian  pony,  with  cropped  mane, 
large  ears  and  white  belly.  Mr.  Ubeldine  kept  the  only  livery  stable,  and  this  was  the  only 
horse  to  be  hired  in  Madison.  On  this  imposing  steed  I  seated  myself  next  day  and  started 
for  the  fort,  forty  miles  distant  by  the  trail.  There  was  no  wagon  road  from  Madison  in  that 
direction,  and  the  only  two  houses  between  there  and  the  fort  were  those  of  William  Lawrence, 
near  Token  Creek,  and  Wallace  Rowan's  hotel,  on  the  military  road,  some  thirty  miles  distant 
from  Madison.  At  this  hotel  I  put  up  for  the  night,  and,  being  not  much  used  to  that  particu- 
lar mode  of  locomotion,  was  very  tired.  Rowan's  wife  served  me  bountifully  with  hoe-cake 
and  bacon.  I  then  went  to  sleep  and  slept  soundly  until  toward  morning,  when  I  was  aroused 
by  several  cocks  crowing  simultaneously,  in  close  proximity  to  my  bed.  I  did  not  discover 
until  daylight  that  the  foot-rail  of  my  bedstead  was  the  roost  of  Mr.  Rowan's  chickens. 

I  remained  the  next  night  at  Fort  Winnebago,  and  picketed  my  pony  on  a  grass-plat  near 
the  hotel,  giving  him  about  thirty  feet  of  rope.  The  hotel  was  the  only  house  where  travelers 
could  be  entertained,  outside  the  garrison.  Mr.  Henry  Merrell  and  his  family  lived  in  it.  I 
found  the  accommodations  excellent.  An  amusing  incident  occurred  thei'e  that  night,  which  I 
cannot  help  mentioning.  In  the  room  in  which  I  slept  were  four  beds,  one  in  each  corner,  and 
all  curtained.  I  occupied  one  of  these  beds,  and  it  appears  that  the  other  three  were  occupied 
by  gentlemen  and  their  wives.  In  the  night,  we  were  all  aroused  by  a  cry  of  "  Robbers  ! 
thieves  !  Indians  !"  etc.  All  started  up  at  the  alarm,  the  ladies  shrieking  with  fright.  The 
room  was  dark,  and,  in  the  confusion,  we  ran  against  each  other  very  amusingly.  When  a 
light  was  struck,  the  scene  was  extremely  ludicrous — ladies  in  their  night-clothes,  looking  like 
affrighted  ghosts,  some  of  them  clinging  to  the  wrong  man  ;  men  without  any  night-clothes,  and 
very  little  of  any  other  kind,  making  frantic  exertions  to  find  out  the  cause  of  the  disturb- 
ance. The  supposition  was  that  some  soldiers  had  been  on  a  carousal,  and  had  mistaken  the 
hotel  for  the  garrison  ;  but,  under  the  charge  of  Capt.  Low,  such  a  breach  of  the  regulations 
would  never  have  been  allowed,  and  the  cause  of  the  alarm  was.  not  satisfactorily  explained. 

I  found  my  pony  safe  in  the  morning.  The  "  gallinippers  "  had  worried  him  badly,  and 
kept  him  in  motion  most  of  the  night.  The  blood  was  still  oozing  through  his  perforated  skin. 
Then,  and  not  until  then,  did  I  realize  the  true  force  of  the  expression,  "  thicker  than  mosqui- 
toes." The  atmosphere  was  literally  filled  with  them.  In  those  days,  persons  in  the  habit  of 
traveling  much  were  obliged  to  protect  their  faces  and  heads  with  gauze  or  mosquito-bar  veils, 
so  very  great  was  the  annoyance  of  these  insects. 

I  will  here  digress,  and  relate  some  of  the  incidents  told  me  at  that  time  about  the  frontier 
soldier's  life :  , 

It  often  happens  that  the  Government  troops  in  these  Western  outposts  become  badly 
demoralized  and  mutinous.  When  watched  so  closely  that  they  cannot  safely  carry  bottles  or 
jugs  of  liquor  into  quarters,  they  resort  to  every  imaginable  means  of  smuggling  it  in.  They 
have  been  known  to  saturate  their  blankets,  overcoats  and  other  garments  with  whisky  obtained 
of  the  sutler ;  then  pass  the  guards  unsuspected,  and,  after  reaching  quarters,  wring  out  the 
whisky  and  drink  it. 

Shortly  previous  to  my  visit  to  the  fort,  a  mutiny  was  threatened  there.  Capt.  Low  was 
in  command.     The  sentinels  at  the  gate  refused  to  obey  orders,  which  was  reported  to  the 


430  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Captain.  He  made  his  appearance  in  due  time,  and  demanded  an  explanation.  As  the  sentinel 
■whom  he  suspected  for  disloyalty  was  performing  some  e.xtra  evolutions,  which  the  Captain  did 
not  care  to  exactly  undei'stand,  he  suddenly  raised  his  right  foot  and  dexterously  brought  it  with 
full  force  against  tlie  head  of  the  sentinel,  and  brought  him  sprawling  at  his  feet.  This  impro- 
vised tactic,  not  in  the  manual,  was  so  demonstrative  that  the  mutineers  quailed  before  him,  and 
at  once  subsided  into  submission,  and  no  further  attempt  at  mutiny  was  made  during  his  com- 
mand at  the  fort. 

Returning  to  Madison,  I  spent  the  next  night  at  Mr.  Rowan's,  slept  in  the  same  bed,  and, 
as  before,  was  awakened  at  cock-crowing.  At  the  dawn  of  day,  I  discovered  what  I  thought 
was  a  small  flock  of  sheep,  scattered  around  on  the  floor,  but,  on  closer  observation,  I  found 
they  were  Indians.  They  had  come  in  during  the  night  from  some  trading-post,  where  they 
had  obtained  new  white  blankets,  and  had  taken  possession  of  the  floor,  without  ever  disturbing 
my  slumber. 

From  Madison  back  to  Monroe,  there  was  no  mode  of  conveyance,  and  I  made  this  journey 
on  foot  in  one  day.  It  was  then  fully  forty  miles  by  the  meanderings  of  the  road.  There  were 
no  bridges,  and  I  was  obliged  to  wade  Sugar  River  and  its  tributaries,  as  well  as  several  large 
marshes,  in  some  of  which  the  track  lay  knee-deep  under  water,  and  I  sufiered  severely  with  the 
rheumatism  in  consequence  thereof. 

IX. — BY    HUGH    m'fARLANE. 

Andrew  Dunn,  A.  Barker,  Jonathan  Cole,  J.  Garrison  and  I  made  claims  in  December, 
1837,  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River.  My  claim  and  Dunn's  were  located  on  Section  8,  Town- 
ship 12  north,  of  Range  9  east,  in  what  is  now  the  city  of  Portage,  and  extending  back  into 
Section  17.  The  other  three — Cole,  Barker  and  Garrison — made  their  claims  adjoining  ours 
on  Sections  17  and  18.  There  were  several  other  claims  made  at  the  same  time  by  people  who 
lived  at  Portage  prior  to  our  coming  there.  One  Ubeldine,  who  kept  hotel  in  the  Indian  agent's 
house,  also  made  a  claim  joining  us.  He  was  an  Italian  and  had  a  wife,  the  only  white  woman 
around  Portage,  outside  the  fort.  Perrin  and  Buckley  also  made  claims  further  down  the 
river.  I  built  a  house  on  my  claim  in  December,  1837 ;  the  others  improved  their  claims  by 
fencing.  Dunn,  Barker,  Cole  and  Garrison  made  my  house  their  headquarters  until  spring, 
when  they  intended  to  build  houses  on  their  claims. 

The  only  white  settlers  at  this  time,  besides  those  who  made  claims,  were  Jared  Walsworth 
and  his  father,  Silas  Walsworth,  afterward  known  as  Judge  Walsworth.  There  was  a  trader's 
shanty  on  the  river,  below  Bronson  avenue,  and  four  houses  on  the  Menomonee  land.  Two 
stood  immediately  south  of  where  Wood's  store  and  the  bank  block  now  stand,  near  the  canal. 
Two  stood  near  where  Mac  street  strikes  the  Wisconsin  River.  There  was  no  person  living  in 
them  in  1836-37.  Before  building  our  own  house  across  the  river,  we  camped  in  one  of  the  houses 
immediately  back  of  the  bank  building  in  1838.  There  was  a  house  built  at  the  point  where 
the  St.  Paul  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  crosses  the  canal.  It  was  built  for  a  boarding-house  for  tlie 
hands  employed  in  building  the  canal  across  the  portage.  It  had  a  large  bell  on  top  for  call- 
ing the  canal  men  from  labor  to  meals.  In  the  spring  of  1838,  Capt.  Gideon  Low,  having 
resigned  his  office*  and  been  relieved  from  command  at  Fort  Winnebago,  built  a  hotel  on  the  flats, 
near  what  is  now  Bronson  avenue,  and  commenced  keeping  hotel.  He  also,  in  the  spring  of 
that  year,  made  a  claim  in  the  town  of  Caledonia,  where  Mr.  McKinzie  now  lives,  called  at  that 
time  the  Indian  farm.       Leon  Braun,  a  Frenchman,  with   his  half-breed  wife,  made  a  claim  in 

1837,  where  Moses  Pauquette  now  lives,  in  the  town  of  Caledonia. 

In  1838,  there  was  at  the  east  end  of  the  portage,  on  the  Fox  River,  some  houses ;  among 
these  were  the  American  Fur  Company's  trading-house  and  Daniel  Whitney's   storehouse.     In 

1838,  Henry  Merrell,  after  he  quit  being  sutler  at  the  fort,  and   being   appointed  Postmaster, 
commenced  trading  on  his  own  account.     He  first  opened  his  goods  in   one  part  of  the  sutler's 

♦Captain  Low  did  not  roign  his  office  until  February,  1840. — En. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  431 

Store,  on  the  south  side  of  the  military  roftd,  about  one  hundred  yards  from  the  bridge  across  the 
Fox  River.  He  boarded  with  the  officers  at  the  fort.  In  1838,  he  built  a  store  on  the  portage 
side  of  Fox  River,  and  moved  his  goods  and  post  office  into  the  building.  In  1838-39,  he 
built  a  dwelling  near  his  store  and  moved  out  of  the  fort.  He  then  became  a  resident  of  what 
is  now  the  city  of  Portage.  In  1838-39,  Mrs.  Capt.  Low  and  her  two  daughters,  with  Mrs. 
Henry  Carpenter,  and  the  one  already  mentioned,  made,  in  all,  five  white  women  residing  in 
Portage.  There  were  considerable  many  French  and  half-breeds  whom  I  do  not  recollect. 
John  D.  La  Ronde  was  there  in  1837. 

In  1838,  there  were  no  other  white  settlers  in  Columbia  County,  to  my  recollection,  except 
Wallace  Rowan  and  his  wife.  She  was  a  white  woman,  but  highly  tinged  with  yellow,  so  much 
so  that,  at  one  time,  I  stopped  at  the  hotel  kept  by  her  and  her  husband,  at  the  place  where 
Poynette  is,  when  Gov.  Horner  was  also  a  guest.  He  was  a  very  social  man,  and,  in  conversa- 
tion with  Mrs.  Rowan,  the  landlady,  he  asked  her  to  what  nation  or  tribe  she  belonged.  She 
answered,  "  Goll  darn  it,  I  don't  belong  to  any  tribe !     I  came  from  Indianer." 

Maj.  Dickason  and  wife  were  afterward  on  the  Crawfish  River,  where  Columbus  now  is,  with 
his  family.  Clark  Young  came  in  1838,  also  Alexander  McDonald.  There  were  two  other  white 
traders  at  Portage — one  by  the  name  of  Wood,  a  Scotchman,  and  one  by  the  name  of  Taffey 
Jones,  a  Welshman.  There  was  also  a  man  known  as  "  Bill  Tibbets,"  who  was  clerk  for  Henry 
Merrell. 

The  reason  for  my  making  a  claim  at  Portage  was,  the  Fox  River  had  just  been  meandered 
by  Maj.  Stevens,  of  Galena,  111.,  and  a  report  made  by  him  to  Congress  for  the  improvement  of 
the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  and  to  unite  the  same  by  canal.  Among  other  things,  the  report 
set  forth  that  the  land  was  flat  and  low  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin,  where  the  canal  began 
and  terminated  ;  that  there  was  no  place  for  a  town  to  be  built,  except  on  the  hill  where  the 
fort  stood,  or  on  the  west  side  of  the  Wisconsin  River.  Seeing  this  in  the  Oongressional  Grlobe, 
of  which  I  was  a  subscriber,  my  mind  was  made  up  to  get  that  point  at  all  hazards. 

In  1837,  when  I  made  my  claim  and  built  my  house,  and  we  were  living  in  it,  it  was  all 
chinked  with  dry  grass  that  we  cut  with  our  knives.  We  could  not  get  mud,  as  it  was  all  sand 
around  us  ;  we  also  cut  hay  for  our  beds. 

We  were  living  quite  comfortable,  when,  one  night,  while  all  were  in  bed  and  asleep,  the 
Indians  set  fire  to  the  tall  grass  on  the  windward  side  of  our  house,  and,  it  being  chinked  with 
hay,  it  caught  fire.  We  were  soon  awakened  with  smoke  and  flame.  We  had  to  run  for  our  lives 
and  get  under  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  for  protection  against  our  own  fireirms.  There 
were  four  loaded  rifies  and  two  brace  of  double-barreled  rifle-pistols,  also  loaded,  in  the  house, 
and  we  were  afraid  of  them,  not  knowing  in  what  direction  they  might  shoot.  Well,  by  this 
fire,  we  were  cast  out  of  house  and  home,  half  naked,  our  provisions  and  clothing  being  all 
destroyed. 

This  was  the  28th  of  December,  1837.  The  Wisconsin  River  closed  that  evening,  the 
anchor  ice  gorging  on  the  island  below  and  filling  up  the  channel ;  so  we  had  but  this  choice 
left :  to  cross  on  the  ice  five  hours  after  it  froze  over,  or  freeze  to  death.  There  was  some 
lumber  on  the  river,  above  the  Pauquette  place,  now  the  Barden  place.  We  went  to  the  pile, 
and,  without  any  noise,  took  from  it  each  two  boards*,  sixteen  feet  long  and  one  inch  thick, 
and  placed  them  on  the  ice.  Then,  in  a  low  whisper,  we  consulted  how  to  proceed.  Andrew 
Dunn,  who  was  my  brother-in-law  and  my  partner,  volunteered  to  go  first  and  try  to  get 
across,  and,  if  successful,  to  give  one  whistle,  which  was  the  signal  for  the  rest  to  proceed  ; 
two  whistles  were  to  be  the  sign  for  great  caution.  Dunn  and  I  both  started,  however,  and 
I  must  say  that  it  was  the  only  time  in  my  life  that  I  thought  of  dying.  Home,  sweet  home, 
with  its  many  endearments,  went  through  my  mind  like  lightning.  We  started  on  the  two 
boards,  on  our  knees,  pushing  one  board  forward,  then  leaning  on  that  board,  we  would  push 
the  other  ahead,  and  so   on  till  we  got  across.     As  soon   as  we  got  across,  we  gave   the  two 

*The  reason  for  taking  each  two  boards  waa,  that  they  would  cover  more  surface  on  the  weak  ice. 


432  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

whistles,  denoting  caution.  We  listened,  and  could  hear  our  partners  slowly  approach.  They 
got  over  safe. 

I  think  there  never  were  four  human  beings  who  tendered  up  to  the  throne  of  God  more 
fervent  prayers  than  we  did,  for  our  safe  deliverance. 

After  we  got  across,  we  went  as  fast  as  we  could,  with  nothing  on  our  feet  but  stockings. 
The  ground  was  frozen  hard,  and  no  snow  on  it.  We.  could  hardly  keep  from  freezing. 
We  got,  at  last,  to  Walsworth's  trading-house,  nearly  chilled  to  death.  We  got  warm  punch, 
drank  of  it,  felt  good,  got  something  to  eat  and  went  to  bed  on  the  floor,  with  plenty  of 
Indian  blankets  under  and  over  us.  We  left  for  our  home  at  Mineral  Point,  to  get  a  new- 
outfit. 

We  came  back  in  a  month  with  a  team  and  sleigh,  laden  with  stuff,  and  went  to  making 
rails  and  fencing.  We  lived  in  one  of  the  unoccupied  houses  belonging  to  the  American 
Fur  Company.  Some  of  the  time,  we  boarded  at  the  Indian-agency  house,  kept  by  Ubel- 
dine.  We  paid  $3  a  day  for  board,  the  currency  we  had  being  only  worth  50  cents  on  the 
dollar. 

My  partner,  Andrew  Dunn,  went  into  trade,  keeping  a  general  supply  for  lumbermen,  up 
the  river,  and,  at  the  same  time,  looked  after  our  claim.  I  went  back  to  the  lead  mines,  to 
wind  up  our  business  there,  and,  in  1840,  returned,  with  my  wife  and  family,  to  Portage,  and 
my  partner  and  I  bought  out  the  Veeder  Mills,  on  Mill  Creek,  I  taking  charge  of  the 
lumbering  department,  while  Dunn  staid  at  Portage,  keeping  a  supply  and  trading  store. 

At  this  time,  the  opening  of  the  pinery  gave  a  new  start  to  everything,  as  Portage  was 
the  general  place  of  supply.  Clark  Whitney  at  this  time  settled  at  Portage,  and  occupied  the 
old  Whitney  storehouse.  He  soon  after  got  married.  Richard  F.  Veeder  was  the  next  set- 
tler, and  occupied  a  house  of  accommodation  for  travelers.  Then  Andrew  Dunn  and  Henry 
Carpenter  built  a  hotel  where  the  United  States  Hotel  now  stands.  Next  came  Charles 
Temple,  a  lawyer,  who  married  one  of  Capt.  Low's  daughters.  Then  came  Jacob  Low,  son 
of  Capt.  Gideon  Low.  With  him  arrived  John  Schoemburgh,  a  son-in-law  of  the  last-named. 
The  next  arrival  was  John  Smith. 

X. — BY   N.    H.    WOOD. 

In  1848,  I  was  a  merchant  in  Little  Falls,  N.  Y.;  got  the  Western  land  fever,  and,  with  a 
pocketful  of  land-warrants,  attended  the  Free-Soil  Convention  held  in  Buffalo  in  August  of  that 
year,  and  left  for  a  journey  around  the  lakes  to  Milwaukee,  which  city  was  enjoying  the  first 
visit  of  a  negro  minstrel  troupe  ;  left  at  once  for  Fond  du  Lac,  where,  procuring  a  horse  and 
plats  of  Columbia  County  from  John  Bannister,  I  started  for  Fort  Winnebago.  There  were 
three  equestrians  in  the  party.  Judge  Warren,  of  Kingston,  was  the  leader.  We  took  the  old 
military  track  ;  found  but  few  settlers  between  Fond  du  Lac  and  Kingston,  the  community  at 
Cresco  being  north  of  us.  The  Judge,  who  had  avowed  his  intention  of  dining  at  the  first 
cabin  whose  mistress  had  a  clean  apron,  halted  about  north  of  what  is  now  Dartford.  The  set- 
tler had  a  field  of  ripe  oats,  and  gave  bundles  to  our  horses.  The  "  checked  apron,  clean," 
cooked  us  pork,  potatoes  and  biscuits.  At  that  day,  no  one  expected  more  at  a  hotel,  unless 
sauce  from  black,  over-ripe,  unpeeled  Jersey  peaches,  which  was  added  to   encourage  dyspepsia. 

At  Green  Lake,  or  Little  Green,  as  it  was  called,  we  found  Sat.  Clark,  a  stanch  Cass 
Democrat,  trying  to  discourage  his  ill-advised  neighbors,  who  had  met  to  form  a  "  Free-Soil 
Club,"  the  news  of  the  Buffalo  Convention  having  reached  them.  This  demonstration  and  a 
speech  afterward  at  Fond  du  Lac  by  John  Codding,  the  Free-Soiler  and  Abolitionist,  was  all  I 
heard  of  "  free-soil  "  in  Wisconsin  in  1848. 

At  Kingston,  we  found  a  hotel  without  paint,  and  a  mill  in  progress  of  construction,  per- 
haps a  dozen  houses  and  a  store.  At  Fort  Winnebago,  I  found  Capt.  Weir  and  the  garrison 
building  shining  ;  Henry  Merrill,  with  a  small  stock  denoting  Indian  trade,  and  a  departed  gar- 
rison ;  Capt.  Low  in  the  old  Franklin  House  near   by  :   Henry  Carpenter  in  a  long,  one-story 


'f^   .^/c^^^^/.t 


ARLINGTON. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  435 

building  where  the  United  States  Hotel  was  built  in  1851.  The  Deans,  of  Madison,  had  a  store 
near  Carpenter's.  "  Dick  "  Veeder  had  removed  from  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  was 
keeping  hotel  near  the  present  City  Hotel.  He  was  the  only  hotel-keeper  within  forty  miles 
who  sold  any  other  liquor  than  whisky.  Besides  these,  we  remember  Dunn,  McFarlane,  Clark, 
Whitney,  Judge  WalswOrth,  who  had  married  Pauquette's  widow,  and  kept  the  ferry,  living 
where  S.  W.  Borden  now  lives,  or,  rather,  had  his  small  office  and  a  barrel  of  whisky,  exactly 
where  Borden's  house  stands.  I  remember  the  barrel  distinctly,  because  I  was  running  section 
lines  on  the  Baraboo,  and,  as  the  expense  of  crossing  and  recrossing  the  river  to  Carpenter's 
was  $1,  I  sometimes  stopped  with  the  Judge,  and,  as  he  had  a  few  Indians  for  guests,  and  said 
Indians  were  partial  to  fleas,  I  explained  to  the  Judge  that  I  was  only  a  moderate  drinker,  and 
would  prefer  the  office.     I  was  allowed  to  sleep  on  the  floor. 

There  were  at  that  time  but  few  people  in  the  county,  among  whom  were  Mr.  Gay,  of 
Belle  Fontaine,  James  Bonney,  Mr.  Brice,  who  had  a  large  family  of  girls,  and,  I  believe,  all 
"  schoolmarms,"  for  a  short  time  only,  as  the  matrimonial  market  was  active,  and  shilling  calico 
looked  like  silk.  I  asked  Carpenter  where  I  could  get  my  linen  "  lilified."  His  reply  was, 
"  If  you  hear  of  a  d — d  homely  woman,  promise  to  marry  her,  and  you  may  get  it  done." 
Doubting  his  authority,  I  made  siege  to  Mrs.  Carpenter  and  her  girl,  who  were  both  remarka- 
bly good-looking,  and  the  bundle  came  back  washed ;  but,  remember,  I  was  then  only  twenty- 
eight  years  of  age ;  but  the  girl  got  married  speedily,  and,  one  Saturday,  Carpenter  and  myself 
visited  the  Prairie.  Perhaps  it  was  in  the  town  of  Scott,  or  Randolph,  but  then  known  as  Port- 
age Prairie,  from  Lake  Emily  to  a  great  distance  east  and  south.  We  found  the  girl  and  her 
terms,  which,  besides  a  good  salary  (which  was  expected),  she  stipulated  a  journey  home  by 
Carpenter's  team  each  Saturday,  and  a  return  journey  Monday  ;  and  it  being  Saturday,  we 
returned.  Carpenter  agreeing  to  send  his  team  again  Monday.  Such  was  "  modern  hired  help  " 
in  1848. 

In  journeying  to  and  fro,  we  only  call  to  mind  the  Welsh  settlement  in  Caledonia,  "  Daddy  " 
Robinson  at  the  mouth  of  the  Baraboo,  who  was  a  genius  in  many  respects,  and  who  could  impart 
more  animation  to  a  crowd  of  promiscuous  people  than  any  man  1  ever  saw,  except  Henry  Ward 
Beecher.  Jamison  kept  a  hotel  at  Poynette,  where,  in  the  basement  of  his  log  house,  we  could 
hear  the  best  songs  of  Robert  Burns  executed  in  a  masterly  style.  Dekorra  had  quite  a  huddle 
of  buildings.  Wilson  had  settled  in  Dekorra,  Fred  Curtis  and  Low  in  Lowville.  Lots  of 
Welsh  were  arriving,  who  first  settled  in  groves,  bordering  upon  the  prairie,  many  of  them 
without  teams,  and  foot-paths  were  more  observable  across  the  prairies  of  the  eastern  portion  of 
our  county  than  wagon  roads,  as  the  Welsh  never  neglect  the  assembling  of  themselves  together. 
The  towns  of  Marcellon,  Scott,  Randolph — indeed  the  entire  eastern  or  prairie  portion  of  the 
county — had  many  settlers  just  arrived,  among  whom  were  a  sprinkling  from  older  States  and 
England  and  Scotland. 

In  1851,  I  again  visited  Portage  and  arranged  to  have  my  buildings  put  up  in  Pacific. 
Came  this  time  by  team.  Stopped  at  Birdsey's  Hotel,  in  Columbus,  which,  being  the  oldest 
and  most  populous  town,  had,  up  to  this  time,  been  the  county  seat ;  it  had  been  removed  to 
Wyocena,  where  it  stayed  a  year,  and  was  afterward  removed  to  Fort- Winnebago,  the  records 
being  kept  in  the  barracks  and  the  courts  held  there.  A  Wyocena  farmer  had  brought  a  load 
of  oats  to  Birdsey,  who,  having  the  stage  horses  to  feed,  was  the  only  man  in  the  county  known 
to  buy  oats  regularly  for  cash,  which  was  hard  to  get  in  those  days.  Birdsey  saw  at  a  glance 
that  a  sale  of  his  oats  for  cash  was  vitally  important  to  the  Wyocenean,  and  turning  around  to 
the  farmer,  his  eye  gleaming  with  mockery,  said  to  him  :  "  Why  don't  you  sell  your  oats  at  the 
county  seat  ?  "  The  man  and  his  load  returned.  But  what  a  change  was  here  in  Portage  !  I 
found  a  young  city  on  the  Menomonee  land,  where  the  center  of  Portage  now  is,  and  all  the 
adventurers  in  the  State  were  here.  The  regular  day's  work  in  "  Gougeville,"  as  it  was  then 
called,  was  to  punish  a  respectable  amount  of  whisky,  have  several  knock-downs  and  fights,  jump 
at  least  six  claims,  and  have  as  many  lawsuits  daily — a  good  school  for  young  lawyers  and 
pettifoggers.     I  found  the  canal  partly  dug.     I  found  half  of  my  big  white-oak  trees  from  the 

H 


436     .  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Baraboo  alongside  of  the  new  locks  then  building,  and  McNeal,  the  contractor,  and  the  Canal 
Commissioner,  willing  to  pay  for  the  same,  but  insisting  that,  as  it  was  a  State  work,  the  State 
had  a  right  to  take  its  material  where  it  could  find  it.  Wonderful  to  tell,  before  I  had  fairly 
settled,  railroads,  which  were  hardly  known  west  of  Buffalo  in  1850  (which  reached  Chicago,  I 
believe,  in  1851),  "came  as  the  winds  come,"  impelled  by  a  conviction  among  our  farmers 
which  amounted  to  an  insane  desire  to  mortgage  their  farms  to  build  railroads  and  thereby 
obtain  a  permanent  fortune.  Of  course,  the  population  of  Portage,  adventurous  from  the  first, 
continually  changed,  we  losing  many  excellent  men  who  have  shone  elsewhere,  among  whom  we 
will  name  Chief  Justice  Dixon  and  Judge  Pulling,  also  C.  J.  Pettibone,  now  of  Fond  du  Lac, 
a  merchant  prince  there  and  the  hardest  competitor  the  writer  remembers.  The  first  introduc- 
tion resulted  in  the  mutual  conviction  that  we    two  should  fight  for  patronage. 

I  think  the  settlers  of  Columbia  County  generally  were  as  good  and  as  practical  men  as 
any  in  the  State  ;  the  best  of  these,  however,  chose  the  prairie,  and,  of  course,  those  who  set- 
tled in  the  sand  had  less  means,  and,  perhaps,  less  merit.  The  result,  however,  has  shown  that 
Pacific  and  Lewiston  farmers,  where  they  invested  in  stock,  dairy  and  corn-raising,  have  suc- 
ceeded remarkably  upon  small  means,  and  a  dealer  in  agricultural  implements  tells  mc  that  his 
promptest  customers  are  in  Pacific,  Lewiston,  Caledonia,  Dekorra,  Fort  Winnebago  and  towns 
rated  second-class,  their  crops  and  stock  together  seeming  to  insure  success,  with  less  disap- 
pointments than  among  more  extensive  wheat-growers. 

XI. BY    WILLIAM    T.    WHIRRY. 

From  a  retrospective  point  of  view,  it  seems  but  yesterday  that  the  stillness  of  centuries  on  prai- 
ries and  openings  was  broken  by  the  advent  of  the  pioneers  ;  but  a  present  view  (1873)  dispels  that 
illusion,  and  discloses  the  fact  that  the  writer  is  the  oldest  settler  of  the  English-speaking  popu- 
lation of  the  town,  and  very  forcibly  reminds  us  that  our  old  settlers  are  rapidly  passing  away — 
some  to  their  last  long  homes,  and  some  to  the  new  homes  in  the  West,  and  with  them  much  that 
would  be  interesting  and  instructive  to  posterity ;  and  it  is  also  to  be  regretted  that  the  history 
of  the  town  was  not  written  years  ago,  when  the  actors  were  all  here  and  able  to  refresh  each 
other's  memories  with  the  trials  and  incidents  inseparably  connected  with  a  pioneer  life,  and 
which  will  never  be  heard  of  more  ;  yet  it  is  well  to  save  from  oblivion  what  we  can  while  we 
can  ;  a  few  years  hence  would  be  too  late.  A  quarter  of  a  century  makes  great  changes  in  a 
new  country,  and  those  who  reside  here  now  know  but  little  of  the  trials  and  privations  con- 
nected with  the  early  settlement,  but  something  might  be  imagined  from  the  fact  that  in  those 
times  there  were  no  roads,  no  stores,  no  post  offices,  no  mills,  no  schools — nothing  but  a  vast 
extent  of  beautiful,  boundless  country,  just  as  nature  had  fashioned  it,  and  the  first  settler  might 
have  exclaimed,  "  I  am  monarch  of  all  I  survey." 

The  nearest  post  office  [to  the  town  of  Randolph]  was  at  Watertown ;  there  they  went  for 
groceries.;  to  Watertown  or  Janesville  to  mill ;  to  Columbus  to  vote,  and  to  Fond  du  Lac  to 
attend  district  conventions;  our  Senate  and  Assembly  Districts  (then  called  Council  and  Repre- 
sentative), even  as  late  as  1846,  consisted  of  ivhat  was  then  the  counties  of  Manitowoc,  Sheboy- 
gan, Brown.  Marquette,  Fond  du  Lac,  Portage,  Calumet  and  Winnebago,  nearly  one-third  of 
the  State.  Then,  again,  imagine  the  difference  in  living,  for  in  those  days  wheat  flour  was  a  very 
scarce  article,  because  but  few  could  raise  any  wheat  until  they  had  been  here  two  seasons,  one 
to  break  up  the  land  and  rot  it,  and  another  to  raise  the  crop  in  ;  and,  if  a  family  got  out  of 
flour,  there  were  no  stores  to  go  to  in  order  to  buy  more,  and  but  seldom  any  money ;  nothing 
to  do  but  borrow  (unless,  as  was  sometimes  the  case,  all  hands  were  out),  until  some  lazy  ox 
team  arrived  with  all  the  grists  of  the  neighborhood,  after  an  absence  of  perhaps  a  week  or  more. 
Buckwheat  and  cornmeal  was  extensively  used,  the  former  sometimes  ground  in  a  coffee-mill  and 
screened  through  a  cloth  and  made  into  pancakes,  and  when  they  had  flour  they  frequently  had 
nothing  to  mix  with  it  but  water,  and  no  meat,  potatoes,  butter  or  milk,  to  eat  with  it,  and,  after 
it  was  baked,  it  was  as  hard  as  a  stone;  but  it  had  one  redeeming  quality,  it  would  keep  well, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  437 

SO  that  the  getting-up  of  a  meal  was  a  simple  operation  after  the  bread  was  baked.  The  cook 
was  not  puzzled  to  know  whether  the  meal  would  suit  the  taste  of  all  or  not ;  there  were  no  side 
glances  cast  around  the  board  to  see  what  delicacies  were  put  on  to  tempt  the  appetite ;  no  one 
said  "Not  any,  I  thank  you."  Hard  tack  was  all  that  they  expected  and  hard  tack  they  got, 
and  they  were  satisfied,  and  believed  that  man's  natural  wants  were  but  very  few  indeed.  Again, 
all  the  schooling  their  children  got,  was  what  they  were  taught  at  home  by  some  one  of  the  family 
or  by  any  female  they  could  find  who  could  read,  write  and  cipher,  and  could  be  spared  a  few 
hours  a  day  to  instruct  them,  which  was  a  rare  thing,  as  they  had  all  too  much  work  to  do ;  for 
as  soon  as  a  settler  had  selected  a  piece  of  land,  the  first  thing  to  be  done  was  to  provide  shelter 
for  his  family,  which,  with  some  of  the  earliest  settlers,  was  done  by  setting  some  crotclies  in 
the  ground  and  covering  the  tops  with  poles  and  wild  hay,  and  the  sides  in  the  same  manner, 
making  a  primitive  shelter,  impervious  to  wind  and  water  ;  and  in  some  instances,  if  the  family 
was  large  or  they  took  in  boarders — which  was  frequently  the  case  in  consequence  of  newcomers 
arriving — they  would  make  bedrooms  in  the  same  manner  but  on  a  smaller  scale,  just  high  enough 
to  creep  into,  and  just  long  enough  to  lie  at  full  length,  and  with  the  ground  covered  with  hay; 
and  though  they  didn't  exactly  live  in  clover  it  was  the  next  thing  to  it — they  lived  in  hay  and 
were  comfortable  and  contented,  and  when  night  came  they  would  creep  into  their  nests  and 
sleep  soundly,  while  packs  of  cowardly,  hungry  wolves  rent  the  air  with  their  unearthly  bowl- 
ings, for  the  reader  must  bear  in  mind  that,  for  a  number  of  years,  the  large  gray  wolves  were 
quite  numerous,  and  that  the  smaller  prairie  wolves  were  very  plenty,  running  in  packs  and 
howling  all  night  long ;  and  also,  as  a  matter  of  course,  deer  were  very  plenty,  but  when  the 
deer  left  or  were  killed  off,  the  wolves  left  also.  But  to  return — a  few  who  came  late  in  the 
season,  or  were  not  able  to  build  a  house  in  time,  and,  dreading  the  cold  winter,  would  dig  a 
hole  in  the  ground  and  cover  the  top  with  boards  or  hay,  and  in  such  a  burrow  or  dungeon  they 
passed  their  first  long  and  dreary  Wisconsin  winter,  and  patiently,  yet  anxiously,  awaited  the 
approach  of  spring.  How  they  passed  their  time  must  be  left  to  the  imagination  of  the  reader, 
for  even  a  log  house  must  be  a  palace  in  comparison  with  a  hole  in  the  ground.  To  one  of  these 
subterranean  dwellings  a  surveyor  came  one  day  in  the  spring,  according  to  appointment,  to  sur- 
vey the  land,  but  a  heavy  snowstorm  had  fallen  during  the  night,  and  he  found  the  place 
with  difficulty,  and  only  by  shouting  and  waiting  until  those  below  had  heard  him  and  dug  their 
way  out  through  the  heavy  snowdrifts.  But  after  these  temporary  shelters  had  been  provided, 
the  next  thing  to  be  done  (and  that  was  their  highest  ambition  at  that  time),  was  to  build  a  log 
house,  which  was  done  by  cutting  and  hauling  the  logs,  splitting  out  some  oak  shingles,  or  haul- 
ing some  logs  to  a  mill  to  be  sawed  into  boards  for  floor,  roof,  etc.,  making  it  a  hee,  rolling  up 
the  logs  and  chinking  and  daubing  the  interstices  with  mud  or  clay.  Every  one  helped  cheer- 
fully, and  it  is  pleasant  to  think  how  proud  evei'y  one  was  to  have  such  rude  hovels  to  live  in  ; 
and  many  did  live  in  them  for  years,  quite  comfortable  and  happy.  Some  of  our  well-to-do 
farmers,  who  now  live  in  stately  mansions,  recollect  with  pleasure  the  many  happy  years  spent 
in  that  old  log  house,  with  parlor,  kitchen,  bedroom  and  storeroom,  all  in  one,  with  its  pole  lad- 
der to  mount  up  into  the  chamber,  which  was  another  single  room  of  low  dimensions,  perhaps 
divided  off  with  quilts,  blankets,  etc.,  and  it  would  puzzle  many  a  good  housewife  now  to  stow 
away  so  many  mortals  as  used  to  find  accommodations  in  that  old  log  house,  for  if  travelers  or 
emigrants  came  along  they  were  welcomed  in  a  spirit  of  hospitality  seen  nowhere  at  the  present 
day.  Taverns  had  been  left  behind,  and  it  was  considered  a  pleasure  to  divide  what  little  they 
had  with  them,  and  to  those  who  thought  of  settling  there  to  assist  them  in  looking  up  land, 
nearly  all  seeming  to  try  who  could  do  the  most  to  help  the  stranger  in  a  strange  land  ;  and  it 
cheered  up  many  a  one  who  was  fatigued  and  discouraged  with  the  trials  they  had  undergone 
since  leaving  a  comfortable  and  perhaps  luxurious  home  elsewhere.  These  were  times  that  tried 
men's  souls,  and  bodies,  too,  for  there  was  work  to  be  done  which  money  could  not  purchase  if 
they  had  it ;  but  money  was  a  scarce  article,  so  that  all  hands  had  to  work,  and  they  did  work 
with  a  will.  Fences  had  to  be  made,  which  required  some  hard  work  pounding  to  split  the  logs 
into  rails,  and  before   they  could  raise  a  crop  the   land   had   to  be  broken  up,  which  required 


438  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

five  yoke  of  oxen  attached  to  a  stout  breaking  plow ;  and  then,  after  they  had  raised  a  crop  of 
wheat,  it  had  to  be  hauled  by  teams  all  the  way  to  Milwaukee,  over  roads  which  would  now  be 
called  impassable,  and  only  to  get  from  40  to  50  cents  per  bushel ;  and  many  times  it  has  taken 
the  proceeds  of  a  load  to  pay  the  expenses,  as  will  be  recollected  to  the  sorrow  of  many  an  old 
settler.  The  writer  remembers  an  instance  of  a  man  who  stopped  on  his  place  while  going  to 
Milwaukee  with  a  load  of  wheat,  and  stopped  again  on  his  return,  about  two  weeks  after,  stating 
that  he  had  spent  the  proceeds  of  his  load,  and  had  been  compelled  to  borrow  $5  in  order  to 
enable  him  to  return  home.  After  that,  can  any  one  wonder  that  the  railroad  swindlers  and 
their  agents  succeeded  so  well  in  getting  nearly  all  the  farmers  whose  farms  were  unencumbered 
to  mortgage  them  and  be  thus  cheated. 

It  is  hard  to  tell  who  were  the  first  white  persons  who  ever  set  foot  on  territory  now  con- 
stituting the  town  of  Randolph;  but  there  is  not  much  doubt  that  they  were  hunters,  for  a 
Frenchman,  who  died  about  three  years  ago  near  Lake  Emily,  over  one  hundred  years  of  age, 
was  wont  to  relate  to  the  writer  that  these  prairies  and  the  adjacent  lakes  and  marshes  used  to 
be  a  favorite  resort  of  Canadian  hunters,  of  whom  he  was  one,  who  used  to  come  here  annually, 
over  fifty  years  ago,  in  quest  of  furs,  etc.,  at  which  time  deer  and  other  game  were  very  numer- 
ous ;  and  in  1846,  in  one  of  my  rambles,  I  found  on  an  island  in  the  marsh,  on  Section  1,  the 
bleached  skull  and  about  one-half  of  the  bones  of  a  human  being  scattered  about  in  different 
directions  ;  they  had  probably  Iain  there  a  number  of  years,  as  every  particle  of  flesh  and  sinew 
was  gone.  I  took  the  skull  and  jawbone,  and  kept  them  in  the  granary  for  a  number  of  years, 
but  they  were  finally  stolen.  All  who  saw  the  skull  were  of  the  opinion  that  it  was  the  skull  of 
a  white  man,  but  whether  it  was  the  remains  of  some  early  pioneer  or  hunter  who  had  been 
killed  by  his  companions  in  a  quarrel,  or  had  lost  his  way  and  perished,  or  whether  brought 
there  a  captive  by  the  Indians  and  killed  by  them  and  devoured  by  wolves,  no  one  could  tell ; 
it  has  remained  a  mystery,  and,  probably,  always  will.  It  is  possible  that,  had  he  lived,  he 
would  have  figured  in  this  sketch  as  the  first  settler  in  this  town,  if  a  white  man,  of  which  there 
is  not  much  doubt,  as  it  is  well  known  that  the  Indians  take  great  care  of  their  dead.  About 
the  time  these  bones  were  found,  there  was  an  Indian  encampment  near  Lake  Emily,  and  while 
there,  one  of  their  squaws  died,  and  they  bandaged  her  body  up  with  matting,  etc.,  and  kept  it 
up  a  tree  for  about  two  months  while  they  remained  there,  and  when  they  left  they  took  it  with 
them,  so  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  call  him  the  first  settler;  at  any  rate,  he  was  settled,  and  so  we 
will  leave  him.  To  most  persons,  it  may  seem  hard  tobe  disposed  of  thus,  but,  as  Byron  says : 
"  What  matters  where  we  fall  to  fill  the  maws  of  worms  ?  " 

Yet,  we  all  wish  to  have  our  remains  kept  together  and  to  be  decently  buried  when  we  die ;  yet 
methinks  that  when  Gabriel  blows  his  trump  at  the  last  day,  and  the  dead  come  forth  from  their 
graves,  this  poor  fellow  will  have  quite  a  job  to  get  his  bones  together.* 

Hamilton  Stevens,  who  first  located  at  Lake  Emily,  selected  the  first  land  in  the  town  of 
Randolph,  in  1843,  on  Section  24,  afterward  sold  to  A.  B.  Alden.  Said  Stevens  had  three 
daughters,  named  Emily,  Maria  and  Sarah,  and  it  is  said  the  three  lakes  of  those  names  were  so 
named  by  him — the  first  in  Dodge  County,  the  second  in  Green  Lake  County,  and  the  last  in 
Randolph.  He  made  a  business,  principally,  of  locating  land,  and  would  show  new-comers 
Government  land,  make  a  bargain,  settle  them  on  it,  and  then  post  off  to  the  land  ofiice  to  enter 
it.  A  good  joke  is  told  of  him :  A  road  had  been  recently  laid  out  to  Columbus,  through  the 
timber  in  what  is  now  Courtland,  and  the  trees  had  the  usual  mark  of  the  letter  H,  signifying 
highway.  The  new-comers  asked  what  H  meant.  Stevens  replied,  in  his  usual  rough,  bom- 
bastic way,  "  Hamilton  Stevens,  by  G — d  !  "  His  companions  were,  of  course,  astonished  at 
his  great  wealth,  as  they  imagined,  for  in  their  travels  they  had  seen  that  H  so  frequently  that 
they  concluded  that  Stevens  had  bought  out  Uncle  Sam,  or,  at  least,  that  portion  of  the  United 
States  which  was  situated  in  Wisconsin. 


*  Since  the  above  was  written,  I  havo  been  infurined  of  the  following  incident,  which  may  be  a  solution  of  the  mystery  :  In  1839,  on© 
of  the  soldiers  of  Fort  Winnebago  left  on  a  drunken  spree,  and  never  returned.  He  was  Jast  seen  by  the  mail.carrier,  near  Wyocena,  in  a  nude 
state  jiiid  inajine,     A  6e;irch  for  bim  discnvered  only  his  clothes.     He  was  never  beard  of  more. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  439 

XII. BY    AMPLIUS    CHAMBERLAIN. 

In  September,  1849,  Mr.  Levi  Thomas,  W.  R.  Clough,  Mr.  Bemus  and  myself,  all  of  us 
from  Elkhorn,  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  started  with  two  yoke  of  oxen  and  a  lumber  wagon, 
taking  along  sufficient  cooking  utensils,  blankets  and  provisions,  preparatory  to  camping  out. 
We  started  north  by  way  of  Whitewater,  Fort  Atkinson,  Lake  Mills,  Waterloo  and  Columbus  to 
Portage,  or  what  was  better  known  at  that  time  as  Fort  Winnebago.  Then  there  was  but  one 
store  at  Portage,  and  that  was  kept  by  Smith  &  Wilson,  the  former  of  whom  died  in  Portage  a 
few  years  ago.  Wilson  is  now  a  resident  of  New  Lisbon,  Juneau  County.  That  store  and  the 
old  Veeder  House,  a  part  of  the  old  City  Hotel,  constituted,  I  think,  all  the  buildings  at  Port- 
age. Carpenter  and  Sylvester  were  keeping  each  a  tavern  one  mile  below,  on  the  flat.  The 
old  Franklin  House  stood  midway  between  the  Wisconsin  River  and  Fort  Winnebago,  and  was 
kept  as  a  hotel.  Thomas  Reynolds,  since  better  known  as  Col.  Tom  Reynolds,  of  Madison,  had 
just  commenced  work  on  the  canal  at  the  fort.  We  looked  about  Portage  for  a  day  or  so  ;  then 
continued  on  our  journey  over  what  was  then  known  as  the  "  old  pinery  road,"  and  at  that  time 
that  was  the  only  road  leading  north  into  the  pinery.  Claims  had  been  taken  along  the  line  of 
that  road,  and  settlers  (a  few  of  them)  living  on  the  claims. 

Among  the  most  prominent  between  Portage  and  Walsworth's  place  was  E.  F.  Lewis,  who 
is  now  living  on  the  same  place  where  he  made  his  first  claim.  He  lived  for  some  time  under 
the  cover  of  his  wagon-box  for  shelter,  and,  by  the  way,  I  retain  a  reminiscence  of  my  first 
night's  lodging  at  E.  F.  Lewis'.  He  had  then  moved  into  a  part  of  his  new  log  house  ;  had  one 
room,  where  they  cooked,  ate  and  slept — all  his  guests,  as  well  as  his  own. family.  Before  going 
to  bed  that  night,  we  kille  1  three  good-sized  rattlesnakes  between  the  sleepers  of  an  unfinished 
addition  he  was  building  to  his  house.  After  this  excitement  was  over,  we  all  went  to  bed  in 
one  room,  and  I  was  contrasting  in  my  mind  the  changed  situation  from  my  own  home  at  Elk- 
horn  and  where  we  were  there.  As  I  was  about  going  to  sleep,  I  heard  a  wagon  drive  up  full 
speed,  several  persons  get  out  and  walk  into  the  unfinished  part  of  the  house,  and  open  the  door 
into  where  we  all  were.  The  first  word  spoken  or  sign  given  that  I  heard  was,  "  Rise,  Jupiter, 
and  snuff  the  moon  I"  Lewis  understood  how  it  was,  and  struck  a  light,  at  the  same  time  say- 
ing, "  What's  up  now,  Walsworth  ?"  It  was  Walsworth,  whom  all  old  settlers  of  this  country 
will  recollect.  The  first  thing  was  a  bottle  of  whisky,  which  Walsworth  had  possession  of,  and 
every  one  in  that  room  had  to  rise  up  and  take  a  drink,  nationality  or  sex  not  being  allowed  as 
an  excuse. 

We  continued  our  journey  on  the  pinery  road  as  far'  as  Walsworth's  place.  At  that  time, 
there  was  no  actual  settlement  made  north  of  the  old  pinery  road  for  some  miles.  A  few 
claims  had  been  marked  out,  but  not  occupied.  The  claims  which  include  what  is  known  as 
Briggsville  were  taken  by  two  men  named  Aaron  Town  and  Jonathan  Butterfield.  Mr.  Town 
had  gone  back  to  New  Hampshire  for  his  family,  who  did  not  arrive  on  his  claim  until  March, 
1850.  Butterfield  was  stopping  at  Walsworth's.  This  Butterfield  was  a  man  of  rather  more 
ability  naturally  than  the  common  run  of  first  settlers,  and  was  from  one  of  the  finest  and  most 
respectable  families  in  Orange  County,  Vt.  I  was  well  acquainted  with  most  of  his  relatives, 
but  had  lost  sight  of  him  for  years,  and  never  knew  where  he  was  until  I  found  him  at 
this  time.  He  was  an  old  bachelor,  and  was  one  of  the  party  that  came  across  the  country 
from  Milwaukee  to  Madison  at  the  commencement  of  building  the  State  capitol.  He  helped  to 
get  on  the  first  timber  for  the  first  capitol  building  in  the  State.  After  leaving  Madison, 
he  made  a  claim  on  Portage  Prairie,  I  think  in  Leeds.  He  sold  to  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Bralley,  and  then  made  the  claim  including  ground  on  which  the  village  of  Baraboo  is  built. 
He  held  this  for  a  year,  and  sold,  I  think,  to  a  man  by  name  of  Brown.  His  next  and  last 
claim  was  known  as  the  water-power  claim,  ani  included  the  ground  on  which  the  village  of 
Briggsville  is  built.  Whisky  was  his  worst  enemy,  and  he  had  been  so  long  away  from  society, 
and  so  much  addicted  to  drinking,  that  whatever  good  qualities  he  might  at  some  previous  time 
have  possessed,  seemed  to  have  been  wholly  undermined.     He  seemed  but  a  wreck  of  better 


440  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUI^TY. 

days.  One  of  his  last  remarks  before  his  death  conveyed  some  idea  that  he  was  almost  certain 
that  it  would  be  all  right  with  him,  and  was  characteristic  of  his  mode  of  living.  After  he  had 
been  on  a  spree  of  a  week,  he  came  back  to  his  boarding-place  on  Saturday,  broken  down  and 
nearly  used  up.  The  lady  where  he  was  boarding,  through  kindness,  talked  to  him  of  his 
course  of  living,  saying  :  "  You  are  getting  old,  Mr.  Butterfield  ;  and  without  any  of  your 
relatives  about  you,  and  but  few  friends  that  take  any  special  interest  in  you  ;  and  you  are  a 
man  capable  of  better  deeds,  and  should  be  laying  up  something  to  help  you  in  case  of  long 
sickness  and  to  prevent  your  becoming  a  public  charge."  His  answer  was  ready  and  quick: 
"  I  shall  never  trouble  my  friends  in  sickness  nor  become  a  public  charge.  I  shall  die  quick 
when  I  die."  This  was  on  Sunday,  and  on  Monday  morning  he  started  to  go  to  the  mill  (we 
had  got  a  mill  at  this  time  running  at  his  old  claim,  now  Briggsville) ;  on  his  way  he  met  two 
men  in  the  vicinity  of  O.xford  inquiring  the  way  to  Portage  on  the  new  pinery  road  (at 
that  time  we  had  a  new  river  line  out  from  the  mill  to  Portage,  which  is  now  known  as  the  new- 
pinery  road),  and,  as  Butterfield  had  interestetl  himself  considerably  in  the  new  road,  he  offered 
his  services  in  piloting  them  over  it  to  Portage,  which  they  accepted.  When  within  about  two 
miles  of  Portage,  they  heard  Butterfield  make  a  rather  strange  noise,  and,  looking  around,  they 
saw  he  had  fallen  back  from  his  seat  and  was  dead — thus  verifying  the  saying  he  had  made  to 
Mrs.  Litchfield  the  day  before.  He  was  taken  back,  and  buried  on  the  banks  of  Small  Lake, 
near  Briggsville,  on  the  last  ground  claimed  by  him.  At  the  time  we  made  our  claims, 
the  subdivisions  into  sections  of  the  land  had  not  been  completed  by  Government.  All  that 
was  necessary  to  be  done  to  secure  a  claim  was  to  look  at  some  land,  get  on  some  high  point  and 
claim  what  you  could  see,  mark  your  corners,  blaze  your  line,  build  your  claim  shanty,  move 
and  live  upon  it  within  a  certain  time,  being  careful  you  did  not  encroach  on  any  other's  claim. 
At  this  time,  we  seemed  out  of  any  judicial  law  district,  still  we  were,  as  we  considered  it,  under 
still  higher  power,  being  under  the  three  existing  claim  laws  of  this  country,  dealt  out  by  the 
high  court  of  Judges  Walsworth,  Tulls  and  Smith.  Many  a  novel  scene  have  I  witnessed 
transacted  in  those  high  courts,  which  would  be  interesting,  perhaps,  to  those  not  acquainted 
with  this  sort  of  government.  It  was  all  very  well  in  its  time  and  place  in  the  absence 
of  a  better  form,  but  1  think  they  sometimes  overreach,  as  some  of  our  first  settlers  found  out 
to  their  sorrow,  one  or  two  of  them  having  served  quite  a  time  in  the  old  Marquette  County 
jail  on  account  of  holding  on  too  long  to  claim  law,  and  until  LTncle  Sam  overtook  them.  At 
this  time,  we  made  claims  near  the  Town  and  Butterfield  claims,  that  is,  Thomas  and  myself. 
Bemus  did  not  like  the  situation,  and  returned  to  Elkhorn.  W.  R.  Clough,  father  of  the  pres- 
ent Principal  of  the  Portage  High  School,  settled  in  Portage,  and  lived  there  until  his  death, 
in  1869. 

At  this  time  (1849),  no  families  had  moved  on  their  claims  north  of  the  pinery  road.  In 
October,  1849,  I  returned  to  Walworth  County,  and,  in  January,  1850,  I  moved  with  my  fam- 
ily, which  consisted  of  my  wife  and  one  child.  Mr.  Levi  Thomas  returned  to  Elkhorn  in  1849, 
and  remained  there,  never  returning  to  his  claim.  Our  nearest  neighbors  were  three  miles 
away,  until  the  spring  of  1850,  and  we  had  no  road  from  the  old  pinery  road  to  Neenali  Creek. 
Mr.  H.  S.  Thomas,  Mr.  Robert  Thompson  and  Mr.  Town,  with  their  families,  came  in  1850. 
That  same  season  a  dozen  or  more  families  arrived  and  made  settlement  Mr.  A.  E.  Briggs 
came  here  from  Shoreham,  Vt.,  in  the  fall.  He  and  myself  purchased  an  interest  in  the  water- 
power  claim  of  Butterfield  &  Town,  and  commenced  work  on  the  dam,  which  was  the  com- 
mencement of  improvements  at  Briggsville.  We  first  built  a  saw-mill,  having  to  haul  all  our 
lumber  and  supplies  from  Portage ;  started  a  store,  having  to  haul  the  goods  by  team  from 
Milwaukee.  In  1853,  Hiram  and  Lysander  Chapman,  who  came  from  the  State  of  New  York, 
took  an  interest  with  us,  and  commenced  building  a  tlouring-mill.  About  this  time,  Mr. 
William  Murphy  arrived  and  commenced  selling  goods,  and  is  a  well-to-do  and  flourishing  mer- 
chant at  that  place  now.  Soon  after,  Mr.  L.  Waters  came  on  from  Vermont,  and  built  a  store 
and  commenced  business.  He  sold  and  went  to  Randolph,  Columbia  County,  and  Charles 
Waldo  is  now  his  successor,  and  is  doing  a  good  business  at  that  place. 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  441 

The  first  hotel  there  was  owned  and  kept  by  Charles  Mason.  The  first  lumber  manufact- 
ured after  getting  our  saw-mill  running,  was  some  heavy  oak  plank  and  joists,  to  be  used  in 
the  building  of  the  first  jail  erected  at  Portage.  The  plank  was  taken,  on  a  flatboat,  down  the 
Neenah  Creek  to  Fox  River,  and  thence  up  the  Fox  to  Fort  Winnebago.  When  the  survey- 
ors made  the  subdivisions,  the  land  overflowed,  by  reason  of  the  dam,  was  platted  as  Lake 
Mason. 

For  some  time  after  the  first  settlement,  in  the  absence  of  regular  attorneys,  Mr.  R.  S. 
Thomas  and  myself  had  to  assume  the  position  of  pettifoggers.  Sometimes,  our  village  Justice 
and  high  court  in  those  days  used  to  get  tired,  adjourn  court  and  take  a  rest  or  go  to  sleep. 
In  the  mean  time,  the  attorneys,  jurymen,  witnesses,  plaintifi"  and  defendant  would  engage  in  a 
social  game  of  seven-up.  It  has  happened  that,  when  the  court  woke  up,  he  found  all  hands 
gone.  During  the  social  game,  the  parties  all  became  reconciled,  and,  by  advice  of  able  coun- 
sel, the  case  was  settled,  and  the  court  beat  out  of  his  fees. 

John  Brickwell,  now  of  Portage,  was  one  of  the  first  settlers,  having  made  a  claim  between 
Lewis  and  Walworth,  on  the  old  pinery  road.  He  took  his  first  lessons  in  the  justice  business 
and  law  practice  when  living  on  his  claim,  but  was  not  the  Justice  I  have  referred  to,  that  used 
to  adjourn  his  court  to  take  a  nap. 

XIII. — BY    MOSES    M.    STRONG. 

During  the  winter  of  1837,  I  was  employed  by  James  Duane  Doty  to  survey  and  stake  ofi" 
the  capitol  square,  now  usually  designated  "  the  park,"  in  Madison,  and  some  lots  in  the  vicin- 
ity. On  the  17th  of  February,  John  Catlin  and  I  started  from  Mineral  Point  to  perform  this 
work.  We  spent  the  first  night  at  the  house  of  John  Messersmith,  about  twelve  miles  east  of 
Mineral  Point,  where  we  engaged  his  son  George  to  go  with  us.  Before  we  again  started,  we 
were  joined  by  Josiah  A.  Noonan,  who  desired  to  have  some  surveying  done  in  the  same  vicin- 
ity.     I  kept  a  diary  while  absent,  and  I  find  these  entries  therein : 

"February  17.  Bought  surveying-chain,  shirt  and  gloves,  and  same  day  started,  with 
John  Catlin,  for  Madison,  and  stayed  at  Messersmith's.  J.  A.  Noonan  joined  us,  bringing  a  let- 
ter from  Judge  Doty.     Noonan  will  go  with  us  to  Madison. 

"  February  18.  Bought,  at  Ebenezer  Brigham's,  provisions  for  the  excursion,  at  $15,  and 
went  on  to  Steel's,  on  Hanly's  Creek  [near  what  is  now  Cross  Plains  Station,  on  Black  Earth 
Creek,  town  of  Cross  Plains,  Dane  County],  Noonan  and  George  Messersmith  in  company. 

"  February  19.  Went  to  Michael  St.  Cyr's,  and  finished  Noonan's  work  on  north  side  of 
Fourth  Lake  [now  Lake  Mendota],  and  slept  at  St.  Cyr's. 

"  February  20.  Finished  meanders,  on  Fourth  and  Little  Lake  [the  latter  now  known 
as  Lake  Wingra]. 

"  February  21.  Finished  Noonan's  meanders  on  Third  Lake  [now  Lake  Monona],  and  he 
paid  me  $70  for  myself  and  Catlin.     Then  we  commenced  work  for  Doty,  at  Madison. 

"  February  22.  Continued  Doty's  work,  at  Madison.  Camped  there,  and  at  daylight 
were  driven  oif  by  a  severe  snowstorm.     We  went  to  St.  Cyr's  and  spent  the  day. 

"  February  23.     Remained  at  St.  Cyr's,  because  of  the  snowstorm. 

"  February  24.     Continued  Doty's  work,  at  Madison,  and  camped  there. 

"  February  25.     Continued  Doty's  work,  at   Madison,  and  went  to  St.  Cyr's. 

"  February  26.  Returned  to  Madison  and  finished  all  of  Doty's  work  west  of  canal,  and 
then  went  to  Wallace  Rowan's  and  slept,  having  paid  St.  Cyr  $13.50." 

Rowan  lived  about  twelve  miles  south  of  Fort  Winnebago  at  that  time,  where  now  is  Poy- 
nette,  Columbia  County.  He  lived  in  the  ordinary  log  house  of  those  days.  We  slept  on 
the  floor.  There  was  no  appearance  of  his  having  just  arrived  there,  though  I  cannot  say  just 
how  long  he  had  been  living  at  that  place. 

From  Rowan's  we  went  to  the  Wisconsin  River ;  followed  down  that  stream  to  Helena, 
and  thence  went  to  Mineral  Point.  I  am  positive  this  was  in  February,  1837,  both  from  my 
recollection  and  from  documentary  evidence  in  my  possession. 


442  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


XIV. BY    CHARLES    AVIIITTLESEY. 

We  arrived  at  Fort  Winnebago  late  at  night,  having  made  one  hundred  and  forty  miles  in 
two  and  a  half  days.  [This  was  in  September,  1832.]  Fifty  miles  of  this  day's  travel  lay  in 
a  rolling  prairie,  over  which  a  two-horse  carriage  traveled  in  company ;  although  no  road  had 
been  constructed,  nothing  occurred  to  hinder  the  process  of  a  vehicle  except  an  occasional  marsh. 
On  the  right  of  our  track  lay,  at  irregular  distances,  the  Fox  River,  amd  "  Opukwa,"  or  Rice 
Lakes,  which  were  distantly  seen  as  we  rose  the  swells  of  the  country.  The  garrison  is  at  the 
portage,  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  on  a  handsome  rise,  overlooking  the  immediate 
valley  of  both  streams.  This  valley  is  a  meadow  or  swamp,  about  a  half  a  mile  across,  over 
which  the  waters  of  both  channels  mingle,  in  time  of  flood,  floating  boats  from  the  valley  of  the 
Mississippi  to  the  valley  of  the  lakes.  Goods  destined  for  posts  on  the  Upper  Mississippi,  from 
the  East,  are  here  carted  across  and  committed  to  the  current  of  the  Wisconsin.  This  river 
has  capacity  for  steamboat  navigation,  but  is  filled  with  movable  sand  bars  from  the  portage  to 
its  mouth. 

From  the  fort  there  were  traveled  roads  leading  to  the  Mississippi  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  or 
Fort  Crawford,  at  the  mouth  of  Fever  River,  near  Galena,  and  at  other  points.  After  two  days' 
rest,  we  took  the  route  for  Galena  by  way  of  the  "  Blue  Mounds."  At  the  distance  of  about 
fifteen  miles  in  a  southwesterly  direction,  the  traveler  discovers  that  he  has,  imperceptibly, 
attained  an  elevation  commanding  the  timbered  valley  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  from  which  the 
stockade  and  white  houses  of  the  garrison  are  distinctly  visible.  On  the  east  and  northeast,  the 
Baribou  [Baraboo]  hills  rise  out  of  the  flat  woodland  and  stretch  away  northwardly  toward  Lake 
Superior.  He  stands  upon  an  eminence  of  five  hundred  feet,  sloping  gently  down  on  all  sides, 
covered  with  waving  grass.  On  the  east  and  south,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  distinguish,  he  per- 
ceives a  succession  of  similar  hills,  their  rounded  summits  ranging  irregularly  around — not  a 
tree,  nor  a  stone  nor  any  fixed  object  to  be  seen  in  the  whole  prospect.  In  the  spacious  valleys 
that  intervene,  millions  of  small  flowers  mingle  their  bright  colors  with  the  green  of  the 
meadows,  chastening  and  ruralizing  the  scene.  An  excitable  person  would  exclaim  at  the  sub- 
limity of  such  a  scene,  having  the  grandeur  of  a  mountain  without  its  loftiness,  and  the  com- 
mand of  the  sea  without  its  monotony.  A  painter  would  pass  from  the  grand  outlines  and  dwell 
with  delight  upon  the  beauty  of  its  details. 

It  was  through  such  a  country,  varied  by  a  few  small  lakes,  that  we  spent  this  day.  We 
startled  a  plenty  of  grouse,  and  frequently  saw  the  deer  quietly  feeding  on  the  hillsides,  secure 
from  our  rifles  in  the  distance.  The  sight  of  a  prairie  wolf  was  not  an  uncommon  thing.  This 
animal  differs  materially  from  the  common  wolf,  being  less  in  size,  of  a  gray  color,  and  wanting 
in  speed.  The  former  feeds  upon  the  mice  and  small  animals  of  the  low  prairie,  seldom  assault- 
ing the  farmyard.  He  is  less  ferocious  than  the  fox-tailed  wolf,  and  may  be  soon  overtaken 
with  a  fleet  horse.  Their  uniform  practice  in  regard  to  us,  after  running  away  at  a  moderate 
step  a  couple  of  yards,  was  to  face  about  and  examine  the  company.  There  were  no  Indians 
along  the  route. 

XV. BY    FREEDOM    SIMONS. 

My  father,  James  H.  Simons,  was  a  soldier  of  the  war  of  1812.  I  was  born  in  the  war- 
time, when  my  father,  with  others,  was  fighting  for  liberty ;  hence  they  gave  me  the  appropriate 
name  of  Freedom.  Sardis  Dudley,  my  wife's  father,  was  also  a  soldier,  and  both  were  pioneer 
settlers  of  Cayuga  County,  N.  Y.  I  started  from  Cayuga  County,  N.  Y.,  on  the  6th 
day  of  September,  1842,  with  my  family,  consisting  of  my  wife  and  three  children.  I  came  by 
way  of  the  Erie  Canal  and  the  great  lakes.  We  anchored  in  the  Bay  of  Milwaukee,  a  half- 
mile  off"  shore,  on  the  17th  of  September,  1842.  There  were  no  docks  nor  piers  there,  at  that 
early  date,  and  our  only  chance  of  getting  ourselves  and  goods  on  shore  was  by  a  small  boat, 
called  a  lighter.  We  thought  we  had  paid  our  fare  to  Milwaukee,  but  here  was  an  additional 
expense.     We  were  pulled  over  the  sand-bar  and  up  the  Milwaukee  River  to  Dousman's  little, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  443 

one-story  warehouse,  which,  at  that  period,  accommodated  all  the  freight  business  of  Milwaukee. 
As  there  were  no  public  conveyances  inland  at  that  early  date,  the  best  thing  we  could  do  was 
to  charter  what  was  known  in  those  days  as  a  "sucker  team,"  a  huge  canvas-covered  wagon, 
drawn  by  five  yoke  of  oxen.  After  hard,  weary  traveling  over  broad  marshes,  crossing  bridges 
made  of  tamarack  poles,  in  six  days  we  arrived  at  Prairie  du  Sac,  the  place  of  our  destination. 

In  the  spring  of  1843,  after  experiencing  an  extremely  cold  and  snowy  winter,  we  moved 
over  the  Wisconsin  River,  into  Dane  County,  and  settled  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Spring- 
field. Ours  was  the  only  house  between  the  outskirts  of  Madison  and  the  Wisconsin  River,  a 
distance  of  twenty-two  miles.  North,  toward  Fort  Winnebago,  the  nearest  house  was  fifteen 
miles,  near  where  the  village  of  Poynette  now  stands ;  while  south,  toward  Mineral  Point,  we 
had  neighbors  within  eight  miles.     In  the  fall  of  184-3,  a  few  settlers  came  in. 

In  the  spring  of  1844,  I  took  part  in  the  election.  The  voting  precinct  consisted  of  all 
the  territory  between  the  Fourth  Lake  and  the  Wisconsin  River.  At  this  first  election,  west  of 
Madison,  seven  votes  were  polled.  I  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and,  through  the  influ- 
ence of  John  Catlin,  of  Madison,  received,  the  same  year,  the  appointment  of  Postmaster. 

In  1845,  John  M.  Babcock,  with  a  large  family,  George  0.  IJabcock  and  I.  R.  Waterberry 
came  to  the  Territory.  That  year,  I  moved  and  settled  on  Section  32,  in  the  town  of  Dane.  I 
also  took  part  in  the  organization  of  that  town,  and  was  elected  to  the  ofiice  of  Assessor  in  the 
spring  of  1846.  The  tide  of  emigration  having  fairly  set  in  in  this  direction,  what  was  known 
as  Ohio  Settlement,  from  Ohio,  was  commenced.  This  was  a  valuable  acquisition.  It  is 
seldom  that  a  community  is  made  up  of  men  and  women  so  well  qualified  for  pioneer  life.  All 
the  men  were  of  a  high  moral  character,  and  deeply  imbued  with  a  Christian  spirit,  and  pos- 
sessing a  liberal  education.  They  wielded  a  powerful  influence  in  shaping  the  moral  and  relig- 
ious sentiment  of  the  community.  There  were  six  men  that  came  first — Miller  Blachly,  the 
old  gentleman.  Dr.  Eben  Blachly,  Jackson  Luce,  Bell  Blachly,  William  Dunlap  and  Samuel 
Bell.  Miller  Blachly  died  October  10,  1850.  Miss  Sarah  Blachly  was  married  to  Rev.  Mr. 
Bradly,  of  Siam,  in  November,  1848.  There  were  many  privations,  trials  and  hardships  to  be 
endured  by  the  pioneers,  and  this  settlement  was  no  exception  to  the  rule.  As  one  of  the 
important  incidents  connected  with  our  isolated  condition  in  1844,  I  will  relate  that  Capt. 
Sumner,  from  Iowa,  with  seventy  cavalry,  suddenly,  without  any  previous  notice,  came  galloping 
up  to  the  door  of  our  house.  A  short  consultation  with  the  Quartermaster  served  to  explain 
their  sudden  appearance  and  quiet  the  fears  of  the  ladies  of  our  household.  They  were  from 
Iowa,  sent  out  by  the  Government  to  capture  the  vagrant  Indians  that  had  escaped  from  Turkey 
River,  Iowa,  where  they  had  formerly  been  located  by  the  Government.  Many  of  the  Winne- 
bagoes,  disliking  their  location,  had  wandered  back  to  their  old  hunting-grounds.  Fortunately 
for  the  Captain  and  his  men,  and  for  myself  also,  I  had  killed  a  beef  the  day  before,  and  the 
Quartermaster  wanted  nearly  the  whole  of  it,  with  twenty-two  hundred  of  hay  for  the  seventy 
horses.  The  next  morning,  after  paying  liberally  in  silver  coin  for  all  their  trouble,  they 
sounded  the  bugle  and  departed,  with  many  thanks  for  their  hospitable  entertainment.  They 
made  their  way  to  Fort  Winnebago,  the  place  of  their  headquarters  for  nearly  two  months,  while 
they  were  gathering  up  the  vagrant  Indians.  After  capturing  about  two  hundred,  they  returned 
by  the  same  route,  and  camped  a  little  north  of  my  house,  with  the  main  body  of  the  Indians,  while 
the  old  chief,  De  Kau-ry,  his  wife  and  sister,  were  sent  on  by  team  to  our  dwelling  to  lodge  for 
the  night.  These  three  old  people  were  not  prisoners,  but  went  voluntarily,  and  were  well 
cared  for.  They  were  very  old,  and  nearly  blind.  I  shall  always  remember  the  stately, 
gigantic  form  of  the  old  chief  as  he  came  in.  We  had,  what  was  common  in  those  days,  an  old- 
fashioned  chimney  and  a  large,  open  fire-place.  It  was  a  cold  December  night,  and  as  the  old 
chief  beheld  the  comfortable,  blazing  fire  on  the  hearth,  he,  seating  himself,  Indian  style,  on 
the  floor  before  it,  stretched  out  his  hands  and  cried  out,  "  Wah  I"  It  was  a  real  pleasure  to 
see  the  venerable  old  man  enjoy  himself  at  my  fireside.  His  ancient-looking,  historic  face 
seemed  lighted  up  with  joyful  thanks  for  the  kind  care  received.  The  next  morning,  Capt. 
Sumner  and   his   troops,  with  the   Indians,  came   along.     Noticing  the  Indians  carrying  their 


444  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

own  guns,  I  said  to  the  Captain  :  "Don't  you  fear  they  will  make  you  trouble?  "  "Ah!" 
he  said,   "  I  make  them  pack  the  guns  and  I  pack  the  locks." 

Another  startling  incident  of  that  year  was  the  appearance  of  a  few  straggling  black  bears. 
As  I  was,  one  day,  dragging  on  my  prairie  farm,  on  Section  32,  about  one  mile  from  home,  I 
saw  a  large  black  bear  jump  over  the  fence  and  put  off  through  the  openings.  I  immediately 
jumped  on  to  a  horse  and  went  to  the  house,  and  thence  rallied  the  neighbors.  Three  or  four 
men  constituted  the  whole  party,  but  they  captured  old  bruin  and  brought  him  to  my  house 
before  sundown.  Soon  after,  another  made  his  appearance  in  sight  of  the  house.  Some  passing 
traveler  sighted  him.  My  wife  called  to  me,  but  when  I  came  the  bear  was  not  to  be  seen. 
Nothing  daunted,  I  took  down  the  old  musket  and  sallied  out  like  a  mighty  Nimrod,  though 
there  was  not  the  least  prospect  that  the  old  flint-lock  gun  would  go  off;  but,  lucky  for  me,  I 
did  not  see  bruin.  While  I  was  absent,  the  bear  came  around  the  hill  to  the  house,  and  within 
three  rods  of  the  front  door  halted.  My  wife  stood  in  the  door  and  called  to  the  children  to 
come  and  see  the  bear.  The  animal,  from  fright  or  some  other  cause,  sprang  up  a  tree  a  few 
feet,  but  soon  came  down  and  trotted  off,  and  was  not  seen  again  in  the  vicinity. 

Our  oldest  son  is  said  to  be  the  first  boy  born  in  western  Dane.  In  this  year,  I  made  my 
first  trip  to  the  Dekorra  Mill,  which  is  worthy  of  record  as  showing  some  of  the  trials  of  pioneer 
life.  Two  families  of  the  Babcocks  were  living  in  the  house  with  us,  they  having  just  come  to 
the  country  from  St.  Lawrence  County,  N.  Y.  I  had  raised  my  first  crop  of  wheat  that 
year,  and,  one  Friday  morning  in  September,  started  to  find  Dekorra  Mill.  I  had  heard  of  it, 
but  had  never  been  there.  I  knew  there  was  an  old  Indian  trail  from  Fourth  Lake  to  the  Wis- 
consin River,  at  Dekorra,  and  that  this  deeply  worn  Indian  path  crossed  the  old  military  road 
somewhere  between  my  place  and  Esminger's  or  Poynette ;  that  this  Indian  trail  was  used  as 
the  Dekorra  road.  So,  taking  my  horse  and  one  of  Mr.  Babcock's,  I  started  out,  and  found 
the  Indian  trail ;  but  before  night  there  came  up  a  furious  thunderstorm.  Just  before  night,  I 
came  to  Rowan  Creek,  and  behold,  the  bridge  planks  were  all  burned  off  the  stringers.  Here 
was  a  dilemma.  The  wind  was  blowing  furiously,  and  the  rain  was  pelting  my  horses  unmer- 
cifully. I  could  not  go  ahead,  neither  could  I  go  back,  for  the  night  was  setting  in  dark.  I 
fixed  up  my  horses  and  load  as  well  as  possible ;  but  by  this  time  it  was  so  dark  1  could  see  my 
way  to  the  bridge  only  by  the  flashes  of  lightning,  while  the  rain  was  pouring  down  upon  me. 
I  crossed  over  on  my  hands  and  knees  on  one  of  the  stringers,  for  I  had  seen  a  shanty  on  the 
other  side,  but  it  was  not  inhabited.  I  thought  I  might  find  the  mill  if  I  could  keep  the  well- 
worn  trail,  and  find  shelter.  I  could  also  make  inquiries  if  there  were  some  other  crossing- 
place.  But  I  .saw  no  sign  or  light ;  and,  after  traveling  two  or  three  miles,  I  turned  back  to 
the  creek,  spent  the  night  in  the  old  deserted  shanty,  glad  to  see  the  morning  light.  I  started 
out  the  second  day  to  find  Dekorra  Mill ;  took  my  back  track  to  the  military  road,  then  by 
Poynette.  The  distance  was  about  twelve  miles,  but  I  could  not  get  my  grist  till  in  the  night. 
So  on  Sunday  morning  I  must  go  home,  if  I  did  break  the  Sabbath,  for  there  were  three  families 
at  home  and  no  flour.  When  I  arrived  home,  I  found  they  had  brought  the  old  coffee-mill  into 
requisition  and  actually  ground  wheat  enough  to  make  griddle-cakes  for  the  large  family. 
George  Babcock  declared  they  had  had  one  good  square  meal. 

After  living  about  eighteen  months  on  our  prairie  farm,  and  digging  fifty  feet  for  water, 
without  success,  I  got  discouraged  and  sold  out,  and,  attracted  by  the  cold  springs  of  Spring 
Creek,  I  bought  three  "  eighties  "  on  Section  4,  along  the  line  of  Columbia  County,  and  moved 
on  to  them  in  the  spring  of  1847  ;  but,  with  no  market  nearer  than  Milwaukee,  there  was  little 
encouragement  in  raising  wheat  at  that  early  period.  Being  attracted  by  the  prospect  of  a 
smart  little  town  at  Lodi,  I  accepted  Judge  Palmer's  proposition  of  a  donation  of  two  lots  on 
which  I  was  to  build  a  hotel  and  put  up  the  back  wing  16.x24,  with  a  "  lean-to  "  12x24  ;  I  moved 
into  it  in  January,  1849. 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNT i'.  445 


XVr. — G.  W.    FEATHERSTONHAUGH. 

About  half-past  7,  in  the  forenoon  of  a  summer's  day,  1835,  we  passed  the  West  Fork 
[Neenah  Creek]  of  Fox  River,  said  to  be  ten  miles  from  the  American  post  of  Fort  Winne- 
bago. The  stream  had  now  diminished  to  about  twenty  yards  in  breadth.  From  this  point,  we 
had  frequently  to  struggle  through  the  wild  rice,  which  had  all  but  choked  up  the  channel  in 
various  places,  often  paddling  through  the  straw  as  if  we  were  going  through  an  inundated 
wheat-field.  About  8,  I  landed  at  a  sand-hill,  about  eighty  feet  high,  along  which  some  bowld- 
ers of  primary  rocks  and  limestone  were  lying.  Ascending  it,  I  observed  several  others  in  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  country  ;  but  whether  they  have  been  produced  by  blown  sand,  or  are  the 
remains  of  ancient  beds  of  incolierent  sandstone,  I  could  not  ascertain.  There  was,  however,  an 
occasional  appearance  of  stratification,  which  favored  the  last  opinion. 

Here  we  breakfasted,  and  starting  again  about  9  A.  M.,  got  so  entangled  in  the  rice-stalks 
and  canes,  ten  feet  high,  that  we  could  see  nothing  around  us  whatever.  The  channel  was  alto- 
gether obliterated,  and  the  water  became  very  shallow.  Paddling  became  out  of  the  question, 
and  we  all  took  to  warping  the  canoe  through  by  hauling  upon  the  tall  stalks,  upon  a  course  by 
compass  for  Fort  Winnebago.  My  fear  was  that  we  should  work  the  canoe  into  an  immense 
rice-field,  like  that  of  the  Lake  Apachquay  [Puckaway],  and  be  very  much  embarrassed  to  extri- 
cate ourselves.  Certainly,  if  night  had  overtaken  us  in  this  situation,  we  should  have  had  to 
pass  it  in  the  canoe;  but,  after  two  hours'  hard  work,  we  got  into  clear  water,  and  soon  after — 
11  A.  M. — had  the  great  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  American  Hag  waving  in  a  strong  northwest 
breeze  from  Fort  Winnebago.  We  now  paddled  away  for  the  post,  and,  reaching  it  soon  after 
noon,  I  landed  and  presented  myself  at  the  quarters  of  Maj.  Grant,  the  commandant,  a  very 
gentlemanly  person,  who  received  me  with  the  kind  hospitality  with  which  American  officers 
always  receive  travelers.  This  gentleman  had  been  a  long  time  on  duty  in  the  Northwest  coun- 
try. The  dinner  went  off  very  pleasantly,  and,  when  it  was  over.  Dr.  Foote,  the  very  intelli- 
gent Surgeon  of  the  garrison,  was  kind  enough  to  walk  with  me  to  some  of  the  sand-hills  I  had 
seen  in  the  morning.  It  was  so  long  since  I  had  seen  any  rocks  in  place,  that  I  was  rather  at 
a  loss  about  the  geology  of  the  counti-y,  and  was  exceedingly  anxious  to  find  out  whereabouts  I 
was.  We  had  a  very  agreeable  walk,  during  which  we  sprung  several  very  large  grouse  [Tetrao 
Cupido).  These  birds  seem  to  flourish  on  this  high,  dry  land,  for  Fort  Winnebago  is  most  con- 
veniently situated  upon  the  dividing  summit  that  separates  the  Atlantic  streams  from  those 
that  flow  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico — one  of  the  first  flowing  at  the  foot  of  the  fort,  and  the  Wis- 
consin being  distant  only  half  an  hour's  walk. 

The  sand-hill  we  first  reached  was  about  sixty  feet  high,  and  was  formed  of  sandstone  in 
places,  rather  incoherent,  with  the  strata  horizontal,  and  pleasingly  colored  with  streaks  of  red 
oxide  of  iron.  The  inspection  of  this  outlier  at  once  explained  a  great  deal  of  what  I  had  been 
observing  for  some  days,  but  which  I  could  not  understand  for  want  of  the  key.  It  was  evident 
that  an  immense  area  of  country  had  been,  in  ancient  times,  covered  with  a  stratified  arenaceous 
deposit,  slightly  coherent,  and  that  this  had  been  broken  up  and  carried  for  the  greater  part 
away,  when  the  waters  had  retreated  in  a  violent  and  tumultuous  manner.  I  found  afterward, 
that,  although  the  Wisconsin  empties  itself  into  the  Mississippi,  passing  the  fort  at  a  distance 
short  of  two  miles,  yet,  that  the  elevation  of  the  ground  betwixt  the  Wisconsin  and  Fox  was  so 
slight,  that  once  in  six  or  seven  years,  when  the  flood  of  the  Wisconsin  is  high,  its  waters  over- 
come the  difference  of  level,  and  flow  back  into  Fox  River,  so  that  a  barge  can  at  such  times 
pass  from  one  stream  into  another.  I  do  not  therefore  hesitate  to  believe  that  all  the  country, 
including  the  great  lakes  and  the  Mississippi,  have,  at  a  remote  period,  formed  one  great  area  of 
fresh  water.  One  of  the  consequences  of  the  removal  of  the  ancient  strata  is  the  present  depres- 
sion of  the  surface  of  the  country,  the  prevalence  of  wild  rice  marshes,  and  the  deposition  of 
sand  over  a  great  portion  of  the  general  surface.  This  loose  sandstone  reminded  me  so  much  of 
that  which  exists  in  the  lead  region  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  which  I  visited  in  1834,  that  it 


446  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Struck  me  for  the  first  time  that  the  same  formation  might  extend  to  the  lead  region  of  the  AVis- 
consin  Territory,  a  fact  that  I  should  soon  have  the  best  opportunity  of  examining  into. 

Fort  Winnebago,  which,  like  all  the  American  frontier  posts,  is  an  exceedingly  neat  place, 
is  built  upon  an  elevated  piece  of  land,  with  Fox  River  and  the  rice  marshes  connected  with  it 
in  front.  To  the  southwest  there  is  a  range  of  hills,  called  Bonibou  [Baraboo],  which  form  an 
agreeable  object.  The  fort  is  inclosed  with  a  square  picket,  and  contains  two  block-houses.  At 
the  period  when  this  part  of  the  Indian  country  was  first  occupied  by  American  troops,  the  post 
was  no  doubt  no  more  than  adequate  for  defense  against  the  Indians  ;  but,  now  that  they  are 
reduced  to  a  state  of  insignificance,  it  would  seem  unnecessary  to  maintain  a  garrison  there  much 
longer.  There  is  a  military  road  not  yet  completed,  which  passes  near  to  the  post,  leading  from 
Green  Bay  to  Prairie  du  Chien  ;  it  is  a  wide  path,  cut  out  of  the  forest,  with  the  stumps  of  the 
trees  razed  close  to  the  ground,  and  the  streams  are  traversed  by  good  bridges,  this  branch  of 
the  military  service  of  the  United  States  being  always  well  performed. 

Having  got  a  comfortable  night's  rest  in  the  fort,  I  rose  at  5  A.  M.,  and,  taking  my  towels, 
etc.,  went  down  to  the  river  to  wash  myself,  and  see  what  my  men  were  doing.  They  were  all 
comfortably  under  the  canoe,  except  one  man,  who  slept  in  the  tent  to  take  care  of  the  hutin. 
At  7,  I  was  called  to  breakfast  with  Maj.  Clarke,  and  afterward  went  to  Dr.  Foote's  quarters, 
who  presented  me  with  a  very  large  conch-shell  {cassis  c),  taken  by  him  from  a  very  ancient 
and  lofty  mound,  resembling  those  at  St.  Louis  and  on  the  Muskingum.  The  last  appear  to  be 
the  oldest  monuments  of  this  kind  in  the  country,  and  have  been  attributed  by  some  persons  to 
a  race  of  Indians  that  preceded  the  present  red  men  ;  this  shell,  therefore,  which  I  believe  is  not 
found  at  any  point  nearer  than  the  Mexican  side  of  the  gulf,  would  seem  to  indicate  the  coun- 
try whence  the  race  came  that  consti'ucted  the  mound. 

At  8,  A.  M.,  I  bade  adieu  to  the  officers  of  the  garrison,  and  turning  my  back  upon  the 
waters  that  flow  into  the  Atlantic,  I  crossed  the  portage,  and  advanced  to  those  that  empty 
themselves  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  portage  was  a  dead  flat  of  black  mud  and  sand,  meas- 
uring exactly  2,650  paces ;  it  took  me  exactly  twenty-eight  minutes  to  walk  across  it.  The 
canoe  and  luggage  were  conveyed  to  the  shore  of  the  Wisconsin  in  an  ox-cart,  and  launched  upon 
the  river  as  soon  as  we  reached  it.  It  was  a  powerful,  black-looking  stream,  resembling  the 
the  Arkansas,  with  broad  sand-beaches,  the  whole  breadth  not  appearing  at  the  point  where  we 
struck  it,  on  account  of  some  islands  which  masked  it;  but  it  soon  exhibited  a  breadth  of  250 
yards.  After  struggling  so  many  days  as  we  had  against  the  current  of  Fox  River,  an  exertion 
requiring'  so  much  care  and  labor  as  to  keep  down  a  great  deal  of  enjoyment,  it  was  exceedingly 
gratifying  to  find  ourselves,  on  one  of  the  most  lovely  mornings  imaginable,  carried  down  stream 
by  a  strong  current  of  about  three  miles  an  hour,  independent  of  our  paddles ;  and  all  very 
much  exhilarated,  we  went  joyously  and  noisily  down  the  waters  tliat  are  tributary  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi, roaring  out  our  chansons  as  we  shot  rapidly  past  picturesque  islands  and  graceful  banks 
of  a  noble  river  I  had  never  been  upon  before — a  feeling  of  peculiar  enjoyment  to  me. 


It '- — --^gyivo  CL.*!,^i^o*J  aA^ 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  447 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Political  Divisions— County  Officers  from  1846  to  1880— Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  Im- 
provement—Probate AND  County  Court— County  Buildings— Agriculture— Agricult- 
ural Societies— Potter's   Joint   Stock  Emigration  Society'. 

political   divisions. 

The  political  divisions  of  the  county  are  the  town*,  city  and  village. 

The  town  government  is  intrusted  to  a  Town  Board  of  Supervisors,  consisting  of  three 
members,  elected  annually  at  a  town  meeting.  The  other  town  officers  are  Town  Clerk,  Town 
Treasurer,  one  or  more  Assessors,  four  Justices  of  the  Peace,  Overseers  of  Highways,  and  Con- 
stables, not  more  than  three.  The  Justices  of  the  Peace  hold  office  for  two  years,  two  being 
elected  at  each  annual  town  meeting.  The  other  officers  are  elected  annually  at  the  town 
meeting. 

The  form  of  city  government  depends  upon  the  charter  granted  by  the  State  Legislature. 
There  are  generally  a  Mayor,  the  chief  executive  officer ;  a  Common  Council,  consisting  of  one 
or  more  representatives  from  each  ward  in  the  city,  and  the  city  officers — a  City  Clerk,  City 
Treasurer,  City  Attorney,  Chief  of  Police,  Fire  Marshal  and  City  Surveyor. 

A  village  is  governed  by  a  Village  Board,  consisting  of  a  President  and  six  Trustees, 
elected  at  the  annual  charter  election.  At  such  election,  there  are  also  chosen  a  Village  Clerk, 
Treasurer,  Supervisor  (to  represent  the  village  in  the  county  government).  Marshal  and  Consta- 
ble, and,  when  necessary,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Police  Justice,  each  of  whom  holds  office 
for  two  years. 

The  county  government  is  in  charge  of  a  County  Board  of  Supervisors,  consisting  of  the 
Chairman  of  each  Town  Board,  a  Supervisor  from  each  incorporated  village,  and  one  from  each 
ward  of  every  city  in  the  county.  The  county  officers  are  Clerk,  Treasurer,  Sheriff,  Coroner, 
Clerk  of  Circuit  Court,  District  Attorney,  Register  of  Deeds,  Surveyor  and  Superintendent  of 
Schools,  all  elected  biennially. 

Where  a  county  has  more  than  15,000  inhabitants,  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors  may, 
if  they  choose,  divide  the  county  into  two  superintendent  districts,  for  school  purposes. 

COUNTY  OFFICERS  FROM  1846  tO  1880. 

County  Judges— ISil -4:8,  Silas  Walsworthf  ;  1849,  Moses  R.  Cobbt ;  1849-56,  Joshua 
J.  Guppey ;  1857-60,  Guy  C.  Prentiss ;  1861-64,  John  T.  Clark ;  1866-80,  Joshua  J.  Guppey. 

Sheriffs— 1847-48,  T.  Clark  Smith ;  1849-50,  Jacob  Low  ;  1851-52,  Alexander  McDon- 
ald ;  1853-54,  Perry  Lee ;  1855-56,  S.  C.  Higbie§ ;  1857-58,  Edward  F.  Lewis ;  1859-60, 
Benjamin  Williams ;  1861-62,  William  W.  Drake ;  1863-64,  Nathan  Hazen ;  1865-66,  P. 
Pool;  1867-68,  S.  K.  Vaughan;  1869-70,  0.  H.  Sorrenson,  1871-72,  P.  Pool;  1873-74, 
William  W.  Drake ;  1875-76,  J.  0.  Prescott ;  1877-78,  A.  H.  Russell ;  1879-80,  Jonas  Conk- 
lin. 

District  Attorneys — 1847-48,  James  T.  Lewis ;  1849-50,  Diego  John  Miller  Loop ; 
1851-52,  Amasa  G.  Cook ;  1853-56,  Luther  S.  Dixon ;  1857-60,  Levi  W.  Barden ;  1861-64, 
Israel  Holmes ;  1865-66,  Gerry  W.  Hazleton ;  1867-68,  John  T.  Clark ;  1869-74,  Emmona 
Taylorll;  1875-80,  J.  H.  Rogers. 

*  There  is  no  such  thing  in  Wisconsin  aa  a  township  government. 

t  Elected  in  September,  1S46,  and  failed  to  qualify,  and  James  T.  Lewis  appointed. 

I  Resigned  and  Joshua  J.  Gnppej"  appointed  September  29, 1849,  to  fill  vacancy. 

9  Election  contested  and  otfice  awarded  to  George  Bobinson. 

a  Died  April  13,  and  Amasa  G.  Cook  appointed  May  4, 1874,  to  fill  vacancy. 


448  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUJfTY. 

Clerks  of  Circuit  Court— lSi7-48,  Henry  Merrell  (Clerk  of  District  Court);  1848-50, 
Josiah  Arnold  ;  1851-53,  J.  Delaney,  Jr.' ;  1854,  A.  W.  Delaney  ;  1855-56,  S.  K.  Vaughan^; 
1857-58,  S.  K.  Vaughan;  1859-60,  A.  Morehouse;  1861-62,  A.  J.  Turner;  1863-65,  H.  M. 
HaskelF;  1866,  James  Chancellor  (fill  vacancy);  1867-71,  C.  A.  Dibble^  1872-78,  S.  M. 
Smith ;  1879-80,  S.  S.  Lockhart. 

County  Clerks — 1846,  James  C.  Carr*  ;  1847,  W.  B.  Dyer*  (appointed  in  place  of  Nelson 
Swarthout);  1848,  James  C.  Carr*  ;  1849,  James  B.  Eaton*;  1850-54,  Alvin  B.  Aldenf; 
1855-58,  Thomas  B.  Haslamf;  1859-62,  Julius  Austinf ;  1868-68,  Harvey  H.  Rustf ; 
1869-70.  Ogden  A.  Southmaydf ;  1871-74,  Ogden  A.  Southmayd ;  1875-80,  L.  S.  Rolleston. 

Treasurers— 18i7 ,  James  C.  Carr;  1848^9,  William  J.  Ensign^ ;  1850-51,  Stephen 
Brayton ;  1852,  Jerome  B.  Fargo ;  1853-54,  Harrison  S.  Haskell ;  1855-56,  Horace  Rust" ; 
1857-60,  George  Ege;  1861-66,  LI.  Breese;  1867-68,  Lewis  Low;  1869-72,  Miles  T.  Alver- 
son ;  1873-76,  Oliver  H.  Sorrenson ;  1877-80,  Henry  Neef. 

Registers  of  Beeds-lSil .  Elbert  Dickason ;  1848,  A.  A.  Brayton;  1849-50,  F.  F.  Farn- 
ham;  1851-52^  Josiah  Arnold;  1853-56,  William  Owen;  1857-58,  Daniel  F.  Newcomb ; 
1859-62,  James  Chancellor" ;  1863-66,  Abner  H.  Smead ;  1867-74,  Thomas  Yule ;  1875-76, 
Joseph  Schivffer ;  1877-80,  George  Yule. 

^S-wrye^/ors— 1847-48,  A.  Topliff;  1849,  N.  P.  Foster;  1851-52,  A.  Topliff;  1858-54, 
John  Thomas;  1855-56,  G.  M.  Bartholomew;  1857-60,  A.  Topliff;  1861-62,  R.  Cronk"; 
1868-66,  A.  Topliff;  1867-68,  J.  Whitney:  1869,  E.  Corning;  1870,  H.  Meriton  (vacancy); 
1871-72,  F.  A.  Brown;  1873-74,  G.  M.  Bartholomew;  1875-76,  Henry  Meriton;  1877-78, 
G.  M.  Bartholomew;  1879-80,  Henry  Meriton. 

Coroners — 1847-50,  Daniel  E.  Bassett ;  1851-54,  Lsaac  Smith  :  1855-56,  Erastus  Cook  ; 
1857-58,  H.  S.  Haskell ;  1859-62,  G.  W.  Marsh ;  1863-64,  M.  Barden ;  1865-66,  C.  Schnei- 
der; 1867-68,  0.  H.  Sorrenson;  1869-70,  Charles  Early;  1871-76,  Z.  J.  D.  Swift;  1877-78, 
William  Snoad ;  1879-80,  Z.  J.  D.  Swift. 

County  Superintendents  of  Schools — 1862-67,  David  W.  Rosenkrans ;  1868-69,  Levi 
Bath;  1870-71,  John  J.  Loyd';  1872-74,  LeRoy  J.  Burlingame";  1874-79,  Kennedy  Scott; 
1880-81,  Henry  Neill. 

FOX    AND    WISCONSIN    RIVERS    IMPROVEMENT. 

The  Fo.\  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  have  been  an  important  highway  for  nearly  two  hundred 
years.  They  were  the  route  by  which,  in  1678,  Louis  Joliet  and  his  companion.  Father  James 
Marquette  discovered  the  Upper  Mississippi. 

It  was  the  wish  of  the  founders  of  the  republic  to  preserve  this  great  natural  water  route 
unobstructed,  and  to  make  it  a  permanent  means  of  communication  between  the  lakes  and  the 
Mississippi.  In  the  ordinance  for  the  government  of  the  territory  of  the  United  States  north- 
west of  the  river  Ohio,  adopted  July  14,  1787,  it  is  provided  that  the  navigable  waters  leading 
into  the  Mississippi  and  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  the  carrying  places  between  the  same,  shall  be 
common  highways,  and  forever  free. 

The  same  provision,  in  substance,  is  embodied  in  an  act  of  Congress  relating  to  said  terri- 
tory, passed  August  7,  1789,  after  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States ;  in 
an  act  of  Congress  establishing  the  Territorial  Government  of  Wisconsin,  approved  April  20, 

1.  Dri'wiied  Mny  31,  1853.  anil  A.  W.  Delauey  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

2.  Certificate  given  to  A.  W.  Delaney,  but  the  office  was  given  to  S.  K.  Vaughan,  on  a  contest. 

3.  Resigned  and  James  Chancellor  appointed  to  fill  vacancy. 

4.  Resigned  and  S.  M.  Smith  appointed  December  6,  1S71,  to  fill  vacancy. 

5.  Mr.  Brayton  was  elected  in  1849,  but  BIr.  Ensign  claimed  to  hold  over.  He  filed  his  resignation  January  S,  1850,  and  the  Board  of 
Supervisors  appointed  Isaiah  Robinson  to  fill  tiie  vacancy.  He  as.-umed  to  act  but  a  few  weeks,  when  Mr.  Brayton  was  adjudged  to  be  entitled 
to  the  office,  and  toolt  possession. 

6.  Election  contested  and  oftice  awarded  to  Michael  M.  Ege. 

7.  In  Novemlier.  1862,  Abner  A.  Smead  appointed  to  fill  vacancy  supposed  to  exist. 

8.  Alfred  Topliff  appointed  in  November,  1862,  to  fill  vacancy  occasioned  by  death  of  Mr.  Cronk. 

9.  Kennedy  Scott  appointed  August  22,  1874,  in  place  of  Mr.  Burlingame. 
*  Called  "  Clerk  of  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners." 

t  Called  "Clerk  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors." 


HISTORY   or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  '         449 

1836 ;  in  an  act  of  Congress  relating  to  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  as  a  State  into  the  Union, 
approved  August  6,  1846,  and  in  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

In  1839,  under  the  direction  of  the  War  Department  of  the  Government,  a  preliminary 
survey  of  the  rivers  and  the  estimate  of  the  cost  of  their  improvement  were  made  by  Capt. 
Cram,  of  the  United  States  Topographical  Engineers. 

In  1846,  by  ah  act  of  Congress  approved  August  8,  a  grant  of  lands  was  made  to  the 
State  of  Wisconsin,  on  the  admission  of  such  State  into  the  Union,  for  the  purpose  of  improving 
the  navigation  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  in  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  and  of  con- 
structing a  canal  to  unite  these  rivers  at  or  near  the  portage. 

In  1854  and  1855,  acts  of  Congress  were  passed  by  which  the  grant  of  lands  to  Wisconsin 
was  defined  and  enlarged. 

After  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  into  the  Union,  by  an  act  of  its  Legislature,  approved 
August  8,  1848,  a  Board  of  Public  Works  was  created,  through  which  the  work  of  improving 
the  said  rivers,  by  the  application  thereto  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  of  the  lands  granted  by 
Congress,  was  undertaken  by  the  State. 

It  soon  became  apparent  that  the  moneys  realized  from  the  sale  of  lands  were  insufficient 
to  meet  the  obligations  of  the  State,  issued  by  its  Board  of  Public  Works,  as  they  became  due ; 
and,  in  1853,  the  work  was  turned  over  to  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Improvement  Company,  a 
corporation  created  under  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  approved  July  6,  1853.  In 
1856,  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  approved  October  3,  1856,  the  lands  granted 
by  Congress  then  unsold  were  granted  by  the  State,  through  the  said  company,  to  trustees,  with 
power  to  sell,  and  the  proceeds  to  hold  in  trust,  for  the  payment  of  State  indebtedness,  the  com- 
pletion of  the  work,  thereafter  for  the  payment  of  bonds  issued  by  said  company,  and  the 
balance,  if  any.  for  the  company  itself. 

In  February,  1866,  the  trustees,  in  execution  of  the  powers  contained  in  the  deed  of  trust 
made  to  them,  and  pursuant  to  a  judgment  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Fond  du  Lac  County,  sold 
at  public  sale  at  Appleton,  Wis.,  the  works  of  improvement  and  the  balance  of  lands  granted 
by  Congress  then  unsold,  and  applied  the  proceeds  to  the  purposes  expressed  in  the  deed  of 
trust.  The  proceeds  were  sufficient  to  pay  in  full  the  expenses  of  the  trust,  the  then  outstand- 
ing State  indebtedness,  and  to  provide  a  fund  sufficient  to  complete  the  work  according  to  the 
plan  specified  in  the  act  approved  October  3,  1856. 

Under  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  approved  April  13,  1861,  and  the  acts 
amendatory  thereof,  the  purchasers  at  the  sale,  on  the  15th  day  of  August,  1866,  filed  their 
certificate  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  and  thereby  became  incorporated  as  the  Green 
Bay  and  Mississippi  Canal  Company,  holding,  as  such  company,  the  works  of  improvement 
before  mentioned. 

Under  instructions  from  the  Engineer  Department  of  the  United  States,  issued  in  July, 
1866,  Maj.  Gen.  G.  K.  Warren  took  charge  of  the  surveys  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers. 
These  were  continued  by  the  United  States  under  the  supervision  of  Gen.  Warren  and  his  suc- 
cessor, Col.  D.  C.  Houston,  until  completed  and  perfected. 

By  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  July  7,  1870,  the  Secretary  of  War  was  dii-ected  to 
adopt  such  a  plan  for  the  improvement  of  the  Wisconsin  River  as  should  be  approved  by  the 
Chief  of  Engineers,  and  also  was  authorized  to  appoint  a  Board  of  Arbitrators  to  ascertain  how 
much,  in  justice,  ought  to  be  paid  to  the  Green  Bay  and  Mississippi  Canal  Company  for  the 
transfer  of  its  property  and  rights,  including  locks,  dams,  canals,  and  other  property,  in  and  to 
the  line  of  water  communication  between  Portage  City  and  Green  Bay — the  arbitrators,  in 
making  their  award,  being  required  to  take  into  consideration  the  amount  of  money  realized 
from  the  sale  of  lands  theretofore  granted  by  Congress  to  the  State  of  Wisconsin  to  aid  in  the 
construction  of  the  water  communication,  and  to  deduct  the  amount  thereof  from  the  actual 
value  of  the  works  of  improvement  as  found  by  the  arbitrators. 

The  act  also  provided  that  all  tolls  to  be  received  by  the  Government  from  the  work  should 
be  deposited  in  the  Treasury  until  the  Government  should  be  re-imbursed  all  moneys  it  should 
expend  on  the  work. 


450  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

The  arbitration  took  place  in  1871.  It  appeared  that  the  moneys  expended  by  the  Green 
Bay  and  Mississippi  Canal  Company  and  its  predecessors  in  interests  considerably  exceeded  the 
sum  of  two  million  dollars,  exclusive  of  interest.  The  arbitrators  fixed  the  present  value  at 
$1,048,070,  from  which  was  deducted  the  full  amount  of  money  realized  from  the  sale  of  lands 
granted  by  Congress,  $723,070,  leaving  a  balance  of  $325,000,  all  of  which  was  to  be  paid  to 
the  company  in  case  the  Secretary  of  War  should  elect  to  take  with  the  improvements  the  water- 
powers  and  the  personal  property ;  and  in  case  he  should  elect  not  to  take  the  latter  or  either, 
the  value  of  the  water-powers  was  fixed  at  $140,000,  and  of  the  personal  property,  $40,000, 
leaving  as  applicable  to  the  improvement  the  balance  of  $145,000. 

The  Secretary  of  War  elected  to  take  the  improvement  only,  and  by  act  of  Congress, 
approved  June  10,  1872,  an  appropriation  was  made  therefor.  In  October,  1872,  the  company 
delivered  its  deed  of  conveyance  to  the  United  States  covering  the  works  of  improvement,  etc., 
and  received  the  sum  of  $145,000. 

The  moneys  for  which  the  Government  received  credit  on  the  purchase  from  the  company  - 
as  the  amount  realized  on  the  sale  of  the  lands  granted   by  Congress,  with  the  expenses  of  sale, 
were  about  equal  to  $1.25  for  every  acre  of  land  granted. 

The  award  was  not  satisfactory  to  the  Green  Bay  and  Mississippi  Canal  Company, 
especially  as  many  of  the  corporators  were  heavy  losers  in  both  that  and  the  preceding 
company. 

Subsequent  appropriations  for  this  work  have  been  made  by  Congress. 

The  Wisconsin  River,  having  its  rise  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  runs 
southerly  until  it  approaches  the  Fox  River,  turns  abruptly  southwesterly,  and,  running  in  that 
course  118  miles,  empties  into  the  Mississippi  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  The  Fox  River,  having  its 
rise  in  the  southern  part  of  Wisconsin,  runs  northwesterly  until  it  approaches  the  Wisconsin 
River,  turns  abruptly  northeasterly,  and,  running  in  that  course  160  miles,  empties  into  Lake 
Michigan  at  Green  Bay. 

The  course  of  the  two  rivers  below  the  portage,  the  point  of  nearest  approach,  is  surpris- 
ingly straight,  and  nearly  upon  a  due  line  passing  through  Prairie  du  Chien  and  the  straits 
of  Mackinaw.  The  divide,  or  portage,  separating  the  Wisconsin  River  waters,  putting  into  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  from  the  Fox  River  waters,  putting  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  is  a  level  sand 
prairie,  without  rock,  and  in  width  one  and  one-half  miles.  The  Wisconsin  at  the  portage  is  at 
the  summit-level.  It  is  about  eight  feet  higher  than  the  Fox  at  the  portage,  and  about  200 
feet  higher  than  Lake  Michigan  at  the  mouth  of  the  Fox,  and  169  feet  higher  than  the  Missis- 
sippi at  the  mouth  of  the  Wisconsin. 

A  canal  at  the  portage  connects  the  Wisconsin  and  the  Fox,  and  a  slack-water  communica- 
tion, extending  from  the  portage  to  Green  Bay,  a  distance  of  160  miles,  overcomes  by  locks  and 
dams  the  fall  of  200  feet,  and  connects  the  Wisconsin  River  with  Lake  Michigan.  The  Fox 
River,  from  its  mouth  to  Oshkosh,  on  Lake  Winnebago,  has  a  low-water  channel  of  about  four 
feet,  and  from  Lake  Winnebago  to  the  portage  of  about  three  feet.  At  stages  of  high  water, 
boats  of  three,  four  and  even  five  feet  draught  have  passed  from  Lake  Michigan  up  the  Fox 
River,  and  down  the  Wisconsin  into  the  Mississippi  River.  As  late  in  the  season  as  June,  boats 
of  300  tons  burden  have  made  the  passage.  In  stages  of  low  water,  the  Wisconsin  cannot  be 
navigated,  on  account  of  the  shifting  sand. 

The  slack-water  improvement  now  in  operation  chiefly  extends  from  the  portage  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Fox,  and  consists  of  levels  formed  by  dams,  extending  across  the  river,  around 
one  end  of  each  of  which  there  are  short  canals,  and  in  the  canals,  locks.  In  all  there  are 
twenty-two  locks ;  more  locks  than  levels.  The  height  overcome  exceeds  200  feet,  while 
the  lockage  does  not  exceed  195  feet.  The  intention  is,  by  the  locks,  canals  and  dams,  and  by 
dredging,  to  make  a  permanent  channel  of  five  feet  in  depth,  which  will  connect  the  waters  of 
the  VVisconsin  with  those  of  Lake  Michigan.  The  canal  at  the  portage  is  over  two  miles 
in  length,  while  the  canals  at  the  dams  are  only  long  enough  to  furnish  approaches  to  the 
locks. 


ORTAGE.CITY 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  453 

Taking  all  together,  there  are  about  six  miles  of  canal.  That  at  the  portage  is  seventy  feet 
wide,  while  the  approaches  to  the  locks  are  in  many  cases  wider  than  seventy  feet,  and  in  all 
cases  of  sufficient  width  for  the  locks.     The  locks  are  160  feet  long;  by  35  feet  wide. 

The  system  of  improvement  on  the  Wisconsin  is  being  carried  forward  upon  the  plan  of 
wing  and  closing  dams,  which  will  narrow  up  the  river  to  such  a  width  that  the  current  will 
scour  out  its  own  channel  and  maintain  it.  The  work  has  not  been  carried  on  as  fast  on  the 
Wisconsin  as  on  the  Fox  River,  as  it  required  time  to  perfect  the  system  so  as  to  adjust  it  to 
what  is  believed  will  result  in  the  effectual  improvement  of  the  stream.  When  this  work  is 
completed,  there  will  be,  it  is  confidently  expected,  a  permanent  channel  of  five  feet  in  depth 
from  the  Mississippi  to  Green  Bay. 

PROBATE  AND  COUNTY  COURTS. 

Until  January  1,  1850,  the  court  having  jurisdiction  over  the  settlement  of  estates  of 
deceased  persons,  and  of  the  appointment  of  guardians  to  minors,  spendthrifts,  idiots  and  insane 
persons,  was  called  Probate  Court,  and  the  title  of  the  Judge  thereof  was  Judge  of  Probate. 
After  that  date,  the  name  of  that  court  was  County  Court,  and  the  designation  of  its  Judge 
was  County  Judge. 

From  January  1,  1850,  to  1854,  and  from  1858  to  1860,  the  County  Court  of  this  county 
had  civil  jurisdiction  ;  but,  with  these  exceptions,  it  has  been  and  is  now  merely  a  court  of 
probate,  with  certain  additional  authority  in  various  county  matters,  conferred  by  the  general 
laws  of  the  State  on  county  courts. 

A  list  of  the  Judges  of  the  Probate  and  County  Courts  has  already  been  given. 

James  T.  Lewis  was  the  first  Judge  of  Probate,  and  Joshua  S.  Guppy  was  the  first 
County  Judge. 

The  first  three  wills  admitted  to  probate  in  the  county  were  the  following : 

November  10,  1847 — Will  of  Elias  Lyons,  of  Columbus ;  Lucy  Lyons,  Executrix. 

November  11,  1847 — Will  of  Hiram  L.  Allen,  of  Columbus ;  Margaret  Allen,  Ex- 
ecutrix. 

November  28,  1848 — Will  of  Joseph  Mathews  (residing  in  what  is  now  Fountain  Prairie) ; 
Mary  Mathews,  Executrix. 

The  first  three  cases  of  administration  were : 

December  3,  1847 — Estate  of  John  Manden  (drowned  in  the  Wisconsin  River) ;  Henry 
Merrell,  Administrator. 

October  3,  1848 — Estate  of  Samuel  W.  St.  John,  of  Columbus ;  Harriet  St.  John, 
Administratrix. 

November  10,  1848 — Estate  of  Elbert  Dickason,  of  Wyocena;  Obedience  Dickason, 
Administratrix,  and  James  D.  Shuchly,  Administrator. 

The  following  were  the  first  three  cases  of  guardianship : 

December  25,  1846 — Julius  Higby  appointed  guardian  of  Orin  H.  Page ;  both  parties 
living  in  what  is  now  Fountain  Prairie. 

November  5,  1849 — Joseph  Farrington  appointed  guardian  of  the  minor  heirs  of  Elbert 
Dickason  (deceased),  viz.,  Andrew  J.,  Ruth  J.,  Francis  M.,  Oliver  H.,  John  W.  and  Lucinda 
Dickason,  all  of  Wyocena. 

April  1,  1850 — Minor  heirs  of  Samuel  W.  St.  John  (deceased).  Levi  St.  John  appointed 
guardian  of  Seth  B.  St.  John,  and  Harriet  St.  John  appointed  guardian  of  Harriet  M. 
St.  John. 

The  first  three  adoptions  were : 

November  11,  1859 — James  A.  Stebbins  and  Mary  A.  Stebbins,  his  wife,  of  Scott,  adopted 
Sarah  McCutchin,  child  of  John  and  Julia  A.  McCutchin. 

July  2,  1860 — Sylvanus  Race  and  Sarah  Race,  his  wife,  of  Portage,  adopted  Harriet  S. 
Green,  a  child  of  Silas  M.  and  Mary  J.  Green. 


454  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COU>!Ty. 

July  20.  1860 — Frank  Dickerman  and  Laura,  his  wife,  of  Fort  Winnebago,  adopted  Will- 
iam Armer,  a  child  of  Lydia  0.  Purvis. 

COUXTT    BUILDINGS. 

Oourt  House. — After  the  question  had  been  definitely  settled  that  Portage  was  to  be  the  future 
county  seat,  a  deed  was  made  to  the  county,  by  Messrs.  Webb  k  Bronson,  of  Block  No.  180  of  their 
plat,  for  county  purposes.  The  county  records  were  removed  to  Portage,  and,  until  1856.  the 
ofiBcials  occupied  the  upper  part  of  Lemuel  Berry's  store,  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal.  The 
old  building  is  still  in  existence.  It  stands  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Clark  and  Pleasant 
streets,  and  is  owned  and  used  by  the  city  for  housing  its  fire  apparatus.  From  the  Berry 
store,  the  county  records  and  officers  removed  to  Vandercook's  building.  In  1861,  the  subject 
of  a  county  building  was  agitated ;  but  the  report  from  the  committee  on  that  subject,  providing 
for  building  a  court  house,  at  an  expense  not  exceeding  $12,000,  was  laid  on  the  table — ayes, 
12  ;   noes,  11. 

In  1863,  the  subject  was  brought  before  the  County  Board  again  (the  Board  having  been 
reduced  to  three),  and  L.  W.  Barden  offered  a  resolution,  appropriating  $8,000  for  building  a 
court  house.  Barden  was  Chairman  of  the  Board,  and  when  he  put  the  question,  C.  L.  Brown 
voted  "aye."  Barden  was  silent,  and  the  resolution  was  declared  adopted.  When  the  Board 
met,  in  January  following,  an  effort  was  made  to  place  the  $8,000  in  the  general  fund,  but  it 
was  resisted  by  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  who  had  just  been  elected  Supervisor.  The  initiatory 
steps  toward  building  were  taken  soon  afterward.  A  plan  was  presented  by  Alexander  Car- 
nagie,  proposals  were  solicited,  and  a  contract  was  let  to  Carnagie  &  Prescott  February  10, 
1864,  for  building  the  court  house,  at  the  sum  of  $17,830.  The  site  was  presented  to  the 
county  by  citizens  of  Portage.  Work  on  the  building  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  the 
same  year,  and  was  completed  in  the  fall  of  1865,  at  the  contract  price,  and,  with  the  sidewalks, 
iron  fence,  grading,  trees  and  all  other  improvements  and  additions,  cost  the  county  something 
less  than  $26,000.  It  is  a  model  of  architectural  neatness  and  simplicity.  Its  dimensions  are 
80  feet  front  by  60  feet  deep,  constructed  of  cream-colored  brick,  with  dark  trimmings.  It  is 
three  stories  high,  with  a  well-proportioned  dome,  surmounted  by  a  colossal  statue  of  Justice, 
sword  in  hand  and  scales  extended.  Entering  at  the  front  of  the  court  house,  the  visitor  finds 
himself  within  a  spacious  hall-way,  leading  through  the  building,  with  a  corridor  passing  at 
right  angles  in  the  center.  The  first  door  on  the  right,  and  near  the  entrance,  bears  the  omi- 
nous inscription,  "  Sheriff,"  and  one  cannot  help  but  think  of  executions,  documentary  and 
otherwise — principally  otherwise.  On  the  left  is  the  Treasurer's  office ;  and  we  remember  that 
it  is  the  especial  duty  of  the  blind  image  that  stands  upon  the  zenith  of  the  brown  dome  above 
to  guard  over  this  particular  place,  and  to  strike  down  with  her  sword  the  first  who  dares  to 
misappropriate  the  funds  within.  At  the  north  end  of  the  corridor  are  the  rooms  of  the  County 
Judge  and  the  Clerk  of  the  Court ;  at  the  south  end,  the  oflSces  of  Register  of  Deeds,  Clerk  of 
the  Board  and  District  Attorney,  all  these  offices  having  fire-proof  vaults,  for  storing  docu- 
ments, etc.  On  the  second  floor  are  the  court-room  and  jury-rooms,  the  former  being  58x56 
feet  in  size,  handsomely  finished,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  400. 

The  County  Jail. — Within  the  walls  of  this  institution  are  placed  individuals  of  a  retiring 
disposition,  who  forego  the  pleasures  of  freedom  and  outdoor  exercise  for  definite  periods,  unless 
death  or  the  Governor  interferes.  A  refuge  for  this  class  was  built  in  Columbia  County  in 
1851,  by  H.  McNeil,  upon  a  block  of  ground  given  to  the  county  by  Webb  &  Bronson.  It 
was  of  stone,  two  stories  in  height,  with  cells  in  the  upper  part  and  the  Sheriff's  dwelling  on  the 
lower  floor.  It  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1864.  The  present  jail  was  erected  in  1865  by  Carnagie 
&  Prescott.  It  is  of  substantial  stone,  thirty-two  feet  square  and  two  stories  in  height,  sur- 
rounded by  a  brick  wall,  within  which  the  prisoners  are  allowed  to  air  themselves.  The  Sheriff's 
dwelling  is  a  well-arranged  two-story  brick  structure,  standing  in  front  of  the  jail. 

Columbia  County  Poor-House. — Prior  to  1858,  the  care  of  the  poor  of  Columbia  County 
was  vested  in  the  towns  in  which  the  unfortunates  resided.     It  was  the  duty  of  the  town  oflicers 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COL^NTY.  455 

to  provide  homes  for  all  paupers  within  their  jurisdiction,  and  pay  the  necessary  expenses  from 
a  town  fund  set  aside  for  that  purpose.  On  the  3d  of  November  of  the  year  above  mentioned, 
the  County  Board  of  Supervisors  voted  to  abolish  the  town  system,  and  measures  adequate  to 
the  establishment  of  a  county  poor-house  were  immediately  taken.  At  the  same  session  of  the 
board,  Daniel  White,  John  Quincy  Adams  and  H.  W.  Roblier  were  appointed  Superintendents 
of  the  Poor,  and  $1,500  was  appropriated  to  aid  them  in  the  performance  of  their  duties.  The 
old  E.xchange  Hotel,  together  with  one  acre  of  land  in  the  village  of  Wyocena,  was  purchased, 
and  on  the  30th  of  December,  1858,  it  was  formally  opened  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
poor  of  the  county.  In  1867,  a  brick  addition  forty  feet  square  and  two  stories  high  was  built 
by  Messrs.  Carnagie  &  Prescott,  and,  in  1878,  a  second  addition,  36.x40  feet  and  two  stories 
high,  was  constructed  by  the  same  parties.  The  total  expense  incurred  the  last  year  (1858)  the 
town  system  was  in  vogue  was  $7,633.74 ;  during  the  first  ten  months  under  the  county  system 
the  expenditures  amounted  to  $3,929.40.  In  1872.  there  were  26  inmates  of  the  poor-house,  of 
whom  11  were  insane,  and  the  cost  of  caring  for  them  was  something  over  $4,000,  including 
the  salary  ($400)  of  Hugh  Hill,  the  overseer,  and  $200  paid  other  help.  The  Superintendents, 
in  their  report  for  1879,  say  :  "  The  number  of  inmates  at  the  poor-house  at  date  of  last  report 
was  49  ;  admitted  during  year,  49  ;  total  number  at  the  poor-house  during  the  year,  98.  Of 
this  number,  8  have  died,  2  have  been  bound  by  indentures,  1  has  been  sent  to  the  Industrial 
School  for  Girls  at  Milwaukee,  1  has  been  sent  to  the  Reform  School  for  Boys  at  Waukesha, 
and  otherwise  discharged,  38.  Remaining  at  poor-house  at  date  of  this  report,  November  1, 
1879,  48.  Of  this  number,  13  are  insane,  3  are  demented,  4  are  blind,  2  crippled,  2  have  a 
cancer,  2  are  over  eighty  years  of  age,  8  are  seventy  years,  7  are  over  sixty,  and  none  are  under 
twenty-two  years  of  age.  There  has  been  furnished  at  the  poor-house  during  the  year  2,983 
weeks'  board,  at  a  cost  of  $4,074.77,  being  $1.37  per  week,  which  includes  all  expenses  for 
provisions,  clothing,  bedding,  furniture,  fuel,  lights,  medicine,  medical  attendance,  repairs, 
salary  of  steward,  hired  help  and  other  miscellaneous  expenses." 

The  total  expenses  during  1879  were  $6,829.28.  Messrs.  Adams  and  Roblier  have  been 
continually  in  oiEce  as  Superintendents.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  White,  George  Wall  succeeded 
to  the  position.  Mr.  Wall  was  succeeded,  in  turn,  by  W.  W.  Corning.  The  county  has 
acquired  title  to  seven  acres  of  land  adjoining  the  original  one  acre  bought  in  1858,  and,  in 
1875,  forty  acres  were  purchased  on  Section  16,  a  short  distance  north  of  the  village  of 
Wyocena. 

AGRICULTURE. 

He  who  follows  agriculture  is  the  pioneer  in  all  new  countries,  and  prepares  the  way  for 
lawyer,  editor,  miller,  minister,  blacksmith,  and  all  others  who  depend  upon  anything  but  farm- 
ing for  a  livelihood,  and  who  never  fail  to  come  after  them  when  the  soil  has  been  made  sufB- 
ciently  productive.  There  are  better  agricultural  counties  in  the  State  than  Columbia,  but  they 
are  few.  There  are  poorer  counties,  too — much  poorer — and  a  great  many  of  them.  Columbia 
County  is  therefore  far  above  the  average,  as  statistics  will  show. 

Any  other  condition  of  things  would  be  unnatural,  as,  with  its  productive  soil  and  good  mar- 
kets, the  county  has  always  furnished  a  field  for  profitable  returns  to  industry,  skill  and  means 
applied  to  the  labor  of  tilling  the  ground.  The  whole  county  is  more  than  usually  well  watered. 
Where  there  are  no  springs,  lakes  and  streams,  good  water  is  obtained  at  a  moderate  depth.  Gen- 
erally, speaking,  the  soil  is  most  suitable  for  raising  wheat,  or  was  when  new,  and  that  has  always 
been  the  principal  product.  Corn,  oats,  barley,  rye,  flax,  hops,  tobacco,  potatoes  and  other  root 
crops,  fruits  and  grasses,  are  also  cultivated.  The  southeastern  portion  of  the  county  is  considered 
the  richest  in  agricultural  worth,  though  there  are  patches  of  very  excellent  land  in  other  parts. 
A  general  idea  of  the  productiveness  of  each  town  is  herewith  given  : 

West  Point. — Soil  rich,  above  the  average;  wheat  the  principal  product;  more  timber  than 
prairie  ;  well  watered ;  no  sand,  or  but  very  little  in  the  soil ;  especially  noted  as  a  hog-raising 
section  ;  land  valued  at  $14  per  acre. 


456  .  HISTORY    OP    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Lodi. — Largely  devoted  to  dairying  ;  generally  well  watered  ;  land  surface  more  or  less 
broken  by  bluffs ;  northern  portion  sandy  ;  valuation,  $14  per  acre. 

Arlington. — Said  by  many  to  be  the  richest  town  in  the  county  ;  devoted  almost  exclusively 
to  grain-raising ;  no  waste  land  in  the  town  ;  four-fifths  of  the  area  under  cultivation  unfenced ; 
but  little  attention  paid  to  stock  ;  valuation,  $19.50. 

Leeds. — Second  in  agricultural  importance  to  Arlington,  and  especially  noted  for  its  flocks 
of  fine-wool  sheep  ;  largely  prairie,  but  sufficiently  wooded  to  make  the  lands  valuable ;  well 
watered  ;  valuation,  $19. 

Hampden. — Somewhat  more  marshy  and  hilly  than  the  two  previously  described  towns, 
but  none  the  less  important  as  an  agricultural  section  ;  stock-raising  is  a  leading  industry ;  val- 
uation, $19.50. 

Columbus. — One  of  the  richest  agricultural  towns  in  the  State  ;  in  a  high  state  of  cultiva- 
tion ;  no  waste  land  ;  excellent  water ;  valuation,  $20.50. 

Fountain  Prairie. — Much  the  same  as  Columbus,  but  with  a  greater  area  of  marsh,  espe- 
cially in  the  northern  portion  ;  valuation,  $14.50. 

Otsego. — Southern  and  middle  parts  exceptionally  good  ;  northern  portion  broken,  with 
considerable  lowland  ;  valuation,  $13.50. 

Lowville. — South  and  southeast  parts  prairie ;  the  northern  portion  hilly ;  well  supplied 
with  timber ;  agriculturally  very  rich  ;  boasts  the  most  extensive  farms  in  the  county — Warren 
Gilbert's,  for  instance ;  largely  devoted  to  stock-raising ;  valuation,  $13.50 ;  considered 
very  low. 

Dekorra. — About  one-half  under  cultivation  ;  timber  abundant ;  somewhat  marshy ; 
sandy  along  the  river ;  quite  a  number  of  good  farms  in  the  town,  however  ;  valuation,  $6. 

Caledonia. — A  great  variety  of  soil  ;  rocky  and  broken  ;  marshy  along  the  river ;  soil  gen- 
erally good ;  valuation,  $6.80. 

Pacific. — Some  desirable  land  along  the  Fox  River ;  southern  portion  marshy  ;  well 
wooded  ;  valuation,  $3.20. 

Wyocena. — Soil  the  better  order  of  light  lands  or  sandy  loams ;  mostly  timbered  ;  some 
swamp ;  wheat  and  corn  the  chief  products ;  dairying  carried  on  to  some  extent ;  two-thirds  in 
cultivation;  valuation,  $7.20. 

Springvale. — About  two-thirds  under  cultivation ;  not  materially  unlike  Wyocena  as  to 
soil,  marsh  and  timber  ;  penetrated  by  small  streams  ;  stock-raising  quite  a  feature ;  valuation, 
$10.50. 

Oourtland. — North  third  mostly  prairie ;  remainder  made  up  of  "  openings  "  and  marsh, 
sandy  clay  soil;  a  valuable  farming  section  ;  stock-raising  to  some  extent;  valuation,  $16.75. 

Randolph. — South  half  mostly  prairie,  with  black  loam  soil  ;  northern  part  covered  with 
"  openings,"  sandy  clay  soil ;  quite  a  number  of  large  farms  ;  considerable  stock  raised  ;  valua- 
tion, $18. 

Scott. — Something  over  one-third  under  cultivation  ;  southern  part  regarded  as  the  garden 
spot  of  Columbia  County ;  noted  for  its  natural  meadows  along  the  Fox  River,  marked  by 
numerous  "  openings  ;  "  stock-raising  quite  an  interest ;  valuation,  $11,  which  is  considered  very 
low. 

Marcellon. — Nearly  one-half  under  cultivation  ;  scarcely  so  rich  as  Scott ;  the  finest  por- 
tions lie  in  the  second  and  third  tiers  of  sections  running  from  east  to  west ;  small  amount  of 
prairie;  well  timbered  ;  quite  an  area  of  tame  meadows  ;  valuation,  $7.25. 

Fort  Winnebago. — About  one-third  under  cultivation  ;  southern  portion  regarded  as  good 
land;  northern  part  "bluffy  ;  "  quite  an  area  of  marsh  along  the  Fox  River;  valuation,  $6.40. 

Lewiston. — A  large  proportion  of  this  town  is  waste  land,  being  for  the  most  part  low  and 
wet;  perhaps  one-third  of  the  town  is  under  cultivation  ;  valuation,  $3.20. 

Newport. — The  best  portion  lies  along  the  AVisconsin  River ;  the  most  thoroughly  culti- 
vated part  is  that  occupied  by  the  Norwegians ;  remainder  of  land  below  the  average ;  valua- 
tion, $5. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


467 


The  following  table  exhibits  the  principal  farm  products  growing  in  the  county  of  Colum- 
bus at  the  time  of  making  the  annual  assessment  for  the  year  1879  : 


NAMES  OV  TOWNS, 
CITIES 

AND  VILLAGES. 


Arlington 

Caledonia 

Columbus  (town) 

Columbus  (city) 

Courtland 

Dekorra 

Fort  Winnebago 

Fountain  Prairie 

Hampden 

Leeds 

Lewiston 

Lodi 

Lowville 

Marcellon 

Newport 

Otsego 

Pacific 

Portage 

Randolph 

Scott 

Springvale 

West  Point 

*V  T0CGD9, 

West  Ward  v'iirRandoiph 
Totals 


NUMBER  OF  ACRES. 


4452 
3780 
4950 

174 
5750 
262: 
170' 
3666 
4651 
6988 
1511 

672 
4194 
2452 

881 
4408 

435 
46 
5440 
5479 
3544 
1679 
1681 
10 


3178 

1389 

1456 

95 

1375 

1793 

1636 

1384 

1542 

1965 

1431 

1220 

1584 

1960 

449 

1845 

644.i 

151' 

2167 

1697 

1629 

2252 

1970 

10 


2122 

1317 

1238 

104 

917 

785.? 

469" 

1603 

1334 

1669 

1067 

867 

1142 

472 

368 

951 

86.5 

72' 

1577 

803 

826 

1387 

417 


1528 
395 
349 

10 
147 

97- 


324 

497 

903 

41 

202 

124 

28 

33 

249 


6 

272 

80 

53 

375 

5 


40 
154 


17 

463 

522 

25 

26 

37 

1200 

258 

102 

278 

334 

137 

313 

69 

69 

173 

101 

193 

615 


663 
122J 
113 


58 
51 
84 

231 
81 
82 

158 
37 
68J 
65^ 
6i 

134 

m 

30 

71^ 

43 

40A 

66" 

60 


3} 


2! 


14 


3i 


16 


69162 35122i  21594  5720A|5126  1740g  66]  1782  01404  35993  58202  11727  $171695 


Apple  Or- 
chard. 


og 


>2  "  .is" 


70} 
193 


110 

663 
104 


152 
69 
58 
71 
76i 

146| 
10 

104 

19] 
2 
99i 
92" 
120 
76 
43 


be  , 


o  o 

o  a  2 


3351 

3786 
5765 


4300, 
2105 
28331 


4303 

3655 

■  1305 

3712 

4104 

2834 

90(' 

3992 

755 

100 

3301 

3105 

2087 

3300 

1730 

75 


5122 

1462 

427 

180 

2209 

1830 

1008 

2029 

2020 

3076 

607 

867 

1096 

1669 

217 

1645 

30 

20 

3670 

1120 

1688 

2436 

1565 


1305 


1845 


1795 
4284 
2954 
3003 
2192 
3022 
428 


4116 

5422 
995 
737 

1181 


2620 
4633 
5200 
4184 
4427 


Milch  Cowa. 


'A 


745 
719 
6^8 
150 
657 
480 
408 
860 
589 
492 
477 
525 
408 
375 
210 
675 
117 
438 
606 
416 
501 
658 
573 


11426 
9314 
8840 
2250 
7998 
5774 
5102 

17215 
7385 
8364 
6698 
7765 
5965 
4046 
3150 
9841 
1531 
6785 
6984 
7176 
9078 
9900 
9168 


In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  there  were  grown  iii  the  town  of  Caledonia,  1  acre  of  flax ;  in  the 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  4  acres  of  cranberries  ;  in  the  town  of  Hampden,  1  acre  of  tobacco ;  in  the 
town  of  Lodi,  3  acres  of  cranberries  and  19  acres  of  flax  ;  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  1  acre  of  flax, 
and  in  the  town  of  Springvale,  li  acres  of  flax.  There  were  also  188  acres  of  hops  cultivated  in 
the  county,  divided  as  follows  :  Caledonia,  23J  acres  ;  Columbus,  5  ;  Dekorra,  4  ;  Fort  Winne- 
bago, 1 ;  Hampden,  3  ;  Leeds,  5  ;  Lewiston,  54  ;  Marcellon,  6i  ;  Newport,  40  ;  Otsego,  22  ; 
Portage  City,  7  ;  Springvale,  10  ;  West  Point,  3,  and  Wyocena,  4.  For  two  or  three  years  prior 
to  1868,  hops  were  largely  grown  throughout  the  county. 

The  early  settlement  of  Columbia  County  was  made  by  a  robust,  thrifty,  industrious  and 
frugal  class  of  men  and  women,  in  their  youth  and  prime  of  physical  life,  full  of  energy  and 
days'  work.  They  found  a  rich  soil,  like  themselves  new  and  young  and  full  of  fertility,  yield- 
ing readily  to  the  will  and  wishes  of  the  earnest  and  ambitious  toiler  who  owned  and  cultivated 
it,  and  rewarding  his  efibrts  with  abundant  harvests  of  all  kinds.  The  land  yielded  so  abun- 
dantly and  persistently,  that  the  opinion  prevailed  for  many  years  that  the  grain-producing 
qualities  of  the  soil  were  inexhaustible,  hence  the  straw  was  burned  to  get  it  out  of  the  way, 
and  the  manure  was  permitted  to  go  to  waste.  Crop  after  crop  of  grain  was  taken  from  the 
soil,  and  nothing  returned  in  exchange  therefor  to  preserve  its  fertility,  until,  through  course  of 
time,  the  crops  became  less  and  less,  and  less  still,  so  that  now,  lands  which  at  one  time  would 
yield  with  reasonable  certainty  thirty  to  forty  bushels  of  wheat  to  the  acre,  cannot  be  depended 
upon  to  yield  with  like  certainty  ten  or  fifteen  bushels  of  wheat  to  the  acre.  Meantime,  the 
habits  of  slothfulness  and  waste,  begotten  of  prosperity,  have,  in  some  cases,  become  a  part  of 
the  farmer's  being,  and  they  seem  to  have  no  desire   to   shake  off"  the  wretched  and  ill-begotten 


458  •  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

incubus  that  weighs  and  keeps  them  down,  and  places  them  at  great  disadvantage  in  the  general 
struggle  against  impending  adversity.  There  are  exceptions  to  this,  the  general  condition  of  the 
farmers  of  this  county,  but  such  exceptions  merely  establish  the  rule. 

AGRICULTURAL    SOCIETIES. 

Columbia  County  Ai/ricultural  Society. — It  was  at  the  autumn  meeting  of  the  Board 
of  Sujiervisors  of  Columbia  County,  held  at  Portage  in  November,  1851,  that  a  suggestion  for 
the  organization  of  an  agricultural  society  was  first  acted  upon.  Jessie  Van  Ness,  of  West  Point, 
made  the  suggestion.  The  members  received  the  proposition  With  favor,  and  a  preliminary 
meeting  was  called.  It  met  in  Schoolhouse  No.  7,  in  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago.  Van  Ness 
became  President  pro  tem.  Messrs.  Joseph  Kerr,  of  Randolph  ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  of  Lowville,  and 
Guptil,  of  Scott,  became  the  Committee  on  Constitution.  Messrs.  Ketchum  and  Bartholomew, 
of  Lodi ;  Jones,  of  Springvale ;  Bushnell,  of  Wyocena,  and  Adams,  of  Fountain  Prairie,  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  nominate  officers.  On  the  19th  of  the  same  month,  the  meeting  re-as- 
sembled at  the  same  place,  when  an  address  was  delivered  by  Joseph  Kerr,  of  Randolph  ;  an 
acceptable  constitution  was  reported,  including  five  short  articles.  The  qualifications  for  mem- 
bers consisted  in  subscribing  to  the  constitution  and  paying  2.5  cents.  On  that  occasion  the  fol- 
lowing persons  wrote  their  signatures  and  became  the  charter  members :  Jessie  Van  Ness,  Fred 
C.  Curtis,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  A.  Ketchum,  J.  Q.  Adams,  Thomas  Dalzell,  Perry  Lee,  J.  B. 
Fargo,  E.  K.  Vaughan,  H.  W.  Phelps,  Joseph  Utley,  Yates  Ashley,  Reuben  Baughman,  G. 
Smythe,  Joseph  Kerr,  John  Byrne,  J.  A.  Guptil,  Daniel  S.  Bushnell,  Josiah  Arnold,  H.  Car- 
penter, Alvin  Alden,  Elijah  Lee,  David  Wyman,  S.  K.  Vaughan,  James  Andrews,  Shadrick 
Sherman,  Hubbel  West,  Jr.,  Charles  Spear,  Fred  G.  Smythe,  J.  C.  Smith,  Henry  Converse,  J. 
Whitney,  Jacob  Rood,  Stephen  Brayton,  0.  Jones,  Michael  Van  Winter,  Ransom  H.  Mead,  C. 
M.  Kingsbury,  M.  Wheeler,  Mr.  Sargeant,  B.  M.  Haynes,  John  McTighe,  Alex  McDonald, 
A.  A.  Bull,  Henry  Ayer  and  J.  W.  Rhodes. 

The  first  oSicers  of  the  society  were :  President,  J.  Van  Ness,  West  Point ;  First  Vice 
President,  Joseph  Kerr,  Randolph ;  Second  Vice  President,  Thomas  C.  Smith,  Columbus ; 
Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis,  Lowville ;  Recording  Secretary,  John  A.  Byrne,  Otsego ;  Correspond- 
ing Secretary,  Henry  Converse,  Wyocena.  Executive  Committee — Messrs.  Curtis,  Guptil, 
Adams,  Bartholomew,  Bushnell  and  T.  C.  Smith. 

The  first  fair  was  held  in  November,  1852,  on  the  commons  at  Wyocena.  The  receipts 
were  $15.75,  and  the  disbursements,  f  11.80.     The  society  claimed  the  gathering  to  be  a  success. 

January  4,  1853.  At  that  date  a  meeting  was  held,  various  amendments  to  the  by-laws 
were  made,  and  the  following  officers  elected  :  Joseph  Kerr,  President ;  D.  S.  Bushnell  and 
G.  M.  Bartholomew,  Vice  Presidents ;  Henry  Converse,  Recording  and  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Treasurer.  Executive  Committee — Messrs.  Rockwood,  Adams,  Converse, 
Van  Ness  and  Merrell. 

June  14,  1853,  when  Kerr,  Van  Ness  and  Converse,  as  Executive  Committee,  resolved  to 
"hold  the  next  show  and  cattle-fair  at  Wyocena,  September  28,  185-3,"  and  to  "  award  premiums 
as  the  funds  of  the  society  would  allow,"  judges  for  fourteen  classes  were  appointed.  At  that 
exhibition  there  were  nineteen  entries  under  the  department  of  horses,  and  twelve  under  that  of 
cattle;  poultry,  one;  farm  implements,  two — one  of  which  was  a  plow  and  the  other  a  vertical 
gate.     The  receipts  of  the  exhibition  were  $20,  and  the  disbursements,  $18.81. 

In  November  of  the  same  year,  Joseph  Kerr  was  elected  President,  Jessie  Van  Ness  and 
J.  T.  Lewis,  Vice  Presidents,  and  Henry  Converse  and  F.  C.  Curtis  were  continued  as  Secretary 
and  Treasurer.  The  Executive  Board  chosen  consisted  of  James  C.  Carr,  William  Wiley,  D.  S. 
Bushnell,  J.  F.  Hand  and  Hugh  McFarlane.  At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, it  was  decided  to  hold  the  ensuing  exhibition  at  Columbus,  September  20,  1854.  The 
scene  of  the  rural  festivities  was  at  the  forks  of  the  road  on  the  westward  declivity  of  what  is  now 
Lewis  &  Cook's  hill.     The  Mountain  House,  kept  by  A.  P.  Birdsey,  then  situated  there,  a  little 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.     '  459 

•building  between  the  two  roads  owned  by  him,  was  the  hall  of  fine  arts,  and  in  it  were  displayed 
a  few  fruits  and  some  fine  needlework,  etc.  There  were  ninety-nine  entries  in  all.  The 
receipts  for  fees  of  members  were  $32.  Of  this  $18  was  disbursed  in  premiums,  together 
with  31  volumes  of  the  Transactions  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society,  and  sundry  diplomas. 

The  next  business  meeting  of  the  society  was  held  at  Portage  November  16,  1854,  N.  H. 
Wood  presiding.  James  C.  Carr,  of  Fountain  Prairie,  was  elected  President ;  C.  J.  Pettibone, 
of  Portage,  and  Peter  Van  Ness,  of  Lodi,  Vice  Presidents ;  and  Henry  Converse,  Secretary. 
E.xecutive  Committee — William  T.  Whirry,  of  Randolph  ;  N.  H.  Wood,  of  Pacific ;  John  A. 
Bowen,  of  Columbus ;  R.  H.  Mead,  of  Waushara  ;  and  E.  F.  Lewis,  of  Lewiston. 

Since  that  date,  fairs  have  been  held  and  officers  elected  as  follows:  In  September,  1855, 
Portage  won  the  prize  by  offering  a  handsome  donation.  The  receipts  of  the  exhibition  were 
$52.50,  and  $120  was  paid  in  premiums.  J.  W.  Earll  delivered  the  address.  OflBcers  elected 
in  November — President,  Peter  Van  Ness ;  Vice  Presidents,  M.  W.  Patton  and  Andrew  Dunn  ; 
Secretary,  F.  B.  Haslim;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis.  Executive  Committee — Messrs.  Powers, 
Folsom,  Adams,  Hardy  and  McFarlane. 

1856— Fair  held  at  Wyocena  the  2d  and  3d  of  October.  Receipts,  $117.19 ;  disburse- 
ments, $126.15.  Address  delivered  by  J.  J.  Guppey.  Officers — President,  John  Con- 
verse ;  Vice  Presidents,  J.  C.  Carr  and  Daniel  White ;  Secretary,  Henry  Converse ;  Treasurer, 
F.  C.  Curtis.  Executive  Committee— R.  T.  Graves,  T.  Terrill,  T.  Dalzell,  A.  P.  Smith  and 
John  Ewing,  Jr. 

1857 — Fair  held  at  Wyocena  September  22  and  23 ;  address  delivered  by  J.  T.  Lewis ; 
premiums,  $84;  receipts,  $244;  entries,  183.  Officers — President,  John  Converse;  Vice  Presi- 
dents, W.  T.  Bradley  and  R.  T.  Graves ;  Secretary,  Henry  Converse ;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis. 
Executive  Committee — A.  W.  Ingalsbee,  Peter  Van  Ness,  R.  H.  Mead,  D.  White  and  J.  J. 
Guppey. 

1858 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  23  and  24;  receipts  (including  Portage  City's  sub- 
scription of  $175  and  the  State  appropriation  of  $100),  $401 ;  disbursements,  $476.25.  Offi- 
cers— Pi-esident,  Royal  T.  Graves ;  Vice  Presidents,  J.  J.  Guppey  and  J.  C.  Carr ;  Secretary, 
Henry  Converse ;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis.  Executive  Committee — D.  White,  W.  T.  Bradley, 
J.  T.  Lewis,  P.  Van  Ness  and  E.  F.  Lewis. 

1859 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  20  and  21 ;  entries,  201 ;  premiums,  $303.50 ; 
funds  on  hand  November  17,  $67.  Officers — President,  J.  J.  Guppey;  Vice  Presidents,  R.  T. 
Graves  and  J.  C.  Carr ;  Secretary,  Henry  Converse ;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis.  Executive 
Committee — P.  Van  Ness,  D.  White,  Samuel  McConochie,  John  0.  Jones  and  Nathan  Hazen. 

I860 — Fair  held  at  Cambria,  the  citizens  paying  $165  for  the  luxury,  September  18,  19  and 
20  ;  receipts,  $402  ;  expenditures,  $309.  Officers — President,  Daniel  White  ;  Vice  Presidents, 
R.  T.  Graves  and  J.  Q.  Adams;  Secretary,  Henry  Converse ;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis.  Execu- 
tive Committee — H.  S.  Haskell,  A.  W.  Ingalsbee,  J.  Whitney,  C.  L.  Brown  and  W.  N.  Baker. 

1861 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  18,  19  and  20;  receipts  (including  appi-opriation 
and  subscription),  $475.21;  expenses,  $426;  out  of  which  had  been  paid  $363  in  premiums. 
Officers — President,  John  Q.  Adams ;  Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  J.  B.  Dwinnell ; 
Secretary,  Henry  Converse ;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis.  Executive  Committee — P.  Van  Ness, 
R.  T.  Graves,  Conrad  Collipp,  Thomas  Robertson  and  G.  W.  Campbell.  At  the  business  meet- 
ing of  November  it  was  decided  that  elections  for  officers  should  take  place  on  the  second  day 
of  the  fair  of  each  year. 

1862 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  24,  25  and  26.  Officers — President,  J.  B.  Dwin- 
nell;  Vice  Presidents,  John  Pardee  and  Ervin  McCall;  Secretary,  H.  B.  Munn  ;  Treasurer, 
F.  C.  Curtis.  Executive  Committee — C.  Collipp,  W.  Rice,  J.  Van  Ness,  B.  Williams,  P. 
Houston,  R.  McConochie,  W.  Young,  J.  Bradley  and  J.  Q.  Adams. 

1863 — Fair  held  at  Lodi  September  22,  23  and  24  ;  receipts  (including  two  years'  State 
appropriation),  $769;  disbursements,  $607.  OfHcers — President,  J.  B.  Dwinnell;  Vice  Presi- 
dents, R.  McConochie  and  J.  F.  Hand ;  Secretary,  H.  B.   Munn ;  Treasurer,  F.  C.  Curtis. 


460  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Executive  Committee — C.  Collipp,  A.  McDonald,  P.  Van  Ness,  R.  T.  Graves,  P.  Houston,  J- 
R.  Jones,  F.  Clark  Smith,  J.  W.  Bobinson  and  C.  Roys. 

1864 — Fair  held  at  Columbus  September  21,  22  and  23;  receipts,  $619;  disbursemetits, 
$480 ;  Officers — President,  J.  0.  Eaton  ;  Vice  Presidents,  R.  McConochie  and  J.  Q.  Adams  ; 
Secretary,  H.  B.  Munn  ;  Treasurer,   F.   C.    Curtis.     Executive  Committee — J.  P.  McGregor, 

A.  McDonald,  H.  M.  Ayer,  J.  W.  Robinson,  E.   Fairbanks,  A.  W.  Ingalsbee,  J.  0.  Jones,  J. 

B.  Smith  and  Henry  Converse. 

1865 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  19,  20  and  21 ;  receipts,  $687  ;  disbursements, 
$632.  Officers — President,  J.  Q.  Adams ;  Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  J.  0.  Jones  ; 
Secretary,  C.  C.  Britt ;  Treasurer,  J.  B.  Dwinnell.  Executive  Committee — J.  Van  Ness,  C. 
Collipp,  P.  McKenzie,  F.  C.  Curtis,  R.  B.  Sanderson,  A.  W.  Ingalsbee,  R.  McConochie,  J. 
B.  Jones  and  J.  B.  Smith. 

1866 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  19,  20  and  21  ;  receipts,  $812 ;  disbursements, 
$992,  including  $112  expended  in  building  Floral  Hall.  Officers — President,  J.  Q.  Adams  ; 
Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  F.  C.  Curtis  ;  Secretary,  C.  C.  Britt ;  Treasurer,  J.  B. 
Dwinnell.  Executive  Committee — Cyrus  Hill,  R.  0.  Loomis,  David  Owen,  J.  T.  Lewis,  L.  H. 
Doyle,  J.  W.  Robinson,  R.  T.  Graves,  R.  McConochie  and  J.  R.  Jones. 

1867 — Fair  held  at  Columbus  September  18,  19  and  20;  receipts,  $877;  disbursements, 
$926.  Officers— President,  H.  S.  Haskell;  Vice  Presidents,  F.  C.  Curtis,  J.  T.  Lewis;  Secre- 
tary, C.  C.  Dow  ;  Treasurer,  J.  B.  Dwinnell.  Executive  Committee — R.  0.  Loomis,  C.  C. 
Britt,  David  Owen,  J.  Q.  Adams,  J.  W.  Robinson,  L.  H.  Doyle,  E.  Woodard,  J.  R.  Jones  and 
R.  T.  Graves. 

1868 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  23,  24  and  25  ;  receipts,  $977  ;  disbursements, 
$1,125,  including  $200  for  a  tent  and  $175  for  Floral  Hall.  Officers— President,  F.  C.  Curtis  ; 
Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  J.  T.  Lewis  ;  Secretary,  C.  C,  Britt ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q. 
Adams.  Executive  Committee — J.  B.  Dwinnell,  P.  Pool,  D.  Owen,  L.  H.  Doyle,  T.  Sander- 
son, F.  L.  Henry,  I.  McCall,  L.  Lloyd  and  J.  Pardee. 

1869 — Fair  held  at  Columbus  September  22,  23  and  24 ;  receipts,  $960  ;  disbursements, 
$780 ;  700  entries  were  made,  which  was  far  in  excess  of  any  previous  year.  Officers — Presi- 
dent, F.  C.  Curtis;  Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  J.  T.  Lewis ;  Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle; 
Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.     Executive  Committee — J.  B.  Dwinnell,  E.  F.  Lewis,  R.  0.  Loomis, 

A.  G.  Cook,  F.  L.  Henry,  E.  Fairbanks,  M.  W.  Twitchell,  J.  R.  Jones  and  David  H.  Langdon. 

1870 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  21,  22  and  23;  receipts,  $909;  disbursements, 
$867.  Officers— President,  A.  G.  Cook ;  Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  F.  C.  Curtis ; 
Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle  ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors  (one  from  each  town) — G.  A. 
Clark,  J.  S.  Richmond,  F.  F.  Farnham,  J.  R.  Jones,  S.  M.  Carr,  C.  Baker,  J.  Foster,  E.  Fair- 
banks, J.  W.  Robinson,  J.  Ewing,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  F.  L.  Henry,  M.  H.  Smith,  E.  T.  Hooker, 
D.  Buchanan,  B.  F.  Flower,  C.  Collipp,  G.  Perry,  P.  Houston,  I.  McCall,  J.  Van  Ness  and  M. 
W.  Twitchell. 

1871 — Fair  held  at  Columbus  September  19,  20  and  21 ;  receipts,  $1,267  ;  disbursements, 
$1,248 ;  entries,  700.     Officers— President,  A.  G.  Cook  ;  Vice  Presidents,  H.  S.  Haskell  and 

F.  C.  Curtis ;  Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — John  H.  Young, 
John  S.  Richmond,  F.F.  Farnham,  J.  R.  Jones,  J.  McKenzie,  C.  Baker,  J.  Foster,  E.  Fair- 
banks, C.  L.  Brown,  J.  Ewing,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  F.  L.  Henry,  G.  Smith,  M.  H.  Smith,  S.  Jones, 

B.  F.  Flower,  R.  0.  Loomis,  G.  G.  Marvin,  P.  Houston,  K.  Scott,  J.  Van  Ness  and  D.  S. 
Bushnell. 

1872 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  18,  19  and  20  ;  receipts,  $761 ;  disbursements, 
$954.  Officers — President,  E.  Fairbanks;  Vice  Presidents,  F.  C.  Curtis  and  L.  W.  Barden ; 
Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — G.  H.  Clark,  D.  Owen,  J.  R. 
Jones,  Henry  Morse,  H.  Jamieson,  E.  S.  Baker,  J.  Foster,  S.  Hasey,  C.  L.  Brown,  J.  Ewing, 
J.  B.  Dwinnell,  F.  L.  Henry,  E.  Woodard,  G.  F.  Noble,  J.   Batty,  J.  L.  Porter,  C.   Collipp, 

G.  G.  Marvin,  P.  Houston,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  J.  Van  Ness  and  M.  W.  Twitchell. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  461 

1873 — Fair  held  at  Columbus  September  17,  18  and  19;  receipts,  $1,115;  disbursements, 
$1,032.  Officers — President,  E.  Fairbanks ;  Vice  Presidents,  L.  W.  Barden  and  F.  C.  Curtis ; 
Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — G.  F.  Richardson,  D.  Owen,  J. 
R.  Jones,  Henry  Morse,  H.  Jamieson,  E.  S.  Baker,  J.  Foster,  S.  Hasey,  S.  J.  Scott,  E.  F, 
Lewis,  -T.  B.  Dwinnell,  F.  L.  Henry,  E.  Woodard,  G.  F.  Noble,  D.  Buchanan,  A.  Coapman,  C. 
Collipp,  G.  G.  Marvin,  P.  Houston,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  J.  Van  Ness  and  M.  W.  Twitchell. 

1874 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  29  and  30  and  October  1 ;  receipts,  $1,012  ;  dis- 
bursements, $925.  Officers — President,  L.  W.  Barden ;  Vice  Presidents,  F.  C.  Curtis  and  D. 
Buchanan;  Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — T.  Graham,  J. 
Ewing,  E.  Woodard,  I.  W.  York,  R.  C.  Rockwood,  J.  Marvin,  D.  H.  Langdon,  0.  R.  Luey,  J. 
T.  Lewis,  G.  Richards,  J.  Foster,  E.  Fairbanks,  T.  Thompson,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  R.  Lloyd,  D. 
Owen,  J.  McKenzie,  T.  Sanderson,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  F.  L.  Henry,  B.  F.  Flower,  J.  Van  Ness 
and  D.  S.  Bushnell. 

1875 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  28,  29  and  30;  receipts,  $1,087  ;  disbursements, 
$1,045.  Officers — President,  R.  C.  Rockwood  ;  Vice  Presidents,  F.  C.  Curtis  and  J.  Van 
Ness ;  Secretary,  L.  H.  Doyle ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — G.  Perry,  G.  Paine,  Z. 
Merrill,  C.  Baker,  E.  F.  Lewis,  C.  A.  Noyes,  S.  M.  Carr,  E.  E.  Chapin,  G.  Robinson,  E. 
Roys,  P.  Boutwell,  J.  Foster,  G.  Richards,  S.  Huntley,  J.  Collins,  D.  Owen,  W.  Reedal,  F. 
L.  Henry,  C.  L.  IJrown,  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  B.  F.  Flower,  R.  Wilson,  0.  D.  Vandusen. 

1876 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  26,  27  and  28  ;  receipts,  $1,135  ;  disbursements, 
$1,314.  Officers — President,  F.  C.  Curtis;  Vice  Presidents,  V.  E.  Brewer;  and  J.  Foster 
Secretary,  E.  S.  Baker ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — J.  Whitney,  W.  McDonald,  M. 
H.  Smith,  P.  G.  Stroud,  E.  S.  Purdy,  G.  G.  Marvin,  D.  H.  Langdon,  J.  W.  Leffingwell,  J.  J. 
Sutton,  J.  R.  Jones,  H.  C.  Field,  E.  Roys,  K.  Scott,  A.  C.  Jennings,  Louis  Lintner,  D.  Owen, 
N.  P.  Irons,  T.  Sanderson,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  G.  W.  Webb,  J.  F.  Warren,  J.  Van  Ness  and  C. 
Spear.     F.  C.  Curtis  delivered  an  address  on  butter  making  and  the  care  of  cows. 

1877 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  18,  19  and  20  ;  receipts,  $2,441 ;  disbursements, 
$2,867  (including  $1,500  paid  for  the  Floral  Hall).  The  society's  financial  standing  at  that 
date  is  figured  up  as  follows:  New  Floral  Hall,  built  by  Lewis  Green,  A.  Carnagie, architect, 
$1,500  ;  fixtures,  library,  etc.,  $450  ;  total,  $1,950.  Deduct  $409  indebtedness,  and  the  soci- 
ety considered  itself  worth  $1,540.  Officers — President,  F.  C.  Curtis  ;  Vice  Presidents,  V.  E. 
Brewer  and  C.  L.  Brown  ;  Secretary,  Z.  J.  D.  Swift;  Treasurer,  J.  A.  Adams.  Directors — 
L.  Lintner,  H.  J.  Fisk,  M.  Adams, 'M.  H.  Smith,  E.  F.  Lewis,  A.  B.  Stearns,  E.  S.  Purdy,  D. 
S.  Merrell,  W.  Morris,  D.  H.  Langdon,  G.  Richards,  J.  E.  McMahon,  S.  Hasey,  D.  Buchanan, 
S.  Scott,  D.  Owen,  J.  McKenzie,  S.  J.  Scott,  J.  Wilson,  Jr.,  S.  Dunn,  J.  L.  Porter,  J.  Van 
Ness  and  W.  Yale. 

1878 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  24,  25  and  26 ;  receipts,  $1,368 ;  expenditures, 
$1,938.  Officers — President,  L.  W.  Barden;  Vice  Presidents,  D.  Buchanan  and D.  Richards; 
Secretary,  Z.  J.  D.  Swift ;  Treasurer,  J.  Q.  Adams.  Directors — L.  Lintner,  H.  J.  Fisk,  A. 
W.  Ingalsbee,  M.  H.  Smith,  E.  F.  Lewis,  A.  B.  Stearns,  W.  W.  Corning,  C.  Baker,  J.  San- 
derson, C.  F.  Roberts,  C.  Lawrence,  H.  Stanley,  J.  Jones,  J.  Foster,  C.  Roys,  K.  Scott,  G. 
Hall,  D.  Owen,  W.  Reedal,  T.  Sanderson,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  F.  C.  Curtis  and  J.  Van  Ness. 

1879 — Fair  held  at  Portage  September  16,  17  and  18;  receipts,  $1,499;  disbursements, 
$1,493.  Officers — President,  D.  Buchanan ;  Vice-Presidents,  G.  Richards  and  W.  Currie ; 
Secretary,  Z.  J.  D.  Swift ;  Treasurer,  G.  Yule.  Directors — L.  Lintner,  D.  Owen,  J.  Lloyd, 
H.  J.  Fisk,  J.  Q.  Adams,  D.  McCulloch,  J.  Foster,  J.  Whitney,  C.  Roys,  W.  McDonald,  C. 
L.  Brown,  C.  J.  Pardee,  G.  Bartholomew,  F.  C.  Curtis,  D.  B.  Herrman,  A.  B.  Stearns,  K. 
Scott,  B.  F.  Flower,  W.  W.  Corning,  W.  Morris,  L.  H.  Langden,  A.  C.  Jennings  and  Isaac 
Van  Ness. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  held  February  24,  1880,  it  was  decided  to  hold 
the  next  fair  at  Portage,  September  13,  14  and  15,  1880.  It  was  also  decided  to  issue  compli- 
mentary tickets  to  editors  and  clergymen,  and  the  Treasurer's  bond  was  fixed  at  $1,0(10.     The 


462  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

present  indebtedness  of  the  society  is  $597.50.  Article  XII,  of  the  society's  rules  and  regula- 
tions, contains  the  following:  "No  games  of  chance,  or  pools  on  horse-racing  will  be  allowed  on 
the  grounds  during  the  fair,  and  the  sale  of  malt  and  spirituous  liquors  is  strictly  prohibited." 
And  it  is  worthy  of  remark   that  its   provisions  have  been  implicitly  adhered  to. 

Union  Fair. — A  meeting  was  called  to  assemble  at  the  building  of  Leuders  &  Krause,  in 
Columbus,  Saturday,  August  7,  1875,  to  consider  the  propriety  of  organizing  an  agricultural 
society,  composed  of  people  living  in  that  vicinity.  On  motion,  A.  G.  Cook  was  made  Chair- 
man, and  H.  D.  Bath,  Secretary.  On  taking  the  chair,  Mr.  Cook  said  that  he  supposed  all 
understood  the  object  of  the  present  meeting  was  to  determine  whether  a  fair  for  this  section  of 
the  country  should  be  held  at  or  near  the  city  that  fall,  and  declared  the  question  open  for  con- 
sideration. C.  L.  Bering  understood  the  object  to  be  also  the  election  of  officers.  He  stated 
that  Capt.  Wisner  had  the  Bearer  Dam  subscription,  and  had  the  consent  of  the  persons  named 
thereon  to  transfer  the  same  to  Columbus.  The  amount  that  had  been  secured  was  $215,  and 
this  was  without  any  special  effort,  and  when  only  $200  had  been  asked.  The  Chairman  said  it 
was  customary  when  such  bodies  were  organized  to  adopt  articles  of  association.  As  it  was 
proposed  to  make  this  fair  a  permanent  institution,  that  course,  doubtless,  would  be  proper.  G. 
W.  Hazelton  said  at  the  suggestion  of  some  parties  he  had  drafted  some  resolutions  which  could 
be  used  if  desired.  He  supposed  it  was  the  design  of  the  people  living  contiguous  to  Columbus 
to  organize  a  local  fair.  Fairs  have  lately  become  local  expositions.  On  account  of  the  small 
premiums  necessarily  offered,  it  was  impossible  to  draw  competition  any  great  distance.  No 
antagonism  was  meditated  against  the  Columbia  County  fair.  It  was  designed  merely  to  make 
this  a  local  organization  for  the  benefit  of  people  contiguous  to  Columbus,  and  to  accommodate 
a  section  not  accommodated  by  any  other  fair  as  they  are  now  located.  He  then  read  the  sub- 
joined resolutions. 

The  citizens  of  tlie  counties  of  Columbus,  Dodge  and  Dane,  residing  in,  and  within  convenient  distance  of' 
Columtnis,  assembled,  pursuant  to  notice,  at  Holmes'  Hall,  in  said  city,  August  6,  1875,  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
into  consideration  the  organization  of  a  local  fair,  to  be  held  at  or  near  said  city,  do  hereby  adopt  the  following 
resolutions,  viz.: 

Resolved,  For  the  purpose  of  bringing  together  annually,  or  so  often  as  may  be  deemed  best,  at  the  city  of  Colum- 
bus, all  persons  interested  in  a  periodical  exposition  of  stock,  farm  products,  specimens  of  mechanical  skill,  of  the  fine 
arts,  etc.,  we  do  hereby  organize  a  fair  to  be  known  as  the  Columbus  Union  Fair,  and  cordially  invite  the  co-opera- 
tion herein  of  the  surrounding  towns. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  of  the  Columbus  Union  Fair  shall  consist  of  a  President,  Vice  President,  Secretary 
and  Treasurer,  and  an  executive  committee  of  five  persons  shall  hereafter  be  elected  annually,  for  the  term  of  one 
year. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  officers  and  the  said  executive  committee  shall,  until  a  code  of  by-laws  shall  be  prepared 
and  adopted,  be  fully  empowered  to  take  hold  of  this  subject,  and  make  all  needful  rules  and  regulations  to  carry  out 
the  purposes  of  this  organization  ;  to  fix  a  time  and  place  for  holding  the  fair  ;  to  prepare  and  publish  a  listof  Judges, 
together  with  a  premium  list,  and  to  do  all  acts  and  things  necessary  in  the  premises,  and  that  a  majority  of  said 
officers,  including  the  committee,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  are  hereby  designated  and  elected  as  officers  for  the  current  year,  and 
until  their  successors  shall  he  duly  chosen. 

The  following  officers  were  then  elected  :  President,  Clarendon  Roys,  of  Hampden  ;  Vice 
President,  J.  Webster,  of  Elba  ;  Secretary,  C.  L.  Bering,  of  Columbus  ;  Treasurer,  M.  Adams, 
of  Columbus.  The  following  gentlemen  were  selected  as  the  Executive  Committee  :  John  Fos- 
ter, of  Fountain  Prairie ;  E.  Fairbanks,  of  Hampden  ;  G.  Weeks,  of  York ;  J.  J.  Sutton,  of  Colum- 
bus ;  C.  K.  Stewart,  of  Elba.  Mr.  Hazelton  suggested  that  the  working  committee  ought  not 
to  be  too  cumbersome,  and  favored  the  appointment  of  a  co-operation  of  one  from  each  of  eight 
or  ten  adjoining  towns,  to  take  hold  of  the  fair  and  help  make  it  a  success.  The  following  were 
at  length  selected  as  such  committee  :  W.  A.  Pulver,  Otsego  ;  Henry  Fields,  Fountain  Prairie: 
Levi  Nelson,  Hampden;  W.  W.  Drake,  Columbus ;  Harvey  Baxter,  Bristol;  Eli  Sherman, 
York;  S.  Austin,  Portland;  H.  J.  Rol)erts,  Elba;  William  Williams,  Calamus.  On  motion  of 
G.  W.  Hazelton,  A.  G.  Cook,  of  Columbus,  was  added  as  Chairman  of  the  above  committee. 
Mr.  Cook  expressed  the  opinion  that  a  permanent  fair  could  be  organized,  and  that  it  would  not 
be  difficult  in  time  to  raise  money  to  erect  suitable  buildings,  and,  perhaps,  purchase  the  required 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  463 

grounds.  C.  L.  Bering  moved  that  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  by  the  chair  to  solicit  aid 
and  obtain  the  funds  necessary  for  immediate  use.  Adopted.  Adam  McConnell,  M.  B.  Misner 
and  Dr.  D.  C.  Davies  were  selected  as  such  committee. 

The  first  fair  of  the  society  was  held  on  the  6th,  7th  and  8th  days  of  October,  1875,  and 
was  a  complete  success  financially  and  otherwise.  The  total  receipts  were  $1,587.50,  from 
which  were  paid  out  for  premiums,  $894  ;  general  expenses,  $395.66  ;  Secretary's  office,  $31  ; 
leaving  a  balance  on  hand  of  $26J.84.  •  * 

The  second  annual  fair  was  held  October  10,  11,  12  and  13,  1876.  Total  receipts, 
$1,917.99.  Paid  for  premiums,  $1,319.80  ;  expenses,  $543.79  ;  Secretary's  expenses,  $54.40. 
The  exhibition  was  a  success,  but  financially  it  was  not  satisfactory.  The  officers  of  the  society 
were  the  same  as  the  previous  year. 

In  1877,  another  successful  fair  was  held.  The  total  receipts  were  $1,730.55  ;  premiums 
paid,  $1,166.82  ;  fair  expenses,  $510.85 ;  Secretary's  oflBce,  $52,88.  The  fair  was  held  the 
3d,  4th,  5th  and  6th  of  October.  The  officers  at  this  time  were  John  Foster,  President ;  Chas. 
L.  Bering,  Secretary ;  M.  Adams,  Treasurer. 

In  1878,  the  fair  was  held  September  18,  19,  20  and  21,  with  total  receipts  amounting  to 
$562.17,  from  which  premiums  were  paid  of  $200  ;  expenses,  $288.66  ;  Secretary's  ofiice,  $50. 
Owing  to  a  storm  which  destroyed  the  main  building  during  the  second  day  of  the  fair,  the  latter 
was  a  comparative  failure.  Officers  for  the  year,  James  Webster,  President;  Charles  L.  Bering, 
Secretary,  M.  Adams,  Treasurer. 

The  officers  for  1879  were  James  Webster,  President ;  M.  Adams,  Secretary  ;  L.  Birdsey, 
Treasurer;  the  annual  fair  was  held  September  24,  25  and  26,  with  total  receipts  of  $1,199.11, 
from  which  were  paid  for  premiums  $740.50  ;  fair  expenses,  $321.24  ;  Secretary's  office,  $45  ; 
leaving  a  balance  on  hand  of  $42.37.  It  was  a  success  in  every  particular,  greatly  encouraging 
to  its  officers  and  friends. 

The  exhibition  grounds  of  the  society  are  owned  by  A.  W.  Ingalsbee,  and  are  situated  one- 
half  mile  northeast  of  the  city,  and  are  well  adapted  for  the  purpose.  The  society  is  not  a 
joint-stock  company,  and  was  formed  simply  by  the  people  organizing  and  electing  officers.  Its 
resources  consist  in  the  proceeds  of  their  exhibitions,  after  expenses  are  paid,  together  with 
$100  anually  appropriated  by  the  State. 

Lodi  Union  Agricultural  Society. — The  Columbia  County  Agricultural  Society  had  its 
annual  exhibition  in  the  village  of  Lodi  September  22,  23  and  24,  1863.  The  fair  was  a  suc- 
cess financially  and  otherwise  ;  the  attendance  was  good,  although  but  few  attended  outside  of 
the  towns  immediately  surrounding.  This  fact  suggested  to  James  0.  Eaton,  of  Lodi,  the  idea 
of  an  organization  of  a  union  fair  composed  of  citizens  of  neighboring  towns.  In  the  issue  of 
the  Lodi  Herald,  October  7,  1863,  was  published  from  his  pen,  the  following  letter  : 

"  Editor  Herald  : — Permit  me  through  your  columns  to  call  the  attention  of  the  farmers 
and  others  interested  in  agricultural  matters,  in  the  towns  of  Bekorra,  West  Point,  Lodi  and 
Arlington,  in  Columbia  County,  and  Roxbury,  Bane  and  Vienna,  in  Bane  County,  to  the  propriety 
of  organizing  a  union  agricultural  society.  At  the  fair  recently  held  in  this  place,  the  receipts 
were  nearly  $600,  and  probably  not  $25  of  the  amount  were  received  from  persons  living  beyond 
the  limits  of  these  towns,  while  a  number  of  premiums  went  beyond  the  limits  of  those  towns 
in  Columbia  County ;  and  those  towns  in  Bane  County,  which  contributed  largely  to  the  receipts 
of  the  fair,  received  no  part  in  the  disbursement  of  the  premiums.  That  those  towns  in  this 
county  are,  as  regards  county  fairs,  isolated  from  the  balance  of  the  county,  was  fully  demon- 
strated by  the  non-attendance  at  the  fair  in  this  place,  of  persons  living  in  other  portions  of  the 
county.  Nature  intended  that  these  towns  in  Dane  County  should  aflSliate  with  those  in  Colum- 
bia County,  and  it  is  self-evident  that  the  people  do  not  intend  to  deviate  from  the  course  pointed 
out  by  nature.  Lodi  as  a  central  point  would  give  but  a  short  distance  for  gathering  together 
of  stock,  and  from  the  fact  that  all  these  towns  are  first-class  agricultural  towns,  but  little  effort 
would  be  necessary  to  get  up  and  sustain  from  year  to  year,  one  of  the  most  successful  fairs  in 
the  State. 


464  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

"  What  say  you,  gentlemen  agricultui'ists,  to  having  a  meeting  of  the  friends  of  the  enterprise, 
for  the  purpose  of  organizing  such  an  association  ?  * 

"LoDi,  October  5." 

It  was  not  until  1866,  that  the  suggestions  of  the  letter  were  carried  out.  A  preliminary 
meeting  for  the  organization  of  the  society  was  held  at  the  Lyon  House,  in  the  village  of  Lodi, 
July  28,  1866,  pursuantto  the  following  call: 

All  persons  in  the  towns  of  Roxbury,  Dane,  Vienna,  West  Point,  Dekorra,  Arlington  and  Lodi,  who  are  in  favor 
of  organizing  a  union  agricultural  society,  are  requested  to  meet  at  the  Lyon  House  on  Saturday,  .July  28,  at  3  o'clock 
P.  M.,  to  organize  such  a  society. 

[Signed]  Many  Citizens. 

July  '2i,  1806. 

At  this  meeting,  James  0.  Eaton  was  elected  temporary  Chairman,  and  George  Yule,  tem- 
porary Secretary.  On  motion,  it  was  resolved  that  the  meeting  proceed  to  organize  an  agricult- 
ural society,  embracing  the  towns  of  Roxbury,  Dane  and  Vienna,  in  Dane  County,  and  Wes- 
Point,  Dekorra,  Arlington  and  Lodi,  in  Columbia  County.  It  was  also  voted  that  the'  organizat 
tion  be  known  as  the  Lodi  Union  Agricultural  Society.  Richard  Lindsay,  W.  S.  Schermerhorn 
and  Alpheus  King  were  appointed  a  committee  to  draft  a  constitution  and  by-laws  to  be  sub- 
mitted at  the  annual  meeting  in  October.  Alpheus  King,  of  Dane,  was  elected  President ;  H. 
W.  Cass,  of  Lodi,  Secretary,  and  H.  M.  Ayre,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer. 

The  first  fair  of  the  society  was  held  in  the  village  of  Lodi,  October  2,  3  and  4,  1866,  and 
was  regarded  as  a  success.  Annual  fairs  have  since  been  held  up  to  and  including  1879,  from 
which  were  received  from  all  sources  $13,872.7:2,  of  which  amount  have  been  e.xpended  for 
premiums,  $6,652.55  ;  rent  of  grounds,  $1,295;  fitting  up  of  grounds,  $2,938.12.  It  has  paid 
its  premiums  in  full  every  year,  excepting  in  1878,  when  the  weather  was  so  unfavorable  the 
fair  was  a  comparative  failure. 

A  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted  at  the  annual  meeting  in  October,  1866.  The 
oflicers  of  the  society  from  that  date  to  1880  have  been  as  follows :  1866 — Alpheus  King,  of 
Dane,  President ;  H.  W.  Cass,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  H.  M.  Ayre,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1867 — 
Alpheus  King,  of  Dane,  President ;  H.  AV.  Cass,  of  Lodi,  Secretary ;  H.  M.  Ayre,  of  Lodi, 
Treasurer.  1868 — Alpheus  King,  of  Dane,  President ;  H.  W.  Cass,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  II. 
M.  Ayre,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1869— Fred  Perry,  of  West  Point,  President ;  H.  W.  Cass,  of 
Lodi,  Secretary:  H.  M.  Ayre,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1870 — Jonas  Narrecong,  of  Lodi,  Presi- 
dent; H.  W.  Cass,  of  Lodi,  Secretary;  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1871 — Jonas 
Narrecong,  of  Lodi,  President;  Isaac  Van  Ness,  of  West  Point,  Secretary;  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  of 
Lodi,  Treasurer.  1872 — P.  S.  Kingsley,  of  Lodi,  President ;  Isaac  Van  Ness,  of  West  Point, 
Secretary  ;  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1873 — P.  S.  Kingsley,  of  Lodi,  President ; 
Isaac  Van  Ness,  of  West  Point,  Secretary  ;  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1874 — 
Robert  Steele,  of  Dane,  President;  E.  W.  Gardner,  of  Lodi,  Secretary;  D.  C.  Stanley,  of 
Vienna,  Treasurer  (died  during  the  year).  1875 — Robert  Steele,  of  Dane,  President ;  E.  .W. 
Gardner,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  P.  S.  Kingsley,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1876 — J.  T.  Collins,  of 
Arlington,  President ;  E.  W.  Gardner,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  P.  S.  Kingsley,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer. 
1877 — J.  0.  Eaton,  of  Lodi,  President ;  E.  W.  Gardner,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  J.  Caldwell,  of 
Arlington,  Treasurer.  1878 — J.  0.  Eaton,  of  Lodi,  President ;  E.  W.  Gardner,  of  Lodi,  Sec- 
retary ;  J.  Caldwell,  of  Arlington,  Treasurer.  1879 — Robert  Steele,  of  Dane,  President ;  E. 
W.  Gardner,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  Job  Mills,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer.  1880 — A.  A.  Boyce.  of 
Vienna,  President ;  E.  W.  GartJner,  of  Lodi,  Secretary  ;  Job  Mills,  of  Lodi,  Treasurer. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee,  held  February  12,  1870,  a  contract  was 
made  with  James  McCloud  for  grounds  for  a  period  of  five  years,  for  the  purpose  of  holding 
the  annual  fairs,  Mr.  McCloud  to  fit  up  and  furnish  the  same  for  the  convenience  of  the  fair, 
and  to  receive  an  annual  rent  therefor  of  $250. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  society,  August  30,  1873,  on  petition  of  Thomas  Sanderson 
and  twenty-five  other  freeholders  of  the  town  of  Leeds,  that  town  was  admitted  to  all  the  privi- 
leges of  the  society. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  465 

In  1875,  an  arrangement  was  made  with  the  Lodi  Driving  Park  Association,  by  which  the 
*  society  was  to  have  the  use  of  their  park  for  fair  purposes,  and  its  meetings  have  since  been 
held  at  that  place.  The  grounds  have  been  well  fitted  up  for  all  purposes  of  an  agricultural 
society.  One  of  the  best  half-mile  tracks  in  the  State  affords  an  opportunity  for  the  display  or 
training  of  fast  horses  ;  an  art  hall,  34x110  feet,  suitably  arranged  for  the  display  of  such  arti- 
cles as  are  found  therein,  and  a  hall  for  agricultural  products,  are  among  the  attractions.  At  this 
time  (1880),  the  society  has  no  floating  debt,  but  is  owing  $675,  due  in  1884,  contracted  for 
fitting  up  the  grounds.  By  legislative  action,  it  has  been  placed  on  the  same  footing,  for  State 
aid,  as  the  county  societies. 

potters'  joint-stock  emigration  society. 

In  1844,  the  Potters'  Union,  of  Staffordshire,  England,  was  supporting  in  idleness  a  large 
number  of  unemployed  potters,  at  an  expense  of  some  £70  per  week.  The  idea  was  then  con- 
ceived of  organizing  an  emigration  society,  in  order  to  give  these  unemployed  men,  or  others 
"of  their  trade,  an  opportunity  of  emigrating  to  America,  where  lands  were  cheap  and  where 
industry  would  surely  be  rewarded,  thus  relieving  their  country  of  surplus  labor,  and  enabling 
those  that  remained  to  obtain  better  wages.  It  was  argued  that  a  redundancy  of  hands  depre- 
ciates the  value  of  labor  and  lowers  it  in  price ;  if,  therefore,  any  plan  could  be  acted  upon  by 
which  that  redundancy  could  be  destroyed,  an  efficient  blow  would  be  given  to  the  cause  of 
labor's  wrongs.  "  Low  prices  are  the  effect  of  surplus  labor  ;  surplus  labor  is  a  consequence  of 
the  increasing  power  of  production  and  the  ignorance  of  the  working  classes.  If  the  working 
classes  had  possessed  intelligence,  the  millions  of  money  expended  by  them  in  battling  with 
effects — in  useless  strikes  for  a  raise  of  price  when  starving  men  were  in  the  land,  and  prepared 
to  work  at  any  price — would  have  been  devoted  to  a  more  sterling  object;  to  the  eradicating  of 
the  cause  that  produced  low  prices,  and  the  consequent  distress  that  has  existed  and  that  now 
exists  among  the  working  classes  of  this  empire."* 

It  was  to  this  process  of  reasoning  that  the  pottei's  of  Staffordshire  owed  the  existence  of 
their  joint-stock  emigration  society.  If  a  general  plan  of  emigration  could  be  brought  into 
practical  operation,  the  £70  per  week  being  expended  could  speedily  be  dispensed  with,  by  the 
removal  of  its  claimants  to  happy  homes  in  this  Western  World,  where  they  would  not  have  to 
starve  on  the  charitable  pittance  of  their  brethren  and  to  waste  their  days  in  idleness,  but  where 
all  the  powers  of  their  existence  would  be  called  into  active  operation,  and  where  industry  and 
economy  would  be  certain  of  producing  independence  in  the  progress  of  time. 

The  "Potters'  Joint-Stock  Emigration  Society  and  Savings  Fund"  was  organized,  accord- 
ing to  an  act  of  Parliament,  May,  1844.  Its  object  was  "  to  raise  a  fund,  by  weekly  contribu- 
tions from  each  member,  according  to  the  number  of  shares  held  by  such  member,  to  purchase, 
in  the  Western  States  of  the  North  American  Union,  12,000  acres  of  land ;  to  raise  on  the 
same  buildings  for  the  use  of  British  operative  potters  desiring  to  emigrate,  through  the  medium 
of  shares,  of  not  less  than  =£1  each." 

It  was  proposed  that,  with  the  moneys  realized  by  these  ,£1  shares,  a  given  number  of  fam- 
ilies, elected  by  ballot,  should  be  sent  to  the  society's  land,  to  each  of  which  families  should  be 
given  twenty  acres  of  land,  and  the  migrating  expenses  of  the  whole  to  be  defrayed  by  the  com- 
pany's funds.  It  was  also  permitted  of  any  member  who  had  paid  £1,  the  privilege  of  emigrat- 
ing, he  bearing  his  own  expenses,  and  to  choose  twenty  acres  of  land,  erecting  thereon  a  build- 
ing, and  to  cultivate  the  same.  Any  one  elected  by  ballot,  who  did  not  choose  to  go,  was  per- 
mitted to  dispose  of  his  chance  as  he  might  think  proper  to  any  member  of  the  society.  Women 
were  permitted  to  become  members  of  the  society,  but  were  not  permitted  to  hold  office.  Its 
general  management  was  vested  in  a  President,  Vice  President,  Secretary,  two  Money  Stew- 
ards, three  Trustees,  two  Treasurers,  one  Estate  Steward  and  one  Deputy  Estate  Steward,  who 
were  permitted  to  remain  in  office  so  long  as  they  gave  general  satisfaction,  and  did  their  duty 
according  to  its  rules  and  regulations. 

*  P<j««-s'  Examiner,  June  22,  1864. 


466  HISTORY    OF    COLUMHIA    COUNTY. 

The  objects  of  the  society  met  with  the  approval  of  the  great  body  of  men  in  whose  inter- 
est it  was  organized;  its  membership  rapidly  increased,  and.  in  184G,  when  a  sufficient  fund  ' 
had  been  raised  for  the  purpose,  Hamlet  Copeland,  John  Sawyer  and  James  Hammond  were 
sent  out  to  purchase  land  and  make  such  preparations  as  were  necessary  for  the  welfare  of 
those  who  desired  to  emigrate.  They  brought  with  them  a  fine  set  of  fancy  pottery,  designed 
as  a  present  for  the  General  Land  Commissioner,  at  Washington.  When  they  arrived  in  that 
city,  the  Commissioner  was  absent,  but  his  brother,,  who  was  a  clerk  in  the  department,  received 
them,  and  in  his  name  accepted  the  present  and  advised  them  to  seek  a  home  in  Wisconsin. 
Coming  to  this  State,  they  carefully  looked  over  the  field,  and  selected  1,640  acres  in  a  body 
in  the  town  of  Scott,  Columbia  County.  This  they  had  surveyed  into  twenty-acre  tracts,  on 
each  of  which  was  to  be  erected  a  dwelling-house  for  the  occupancy  of  the  emigrants. 

In  the  pottery  trade,  as  carried  on  in  England,  there  were  eight  branches,  and  each  branch 
had  its  separate  union.  After  a  sufficient  time  had  elapsed,  as  the  society  thought,  for  the  com- 
mittee sent  out  to  make  all  due  preparation,  each  of  these  unions  selected  one  of  their  number 
to  form  an  Estate  Committee,  who  were  to  come  with  the  emigrants,  and  see  that  each  member 
of  their  respective  unions  received  his  just  credits  and  was  not  imposed  on  by  the  General  Com- 
mittee. This  Estate  Committee  was  composed  of  Isaac  Smith,  Henry  Dooley,  Enoch  Pickering, 
George  Summerfield,  Joseph  Cloous,  Samuel  Fox,  George  Robertshaw  and  William  Bradshaw. 
Easter  week,  1847,  a  band  of  emigrants,  consisting  of  the  eight  mentioned  and  others  to  the 
number  of  forty-four,  left  the  potteries  in  Staffiardshire,  accompanied  by  a  band  of  music  and  a 
turnout  of  several  thousand  people,  who  came  to  see  them  off  and  bid  fiirewell.  Taking  ship  at 
Liverpool,  they  sailed  for  New  York,  and,  after  spending  five  long,  dreary  weeks  upon  the 
water,  they  landed  at  Castle  Garden.  By  way  of  the  Erie  Canal  they  journeyed  to  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.,  and  thence  to  Milwaukee  by  lake.  Here  they  were  met  by  James  Hammond,  who  was  to 
be  their  conductor  to  the  "promised  land." 

Arriving  in  Scott,  they  found  but  four  houses  erected,  and  all  in  an  unfinished  condition — 
not  a  window  in  nor  a  door  hung,  and  no  real  provision  made  for  their  comfort ;  but  this  was 
not  the  fault  of  the  committee,  as  they  had  not  been  given  time  enough  to  have  all  things  in 
readiness.  The  men  were  of  necessity  required  to  go  to  work  and  build  houses  for  themselves, 
in  the  mean  time  living  as  best  they  could.  At  this  time,  provisions  were  hard  to  obtain,  with 
or  without  money,  and  starvation  seemed  to  stare  them  in  the  face.  For  days  and  weeks,  bread 
was  not  to  be  obtained ;  potatoes,  too,  were  scarce,  butter  unknown,  and  the  outlook  was  dreary 
indeed.  Discouraging  reports  were  sent  back  to  friends  in  England,  which  had  the  effect  of 
discouraging  emigration  and  to  cripple  the  work  of  the  society.  Many  who  had  taken  an  active 
interest  in  the  work,  withdrew  their  aid,  so  much  so  that  sufficient  funds  could  not  be  raised  to 
even  supply  the  wants  of  those  who  had  already  been  sent  out,  much  less  to  send  others.  At 
this  juncture,  the  society  was  re-organized,  and,  instead  of  limiting  the  membership  to  the  pot- 
ters, all  trades  were  permitted  to  unite  in  furtherance  of  the  object  which  brought  it  into  exist- 
ence. Every  effort  was  made  by  the  society  to  prevent  the  spread  of  discouraging  reports. 
Circulars  were  issued  and  scattered  broadcast,  in  one  of  which  the  general  agent  spoke  as  fol- 
lows: "At  the  commencement  of  the  Potters'  Joint-Stock  Emigration  Society,  and  up  to  the 
present  time  [May,  1848],  its  operations  were  confined  to  working  potters  alone.  It  is  now  the 
pleasure  of  the  founder  to  announce  that  these  o])erations  are  thrown  open  to  the  service  of 
other  trades ;  and  that  the  success  of  the  potters  in  their  land  movement  for  trade's  protection, 
is  of  the  most  cheering  character.  Apart  from  strikes,  they  have  succeeded  in  raising  the  price 
of  their  labor  upward  of  20  per  cent,  and  throughout  a  long  and  unparalleled  stagnation  of 
trade,  they  have  conserved  the  improved  price  thus  secured.  This  great  success  is  wholly  a 
consequence  of  their  land  operations.  Instead  of  resorting  to  ruinous  strikes,  they  have  put 
the  ax  to  the  root  of  all  trades'  evil — surplus  labor.  In  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  every  hun- 
dred, these  just  demands  have  been  complied  with  ;  and  when  refused,  and  men  discharged  from 
their  employ,  these  objects  of  persecution  were  at  once  removed  to  self-supporting  twepty-acre 
farms,  rejoicing  in  their  release  from  the  oppressor's  yoke." 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  467 

On  the  first  purchase  of  land  by  the  society,  in  the  town  of  Scott,  were  settled  in  the  first 
year  134  persons.     The  settlement  was  given  the  name  of  Pottersville. 

The  new  rules  adopted  by  the  society  secured  to  each  individual  who  chose  to  avail  himself 
of  the  privilege,  twenty  acres  of  land  and  two  years'  credit  for  twelve  months'  provisions  on 
the  store  of  the  colony.  To  every  balloted  member,  twenty  acres  of  land,  five  broken  up,  sown 
and  fenced ;  a  good  substantial  log  dwelling ;  passage  money  for  family,  and  two  years'  credit 
for  provisions — all  for  the  small  contribution  of  sixpence  per  week.  The  balloted  member  had 
also  all  the  emigrating  expenses  of  himself,  wife  and  children,  under  eighteen  years  of  age, 
defrayed  by  the  society. 

In  184'J,  Thomas  Twigg  was  sent  out  with  full  power  to  purchase  50,000  acres  of  land, 
and  did  purchase  a  considerable  amount  in  the  towns  of  Fort  Winnebago,  Columbia  County,  and 
Moundville,  Marquette  County.  On  Section  4,  on  the  banks  of  the  b'ox  River,  at  a  place  called 
Twigg's  Landing,  he  opened  a  store  for  the  society  and  also  put  in  operation  a  blacksmith-shop, 
A  branch  store  was  also  started  in  the  town  of  Scott.  The  Trustees  at  this  time  were  John 
Johnson,  Charles  Adams  and  Thomas  Twiggs.  The  Stewards  in  charge  of  the  store  were 
unfortunate  in  the  transaction  of  the  business,  contracting  debts  which  could  not  be  paid  on 
maturity.  Suits  were  brought  against  the  society,  judgment  obtained,  and  a  levy  made  upon  the 
tract  of  land  first  purchased  in  the  town  of  Scott.  Friends  of  the  parties  then  living  on  the  land, 
bought  it  in  and  permitted  the  occupants  to  remain  thereon,  paying  therefor  a  proportionate 
part  of  the  amount  paid.  News  of  this  state  of  affairs  was  sent  back  to  England,  confidence 
was  lost  in  the  management  of  the  society  and  it  soon  disbanded.  A  few  of  the  emigrants 
returned  to  England,  but  the  greater  part  remained,  some  of  whom  entered  land  for  themselves 
elsewhere  in  this  and  adjoining  counties,  and  in  due  course  of  time  became  substantial  citizens. 


468  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  Dells— County  Statistics— Cointy  Maps  and  Atlas— Cui!lin<i— Columbia  County 
Bible  Society— Fish  Culture— Railroads- Dark  Deeds— Abstract  Office  — The 
Welsh  Literary  Movement  in  Columbia  County. 

THE     DELLS. 

The  Wisconsin  River  comes  down  from  a  great  timber  country  to  the  north,  on  its  way  to 
the  Mississippi,  cutting  through  a  sandstone  section  of  country,  maicing  what  are  called  the 
Dells.  Here  is  a  crooked  waterway  several  miles  in  length,  down  which  the  stream  goes  twist- 
ing, bending  and  pushing  its  way  along  in  the  effort  to  get  into  more  "easy  circumstances  " 
below.  In  its  work  of  forcing  a  passage  through  the  sand  formation,  the  stream  has  made  and 
abandoned  as  many  attempts  as  does  a  drunken  man  in  going  home  after  a  hard  day's  spreeing. 
So  it  has  pushed  this  way  and  that  way,  cutting  out  chambers,  nooks,  crannies,  ravines,  alleys, 
and  all  manner  of  hiding-places. 

These  Dells  are  a  great  curiosity,  as  marvelous  in  their  way  as  anything  that  can  be  found 
in  the  United  States.  Until  within  a  few  years,  they  were  not  known  or  thought  of  as  worthy 
of  attention.  Some  years  since,  a  photographer  living  at  Kilbourn  City,  began  looking  about 
him,  finding  something  wonderful  and  beautiful  every  day,  until  at  last  he  was  inspired  to  take 
his  camera  and  produce  pictures.  Men  would  not  believe  what  he  said,  but  when  tliey  saw  the 
pictures  which  were  the  reflection  of  nature,  then  they  began  to  be  convinced,  and  to  express 
themselves  as  willing  to  believe  that  there  was  something  about  the  Dells  more  than  usually 
attractive.  Meanwhile,  he  kept  on  with  his  work,  rowing  up  the  Wisconsin  into  the  nooks  and 
crannies,  setting  his  three-legged  contrivance  up.  and  obtaining  views,  which  the  people  began 
to  want.  As  these  pictures  went  into  circulation  about  the  country,  attracting,  through  the  eye, 
the  minds  of  men  and  women,  people  began  to  turn  their  steps  toward  the  Dells  to  look  at  the 
beautiful  scenery,  and  then  to  go  home  and  tell  their  neighbors  that  the  half  had  not  been  told. 

Following  this,  there  came  a  demand  for  boats  and  for  boys  to  row  them.  Then  some  one 
said,  "  Why  not  have  a  steamboat  on  the  river — something  light,  quick  and  safe,  whereby  men, 
women  and  children  can  be  transported  from  place  to  place  as  they  wish,  to  see  the  beauties  of 
the  Dells — to  enjoy  picnic  dinners,  to  get  off  the  boat  and  ramble  in  ravines,  in  nooks,  in 
gulches.  At  last,  men  began  the  building  of  a  steamer,  then  another,  a  very  neat,  comfortable 
craft,  which  would  carry  about  three  hundred  excursionists.  In  the  course  of  time,  the  last- 
mentioned  was  completed,  and  the  former  taken  to  Fox  River  ;  but,  not  content  with  this, 
another  was  put  on  the  river.  This  is  now  upon  the  placid  bosom  of  Devil's  Lake.  Mean- 
while, the  fourth  boat  made  its  appearance,  which  now  plies  upon  the  Wisconsin.  So  it  is  that 
the  people  of  the  State  and^he  United  States  are  beginning  to  learn  that  they  need  not  go  to 
Europe  to  find  scenery  that  is  interesting  to  the  lovers  of  nature  for  its  strange,  grotesque 
beauty. 

The  Dells  are  a  narrow  passage  cut  by  the  Wisconsin  River  through  high  grounds,  which, 
after  bounding  its  valley  on  both  sides  for  many  miles,  gradually  approach  and  join.  The  total 
length  of  the  gorge  is  about  seven  and  one-half  miles.  At  the  upper  end,  about  two  miles  north 
of  the  south  line  of  the  counties  of  Juneau  and  Adams,  the  river  narrows  suddenly  from  a  width 
of  over  one-third  of  a  mile  to  one  of  not  more  than  200  feet.  Throughout  the  whole  length  of 
the  passage,  the  width  does  not  ever  much  exceed  this,  whilst  in  one  place  it  is  only  fifty  feet. 
The  water  in  the  gorge  is  very  deep,  although  immediately  above  it  there  are  broad  sand-flats, 
with  scarcely  enough  water,  at  low  stages,  to  float  a  canoe.  The  perpendicular  sandstone  walls 
are  from  fifteen  to  eighty  feet  in  height,  the  country  immediately  on   top  of  them   being  about 


PORTAGE    CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  471 

one  hundred  feet  above  the  river.  From  this  level,  about  midway  in  the  passage,  there  is  a 
rapid  rise  in  both  directions  to  the  summit  of  the  high  country  on  each  side.  In  several  places, 
branch  gorges  deviate  from  the  main  gorge,  returning  again  to  it ;  these  are  evidently  old  river 
channels,  and  are  now  closed  by  sand.  The  streams  entering  the  river  in  this  portion  of  its 
course  make  similar  canyons  on  a  small  scale. 

Section  28,  in  Township  14  north,  of  Range  6  east,  lies  both  in  Adams  and  Juneau 
Counties.  The  Wisconsin  River,  which  is  here  the  boundary  between  them,  enters  the  north  line 
of  that  section,  and  just  at  this  point  begin  the  Dells — the  "  upper  jaws,"  as  they  are  familiarly 
called.  The  stream  flows  in  nearly  a  south  course  through  the  middle  of  Section  28,  until  it 
crosses  into  Section  33.  It  continues  through  the  last-named  section,  passing  through  the 
"lower  jaws,"  and  just  at  the  point  in  the  middle  of  the  river  where  it  crosses  its  southern  line 
are  the  corners  of  Columbia,  Adams,  Juneau  and  Sauk  Counties.  It  flows  on  across  the  north 
line  of  Section  4,  in  Township  13  north,  of  Range  6  east,  with  a  course  bearing  to  the  east- 
ward, crossing  into  Section  3,  but  soon  turning  back  again  into  Section  4.  Here  a  dam  crosses 
the  river.  All  above  this  point  is  known  as  the  "  Upper  Dells."  From  this  dam  is  seen 
Columbia  County  and  the  village  of  Kilbourn  City  in  the  town  of  Newport,  on  the  right;  Sauk 
County  and  the  town  of  Delton,  on  the  left ;  the  river  forming  the  boundary  between  the  two 
counties.  Below  the  dam — or,  what  is  specific  enough,  below  Kilbourn  City — ^are  the  "  Lower 
Dells;"  while,  as  we  have  seen,  above  are  the  "  Upper  Dells."  The  former  occupy  about  the 
same  distance  down  the  river  as  is  occupied  by  the  latter  %ip  the  stream,  the  east  side  being  in 
Columbia  County  and  the  town  of  Newport ;  the  west  side  in  Sauk  County  and  the  town  of 
Delton  ;  but  the  general  trend  of  the  Wisconsin  is  toward  a  southeast  course  in  the  "  Lower 
Dells."  At  the  point  where  the  river  loses  its  characteristics  of  a  gorge,  it  is  called  "the  Foot 
of  the  Dells."  Throughout  the  whole  length  of  the  narrow  passage,  from  the  "Upper  Jaws" 
to  "the  Foot  of  the  Dells,"  fanciful  names  have  been  given  to  the  most  striking  objects  and 
places. 

The  Upper  Dells.  » 

Beginning  at  the  dam  and  traveling  up  the  river,  the  first  striking  feature  of  the  gorge  is 
Angel  Rock,  situated  about  one-half  mile  from  the  steamboat  landing  in  Kilbourn,  on  the  right- 
hand  side  of  the  river.  It  is  a  rugged  projection,  curiously  shaped.  This  lofty  crag  a  lively 
imagination  can  easily  transform  into  a  huge  angel  with  outspread  wings  ;  hence  the  name.  It 
is  also  called  Marble  Rock,  from  the  peculiar  little  round  lumps  of  sandstone  found  on  the  ledge 
and  in  the  river  below. 

Sivallows'  Rock,  or  where  the  swallows  live,  is  a  little  further  along  on  the  same  side.  In 
early  spring  and  summer,  thousands  of  beautiful  little  swallows  may  be  seen  here  in  the  brown 
cliff's,  occupying  innumerable  holes  in  the  rock,  safe  from  danger,  and  the  happiest  family  to  be 
found  anywhere.     Their  jolly  twittering  can  be  heard  far  out  upon  the  water. 

The  Jaws  of  the  Dells,  or  entrance  to  the  Dells  proper,  are  guarded  by  two  immense 
rocks — High  Rock  and  Romance  Cliff — standing  like  sentinels  on  duty  and  sternly  looking 
down  in  their  stately  grandeur,  as  if  disputing  the  right  of  man  to  explore  the  intricate  passage 
beyond. 

High  Rock,  on  the  right,  rises  from  fifty  to  seventy-five  feet  above  the  river.  It  presents 
a  rugged,  rough  aspect,  with  curiously  shaped  sides,  and  has  a  meager  growth  of  stunted  pines, 
birch,  and  other  trees  and  foliage. 

Romance  Cliff,  on  the  left,  is  a  grand  old  pile  of  stately  rocks  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  trees  and  shrubbery.  It  is  somewhat  higher  and  more  stately  than  its  vis-a-vis.  High  Rock, 
and  has  much  more  of  the  curious  and  wonderful  in  its  make-up  and  general  appearance.  It 
is  suggestive  of  the  stately  crags  and  beetling  clifl's  of  the  weird  and  grand  scenery  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains. 

Chimney  Rock  is  one  of  nature's  singular  freaks,  left  standing  for  innumerable  ages, 
formed  by  the  action  of  the  wild  waters,  looking  like  the  old-fashioned  stick  and  mortar  chim- 
ney of  the  days  of  the  forefathers.     Standing  out  from  the  cliff"  behind,  it  looks  as  if  the  touch 


472  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

of  a  child's  finger  would  topple  it  into  the  river.  It  is  on  the  right,  just  beyond  High  Rock. 
Not  far  above  is 

Echo  Cove. — A  most  pleasing  echo  can  be  heard  here.  It  repeats  everything,  and  is  a 
beautiful  place  for  bathing  and  enjoying  a  quiet  hour  in  a  cool,  pleasant  retreat. 

The  Dell  House,  "  a  wild,  rambling  old  rookery,"  on  the  left,  is  one  of  the  first  frame 
houses  ever  built  on  the  river  above  Portage.  It  was  erected  in  the  year  1837-38,  by  Robert 
V.  Allen,  and  for  many  years  was  used  as  a  tavern. 

Chapel  Gorge  is  the  next  point  on  the  right  hand,  and  nearly  opposite  the  Dell  House. 
It  is  a  beautiful,  shaded  glen,  and  is  named  from  the  peculiarly  shapen  rock  at  its  entrance, 
resembling  a  chapel  or  place  of  worship.     The  Gorge  is  pleasant  and  shady. 

Boat  Cave  is  just  beyond  the  Chapel,  on  the  same  (east)  side  of  the  river.  It  should 
always  be  visited  to  be  appreciated,  although  a  general  idea  may  be  had  from  the  steamer's 
deck.  It  is  one  of  the  most  peculiar  formations,  showing  the  action  of  the  water  upon  the  soft 
sandstone.  It  can  only  be  traversed  in  a  small  boat.  Beginning  with  a  perfectly  arched  door- 
way, only  large  enough  to  admit  an  ordinary  skiff,  it  opens  out  in  a  vaulted  chamber  in  the  solid 
rock  of  the  cliff,  then  turns  at  right  angles  and  through  another  hall  with  a  water  floor,  ends  in 
a  large  door  farther  up  the  river. 

Circle  Bend  is  the  next  place  of  interest  in  ascending  the  stream,  where  the  river  and 
rocks  form  a  half  circle.  The  rocks  are  high  and  bold,  presenting  a  cliff  of  solid  masonry, 
formed  and  carved  and  hewn  and  worn  into  a  wall  of  adamant  by  the  action  of  the  whirling 
waters.  Its  top  is  covered  with  a  dense  growth  of  cedar,  hemlock,  pine,  birch,  oak,  and  all  the 
many  varieties  of  ferns  and  shrubbery  that  so  abundantly  abound  throughout  the  Dells. 

Sturgeon  Bock,  on  the  left,  is  a  bold,  projecting  rock,  resembling  a  sturgeon.  Here  we 
enter  upon  the  looked-for  wild  grandeur  of  the  Dells. 

Navy  Yard  is  on  the  left  of  Sturgeon  Rock,  and  is  one  of  the  most  picturesque  and  won- 
derful formations  on  the  river.  Here  the  imagination  pictures  huge  stone  vessels  of  war,  with 
prows  and  sides  and  ribs  so  solid  and  stanch  that  for  ages  they  have  withstood  the  battles  and 
warring  of  the  waters,  and  as  time  has  rolled  on  they  have  become  more  complete  and  shapely 
in  form  and  build.     Bold  guardians  are  they  of  the  Narrows. 

Eaton  Grotto  is  a  long,  deep  opening — a  rift  in  the  face  of  the  clifi"  from  top  to  bottom — 
extending  back  some  forty  feet  into  the  rugged  wall  of  rock.  It  is  on  the  opposite  side  from  the 
Navy  Yard. 

Skylight  Cave  is  a  very  similar  opening  to  that  of  Eaton  Grotto,  and  is  just  at  the  head  of 
the  Navy  Yard,  on  the  same  side  of  the  river  as  the  latter.  Here,  with  a  small  boat,  one  can  seek 
the  deep  recess  of  the  rock  for  upward  of  a  hundred  feet,  lighted  only  by  a  little  rift  in  the 
rocks  overhead.     It  is  a  delightful  place  to  visit. 

Gates'  Bavine,  also  on  the  right,  is  a  few  hundred  yards  farther  up  the  stream,  and  extends 
back  from  the  river  nearly  a  mile.  It  is  a  delightful  place  for  a  ramble,  and  is  filled  with  beau- 
tiful ferns  and  flowers,  tall  cliffs,  rugged  crags  and  sparkling  streams. 

The  Narrows. — Here  the  river  suddenly  narrows  to  the  width  of  only  fifty-two  feet,  and  the 
water  is  eighty  feet  in  depth.  The  river  is  now  running  upon  its  edge,  hemmed  in  on  either 
side  by  ponderous  rocks.  In  low  water,  the  current  is  nearly  as  calm  and  placid  as  at  any  point 
on  the  Dells,  but  when  the  river  is  up,  the  raging  waters  come  pouring  through  this  narrow 
gorge  with  great  force. 

The  Old  Bridge. — In  the  year  1850,  Schuyler  S.  Gates  erected  a  substantial  bridge  across 
the  Narrows.  This  was  the  first  bridge  ever  built  across  the  A\"isconsin,  and  was  used  for  a 
number  of  years.  Thousands  of  teams  and  passengers  paid  toll  here.  It  was  carried  away  by 
the  high  water  of  1866. 

The  Devil's  Elbow  is  the  point  where  the  river  makes  an  almost  square  turn  just  at  the 
entrance  of  the  Narrows. 

Black  Haivk's  Cave  can  now  be  seen  on  the  left  hand.  It  was  here  (the  legend  hath  it) 
where  the  old  chief  hid  safe  and  secure  in  the  days  of  the  Black  Hawk  war. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  473 

Notch  Rock. — This  is  (to  raftsmen)  the  dread  of  the  Narrows.  It  is  a  square,  bowlder- 
looking  rock,  on  the  left,  and  is  known  as  Raftsmen's  Terror,  on  which,  in  high  water,  rafts  are 
sometimes  broken,  and  lives  lost.     It  can  be  seen  close  down  to  the  water's  edge. 

Rattlesnake  Rock  is  the  high  crag  or  solitary  looking  rock  on  the  left,  just  back  of  Notch 
Rock.     It  is  covered  with  shrubbery. 

Artist's  Glen. — This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  ravines  on  the  river.  It  is  on  the  right, 
nearly  opposite  Rattlesnake  Rock.  This  glen  is  delightful  for  picnic  grounds,  and  has  a  large 
number  of  fine  butternut  and  other  trees,  affording  an  elegant  retreat. 

Sliding  Rocks  are  here  upon  either  side  of  the  stream,  and  are  so  called  from  their  peculiar 
formation,  the  sides  being  oval-shaped  and  sliding  inward,  throwing  the  water  to  the  center  of 
the  stream. 

The  Ancient  River-Bed  is  seen  as  a  sand  bank  on  the  left.  In  an  early  day,  the  river 
divided  here,  and  a  part  ran  around,  coming  out  and  uniting  with  the  main  river  at  or  below  the 
Dell  House,  forming  a  large  island. 

Coldwater  Canyon. — This  canyon  requires  a  full  half-day  to  explore  thoroughly.  It  is  one 
of  the  grand  features  of  the  Dells.  You  proceed  through  a  rocky  defile  and  under  frowning 
crags — a  glory  of  cavern  and  valley.  Far-distant  archways  are  seen  overhead.  Here  one 
scrambles  and  slides,  between  towering  chasm  walls,  so  near  together  that  both  sides  can  be 
reached  at  once  by  the  hands.  In  this  canyon  fourteen  varieties  of  ferns  are  found,  including  one 
that  is  fragrant.     Finally,  you  come  to  the 

Devil's  Jug. — In  a  moment  you  reach  a  deep,  wild,  narrow  gorge,  walled  in  with  rocks, 
which  are  in  some  places  almost  vertical,  and  in  others  overhanging  the  pathway.  The  g'jrge  is 
so  narrow  that  we  do  not  see  the  Jug  until  we  step  inside  of  it,  and  look  around  with  wondering 
curiosity  upon  its  splendid  curves  and  magnificent  proportions.  It  is,  of  course,  a  broken  jug, 
the  ravine  extending  through  and  beyond  it  for  a  considerable  distance,  and  on  one  side  the  lines 
are  imperfect,  owing,  doubtless,  to  the  unusual  hardness  of  the  rocks  ;  but  the  other  side  is  hol- 
lowed into  a  perfect  resemblance  of  the  inside  of  an  immense  jug,  as  smoothly  fashioned  as  if 
turned  upon  a  potter's  wheel.  The  entire  width  of  the  jug  is  about  thirty-five  feet  at  the  bot- 
tom, and  its  height  is  not  far  from  seventy  feet.  The  rift  at  the  top  is  quite  narrow,  admitting 
light  enough  to  see  with  tolerable  distinctness,  but  leaving  the  upper  part  of  the  cavern  in  twi- 
light gloom.  The  gorge  beyond  the  Jug  is  passable  for  some  distance.  A  ramble  through  this 
vast  canyon,  and  a  visit  to  the  Jug  will  afford  a  world  of  pleasure.  All  the  many  varieties  of 
ferns  and  mosses  may  be  gathered  here. 

The  Devil's  Arm  Chair. — You  will  wonder  why  his  Satanic  Majesty  should  perch  his 
chair  in  such  a  place,  unless  he  too  is  an  admirer  of  the  wonders  of  nature.  It  is  on  the  left  and 
but  a  short  distance  up  the  river  from  Coldwatfer  Canyon.     The  next  place  of  note  is  the 

Clam  Banks,  in  which  nothing  is  to  be  found  except  the  name  to  remind  us  of  the  delicious 
bivalves  gathered  on  the  shores  of  Narragansett  Bay,  unless,  in  imagination,  a  collection  of  pro- 
digious stones  is  converted  into  clams. 

Ruffle  Rocks  are  upon  each  side  of  the  stream,  and  would  look  well  on  the  shirt  fronts  of 
the  giants  of  olden  days.     They  adorn  with  becoming  grace  the  river's  sides  for  a  long  distance. 

Chameleon  Cave  is  a  seam  in  the  bank,  andean  only  be  visited  by  climbing  a  ladder  from  the 
steamer's  deck,  going  to  the  high  bank,  and  then  down  into  the  earth.  You  will  need  the  light 
of  a  lantern  and  guide  to  reach  the  bottom.  It  contains  beautiful  changing  mosses.  It  is  on  the 
right  just  above  Steamboat  Rock. 

Steamboat  Rock  challenges  especial  attention.  It  stands  an  island  in  a  curious  circular 
cove,  and  resembles,  from  some  points,  a  huge  ocean  steamer,  without  smoke-stack  and  wheel- 
house.  It  is  about  250  feet  long  by  100  feet  wide  and  some  40  to  50  feet  in  height,  with  per- 
pendicular rugged  sides  and  covered  with  pine,  oak  and  shrubbery. 

Rood's  Glen. — This  is  just  beyond  Steamboat  Rock,  on  the  right.  It  is  a  large  cavern, 
and  if  it  were  near  a  large  city  would  be  made  useful  as  a  lager-beer  hall. 

Honey  Bee  Spring  is  on  the  left,  just  above.     The  rock  is  shaped  like  an  eagle's  beak. 


474  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Arch  Cove  is  a  delightful  place  for  picnic  parties.  It  is  here  one  can  get  the  best  view  of 
the  many  islands  at  the  head  of  the  Dells,  and  of  the  river  for  a  long  distance.  The  Cove  is  a 
beautiful,  shady  recess,  and  contains  an  elegant  spring  of  pure,  fresh  water.  It  is  on  the  left- 
hand  side  of  the  river.  Nearly  opposite,  on  the  right  side  of  the  river,  at  the  upper  jaws  of 
the  Dells,  is  the 

Witches  Gulch. — At  the  head  of  the  Dells,  on  the  right,  extending  three-quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  shore,  will  be  found  this  remarkable  gulch.  The  precipitous  rocks  tower  aloft  on 
either  side  to  the  height  of  perhaps  a  hundred  feet,  their  sides  being  worn  smooth  and  their 
ragged  edges  rounded  off  by  the  long-continued  action  of  the  water.  One  can  almost  touch  with 
outstretched  arms  both  sides  of  this  gloomy  gorge,  which  surpasses  in  grandeur  anything  hitherto 
seen  in  the  Dells.  The  rocks  overhead  are  in  many  places  shelving  and  rounded  into  immense 
scollops.  The  stream  through  this  wild  pass  is  in  many  places  waist-deep.  It  contains  many 
curious  points — a  miniature  waterfall.  Phantom  Chamber,  Fairy  Grotto,  and  hundreds  of  other 
remarkable  features. 

The  Islands. — From  the  head  of  the  Dells,  or  "  Upper  Jaws,"  a  fine  view  of  the  river,  bluifs 
and  islands  is  had  for  a  long  distance.  This  view  is  often  compared  to  a  similar  scene  in  Lake 
George.  Above  the  Dells  the  river  "  spreads  itself"  all  over  the  country,  as  it  were,  and  is  full 
one-half  mile  in  width  and  very  shallow,  the  water  in  summer  being  not  over  one  or  two  feet  in 
depth.  About  three-fourths  of  a  mile  above  Witches'  Gulch,  are  seen  on  the  left  bank,  a  num- 
ber of  interesting  points. 

Hornets'  Nest  has  the  shape,  and  at  a  short  distance  the  general  appearance  of  an 
immense  hornets'  nest.  It  serves  as  a  pillar  in  front  of  a  natural  portico,  the  rock  having  in 
the  course  of  time  been  washed  out,  leaving  a  flat  roof  overhead,  with  the  Hornets'  Nest  as  its 
principal  support.  Passing  through  the  archway  formed  by  this  singular  rock,  we  ascend  and 
follow  the  hillside  for  a  few  rods,  and  presently  stand  in 

Luncheon  Hall. — The  waters  have  at  some  remote  period  swept  through  here  with  great 
force,  wearing  a  passage  through  and  under  the  rocks,  and  leaving  the  flat  rocks  which  formerly 
stood  at  the  "  top  of  the  heap,"  as  a  natural  roof  for  the  hall,  which  is  of  considerable  extent. 
The  roof  has  a  single  break,  a  few  inches  wide  ;  otherwise  it  is  perfect ;  find  the  rocks  which 
support  it  furnish  convenient  seats  and  tables.  Located  on  the  top  of  a  ridge,  the  hall  presents 
a  grand  appearance  to  the  spectator  at  a  distance,  and  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  river.  Once 
within  its  massive  portals,  awe  gives  place  to  curiosity,  and  the  visitor  finds  pleasure  in  observ- 
ing the  odd  shapes  which  the  rocks  have  assumed  under  the  slow  but  persistent  action  of  the  cur- 
rent which  once  swept  the  Wisconsin  Valley,  leaving  its  impress  on  every  hill,  and  cutting  its 
way  through  the  rocks  until  it  formed  the  romantic  channel  through  which  the  river  now  runs. 
A  short  distance  from  Luncheon  Hall,  is  found  #he  wonderful 

Stand  Rock. — To  reach  this,  one  must  ascend  the  bank  a  short  distance  and  follow  along 
the  edge  of  the  ridge,  coming  to  the  rock  upon  the  upper  side.  The  top  of  the  rock — a  large 
sandstone  slab — is  nearly  as  level  as  a  floor,  and  its  superficial  area  is  about  eighteen  by  twenty- 
four  feet.  A  pathway  leads  to  the  foot  of  it,  and  the  view  from  below  is  more  interesting  than 
that  from  above.  The  water-rounded  column  which  supports  the  super-poised  tablet  is  of  rather 
irregular  shape  and  is  sixty-two  feet  high.  With  the  neighboring  rock  a  sort  of  arch  is  formed, 
somewhat  resembling  the  cavernous  opening  at  Luncheon  Hall.  All  around  is  a  scene  of  beauty. 
The  hills  are  covered  with  trees  clothed  with  magnificent  summer  foliage ;  a  fine  farm,  trees  and 
shrubs  spread  out  up-riverward,  and  tlie  glen  is  full  of  ferns  and  flowers  in  great  profusion. 

TiiK.  Lower  Dells. 

The  river  here  is  broader  and  the  banks  present  a  greater  diversity  of  bluff  and  bottom 
than  in  the  Upper  Dells,  but  the  character  of  the  rock  composing  the  banks  is  the  same, 
and  a  similar,  though  varied,  succession  of  curious  and  pleasing  forms  is  presented.  The 
rocks  have  been  worn  and  hollowed  and  rounded  into  every  imaginable  shape.  In  some 
places,  great  shelves,  with  stalwart  young  pines  growing  upon  their  very  edges,  overhang  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  475 

dark  waters;  elsewhere,  perpendicular  walls  loom  up  like  the  front  of  some  vast  fortifica- 
tion, and,  a  little  further  on,  a  similar  wall  is  supplemented  with  coigns,  bastions,  projecting 
towers  and  covered  archways ;  again,  the  rocks  are  rounded  at  their  bases,  so  as  to  resem- 
ble the  sterns  of  small  vessels — much  inferior  in  size  and  appearance  to  the  ponderous  hulks 
at  the  Navy  Yard  in  the  Dells  above.  Then  the  rocks  slope  gently  downward  to  the  green, 
grassy  vale,  where  a  pretty  farm  gives  charming  variety  to  the  panorama,  and  on  the  opposite 
side  to  the  broad  bottom,  where  the  village  of  Newport  once  stood  in  her  pride,  now  inter- 
esting in  her  remarkable  decay. 

Farther  down  the  river  are  more  noted  objects.  The  lofty  banks  here,  as  above  the 
dam,  are  crowned  with  a  luxuriant  growth  of  trees,  shrubs,  plants  and  grass.  The  first 
attraction  after  leaving  the  dam,  going  down  the  river,  is  Taylor's  Glen,  on  the  left — a  wild 
half  cavern  and  half  vale,  which   winds  around  and  under  the  village  of  Kilbourn  City. 

Echo  Pom^.— Standing  upon  the  rocky  cliff  where  the  tunnel  from  Taylor's  Glen  comes 
out  under  the  railroad,- any  unusual  elevation  of  the  voice  brings  a  prompt  and  distinct 
response  from  the  massive,  smooth-faced  cliff"  opposite,  every  word  and  tone  being  repeated 
■with  surprising  clearness  and  accuracy.  Persons  curious  in  such  matters  (and  who  is  not  ?) 
may  easily  reach  Echo  Point  by  walking  a  few  rods  down  the  railway,  to  the  river-bend,  and 
descending  the  pathway  to  near  the  mouth  of  the  tunnel,  where  the  benches  of  the  rock 
aff"ord  good  standing-places. 

Bears  Cave  is  on  the  same  side,  a  few  rods  below,  and  is  a  hole  in  the  rock,  with  a 
cleft  extending  out  to  the  edge  of  the  clifi",  and  thence  downward  to  the  water's  edge,  the 
cave  forming  a  recess  near  the  top. 

Chimney  Rock  is  a  little  further  down,  on  the  same  side,  and  in  size  is  less  than  the  one 
up  the  river,  but  greatly  resembling  it  in  situation  and  appearance. 

Then  comes  the  Pulpit,  standing  near  the  water's  edge,  and  shaped  like  the  sacred  desk 
in  some  sanctuaries.     Below  this  on  the  river,  but  above  it  in  height,  is 

Observation  Point,  standing  upon  which  you  can  see  a  magnificent  landscape.  On  the 
opposite  side  is 

Stultz  Rock,  a  terror  to  raftsmen,  whose  rafts  are  sometimes  drawn  into  the  eddy  and  whirled 
to  destruction  thereon.  Steering  clear  of  this  treacherous  place,  and  turning  a  point,  we  have 
in  front  of  us 

Signal  Peak,  upon  which  the  red  man,  it  is  said,  used  to  light  his  signal  fires  to  warn  his 
brethren  up  and  down  the  river  when  there  were  enemies  around.  Swinging  around  the  bend, 
we  soon  come  to  the 

Sugar  Bowl,  which  stands  out  in  the  stream,  as  cleverly  molded  as  one  could  wish.  The 
shape  of  this  singular  freak  of  nature  is  as  true  to  its  name  as  that  of  anything  up  the  river, 
though  it  is  hardly  so  striking  as  the  interior  view  of  the  Devil's  Jug. 

The  Inkstand  next  claims  attention.  At  first  view  it  seems  a  counterpart  of  the  Sugar 
Bowl,  but  we  soon  perceive  a  diff'erence.  The  rock,  entire  at  the  top,  parts  a  little  way  down, 
and  the  passage,  tapering  gradually,  is  at  the  water  wide  enough  to  admit  a  small  canoe.  It 
bristles  on  top  with  small  pines.  • 

Lone  Rock  stands  in  massive  majesty  mid-river,  smiling  with  its  summer  chaplet  of  verdure 
upon  the  tawny  flood  that  washes  its  feet.  It  is  a  broad  oval  in  shape.  As  we  approach  we 
find  that  its  sides  are  perforated  with  caverns,  into  the  largest  of  which,  the 

Cave  of  the  Dark  Waters,  or,  as  the  Indians  called  it,  the  place  of  the  Nah-huh-nah,  we  push 
our  boat  and  rest  awhile.     From  the  other  side,  a  few  straggling  gleams  of  light  reach  us  through 

Reflection  Arch.  Nothing  in  this  vicinity  is  more  curious  and  wonderful  than  this  rock, 
the  outer  walls  and  internal  caverns  of  which  show  the  abrading  effects  of  different  currents  and 
eddies  of  water.  Leaving  this  romantic  spot,  we  head  up  stream  along  the  south  side  of  the 
river,  to 

G-rotto  Rock.  This  is  formed  by  an  immense  flat  rock,  and  is  supported  by  massive  jambs  of 
the  same  material.     It  is  quite  spacious,  and  is  surmounted  and  surrounded  by  the  luxuriant 


476  HISTORY    OF    COLUMUIA    COUNTY. 

arborescence  and  verdure,  which  throw  a  graceful  charm  over  all  the  scenery  of  this  region,  and 
form  a  lovely  setting  for  many  a  striking  or  quaint  and  curious  picture. 

Places  of  interest  in  the  Lower  Dells  besides  those  already  mentioned,  are  Falls  of  the  Dam, 
Coldwater  Spring,   Earle's  Cave,  The  Ovens,  Hawk's  Bill,  Bald  Hill,  Cobble  Stone  Cove,   and 

many  others. 

TiiK  DiJLLs  ix  18.")8. 

"  Somewhere  about  two  miles  (as  they  measure  them  here,  and  that  is  with  a  '  woolen  string ') 
above  Kilbourn  City,  through  a  rough  and  unsettled  opening  country,"  said  a  writer  in  1858, 
"'  is  the — or  are  the,  I  do  not  know  whether  singular  or  plural — Dells,  so  much  spoken  of,  so 
often  written  about.  I  availed  myself  of  a  'lift'  on  one  of  the  stages  that  left  Kilbourn  City 
in  good  season  in  the  morning,  to  visit  for  the  first  time  that  truly  wonderful  place  on  the  largest 
river  in  the  State.  As  I  neared  the  stream,  and  came  in  sight,  I  was  struck  with  the  wild, 
rough,  but  truly  beautiful,  and,  I  might  say,  sublime,  scenery,  appearing  on  every  hand.  The 
morning  was  anything  but  pleasant,  a  regular  Scotch  mist  hung  hovering  about  the  trees,  little 
spirts  of  rain  fed  a  chilly  wind,  the  country  around  was  dull,  not  a  bird  to  be  seen,  the  trees 
were  leafless,  not  even  a  bud  or  flower  in  sight ;  the  drab-colored  bark  of  the  white  oaks,  with 
their  scraggy  tops,  the  dead-looking  black  or  pin  oaks,  all  destitute  of  foliage,  their  tops  cur- 
tained with  the  gossamer  haze  of  the  mist,  that  was  borne  along  on  the  wind,  that  chilled  the 
face  and  somewhat  dimmed  the  eye,  all  looking  dreary ;  solitude  seemed  to  be  reigning.  The 
only  relief  to  the  scene,  before  actually  reaching  the  river,  were  the  fine,  handsome  tops  of  the 
pines  that,  like  cones  of  bright  green,  here  and  there,  reared  their  heads  tapering  off  to  sharp 
points  in  many  places,  high  above  the  oaks,  appearing  like  so  many  green  spots  in  the  waste. 
Turning  from  the  course  I  was  'steering,'  for  I  had  missed  my  way,  I  found  the  road  that  led 
to  the  Dells'  bridge,  that  is  stretched  from  rock  to  rock  over  the  Dells,  I  believe  about  two  miles 
from  their  mouth,  or  jaws  (I  prefer  the  latter  term),  where  the  water  is  now  eighty  feet  deep. 

"  On  the  bridge  is  a  fine  view  both  up  and  down  the  current  of  a  dirty,  spiteful  and  wicked 
looking  river  (speaking  nautically).  Here  a  river  of  hundreds  of  miles  in  length,  that  has  leaped 
cataracts  and  rushed  almost  unchecked  over  rapids,  spreads  at  will  over  plains,  and  piled  up  in 
its  playfulness  san(i-bars  of  acres  in  size,  suddenly  finds  itself  contracted ;  high  walls  of  rough 
rocks,  built  up  layer  upon  layer,  until  they  attain  at  some  places  fifty  and  even  a  hundred  feet 
in  height,  have  prescribed  its  limits.  As  if  maddened  beyond  control,  in  the  height  of  its  anger, 
apparently,  it  dashes  into  the  jaws  of  the  rocky  monster  that  appears  to  swallow  it.  Here  the 
fun  begins  in  earnest,  and  is  kept  up  for,  I  suppose,  about  two  and  a  half  miles,  when  the  river 
again  expands  and  the  rapidity  of  the  current  is  lessened. 

"  Taking  a  good  look  at  the  stream  from  the  top  of  the  bridge,  I  crossed,  and,  proceeding 
for  some  distance  up  its  side,  I  soon  came  in  view  of  some  rafts  preparing  to  enter  what 
to  many  a  poor  fellow  has  been  the  '  Valley  of  Death.'  A  request  that  I  might  have  a  passage 
was  readily  granted,  and.  in  a  few  minutes,  by  some  maneuvering,  the  raft  was  started,  and  on 
we  went  gliding  gracefully  down  the  stream.  The  current  appeared  to  me  to  get  swifter  and 
swifter  and  swifter,  until  the  whole  raft  of  cribs  of  lumber  pinned  together  seemed  lo  tremble 
and  twist  and  be  determined  to  go  to  pieces  just  because  I  was  on  it.  I  have  heard  of  a  lake 
somewhere  up  here  called  Devil's  Lake ;  the  same  name  should  be  given  to  this  part  of  the 
Wisconsin  River,  in  my  opinion.  We  are  fairly  afloat  on  the  fierce,  rolling,  rushing  tide, 
speeding  on  or  rather  down  toward  the  turn  above  the  bridge,  where  projecting  into  the  stream 
is  the  dangerous  rock,  on  the  starboard  hand  of  the  river,  called  Notch  Rock.  Having  sheered 
too  much,  or  given  too  wide  a  berth  to  the  eddy,  or  some  whirl  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  stream,  we  swung  too  far  and  came  too  near  the  Notch,  passing  within,  it  seemed  to  me, 
about  four  feet  of  the  savage-looking  point  of  the  rock.  On  we  went,  the  men  plying  their  sweeps 
or  oars  with  a  vigor  that  appeared  to  denote  a  danger  at  hand.  Looking  up  at  the  sides  of  the 
Dells  when  close  to  the  bridge,  I  beheld  a  scene  of  which  I  have  never  seen  the  equal.  In 
some  places,  the  points  of  the  massive  masonry  of  rocks  seemed  ready  to  fall  on  the  raft  and 
crush  it  to  atoms.     Their  upper   points  or  promontories,  that  hung  over  and  far  above  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  477 

Stream,  seemed  held  in  their  places  only  by  the  strong  roots  of  some  towering  pines,  whose 
points  or  apex  seemed  lost  in  the  clouds,  and  the  roots  of  which  had  grappled  with  the  mon- 
strous stone  or  wall,  running  into  every  crevice,  rift  or  fissure,  as  though  the  two  had  united 
their  strength  to  resist  the  efforts  of  some  hurricane  that  had  sought  to  dislodge  them.  Upon 
the  outward  limbs  of  some  of  these  Norway  pine-trees,  here  and  there  was  seen  a  bird  resem- 
bling greatly  the  kingfisher,  calmly  looking  down  upon  the  swift  water,  that  here,  in  its  narrow- 
est limits,  was  maddened  and  infuriated,  writhing,  twisting,  whirling,  seething,  foaming  and 
boiling  and  bubbling,  like  some  huge  watery  monster  that  was  in  an  agony  of  pain  as  it  forced 
itself  through  the  craggy  passage.  Little  bii'ds  were  seen  hopping  about  the  crevices  of  the 
rocks  with  ease,  picking  up  insects  from  the  moss  ;  and  pretty  little  shrubs  could  be  seen 
snugly  stowed  away  '  under  the  lee,'  or  in  the  crooks  of  the  stony  banks,  safe  from  rain  or  harm 
from  wind,  as  though  they  had 

"  '  Chosen  the  humble  valley,  and  had  rather 

Grow  a  safe  shrub  below,  than  dare  the  winds 

And  be  a  cedar.' 

Just  as  we  passed  the  bridge,  a  hole  or  concave  place  appeared  in  sight,  close  ahead  of  the 
raft,  looking  as  if  some  leviathan  had  suddenly  sucked  down  a  hollow  in  the  water ;  this  place 
of  hollow  water  seemed  at  least  twenty  feet  across,  and  into  this  eddy  the  two  forward  cribs  of 
the  raft  appeared  to  sink  and  to  disappear,  the  water  rushing  upon  the  lumber  and  the  whole 
raft  feeling  as  if  it  was  about  to  turn  over  with  a  twirl  and  go  to  the  bottom  of  the  vortex.  I 
fancied  I  read  in  the  faces  of  two  of  those  belonging  to  the  raft  a  sign  of  more  than  common 
danger ;  and  a  rushing  backward  and  forward  with  the  sweeps  as  the  men  put  out  all  their 
strength  and  activity,  induced  me  to  commence  the  process  of  taking  off  an  overcoat,  that  under 
any  circumstances,  would  have  been  an  encumbrance  in  the  water.  This  elicited  a  laugh  from 
two  of  the  "red  shirts;"  however,  it  was  apparent  to  me  that  unless  the  craft  speedily  righted, 
it  would  soon  be — "  every  man  for  himself  and  God  for  us  all."  This  was  the  "  Grand  Eddy." 
I  call  it  the  Maelstrom,  on  a  small  scale,  but  large  enough.  How,  or  in  what  manner  to  account 
for  it,  I  do  not  know.  I  have  no  doubt  that  men  accustomed  to  running  the  Dells  get  blunted 
to  the  danger,  but  I  fully  believe  that  to  the  unfortunate  who  gets  overboard  in  the  Wisconsin 
near  the  Dells,  death  is  certain  ;  no  swimming  would  avail  him  a  particle;  a  blown  bladder 
would  be  sucked  down  in  some  of  the  numerous  eddies  and  swirls.  I  have  passed  many  years 
of  my  life  on  the  sea,  been  tempest  tossed  in  some  of  the  worst  gales  that  ever  swept  any  ocean. 
I  have  seen  the  crested  waves  of  Cape  Horn  kiss  the  topsail  yard-arms  of  more  than  one  good 
ship  ;  I  was  ofi"  Nantucket  shores  in  that  memorable  equinoctial  gale,  that  some  eighteen  years  since 
hurled  dozens  of  vessels  upon  the  American  coast,  in  which  two  pilot  boats  were  lost,  foundered 
off  New  York  in  a  gale  that  sent  hundreds  of  sailors  to  their  ocean  sepulcher.  I  have  floated 
on  and  laughed  at  the  Atlantic  when  in  its  wildest  fury,  when  the  good  old  liner,  the  Caledonia, 
of  New  York,  reeled  to  and  fro  like  a  drunken  man,  and  cries  came  up  out  of  the  deep ;  but 
never  have  I  felt  as  I  did  when  the  raft  dipped  its  forward  end  in  the  "  Grand  Eddy  "  below  the 
Dells  bridge,  when  I  believed  danger  was  really  near ;  when  the  vision  of  a  wife  and  two  bright 
blue-eyed  little  ones,  flashed  before  my  view  ;  perhaps  it  was  not  fear,  but  it  was  certainly  a 
realizing  sense  of  the  fact  that,  had  the  raft  broke  up,  and  I  got  overboard,  as  I  certainly  should, 
death  to  me,  who  cannot  swim  a  stroke,  was  certain.  I  tell  the  truth  and  say  that  I  was  thankful 
when  we  got  into  smooth  water,  and  I  found  my  feet  on  terra  firma,  at  the  Dells  House,  out  of 
all  danger." 

A  Tot'kist's  Impkession  of  the  Dells  in  1879. 

"  Onward  and  upward,"  says  a  recent  writer,  "  we  steamed,  and  such  scenery  as  burst  upon 
our  startled  vision !  As  we  advanced,  the  river  grew  narrower  and  the  rocks  higher.  Such 
immensity  of  rocks— rocks  of  all  sizes  and  all  shapes — rocks  that  rise  in  great  masses,  layer 
upon  layer,  to  a  perpendicular  height  of  one  hundred  feet  or  more — projecting  rocks  that  hang 
butting  over  an  awful  crag,  looking  as  though  they  must  instantly  loosen  their  frail  hold  and 
come  crushing  down  to  seek  a  securer  bed  in  the  bottom  of  the  flowing  river ! 


478  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

"  The  incessant  action  of  the  water  has  given  to  these  rocks  all  sorts  of  shapes,"  continues 
the  tourist,  "  and  invention  has  been  taxed  to  find  them  suitable  names.  In  many  instances, 
however,  the  artistic  skill  of  the  flood  has  wrought  out  forms  that  at  once  suggest  what  thev 
ought  to  be  called.  In  one  place,  about  half-way  up  the  rugged  steep,  from  the  foundation  of 
a  projecting  ledge,  towers  a  lofty  pile,  which  has  been  christened  '  Chimney  Rock  ; '  and  the 
shape  it  bears  sufficiently  indicates  the  propriety  of  the  name.  And  then  we  have  the  '  Navy 
Yard,'  a  succession  of  immense  rocks,  each  one  of  which  is  supposed  to  bear  a  resemblance  to  a 
ship.  '  Steamboat  Rock  '  is  a  huge  pile,  separated  from  the  shore  by  a  narrow  channel  of  water, 
thus  creating  an  island,  in  shape  very  much  like  a  large  steamer.  As  we  struck  a  bend  in  the 
river  and  entered  its  narrowest  point,  the  Captain  with  a  bold  sweep  brought  his  obedient  boat 
around  so  as  to  avoid  contact  with  the  rugged  wall  of  perpendicular  rock  that  hemmed  us  in  on 
both  sides.  He  remarked :  '  The  water  is  eighty  feet  deep  here,  and  I  have  known  it  to  be 
forty  feet  higher  than  it  is  now.' 

"  Some  distance  above,  I  observed  an  opening  or  gully  on  the  right,  pointing  inland.  We 
had  made  the  shore  and  I  was  standing  on  a  sandy  beach.  A  walk  of  about  forty  rods  along  a 
well-trodden  pathway,  winding  through  brush,  through  briar,  over  bridge  and  around  obstruct- 
ing bowlders,  brought  us  face  to  face  with  a  frowning  pile  of  high  towering  rocks  that  rose  up, 
away  up  into  the  blue  sky,  and  here  I  supposed  our  further  progress  was  staved ;  but  suddenlv 
our  guide  disappeared  in  a  dark  hole  that  opened  before  us,  and  we  followed  into  this  '  mouth  of 
hell.'  We  had  entered  the  '  Witches'  Gulch.'  '  Prodigious,'  was  my  first  exclamation  as  I  looked 
around  and  up.  Onward  through  the  dark  gulch  I  followed  my  guide  ;  onward  into  the  increas- 
ing gloom ;  onward  between  black  walls  of  high-reaching  rocks ;  the  projecting  summits  of 
which  sometimes  came  so  near  together  as  to  leave  but  a  narrow  streak  of  gray  light  glimmering 
upon  us ;  onward,  discovering  new  objects  of  interest,  new  sources  of  wonder  at  each  step  ! 

"All  through  this  gulch  there  flows  a  tiny  stream  of  water,  which  of  course  adds  much  to 
the  romantic  interest  of  the  witching  scene.  About  half-way  up,  we  pause  before  an  open  basin 
in  the  rock,  into  which  a  spring  pours  its  grateful  tribute.  Some  thirsty  Moses  had  smitten  the 
rock  and  the  generous  water  gushed  forth  ;  and  it  has  been  '  gushing '  ever  since.  A  little 
further  on,  and  the  music  of  a  miniature  cataract  greets  our  ears  with  a  most  enchanting  sound, 
and  soon  after,  our  eyes  are  rewarded  with  the  romantic  sight  of  a  little  leaping  cascade,  tum- 
bling down  a  steep  declivity  of  rocks  a  distance  of  several  feet.  Indeed,  there  are  two  of  these 
tiny  waterfalls,  gilding  the  round  pathway  with  their  bright  and  foaming  sprays.  Up  these 
ascents  we  must  climb  by  a  rather  narrow  stairway,  and  then,  by  a  still  rugged  and  slim  path, 
we  pursued  our  way  until  finally  we  suddenly  issued  forth  from  this  Plutonian  abode  into  the 
broad  light  of  open  day. 

"  On  my  way  back  to  the  steamer,  I  once  more  found  myself  in  the  dark  passage  of  the 
'Witches'  Gulch.'  I  have  now  plenty  of  time,  so  I  will  proceed  at  leisure.  I  now  come  to 
the  more  deliberate  conclusion  that  the  '  Witches'  Gulch '  is  an  original,  a  unique,  a  wonderful, 
a  big  thing.  It  is  one  of  those  things  which  humorous  nature  built  when  in  her  most  eccentric 
mood.  I  examined  the  rocks  more  carefully  this  time.  Occasionally  these  mighty  stone  giants 
form  a  lofty  arch  over  my  head,  with  just  enough  of  an  opening  to  enable  me  to  catch  a  glimpse 
of  the  blue  sky  above ;  then  again  they  stand  a  perpendicular  wall  on  either  side  of  me,  rising 
up  a  hundred  feet,  and  so  close  together  that  I  can  touch  their  moss-covered  sides  with  out- 
stretched hands  as  I  move  along  the  narrow  pathway.  And  now,  after  descending  two  ladders, 
I  stand  once  more  at  the  foot  of  the  rocky  ledges  down  which  rush  the  tiny  cascades. 
Although  the  stream  which  forms  these  waterfalls  is  not  more  than  a  foot  broad,  its  fall  upon 
the  hard  rock  below  creates  such  a  thundering  sound  in  the  vaulted  room  that  we  must  lift  our 
voices  high  in  order  to  carry  on  intelligible  conversation.  But  loud  as  is  the  noise,  we  would 
not  part  with  such  a  musical  roar — '  such  sweet  thunder ' — for  even  the  softened  tone  with  which 
gentle  love  breathes  forth  its  most  passionate  story.  There  is  something  almost  entrancing  in 
the  deep  melody  of  these  falling  waters  as  they  dash  down  the  time-worn  rocks.  For  some 
time,  I  stood  in  silence,  enjoying  the  grateful  scene  and  listening  to  the  muflled  roar  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  479 

waters.     But  I  must  close  this  account  of  my  visit  to  the  Dells,  although  I  have  omitted  men- 
tioning many — very  many — interesting  scenes." 

COUNTY   STATISTICS. 

The  vote  of  Columbia  County  for  Governor. at  each  gubernatorial  election  since  the  admis- 
sion of  Wisconsin  into  the  Union,  was  as  follows : 

1849— Alexander  L.  Collins,  W.,  432;    Nelson  Dewey,  i>.,410;  Warren  Chase,  Ab.,16. 

1851— Don  A.  J.  Upham,  B.,  738;  Leonard  J.  Farwell,  W.,  714  ;  Allen  Chaffee,  1. 

1853— William  A.  Barstow,  B.,  816  ;  Henry  S.  Baird,  W.,  206  ;  Edward  D.  Holton,  Ab.,- 
706. 

1856 — William  A.  Barstow,  D.,  906  ;  Coles  Bashford,  R.,  1,585  ;  scattering,  7. 

1857— James  B.  Cross,  B.,  1,280  ;  Alexander  W.  Randall,  R.,  1,731. 

1859 — Alexander  W.  Randall,  R.,  2,595 ;  Harrison  C.  Hobart,  2>.,  1,645  ;  scattering,  1. 

1861 — Louis  P.  Harvey,  R.,  1,925;  Benjamin  Ferguson,  B.,  741. 

1863— James  T.  Lewis,  R.,  2,896 ;  Henry  L.  Palmer,  D.,  1,262. 

1865— Lucius  Fairchild,  R.,  2,021 ;  Harrison  C.  Hobart,  B.,  1,087. 

1867 — Lucius  Fairchild,  R.,  2,649 ;  John  J.  Talraadge,  B.,  1,603 ;  scattering,  1. 

1869— Lucius  Fairchild,  R.,  2,185 ;  Charles  D.  Robinson,  B.,  1,342  ;  Anthony  Van 
Wyck,  1. 

1871 — Cadwallader  C.  Washburn,  R.,  2,248  ;  James  R.  Doolittle,  B.,  1,579  ;  scattering,  3. 

1878— Cadwallader  C.  Washburn,  R.,  2,001 ;  William  R.  Taylor,  Reformer,  1,509. 

1875— William  R.  Taylor,  B.,  1,618 ;  Harrison  Luddington,  R.,  2,413 ;  C.  F.  Ham- 
mond, P.,  31. 

1877— William  E.  Smith,  R.,  2,048 ;  James  A.  Mallorv,  B.,  1,597  ;  Edward  P.  AUis,  G. 
B.,  118  ;  J.  C.  Hall,  P.,  14;  C  M.  Campbell,  2. 

1879— William  E.  Smith,  R.,  2,862  ;  James  G.  Jenkins,  B.,  1,673  ;  Reuben  May,  G.  B., 
126 ;  W.  R.  Bloomfield,  5. 

The  Presidential  vote  in  Columbia  County  has  been  as  follows: 

1848— Zachary  Taylor,  W.,  308;  Martin  Van  Buren,  F.  S.,  166  :  Lewis  Cass,  2).,  145. 

1852— Franklin  Pierce,  B.,  1,233 ;  Winfield  Scott,  W.,  1,111 ;  John  P.  Hale,  F.  S.,  81. 

1856 — John  C.  Fremont,  R.,  2,951 ;  James  Buchanan,  B.,  1,242  ;  Millard  Fillmore,  A.,  7. 

1860— Abraham  Lincoln,  R.,  3,386 ;  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  B.,  1,614 ;  John  Bell,  U.,  4. 

1864— Abraham  Lincoln,  R.,  2,652 ;  George  B.  McClellan,  B.,  1,483. 

1868— Ulysses  S.  Grant,  R.,  8,867  ;   Horatio  Seymour,  B.,  1,893. 

1872— Ulysses  S.  Grant,  R.,  3,070  :  Horace  Greeley,  L.,  1,835 ;  Charles  O'Connor,  B.,  11. 

1876— Rutherford  B.  Hayes,  R.,  3,532;  Samuel  J.  Tilden,  B.,  2,494. 


The  distances  from  Portage  to  various  points  are  (1)  By  wagon  road  to  Baraboo,  17  miles; 
Lodi,  20  ;  Montello,  22  ;  Kingston,  22 ;  Oxford,  20 ;  Poynette,  12  ;  Pardeeville,  9  ;  Briggsville, 
12  ;  Reedsburg,  80  ;  Friendship,  42  ;  Westfield,  30  ;  Packwaukee,  20  ;  Sauk  City,  30  ;  Merri- 
mac,  16  ;  Devil's  Lake,  21 ;  Cambria,  20 ;  Randolph,  24 ;  Columbus,  30  ;  Kilbourn  City,  20 ; 
Rio,  15;  Otsego,  20;  Wyocena,  10. 

(2)  By  airline  to  Lewiston  Station,  9.2;  Kilbourn  City,  16.8;  Pardeeville,  8.1;  Cam- 
bria, 17.4;  Randolph  Center,  20.2;  Wyocena,  8.4;  Rio,  12.7;  Doylestown,  17.4;  Otsego, 
17.3;  Fall  River,  23.3;  Columbus,  26.2;  Hartman  Station,  7.2;  Poynette,  10.6;  Arlington, 
14.4;  Dekorra,  5.5;  Iiodi,  14.4;  Leeds  Center,  16.6. 

(3)  By  railroad  to  Lewiston,  9;  Kilbourn,  17;  Lyndon,  25;  Lemon  weir,  33;  Mauston, 
36 ;  Lisbon,  41 ;  Orange,  47 ;  Camp  Douglas,  50 ;  Tomah,  62  ;  Greenfield,  65 ;  Sparta,  79  ; 
Bangor,  89  ;  West  Salem,  93 ;  La  Crosse,  104 ;  Winona,  138 ;  Wabasha,  186 ;  Lake  City,  201 ; 
Redwing,  219;  Prescott,  249;  Hastings,  252;  St.  Paul,  284;  Wyocena,  8;  Otsego,  18;  Fall 
River,  24;  Columbus,  28;    Lowell,   37;  Watertown,  47;  Oconomowoc,  64;    Pewaukee,   78; 


480 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUKTY. 


Brookfield,  82  ;  Milwaukee,  91 ;  Pacific,  5  ;  Hartman,  10  ;  Poynette,  14  ;  Arlington,  19 ;  Mor- 
rison, 21;  De  Forest,  23;  Windsor,  27;  Sanderson,  32;  East  Madison,  37;  Madison,  38; 
Janesville,  77;  Chicago,  168;  Pardeeville,  8;  Cambria,  18;  Randolph,  23;  Beaver  Dam,  34; 
Minnesota  Junction,  41 ;  Iron  Ridge,  50;  Horicon,  44;  Fox  Lake,  28 ;  Corning,  6 ;  Mound- 
ville,  10;  Packwaukee,  16;  Westfield,  26;  Steven's  Point,  71. 


Following  are  the  abstracts  of  assessments  of  the  several  towns,  cities  and  villages  in  the 
county  of  Columbia,  as  returned  to  the  County  Clerk,  for  the  year  1879,  under  the  provisions  of 
"Chapter  106,  of  General  Laws  of  1869  ;  also  the  average  valuation  of  the  items  in  detail  of  personal 
property,  and  average  price  per  acre  of  farming  lands,  together  with  the  aggregate  valuation 
of  all  property  for  1879  : 


TOWNS. 


Arlingtou 

Caledonia 

CoIumbuB  Town 

Columbus  City 

Courtland 

Dekorra 

Fort  Winnebago 

Fountain  Prairie 

Hampden 

Leeds 

Lewiston 

Lodi 

Lowville 

Marcellon 

Newport 

Otsego 

Pacific  

Portage 

Randolph 

Scott 

Springvale 

West  Point 

W^yocena 

W.  W.  v.  Kandolph 

Total 


SKAT   CATTLB. 


.MUX.E8  AND  ASSES. 


No. 


At. 
Value. 


569 
573 
59: 
263 
507 
447 
304 
526 
682 
527 
394 
424 
410 
429 
237 
618 
114 
322 
.528 
438 
421 
448 
422 
14 


Total 
Value. 


No. 


$57  82 

43  65 
46  48 
,50  12 
36  14 

41  67 

35  26 

42  57 

39  36 
46  26 
45  82 

60  76 
53  26 

30  62 

61  76 

44  39 

31  67 
51  24 
51  86 

40  59 
28  74 
42  66 

36  55 
53  57 


$32899 
26012 
27565 
12680 
18323; 
18680! 
1072"! 
22390 
268:18: 
24376' 
18054 ; 
21518 
21838' 
13135 
12265 
27435 
.3610 
1649S 
27380 
17779 
12009, 
19111 
15425, 
760; 


2040 
2367 
1468 
2:i3 
1309 
1384 
905 
1901 
1629 
1104 
1286 
1673 
964 
856 
498 
1335 
447 
647 
1606 
1276 
1308 
1686 
H89 


10300  $43  76    $446279'  28869  SIO  63   $306731'  163  $44  48 


At. 
Value. 


$10  64 
9  54 
10  2' 

12  76 
10  66 

9  47 
9  22 
10  .19 
9  11 

13  45 

10  35 

11  11 

12  62 
9  00 

14  45 

10  88 
9  71 

15  12 

11  30 
10  02 

9  30 
10  98 
10  86 
20  56 


Total 
Value. 


No. 


$21713 

22676 

14969 

2974 

13954, 

13111 

8:i41 

20124! 

14842, 

14846 

13305 

18592 

12167 

7706 

7201 

14519 

4341 

8271 

18146 

127901 

121641 

18507 

11288 

185 


$77  85 
42  00 


At. 
Value. 


Total 
Value. 


50  00 

27  50 
33  76 
35  00 
42  50 
32  00 
42  00 
46  07 
54  52 
30  00 
32  50 
46  92 

28  00 


50  00 
55  63 
35  00 
30  00 
43  45 
26  25 


8545 
210 


SHEEP  AND  LAUB8. 


No. 


At. 
Value, 


lOO 

110' 
135 
14o! 
6'.0 
16o: 
2101 
646 1 
1146 
60 
130 
610' 
140! 


260 
446 

140] 
180' 
8.36 
106 


3460 
2132 
6163 

715 
6638 
1694 
1402 
3737 
3631 
3682 

860 

686 
2788 
3612 

456 
2477 

613 
13 
7559 
4328 
4139 
1608 
1306 


$6806'  62278  $1  42 


$1  98 
1  48 
1  69 
1  46 
1  27 
1  43 
1  71 
1  30 
1  34 
1  55 
1  34 
1  97 
1  73 
1  03 
1  28 
1  45 
1  24 
1  69 
1  18 
1  29 

1  24 

2  01 


Total 
Value. 


31.58 
8188 
1045 
8406 
2282 
2396 
4866 
4738 
6657 
1140 
1349 
4826 
3727 

634 
3601 

633 
22 
9929 
6476 
6141 
3.3;)2 
1281 


1910 

875 

1218 

129 

1614 

1009 

914 

1883 

1250 

919 

891 

870 

684 

1008 

410 

1124 

256 

260 

1706 

1404 

1287 

1439 

634 

5 


At.    Total 
Value.  Value. 


$2  66 
2  31 
2  29 
2  20 

1  62 

2  41 

1  87 

2  15| 

2  01 

3  22' 
2  46, 
2  81 
2  91 
2  32| 

2  06| 

3  13! 

1  96 

2  22' 
2  15' 

2  48 
1  09 

3  21, 

1  93' 

2  00, 


$5081 
2022 
2793 

284 
2449 
2434 
1712 
4047 
2516 
2967 
2192 
2443 
2002 
2339 

842 
3520 

503 

577 
3672 
3488 
1409 
4624 
1221 
10 


$88518'  23699  $2  33'    $65137 


WAGONS,  CAR- 
RIAGES &  SLEIGHS. 

GOLD  A  SILVER  WATCHES. 

PI  A  N  OS    AND 

MELODEONS. 

BANK  STOCK. 

Merchants 

&  Man'frs 
Stock. 

All    other 
Personal 
Property. 

Total     All 
Personal 
Property. 

TOWNS. 

No. 

Total 
Value. 

No. 

Average 
Value. 

Total 
Value. 

No. 

Total 
Value. 

No. 

Value. 

Value. 

Value. 

Value. 

308 
295 
148 
243 
2.32 
276 
195 
190 
212 
129 
227 
282 
196 
263 
130 
224 

46 
400 
350 
202 
245 
270 
192 

23 

$4390 
4188 
3400 
7205 
3296 
3282 
2.333 
3089 
4733 
2897 
3032 
6728 
3682 
3475 
3429 
3860 

624 
13205 
7495 
2631 
1083 
4406 
2543 

765 

16 
32 

3 
62 
44 
39 
10 

2 
IS 

4 
19 
76 

7 
20 
76 
23 

0 
221 
20 
30 
30 
29 

8 
12 

$  9  06 

4  16 

23  33 
29  36 
13  11 
9  95 

7  90 
60  00 

8  06 
21  25 

6  21 
15  57 
15  71 

6  25 
17  04 

10  78 
6  00 

23  36 

9  00 

5  60 
4  40 
9  66 

11  25 
27  08 

$145 
133 

70 
1820 
577 
388 

79 
100 
14.5 

85 
118 
1163 
110 
125 
1295 
248 

36 
5172 
180 
165 
132 
280 

90 
325 

2U 

6 

17 

72 

26 

33 

11 

24 

13 

19 

5 

67 

23 

22 

34 

30 

1 

152 

16 

18 

29 
7 

$  1075 
200 
455 

6355 
685 

14.50 
31(1 
946 
495 
595 
130 

3005 
623 
8U0 

1815 

1285 
26 
11243 
630 
210 
150 
877 
990 
946 

$  1760 

$  27369 
13102 
28263 
159755 
25197 
19826 

2967 
22064 
21676 
26813 

&»38 
34162 
10327 

5643 
12360 
211.54 

2625 

164249 

10626 

11691 

4635 
21719 

2835 

8400 

$101805 

711701 

85703 

Columbu.s  City 

500 

$40000 

94350 
14050 
12110 

325668 

87crt7 

Dekorra 

1775 

75373 

Fountain  Prairie 

3310 

81445 

76042 

8150 

86484 

45051 

Lodi 

26566 

1 15671 

LowTille 

55634 

37080 

25965 
12985 

66:166 

88747 

12402 

Portage 

6 

13500 

16469:1 
160 

397580 

785.53 

64369 

Springrale 

36093 

73391 

4940 
4776 

40718 

\V.  W.  Vil.  Randolph 

1G166 

Total 

6277 

$96771 

807 

$16  08 

$12981 

682 

$33903 

606 

$6,5275 

$372694 

$663682 

$2137866 

HISTORY    OF    COLIMBIA    COUNTY. 


481 


The  following  is  the 

report  of  the  Committee  on  Equalization 

for  the  year  1879  : 

TOWNS. 

< 

6 

z; 

<! 
o 

Is 

1" 

p. 

> 

® 

s 

s 

22783 
38196 
20364 

1751 
22787 
28620 
21861 
22963 
22567 
22652 
32810 
18894 
22881 
22850 
14440 
22625 
12985 

2711 
23083 
22776 
26049 
19726 
25340 
47 

119  50 
6  80 

2  50 
40  00 
16  75 

6  00 

6  40 
14  50 
19  50 
19  00 

3  20 
14  00 
13  50 

7  25 
5  00 

13  .50 
3  20 

10  00 
18  00 

11  00 
10  50 

14  00 
7  20 

30  00 

S444268 
259732 
417462 
70040 
381682 
171720 
139910 
332963 
440056 
430388 
104992 
264516 
308893 

$  80626 
62920 
80000 

330000 
83000 
62550 
30094 
78000 
80550 
80000 
35683 

109920 
55000 
42775 
55000 
82600 
10290 

335000 
80000 
52000 
50000 
60000 
4500U 
18000 

$524893 

422652 

497462 

$37.5000 
44235 
30000 

776040 

508917 

264270 

17(004 

18000 

428963 

520606 

510388 

140675 

Lodi 

72000 

446436 

363893 

165662 

72200 

305437 

415.52 

27110 

415494 

250536 

273514 

276164 

182448 

1410 

208437 

85000 
26600 

212200 

414637 

51842 

620000 
4000 

982110 

499494 

Scott 

302536 

323514 

336164 

20000 
10000 

247448 

W.  W   Village  of  Randolph....                 

29410 

Totals 

$.5778149 

$1304835 

$1909007 

$9081991 

At  the  time  of  making  the  assessment  for  the  year  1879,  there  was  a  certified  statement 
made  of  the  number  of  acres  of  the  principal  farm  products  growing  at  that  time.  From  this 
statement  it  is  ascertained  there  were  growing  69,162  acres  of  wheat ;  35,122  acres  of  corn  ; 
21,594  acres  of  oats;  5,720  acres  of  barley;  5,126  acres  of  rye;  1,740  acres  of  potatoes,  and 
1,784  apple  orchards. 

Following  is  a  comparative  statement  of  the  assessments  made  in  the  county  for  the  years 
1875,  1876,  1877,  1878  and  1879 :  


TOWNS. 

TOTAL  REAL  AND  PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  AS 
ASSESSED  BY  TOWNS. 

TOTAL  REAL  AND  PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  AS 
ASSESSED  BY  COUNTY  BOARD. 

1879. 

1878. 

1877. 

1876. 

1875. 

1876. 

1876. 

1877. 

1878. 

1879. 

$629019 
419580 
711603 
83267S 
541442 
299354 
187655 
328705 
619B72 
552178 
162467 
471098 
389704 
203030 
266697 
465472 
62595 

1160967 
544803 
295947 
315493 
296733 
240751 
31330 

J6551109 
4298S5 
745927 
951206 
562292 
317279 
250411 
424465 
526487 
550510 
184288 
.532969 
396048 
240723 
336666 
486396 
74474 

1150904 
5611204 
293916 
329429 
322624 
261223 
31454 

$489716 
321472 
501671 
819954 
548569 
204868 
168647 
420650 
498442 
457.-)12 
134024 
614667 
319070 
193970 
222815 
396186 
G1868 

11198242 
437673 
282723 
333411 
256334 
192734 
34833 

$486400 
367113 
608634 
761309 
564661 
271095 
160940 
418835 
492193 
465202 
145853 
606019 
321841 
191602 
2372-9 
398473 

62991 
1082406 
4921114 
2.3734" 
343104 
260571 
.     190841 

37401 

$474208 
316261 
514524 
742848 
656250 
271998 
161462 
420466 
620576 
456573 
142327 
603160 
325325 
198166 
244132 
384626 
54541 

1074065 
523888 
301307 
355093 
263649 
202070 
31447 

$527607 
314989 
508640 
758974 
499226 
264695 
169300 
414934 
508699 
496774 
139039 
435641 
350325 
208376 
239687 
396696 
54872 
886566 
472566 
289467 
3231172 
332247 
250434 
24380 

$525024 
317235 
611887 
771064 
499290 
263612 
170193 
4211058 
5077S3 
49402.". 
144345 
467:'.G7 
360659 
208607 
223300 
381316 

63789 
976065 
472423 
288645 
322874 
3321911 
346898 

33820 

$621286 
320S06 
497236 
766280 
496633 
261371 
170554 
417034 
618771 
499025 
139225 
448537 
350568 
207132 
208300 
403342 

611G9 
976055 
472297 
289101 
318961 
334872 
245837 

31175 

$524913 
319049 
497462 
775080 
497660 
2G4611 
170010 
440446 
620576 
510407 
140829 
445891 
363907 
207298 
212515 
414641 

61841 
982110 
499494 
302636 
323625 
336178 
248716 

29426 

$524893 

322652 

497462 

775040 

508917 

264270 

170004 

Fouutain  Prairie 

428963 

520606 

510388 

140676 

Lodi 

446436 

363893 

208437 

212200 

414637 

Pacific 

61842 

982110 

499494 

302536 

323614 

336164 

247448 

W  W  Vil  Randolph           

29410 

Total 

$9928863 

$10603688 

$89589«_ 

S892456G 

$9037840 

$8866184 

$7972448 

$8944621 

$9078918 

$9081991 

482  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

The  census  of  1875  as  compared  with  1870,  is  as  follows : 


TOWNS. 

Population. 

a 

! 

i 

a 

i 

s 

J 

1 

1 

.a 

a 
a 

1 
M. 

1 
3 

1870. 

1875. 

s 

822 

1180 
962 

1009 
1223 

881 

607 

533 

763 

1903 

1309 

1280 

727 

1461 

1012 

1103 

1046 

1448 

886 

858 

1721 

1496 

249 

725 
755 
905 

1029 
923 

4337 

1186 
783 
770 
923 

1120 
67 

187 
43 

"n 

512 
639 
481 

276 
265 
371 
912 
662 
662 
376 
749 
515 
597 
541 
705 
449 
448 
856 
759 
130 

371 

361 

441 

526 

472 

2171 

1   630 

409 

423 

486 

580 

33 

497 
584 
400 

331 
268 
392 

991 
647 
618 
351 
712 
497 
506 
505 
743 
437 
410 
865 
737 
119 

354 
394 
464 
503 
451 

Columbus  Town  (6) 

Columbus  City 

First  Ward  (c)                                       

Third  Ward                           

1888 
1388 
1397 

709 
1286 
1000 
1098 
1031 
1566 

879 

920 
1702 
1715 

247 

684 
707 
473 

1117 
964 

3946 

1157 
832 
797 
949 

1281 
61 

15 

"is 

175 

12 

5 

15 

.....^ 

""19 
""'2 

"■79 

117 

"ii's 

'62 
"219 

1 

Fort  Winnebago 



Hampden 

i 
'5 

6 

"7 

3 
1 

1 

2 

"i 

"ti 
2 

1 
1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
1 

"i 

1 
2 

Lewiston 

Lodi  id)           .                          

2 
1 

1 

Portftge 

First  Ward                     

1 

Second  Wnrd       

8 

Fourth  Ward  (/") 

"i 

1 
9 

"3 

1 

392 

29 

""e 

925 

'49 
27 
21 

161 

924 

2I661I2 
556... 

5 
1 

Scott 

374L..!  1 

t 

347 

1 

West  Point 

442 

540 

34 

.. 

2 

1 

"4 

13 

West  Ward  V  Randolph.     

Totals 

28802 

28803 

1472S 

14078 

24I18 

21 

25 

COUNTY    MAPS    AND    ATLAS. 

The  first  map  of  Columbia  County  was  published  in  1861,  by  A.  Menger  &  Co.,  of  Mad- 
ison, and  "compiled  from  the  latest  records  and  actual  surveys,"  by  A.  Ligowsky  and  C.  Wasmund. 
On  this  map  Arlington  is  given  thirty  sections  and  Lodi  thirty-six.  The  plat  of  "  Wisconsin 
Village"  (Newport)  is  given,  it  not  being  vacated  at  that  time.  The  mechanical  work  of  the 
map  was  excellent.     It  was  regarded  as  generally  correct. 

In  1877,  Merrill,  Woodard  &  Co.,  of  Milwaukee,  published  a  large  wall-map  which  is  a 
very  creditable  piece  of  work. 

An  "Atlas  of  Columbia  Co.,  Wisconsin,  drawn  from  actual  surveys  and  county  records," 
was  published  by  Harrison  k  Warner,  of  Madison,  in  1878.  This  atlas  contained  a  sectional 
map  of  the  county,  one  of  each  of  the  towns,  showing  plainly  every  railroad,  wagon-road,  river 
and  creek,  with  names  of  all  owners  of  real  estate,  and  is  a  valuable  work. 


fa)  Six  sections  added  to  the  town  from  Lodi  in  1870. 

(6)  A  portion  of  the  town  of  Columbus  added  to  the  city  in  1874. 

(c)  City  of  Columbus  created  in  1874  out  of  the  village  and  a  portion 
of  the  town. 

(d)  Six  sectiouB  taken  from  the  town  and  added  to  Arlington. 


(e)  Limits  of  ward  extended  eo  as  to  include  aportion  of  the  Fourth 

and  Fifth  Wards. 
(/)  A  portion  of  the  ward  added  to  the  Third  Ward. 
(g)  .V  portion  of  the  ward  added  to  the  Third  Ward. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  483 


CURLING. 


The  game  of  curling  is  so  identified  with  the  land  of  Scott  and  Burns  and  with  the  magic 
name  of  Scotland,  that  apart  from  its  real  merits  its  mention  is  always  winsome.  It  is  associ- 
ated with  brae  and  burn,  craig  and  loch,  and  with  all  the  natural  scenery  of  a  country  as 
romantic  as  any  on  the  globe.  It  is,  indeed,  one  of  the  heartiest  and  most  exhilarating  of  sports, 
and  binds  its  lovers  in  a  genial  devotion  that  it  makes  them  for  the  time  "brithers  a'."  It  is 
pre-eminently  a  healthy  and  manly  game,  and  rewards  its  followers  with  pure  blood  and  good 
digestion.  Though  its  practice  is  on  the  increase,  it  is  far  from  being  an  universal  game,  and, 
outside  of  bonnie  Scotland,  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  locality  where  more  interest  is  felt  in 
it  than  in  Columbia  County.  Portage  for  years  has  had  a  well-organized  club.  There  are 
many  skilled  players  about  Poynette  and  in  Caledonia,  and  Otsego  now  has  a  good  club.  Con- 
siderable obscurity  hangs  over  the  origin  of  the  game.  Some  contend  it  is  merely  Scottish  ; 
others  that  it  has  been  imported  from  abroad.  It  is  certain  that  the  amusement  is  not  known 
to  have  been  practiced,  until  a  comparatively  recent  period,  anywhere  out  of  Scotland,  and, 
further,  that  the  old  curling  stones  that  have  been  preserved  or  discovered,  indicate  a  mode  of 
play  so  very  rude  and  primitive  as  greatly  to  favor  the  notion  of  its  indigenous  origin.  On 
the  other  hand,  etymology  favors  the  idea  that  the  continent  of  Europe  was  its  original  home. 

Pennant,  who  made  his  celebrated  tour  through  Scotland  in  1771,  thus  speaks  of  the  game: 
"  Of  all  the  sports  in  this  part,  curling  is  the  favorite.  It  is  an  amusement  of  the  winter  and  is 
played  upon  the  ice  by  sliding  from  one  mark  to  another — great  stones  from  forty  to  seventy 
pounds  in  weight,  of  hemispherical  form  with  a  wooden  or  iron  handle  at  the  top.  The  object 
of  the  player  is  to  lay  the  stone  as  near  the  mark  as  possible  and  guard  that  of  his  partner 
which  has  been  well  laid  before,  or  to  strike  off  that  of  his  antagonist."  This  is  so  far  not  an 
incorrect  description  of  the  popular  Scottish  sport  as  it  must  have  presented  itself  to  the 
observant  eye  of  the  Welsh  naturalist,  one  hundred  years  ago.  The  progress  of  curling  in  Scot- 
land, since  the  beginning  of  this  century,  has  been  very  marked.  Still  in  many  of  the  more 
purely  highland  districts,  it  is  even  to  this  day  almost  as  unknown  as  it  is  in  England.  Indeed, 
to  a  comparatively  recent  period,  the  great  bulk  of  the  Scottish  curlers  were  to  be  found  south 
of  the  Forth.  The  Royal  Caledonian  Curling  Club,  which  was  established  in  1838,  has  done 
much  to  introduce  the  game  further  northward,  as  the  northern  men  are  proverbially  loyal,  and 
now  we  believe  there  are  few  parishes,  except,  of  course,  in  the  highlands,  without  a  curling 
club.  In  this  country,  the  love  of  the  game  is  fast  spreading  over  the  length  and  breadth  of 
the  land,  and  the  Grand  National  Curling  Club  is  nobly  doing  its  duty  toward  fostering  the 
spread  of  a  knowledge  of  the  game. 

Before  the  Reformation  in  Scotland,  curling  was  generally  practiced  on  Sundays ;  and  i  n 
former  and  more  feudal  days,  when  the  nobility  were  principally  resident  on  their  estates,  it  was 
customary  for  one  baron  and  his  tenantry  to  challenge  another.  Year  after  year,  the  friendly 
feud  was  waged  on  the  icy  board  with  somewhat  of  the  ancient  hereditary  keenness.  Now, 
however,  it  is  parish  vs.  parish,  or  district  vs.  district,  for  a  boll  of  meal  or  coals  for  the  poor  of 
of  the  parish  or  the  district.  Toward  the  close  of  the  old  or  the  opening  of  the  new  year,  the 
curler  began  to  look  out  for  his  sport.  Frost  in  some  seasons  sets  in  as  early  as  Christmas,  and 
continues  through  the  months  of  January  and  February.  How  anxiously  the  aspect  of  the  sky 
and  the  direction  of  the  wind  are  watched  when  the  day  has  been  fixed  for  some  important 
bonspiel.  And  how  gladly  is  the  brisk,  keen,  frosty  air  of  the  eventful  morning  welcomed  by 
the  expectant  combatants.  Three  days  hard  frost  is  required  to  fit  the  ice  for  playing.  Arti- 
ficial curling-ponds  exist  in  some  places  and  have  the  advantage  that,  a  single  night's  frost  fits 
them  for  use,  while  a  fresh  coating  of  ice  may  be  secured  each  morning.  These  ponds, 
however,  require  considerable  outlay  to  keep  them  up,  and  are,  necessarily,  of  limited  extent, 
and,  though  excellent  for  private  games,  are  unfit  for  the  ordinary  bonspiels,  where  considerable 
numbers  are  engaged.  During  some  of  the  calm  days  of  severe  winter  weather,  when  the  hills 
are  snow-covered  and  every  leaflet  and  blade  of  grass  is  crisp  to  the  footfall ;  when  the  sun 


484  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

perchance  begins  to  look  through  the  cool,  bracing  air,  and  to  shed  its  beaming  warmth  on  the  • 
smooth  mirror  of  the  frozen  loch,  it  is  a  joy  to  engage  in  the  game  of  curling.  The  recollec- 
tions of  such  days,  with  their  memories  of  battle  and  victory  and,  perhaps,  the  inspiration  also 
of  the  festive  gatherings  when  the  play  is  over,  has  prompted  many  a  local  poet  curler  to  sing 
in  honor  of  his  loved  pastime,  and  many  pleasing  ditties  are  the  result  of  such  inspiration.  No 
sport  is  so  productive  of  sociality  and  good  feeling  as  that  of  curling.  It  binds  class  to  class. 
All  distinctions  of  rank  and  social  positions  vanish  before  the  all-absorbing  interest  of  the  game. 
On  the  icy  fields  may  be  seen,  either  as  spectator  or  eagerly  engaged  in  the  contest — 

"Tlie  tenant  with  his  jolly  laird. 
The  pastor  with  his  flocli." 

The  Scottish  poet,  Graham,  the  author  of  the  "Sabbath,"  in  the  true  spirit  of  a  curler, 
thus  describes  the  crisis  of  a  game  of  curling : 

"  Keen,  keener  still,  as  lite  itself  were  staked, 
Kindles  the  friendly  strife.     One  points  the  line 
To  him,  who,  poising,  aims  and  aims  again  ; 
Another  runs  and  sweeps  wliere  nothing  lies. 
Success  alternately,  from  side  to  side. 
Changes,  and  quick  the  hours  unnoted  fly, 
Till  light  begins  to  fail,  and,  deep  below, 
Till  player,  as  he  stoops  to  lift  his  stone. 
Sees,  half-incredulous,  the  rising  moon. 
But  now  the  final,  the  decisive,  spell 
Begins.     Near  and  more  near,  the  sounding  stones 
Come  winding  in,  and  some,  bearing  straight  along, 
Crowd  jostling  all  around  the  mark,  with  one 
Just  slightly  touching.      Victory  depends 
I'pon  the  final  aim;  long  swings  the  stone — 
Then,  with  full  force,  careening,  furiously 
Rattling,  it  strikes  aside  both  friend  and  foe, 
Maintains  its  force  and  takes  the  victor's  place." 

COLUMlilA    COUNTY    BIBLE    SOCIETY. 

This  society  was  organized  in  June,  1854,  as  an  auxiliary  to  the  American  Bible  Society, 
its  object  being  to  promote  the  circulation  of  the  Bible  "without  note  or  comment,"  and  in 
English — those  of  the  commonly  received  version.  It  was  provided  in  the  constitution  of  the 
society  that  any  person  contributing  $1  or  more,  should  receive,  if  called  for  within  one  year,  a 
common  Bible  in  return,  and  those  contributing  $15  at  one  time,  or  $20  in  two  payments, 
should  be  members  for  life.  It  was  proposed  to  keep  a  good  supply  of  books  on  hand,  and 
appoint  agents  to  make  collections,  and  see  that  every  family  was  provided  with  a  Bible.  Branch 
societies  have  been  formed  in  Lodi,  Rio,  Leeds  Center,  Kilbourn  City,  Poynette,  and  Pardee- 
ville  ;  but  at  this  time  (1880)  only  those  of  Leeds  Center,  Rio,  Poynette  and  Pardeeville,  are 
co-operating.  S.  M.  Smith  is  President ;  E.  J.  S.  Wright,  Secrettiry  ;  and  W.  T.  Parry,  Treas- 
urer. The  first  President  was  Rev.  Mr.  Miner ;  Secretary,  Rev.  W.  W.  McNair ;  Treasurer, 
Dr.  C.  G.  Culloch. 

FISH    CULTURE. 

Three-fourths  of  a  mile  southeast  of  the  village  of  Lodi,  on  the  East  Branch  of  Spring 
Creek,  may  be  found  the  fish  ponds  of  James  McCloud.  Others  are  near.  In  the  park  of 
Mr.  McCloud  are  five  ponds  stocked  with  fish.  Within  this  park  are  about  a  dozen  springs,  out 
of  which  gushes  the  purest  spring  water,  which  maintains  almost  an  even  temperature  through- 
out the  year.  In  April,  1875,  Mr.  McCloud  made  two  ponds,  in  one  of  which  he  put  1,000 
young  brook  trout  or  fry,  and  in  the  other  5,000  fry  of  the  Atlantic  salmon.  In  the  fall  of  the 
same  year,  he  made  four  more  ponds,  one  of  which  he  stocked  with  brook  trout  one  year  old  ; 
one  with  white  and  black  bass,  and  with  the  bass  he  also  put  in  four  sturgeon.  One  pond  he 
stocked  with  catfish.  In  November,  1875,  he  put  into  his  hatching-house  10,000  spawn  of  the 
the  California  salmon,  which  hatched  out  during  the  winter.     A  recent  writer,  who  visited  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  485 

ponds,  says :  "  The  fish  had  been  fed  during  the  morning,  and  Mr.  McCloud  thought  his  pets 
would  not,  on  that  account,  evince  as  keen  an  appetite  as  usual.  We  approached  pond  No.  1, 
and  peered  over  the  bank,  eager  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  beauties.  Not  a  fish  deigned  to  show 
himself  The  water  was  clear  as  crystal,  with  here  and  there  a  few  aquatic  plants  and  grasses. 
These  were  distinctly  visible,  but  where  were  the  fish  ?  Mr.  McCloud  knew  the  secret  of  bring- 
ing them  up  to  the  '  dress  parade,'  and  a  few  spoonfuls  of  the  liver  thrown  into  the  water, 
brought  in  full  view  the  flashing  forms  of  six  hundred  brook  trout,  that  would  weigh  from  one- 
half  to  two  pounds  each.  And  such  a  scramble  as  ensued  for  the  dainty  repast  that  was  fur- 
nished them  is  easier  alluded  to  than  described. 

"In  pond  No.  2,  a  little  larger  than  No.  1,  were  five  hundred  Atlantic  salmon,  whose 
speckled,  glistening  sides  seemed  to  reflect  every  hue  of  the  raiivbow,  as  they  lazily  swam  to  and 
fro.  The  white  line  on  the  lower  part  of  their  fins  added  greatly  to  the  elegance  of  their  appear- 
ance. Every  motion  could  be  observed  in  the  depths  of  the  limpid  stream  as  readily  as  the  gyra- 
tions of  gold  fish  in  a  crystal  globe.  The  casting  upon  the  waters  of  some  of  our  stock  of  liver 
had  a  similar  effect  as  in  the  former  case,  and  jjroved  that  their  prison  life  had  not  seriously  im- 
paired their  relish  for  food. 

"  In  pond  No.  3  were  about  1,000  California  salmon,  which  seemed  to  enjoy  their  food  as 
well  as  the  more  common  varieties. 

"  We  approached  pond  No.  4  by  means  of  a  plank,  level  with  the  water,  and,  while  upon 
this  plank,  Mr.  McCloud  held  a  spoon  containing  some  pieces  of  liver  about  two  inches  above 
the  surface  of  the  water,  and  now  began  a  scene  that  I  was  not  prepared  to  witness.  We  knew, 
for  Holy  Writ  tells  us  so,  that  "  the  ass  knoweth  his  master's  crib,"  but  we  were  not  aware  that 
fish  knew  their  master's  spoon.  So  tame  had  the  little  fellows  become,  that  they  leaped  out  of 
their  natural  element  to  gobble  the  contents  of  the  spoon  as  eagerly  as  a  pack  of  hungry  wolves 
would  go  for  a  flock  of  sheep.  When  the  hand  was  placed  gently  in  the  water,  it  was  quickly 
surrounded  by  the  confiding  little  creatures,  and  the  experimenter  was  convinced  in  this  case 
that  a  nibble  was  better  than  a  bite. 

"  The  fifth  or  last  pond  of  the  series  was  devoted  to  native  fish.  All  I  know  of  the  number 
is  that  it  was  legion.     Bass,  perch  and  suckers  dwelt  in  commendable  unison  herein. 

"  These  facts  demonstrate  that  fish  culture  may  be  prosecuted  with  every  reasonable  assu- 
rance of  success.  Whoever  has  a  spring  or  brook  on  his  farm  can,  with  very  little  outlay  and 
trouble,  have  this  greatest  of  luxuries  at  all  times  at  his  command,  for  they  thrive  equally  well 
in  hard  as  in  soft  water." 

Several  years'  experience  enables  Mr.  McCloud  to  speak  knowingly  of  fish  culture  in 
Columbia  County.     He  says  : 

"  My  fish  are  all  doing  well,  except  the  Atlantic  salmon,  which  have  not  been  a  success. 
They  prospered  for  the  two  first  years,  when  they  commenced  dying.  I  have  lost  the  most  of 
them.  The  surviving  ones  are  not  over  one-half  as  large  as  the  California  salmon.  The  latter 
are  the  fastest-growing  fish  in  the  ponds,  and  I  think  are  doing  the  best  of  any.  They  com- 
menced spawning  at  three  years  old,  and  are  all  healthy  so  far.  The  brook  trout  are  also 
healthy  and  are  doing  well.  The  water  in  my  pond  is  hard,  or  limestone  water.  I  find  the 
brook  trout  get  their  full  growth  at  about  four  years  old.  They  began  spawning  at  two  years 
of  age.  They  are  the  tamest  and  nicest  fish  to  take  care  of  that  I  have  ever  raised.  The  bass 
and  catfish  do  not  require  as  much  care  as  trout  and  salmon,  as  they  eat  a  great  variety  of  food 
that  the  latter  will  not." 

RAILROADS. 

A  brief  outline  of  the  changing  interests  of  the  various  branches  of  railroad  passing 
through  the  county  will  serve  the  purpose  of  preserving  the  essentia]  features  of  their  history. 
The  present  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  Company  has  grown  up  out  of  the  former 
La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company,  now  the  La  Crosse  Division  of  the  present  line  of 
road.  It  will  only  be  necessary  to  refer  to  the  lines  belonging  to  this  mammoth  corporation 
which  affect  Columbia  County. 


486  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

The  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Company  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature 
approved  April  2,  1852,  and  Timothy  Burns,  Samuel  T.  Smith,  Benjamin  Healey,  of  La 
Crosse  County  ;  Moses  M.  Strong,  of  Iowa  County  ;  Thomas  J.  Moorman,  of  Portage  County ; 
Henry  Weil  and  Patrick  Toland,  of  Washington  County ;  John  Lowth,  of  Dodge  County  ; 
Hugh  McFarlane,  of  Columbia  County  ;  Patrick  Rogan,  of  Jefferson  County  ;  Henry  Shears, 
of  Waukesha  County ;  Leonard  J.  Farwell,  of  Dane  County  ;  D.  C.  Reed,  Edwin  H.  Good- 
rich, Levi  Blossom  and  Garrett  Vliet,  of  Milwaukee  County,  were  appointed  Commissioners  to 
organize  the  company.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  stockholders,  the  following  officers  were 
elected :  President,  Byron  Kilbourn  ;  Secretary,  E.  H.  Goodrich  ;  Treasurer,  Jacob  L.  Bean. 
Directors — Byron  Kilbourn,  Moses  M.  Strong,  Edwin  H.  Goodrich,  George  W.  Strong,  Garrett 
Vliet,  Timothy  Burns,  Jacob  L.  Bean.  In  1854,  stock  subscriptions  were  procured,  surveys 
were  made,  and  the  general  line  of  the  road  established. 

In  1851,  an  act  of  the  Legislature  had  been  passed  incorporating  the  Milwaukee  &  Fond 
du  Lac  Railroad  Company,  and,  in  1853,  a  company  was  chartered  called  the  Milwaukee,  Fond 
du  Lac  &  Green  Bay  Railroad  Company.  By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  approved  June  27, 
1853,  these  two  companies  were  authorized  to  consolidate  with  each  other.  This  consolidation 
occurred,  and  the  new  company  commenced  the  construction  of  a  railroad  toward  Fond  du  Lac. 
In  the  mean  time,  the  officers  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Company  had  held  public  meet- 
ings on  the  line  of  their  proposed  railroad,  and  had  applied  the  system  of  farm  mortgages  to 
procure  means  for  its  construction.  In  1854,  the  Milwaukee,  Fond  du  Lac  &  Green  Bay  Rail- 
road Company  consolidated  with  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company,  assuming  the 
name  of  the  latter,  and  proceeded  with  the  construction  of  the  railroad  already  commenced,  but 
turned  it  in  the  direction  of  La  Crosse. 

The  ne.Kt  election  of  Directors  was  held  February  7,  1855,  and  the  following  were  chosen: 
President,  Stoddard  Judd.  Directors — Hiram  Barber,  S.  L.  Rose,  Byron  Kilbourn,  Moses 
Kneeland,  James  Ludington,  William  Dawes,  E.  D.  Clinton,  Moses  M.  Strong,  Edwin  H. 
Goodrich,  Edwin  Townsend,  Samuel  T.  Smith,  Hugh  McFarlane,  Russell  S.  Kneeland,  Chase 
A.  Stephens.     C.  D.  Cook  elected  in  place  of  Dawes  resigned. 

At  the  special  legislative  session  of  1836,  the  western  portion  of  the  land  grant  donated 
to  the  State  by  Congress  to  aid  in  railroad  construction  was  conferred  by  the  State  on  the  La 
Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Company.  The  road  was  completed  to  Fox  Lake,  sixty-eight  miles  from 
Milwaukee,  November  1,  and  to  Portage,  ninety-eight  miles  from  Milwaukee,  and  one-half  the 
distance  to  La  Crosse,  March  14,  1857.  In  that  year,  the  company  suffered  by  the  financial 
depression  of  the  times,  and  there  were  repeated  changes  in  its  board  of  officers. 

In  August,  1857,  the  track  was  completed  to  Kilbourn  City,  and  in  November,  to  New 
Lisbon,  forty-three  miles  west  of  Portage.  At  the  close  of  the  year  1857,  the  stock  of  the 
road  amounted  to  $7,687,540.20  :  the  mortgage  and  floating  debt  were  $8,263,660.91.  In  the 
annual  report  of  the  company  for  that  year,  the  melancholy  story  of  the  financial  embarrass- 
ments are  given,  and  among  the  rest,  ample  admission  is  made  in  guarded  language,  of  the 
disastrous  results  to  the  company  itself  of  the  legislative  and  other  official  corruption  by  which 
the  land  grant  was  secured  the  pi-evious  year.  The  report  says  :  "  In  referring  to  the  causes 
that  have  produced  the  present  embarrassments  of  the  company,  it  cannot  be  disguised  that  the 
land  grant  itself,  so  eagerly  sought,  has,  by  the  expense  of  the  contest  for  its  possession,  con- 
tributed very  largely  to  the  result." 

On  the  27th  of  September,  1857,  the  road  passed  into  the  hands  of  Selah  Chamberlain,  as 
lessee,  by  whom,  as  (Contractor,  a  large  portion  of  it  had  been  built.  He  leased  from  the 
La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Company,  and  continued  the  construction  of  the  road  during  the 
balance  of  1857,  and  till  October  1,  1858,  when  the  whole  line  was  opened  to  La  Crosse. 
He  continued  to  operate  the  road  as  such  lessee  till  1860,  when  he  sarrendered  control  to 
Bronson  and  Sutter,  the  trustees  of  the  second  mortgage  bondholders.  At  that  time,  an 
order  had  been  made  in  the  United  States  District  Coui-t,  appointing  Hans  Crocker  receiver 
of  the  Western  Division  of  the  road  from  Portage  to  La  Crosse.      A  motion  was  also  pending 


GOVERNOR  OP  WISCONSIN,  1864-65. 
COLUMBUS. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  489 

for  the  appointment  of  a  receiver  of  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  road,  which  was  granted 
a  few  days  after,  and  the  same  receiver  was  appointed.  As  such  receiver  Col.  Crocker 
took  possession  of  the  entire  road  at  the  close  of  business,  June  11,  1860,  and  operated 
it  till  June  12,  1863,  when,  on  an  order  of  the  court,  he  surrendered  possession  of  the 
Western  Division,  from  Portage  to  La  Crosse,  to  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Company,  as 
purchaser.  By  another  order,  he  surrendered  the  Eastern  Division  to  the  same  company,  to 
operate  under  him  as  receiver.  Col.  Crocker  continued  to  act  as  receiver  of  the  Eastern  Division 
till  January  9,  1866,  when  he  surrendered  that  road  to  the  Milwaukee  &  Minnesota  Railroad 
Company.  That  company  continued  to  operate  it  till  March  6,  1867,  when  they  surrendered 
it  to  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Company,  under  a  decree  rendered  on  the  so-called  Cleveland 
judgment,  in  the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States. 

The  history  of  the  Milwaukee  &  Minnesota  Railroad  Company  is  thus  described :  On  the 
21st  day  of  June,  1858,  what  was  called  the  Albany  board  of  the  La  Crosse  Company,  made  a 
mortgage  to  William  Barries,  of  Albany,  commonly  known  as  the  third  mortgage,  as  security 
for  $2,000,000  of  boods  which  they  proposed  to  issue.  Of  this  sum  in  bonds,  $550,000  were 
set  apart  for  delivery,  and  were  delivered  to  Stoddard  Judd,  as  trustee,  to  take  up  farm  mort- 
gages, but  were  never  used  for  that  purpose.  About  $150,000  in  bonds  were  used  in  paying  the 
company's  debts.  Over  $700,000  were  hypothecated  for  the  sum  of  $35,000  in  cash,  and  were 
suffered  to  be  sold  at  5  cents  on  the  dollar,  and  were  bought  in  by  some  of  the  Directors,  and  by 
certain  other  Eastern  parties  acting  in  concert  with  them.  These  bonds  bore  interest  from  July 
1,  1858.  Default  was  made  in  the  payment  of  interest  January  1,  1859,  and  proceedings  were 
at  once  begun  to  foreclose  the  mortgage,  the  trustees  claiming  that  all  the  bonds  had  been  dis- 
posed of.  No  suit  for  the  foreclosure  was  prosecuted,  but  a  sale  was  had  under  the  power  in  the 
mortgage,  and  the  property  was  bid  off  for  the  bondholders  by  the  trustees,  William  Barnes, 
May  21,  1859.  Immediately  thereafter,  he,  with  persons  claiming  to  hold  $1,400,000  of  the 
bonds,  formed  articles  of  association  as  the  Milwaukee  &  Minnesota  Railroad  Company.  By 
the  articles  of  association,  Russell  Sage,  of  New  York ;  Ludlow  A.  Battershall,  of  Troy,  N.  Y. ; 
William  Gould,  of  Albany,  N.  Y. ;  William  B.  Gilbert,  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. ;  Hans  Crocker,  Nor- 
man J.  Emmons  and  Lemuel  W.  Weeks,  of  Milwaukee ;  William  R.  Sill,  of  La  Crosse  ;  and 
William  E.  Smith,  of  Fox  Lake  ;  were  named  as  Directors.  This  organization  never  had  con- 
trol of  the  road,  and  was  a  mere  paper  organization.  Some  time  in  1862,  a  new  board  of 
directors  was  elected,  and  in  1866,  they  obtained  possession  of  the  road,  holding  it  until  March 
9,  1867,  as  before  described. 

In  1863,  Isaac  Seymour,  N.  A.  Cowdrey,  Horace  Galpen,  David  H.  Hughes,  William 
Gould,  Frederick  P.  James  and  George  Smith,  all  of  New  York,  and  Asahel  Finch  and  William 
H.  White,  both  of  Milwaukee,  associated  themselves  under  articles  of  agreement,  dated  May  5, 
of  that  year,  as  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  Company.  They  had  purchased,  at  mort- 
gage sale,  the  Western  Division  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad,  being  that  portion  of 
the  lines  between  Poi'tage  and  La  Crosse,  and  in  their  articles  of  agreement  stipulated  that  they 
might  purchase  the  Milwaukee  &  Western  Railroad,  commonly  called  the  Watertown  road, 
running  from  Milwaukee  to  Columbus,  with  a  branch  to  Sun  Prairie ;  the  Milwaukee  &  Horicon 
road,  running  from  Horicon  to  Berlin,  and  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milw^^iikee 
road,  when  practicable  ;  and  these  purchases  were  subsequently  perfected.  Other  persons  after- 
ward became  associated  with  them,  and  the  company  operated,  under  orders  of  the  United  States 
Court,  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  road,  accounting  to  the  court  for  its 
use.  The  lines  owned  by  the  company,  under  the  purchases  made  by  them,  were  as  follows  : 
From  Milwaukee  to  Columbus,  via  Watertown,  78  miles ;  from  Portage  to  La  Crosse,  98  miles ; 
from  Watertown  to  Sun  Prairie,  26  miles ;  from  Horicon  to  Berlin,  49  miles ;  from  Ripon  to 
Omro,  10  miles.  In  order  to  own  a  through  line  from  Milwaukee  to  La  Crosse,  the  company 
constructed  28  miles  of  track,  from  Columbus  to  Portage,  which  was  completed  in  September, 
1864,  when  the  through  line  was  open  to  travel.  All  through  trains  previous  to  that  time  had 
I'un  over  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  La  Crosse  road.     The  cost  of  the  lines  of  road  and  entire 


490  HISTORY   or   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

property  purchased  by  the  company,  of  which  they  entered  into  the  possession  June  13,  1863, 
was  $8,144,138,  for  261  miles  of  road,  or  $31,203  per  mile. 

In  1864,  Russell  Sage  was  elected  President  of  the  company  in  place  of  D.  M.  Hughes, 
and  filled  that  office  till  July  1,  1865,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Alexander  Mitchell.  During 
the  balance  of  the  year  1863,  after  the  formation  of  the  St.  Paul  Company,  and  during  1864, 
its  organization  was  perfected,  and  the  difi"erent  interests  represented  by  the  capitalists  composing 
the  corporation  were  harmonized  and  consolidated. 

During  the  year  1865,  the  struggle  over  the  possession  of  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  La 
Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  continued  between  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  and  the  Milwaukee 
&  Minnesota  Companies.  There  was  a  vigorous  but  unsuccessful  effort  made  in  the  Legislature 
of  that  year  to  procure  legislation  which  would  authorize  the  latter  company  to  run  through 
trains  between  Milwaukee  and  La  Crosse  over  the  track  of  the  former  company,  west  of  Port- 
age; and  the  failure  of  this  project  still  further  impaired  the  resources  of  the  weaker  company. 

In  April,  1856,  a  pooling  arrangement  was  made  between  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Com- 
pany and  the  Milwaukee  &  Prairie  du  Chien  Company.  This  experiment  proved  successful, 
and  led  to  a  still  closer  relation  between  the  two  companies,  and  a  majority  of  the  stock  of  the 
Prairie  du  Chien  Company  was  transferred  to  the  St.  Paul  Company's  trustees.  As  a  result, 
the  Directors  of  the  Prairie  du  Chien  Company,  elected  in  that  year,  were  fully  identified  in 
interest  with  the  St.  Paul  Company,  and  negotiations  progressed  favorably  for  a  complete  union 
of  the  two  companies  by  the  absorption  of  the  property  of  the  Prairie  du  Chien  line  in  the  St. 
Paul  corporation.  In  fact,  the  arrangement  progressed  so  far  during  the  year  that  at  its  close, 
the  reports  of  the  two  roads  were  consolidated  so  far  as  the  miles  of  road  in  operation,  and  the 
total  cost,  indebtedness,  revenues  and  expenses  of  the  two  companies  were  concerned.  During 
this  year,  the  litigation  over  the  possession  of  the  Eastern  Division  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwau- 
kee road  proceeded,  but  it  was  not  completed,  though  close  approaches  were  made  to  the  right 
of  possession  in  the  St.  Paul  Company.  The  earnings  of  the  company  for  1866  were  $2,538,- 
799.96.     The  expenses  were  $1,604,696.49. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1872,  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Company  formally  effected  the 
purchase  of  the  Chicago  &  St.  Paul  Railroad,  running  138  miles,  from  St.  Paul  to  Winona  and 
La  Crescent,  opposite  to  La  Crosse.  The  purchase  was  made  by  giving  the  bonds  of  the  St.  Paul 
Company  for  £800,000,  or  about  $4,000,000  in  gold,  payable  in  London  in  A.  D.  1902,  at  7  per 
cent.  The  line  of  the  road  between  Milwaukee  and  Chicago,  eighty-five  miles,  was  also  completed 
in  the  fall  of  1872,  but  its  formal  transfer  to  the  St.  Paul  Company  was  not  efiected  till  the  fol- 
lowing year.     This  completed  the  route  between  Chicago  and  St.  Paul,  a  distance  of  410  miles. 

In  1873,  the  Order  of  the  Patrons  of  Husbandry  became  numerous  and  powerful  in  Wiscon- 
sin, and  they  cultivated  a  popular  sentiment  unfriendly  to  the  existing  system  of  railroad  man- 
agement. The  wheat  crop  of  the  Northwest  was  enormously  productive,  and  the  price  ruled 
high.  The  railroad  companies,  not  satisfied  with  the  large  profits  they  had  been  making, 
crop  or  no  crop,  advanced  the  rates  of  freight  on  all  their  lines.  This  step  led  to  increased  hos- 
tility from  the  Grange  organizations. 

The  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  which  met  in  January,  1874,  enacted  the  law  limiting  the 
rates  to  be  charged  by  railroad  companies  for  transporting  passengers  and  freight,  and  also  pro- 
viding for  the  appointment  of  a  board  of  railroad  commissioners.  George  H.  Paul,  John  W. 
Hoyt  and  Joseph  H.  Osboi'n  were  appointed  such  commissioners,  and  the  "  Potter  law,"  as  the 
act  in  question  was  called,  went  into  effect  May  1.  The  railroad  companies,  regarding  the  law 
as  unconstitutional,  refused  to  acquiesce  in  the  reduction  of  charges  which  the  law  established, 
and  the  State  authorities  enforced  the  requirements  of  the  law  by  legal  proceedings,  resulting  in 
final  judgment  in  the  Supreme  Court,  affirming  the  paramount  control  of  the  Legislature  over 
all  corporations  created  by  law.  This  judgment  became  operative  on  the  railroad  companies 
October  1, 1874,  and  their  subsequent  charges  conformed  to  the  prices  fixed  by  law.  During 
this  year,  and  the  course  of  this  litigation,  public  feeling  ran  high,  and  intense  hostility  existed 
in  many  localities  of  the  State  on  the  part  of  the  people  against  the  railroad  companies.     By  an 


i 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  491 

act  of  the  Legislature,  in  February,  1874,  the  name  of  this  company  was  changed  to  "  The  Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  Company." 

The  Legislature  of  1876  repealed  the  '"Potter  law  "  and  enacted  in  its  stead  a  law  estab- 
lishing maximum  prices  for  freights.  By  the  terms  of  this  law  the  maximum  prices  established 
were  the  rates  fixed  by  the  St.  Paul  Company  in  its  schedule  of  freights,  adopted  in  June, 
1872. 

The  Columbus  ^  Portage  Line. — The  Milwaukee  &  Watertown  Railroad  was  incorporated 
by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  approved  March  11,  1851,  and  Edward  D.  Holton,  Alexander 
Mitchell,  Eliphalet  Cramer,  James  Kneeland,  Daniel  Wells,  Jr.,  Hans  Crocker,  John  H. 
Tweedy,  George  H.  Walker,  Byron  Kilbourn,  Daniel  H.  Chandler,  John  W.  Medberry,  all  of 
Milwaukee  County,  William  M.  Dennis,  Daniel  Jones,  Benjamin  F.  Fay,  Luther  A.  Cole, 
Simeon  Ford,  Peter  Rogan,  Peter  V.  Brown  and  Edward  Oilman,  of  Jefferson  County,  were 
appointed  Commissioners  to  form  the  company.  This  charter  authorized  the  company  to  build 
a  railroad  from  some  point  in  the  city  of  Milwaukee,  or  on  the  line  of  the  Milwaukee  &  Missis- 
sippi Railroad  in  the  county  of  Waukesha,  to  Watertown.  By  subsequent  amendments,  the 
company  was  authorized  to  extend  its  line  to  Columbus.  A  preliminary  survey  of  the  line  of 
the  road  between  Milwaukee  and  Watertown  was  made  in  the  same  month,  and  was  extended  to 
Fort  Winnebago  in  the  March  following,  and  the  construction  of  the  road  at  Brookfield  Junc- 
tion, thirteen  miles  from  Milwaukee,  was  commenced.  In  1851,  the  line  was  opened  for  traffic  to 
Oconomowoc,  and  on  the  1st  day  of  October,  1855,  the  road  was  completed  to  Watertown.  In 
the  winter  of  185G-57,  the  line  reached  Columbus.  About  this  time.  Congress  donated  to  the 
State  of  Wisconsin  an  extensive  land  grant  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  railroads,  and  one  line 
of  road  provided  for  in  the  grant  was  to  extend  from  Madison  or  Columbus  to  Portage  City,  and 
thence  to  Lake  St.  Croix,  from  there  to  the  head  of  Lake  Superior  and  to  Bayfield.  The  Mil- 
waukee &  Watertown  Company,  though  owning  but  a  short  line  of  road  pointing  in  the  direction 
of  the  prescribed  land-grant  route,  was,  as  will  be  seen,  under  the  management  of  an  association 
of  the  ablest  business  men  in  the  State,  and  entered  into  vigorous  competition  with  the  La 
Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company  as  an  applicant  for  the  grant.  A  special  session  of  the 
Legislature  was  held,  commencing  September  3,  1856,  for  the  purpose  of  disposing  of  this  grant. 
The  struggle  between  the  rival  roads  was  animated,  until  September  20,  when  the  antagonistic 
interests  were  compromised  by  the  consolidation  of  Milwaukee  &  Watertown  Company  with  the 
La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Company.  The  line  in  question  is  now  a  part  of  the  great  system 
under  the  control  of  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Company. 

The  Madison  ;)'•  Portage  Line. — In  1856-57,  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Company  partly 
graded  a  track  for  a  railroad  between  Madison  and  Portage,  as  a  part  of  its  land-grant  line,  but 
with  the  collapse  of  that  company  the  work  was  abandoned.  In  1860,  a  new  company  was 
formed,  which  procured  the  right  of  way  and  grade  of  the  old  company.  Principally  through 
the  efforts  of  James  Campbell  and  R.  B.  Sanderson,  the  track  was  completed  and  the  road 
opened  January  8,  1871,  a  large  delegation  of  Portage  citizens  going  to  Madison  by  invitation 
on  the  first  passenger  train  over  the  line.  It  was  for  a  time  operated  by  the  St.  Paul  Company 
under  a  lease,  and,  in  1878,  that  company  secured  the  ownership  of  the  road,  which  now  forms 
a  part  of  its  general  lines. 

Chicago  tf-  North  western. — A  stretch  of  about  seven  and  a  half  miles  of  this  road  passes  through 
Columbia  County.  In  1870,  the  Baraboo  Air  Line  Railroad  Company  was  incorporated  with 
authority  to  build  a  railroad  from  Columbus,  AVatertown,  Madison,  or  any  point  intermediate,  via 
the  village  of  Lodi,  Baraboo,  Abelman's  Mills  and  Reedsburg,  to  Tomah,  La  Crosse,  or  any  point 
on  the  Mississippi  River  above  La  Crosse.  In  1871,  the  Baraboo  Air  Line  Company  was  consoli- 
dated with  the  Beloit  and  Madison  Company,  and  both  were  then  consolidated  with  the  North- 
western Company,  and  the  construction  of  the  road  northwest  of  Madison,  or  the  Madison 
Extension,  as  it  was  called,  was  rapidly  pushed  forward  toward  AVinona  Junction,  a  distance  of  129 
miles.  Aid  was  voted  to  the  Air  Line  road  previous  to  the  consolidation,  and  was  paid  to  aid  its 
construction  as  follows:     City  of  Madison,  $25,000  cash  ;  Lodi,  $25,000  bonds  and  $15,000  cash; 


492  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

West  Point,  $5,000 ;  Baraboo,  $70,000  bonds  ;  Excelsior,  $12,500 ;  Freedom,  $7,500;  Green- 
field. $5,000  ;  Reedsburg,  $25,000  ;  Winfield,  $5,000  ;  Sparta,  $63,000  ;  RidgeviUe,  $2,500. 
In  this  year  the  line  was  opened  to  Lodi ;  in  1872,  to  Reedsburg ;  in  1873  it  was  completed  to 
Elroy,  and  through  trains  from  Chicago  ran  to  St.  Paul  over  the  Northwestern  and  West  Wis- 
consin Roads.  In  1874,  this  line  was  completed  to  Winona  Junction,  and  the  whole  is  now 
operated  as  the  Madison  Division. 

The  Wisconsin  Central. — By  Chapter  80,  Laws  of  Congress  of  1864,  there  was  granted  to 
the  State  of  Wisconsin  every  alternate  section  of  public  land,  designated  by  odd  numbers,  for 
ten  sections  in  width  on  each  mile  of  said  road,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the  construction  of 
a  railroad  from  Portage  City,  Berlin,  Doty's  Island,  or  Fond  du  Lac,  as  the  State  by  its  Legislature 
might  determine,  to  Bayfield,  thence  to  Superior.  By  joint  resolution  of  the  Legislature  of  the 
State,  approved  March  20,  1865,  the  grant  was  accepted  "  and  the  State  of  Wisconsin  hereby 
consents  to  execute  the  said  trust  created,  by  the  aforesaid  act  of  Congress,  pursuant  in  all 
things  to  the  terms,  limitations  and  conditions  of  said  act."  The  Legislature  of  that  year  failed 
to  agree  upon  a  bill  for  the  disposition  of  the  land  grant.  The  contest  over  it  was  renewed  the 
next  winter,  and  after  a  protracted  struggle  between  the  contesting  interests,  the  grant  was  dis- 
posed of  by  fixing  the  city  of  Portage  as  the  point  of  commencement  and  conferring  the  grant 
upon  the  Portage  &  Superior  Company,  with  a  joint  ownership  in  it  to  the  Winnebago  &  Lake 
Superior  Company  from  Stevens  Point  to  the  lake.  It  was  also  provided  that  the  road  should 
be  built  via  Ripon,  provided  Congress  should  give  its  assent  to  the  change  of  route,  which  was 
given  by  joint  resolution  of  Congress,  adopted  June  21,  1866.  The  first  Directors  of  the  Portage 
&  Superior  Company,  were  C.  C.  Washburn,  John  P.  McGregor,  George  Esterly,  E.  W. 
Keyes,  J.  H.  Rountree,  W.  W.  Reed,  H.  S.  Winsor,  T.  C.  Pound,  W.  W.  Corning,  H.  L. 
Palmer,  John  Nazro,  E.  H.  Galloway,  H.  G.  Webb,  S.  0.  Raymond,  W.  H.  Doe,  Asaph  Whit- 
tlesey and  H.  P.  Strong.  Mr.  Washburn  declining  to  accept  a  directorship,  C.  H.  Upham 
succeeded  him  in  the  board.  The  board  was  organized  at  Portage,  June  5,  1866,  by  the  elec- 
tion of  John  P.  McGregor,  as  President;  H.  L.  Palmer,  Vice  President ;  Henry  B.  Munn, 
Secretary,  and  John  Nazro,  Treasurer.  Mr.  Munn  shortly  after  resigned  the  secretaryship,  and 
A.  J.  Turner  was  elected  to  succeed  him.  At  this  meeting  of  the  board,  a  formal  acceptance  of 
the  grant  was  made  by  a  resolution  presented  by  H.  L.  Palmer,  in  the  following  language  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Portage  &  .Superior  Railroad  Company  accepts  the  trust  lands  granted  for  railroad  purposes, 
conferred  upon  and  granted  to  the  said  company  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  approved 
April  9,  1866,  *  *  *  upon  the  terms  and  conditions  prescribed  in  said  act  of  the  Legislature,  and  in  the  said 
act  of  Congress  ;  and  that  the  President  and  Secretary  of  the  company  are  hereby  directed  to  file  a  notice  of  such 
acceptance  in  the  name  of  the  company  in  the  ofBce  of  the  Secretary  of  State. 

The  first  directory  of  the  Winnebago  &  Superior  Company  was  organized  about  the  same 
time  the  organization  of  the  Portage  &  Superior  Company  was  made.  It  being  at  a  time  when 
railroad  projects  in  this  State  were  at  a  standstill,  hut  little  progress  was  made  toward  active 
work.  Finding  it  inconvenient  to  operate  separately,  the  two  companies  were  consolidated  as 
authorized  by  act  of  the  Legislature,  Chapter  257,  Laws  of  1869,  under  the  name  of  the  Port- 
age, Winnebago  &  Superior  Railroad  Company,  and  an  organization  of  the  two  companies  was 
effected  at  Oshkosh  June  2,  1869,  with  George  Reed  as  President;  John  P.  McGregor,  Vice 
President;  Julius  S.  Buck,  Secretary;  Henry  Hewitt,  Treasurer;  S.  W.  Budlong,  Chief  Engi- 
neer. On  the  15th  day  of  June,  1869,  the  first  stake  for  the  line  of  the  road  was  set  at  Port- 
age, and  a  preliminary  line  was  run  through  to  Lake  Superior,  and  the  lands  granted  to  the  com- 
pany were  withdrawn  from  the  market.  Through  the  active  efforts  of  Hon.  George  Reed,  the 
President  of  the  consolidated  company.  Eastern  capitalists  were  enlisted  in  the  enterprise,  with 
Gardner  Colby,  of  Boston,  at  the  head,  and  sufficient  local  aid  was  secured  to  induce  the  com- 
pany to  put  a  portion  of  the  line  under  contract,  commencing  at  Menasha  in  June,  1871,  reach- 
ing Stevens  Point  in  November  of  the  same  year.  In  1871,  the  name  of  the  company  was 
changed  to  the  Wisconsin  Central  Railroad  Company.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  organization 
of  this  company,  the  Winnebago  &  Superior  Company  was  also  consolidated  with  the  Manitowoc 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  493 

&  Minnesota  Company,  the  last-named  company  having  been  empowered  to  build  a  road  from 
Manitowoc  on  Lake  Michigan,  west  through  Menasha  and  Stevens  Point  to  the  Mississippi 
River,  but  the  road  had  not  been  constructed.  Its  chartered  rights,  however,  passed  by  consoli- 
dation into  the  Portage,  Winnebago  &  Superior  Company. 

In  1870,  the  Portage,  Stevens  Point  &  Superior  Railroad  Company  was  incorporated,  with 
W.  W.  Corning,  S.  A.  Pease,  A.  J.  Turner,  Robert  Cochran,  G.  L.  Park,  J.  0.  Raymond, 
Seth  Reeves,  George  A.  Neeves  and  Joseph  Wood  as  Directors,  with  the  purpose  of  building  a 
road  on  a  direct  line  from  Portage  to  Stevens  Point,  to  connect  with  the  land-grant  road.  On 
the  3d  of  December,  of  the  same  year,  at  Montello,  the  company  was  consolidated  with  the 
Portage,  Winnebago  &  Superior  Company,  and  its  line  was  adopted  as  the  line  of  the  land-grant 
road.  The  Legislature  of  1876  gave  its  consent  to  the  change  of  route,  which  was  ratified  by 
act  of  Congress  in  the  same  year. 

The  Wisconsin  Central  commenced  to  build  its  road  from  Menasha  west,  in  the  spring  of 
1871,  and  in  spite  of  almost  insurmountable  obstacles,  and  during  a  time  of  severe  panics  in  the 
money  markets,  it  pressed  the  work  of  construction  forward  and  laid  its  last  rail  in  June,  1877, 
having  constructed  330  miles  of  railroad,  all  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin.  The  cost  of  this  road 
in  cash  was  about  $9,000,000.  It  has  had  so  far  a  hard  struggle  to  pay  its  expenses  and  the 
interest  on  its  coupons,  which  were  funded  in  July,  1875. 

DARK    DEEDS. 

"State  of  Wisconsin  vs.  Edward  Leahey."  The  defendant  in  this  suit  was  an  ex-Catholic 
priest,  who  married,  emigrated  from  Ireland,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Scott,  in  the  year  1850. 
He  was  a  very  passionate  man,  and  exceedingly  jealous  of  his  wife.  Bernard  Mauley  was  a 
near  neighbor,  and,  on  his  return  from  a  lecturing  tour,  Leahey  had  him  arrested  on  a  charge  of 
seducing  his  wife.  An  examination  of  Mauley  was  had  before  a  Justice,  in  the  village  of  Par- 
deeville,  on  the  6th  day  of  August,  1852,  when  he  was  acquitted.  On  leaving  the  court  room, 
he  was  shot  and  instantly  killed  by  Leahey,  who  was  promptly  arrested,  committed  to  jail,  and 
an  indictment  found  against  him  by  the  grand  jury,  September  30,  1852.  A  continuance  was 
granted  at  the  September  term  of  court,  his  trial  taking  place  at  the  April  term,  1853,  the  jury 
finding  him  guilty  of  murder  in  the  first  degree.  Sentence  was  not  passed  upon  him  until  the 
7th  day  of  October,  1853,  when  he  was  sentenced  by  Judge  Charles  H.  Larrabee  to  the  peni- 
tentiary for  life,  with  twenty  days'  solitary  confinement.  On  the  6th  day  of  July,  1860,  he  was 
pardoned  and  restored  to  citizenship  by  Gov.  Alexander  W.  Randall. 

John  Baptist  Dubay  came  to  Portage  at  an  early  day,  and  for  some  time  traded  vith  the 
Indians,  the  American  Fur  Company  furnishing  him  with  goods,  but  he  finally  moved  up  the 
Wisconsin,  at  a  trading-post  above  Stevens  Point.  When  the  canal  at  Portage  was  made,  Nel- 
son McNeil  leased  from  the  State  the  water  power  and  built  a  mill,  and,  when  the  military 
reserve  (on  which  Fort  Winnebago  was  built),  was  sold  out,  about  thirty  acres  were  reserved  by 
the  Government  to  go  with  the  water-power  to  the  State,  or  rather  to  the  Fox  River  Company, 
as  the  State  had  turned  over  the  improvement  to  them.  Dubay  was  made  to  believe  he  had  a 
claim  there,  having  lived  on  the  same  land.  The  fur  company  had,  through  their  agents,  lived 
upon  it  for  several  years,  and  some  men  standing  high  in  the  State  contended  that  Dubay  had 
a  claim  upon  the  land,  and  tried  hard  to  get  Congress  and,  it  is  believed,  the  Legislature  to  recog- 
nize it,  which  appeared  strange  to  those  who  knew  there  was  not  any  legitimate  claim  there,  for 
the  fur  company  could  not  preempt.  McNeil  sold  out  his  mill  and  lease  to  Reynolds  &  Craigh, 
and  they  went  to  putting  up  a  house  for  the  millers.  Dubay  had  a  small  house  on  the  land  not 
far  from  where  they  commenced  building.  They  had  had  the  studding  put  up  and  a  part  of  the 
roof  boards  on,  when  Dubay  went  over  there  and  took  an  ax  and  chopped  it  down.  Afterward, 
Reynolds  went  over  to  look  at  it,  and  as  he  passed  the  house  some  words  passed  between  them, 
when  Dubay  went  into  his  house  and  got  his  gun  and  shot,  killing  Reynolds  immediately.  This 
tragical  event  took  place  August  15,  1857. 


494  HISTORY    OF    COLOMBIA    COUNTY. 

"  I  was  standing  in  the  street  in  front  of  my  house,"  says  Henry  Merrell,  "  perhaps  half  a 
mile  from  the  mill,  when  McNeil  came  past,  his  horse  on  a  run  ;  as  he  passed  me  he  said, '  Dubay 
has  shot  Reynolds.'  I  immediately  went  down  to  the  mill,  and  found  several  men  there  watch- 
ing the  house,  but  none  dared  go  near  it.  I  inquired  if  any  one  was  watching  to  see  if  he 
escaped  into  the  woods,  and  was  informed  there  was.  Soon  a  wagon  drove  up,  filled  with  men, 
who  jumped  out,  and  called  for  a  rope;  while  they  were  going  into  the  mill,  Sheriff  Edward  F. 
Lewis  drove  up  in  a  buggy,  and  crossed  over  the  other  side  of  the  canal  to  the  house  and  hur-. 
ried  Dubay  into  the  buggy  and  drove  up  the  north  bank  of  the  canal.  When  the  men  saw  that 
move,  they  jumped  into  the  wagon  and  drove  back  the  way  they  came.  I,  knowing  Lewis  could 
not  get  over  on  that  bank,  concluded  the  men  would  catch  him  ;  but  Lewis  drove  as  far  as  he 
could,  and  left  the  buggy  and  horse,  and  hurried  Dubay  on  foot,  getting  to  the  jail  before  the 
men  got  around,  as  they  had  some  distance  farther  to  go  to  get  the  wagon  through.  Quite  a 
crowd  assembled,  determined  to  lynch  Dubay;  but  Lewis  foiled  them.  One  man  by  the  name 
of  Mason  cried,  '  Come  on,  boys,'  but  as  he  made  a  rush  for  the  door,  Lewis  stood  there  with  a 
pair  of  iron  shackles  in  his  hand,  and,  as  Mason  rushed  at  him,  he  hit  him  over  the  head,  knock- 
ing him  down.  So  no  others  backed  him  up,  and  the  mob  dispersed.  The  wildest  excitement 
ensued.  An  attempt  was  made  to  lynch  the  murderer ;  but  Sheriff  Lewis,  by  diligent  effort, 
secured  him  as  a  prisoner,  and  took  him  to  Madison,  where  he  was  tried  twice,  the  jury  not 
agreeing.     So  he  was  discharged." 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  16th  of  September,  1869,  the  city  of  Portage  witnessed  a  revolt- 
ing double  tragedy — the  shooting  of  Barney  Britt,  on  one  of  the  most  public  thoroughfares,  by 
William  H.  Spain,  and  the  subsequent  lynching  of  the  murderer  by  a  mob  within  a  stone's 
throw  of  the  spot  where  Britt  fell.  Both  Britt  and  Spain  were  Irishmen,  and  former  members 
of  Company  D,  Nineteenth  Wisconsin  Volunteers,  Spain  succeeding  to  the  captaincy  of  the 
company  on  the  promotion  of  Col.  Vaughan,  Britt  being  a  private.  During  their  service,  bitter 
feelings  were  engendered  between  them,  and  they  scarcely  ever  met  without  some  hard  words 
ensuing.  On  the  day  of  the  tragedy,  Britt,  who  lived  in  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  came  to 
the  city,  and,  meeting  Spain,  the  old  feud  was  revived.  During  the  afternoon,  Spain  went  to 
his  house,  and  jirocured  a  loaded  revolver;  upon  his  return,  he  perceived  Britt  following  after 
him.  He  stopped  and  informed  Britt  that  he  must  not  follow  him.  Britt  replied  that  he  was 
not  following  him,  but  was  going  about  his  business.  Spain  repeated  his  admonition,  and  was 
replied  to  as  before,  whereupon  he  raised  his  weapon,  and,  muttering  an  oath,  fired,  shooting 
Britt  through  the  heart,  killing  him  instantly.  The  shooting  was  witnessed  by  a  large  number 
of  people,  and  the  news,  spreading  rapidly,  created  an  excitement  and  consternation.  The  cry 
of  "  Hang  him  I  "  "  Hang  him  !  "  was  soon  raised,  and  Spain  started  for  Justice  Haskell's 
office,  with  the  intention  of  surrendering  himself.  He  was  overtaken  at  the  head  of  the  stairs  by 
Marshal  Hickey  and  Deputy  Sheriff  Pool,  who  arrested  him,  and  started  for  the  jail.  When 
near  Heartel's  saloon  they  were  met  by  a  crowd  of  excited  people,  who  violently  took  the  pris- 
oner from  them,  and,  forcing  him  into  the  express  office,  detailed  a  posse  to  guard  the  door.  In 
a  few  moments,  surging  crowds  of  people  came,  seemingly,  from  every  quarter.  The  door  of  the 
express  office  was  forced  open,  a  rojie  thrown  about  Spain's  neck,  and,  within  a  few  minutes,  he 
had  been  dragged  through  the  street  and  hanged  to  the  limb  of  a  tree.  Spain's  body,  having 
been  cut  down  by  Sheriff  Pool  soon  afterward,  was  removed  to  the  home  of  his  brother's  in  the 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago.  Spain  was  at  one  time  Register  of  Deeds  in  Adams  County,  but  for 
six  months  previous  to  the  tragedy,  he  had  practiced  law  in  Columbia  County.  Britt  left  a  wife 
and  eight  children.     Spain  was  also  a  man  of  fiimily,  having  a  wife  and  four  children. 

About  1  o'clock  of  the  morning  of  Saturday,  September  18,  not  quite  two  days  after  the 
shooting  of  Britt,  and  the  lynching  of  Spain,  Pat  Wildrick,  a  notorious  desperado,  was  taken  from 
the  Columbia  County  Jail  and  hanged  to  a  tree  near  by.  This  was  done  by  a  mob  of  unknown  men, 
who  came  into  the  city  during  the  night.  Wildrick  was  probably  one  of  the  worst  men  that  ever 
trod  upon  Wisconsin  soil.  He  had  served  two  years  at  Waupun  for  highway  robbery,  and  soon 
after  his  release,  Schuyler  S.  Gates,  who,  with  his  wife  and  household  goods,  was  moving  down 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  495 

the  AVisconsin  River  from  Kilbourn  City  on  two  boats  lashed  together,  was  robbed,  while  encamped 
on  the  bank  of  the  river  at  night,  of  about  |2,400,  Mrs.  Gates  being  outraged  by  one  of  the 
robbers,  whom  the  people  had  every  reason  to  believe  was  none  other  than  Pat.  Wildrick.  At 
any  rate,  Wildrick  was  arrested  and  lodged  in  jail,  being  taken  to  Sauk  County,  where  he  was 
indicted,  and,  having  his  case  continued,  he  broke  jail,  but  was  recaptured.  Pending  his  trial, 
which  was  set  for  October  9,  Wildrick  was  released  on  bail.  He  then  came  to  Portage,  where, 
almost  immediately  afterward,  he  was  caught  in  the  act  of  perpetrating  a  highway  robbery. 
During  his  examination  for  this  latter  offense,  Mr.  Gates  was  murdered  near  Kilbourn  City,  and 
it  was  generally  believed  Wildrick's  accomplices  in  the  robbery  were  the  perpetrators  of  the 
deed,  as  Gates  would  have  been  an  important  witness  in  the  case. 

The  lynching  of  Wildrick  was  conducted  shrewdly.  Two  men,  with  a  third  one  between  them, 
went  to  the  jail  and  knocked  upon  the  door.  Deputy  Koerner,  upon  answering  the  knock,  was 
informed  by  one  of  the  outsiders  that  they  were  officers  in  charge  of  a  criminal  whom  they 
wished  to  lock  up.  The  door  was  opened  and  they  were  admitted,  whereupon  Koerner  was 
seized  and  others  of  the  party  immediately  entered  the  jail.  Sheriff  Sorrenson,  coming  upon 
the  scene,  was  also  secured,  his  hands  being  tied  behind  him  and  a  handkerchief  being  placed 
over  his  mouth.  The  key  to  Wildrick's  cell  was  then  taken  from  Koerner's  pocket.  What 
followed  need  not  be  repeated,  but  Wildrick's  dead  body  was  found  hanging  to  a  tree  the  next 
morning. 

In  December  the  grand  jury  returned  indictments  against  eleven  of  the  supposed  lynchers, 
but  it  was  subsequently  shown  that  one-third  of  the  members  of  that  jury  were  disqualified  on 
account  of  being  aliens.  It  also  appeared  that  one  of  the  eleven  men  indicted  was  many  miles 
away  when  the  tragedy  was  enacted.     The  whole  matter  was  finally  dropped. 

"  State  of  Wisconsin  vs.  John  Maloney."  On  the  4th  day  of  August,  1875,  John  Maloney, 
of  Doylestown,  shot  and  killed  his  wife,  for  which  crime  he  was  arrested,  and  on  the  18th  day 
of  December,  of  the  same  year  was  tried,  convicted  of  murder  in  the  first  degree,  and  sentenced 
to  the  State  prison  for  life. 

ABSTRACT    OFFICE. 

Absolutely  certain  knowledge  in  regard  to  the  title  of  land  is  important  to  every  owner  or 
prospective  owner  of  a  home  or  of  any  parcel  of  real  estate.  In  this  country,  the  records  of 
conveyance  in  the  office  of  Register  of  Deeds  govern  as  to  the  ownership  of  real  property,  and 
every  transfer  or  mortgage  is  supposed  to  be  recorded  therein.  There  are,  however,  other  facts 
which  may  be  of  consequence  as  affecting  the  condition  of  title,  which  the  law  does  not  require 
to  be  registered  in  that  office.  Moreover,  it  is  a  frequently  a  tedious  and  difficult  task  to  obtain 
at  the  Register's  office  the  statement  of  a  long  chain  of  title.  For  these  and  other  reasons, 
abstract  offices,  as  they  are  called,  have  been  established  throughout  the  country.  They  con- 
tain a  complete  and  perfect  history,  so  far  as  it  is  possible  to  obtain  it,  of  every  piece  of  land 
in  the  counties  where  they  are  located,  so  arranged  as  to  be  accessible  with  the  least  possible 
delay  or  difficulty. 

The  abstract  office  for  Columbia  County  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  perfect  in  Wiscon- 
sin. It  was  started  by  A.  B.  Alden,  who  issued  his  first  abstract  in  1859.  He  recorded 
58,320  conveyances,  No.  1  of  which,  was,  of  course,  the  first  conveyance  ever  of  record  in 
this  county. 

The  foundation  of  the  abstract  office  required  an  immense  amount  of  attention  and  labor, 
much  of  which  was  bestowed  in  the  early  stages  of  the  enterprise  by  A.  B.  Alden  and  his 
brother-in-law,  M.  P.  Wing,  Charles  Holden,  Charles  J.  Randall,  0.  C.  Dibble  and  Ambrose 
Hoffman.  Mr.  Alden  was  Clerk  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  when  he  founded  the  abstract 
office,  and,  his  time  being  occupied  by  his  official  duties,  it  was  managed  successively  by  the 
individuals  mentioned  above.  In  September,  1872,  he  sold  the  business  to  M.  T.  Alverson  and 
Thomas  Yule.  Both  of  the  latter  were  real-estate  men  and  very  accurate,  and  they  did  much 
to  perfect  the  records  of  the  office  and  more  thoroughly  systematize  its  methods.     During  their 


496  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

time,  the  number  of  conveyances  reached  70,169,  11,849  of  which  were  made  while  they  were 
in  the  ofBce. 

On  the  1st  of  November,  1878,  S.  M.  Smith  and  C.  L.  Bering  assumed  the  management 
of  the  business,  which  they  had  purchased  from  Alverson  &  Yule,  and  to  which  they  now  devote 
everv  requisite  attention.  Mr.  Bering  is  an  attorney  and  real-estate  conveyancer  of  long  expe- 
rience, and  Mr.  Smith  is  well  known  as  a  careful,  methodical  man,  abundantly  qualified  to  con- 
duct the  affairs  of  the  ofiice.  Up  to  and  including  the  31st  day  of  March,  1880,  and  after 
November  1,  1878,  they  recorded  3,104  transfers,  which  made  the  whole  number  in  Columbia 
County  73,273  at  the  close  of  the  day  first  mentioned. 

The  Columbia  County  Abstract  Ofiice  now  contains  eleven  volumes  of  abstracts,  so  called, 
three  index  books,  a  volume  each  of  abstracts  of  Government  and  State  entries,  one  volume  of 
powers  of  attorney,  a  volume  of  judgment,  as  liens  on  real  estate,  a  volume  of  mechanics' 
liens,  etc.,  etc. 

Already  there  are  in  Columbia  County  parcels  of  realty  which  have  changed  owners  from 
one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  times,  and  there  are  but  very  few  pieces  of  land  that  have 
not  been  repeatedly  sold.     Suppose,  now,  that  A  wants  to  buy  of  B  certain  land,  almost  the 
first  detail  about  which  the  former  will  desire  information  will  be  in  reference  to  the  title ;  and 
it  is  the  vendor's  business  to  show  him  that  his  right  to  the  property  is  complete,  to  do  which  he 
must   obtain   an   abstract  of  title.     As  already  stated,  the  abstract  ofiice  contains  the  history  of 
every  piece  of  land  in  Columbia  County,  embodying  every  legal  detail  which  can  in  any  way 
afiect  its  title.     Now,  for  the  purpose  of  illustrating  the  methods  of  the  abstract  office,  suppose 
that,  on  the  morning  of  1st  of  April,  1880,  Messrs.   Smith  &  Bering,  in   making  their  daily 
visit  to  the  Register  of  Beeds'  OflBce,  found  that  another  conveyance  has  been  recorded  there. 
They  at  once  make  a  virtual  copy  of  the  deed,  and  on  their  return  to  the  abstract  ofiice  they 
transfer  it  to  what  they  call   the  book  of  abstracts.     Each   conveyance  in  this  volume  is  desig- 
nated by  a  number,  and  in  the  case  we  have  supposed  the  number  would  be  73,274.     Opposite 
this  number,  they  will  note  volume  and  page  on  which  the  instrument  is  recorded  with  the  Reg- 
ister ;  names  of  grantor  and  grantee ;  date  of  the  deed,  date  of  acknowledgment ;    date,  hour 
and  minute  of  record  ;  nature  of  the  instrument ;  description  of  the  property  ;  consideration,  etc. 
The  next  step  is  what  is  termed  posting  on  the  index-book,  which  is  arranged  for  reference  by  descrip- 
tion of  lands,  and  which  contains  a  printed  description  of  every  forty  and  of  every  city  and  village 
lot  in  this  county,  and  opposite  it  is  simply  placed  that  number,  which  completes  the  record 
there  so  far  as  this  transfer  is  concerned.     Of  course,  all   previous  transfers  have  previously 
been  similarly  indicated  by  recording  their  numbers  from  the  abstract-book  ;  so  that  the  index- 
book  consists  merely  of  descriptions  of  forties  and  lots,  with  the  numbers  indicating  each  con- 
veyance set  opposite  them.     When  an  abstract  of  title  is  desired,  the  land  described  is  readily 
found  by  reference   to   the  index-book,  and  there,  opposite  the  description,  are  found  numbers 
indicating  all  the  transfers  of  that  property  that  have  ever  been  made.     Those  numbers   are 
readily  found  by  reference  to  the  abstract-book,  where,  opposite  each  number,  are  set  forth  all 
the  details  of  that  conveyance.     Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  an  abstract  may  be  obtained  for  any 
piece  of  land  by  simply  sending  a  description  of  it,  and  without  even  mentioning  the  name  of 
the  present  owner.     Of  course,  the  utmost  care  is  required  in  these  entries,  and  every  record  is 
subjected  to   a  double  comparison   before  it  is  relinquished  as  accurate.     Thus  far,  all   the 
information  alluded  to  as  regarding  land  has  been  obtained  from  the  Register's  office,  but  there 
are  legal  facts  other  than  those  which  the  law  requires  the  Register  to  spread   upon  his  books 
that  may,  to  some  extent,  aflfect  the  right  to  realty.     For  instance,  a  judgment  become  a  lien 
on  real  estate,  a  record  of  which  is  to  be  found  in  the  Clerk  of  the  Court's  office.     And  there 
is  a  large  amount  of  other  information  which  it  is  essential  that  a  perfect  abstract  oflBce  should 
possess,  and   which   is   obtained   from  the  General  Land  Ofiice  at  Washington,  the  State  Land 
Ofiice,  the  County  Treasurer's  oflSce,  and  elsewhere.     Indeed,  the  abstract  business  requires  the 
constant  exercise  of  vigilance  and   the  utmost  care,  and  is  a  constant  source  of  outlay,  so  that 
the  occasional  expensiveness  of  abstracts  need  not  surprise  the  applicant  for  it. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  497 

The  Columbia  County  Abstract  Office  is  located  in  the  bank  building  in  Portage,  on  the  corner 
of  Cook  and  Wisconsin  streets,  and  in  the  rear  of  the  office  is  a  stone  vault,  absolutely  fire-proof, 
within  which  is  a  fire-proof  safe,  where  all  the  books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  business  are 
nightly  secured.  Many  of  the  business  men  of  this  city  have  availed  themselves  of  this  certain 
protection  against  fire  by  placing  their  valuable  papers  in  the  custody  of  Smith  &  Bering ;  and 
as  there  is  never  any  money  deposited  there,  nor  any  papers  of  value  except  to  the  owners,  there 
is  nothing  to  excite  the  cupidity  of  burglars. 

THE  WELSH  LITERAKY  MOVEMENT    IN  COLUMBIA  COUNTY. 

The  Welsh  commenced  to  settle  in  Columbia  County  in  the  summer  of  1845.  They  were' 
almost  without  exception,  from  the  northern  part  of  Wales — most  of  them  from  the  counties  of 
Carnarvon,  Anglesea  and  Denbigh — from  the  neighborhood  of  Snowdon,  Moel  Siabod  and  other 
glorious  mountains. 

Eminent  writers  maintain  that  the  general  aspect  of  nature  has  a  decided  influence  on  the 
habits,  thoughts  and  characteristics  of  the  human  mind.  They  further  assert  that  mountain 
scenery  and  air  nourish  poetical  and  musical  tendencies,  and  encourage  moral  feelings. 

If  this  is  so,  the  Welsh  emigrants  who  first  settled  in  Columbia  County,  nurtured  in  that 
part  of  Europe  described  by  one  of  their  bards  as 

"  Rude,  rugged  and  romantic  land  of  e'erlasting  hills, 
Where  echo  sounds  terrific,  'midst  cataracts  and  rills — 
Mountains  of  ancient  glory  adorned  with  lovely  vales — 
Creation  in  its  beauty,  my  Home,  my  dearest  Wales," 

should  have  imaginative,  religious  and  industrious  minds.  The  above  theory  proved  true  in  the 
case  of  the  first  settlers  as  shown  in  the  particular  attention  paid  to  public  religious  worship, 
even  before  houses  were  secured  for  the  families.  Music  was  cultivated  from  the  very  first;  but 
not  until  the  year  1848  did  the  difierent  settlements  organize  and  form  into  a  musical  union. 

It  was  then  decided  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  different  settlements  in  Columbia  County 
should  join  in  a  grove  about  eight  miles  north  of  the  present  village  of  Cambria,  to  celebrate 
the  Fourth  of  July  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  day.  Music  was  furnished  by  a  large  and  well- 
trained  choir.  E.  B.  Williams  delivered  a  philosophical  lecture  on  music.  Several  speeches 
on  different  subjects  were  made  by  many  who  were  present  from  different  settlements. 

It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  this  manner  of  celebrating  the  Fourth  of  July  became  popu- 
lar and  much  good  came  out  of  it.  Every  year  brought  some  new  celebrity  to  the  platform 
and  more  cultivation  to  the  choir.  This  musical  union  continued  to  gain  ground  steadily  for 
about  fifteen  years,  when  religious  revivalists  claimed  the  privilege  to  hold  a  prayer-meeting  on 
the  same  day.  The  prayer-meeting  was  held  but  once,  but  that  was  enough  to  break  up  the 
musical  union.  Were  it  not  for  that  fact,  it  is  probable  that  the  Fourth  would  have  continued, 
to  this  day,  to  be  celebrated  in  the  same  manner  as  of  old. 

Still,  nothing  was  done  to  encourage  and  cultivate  the  literary  tastes  of  the  people  until 
Dr.  J.  LI.  Williams  returned  from  Pennsylvania  and  settled  in  Cambria  in  the  year  1853.  He 
was  the  founder,  first  teacher  and  patron  of  literature  among  the  Welsh  in  this  part  of  Colum- 
bia County.  He  organized  literary  societies  in  every  schoolhouse,  aroused  and  held  regular 
weekly  or  two-weekly  meetings,  which  were  well  attended,  especially  by  the  young  people. 
Different  subjects  were  given  for  competitory  compositions  in  prose  and  verse ;  lectures  and 
speeches  were  delivered,  and  music  in  its  various  forms  was  taught  and  encouraged. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1856,  the  first  grand  Eistedfod  was  held  in  the  old  church  or 
chapel,  called  Zion,  on  Welsh  Prairie.  This  was  well  attended  by  musicians,  poets,  lecturers 
and  other  literary  characters,  from  all  parts  of' the  State,  and  was  a  decided  success.  Not  only 
that  that  particular  congress  of  bards  and  literati  was  a  success  in  itself;  but,  by  drawing  out 
talents  not  previously  known  to  the  public,  it  proved  that  there  was  material  enough  among  the 
Welsh  population  for  holding  such  meetings  in  future. 


498 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 


The  Eistedfod  is  an  ancient  institution,  and  was  probably  peculiar  to  the  Celts.  Now  it 
is  peculiar  to  that  small  branch  of  the  Celts  inhabiting  Wales  and  their  children  in  foreign 
countries.  First  established  by  the  Druids,  and  being  then  of  much  more  importance  than  at 
present — all  public  matters  in  law,  religion  and  literature  being  settled  in  those  meetings  in 
presence  of  the  public  therein  assembled — it  was  deemed  necessary,  or  at  least  beneficial,  to 
keep  up  this  Bardic  assembly,  after  the  overthrow  of  Dru^dism  by  Christianity,  in  order  to  fos- 
ter learning  and  especially  poetry.  For  ages,  each  Eistedfod  was  held  under  the  auspices  and 
protection  of  some  Welsh  prince ;  afterward  they  were  under  the  patronage  of  the  Barons,  and, 
last  of  all,  they  were  licensed  by  the  English  sovereigns.  The  last  royal  license  was  granted 
by  Queen  Elizabeth  in  1.567  or  1568.  Since  that  time,  the  Welsh  have  felt  independent 
enough  to  hold  an  Eistedfod  when  and  wherever  they  choose,  without  asking  any  one's  consent. 

The  Welsh  in  Columbia  County  have  held  an  Eistedfod  (sometimes  on  rather  a  small  scale) 
at  home,  or  have  joined  with  others  to  hold  one  in  some  other  part  of  the  State  almost  every 
year  since  1856.  Money  is  sometimes  contributed  beforehand ;  sometimes  the  sale  of  tickets 
to  the  meetings  is  depended  upon  and  rewards  are  offered  for  the  best  compositions  in  prose, 
verse  and  music,  and  sometimes  for  works  of  art.  Umpires  are  usually  chosen  from  a  distance, 
to  determine  upon  the  merits  of  the  competitors.  Everything  is  arranged  as  well  as  can  be  to 
secure  justice.  Each  of  these  occasions  brings  out  a  great  number  of  competitors,  and  it  does 
much  to  stimulate  and  encourage  the  youths  to  labor  hard  for  excellency,  and  it  has  contributed 
not  a  little  to  the  education  of  those  who  must  educate  themselves  or  remain  uneducated. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  499 


OHAPTEE  Tni.  • 

Some  of  Columbia  County's  Illustrious  Dead— Peter  Pauquette,  Elbert  Dickason,  La  Pay- 
ette Hill,  John  A.  Brown,  Jeremiah  Drake,  Joseph  M.  Doty,  Baron  Steuben  Doty, 
William  T.  Whirry',  Emmons  Taylor,  Jacob  Low,  Carl  Haertel,  William  Wier, 
Squire  Sherwood  Case,  John  Converse,  Alfred  Topliff,  Harrison  S.  Haskell,  Samuel 
Stephen  Brannan,  ANDRE^v  Dunn,  Thomas  J.  Emerton,  Joseph  Bailey,  Henry  Merrell, 
Julius  Con\'erse  Chandler,  Samuel  K.  Vaugiian,  Joseph  Kerr,  John  Pardee,  Andrew 
Sweany". 

PETER    pauquette 

was  the  son  of  a  French  father  and  a  Winnebago  mother.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1796,  and 
was  married  in  St.  Louis  in  1818  to  Theresa  Crelie,  whose  father,  "old  Crelie,"  was  a  Canadian 
half-breed,  and  whose  mother  was  a  half-breed  Sac.  At  the  date  of  his  marriage,  which  event 
took  place  at  Prairie  du  Chien,  he  was  in  the  employ  of  the  American  Fur  Company.  Pau- 
quette was  the  interpreter  at  the  treaties  with  the  Winnebagoes  at  Green  Bay,  in  1828  ;  at 
Prairie  du  Chien,  in  1825;  and  at  Rock  Island  in  1832.  In  the  year  last  mentioned,  he  was 
active  in  raising  a  party  of  Winnebagoes  to  unite  with  the  Americans 'against  Black  Hawk. 
After  this  war,  he  was  engaged  as  a  trader,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Wisconsin,  at  Portage.  He 
had  two  children — Therese  J.,  the  eldest,  was  born  at  the  portage  in  1826  ;  she  has  been  twice 
married,  and  is  a  resident  of  Columbia  County.  Her  brother,  Moses  Pauquette,  was  born  in 
1828,  also  at  the  portage ;  and  he,  too,  is  still  a  resident  of  the  county. 

Pauquette  was  always  reputed  to  be  one  of  the  best  friends  and  counselors  of  the  Winne- 
bagoes. No  man  who  knew  him  ever  suspected  his  honesty  or  patriotism.  In  October,  1836, 
he  was  shot  and  killed  at  the  portage,  by  an  Indian. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  [1836],  says  John  de  La  Ronde,  "  Gov.  Dodge  came  to  Portage  to 
hold  a  council  with  the  Indians ;  H.  L.  Dousman  and  Joseph  Brisbois  came  also  ;  Peter  Pau- 
quette acted  as  interpreter.  The  result  of  the  council  was  advising  the  Winnebagoes  to  sell 
their  lands  east  of  the  Mississippi.  The  Indians  could  not  agi-ee,  and  the  matter  was  postponed 
until  the  next  year,  and  a  treaty  for  the  sale  of  the  land  was  abandoned,  they  preferring  an 
annuity,  and  Peter  Pauquette  demanded  for  them  twenty-one  boxes  of  money — $21,000 — declar- 
ing that  that  was  the  amount  due  him  from  the  Indians  for  goods  and  provisions  advanced 
to  them. 

"  Man-ze-mon-e-ka,  a  son  of  one  of  the  chiefs  of  the  Rock  River  band,  residing  a  mile  or 
two  above  the  present  locality  of  Watertown,  named  Wau-kon-ge-we-ka,  or  Whirling  Thunder, 
or  One-who-walks-on-the-iron,  objected  on  the  ground  that  he  belonged  to  the  Rock  River  band, 
and  had  received  no  provisions  or  goods  from  Pauquette,  desiring  that  the  money  should  be 
divided  between  the  several  bands  ;  then  those  who  were  indebted  to  Pauquette,  might  pay  him 
if  they  chose,  as  for  himself,  or  his  band,  they  had  their  own  debts  to  pay  to  the  traders  at  Rock 
River.     The  result  was  that  the  council  dissolved  without  coming  to  a  decision. 

"  Pauquette  crossed  the  Wisconsin,  going  to  a  saloon  where  Carpenter's  house  now  stands, 
and  there  indulged  in  drinking.  Man-ze-mon-e-ka,  who  had  spoken  so  frankly  in  the  council, 
also  happened  there,  when  Pauquette  whipped  him.  I  came  there  at  the  time,  and  with  the 
help  of  others  rescued  the  Indian  from  Pauquette.  The  chief  retired  to  the  other  end  of  the 
portage,  near  where  the  house  of  Henry  Merrell  once  stood,  on  Fox  River ;  Pauquette  followed 
him  there  and  whipped  him  again.  Satterlee  Clark  and  I  took  the  Indian  away  from  him  again, 
who  was  by  this  time  badly  bruised.  He  went  home,  which  was  near  where  Armstrong's  brickyard 
now  is  ;  and  Pauquette  went  to  the  old  post  of  the  American  Fur  Company  near  the  grist-mill ; 
and  while  on  his  way  home,  between  1  and  2  o'clock  in  the  morning,  he  stopped  at   my  place. 


500  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

I  was  then  living  in  the  house  that  used  to  belong  to  Francis  Le  Roy,  near  where  0.  P.  Will- 
iams' bouse  stood  before  it  was  burnt.  I  did  all  that  I  could  to  persuade  him  to  stay  with  me 
that  night,  seeing  that  he  was  under  the  influence  of  liquor,  but  he  would  go  on ;  his  brother- 
in-law,  Touissant  St.  Huge,  and  AVilliam  Powell  (not  Capt.  William  Powell,  of  Butte  des  Morts), 
from  Green  Lake,  were  with  him.  There  were  some  Indians  drinking  at  the  house  of  Paul 
Grignon — the  same  house  now  used  for  a  stable  by  0.  P.  Williams.  Among  these  Indians  were 
Black  Wolf  and  his  son.  Rascal  De-kau-ry,  the  Elk,  Big  Thunder  and  others. 

"  When  Pauquette  arrived  there,  he  whipped  Black  Wolf;  Rascal  De-kau-ry  ran  away 
north  from  where  they  were,  right  in  the  direction  of  the  lodge  of  Man-ze-mon-e-ka,  whom  Pau- 
quette had  beaten  the  preceding  day.  On  arriving  at  the  chief's  cabin,  he  informed  him  that 
Pauquette  was  coming  to  whip  him  again.  Man-ze-mon-e-ka  emerged  from  his  lodge  and  told 
Pauquette  very  pointedly  not  to  come  any  farther;  that  he  had  whipped  him  twice  the  day  before 
without  a  cause,  and  if  he  advanced  another  step  he  was  a  dead  man.  Pauquette,  putting  his 
hand  to  his  breast,  said,  'Fire  if  you  are  brave,'  when  Man-ze-mon-e-ka  shot  and  Pauquette  fell. 
William  Powell  was  close  to  Pauquette  at  the  time,  and  as  soon  as  I  heard  the  report  of  the  gun 
I  ran  for  the  spot  as  fast  as  I  could.  It  was  close  to  where  I  was  living.  I  met  William  Powell 
running  toward  the  fort,  and  asked  him  was  the  matter ;  but  he  was  going  so  fast  that  he  did 
not  hear  me.  I  went  where  Pauquette  was,  took  his  hand,  which  was  warm,  and  asked  him  if 
he  knew  me  to  press  my  hand  ;  but  he  was  dead.  The  ball  had  passed  through  his  heart.  Old 
Crelie,  father-in-law  to  Pauquette,  wanted  to  carry  him  home,  but  I  would  not  allow  him  to 
touch  him  until  the  jury  came.  William  Powell  arrived  there  with  Lieut.  Hooe,  Sergt.  Pollinger, 
ten  private  soldiers,  Satterlee  Clark,  and,  I  believe,  Henry  Merrell.  Lieut.  Hooe  refused  to  go 
into  the  lodge  to  take  the  Indian ;  the  chief.  White  French,  went  and  brought  him  out,  when 
they  took  him  across  in  a  scow  ;  the  body  of  Pauquette  being  also  taken  over.  They  asked 
Man-ze-mon-e-ka  if  he  shot  Pauquette,  which  he  frankly  acknowledged.  I  really  believe  that  he 
thought  he  was  going  to  be  killed  on  the  spot,  as  he  sang  his  death-song.  He  was  taken  to  the 
garrison,  kept  in  strict  confinement,  and  afterward  conveyed  to  Green  Bay,  where  he  was  tried 
by  regular  authority,  and  finally  acquitted,  it  being  determined  on  a  second  trial  that  he  had 
killed  Pauquette  in  self-defense. 

Says  Satterlee  Clark  : 

"  Peter  Pauquette  was  born  in  the  y^ar  1800,  of  a  French  father  and  a  Winnebago  mother  ; 
the  latter  was  buried  nearly  in  front  of  the  Old  Agency  house  opposite  the  fort.  He  was  thirty 
years  old  when  I  first  knew  him,  and  was  the  very  best  specimen  of  a  man  I  ever  saw.  He  was 
six  feet  two  inches  in  height,  and  weighed  240  pounds — hardly  ever  varying  a  single  pound. 
He  was  a  very  handsome  man,  hospitable,  generous  and  kind,  and  I  think  I  never  saw  a  better- 
natured  man. 

"  I  had  heard  much  of  his  strength  before  I  left  Green  Bay,  and  of  course,  was  anxious  to 
see  him  perform  some  of  the  wonderful  feats  of  strength  of  which  I  had  beard.  From  my  first 
acquaintance  with  him  to  the  day  of  his  death  I  was  his  most  intimate  friend,  and  consequently 
had  a  better  opportunity  to  know  him   than  any  other  person.  *  *  *         jjg  often 

told  me  that  all  persons  seemed  alike  to  him.  When  I  was  nineteen  or  twenty  years  old,  my 
business  kept  me  constantly  in  training,  and  though  I  weighed  less  than  150  pounds,  my  muscles 
were  like  iron  ;  notwithstanding  he  often  said  it  was  no  more  trouble  to  take  me  across  his 
lap  than  a  child  one  year  old.  and  so  it  seemed  to  me.  ****** 

"  He  was  employed  by  the  American  Fur  Company  up  to  the  day  of  his  death.  For  the 
last  four  years  of  his  life  he  had  a  bookkeeper,  but  previous  to  that  time  (not  being  able  to  read 
or  write),  he  gave  credit  to  hundreds  of  Indians,  relying  entirely  on  his  memory,  and  their  hon- 
esty. Those  who  have  been  acquainted  with  the  Indian  character  only  since  their  association 
with  the  whites  has  degraded  them,  will  be  amused  to  hear  of  the  honesty  of  the  Indians  ;  and 
I  desire  to  do  them  the  justice  to  say,  that  while  they  saw  no  impropriety  in  stealing  from 
another  and  a  hostile  tribe,  I  never  knew  them  to  steal  from  a  trader,  or  refuse  to  pay  what  they 
owed  him,  till  whisky  was  introduced  among  them  by  the  worst  class  of  whites.     The  women 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUJfTY.  501 

were  especially  honest  and  virtuous.  Their  marriage  amounted  to  the  purchase  of  the  daughter 
from  the  father,  whether  by  an  Indian  or  a  white  man  ;  when,  as  soon  as  the  trade  was  made,  the 
girl  considered  herself  the  wife  of  the  purchaser,  and  accompanied  him  home  often  (when  pur- 
chased by  a  white  man  who  could  not  speak  the  Indian  language)  very  reluctantly,  and  in  tears  ; 
still  the  right  of  the  father  was  never  resisted. 

"  But  to  continue  as  to  Pauquette.  The  last  of  September,  1836,  the  War  Department  (then 
having  the  Indian  Bureau),  directed  Gov.  Dodge  to  assemble  the  Winnebagoes,  at  Fort  Winne- 
bago, and  if  possible  treat  with  them  for  all  the  lands  they  owned  east  of  the  Mississippi;  and 
he  called  to  his  assistance  all  the  half-blood  Winnebagoes  he  could  get.  The  council  lasted 
several  weeks,  during  which  time  every  possible  effort  was  made  to  induce  them  to  sell  ;  but 
there  seemed  to  be  an  undercurrent  somewhere  to  prevent  it,  and  the  Governor  failed.  This  he 
attributed  to  the  influence  of  Pauquette  and  myself,  and  I  think  we  never  denied  it.  In  the 
Governor's  next  official  report,  he  recommended  that  no  license  be  granted  to  one  Satterlee  Clark 
to  trade  with  the  Winnebagoes,  for  the  reason  that  his  iniluence  with  the  Indians  was  so  great 
that  he  prevented  them  from  doing  what  the  Government  desired,  and  caused  them  to  do  what 
the  Government  did  not  desire  to  be  done ;  and  that  he  further  induced  them  to  give  large  sums 
of  money  out  of  their  annuity  to  himself  and  friends.  Pauquette  would  undoubtedly  have  been 
included  with  me  in  this  report,  but  for  his  death. 

"  This  council  closed  on  the  17th  day  of  October,  1836,  and  the  next  day  Pauquette  came 
to  my  store  to  rejoice  over  our  victory.  ()n  this  occasion,  he  drank  too  much  wine,  and  became 
just  enough  intoxicated  to  be  impatient  of  contradiction.  In  this  condition,  he  started  home  on 
foot,  and  when  within  about  one  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the  ferry,  opposite  his  house,  he  found  an 
Indian  and  his  wife  sitting  by  a  little  fire  in  the  bushes.  The  Indian  was  Man-ze-mon-e-ka, 
or  Iron  Walker,  who  was  also  drunk.  What  there  occurred,  is  only  known  as  related  by  the 
squaw  that  night.  She  said  Pauquette  kicked  the  fire  apart,  the  Indian  arose  up  and  said  some- 
thing that  offended  Pauquette,  who  slapped  the  Indian's  face,  knocking  him  down.  The  Indian 
got  up,  saying,  '  You  knocked  me  down  ;  but  I  got  up.  I  will  knock  you  down,  and  you  will 
never  get  up.  I  will  go  for  my  gun.'  Pauquette  only  laughed  and  sat  down.  The  Indian 
returned,  when  Pauquette  stood  up,  pulled  open  his  coat,  placed  his  hand  on  his  breast  and  said, 
'  Strike,  and  see  a  brave  man  die.'  The  Indian  fired,  killing  him  instantly,  the  ball  severing 
one  of  the  main  arteries  leading  from  the  heart.  No  man  in  Wisconsin  could  have  died  who 
was  so  much  regretted.  His  death  can  safely  be  attributed  to  intoxication,  though  it  was  the 
first  time  I  ever  knew  or  heard  of  his  being  in  that  condition.* 

"Man-ze-mon-e-ka  was  tried,  convicted  and  sentenced  to  be  hung;  but  the  judgment 
was  reversed  by  the  ^preme  Court,  and  he  never  was  punished.     He  is  long  since  dead. 

"  There  has  been  some  doubt  as  to  where  Mr.  Pauquette  was  buried,  and  I  will  state  what 
I  know  of  his  burial.  In  the  first  instance,  while  he  did  not  claim  to  belong  to  any  religious 
denomination,  his  wife  being  a  Catholic,  he  built  a  small  church  near  the  center  of  what  is  now 
Portage  City.  At  his  death,  I  assisted  to  bury  his  remains  under  the  floor  of  this  church.  Sub- 
sequently the  church  was  burned  ;  and  still  later,  while  I  was  living  at  Green  Lake,  I  received  a 
summons  to  come  up  and  point  out  the  grave,  some  of  his  friends  being  desirous  to  remove  his 
body.  I  came  up  and  found  the  locality  without  any  difficulty  ;  but  never  heard  whether  he 
was  removed,  or,  if  so,  where.  At  that  time  Portage  City  had  been  surveyed,,  and  his  grave 
was  in  the  middle  of  a  street.'' 


*  The  Galena  Adverlieer,  of  Saturday,  October  22, 1836,  thus  referred  to  Pauquette's  death  :  After  mentioning  that  Gov.  Dodge  had  failed  in 
hia  negotiation  with  the  Winnebago  Indians  for  a  further  ceasion  of  their  lands  to  the  United  States,  stated  :  "  On  Monday  eveninglast  [October 
17],  Mr.  Pauquette,  long  and  favorably  known  as  an  Indian  trader  and  interpreter,  was  shot  by  a  son  of  Whirling  Thunder,  a  prominent  chief 
of  the  tribe."  The  Belmont  Gazette  gives  the  following  account  of  Pauquette's  death  from  an  eye  witness  :  "Some  of  the  Indians,  instigated, 
it  was  said,  by  a  family  of  half-breeds,  named  Grignon,  propagated  a  report  that  Pauquette  had  acted  treacherously  in  his  capacity  of  interpreter. 
Indignant  athaving  his  correctness  questioned,  he  pursued  several  of  the  Grignon  family,  all  of  whom  fled  before  him,  until  he  was  some  con- 
siderable distance  from  the  place  where  the  treaty  was  being  held.  While  returning  from  the  fruitless  pursuit,  his  murderer  emerged  from  a 
copse  of  wood,  and  ordering  him  to  Btand,^avowed  bis  intention  of  shouting  him.  Pauquette  deliberately  bared  his  bnsom,  and  remarking  that 
he  feared  not  to  die,  bade  him  fire.  The  ball  ot  the  Indian  passed  through  his  heart,  and  he  almost  instantly  expired.  The  author  of  the  deed, 
with  stoical  indifl'erence,  expressed  a  perfect  willingness  to  expiate  his  olfense  with  his  own  life.  Mr.  Pauquette,  we  are  informed,  was  a  man 
of  noble  and  generous  qualities,  and  had  scarcely  an  enemy  in  the  world.  He  wa.s  in  our  service  during  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  distin- 
guished himself  by  hi.s  cool  and  collected  courage  in  every  emergency." 

Col.  Ebenezer  Childs,  in  a  letter  to  hia  wife  written  at  Belmont,  November  1,1836,  speaking  of  his  journey  there,  states  :  "At  Pau- 
quette's farm,  I  got  the  news  of  poor  Pauquette's  death,  and  waa  never  more  astonished  in  my  life." — Ed. 


502  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Henry  Merrell  thus  wrote  of    Pauquette  : 

"  Peter  Pauquette  lived  opposite  Fort  AVinnebago,  on  what  was  called  the  Agency  Hill. 
I  considered  him  the  best  specimen  of  Nature's  noblemen  I  ever  met.  He  was  born,  I  think, 
in  Missouri,  and  engaged  in  the  Indian  trade  at  an  early  day.  When  I  knew  him  he  was  six 
feet  two  inches  in  height,  large  and  fleshy,  but  his  flesh  was  hard,  and  felt  more  like  my  knee- 
pan  than  common  flesh.  I  once  took  my  handerchief  and  measured  round  his  thigh,  and  it  just 
reached  around  my  waist.  He  was  the  strongest  man  I  ever  knew  ;  he  would  pick  up  a  barrel 
of  pork  and  throw  it  into  a  wagon  as  easily  as  a  man  would  a  ten-gallon  keg.  I  had  a  cask  of 
dry  white  lead  at  my  door,  with  800  pounds  of  lead  in  it,  and  I  was  told  by  my  clerk  that  he 
took  it  by  the  chimes,  and  lifted  it  off  the  ground.  ***** 

He  was  of  a  mild  disposition,  could  neither  read  nor  write ;  but  had  as  fine  a  sense  of  honor 
as  any  gentleman  I  ever  knew  ;  and  all  who  knew  him  would  take  his  word  as  soon  as  any 
man's  bond. 

"  He  and  a  companion  (as  he  told  me)  were  trading  among  some  Indians  in  the  Northwest 
until  some  others,  the  Flat  Heads,  took  them  prisoners,  and  determined  to  burn  them  ;  they 
tied  them  each  to  a  tree  with  their  arms  around  it,  then  piled  brush  and  wood  around  them,  and 
set  fire  to  the  pile  around  his  companion.  He  thought  his  time  had  come;  but  witnessing  the 
excruciating  sufferings  of  his  fellow,  he  gave  one  superhuman  pull  at  his  thongs,  and  felt  them 
give  way.  As  he  did  so,  an  old  squaw,  the  only  one  near  him,  caught  him  by  the  arm  and  gave  a 
scream.  He  tried  to  shake  her  ofl",  but  could  not;  so  he  caught  her  hatchet  and  embedded  it  in  her 
head,  which  loosened  her  hold,  and  he  jumped  and  ran,  the  Indians  at  his  heels  after  him  ;  but  he 
could  outrun  almost  any  man,  and  outstripped  them.  Night  coming  on,  he  secreted  himself,  and 
finally  got  to  a  trading-post,  after  three  days.  He  finally  settled  at  Portage  in  the  Indian  trade ; 
and  at  the  time  I  knew  him,  he  had  such  influence  over  the  chiefs  of  the  Winnebagoes,  that  he  was 
considered  at  the  head  of  the  nation.  He  could  talk  the  Winnebago,  French  and  English  languages 
fluently,  and  was  the  only  good  Winnebago  interpreter  in  the  country.  He  was  with  Col.  Dodge 
in  the  Sauk  war,  and  the  Colonel  would  always  call  for  him  to  interpret  when  he  held  councils  with 
the  Winnebagoes.  He  used  to  trust  the  Indians,  from  year  to  year,  I  am  informed,  without  any 
books,  carrying  their  accounts  in  his  head  ;  and  when  they  would  come  in  with  their  furs,  he 
would  tell  them  what  they  owed  him,  and  they  were  invariably  satisfied.  When  I  arrived,  he 
was  trading  for  the  American  Fur  Company,  they  furnishing  him  with  goods  and  a  book-keeper, 
he  in  the  spring  turning  over  to  them  his  furs,  they  fi.xing  the  prices  of  his  goods  and  furs. 
Thus  they  of  course  had  it  all  their  own  way.  John  T.  De  La  Ronde  was  his  clerk  when  I 
came,  but  he  finally  discharged  him. 

"  In  the  fall  of  1836,  Gov.  Dodge  came  to  t\\e  fort,  and  had  the  Indians  called  in  to  meet 
him,  and  receive  their  payment.  The  chiefs  met  him  in  council,  with  Pauquette  as  interpreter. 
The  Governor  proposed  to  make  a  treaty  with  them,  and  buy  their  country  between  the  Wiscon- 
sin and  Mississippi.  After  they  had  counseled  for  some  days,  tliey  refused  to  sell  their  country. 
It  was  generally  supposed,  as  Pauquette  advised  them,  they  would  act;  therefore,  the  story  was 
raised  that  Pauquette  had  advised  them  not  to  sell,  and  that  he  had  not  interpreted  truly,  which 
came  to  the  ears  of  Pauquette,  and  he  said  it  was  untrue.  He  told  me  the  chiefs  asked  his 
advice,  but  he  told  them  he  could  not  advise  them,  for  he  did  not  know  anything  about  the 
country  the  Government  wanted  them  to  go  to  ;  and  therefore,  they  must  make  up  their  own 
minds  about  it. 

"  The  traders  and  half-breeds,  all  the  way  from  Prairie  du  Chien  and  Green  Bay,  were  assem- 
bled here;  and  it  was  supposed  that  many  of  them,  if  not  most  of  them,  wanted  the  Indians  to  form 
a  treaty,  so  they  could  get  money  by  it.  As  it  was  thought  that  Pauquette  had  as  much  influ- 
ence with  the  nation  as  a  king,  he  was  courted  as  well  as  feared  by  all ;  therefore  every  man 
of  them  wanted  to  court  his  favor,  and  would  treat  him,  and  urge  him  to  drink.  The  conse- 
quence was,  that  after  getting  through  interpreting,  and  settling  up  with  Gov.  Dodge,  which  was 
the  latter  part  of  the  third  day,  he  drank  too  much — the  first  time  I  ever  saw  him  under  the 
influence  of  liquor.     I  had  a  long  talk  with   him  .in   the  afternoon,  when   he  told  me  he  was 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUJTTY.  603 

satisfied  the  agents  of  the  fur  company  had  cheated  him,  and  he  should  settle  off  with  them 
as  soon  as  the  payment  was  over,  which  was  to  take  place  the  next  day,  if  he  could  get  any  one 
to  furnish  him.  I  told  him  I  would  furnish  him  all  the  goods  he  wanted.  'Will  you?'  said 
he.  'If  I  had  known  that,  I  would  have  proposed  it  long  ago.'  I  told  him  that  no  one 
supposed  that  he  could  be  induced  to  leave  the  fur  company.  He  then  appeared  to  be  per- 
fectly himself 

"  After  tea,  Satterlee  Clark  and  I  went  down  to  the  sutler's  store  ;  met  there  Pauquette, 
and  Messrs.  Powell  and  Gleason.  We  stood  in  the  yard  in  front  of  the  store,  talking  for  some 
time.  Pauquette  said  some  of  the  traders  had  been  lying  about  him,  and  he  would  lick  some  of 
them  before  they  left  the  ground.  As  he  felt  so  aggrieved,  and  dwelt  so  much  upon  it,  I  feared 
he  would  get  into  a  quarrel  with  them.  While  we  were  talking,  Paul  Grignon  rode  up  on 
horseback,  and  Pauquette  caught  hold  of  him  and  pulled  him  off  of  his  horse,  playfully  ;  and, 
laughing,  commenced  talking  to  him,  but  we,  not  understanding  the  language,  did  not  know 
what  was  said.  Finally,  I  saw  he  became  enraged,  having  hold  of  the  man's  cravat,  a  black  silk 
one,  tied  loosely  around  his  neck,  with  his  left  hand,  and  flourishing  his  right,  as  though  he 
would  strike  him.  I  said  to  the  men,  '  Don't  let  him  hurt  Grignon,'  and  remarked  to  Pauquette, 
'  Don't  hurt  him,  for  he  is  no  more  than  a  child  in  your  hands.'  Three  men,  all  strong  ones, 
caught  hold  of  his  right  arm,  but  he  would  sway  them  backward  and  forward  as  though  they 
were  children  ;  but  as  long  as  they  held  on  to  his  arm  he  could  not  strike  him  ;  I,  in  the 
mean  time,  trying  to  unfasten  his  grip,  but,  finding  I  could  not,  as  his  grasp  seemed  like  a  vise, 
I  took  out  my  knife  and  cut  the  cravat  in  two,  jerking  Grignon  away  at  the  same  time,  and  tell- 
ing him  to  clear  out,  as  Pauquette  was  crazy,  and  would  kill  him.  He  then  readily  jumped 
upon  his  horse  and  rode  off.  Pauquette  seemed  to  give  up,  and  did  not  try  to  stop  him,  but 
said  he  would  whip  some  of  them  yet.     He  stayed  and  talked  with  us  for  a  time. 

"  There  were  (juite  a  number  of  the  Grignons  at  the  portage  from  Green  Bay  and  the 
country,  and  Pauquette  said  it  was  some  of  them  who  had  lied  about  him.  By  this  time,  it  was 
getting  dark,  and  he  started  to  go  over  to  the  Agency  Hill,  as  it  was  called,  about  half  a  mile 
opposite  the  fort,  where  the  traders  and  half-breeds  were  encamped,  some  in  tents  and  some  in 
wigwams.  I  said  to  Satterlee  Clark,  he  had  better  go  and  see  that  he  did  not  get  into  a  fight, 
for  if  he  did  he  would  kill  some  one,  or  would  get  killed  himself  He  started,  but  Pauquette 
told  him  to  go  back  as  he  did  not  want  to  get  any  of  his  friends  into  a  scrape,  so  Clark  turned 
back,  and  I  asked  him  if  he  was  not  going,  when  he  said  no.  I  then  said  to  Mr.  Gleason, '  We 
must  go.'  'Agreed,'  said  he,  and  we  followed  him  over.  I  told  Gleason  we  would  keep  out  of 
his  sight,  but  watch  him,  which  we  did.  Pauquette  went  into  a  wigwam,  and  chatted  a  few 
minutes,  and  then  went  into  Judge  Law's  tent,  and  talked  with  him  a  short  time.  After  com- 
ing out,  he  met  Amable  Grignon,  who  had  on  a  plaid  cloak,  hooked  at  the  neck.  He  com- 
menced talking  with  him,  but  soon  got  into  a  rage,  as  he  had  before,  and  insisted  upon 
fighting  him,  pulling  off  his  coat.  Several  went  up  and  tried  to  appease  him,  but  could  not. 
Louis  Grignon  finally  came  up,  and  I  supposed  he  would  quiet  him,  as  I  had  reason  to  believe 
Pauquette  thought  a  great  deal  of  him,  as  he  always  called  him  Father  Grignon  ;  but  he  would 
not  listen  to  him. 

"  Then  I  thought  I  would  try  and  see  what  I  could  do ;  so  I  took  his  coat  and  went  up  to 
him,  saying,  •  Pauquette,  what  are  you  doing  out  here,  a  sick  man,  in  the  night  air,  without  his 
coat  on  ?'  'I  ain't  sick,'  he  replied.  '  Well,  you  will  be,  if  you  expose  yourself  in  this  way  ; 
put  on  your  coat,  and  go  with  me  over  to  the  shanty ;  there  is  no  use  quarreling,  for  we  are  all 
friends  here.'  '  Well,  I  will,  if  you  say  so,'  said  he.  He  then  put  on  his  coat,  and  went  over 
with  us  to  the  sutler's  store,  to  my  astonishment,  for  I  never  supposed  I  had  so  much  influence 
over  him  as  the  circumstance  indicated.  This  night  he  stayed  with  us  (there  being  several 
ofiicers  in),  conversing  with  us  until  11  o'clock.  Ever  and  anon  he  would  speak  about  the 
reports  about  him,  and  the  lies  told,  so  that  I  saw  it  was  the  one  thing  uppermost  in  his  mind. 
He  said  he  would  not  tell  a  lie  for  any  man,  not  even  his  father,  and  they  should  not  lie  about' 
him.     All  at  once,  he  started  out  of  the  door,  and  down  across  the  bridge,  Gleason  and  I  after 


504  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

him.  When  Gleason  got  on  the  bridge,  he  called  to  him,  when  Pauquette  stopped  and  asked 
what  he  wanted.     '  Merrell  wants  you,'  said  Gleason.     '  What  does  he  want  ?'  said  Pauquette. 

"  Just  then  I  came  up,  and  said  to  him,  '  Pauquette,  there  is  no  use  of  your  going  over 
there;  you  will  only  get  into  a  scrape  if  you  do  ;  but  go  over  home;  Gleason,  Powell  and 
Touissant  will  go  home  with  you  and  stay  to-night.'  '  Well,  agreed,'  he  replied,  '  if  you  say  so.' 
They  all  started,  and  went  over  toward  the  Wisconsin  River,  across  which  he  lived,  and  Satter- 
lee  Clark  and  I  went  to  bed,  thinking  he  was  safe,  but,  about  12  or  1  o'clock,  Mr.  Powell  rapped 
at  our  window,  and  said  Pauquette  was  killed  by  an  Indian.  We  sent  word  to  the  officers,  and 
a  number  of  us  mounted  our  horses — -Lieut.  Hooe  taking  a  file  of  soldiers — and  went  over  and 
found,  sure  enough,  he  lay  dead  in  the  bushes,  near  where  the  Catholic  Church  now  stands.  We 
took  the  body  and  carried  it  over  to  his  house,  he  having  a  ferry-boat  for  his  own  use. 

"  I,  being  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  commenced  taking  the  testimony,  when  an  Indian  came 
in,  and  said  the  Indian  who  shot  Pauquette  was  in  a  wigwam  across  the  river,  and  if  the  soldiers 
would  go  he  would  show  them  where  he  was.  So  Lieut.  Hooe  went  with  his  men,  but,  before 
reaching  the  wigwam,  the  Indians  proposed  going  in  and  pinioning  him,  as  he  was  armed,  which 
they  did,  and  delivered  him  up  to  Lieut.  Hooe,  who  said  the  Indians  wanted  he  should  let  them 
kill  him  on  the  spot,  but  he  would  not  let  them,  and  brought  him  over  to  the  house.  The 
Indian  proved  to  be  Man-ze-mon-e-ka,  son  of  the  chief  Whirling  Thunder,  who,  according  to 
his  mother's  statement,  came  up  from  the  mines  determined  to  kill  Pauquette. 

"  William  Powell,  from  Green  Lake,  who  was  with  Pauquette  when  he  was  shot  down,  tes- 
tified that  on  their  way  they  stopped  at  Mr.  Gleason's  house,  a  short  distance  from  where  we 
found  the  body,  and  Pauquette  went  out.  That  he,  Powell,  went  to  look  for  him,  and  found  him 
sitting,  talking  with  an  Indian  by  a  small  fire ;  and  seeing  he  was  without  his  coat,  he  went  to 
the  house  and  got  it,  and  helped  him  on  with  it,  and  started  for  the  ferry.  Soon  they  met  the 
Indian  with  his  gun  on  his  shoulder,  and  passed  him,  who  immediately  turned  and  said,  "  Pau- 
quette, is  that  you  ?  '  Pauquette  turned  and  said,  '  Yes — what  do  you  want  ?  '  The  Indian  asked 
'  Are  you  a  man  ? '  '  Yes,'  was  his  reply,  striking  his  breast  with  his  hands,  '  and  a  good  man, 
too.'  The  Indian  leveled  his  gun,  and  shot,  the  ball  passing  through  the  left  lung ;  and  Powell 
further  related,  that  he  was  so  near  the  Indian  that  he  caught  hold  of  the  gun,  but  it  went  ofi"  at 
that  instant.  Powell  ran  to  the  house,  and  called  the  men  out,  thinking  the  Indian  would  fall 
on  him.  When  they  got  to  Pauquette,  he  was  just  breathing  his  last.  The  Indian  said  Pau- 
quette stuck  him  over  the  head  with  a  brand  from  the  fire  ;  but  there  was  no  mark  on  his  head, 
and  his  mother's  statement,  who  witnessed  it,  was  thought  to  be  the  correct  one. 

"  I  committed  Man-ze-mon-e-ka,  and  requested  the  commanding  officer  at  the  fort  to  keep 
him  until  the  Sheriflf  from  Green  Bay  could  come  up  and  take  him  to  jail,  which  was  done,  and 
he  was  taken  to  Green  Bay,  tried,  and  sentenced  to  be  hanged.  The  Sheriff"  made  all  preparations 
to  hang  him.  but,  on  the  day  he  was  to  be  executed,  there  came  an  order  to  the  Sheriff"  to  stay 
proceedings,  that  a  new  trial  would  be  granted ;  so  he  was  not  hanged  on  that  day,  and  then  it 
was  found  out  he  could  not  be  tried  a  second  time,  and  so  was  released ;  but  he  never  dared  let 
himself  be  seen  in  the  nation  again,  as  many  Indians  were  determined  to  kill  him  if  they  could 
find  him,  for  they  felt — and  there  was  no  doubt  in  the  minds  of  any  one — that  they  had  lost  the 
best  friend  they  ever  had.*  Pauquette  was  always  called  upon  to  divide  the  provisions  and 
goods,  furnished  them  by  the  Government,  among  the  several  bands,  of  which  there  were  si.\  or 
eight,  which  was  done  in  this  way  :  The  heads  of  families  of  each  band  were  seated  on  the  ground 
in  a  large  circle,  and  Pauquette  would  go  into  the  center  of  the  ring,  and  deal  out  to  each  the 
proportion  according  to  the  size  of  the  families,  of  flour,  pork,  salt,  tobacco,  etc.  Here  was  one 
cause  of  jealousy.  Then  he  trusted  the  Indians,  receiving  their  furs  when  they  came  in;  and, 
of  course,  those  who  were  the  best  hunters,  got  the  greatest  credits — and  this  was  another  camSe 
of  jealousy. 

•  In  Schoolcrafta  *' History  and  Condition  of  the  Indian  Tribes,"  Vol.  iii,  page  281,  is  thiecorroborative  testimony  of  Pau.juette's  good  char- 
acter: "  One  of  the  worst  acts,  and  which  stains  thi-ir  cliaracter  liy  iti  atrocity,  was  the  assassination  of  Peter  Pauquette,  the  interpreter  at  the 
agency,  on  the  Wisconsin  Portage.  He  was  a  man  of  Winnebago  lineage,  and  was  reputed  to  be  one  of  the  best  friends  and  counselors  of  the 
nation." 


COLUM  BUS. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  507 

"  In  the  preceding  summer  of  1836,  the  chiefs  came  in,  and  requested  the  commanding 
officer,  who  was  acting  as  Indian  agent,  by  order  of  the  War  Department,  to  pay  Pauquette 
when  their  payment  was  made,  for  goods  and  provisions,  to  be  furnished  the  nation,  as  they  were 
in  a  starving  condition;  and  the  commandant  agreed  to  pay  him  at  their  request $22,000,  which 
would  have  been  his  the  next  day  had  he  lived  ;  but,  after  his  death,  they  refused  and  forbade  it 
being  paid  to  the  agent  of  the  American  Fur  Company.  Whirling  Thunder  had  fallen  into  dis- 
grace with  the  other  chiefs,  as  he  did  not  live  in  the  country  with  the  nation,  but  lived  in  the 
mines,  pitching  his  wigwam  near  the  dwelling  of  a  man  by  the  name  of  Doherty,  who  had  taken 
Thunder's  daughter  for  his  wife;  and  as  Pauquette,  Doherty  thought,  stood  in  his  way  of  influ- 
ence with  the  nation,  as  well  as  trade,  it  was  believed  he  felt  it  for  his  interest  to  prejudice  the 
chief  and  his  son  against  Pauquette,  and  the  son  got  so  wrought  up  that  he  determined  to  make 
way  with  him. 

"  At  one  time,  Doherty  came  to  the  fort,  and  tried  to  get  the  chiefs  to  sign  an  agreement 
to  give  his  wife  and  children  each  a  section  of  land,  when  they  made  a  treaty,  and  Pauquette 
laughed  at  it,  as  he  knew  the  Government  had  decided  not  to  give  any  more  lands  to  the  half- 
breeds,  but  would  give  money  instead ;  but  Doherty  would  not  believe  it.  In  this  way,  probably, 
the  feeling  against  Pauquette  was  kept  up.  Man-ze-mon-e-ka  said  Pauquette  did  not  give  them 
their  share  of  goods  and  provisions,  and  would  not  trust  them  as  he  did  other  Indians. 

"  I  have  dwelt  upon  this  the  longer  as  many  stories  were  raised  in  regard  to  the  cause  of 
the  Indians  being  incited  to  the  deed.  One  was,  that  Pauquette  had  whipped  him  once  or  twice, 
which  was  the  cause;  but  there  was  no  evidence  of  it,  and  no  one  who  knew  all  the  facts  believed 
it  for  a  moment. 

"  Some  years  after,  Capt.  Thompson  was  out  with  a  party  of  soldiers  gathering  up  the 
Indians  to  remove  them  west  of  the  Mississippi,  and  came  across  a  young  Indian  whom  he 
induced  to  guide  him  to  Man-ze-mon-e-ka's  camp,  and  he  surrounded  his  wigwam  before  the 
Indian  knew  it.  The  Captain  said  he  found  him  on  an  island  in  Winnebago  swamp — since  Lake 
Horicon — and  never  could  have  discovered  his  retreat  but  for  his  guide.  Man-ze-mon-e-ka  was 
taken  to  Prairie  du  Chien,  from  which  he  soon  disappeared,  and  no  one  knew  what  became  of 
him.  Capt.  Thompson  said  that  Man-ze-mon-e-ka,  after  taking  him,  said  that  he  was  never 
happy  after  killing  Pauquette,  as  he  dare  not  venture  himself  among  his  nation,  and  had  to 
secrete  himself.     He  probably  lived  the  rest  of  his  life  away  from  his  people. 

"  Pauquette  had  purchased  a  number  of  sections  of  land  from  half-breeds,  besides  three 
sections  which  were  given  him  by  the  Indians  under  their  treaties,  so  that,  at  his  death,  he  had 
twelve  or  sixteen  sections  of  land,  a  large  number  of  cattle  and  horses,  together  with  a  fine 
store  of  Indian  goods  and  other  personal  property. 

"  The  agent  of  the  fur  company  took  possession  of  the  goods,  and  sold  them  for  the  benefit 
of  the  company,  giving,  as  he  said,  Pauquette  credit  for  them. 

"  In  1838,  the  company  i-eceived  the  $22,000  which  the  Indians  owed  Pauquette  at  his 
death.  The  lands  were  disposed  of  by  the  administrator,  and  all  this  property  disappeared 
without  the  heirs  receiving  a  cent  of  it,  and  some  outside  debts  were  never  paid.  Had  he 
lived,  I  have  no  doubt  he  would  have  been  very  wealthy.  He  had  put  up  a  log  building  for  a 
Catholic  church,  which  was  not  finished,  and  his  remains  were  deposited  under  it.  The  build- 
ing was  afterward  burned  down.  The  lot  belonged  to  Benjamin  L.  Webb,  of  Detroit,  who 
reserved  it  from  sale,  for  he  (the  owner)  esteemed  Pauquette  so  highly  that  he  intended  erecting 
a  monument  to  his  memory.  Webb  was  tlie  proprietor  of  Portage,  platted  as  Fort  Winnebago, 
originally  a  French  grant  of  640  acres,  granted  to  a  Frenchman  named  Lecuyer.  I  being 
Webbs  agent,  the  Catholic  priest  applied'  to  me  for  the  lot,  but  I  could  not  let  him  have  it.  He 
then  got  the  consent  of  the  family,  which  Mr.  Webb  required,  and  the  lot  was  deeded  to  the 
church,  stipulating  that  they  should  take  care  of  the  grave.  Another  church  was  built  near 
the  spot,  which  was  afterward  turned  into  a  Catholic  schoolhouse. 

"  At  one  time,  Pauquette  proposed,  when  the  old  men  of  the  Winnebago  Nation  were  in, 
that  he  would  get  them  together  and  inform  me,  so  as  to  have  them  give  their  history,  and  I 


508  "  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

take  it  down  ;  but,  to  my  regret,  the  opportunity  never  occurred,  as  he  was  too  soon  cut  oflf. 
He  told  me  the  nation  was  divided  into  two  sects — one  believing  the  Great  Spirit  was  a  large 
animal,  describing  the  mammoth,  and  they  took  their  tribal  names  from  animals,  such  as  the 
bear,  the  elk,  the  wolf,  beaver,  fox,  etc.,  etc.,  and  carved  the  likeness  of  some  animal  upon  their 
war-clubs,  guns,  and  other  things ;  the  other  believed  him  to  be  a  great  bird,  and  took  their 
names  from  thunder  and  birds,  such  as  the  eagle,  the  hawk,  the  crow,  etc.,  etc.,  and  always 
marked  upon  their  articles  the  likeness  of  some  bird. 

"  There  was  an  old  Indian  and  his  squaw,  who  lived  in  their  wigwam  close  by  Pauquette's 
house — whether  any  relation  or  not  I  never  knew  ;  but  Pauquette  was  very  kind  to  them,  and 
supplied  them  with  provisions.  We  at  the  fort  called  him  Pony  Blau  or  Blaw.  One  day,  he 
and  wife  had  been  over  to  some  whisky  shanty,  and  came  across  the  portage  singing,  hand  in 
hand ;  and  when  they  got  near  the  bridge  leading  to  the  fort,  one  says  to  the  other,  '  Let's  go 
and  see  the  Great  Spirit ' — believing  him  to  be  in  a  cave  under  Fo.x  River.  '  Agreed,'  said  the 
other;  so  they  walked  off  into  the  river.  Pauquette  happened  along  just  then  and  pulled 
them  out,  else  they  would  have  drowned. 

"  I  was  told  that,  in  the  Sauk  war,  there  was  a  company  of  rangers,  I  believe  from  Illinois, 
who  encamped  on  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  Paucjuette  was  walking  around,  looking  at 
them,  when  a  large  man  kicked  a  little  dog  following  Pauquette.  The  latter  said  to  the  soldier, 
'Don't  kick  that  dog,  he  is  mine.'  The  man  replied,  'I'll  kick  you  if  you  say  much.  Who 
are  you? '  'My  name  is  Pauquette,'  was  the  response.  'Ah,'  said  the  ranger,  'you  are  the 
very  fellow  I  want  to  see.  I  have  heard  of  you,  and  came  up  here  on  purpose  to  lick  you.' 
Thereupon  he  pitched  at  Pauquette,  who  struck  the  man  but  once,  peeling  the  skin  from  his 
cheek  and  knocking  him  down.  Then  he  caught  the  man  by  the  throat,  raising  him  to  his 
feet,  and,  shaking  him  like  an  aspen  leaf,  asked  him  if  he  called  himself  a  man.  '  I  was  a  man 
where  I  came  from,'  was  the  reply,  '  but  I  see  I  ain't  here.'  Thus  it  ended.  The  soldier  con- 
cluded he  would  not  whip  Pauquette." 

ELBERT   DICKASON. 

When  Milwaukee  was  but  a  straggling  village,  with  most  of  her  populous  and  busy  streets 
and  splendid  architecture  scarcely  disturbed  by  the  pale-face,  and  when  East  Water  street,  the 
great  thoroughfare  of  Wisconsin,  was  yet  a  swamp,  with  the  wild  rice  on  its  surface  instead  of 
Nicholson  pavement,  a  certain  New  York  capitalist  named  Nelson,  we  are  told,  sent  the  elder 
James  Luddington  to  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  then  the  Far  West,  to  secure  land  at  low 
rates.  He  came  to  Milwaukee,  and,  as  it  is  stated,  meeting  with  Maj.  Dickason,  induced  him 
to  come  to  what  is  now  Columbus,  and  assisted  him  with  means  to  secure  a  large  amount  of  land, 
Maj.  Dickason  may  be  regarded  as  the  founder  of  Columbus. 

He  was  a  Virginian  by  birth,  and  removed  to  Ohio  and  subsequently  to  Illinois.  When  he 
came  to  this  county,  he  was  somewhat  advanced  in  middle  life,  and  is  described  as  a  tall  spare 
man  with  light  hair,  which  he  always  wore  long  upon  his  shoulder.  He  is  represented  as  a  very 
brave  man  and  extremely  generous.  He  served  during  the  whole  of  the  memorable  Black  Hawk 
war,  and  it  was  from  that  fact  that  he  gained  his  designation  as  Major,  and  most  of  his  knowl- 
edge  of  this  Western  country. 

He  erected  the  first  habitation  ever  built  by  a  white  man  in  Columbus.  It  was  a  log  cabin 
and  stood  upon  the  Crawfish,  just  beyond  the  site  of  the  present  depot.  The  Major  brought  with 
him,  as  previously  reported,  sixty  or  seventy  head  of  cattle,  upward  of  twenty  horses  and  four 
or  five  wagons,  and  took  possession  of  a  considerable  amount  of  land,  which  he  had  purchased 
of  Luddington  and  another  on  time.  The  Major  seemed  to  have  a  Daniel  Boone  idea  of  retain- 
ing sufficient  hunting  ground  for  himself.  He  believed  that  the  wooded  ground  between 
Mud  Lake  and  Lost  Lake  would  never  be  settled,  and  that  prairie  lands  alone  would  be 
ample  for  all  the  demands  of  agriculture.  But  it  is  also  reported  that,  shortly  after  he 
he  arrived  here,  he  staked  out  twelve  lots  near  his  cabin  for  village  purposes  and  called  them 
Columbus,  the  embryo  of  a  beautiful  and  prosperous  village.     The  first  ground  broken  by  the 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  509 

plow  extended  beyond  the  hill  upon  which  are  now  situated  the  residences  of  James  T.  Lewis 
and  William  L.  Lewis  and  that  of  A.  G.  Cook.  Here  the  Major  stacked  his  first  harvest 
of  wheat,  and  here  the  stealthy  savage  applied  the  torch  to  his  stacks  and  burned  them.  He 
also  erected  on  the  spot  now  occupied  by  the  grist-mill  in  Columbus  a  saw-mill,  and  built  near  it 
a  blacksmith-shop. 

The  Major  was  of  a  hospitable  and  free-hearted  nature.  Even  in  the  months  succeeding 
the  period  we  have  mentioned,  when  blazed  trees  were  the  only  milestones  and  guides  to  the 
adventurer  on  this  frontier,  the  wave  of  civilization  was  flowing  rapidly  westward  into  the  inte- 
rior of  this  Territory,  and  not  a  few  men  exploring  these  wilds  in  search  of  future  homes,  and 
whoever  stopped  with  the  Major  departed  without  charge.  He  was  not  by  nature  intended  for 
a  farmer,  and  was  not  successful.  Unable  to  meet  his  liabilities,  he  gave  up  his  claim  of  1,300 
acres,  now  partially  occupied  by  the  city  of  Columbus,  to  Luddington,  receiving  a  small  sum  for 
what  he  had  done.  With  a  team  or  two,  he  removed  to  Wyocena,  where  he  remained  until  his 
death. 

His  cabin  remained  standing  in  Columbus  for  some  time,  and  was  afterward  occupied  by 
some  of  "  the  first  families."  A  story  is  told  about  a  hurricane  which  passed  over  the  village 
and  partially  unroofed  this  cabin  ;  the  cellar  underneath  it  was  merely  a  hole  in  the  ground,  but 
the  family,  terrified  by  the  blackness  of  the  air  and  the  fury  of  the  tornado,  sought  refuge  in  it 
and  closed  the  door  in  the  floor  after  them  ;  the  deluge  poure  I  through  the  rent  roof  in  torrents 
and  passed  into  the  cellar,  until  the  inmates,  to  prevent  being  submerged,  were  compelled,  before 
the  storm  was  fairly  abated,  to  seek  refuge  at  their  next  neighbor's. 

"  After  considerable  consideration,  Lewis  Luddington  and  myself,"  says  Mr.  Hustis,  "were 
induced  to  purchase  for  Maj.  Dickason  about  seventeen  hundred  acres  of  land  on  and  about  the  site 
of  Columbus,  in  the  month  of  February,  1839,  each  of  us  taking  about  one-half  of  that  amount 
of  land  in  our  mutual  arrangements  about  the  several  tracts.  Mr.  Luddington  took  the 
water  power,  and  I,  the  cultivated  land.  It  so  happened  at  the  sale  of  the  Milwaukee  land  dis- 
trict, I  became  the  first  purchaser  of  land  sold,  by  bidding-in  part  of  Section  12,  near  Columbus,* 
and  closed  the  sale  by  purchasing  a  tract  on  Section  28,  near  Racine.  These  tracts,  near  and 
including  Columbus,  were  at  once  contracted  to  Dickason  on  a  four-years  credit,  and  Mr. 
Luddington  aided  him  in  building  a  saw-mill,  and  afterward  in  constructing  for  him  a  grist-mill. 
Dickason  was  in  occupancy  of  the  property  for  a  period  extending  over  the  four  years  without 
paying  either  of  us  a  cent  of  principal  or  interest,  or  any  of  the  taxes  levied  thereon.  We  found 
that  we  had  considerable  of  an  elephant  on  our  hands.  Finally,  Luddington  gave  Dickason 
some  $600  in  cash  and  the  income  of  the  mill  for  one  year,  it  having  been  leased  to  Col.  Drake. 
With  these  means,  Dickason  made  a  purchase  of  what  was  afterward  Wyocena." 

"Not  a  few  of  our  old  residents,"  says  a  Columbus  writer,  "  remember  Maj.  Dickason,  and 
are  familiar  with  many  incidents  concerning  him.  He  was  the  pioneer  of  Columbus,  and  among 
the  very  first  white  men  who  wandered  over  these  prairies  and  through  these  groves.  The  little 
log  cabin  he  built  upon  the  banks  of  the  Crawfish  River,  where  the  railroad  depot  now  stands, 
in  the  dawn  of  settlement  here,  remained  until  a  few  years  ago.  The  old  borderer  is  buried  at 
Wyocena.  His  grave  is  in  a  weedy,  straggling  cemetery  encircled  by  Duck  Creek,  which  here 
widens  into  quite  a  river,  and  shores  as  blue  and  gold  of  a  cold,  clear  morning  as  some  more  pre- 
tentious waters,  but  the  surroundings  are  desolate  even  in  the  brightest  morning.  Sandy  slopes 
dotted  with  brown  brush,  wide-spreading  marshes  to  the  eastward,  and  a  low  line  of  dark  woods, 
form  the  outline.  Wyocena  is  within  full  view.  The  old  Major's  grave  has  a  respectable  slab, 
bearing  the  inscription  :  '  Maj.  Elbert  Dickason,  died  August  9,  1848,  aged  48  years  9  months 
and  9  days.'" 

LA    FAYETTE    HILL. 

La  Fayette  Hill  was  the  son  of  John  and  Cynthia  Hill,  and  was  born  in  Burlington,  Vt., 
August  28,  1812.     He  received  a  common-school  education,  such  as  was  afforded  by  the  times 

*  The  entrj'  here  spoki'ii  of  was  made  on  the  18th  of  February,  and  on  the  same  day  Lews  Luddington  also  entered  a  portion  <  f  Section 
12.     Mr.  Luddington  entered,  at  the  same  time,  the  half  of  Sections  13  and  24. — Ed. 


510  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

in  which  he  lived.  Just  before  completing  his  majority,  he  removed  to  Rochester,  N.  Y.  Here 
he  made  the  acquaintance  of  Elizabetli  French,  daughter  of  Amos  H.  French,  and  was  united 
with  her  in  marriage  February  18,  1835.  In  the  fall  of  that  year,  the  young  couple  removed 
to  Chicago,  111.,  but  the  outlook  not  being  sufficiently  encouraging,  in  the  fall  of  1836,  he 
moved  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  where  he  remained  until  August,  1837,  and  on  the  21st  day  of  that 
month  he  landed  in  Columbia  County,  and  in  the  newly  platted  village  of  "  Kentucky  City," 
now  Dekorra,  he  erected  a  public  house,  which  he  kept  for  eleven  years.  "  Kentucky  City," 
at  this  time,  aspired  to  be  the  State  capital,  and  its  founders,  Thompson,  Trimble  &  Morton, 
were  making  every  effort  to  that  end.  In  the  fall  of  1846,  without  solicitation  on  his  part,  he 
received  the  nomination  for  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention,  and  was  elected  without 
opposition.  He  was  elected  several  times  member  of  the  Town  Board  of  Supervisors,  Justice 
of  the  Peace,  and  member  of  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors.  He  was  also,  at  different 
times,  solicited  to  use  his  name  for  the  office  of  Sheriff,  but,  having  no  special  love  for  political 
life,  and  his  private  business  being  such  as  to  require  his  personal  supervision,  he  invariably 
declined.  In  1848,  Mr.  Hill  purchased  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  9,  in  the  town  of 
Dekorra,  and  here  laid  out  the  village  of  Oshaukuta.  He  also  erected  here  the  first  hotel  in  the 
village,  and  "  Hill's  Tavern "  was  soon  known  far  and  wide.  This  attempt  to  found  here  a 
village  was  unsuccessful.  La  Fayette  Hill  was  a  man  universally  esteemed.  His  kindness  of 
heart  was  proverbial.  In  the  family  circle,  not  a  harsh  word  was  ever  spoken  by  him  ;  he  was 
kind  in  the  extreme.  It  mattered  not  under  what  circumstances  a  favor  was  asked  by  a  mem- 
ber of  the  family,  he  was  ever  ready  and  willing  to  accede  to  it  if  in  his  power.  On  the  7th 
day  of  July,  1853,  he  was  called  to  his  rest,  after  a  lingering  illness  of  six  months,  leaving  his 
loved  companion  to  mourn  his  loss. 

JOHN   A.    BROWN 

was  born  in  Canandaigua,  N.  Y.,  on  the  10th  of  November,  1812,  and  was  emphatically  a  self- 
made  man.  He  enjoyed  only  the  ordinary  advantages  of  a  common-school  education,  in  what 
w^as  then  a  backwoods  country.  He  graduated  where  so  many  of  the  ablest,  most  successful  and 
distinguished  men  of  our  country  have  graduated — in  the  printing  office.  His  trade  was  learned 
in  that  good  old  school  of  good  practical  printers — Batavia — working  in  David  Miller's  office  while 
Miller  was  publishing  Morgan's  famous  book  on  Freemasonry,  and  [when  the  office  and  all  hands 
were  threatened  with  violence  from  an  excited  community.  In  the  intervals  of  an  industrious 
application  as  an  apprentice  to  an  old  established  printer,  he  made  himself  acquainted  with  the 
classic  literature  of  our  own  tongue,  and  paid  some  attention  to  Latin  and  mathematics.  In 
those  studious  nights  of  boyiiood,  he  stored  his  mind  with  choice  selections  of  English  poetry  and 
prose,  which  his  retentive  memory  enjoyed  to  the  last.  At  the  age  of  nineteen,  he  assumed  the 
editorship  of  the  Hartford  (Conn.)  IntelUgencvr.  Here  he  was  brought  into  contact  with  some 
of  the  leading  minds  of  American  literature  at  that  time,  and  formed  friendships  which  lasted 
through  life.  Some  time  was  thus  spent  in  a  round  of  genial  duties,  when,  in  1833,  the  love  of 
adventure  drove  him  to  sea.  For  some  two  or  three  years  at  least,  he  was  well  acquainted  with 
the  changing  moods  of  the  great  deep  in  all  latitudes  and  longtitudes,  and  once  was  among  the 
very  few  saved  from  a  wreck  of  the  ship  of  which  he  was  second  officer,  on  the  coast  of  South 
America. 

He  returned  to  his  own  country  shortly  after  this  occurrence,  and  taking  to  his  old  employ- 
ment, removed  to  then  Territory  of  Michigan,  in  1837,  joining  his  brother  Beriah  at  Tecumseh, 
where  they  published  the  Democrat,  until,  in  February,  1838,  he  joined  C.  C.  Britt,  at  Niles. 
Here  he  remained  as  a  partner  in  the  publication  of  the  Xiles  Intdligencer  until  1 841,  when  he 
removed  to  Galena,  111.,  where  he  published  a  paper  several  months.  This  enterprise  was  unsuc- 
cessful, and  he  went  to  Rockford,  where  he  published  the  Rockford  Pilot  until  the  fall  of  1842, 
when  he  removed  to  Chicago  and  took  charge  of  the  Daily  Democrat  of  that  city — its  proprietor 
having  been  nominated  for  Congress.  In  1843,  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  taking  up  his  residence 
in  Milwaukee,  and  publishing  until  1847  the  Milwaukee  Courier,  afterward  the  Dailt/  Wiscotmn. 


HISTORY    OP    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  511 

He  then  went  to  Washington  County,  and  there  established  a  Democratic  paper  at  Port 
Washington,  which  he  subsequently  published  at  Grafton.  Thence  he  removed  to  Janesville, 
where  he  published  the  Badger  State,  which  he  published  until  his  removal  to  Madison,  where 
he  was  engaged  with  his  brother  on  the  Madison  Democrat,  afterward  the  Daily  Argus  and 
Democrat.  In  1853,  he  came  to  Portage,  a  point  which  he  had  kept  a  long  time  in  view,  and 
where  he  had  determined  to  make  a  permanent  home.  He  began  his  work  there  with  the  ardor 
and  energy  of  youth,  purchasing  the  River  Times  newspaper,  the  name  of  which  he  changed  to 
that  which  had  become  a  favorite,  and  which  he  had  come  to  regard  as  his  own — the  Badger 
State.  Continuing  its  publication  in  connection  with  Mr.  Britt,  his  political  friends  forced  upon 
him,  in  1856,  the  oiEce  of  Postmaster,  to  which  he  was  again  appointed  just  previous  to  his 
death  by  President  Buchanan,  and  confirmed  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States.  He  died  in 
Madison  February  10,  1859,  and  was  buried  in  Portage  on  the  12th,  after  appropriate  and 
impressive  funeral  services.  Thus,  at  the  age  of  forty-six,  closed  the  career  of  a  brave,  true 
man,  of  refined  and  generous  sentiments^the  exemplary  citizen,  the  chivalrous  champion  of  the 
innocent  and  oppressed,  who  rebuked  vice,  detested  meanness,  and,  hating  with  a  cordial  hatred 
all  falsehood,  all  dishonesty,  and  all  trickery,  worked  faithfully  to  fulfill  the  law  of  truth  and 
love. 

JEKEMIAH    DRAKE 

was  born  in  Ulster  County,  N.  Y.,  and  at  an  early  age  removed  to  Herkimer  County  in 
the  same  State.  When  quite  young,  he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  and  supported 
himself  by  the  fruits  of  his  own  labor.  Thus  early  was  laid  the  foundation  of  that  self-reliance 
and  that  independence  of  spirit  which  distinguished  his  whole  life,  and  thus  was  developed  a 
strong  and  vigorous  constitution,  and  a  mind  fitted  in  a  remarkable  degree  for  the  transaction  of 
business.  Western  New  York  at  that  time  was  a  wilderness.  The  busy  tongue  of  enterprise 
had  as  yet  uttered  no  prophecy  of  its  future  development.  Mr.  Drake  was  among  the  early 
pioneers  who  explored  that  portion  of  the  State.  He  was  among  those  who  projected  and 
urged  to  completion  the  Erie  Canal.  He  saw  the  first  section  completed,  and  was  present  when 
the  first  trip  was  made.  As  the  work  progressed,  he  superintended  large  contracts,  and  saw 
this  great  line  of  communication  stretching  from  Albany  to  Buff'alo,  thus  connecting  the  East 
with  the  then  unknown  West.  He  was  largely  acquainted  with  the  leading  men  of  those  times, 
and  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  political  ((uestions  of  the  day.  His  piety  was  a  principle  rooted 
in  the  heart,  and  yielding  the  fruits  of  righteousness.  His  sympathy  was  always  with  progress, 
laboring  to  advance  those  measures  that  should  result  in  general  good.  Statesmen  of  a  past 
generation  were  his  neighbors.  De  Witt  Clinton  was  his  friend,  and  he  remembered  Gov. 
Seward  as  a  mere  stripling.  He  was  for  a  time  largely  engaged  in  public  works  in  the  State  of 
New  Jersey,  and  during  the  war  of  1812  he  was  in  the  lumber  trade  in  Canada.  He  came  to 
what  is  now  the  city  of  Columbus  in  1842,  when  there  were  but  fcAv  improvements,  and  thus 
he  took  rank  among  the  early  pioneers  of  the  West.  He  repaired  and  enlarged  the  grist-mill, 
and  built  the  first  frame  house  in  Columbus.  After  residing  there  five  years,  he  removed  on  a 
farm  three  miles  south,  where  he  remained  until  the  gradual  decay  of  nature  rendered  it  neces- 
sary for  him  to  relinquish  his  business  and  seek  that  rest  which  he  had  so  richly  earned  by  a 
long  life  of  labor.  But  the  rest  was  short.  Old  age  has  but  few  comforts  at  best.  Mr.  Drake 
was  a  man  to  whom  honor  was  more  than  a  name.  He  was  a  man  positive  in  his  principles,  of 
remarkable  energy  and  perseverance,  strong  in  his  political  views,  firm  in  his  Christian  faith, 
reliable  in  his  business  as  a  man  tried  and  true.  He  died  early  in  December,  1868,  aged 
eighty-four. 

JOSEPH    JI.  DOTY. 

Mr.  Doty  was  born  in  Lewis  County,  N.  Y.,  and  entered  Union  College  at  the  age  of  six- 
teen. After  graduating,  he  read  law  in  the  office  of  Davis  &  Pierson,  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and,  oa 
completing  the  course,  took  up  his  residence  in  Ogdensburg,  N.  Y.  Taking  an  active  part  in 
the  current  politics   of  the  day,  and   enjoying   the.  friendship   of  that  eminent  statesman,  the 


512  HISTORY    OF    COLI'MBIA    COUXTY. 

lamented  Silas  Wright,  as  well  as  of  Preston  King,  he  at  once  took  a  high  position  in  the  party 
whose  cause  he  had  espoused,  and  was  appointed,  by  President  Polk,  Postmaster  at  Ogdens- 
burg,  which  position  he  held  for  four  years.  His  natural  tastes,  however,  led  him  into  the 
editorial  chair,  and  for  five  years  he  was  editor  of  the  Buffalo  Courier,  the  leading  Democratic 
paper  in  Western  New  York.  Removing  to  the  West,  he  was  editorially  engaged  in  Milwaukee 
for  awhile,  and  afterward  was  associated  with  H.  D.  Barron,  in  the  editorial  conduct  of  a 
Democratic  paper  at  Waukesha.  Removing  to  Portage,  where  his  parents  resided,  he  became 
editorially  connected  with  the  Badger  State,  in  conjunction  with  John  A.  Brown,  and  on  his 
retirement  from  the  sheet  he  became  the  sole  editor.  He  wont  to  Florida  in  the  spring  of  1861, 
for  the  benefit  of  his  health,  and  was  there  when  the  war  broke  out.  After  the  war  was  over, 
he  edited  a  paper  for  awhile,  but  latterly  was  engaged  in  fruit-growing.  A  residence  of  several 
years  in  Portage — during  which  time  he  took  a  leading  and  conspicuous  part  in  all  public  mat- 
ters— as  editor  of  the  Badger  State,  gained  for  him  many  friends  who  will,  through  life,  ever 
cherish  the  virtues  which  distinguished  him. 

Few  men  possessed  more  of  those  peculiar  abilities  which  distinguish  the  good  editor  than 
Mr.  Doty.  Possessed  of  fine  scholarly  attainments  and  culture,  with  a  fondness  for  all  public 
matters,  more  especially  politics,  and  with  a  large  fund  of  rare  good  nature  and  humor,  the  posi- 
tion of  editor  was  one  exactly  adapted  to  his  tastes  and  habits,  and  he  lent  to  the  columns  of  his 
paper  unusual  interest.  Always  liberal  in  sentiment,  generous  and  courteous,  he  never  suffered 
his  columns  to  be  defiled  by  coarse,  vulgar  abuse  of  political  adversaries,  and  never  allowed 
political  differences  to  disturb  personal  friendships.  He  died  in  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  June  19, 
1868,  aged  forty-five  years. 

BAKON    STEUBEN    DOTY 

was  born  at  Salem,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1795,  but  removed  to  Lewis  County  with  his 
father  when  a  child.  He  was  educated  under  Dr.  Alexander,  at  Fairfield,  and  subsequently 
studied  law  at  Cherry  Valley  with  Mr.  Hammond,  an  eminent  jurist  of  his  day,  and  completed 
his  seven  years'  course  with  Judge  Williams,  at  Utica.  He  went  into  practice  with  Ela  Collins, 
District  Attorney  of  Lewis  County,  in  1818.  Mr.  Doty  was  a  brother  of  James  Duane  Doty, 
one  of  the  Territorial  Governors  of  the  State.  About  1818,  he  married.  Subsequently,  he 
removed  to  Ogdensburg,  and  was  there  associated  in  business  with  Bishop  Perkins.  In 
1826-2/,  he  served  St.  Lawrence  County  in  the  Legislature  of  New  York.  Jabez  D.  Ham- 
mond, the  eminent  political  historian,  makes  special  mention  of  Mr.  Doty,  speaking  of  him  as 
one  of  the  most  prominent  of  the  Democratic  members,  and  with  others  named  respectable  for 
talents  and  intelligence.  He  was  the  political  associate  of  the  lamented  Silas  Wright  and 
Preston  King,  and  was  appointed  Collector  of  the  port  at  Ogdensburg  by  Gen.  Jackson,  which 
position  he  held  through  the  administration.  Removing  to  Buffalo,  he  remained  there  for  a 
few  years.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  about  the  year  1851,  first  settling  at  Green  Bay.  He 
removed  to  Portage  about  1855.  Here  he  practiced  law.  For  several  years,  he  was  the  Treas- 
urer of  Portage.  Judge  Doty,  as  he  was  accustomed  to  be  called,  was  truly  a  gentleman  of 
the  old  school.  His  manner  and  habits  of  life  were  formed  at  a  time  of  which  few  of  the 
present  generation  have  any  knowledge.  He  had  a  proud,  dignified  sj)irit,  a  courtly  bearing, 
and  in  his  intercourse  with  men  was  a  true  gentleman.  He  attracted  friends  to  him  and  won 
their  attachment  by  his  magnetic  influences  and  forever  held  them  by  his  faithfulness  to  them 
under  all  circumstances.     He  died  in  Portage  on  the  28th  day  of  October,  1872. 

WILLI.\M    T.    WHIRRY 

was  a  native  of  England,  and  was  about  sixty-five  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He 
came  to  this  country  at  an  early  date,  taking  up  his  residence  in  Randolph,  and  sharing  with 
his  few  neighbors  all  the  hardships  incident  to  the  settling  up  of  a  new  county.  Twenty  years 
ago,  he  was  elected  to  the  Assembly  from  the  northern  district  of  this  county,  and  discharged 
the   duties  of  the  position  with  rare  judgment  and  unquestioned  fidelity. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  513 

He  died  at  his  residence  in  the  village  of  Randolph  the  18th  of  November,  1874.  He 
was  the  Supervisor  of  the  West  Ward  of  that  village,  and  he  left  a  sick-bed  to  come  up  to  the 
county  seat  the  week  before  his  death,  to  attend  to  his  official  duties.  But  he  was  unable  to 
meet  with  the  board  except  on  a  single  occasion,  and  it  was  apparent  to  all  that  he  was  under- 
going great  bodily  suflfering  at  that  time.  He  returned  to  his  room  at  the  hotel,  but  his  asso- 
ciates on  the  Board  freely  expressed  their  fears  that  he  would  never  meet  with  them  in  deliber- 
ation aorain.     Their  fears  were  soon  confirmed.     His  time  had  come. 

EMMONS    TAYLOR 

was  born  in  the  town  of  Rupert,  Bennington  Co..  Vt.,  June  26,  1828.  He  entered  Williams 
College,  at  Williamstown,  Mass.,  at  the  early  age  of  fifteen,  and  graduated  when  only  nineteen 
years  old.  He  read  law  at  Granville,  N.  Y.,  in  the  office  of  J.  C.  Hopkins,  afterward  United 
States  Judge  for  the  Western  District  of  Wisconsin,  and,  on  being  admitted  to  the  practice,  he 
came  to  this  State,  taking  up  his  residence,  in  1857,  in  Portage,  and  becoming  the  business 
partner  of  L.  S.  Dixon,  afterward  Chief  Justice  of  Wisconsin.  He  continued  in  that  rela- 
tion until  Mr.  Dixon's  elevation  to  the  bench,  in  1859.  More  recently,  a  like  partnership  was 
formed  with  his  brother,  J.  B.  Taylor,  which  continued  to  his  death. 

In  1868,  Mr.  Taylor  was  elected  District  Attorney  of  Columbia  County,  and  was  unani- 
mously re-elected  in  1870,  and  again  in  1872.  In  political  sentiment,  he  was  a  Republican, 
but  not  a  partisan.  His  talents  would  have  given  him  almost  any  position  he  might  have 
aspired  to,  had  his  ambition  led  him  into  the  field  of  politics,  which  it  did  not.  Political 
preferment  had  no  charms  for  him.  The  law  was  his  chosen  profession,  and  he  devoted 
himself  to  it  with  an  assiduity  rarely  excelled.  It  is  not  a  matter  of  wonder,  then,  that  he 
achieved  a  high  distinction  at  the  bar.  He  died  April  13,  1874,  in  Portage,  after  an  ill- 
ness of  about  ten  weeks'  duration.  He  left  no  family,  his  wife — Martha  Pride,  having  pre- 
ceded him  to  the  grave  something  more  than  a  year  before  his  death,  and  his  infant  boy  a  few 
months  earlier  still. 

"Nature  was  bountiful  in  her  gifts  to  Mr.  Taylor,"  said  one  who  knew  him  well.  "  She 
gave  him  a  kindness  that  reached  out  to  all  with  whom  he  became  acquainted.  She  gave  him 
80  full  a  love  of  justice  that  it  was  the  guiding  star  of  all  his  actions.  She  bestowed  on  him  the 
gift  of  oratory,  and  an  intellect  of  no  common  power,  accompanied  by  an  ambition  that  secured 
their  careful  and  generous  culture.  He  was,  therefore,  a  kindly,  justice-loving,  talented  man, 
a  fine  scholar  and  an  accomplished  orator.  In  the  closer  walks  of  professional  life,  the  qualities 
I  have  named  gave  their  coloring  to  all  his  thoughts,  all  his  words  and  all  his  actions.  In  his 
intercourse  with  his  brethren,  he  was  a  pleasant  and  genial  companion,  a  reliable  associate  and 
an  honorable  opponent,  who  kept  his  promise  in  spirit  as  well  as  in  letter.  He  never  forgot  the 
obligation  of  the  attorney  to  give  his  client  the  most  intelligent  and  faithful  labor  that  careful 
preparation  and  diligent  study  could  furnish.  Victory  never  elated  him  so  as  to  make  him 
forget  the  amenities  of  the  profession,  or  the  courtesy  due  to  the  losing  party,  nor  did  defeat 
ever  make  him  unjust  to  the  court,  to  the  jury,  or  to  an  opposing  counsel.  In  short,  his  bearing 
and  conduct,  under  all  circumstances,  were  so  commendable  that  the  man  seemed  greater  than 
the  lawyer." 

Says  another  who  was  brought  into  intimate  association  with  Mr.  Taylor,  as  a  member  of 
an  ancient  and  honorable  society,  in  which  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  prominent  in  official 
position  :  "As  a  lawyer.  Gen.  Taylor — the  name  by  which  we  all  delighted  to  call  him — was 
the  equal  and  peer  of  any  member  of  the  bar.  He  was  studious,  earnest,  careful  in  all  the 
practice  of  the  profession.  He  was  laborious,  painstaking,  thoughtful  in  all  matters  of  prepar- 
ation. He  was  in  action  and  execution  vigorous,  strong  and  emphatic.  The  hammer  in  his 
hand  was  carefully  poised ;  and  the  blow  from  it  that  followed  carried  with  it  the  added  power 
of  the  preparation  that  preceded.  His  inclinations  and  his  habits  were  to  do  thoroughly  and 
well  all  that  he  deemed  worthy  to  be  done  at  all.  His  work  was  not  slighted  or  neglected, 
when  once  entered  upon,  but  was  diligently,  thoroughly  and  conscientiously  performed.     And  so 


514  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

his  labor  was  earnest  and  untiring.  He  was  industrious  in  the  most  faithful  sense  of  the  terra." 
"  His  great  abilities  and  acquirements,"  wrote  a  friend  eminently  qualified  to  judge  of 
them,  "  placed  him  in  the  very  front  rank  of  his  profession.  As  a  counselor  he  was  thoughtful, 
impartial,  conscientious  and  judicious.  He  always  told  the  truth  to  his  client  and  gave  honest 
and  candid  advice,  whether  it  was  encouraging  or  discouraging  to  the  preconceived  opinions  of 
the  client,  and  without  regard  to  consequences  to  himself  or  others.  As  an  advocate,  he  had 
few  superiors,  if  any,  at  the  bar. 

"  His  presence  and  bearing  when  before  the  coart  and  jury,  in  forensic  debate,  were 
dignified,  courteous  and  manly,  his  manner  most  impressive  and  convincing,  his  logic  sound  and 
lucid,  his  language  well  chosen  and  his  elocution  perfect.  His  well-rounded  periods,  pro- 
nounced in  a  strong  and  well-modulated  voice,  were  correctly  interspersed  with  accent  and 
emphasis,  always  conveying  his  exact  meaning,  and  always  producing  effect.  His  sarcasm  and 
denunciation  were  terrific  and  his  pathos  and  tender  feeling  most  melting  and  sympathetic.  He 
was,  in  short,  invested  with  all  the  elements  and  graces'of  the  advocate  and  orator.  Amongst 
his  brother  lawyers,  and  in  his  legal  practice,  he  was  the  very  soul  of  honor ;  kind,  courteous 
and  obliging  in  every  sense — the  highest  type  of  the  lawyer  and  gentleman.  In  social  life,  he 
was  most  eminently  fitted  to  both  ornament  and  influence  society,  and  his  friendships  were  well 
chosen,  most  intimate,  disinterested,  strong  and  lasting.  He  was  a  most  kind  and  tender  hus- 
band, a  warm  and  generous  friend,  and  so  attached  to  the  scenes,  associations  and  labors  of  his 
home,  that  it  was  with  great  reluctance  and  effort  that  he  was  ever  induced  to  go  abroad  and 
enlarge  the  sphere  of  his  acquaintance,  influence,  and  professional  practice  and  triumphs.  It 
was  owing  to  these  local  and  friendly  attachments,  more  than  to  anything  else,  that  his  appre- 
ciation and  his  fame  were  not  as  great  throughout  the  country  as  in  his  own  State,  and  in  the 
county  of  Columbia. 

JACOB   LOW. 

Jacob  Low,  only  son  of  Capt.  Gideon  Low,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Hyde  Park,  Dutchess 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  November  5,  1807.  He  died  at  his  home  in  Lowville,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  June  24, 
1875.  His  fondness  for  travel  and  adventure  led  him  to  adopt,  while  quite  young,  a  sailor's  life, 
and,  by  diligence  and  strict  attention  to  business,  he  was  soon  promoted  to  commander  of  a  steamer. 
During  the  time  not  actively  engaged  on  the  water,  he  learned  the  hatter's  trade,  at  which  he 
was  very  expert,  and  to  which,  in  after  years,  he  often  referred  with  pride.  His  wife  objecting 
to  his  seafaring  life,  and  having  saved  something  with  which  to  start  business  for  himself,  he 
opened  a  hat  store  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  soon,  in  the  general  crash  of  business,  in  1837,  he 
found  his  $10,000  swept  away,  and  himself  again  with  only  his  hands  with  which  to  fight  the 
battle  of  life. 

He  could  see  no  better  chance  to  retrieve  his  fortunes  than  to  again  try  the  water.  Through 
the  assistance  of  his  brother-in-law,  Capt.  Winship,  of  the  ship  Richmond,  he  was  made  super- 
cargo of  the  vessel,  which  was  trading  at  most  of  the  principal  seaports  of  Europe  and  the  Indies. 
To  these  visits  to  the  Old  AVorld  was  he  indebted  for  his  extensive  knowledge  of  characters,  cus- 
toms and  things,  which,  added  to  his  native  wit,  rendered  him  so  entertaining  and  instructive  a 
conversationalist.  On  one  of  these  voyages,  an  attack  of  yellow  fever  came  near  bringing  his 
life  to  a  close,  sapping  his  constitution  and  leaving  him  ever  after  fragile  and  weakly.  On  his 
return,  he  opened  a  grocery  store  in  New  York  City,  and,  while  there,  was  a  member  of  the 
famous  old  Seventh  Regiment,  New  York  State  Militia. 

His  ventures  on  shore,  however,  not  proving  remunerative,  he  emigrated  with  his  family, 
early  in  1843,  to  Green  Bay,  Wis.,  where  he  conducted  a  hotel  called  the  Astor  House,  and,  in 
the  fall  of  the  same  year,  removed  to  old  Fort  Winnebago,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  where,  in  com- 
pany with  his  brother-in-law,  John  Schaumburgh,  he  operated  a  general  store,  the  principal  por- 
tion of  their  trade  being  with  the  Indians. 

In  1845,  he  removed  to  his  farm  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Lowville,  but  at  that  time 
simply  a  delightful  spot,  where  the  prairie  and  openings  seemed  to  contest  their  right  to  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  515 

beautiful  little  rivulet  which  separated  the  two,  and  after  that  date  formed  one  of  two  halting^ 
places  on  the  road  leading  from  Fort  Winnebago  to  Madison,  the  other  at  Token  Creek  being 
an  older  claim.  Here  he  erected  his  buildings,  subdued  the  virgin  soil,  reared  his  children,  and 
passed  his  maturer  years.  Here  he  lived  and  died,  honored  and  respected  by  his  kindred  and 
neighbors,  many  of  whom  had  been  attracted  to  the  vicinity  through  his  influence.  Not  being 
hardy  enough  to  labor  in  the  field  on  this  new  farm  himself,  his  time  was  employed  in  making 
home  beautiful,  advising  his  neighbors,  and  dispensing  hospitality  to  the  many  strangers  who 
were  then  flocking  to  Wisconsin.  As  a  host  he  had  no  superior;  his  friends  were  always  enter- 
tained in  royal  good  style,  and  made  to  feel  a  welcome  seldom  experienced  elsewhere.  Whoever 
enjoyed  his  unbounded  hospitality  were  indeed  fortunate. 

He  was  quick  and  impulsive  ;  his  friends  could  do  nothing  wrong,  his  enemies  nothing  right. 
His  convictions  were  strong  and  his  influence  positive.  As  an  instance  :  when  Deacon  Clinton 
and  his  associates  went  to  him  to  assist  them  in  obtaining  mortgages  for  the  old  LaCrosse  Rail- 
road Company,  he  told  them  plainly  that  he  considered  it  a  dangerous  experiment,  and  would 
neither  mortgage  his  own  farm  nor  assist  them  in  obtaining  mortgages  from  others.  The  soph- 
istry of  the  smooth-tongued  Deacon  could  not  prevail,  and,  as  the  neighboring  farmers  were 
accustomed  to  refer  to  him  for  advice  on  matters  not  fully  understood  by  themselves,  but  a  soli- 
tary mortgage  was  obtained  in  that  vicinity.  In  politics,  he  was  a  radical,  originally  a  Whig, 
and  latterly  an  active  worker  in  the  formation  of  the  Republican  party ;  with  him  language  was 
not  strong  enough  to  express  his  condemnation  of  the  Democratic  party.  As  a  Whig,  he  was 
elected  Sheriff  of  Columbia  County  in  1850  ;  and,  as  a  Republican,  he  was  elected  to  the  Assem- 
bly from  the  Third  District  for  the  year  1872.  In  1863,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Governor  as 
State  Agent  to  look  after  the  interests  of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers,  with  headquarters  at 
Memphis.     In  1859,  he  was  Assistant  Sergeant-at-arms  in  the  Wisconsin  State  Assembly. 

He  was  married  at  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  May  6,  1836,  to  Catherine  Morgan,  only  daugh- 
ter of  David  Morgan,  of  that  city.  Had  four  children — Lewis,  born  January  27,  1837,  who 
died  January  19,  1873  ;  Bartlett  Marshall,  born  February  1,  1839  ;  Melissa  A.,  born  March 
28,  1841,  and  John  H.,  born  December  29,  1842. 

The  disease  which  finally  ended  his  life  was  consumption.  The  home  where  he  resided  for 
thirty  years,  and  which  was  a  landmark  so  long,  has  passed  into  other  hands,  and  the  living 
members  of  the  family  are  all  removed  from  the  town.  The  monument  in  the  pleasant  little 
country  cemetery,  less  than  a  mile  from  his  old  home,  and  the  name  bequeathed  the  township, 
are  the  only  outward  indications  to  remind  the  present  generation  of  the  warm,  true-hearted 
pioneer,  who  was  once  so  important  a  factor  in  the  life  of  the  community. 

CARL    HAERTEL 

was  born  on  the  16th  of  June,  1824,  in  the  village  of  Bechenheim,  Grand  Duchy  of  Hesse- 
Darmstadt.  At  fourteen,  he  was  bound  to  learn  the  trade  of  cooper  and  brewer ;  at  the  expira- 
tion of  his  apprenticeship,  he  made  extensive  travels  in  Europe.  In  1851,  he  came  to  the  United 
States  with  his  sister,  Mrs.  Fauerbach,  of  Madison.  In  1852,  he  came  to  Portage  and  took  up 
his  residence,  residing  here  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Wednesday,  June  7,  1876.  Begin- 
ning business  in  Portage  on  a  small  scale,  and  in  a  manner  commensurate  with  his  limited  means, 
by  prudence,  industry,  and  strict  attention  to  business,  he  soon  laid  the  foundation  for  the  large 
estate  he  subsequently  acquired.  The  fine  buildings  and  business  blocks  he  has  erected  are 
enduring  monuments  to  his  enterprise,  sagacity  and  public  spirit. 

Mr.  Haertel  was  thoroughly  domestic  in  his  habits,  and  rarely  left  home  for  more  than  a 
day  or  two  at  a  time.  He  loved  his  home,  and  he  loved  his  adopted  city  with  all  the  aft'ection 
he  felt  for  his  Fatherland.  Coming  here  when  it  was  a  mere  hamlet,  he  knew  all  the  people  ; 
started  with  them  in  their  battle  for  life ;  shared  their  joys  and  their  sorrows,  and  had  an  attach- 
ment for  them  all  that  amounted  almost  to  a  brotherly  affection.  No  word,  no  act,  no  assistance 
was  ever  withheld  by  him  that  would  promote  the  happiness  of  his  fellow.     No  man  that  ever 


616  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

lived  had  a  kinder  heart  or  more  unlimited  benevolence  than  Mr.  Haertel.  His  reputation  in 
this  respect  was  not  confined  to  Portage,  but  it  was  co-extensive  with  the  State,  and  his  country- 
men left  their  homes  from  across  the  sea,  to  come  to  Portage  and  vicinity,  and  they  sought  the 
counsel  and  invoked  the  aid  of  Mr.  Haertel  with  as  much  confidence  as  the  little  child  flies  to 
its  parent  for  protection,  and  they  were  never  denied  any  assistance  it  was  possible  for  his  great 
heart  to  extend.  His  public  spirit  was  no  less  marked  than  his  private  enter]irise.  Everything 
having  for  its  object  the  advancement  and  the  local  interests  of  Portage  found  in  him  an  active  and 
and  liberal  supporter.  No  public  man  or  distinguished  citizen  ever  came  to  Portage,  whose  comfort 
was  not  sought  to  be  promoted  by  Mr.  Haertel.  He  desired  every  stranger  who  came  here  to  leave 
with  a  good  impression  of  the  city  and  its  people,  and  to  him  is  due  in  a  great  measure  the  reputation 
the  city  has  gained  for  its  public  spirit,  liberality  and  good  fellowship.  His  unbounded  humor 
Was  also  a  distinguishing  feature  of  his  character,  and  in  the  years  to  come  early  settlers  of  Port- 
age and  their  children  will  often  recount  a  pleasant  anecdote  of  Cai'l  Haertel.  On  the  9th  of 
June,  1876,  he  was  laid  away  to  rest  in  the  beautiful  Silver  Lake  Cemetery. 

WILLIAM    WIER. 

William  Wier,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  and  most  eccentric  residents  of  Portage,  died  very 
suddenly  on  the  6th  day  of  July,  1877,  aged  about  sixty  years.  He  was  in  his  usual  health  on 
the  day  previous,  and  was  at  the  old  fort  on  that  day,  but  was  drenched  in  a  storm.  He  was  a 
native  of  Scotland,  and  first  appeared  in  this  country  as  a  soldier  in  a  British  regiment,  stationed 
in  Canada.  He  subsequently  enlisted  in  the  First  United  States  Infantry,  and,  as  a  member  of 
that  regiment,  served  in  the  Seminole  war.  At  the  close  of  the  Florida  war,  in  1842,  he  came 
with  his  regiment  to  Fort  Winnebago,  and  remained  here  until  the  troops  were  ordered  to  Mex- 
ico in  1845.  His  term  of  service  was  close  upon  its  expiration,  and  he  was  soon  after  mustered 
out  at  one  of  the  forts  in  the  Southwest.  He  then  returned  to  Fort  Winnebago,  which  had  been 
left  in  charge  of  Sergt.  Van  Camp.  The  latter  died  within  a  brief  period,  and  Weir  succeeded 
him.  Fort  Winnebago  became  Portage ;  this  frontier  grew  to  be  a  center  of  civilization,  and 
the  old  fort  that  is  the  dejected  memento  of  so  many  stirring  memories,  became  a  deserted  ruin. 
Silence  and  desolation  succeeded  the  sounds  of  reveille  and  retreat,  and  all  the  martial  activity 
that  once  gave  life  to  the  place.  But  it  was  ever  the  same  with  Fort  Winnebago  to  him,  and  he 
always  considered  himself  its  commander  and  special  guardian.  When  the  rebellion  broke  out. 
he  enlisted  in  the  Nineteenth  Wisconsin.  He  was  afterward  promoted  to  a  second  lieutenancy 
in  the  Thirty-third,  and  was  mustered  out  as  a  Captain. 

The  worn  old  veteran,  who  was  out  of  his  sphere  in  these  piping  times  of  peace,  was  buried 
in  the  neglected  cemetery  on  the  fort  grounds,  and  he  is  entitled  to  the  sound  sleep  of  a  faithful 
soldier. 

SQUIRE    SHERWOOD    CASE 

was  born  in  Hillsdale,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  September  27,  1801.  During  his  childhood,  his 
parents  removed  to  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  then  the  extreme  western  limit  of  civilization. 
Here  his  father  engaged  in  farming,  lumbering  and  kindred  occupations,  and,  as  help  was  scarce 
and  high,  the  boy  here  laid  the  foundation  of  the  habits  of  industry  which  sei'ved  him  so  welt 
in  after  life.  He  removed,  when  about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  rented 
the  Farmers'  Hotel  in  that  place,  which,  after  three  years,  he  was  enabled  to  buy.  His  con- 
nection with  this  hotel,  first  as  lessee,  then  as  proprietor,  continued  eleven  years.  He  then  took 
up  the  business  of  contracting  for  the  building  of  public  works  and  pursued  it  for  a  time  with 
great  success.  He  built  the  first  macadamized  road  in  the  western  part  of  New  York,  thereby 
converting  an  almost  impassable  road  into  a  fine  drive,  an  achievement  which  was  then  con- 
sidered one  of  the  wonders  of  the  age.  Unfortunately,  however,  he  took  a  contract  on  the  Erie 
Canal,  and,  by  the  suspension  of  work  on  it  in  1842,  he  lost  the  bulk  of  his  property.  While 
in  Buffalo,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council  for  ten  or  twelve  years.  He  was  Colonel 
of  the  Two  Hundred  and  Eighth  Regiment,  New  Yoi-k  Militia,  and  served  under  Scott  in  the 


HISTORY    OF    CODUMBIA    COUNTY.  517 

Patriot  war.  He  represented  Erie  County  in  the  New  York  Legislature  in  1837  and  also  in 
1842. 

After  the  loss  of  his  property  in  1842,  he  removed  to  Wisconsin  and  took  up  a  farm  in 
what  is  now  Merton  Township,  Waukesha  County,  formerly  a  portion  of  Milwaukee  County. 
But  farming  was  less  to  his  taste  than  mechanical  work,  so,  in  18.51,  he  removed  to  Waukesha 
Village  and  purchased  the  car-shops  there.  He  built  the  first  cars  used  in  the  construction  of 
the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad.  He  obtained  the  right  of  way  for  the  company 
between  La  Crosse  and  Portage,  to  which  latter  city  he  removed  in  the  spring  of  1857.  In  the 
fall  of  1857,  he  became  station  agent  at  Portage,  which  position  he  held  for  ten  years.  In  the 
spring  of  1868,  he  moved  to  Mauston,  and,  being  advanced  in  years  and  broken  in  health, 
never  again  took  an  active  part  in  business  or  politics.  His  death  occurred  at  Mauston  March 
30,  1878. 

In  summing  up  the  events  of  Mr.  Case's  active  and  useful  life,  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that 
he  was  a  member  of  the  convention  which  formed  the  State  Constitution.  In  this  convention, 
he  represented  in  part  the  county  of  Waukesha. 

JOHN    CONVERSE. 

Mr.  Converse  was  born  at  Randolph,  Orange  Co.,  Vt.,  November  9, 1797.  He  removed  thence 
to  Stafford,  Tolland  Co.,  Conn.  About  the  year  1820,  was  married  to  Miss  Azubah  Pinney,  of 
Stafford,  and  lived  there  and  at  Chesterfield,  N.  H.,  until  about  1843,  when  he  removed  west- 
ward. He  stopped  a  short  time  at  Tully,  N.  Y.,  but  came  to  Randolph  in  this  county  about 
1844  or  1845,  and  resided  in  Columbia  County  until  1877.  For  some  years,  he  resided  with  his 
daughter,  Mrs.  A.  B.  Alden,  in  this  city,  but  at  her  death  he  removed  to  Dundas,  Minn.,  and 
made  his  home  with  his  son,  Frederick  J.,  an<l  died  there  August  10,  1879.  His  wife  survived 
him,  though  then  over  eighty-four  years  of  age.  Their  children  were  Mrs.  A.  B.  Alden 
(deceased),  J.  Phelps  Converse  (deceased),  Fred  J.  Converse,  L.  P.  Converse,  H.  B.  Converse, 
Mrs.  E.  W.  Gaylord,  Mary  Converse  (deceased),  and  Mrs.  James  Taylor  (deceased). 

Mr.  Converse  was  a  man  of  great  benevolence.  He  at  one  time  had  a  large  quantity  of 
land  in  Randolph.  He  built  a  grist-mill  now  standing  about  two  miles  north  of  Randolph  Vil- 
lage. He  also  kept  a  hotel  at  Randolph  Village,  which  was  then  called,  after  him,  "  Converse- 
ville."  He  was  for  several  years  Postmaster  there,  and  for  some  time  station  agent  at  Ran- 
dolph.    This  was  his  last  regular  business.     His  remains  were  interred  at  Faribault,  Minn. 

ALFRED   TOPLIFF. 

Mr.  Toplifi"  was  born  in  Westfield,  Mass.,  November  11, 1799,  and  was  the  youngest  of  a  fam- 
ily all  of  whom  died  comparatively  young,  except  Mr.  Topliff",  who,  had  he  lived  eight  days 
more,  would  have  reached  the  grand  old  age  of  fourscore.  He  died  early  in  November,  1879. 
In  the  spring  of  1844,  he  came  to  Columbus,  and  soon  afterward  settled  in  the  town  of  Hamp- 
den, and  there  went  to  work  making  improvements  and  preparing  the  way  for  the  reception  of 
his  family,  who  were  then  East.  In  1846,  he  went  back  after  his  family,  and  when  he  returned 
he  found  he  was  elected  to  the  ofiice  of  County  Surveyor,  an  office  which  he  held  until  about 
year  1870,  when  he  resigned,  but  the  instruments  which  he  loved  so  well  were  not  allowed  to 
become  rusty  for  want  of  use.  Many  were  the  lines  run  and  roads  laid  out  by  the  good-natured 
Squire.  In  1851,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin  Legislature,  and  re-elected  in  1852, 
proving  himself  to  be  an  active,  intelligent  and  honest  member  of  that  body.  In  1855,  he 
moved  to  Columbus,  then  a  small  village,  and  resided  here  until  he  died.  It  was  always  a 
pleasure  to  meet  the  good  old  gentleman.  Kind,  intelligent,  courteous,  a  good  word  for  every- 
body, always  appearing  to  look  on  the  bright  side  of  the  picture,  and  with  that  quaint  humor, 
of  which  he  was  so  fond,  and  which  was  ever  at  his  command,  he  was  sure  to  dispel  what  gloom 
might  be  upon  his  auditor,  leaving  him  for  the  time  being,  at  least,  a  transformed  being,  feeling 


518  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    C0U:NTY. 

better  for  having  conversed  with  the  good  old  man.  He  was  a  religious  man  in  the  true  mean- 
ing of  the  word  ;  nothing  egotistical  or  pharasaical  about  him,  but  a  true,  square,  intelligent 
belief  in  God,  and  his  Savior  guarded  and  controlled  him  through  the  latter  part  of  his  earthly 
career. 

HARRISON    S.   HASKELL 

was  born  at  Tunbridge,  Vt.,  on  the  8th  day  of  September,  1818.  He  had  only  the  advantage, 
of  the  common  school  in  his  early  days,  but  these  he  improved  diligently,  and  when  he  attained 
his  majority,  he  had  not  only  acquired  a  good  common-school  education,  but  he  had  the  desire 
and  the  determination  to  possess  what  only  college  training  could  give  him.  Mainly  by  his  own 
unaided  efforts,  he  made  his  preparation  for  college,  and  entered  the  Vermont  University,  from 
which  he  graduated  with  high  standing  in  184.5.  Immediately,  he  entered  upon  the  study  of 
law  in  his  native  State,  but  the  next  year,  1846,  found  him  in  Beloit,  Wis.,  in  the  law  oflBce  of 
Noggle  &  Spaulding,  where  he  pursued  his  legal  study  sufficiently  to  secure  his  admission  to  the 
bar.  He  commenced  practice  at  the  village  of  Columbus,  in  this  county,  in  1847,  connecting 
with  his  law  practice  a  general  land  agency  in  1848.  At  Columbus,  he  formed  a  law  part- 
nership with  J.  J.  Guppy,  which  existed  until  1851,  when  the  latter  removed  to  Portage.  These 
young  men,  by  their  strict  integrity  and  their  diligent  attention  to  business,  soon  won  the  confi- 
dence of  the  people  among  whom  they  had  chosen  their  homes.  In  1852,  Mr.  Haskell  was 
elected  County  Treasurer  of  his  county,  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  that  office  at  Portage, 
on  the  1st  day  of  .January,  185.3.  Prior  to  the  expiration  of  his  office,  he  became  cashier  of 
Columbia  County  Bank,  in  which  position  he  was  succeeded  by  John  P.  McGregor.  For  several 
years,  he  was  an  extensive  dealer  in  rea,l  estate,  both  within  and  without  the  city  of  Portage, 
where  he  continued  to  reside  after  his  election  as  Treasurer.  He  was  elected  Justice  of  the 
Peace  of  the  Fourth  Ward,  and,  until  he  received  the  appointment  of  Postmaster  in  the  year 
1874,  he  was  repeatedly  chosen  to  that  office,  though  the  ward  in  politics  was  strongly  against 
him.  He  held  for  many  years,  and  until  within  a  few  days  of  his  death,  the  office  of  Circuit 
Court  Commissioner.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  he  was  Postmaster  of  Portage.  From  the 
organization  of  the  Columbia  County  Agricultural  Society,  he  was  one  of  its  fast  friends.  At 
diflferent  times,  he  held  almost  every  office  in  that  society,  and  in  all  places  he  labored  for  its 
interest  with  ceaseless  diligence.  He  had  much  more  than  average  artistic  taste,  which,  culti- 
vated as  it  had  been  for  many  years,  gave  him  a  place  at  the  head  of  almost  every  committee  by 
which  the  merits  of  any  production  of  fine  arts  were  to  be  judged. 

He  was  a  good  citizen,  a  kind  neighbor  and  a  most  devoted  husband.    He  died  on  the  13th 
of  February,  1879. 

SAMUEL    STEPHEN    BRANNAN 

was  born  at  Silver  Creek,  Chautauqua  County,  N.  Y.,  February  2,  1835,  where  he  remained 
with  his  parents  until  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  when,  in  1849,  they  removed  to  Wisconsin, 
first  settling  at  Calumet.  In  the  spring  of  1850,  they  removed  to  Portage.  During  the  same 
year,  he  engaged  to  the  Delaney  Brothers  as, a  printer's  apprentice,  and  in  that  capacity  did  duty 
as  the  "  roller  boy  "  on  the  first  number  of  the  Hirer  Times,  the  first  paper  published  in  Col- 
umbia County  ;  so  his  connection  with  the  press  of  Portage  is  antedated  by  no  one.  In  1853, 
he  became  inoculated  with  the  California  fever  which  so  largely  prevailed  throughout  the  entire 
land  at  that  time,  and  he  determined  to  join  a  party  which  was  being  formed  here  to  seek  their 
fortunes  in  the  new  El  Dorado.  This  he  did,  and  although  but  eighteen  years  of  age,  he  set  out 
in  the  spring  of  that  year  for  an  overland  trip  to  California.  To  make  the  journey  to  that  then 
far-off  land,  through  wilderness,  desert  and  canyon,  following  the  trail  "  into  a  silence  as  pro- 
found as  the  grave,"  was  quite  a  different  matter  from  what  it  is  now.  Then  the  journeying  was 
principally  by  foot,  the  "canopy  of  heaven"  serving  as  a  blanket  in  fair  weather,  and  the  bot- 
tom-boards of  the  wagon  utilized  as  shelter  in  case  of  a  storm.  After  six  months  of  weary 
travel,  the  party  found  itself  in  the  Golden  Land.  Mr.  Brannan  soon  obtained  employment 
in  a  newspaper  office  at  Downieville.     In  1856,  he  returned  to  Portage,  arriving  home  in  the 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  519 

fall  of  that  year.  Here  he  was  again  employed  in  the  newspaper  offices  of  the  city,  and  for 
several  months  he  "  held  a  case  "  as  a  compositor  in  the  ofSce   of  the  Madison  Patriot.     In 

1860,  he  was  elected  Marshal  of  Portage  City ;  in  1861,  he  was  elected  Alderman  of  the  Third 
Ward,  and  was  repeatedly  re-elected  to  the  same  position ;  in  1871,  he  was  elected  Mayor  of  the 
city,  and  re-elected  in  1872,  each  time  receiving  a  unanimous  vote,  although  the  opposing  party 
was  largely  in  the  majority  in  the  city ;  he  was  elected  to  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors  in 

1861,  and  was  repeatedly  re-elected.  In  1872,  he  was  elected  to  the  assembly  from  this  district, 
and  was  known  as  one  of  the  most  popular  members  of  that  body.  He  was  frequently  called  to 
serve  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Education  and  in  other  minor  official  positions,  and  in  every 
capacity  as  a  public  officer  he  served  with  credit  to  himself  and  acceptance  to  the  public. 

In  1861,  he  purchased  the  material  of  the  old  Badger  State,  then  lying  idle,  and  consoli- 
dated the  office  with  the  Portage  City  Record,  which  had  been  purchased  by  I.  Holmes  and  A. 
J.  Turner,  under  the  name  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Register.  Mr.  Holmes  disposed  of  his  inter- 
est in  the  establishment  in  1864,  and  Messrs.  Brannan  &  Turner  continued  to  publish  the  paper 
until  1878,  a  period  of  seventeen  years,  when,  Mr.  Brannan's  health  failing  him,  the  office  was 
disposed  of  to  John  T.  Clark,  one  of  its  present  proprietors.  In  the  fall  of  1877,  he  decided 
upon  a  trip  to  Colorado,  in  the  hope  that  his  health,  which  had  already  become  seriously  impaired, 
might  be  restored.  There  he  remained  until  the  following  summer,  when  he  returned  home, 
feeling  that  he  had  been  greatly  benefited,  and  confident  that  he  was  once  more  fit  for  active 
duty.  After  a  few  weeks,  he  returned  again  to  Colorado,  attracted  thither  by  the  excitement 
always  attending  the  opening-up  of  a  mining  country.  Just  then,  the  Leadville  mines  were 
beginning  to  attract  attention.  Indeed,  before  they  had  become  more  than  locally  known,  he 
formed  a  very  high  opinion  of  their  extent  and  richness,  for,  as  he  expressed  it,  it  was  "  bound 
to  become  the  gi-eatest  mining  camp  in  the  world."  There  he  determined  to  set  his  stakes  and 
go  into  business,  which  he  did.  With  a  partner,  he  opened  a  supply  'store,  but  it  was  late  in  the 
season,  and  there  being  few  of  the  comforts  of  life  in  that  remote  locality,  the  altitude  being  far 
too  great  for  susceptible  constitutions  and  the  weather  being  very  severe,  he  underwent  privations 
that  produced  a  return  of  the  malady  from  which  he  had  suifered,  and  he  was  forced  to  relin- 
quish business  and  return  home  to  Portage.  He  improved  somewhat  in  health  through  the  win- 
ter, and,  upon  the  death  of  Postmaster  Haskell,  was  appointed  to  succeed  him,  and  was  able  to 
assume  charge  of  the  office  April  1,  1879.  During  the  summer  there  was  apparently  a  decided 
improvement  in  his  health,  and  it  was  fondly  hoped  that  thei'e  were  yet  nlany  yeai-s  of  useful- 
ness and  a  fair  degree  of  health  in  store  for  him.  But  the  insidious  disease  which  had  so  long 
preyed  upon  him  was  lurking  in  his  system,  and,  a  little  more  than  two  months  before  his  death, 
compelled  him  to  remain  almost  entirely  in  his  rooms.  Each  succeeding  day  showed  a  gradual 
decline  in  his  condition,  and  it  was  apparent  that  the  lotcommon  to  all  was  not  far  distant.  It  came  at 
last  to  his  relief.  He  died  in  Portage  April  5,  1880.  He  would  gladly  have  lived,  for  he  had 
"  tasted  the  wine  of  existence  "  and  he  loved  it ;  but  when  he  knew  that  the  balance  of  life  was 
resolved  into  a  few  days,  he  gladly  welcomed  death,  and  on  a  beautiful  afternoon,  surrounded  by 
his  family  and  many  of  those  friends  who  were  nearest  and  dearest  to  him,  passed  away  quietly, 
calmly  and  with  scarcely  a  struggle. 

The  funeral  ceremonies  were  imposing.  People  came  from  all  parts  of  the  county  and 
State  to  pay  their  last  tribute  of  afi"ection  to  their  deceased  friend,  attesting  the  deep  respect  in 
which  he  was  held  while  living.  There  was  hardly  a  town  in  the  county  that  was  not  repre- 
sented at  the  funeral  by  scores  of  citizens,  and  the  Presbyterian  Church  afforded  room  for  but  a 
small  portion  of  those  present.  Fi-iends  from  Milwaukee  who  were  unable  to  attend  sent  kind 
words  of  condolence  to  the  family,  accompanied  by  gracefully  wrought  crescents,  crosses  and 
anchors,  composed  of  beautiful  flowers,  and  many  ladies  of  Portage  also  sent  lovely  floral  offerings. 

Mr.  Brannan's  Masonic  history  is  as  follows  :  Initiated  an  Entered  Apprentice  January 
12,  1861  ;  passed  to  the  Degree  of  Fellow  Craft  March  2,  1861 ;  raised  to  the  Sublime  Degree 
of  Master  Mason  August  10,  1861,  in  Fort  AVinnebago  Lodge,  No.  3-3;  advanced  to  the  Hon- 
orary Degree  of  Mark  Master  June  29,  187-1: :  elected  and  presided  as  Past  Master   October 


520  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

12,  1874  ;  received  and  acknowledged  a  Most  Excellent  Master  November  9,  1874 ;  and 
exalted  to  the  August  Degree  of  Royal  Arch  Mason  March  11,  1875,  in  Fort  Winnebago 
Chapter,  No.  14,  Royal  Arch  Masons  ;  constituted  a  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross  March  9,  1876 ; 
created  a  Knight  Templar,  Knight  of  Malta,  of  the  Order  of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem,  April  6, 
1876,  in  Fort  Winnebago  Commandery,  No.  4,  of  Knights  Templar. 

Mr.  Brannan  was  the  son  of  William  and  Prussia  Brannan.  He  was  one  of  five  children, 
having  had  two  sisters  and  two  brothers,  all  of  whom  died  of  consumption,  and  his  father  finally 
dying  of  the  same  malady.  He  was  married  on  the  27th  day  of  August,  1861,  to  Miss  Caro- 
line M.  Prentiss,  of  Portage.  The  fruits  of  this  union  were  four  children — Prentiss  S.,  Willie 
R.,  Kittie  C.  and  Jack  T.,  all  of  whom  survive  him. 

Mr.  Brannan  was  personally  known  to  almost  every  one  in  Columbia  County,  and  it  may 
be  safely  said,  that  no  man  had  more  friends  or  fewer  enemies  than  he.  There  was  something 
in  his  nature  that  attracted  men  and  women  to  him  with  an  irresistible  force,  and  bound  them 
to  him  in  friendship  as  with  bands  of  steel.  He  wanted  to  think  well  of  everybody,  and  was 
never  happier  than  when  he  was  able  by  some  kind  word,  act  or  deed,  to  promote  the  pleasure 
and  welfare  of  his  friends.  His  considerate  and  obliging  nature  was  so  thoroughly  understood 
that  men  and  women  and  young  people  went  to  him  with  their  sorrows  and  troubles,  much  as 
the  child  goes  to  its  mother  with  its  grief,  or  the  parishioner  to  the  prelate  with  his  affliction. 
This  perfect  confidence  in  his  disposition  to  aid  them,  which  so  many  seemed  to  feel,  was  the 
highest  possible  compliment  that  could  have  been  paid  him.  His  aid,  counsel  and  assistance 
were  sought  by  those  sorely  in  need,  and  no  one  ever  left  him,  after  such  a  mission,  regretfully. 
That  these  invocations  frequently  came  from  persons  who  had  but  little  personal  acijuaintance 
with  him,  was  all  the  more  complimentary,  as  it  showed  that  his  kindly  and  sympathetic  nature 
was  known  wherever  his  name  was  spoken.  How  many  went  to  him  with  their  sorrows  of  which 
no  one  knows  but  themselves,  cannot  be  conjectured,  for  he  never  betrayed  a  confidence  that 
had  been  reposed  in  him. 

On  a  sunny  slope  in  Silver  Lake  Cemetery,  in  that  "windowless  palace  of  rest,"  reposes 
all  that  was  mortal  of  Samuel  Stephen  Brannan.  The  hands  of  affection  will  plant  shrubs  and 
flowers  around  it,  .,,■•.     u  o 

i.v/in,io  .».v/uuvx  i.,,  "  And  the  prame  s  sweet  wild  flowers 

In  their  odorous  beauty  around  it  ware 

Through  all  the  sunny  hours — 

The  still,  bright  sunny  hours ; 
And  the  birds  shall  sing  in  the  tufted  grass, 

And  the  nectar-laden  bee, 
With  his  dreamy  hum,  on  his  gauze  wings  pass.'' 

ANDREW   DUNN 

was  born  in  Tyrone  County,  Ireland,  in  the  month  of  October,  1816.  He  was  the  oldest 
son  of  Samuel  and  Letitia  Dunn.  In  the  year  1834,  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  being 
then  eighteen  years  old.  He  landed  in  New  York,  and  immediately  started  West  to  the  lead 
mines  of  Wisconsin,  at  Mineral  Point,  where  he  commenced  digging  for  lead  ore.  He  followed 
the  mining  business  until  December,  18-37,  when  he  came  to  Fort  Winnebago,  now  Portage. 
He  there  and  then  made  a  claim  on  Section  8,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  on  a 
part  of  the  plat  of  Portage,  and  he  then  went  into  trade  in  a  house  a  little  below  where  the 
United  States  Hotel  now  stands,  on  Bronson  avenue.  He  kept  a  general  supply  store  for  lum- 
bermen of  the  Wisconsin  pinery,  and  Indian  goods  for  Indian  trade.  He  continued  to  live  in 
Portage,  and,  in  1852,  made  and  proved  up  a  pre-emption  right  to  the  southeast  quarter  of  Sec- 
tion 6,  Township  12,  Range  9,  which  covers  that  portion  of  tlie-  plat  of  Portage  lying  west  of 
Mac  street  and  north  of  Conant  street,  including  the  railroad  and  depot  buildings.  In  1858, 
he  sold  out  all  his  interest  at  Portage,  and  invested  his  means  in  the  village  of  New  Lisbon, 
Juneau  County,  purchasing  one-half  of  the  village  plat,  and  the  saw  and  grist  mills  of  the 
place,  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  January,  1868.  His  death  was 
occasioned  by  softening  of  the  brain.     He  held  many  places  of  public  trust,  among  which  were 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  521 

Mayor  of  Portage,  a  member  of  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners,  Deputy  United  States 
Marshal,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and,  in  1847,  he  was  commissioned  by  the  Governor  a  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  of  Columbia  County  Militia.  He  built,  with  Hugh  McFarlane,  four  saw-mills, 
two  in  the  Wisconsin  pinery  and  two  on  the  Lemonweir,  Juneau  County.  These  men  were  in 
partnership  in  mining,  lumbering  and  trading  from  1835  up  to  June,  1852,  a  period  of  seven- 
teen years.  Andrew  Dunn  spent  considerable  money  for  the  improvement  of  Portage  City. 
He  built  a  fine  dwelling-house  on  the  site  where  N.  H.  Woods'  residence  now  stands  ;  he  also 
built  the  present  Corning  House ;  he  built,  at  his  own  expense,  the  depot  buildings  and  gave 
the  railroad  company  a  deed  of  four  blocks  for  nothing,  as  an  inducement  to  the  railroad  com- 
pany to  locate  the  depot  where  it  now  stands.  In  his  pecuniary  matters,  he  was  industrious  in 
accumulating  and  economical  in  all  his  habits.  He  had  an  eye  to  competent  retirement,  and 
to  this  end  selected  a  beautiful  location  in  the  village  of  New  Lisbon  and  built  a  good  house  for 
his  final  home.  He  left  a  wife  and  eight  children — three  sons  and  five  daughters.  One  strong 
and  prominent  trait  of  his  character  was  the  sympathy  of  his  nature.  His  benignity  of  man- 
hood was  the  master  key  to  Andrew  Dunn's  whole  private  and  public  life.  They  made  him 
what  all  who  surrounded  him  in  life  gladly  knew  him  to  be — a  genial  and  high-toned  gentle^ 
man ;  a  generous,  guileless  man,  free  from  all  pretense  and  deceit ;  gentle-hearted  and  large- 
minded  ;  sagacious,  moderate,  judicious,  faithful,  true  and  just,  whose  charity  never  wearied 
and  never  slept :  who  held  his  own  and  his  friends'  honor  above  all  the  blandishments  of 
passion,  and  all  the  temptations  of  ambition  and  wealth,  and  who  came  as  near  as  our  nature 
can  come  to  loving  his  neighbor  as  himself. 

THOMAS    J.  EMERTON. 

Thomas  J.,  son  of  Thomas  and  Rachel  (Perkins)  Emerton,  was  born  in  Groton,  N.  H., 
March  15,  1805.  Here  he  resided  with  his  parents  until  nineteen  years  of  age,  assisting  his 
father  on  the  farm  and  attending  the  common  schools  of  that  section.  When  he  reached  the  age 
mentioned,  he  left  the  paternal  roof  and  emigrated  to  the  northern  part  of  the  State  and  settled 
in  Coos  County,  where  he  began  the  laborious  work  of  clearing  a  farm.  After  he  had  been 
here  two  years,  his  parents  also  came,  making  their  home  with  him  until  his  marriage,  February 
19,  18-33,  with  Rebecca  L.  Rogers.  Three  children  were  born  unto  him — Benjamin  J.,  Lucy  R. 
and  Andrew  J.  ;  all  of  whom  reached  the  age  of  maturity,  and  are  now  (1880)  worthy  citizens 
of  Columbia  County. 

On  the  3d  day  of  April,  1851,  Mr.  Emerton  and  his  family  left  his  native  State  for  the 
great  West,  arriving  at  Fort  Winnebago  in  about  one  month.  Here  he  purchased  a  farm  in  the 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  on  which  he  resided  sixteen  yeai-s,  when  he  removed  to  Westfield, 
Marquette  County,  where  he  died  January,  1870,  leaving  his  aged  companion  and  three  children 
to  mourn  his  loss. 

When  a  young  man,  he  affiliated  with  the  Democratic  party,  but  when  the  slavery  question 
was  prominently  agitated  in  the  early  day,  he  embraced  the  principles  of  the  Free-Soil  partv, 
and  was  a  delegate  to  the  convention  which  nominated  John  P.  Hale  for  President,  and  was  its 
presiding  officer.  On  the  organization  of  the  Republican  party,  he  identified  himself  with  it, 
and  was  a  consistent  advocate  of  its  principles  until  death.  While  a  citizen  of  New  Hampshire, 
he  was  often  elected  to  town  office,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  for  two 
years.  On  his  removal  to  this  State,  though  often  solicited,  he  invariably  declined  to  become  a 
candidate  for  any  office,  preferring  the  pleasures  of  a  private  life  to  the  excitement  and  turmoil 
attending  the  life  of  the  politician. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage,  together  with  his  wife,  he  united  with  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
with  which  body  he  was  a  consistent  member  until  he  was  called  to  his  reward  above.  To  him 
death  had  no  terrors,  for  he  did  not  die  as  one  without  hope. 

While  Mr.  Emerton  only  received  the  advantages  of  a  common-school  education,  he  was  a 
well-read  man  ;  well  versed  in  political,  scientific  and  religious  subjects,  and  especially  in  general 
history.     Few  men  were  better  posted  in  this  latter  department. 


622  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

It  has  been  we!!  said  of  him  that  he  was  a  gentleman  of  the  old  school.  It  mattered  not 
under  what  circumstances  he  was  placed ;  whether  dressed  in  the  common  every-day  clothes  of 
the  toiling  farmer,  or  in  the  broadcloth  of  the  man  of  leisure  ;  whether  in  company  with  the 
rich  or  poor,  the  scholar  or  the  ignorant  man,  he  was  ever  the  same  pleasant,  cultured  gentleman. 
It  was  natural  with  him.  In  the  family  circle,  he  was  kind  and  indulgent,  having  great  love  for 
his  wife  and  children ;  ever  ready  to  sacrifice  his  own  comfort  for  their  pleasure.  He  was  always 
in  good  humor,  and  fond  of  a  good  joke ;  a  good  story-teller,  and  was  always  ready  to  match  a 
good  one  related  by  another  by  a  better  one.  His  wit  was  proverbial,  and  few  cared  to  test 
him  in  a  war  of  words,  or  wete  ever  satisfied  at  the  end  of  the  encounter. 

JOSEPH    BAILEY 

was  born  in  May,  1827,  in  Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  and  removed  in  18.32,  with  his  father's  family, 
to  Livingston,  Fulton  Co.,  111.,  and  completed  his  education  at  Quincy.  He  spent  much  of  his 
early  life  in  the  lead  mines  near  Galena,  and  in  exploring  for  minerals  in  Kansas  and  Missouri. 

In  18-50,  he  took  up  his  residence  in  Columbia  County,  Wis.,  and,  in  conjunction  with  Jona- 
than Bowman,  founded  the  village  of  Newport.  When  the  rebellion  broke  out,  he  was  engaged 
in  the  real-estate  !)usiness,  lumbering,  and  contracting  on  the  public  works.  He  imme- 
diately proceeded  to  raise  a  company  of  lumbermen,  and  tendering  its  services  to  Gov.  Randall, 
it  was  accepted.  He  was  commissioned  as  Captain,  and  his  company  assigned  to  the  Fourth 
Regiment,  Col.  Paine,  and  moved  with  his  regiment  to  Baltimore.  Here  Capt.  Bailey's  peculiar 
talents  were  brought  into  use.  AVhile  stationed  at  the  Relay  House,  he  superintended  the  con- 
struction of  Fort  Dix,  a  small  but  powerful  work,  which  commanded  the  "viaduct"  at  that 
point.  After  this,  he  was  employed  in  the  construction  of  barracks  for  the  regiment,  in  Pat- 
terson Park,  Baltimore,  and  in  twenty-eight  days  completed  a  building  1,550x28  feet,  with  quar- 
termaster and  commissary  buildings,  and  officers'  quarters. 

Capt.  Bailey  accompanied  the  movements  of  the  Fourth  Wisconsin  to  Ship  Island,  New 
Orleans,  and  up  the  river  to  Vicksburg.  Here  he  spent  three  days  with  six  of  his  men,  recon- 
noitering  in  the  rear  of  the  city,  ascertaining  that  the  enemy  had  eight  guns  in  position.  Return- 
ing with  the  second  expedition,  Capt.  Bailey  was  placed  in  command  of  the  "  working  details  " 
on  the  famous  Butler  "canal"  or  "cut-off."  The  work  was  engineered  by  a  Polish  engineer, 
and  proved  a  failure.  Continuing  with  the  Fourth  Wisconsin  until  September,  1862,  Capt. 
Bailey  was  detached  by  Gen.  Butler  to  superintend  the  construction  of  Government  levees,  In 
October,  he  was  ordered  to  construct  a  fortification  on  the  right  of  Fort  Parapet.  After  its 
completion,  another  work  was  constructed  on  the  south  side  of  the  Parapet,  and  also  a  sti'ong 
fort  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  These  works  occupied  his  attention  during  the  winter  of 
1862-6.3. 

About  this  time,  he  was  appointed  Chief  Engineer  on  Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman's  staff,  and  was 
subsequently  employed  in  erecting  heavy  fortifications  at  Pass  Manchac. 

Capt.  Bailey  was  promoted  to  Major  of  the  Fourth  Wisconsin,  in  March,  1863,  but  still 
retained  his  position  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  Sherman.  In  tlie  investment  of  Port  Hudson,  in  May, 
it  was  found  necessary  to  plant  a  battery  on  a  ridge,  which  was  commanded  by  a  direct  and 
enfilading  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery  and  musketry.  The  project  was  pronounced  impracti- 
cable, except  at  a  great  loss  of  life,  by  "the  Chief  Engineer  and  his  subordinates,  except  Maj. 
Bailey,  who  thought  it  might  be  accomplished,  and  urged  his  opinion  with  such  pertinacity  that 
the  commanding  General  consented  that  the  Major  should  make  the  attempt  at  its  construction. 
Furnished  with  a  detail  from  the  Engineer  Corps,  and  a  regiment  of  infantry  as  supi)orts,  with 
characteristic  energy  the  Major  commenced  his  work,  and,  notwithstanding  the  doubts  and  sneers 
of  educated  engineers,  which  were  plentifully  bestowed,  in  seventy-two  hours  he  astonished  the 
enemy  by  unmasking,  within  320  yards  of  their  strongest  work,  a  powerful  battery  of  eighteen 
nine-inch  guns,  which  completely  silenced,  and  kept  silent,  the  enemy  in  his  front.  Maj.  Bailey 
also  constructed  a  mine  under  one  of  the  principal  works  of  the  enemy,  by  running  a  drift  to  a 


^     (^DECEASED^  COLUMBUS 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  525 

point  in  front  of  the  water-side  of  the  citadel,  a  distance  of  over  four  hundred  yards ;  from  this 
he  approached,  by  a  series  of  parallels,  to  the  base  of  the  enemy's  works,  under  which  he  exca- 
vated a  horizontal  shaft,  180  feet  in  length,  and  at  the  terminus  deposited  twelve  barrels  of  pow- 
der, and  was  nearly  ready  to  explode  the  mine,  on  the  4th  of  July,  when  the  place  was  surren- 
dered. For  his  services  during  the  siege,  he  was  highly  complimented  by  Gen.  Banks,  who 
issued  an  order  promoting  him  to  the  colonelcy  of  the  Fourth  Regiment.  He  at  once  took 
command  of  the  regiment,  but  the  authority  of  Gen.  Banks  to  promote  oiEcers  in  the  field  was 
not  recognized  by  the  War  Department,  and  Col.  Boardman  was  placed  in  command  of  the  regi- 
ment, Maj.  Bailey  being  promoted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  patriotically  acquiescing  in  the  decision 
of  his  superiors. 

During  the  winter  of  186-3-64,  Lieut.  Col.  Bailey  was  engaged  in  recruiting  in  Wisconsin, 
and,  in  February,  1864,  returned  to  the  regiment  with  recruits  sufficient  to  fill  the  Fourth  Wis- 
consin to  the  maximum  as  a  cavalry  regiment. 

On  the  8th  of  March,  he  was  detached,  to  serve  as  Chief  Engineer  on  the  staff  of  Gen. 
Franklin,  that  General  commanding  the  Nineteenth  Corps,  and  accompanied  that  corps  on  the 
Red  River  expedition,  returning  with  the  army  of  Gen.  Banks  to  Alexandria,  where  it  was 
ascertained  that  the  water  in  Red  River  was  so  low  that  the  fleet  of  gunboats  and  transports 
could  not  pass  the  lower  falls. 

With  an  army  dispirited  by  disaster,  a  powerful  force  of  the  enemy  threatening  an  attack 
hourly,  commissary  supplies  nearly  exhausted,  with  the  fleet  of  gunboats  and  transports  thus 
helpless  and  useless,  every  expedient  to  relieve  them  was  abandoned  as  hopeless  by  those  who 
had  made  military  engineering  a  study  for  life.  It  was  left  for  an  obscure  lumberman  from 
Columbia  County  to  put  in  practice  that  experience  which,  on  a  smaller  scale,  had  enabled  him 
and  his  brother-raftsmen  to  get  their  rafts  o9'  the  sand-bars  and  obstructions  common  to  the 
streams  on  which  they  ply  their  trade. 

Col.  Bailey  suggested  the  building  of  a  dam,  640  feet  in  length,  to  raise  the  water  on  the 
rapids,  to  enable  the  imprisoned  vessels  to  pass  over.  The  project  was  scoffed  at  by  the  regular 
engineers,  but  Col.  Bailey  obtained  permission  and  at  once  went  to  work,  and  within  eleven 
days  had  the  dam  completed,  and,  after  a  little  delay,  gunboats  and  transports  were  passed  over 
the  obstructions,  and  the  army  started  on  its  way  rejoicing. 

This  was  the  crowning  glory  in  the  military  career  of  Col.  Bailey.  He  received  from  all 
sides  compliments  for  his  skill  and  ingenuity.  Commodore  Porter  thanked  him  in  a  public  let- 
ter.    Congress  passed  the  following  vote  of  thanks  : 

Resolved,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  thanks  of  Congresa  be  and 
are  hereby  tendered  Lieut.  Col.  .Joseph  Bailey,  of  the  Fourth  Regiment  Wisconsin  Volunteers.  Acting  Engineer  of 
the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps,  for  distinguished  services  in  recent  campaigns  on  Red  River,  by  which  the  gunboat  flo- 
tilla, under  Rear  Admiral  David  D.  Porter,  was  rescued  from  imminent  peril.  And  be  it  further  resolved.  That  the 
President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  cause  a  copy  of  this  resolution  to  be  transmitted  to  Lieut.  Col.  Bailey. 

The  rank  of  Brevet  Brigadier  General  was  also  conferred  upon  him,  as  a  slight  acknowl- 
edgement for  his  important  services. 

In  the  passage  of  the  army  across  the  Atchafalaya,  at  Simonsport,  the  ingenuity  of  Col. 
Bailey  constructed  a  bridge  of  the  transports  of  the  fleet,  which  passed  the  whole  army  safely 
over,  and,  in  twelve  minutes  after  the  last  wagon  had  crossed,  the  fleet  of  floats  which  had  con- 
stituted the  bridge  were  steaming  rapidly  toward  the  Mississippi. 

On  the  10th  of  June,  1864,  Col.  Bailey  was  brevetted  Brigadier  General,  as  previously 
mentioned,  an^l  was  consigned  to  the  command  of  a  brigade,  and  was  stationed  on  the  Missis- 
sippi and  White  Rivers,  and  was  subsequently  assigned  to  the  command  of  all  the  besieging 
forces  operating  against  Fort  Morgan,  in  Mobile  Bay,  and  took  the  place.  After  this,  he  was 
sent  to  Pensacola,  took  command  of  the  district,  and  was  successful  in  three  small  engagements. 

On  the  10th  of  November,  he  received  a  commission  as  Brigadier  General.  He  returned 
to  Baton  Rouge  and  commanded  the  First  Division  of  Gen.  Davidson's  corps  of  cavalry,  on  his 
raid  through  Louisiana,  Alabama  and  Mississippi.      Returning,  with  his  division,  to  Baton 

M 


526  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Rouge,  he  was  put  in  command  of  the  Northern  District  of  Louisiana,  with  headquarters  at 
Baton  Rouge,  and,  in  March,  1865,  was  ordered  to  join  Gen.  Canby,  on  Mobile  Bay,  and  com- 
manded all  the  engineer  forces,  consisting  of  a  division  and  detachments  of  the  army  which 
finally  took  Mobile. 

After  the  fall  of  Mobile,  he  was  placed  in  command  of  a  cavalry  division,  and  moved  from 
there  to  Baton  Rouge,  by  land,  with  orders  to  look  after  Jeff  Davis,  who  was  then  trying  to 
leave  the  country.  Gen.  Bailey  remained  in  this  position  until  he  resigned.  During  his  mili- 
tary career,  he  was  several  times  wounded,  but  not  severely  enough  to  detain  him  from  duty 
for  more  than  two  days. 

Gen.  Bailey  was  married  in  1846  to  Miss  Mary  Spaulding,  by  whom  he  had  seven  chil- 
dren. In  the  fall  of  1865,  after  returning  from  the  army,  he  removed  to  Missouri,  settling  finally 
in  Vernon  County.  In  the  fall  of  1866,  he  was  elected  Sheriff  of  the  county,  and,  in  the  discharge 
of  his  official  duties,  he  was  killed  by  two  brothers  named  Pixley,  March  25,  1867.  The  mur- 
derers escaped  and  were  never  captured,  notwithstanding  a  reward  of  $5,000  was  offered 
and  every  effort  made  for  their  capture.  A  widow  and  five  children  were  left  to  mourn 
his  loss. 

Gen.  Bailey  was  highly  respected  by  all  who  knew  him,  being  brave  and  generous  to  a 
fault.  He  was  very  fond  of  his  family,  and  never  so  happy  as  when  with  them.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  and  was  buried  with  Masonic  honors. 

HENRY    MERRELL. 

His  father,  Benajah  Merrell,  was  born  in  New  Hartford,  Conn.,  June  18,  1766.  His 
mother,  Lucretia  Henderson,  was  born  in  the  same  place  September  7,  1768.  Very  little  of 
the  history  of  his  parents  is  known,  save  that  they  were  farmers  in  moderate  circumstances. 
His  mother  relates  that,  prior  to  the  outbreak  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  those  who  used  tea 
were  considered  as  Tories,  therefore  little,  if  any,  was  used  ;  that  at  one  time,  supposed  to  be 
when  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  had  reached  them,  her  father  rushed  into  the  church 
where  the  people  had  assembled  for  worship,  crying,  "  Turn  out !  turn  out  !  the  British  are 
coming  !  "  which  had  the  effect  of  hastily  breaking  up  the  meeting.  The  marriage  of  Benajah 
Merrell  and  Miss  Henderson  occurred  in  their  native  town  September  18,  1789.  Soon  after 
this,  they  moved  to  New  Hartford,  N.  Y.  This  was  before  there  were  any  public  conveyances 
west  of  Albany,  N.  Y.,  Mrs.  Merrell  traveling  the  entire  distance  on  horseback.  Passing 
through  Utica,  where  there  were  at  the  time  but  a  few  log  houses,  and,  not  fancying  its  location, 
they  proceeded  four  miles  beyond  and  settled  on  the  river,  in  New  Hartford.  Here  Mr.  Merrell 
embarked  in  the  mercantile  business,  at  the  same  time  building  a  grist-mill — the  first  in  that 
region,  and,  probably,  the  first  west  of  Albany.  While  here,  he  sold  a  span  of  horses  to  Jason 
Parker,  and  went  with  him  into  the  woods  to  cut  the  poles  to  cover  the  wagon  to  be  used  as  a 
stage — the  first  ever  run  between  Albany  and  Utica.  Subsequently,  he  removed  to  L^tica,  and 
was  elected  Sheriff.  Eight  children  were  born  to  this  worthy  couple,  four  sons  and  four 
daughters,  all  of  whom  grew  to  men's  and  women's  estate.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the 
seventh  child,  and  was  born  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  August  7,  1804,  where  he  obtained  his  education. 
In  1819,  with  his  father's  family,  he  removed  to  Sacket's  Harbor,  N.  Y.,  where  his  elder  brother, 
Hiram,  had  been  since  1812,  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  In  a  short  time,  Mr.  Merrell 
went  into  his  brother's  store  as  a  clerk,  and  remained  with  him  until  1823.  In  the  fall  of  that 
year,  he  received  a  proposal  from,  and  went  to  Utica  and  engaged  with,  Alexander  Seymour,  as 
head  clerk  and  book-keeper  of  his  establishment.  Here  he  made  many  influential  friends  and 
acquaintances,  among  whom  were  Montgomery  Hunt,  President  of  the  Utica  Bank ;  Mr. 
Lathrop,  of  the  Ontario  Bank ;  Henry  Seymour,  Canal  Commissioner  and  father  of  ex-Gov. 
Seymour,  and  many  others.  While  here,  he  had  the  privilege  of  hearing  William  Lloyd  Garri- 
son deliver  an  Abolition  lecture,  the  first  in  his  life. 

In  the  spring  of  1825,  his  brother  Hiram  made  him  an  ofier  to  return  to  Sacket's  Harbor 
and  embark  with  him  in  the  mercantile  business,  which  was  accepted.     Here  the  entire  charge 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  527 

of  the  store  was  thrown  upon  him,  giving  him  experience  useful  to  him  in  after  life.  At  this 
place,  he  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Commodore  Woolsey,  Gen.  Brady,  Col.  Cummings,  Maj. 
N.  Clark,  Paymaster  Satterlee  Clark,  Sr.,  Gen.  Wool,  and  many  others  famous  in  history. 

In  1834,  he  made  up  his  mind  to  go  West,  and  Capt.  Clitz,  a  recruiting  officer  in  Utica, 
hearing  of  it,  wrote  him  of  an  opportunity  to  embark  in  the  sutler  business  at  Fort  Winnebago, 
Wis.,  and  advised  him  to  come  to  Utica  and  see  about  it.  This  letter  was  shown  to  his  friend, 
Lieut.  Bradley,  who  advised  him  to  go,  representing  the  country  as  the  most  beautiful  he  ever 
saw.  Taking  the  stage  for  Utica,  Mr.  Merrell  called  upon  Capt.  Clitz,  and  was  fortunate 
in  there  meeting  Col.  Cummings,  who  had  been  through  Wisconsin  also.  He  was  by  these  men 
introduced  to  Satterlee  Clark,  Sr.,  who  held  the  appointment  of  sutler  at  the  fort.  An  arrange- 
ment was  effected,  and  Mr.  Merrell  returned  to  Sacket's  Harbor  to  make  his  arrangements  for 
embarking  in  the  business.  The  brother  of  Mr.  Merrell  was  greatly  surprised  that  he  should 
undertake  any  business  without  first  consulting  him,  and  inquired  where  he  was  to  get  the  money 
necessary.  Henry  replied  he  intended  asking  a  certain  person  to  indorse  for  him.  This  greatly 
amused  the  brother,  as  the  gentleman  named  was  known  to  be  very  close  and  cautious  in  all 
things,  and  seldom  indorsed  for  any  one.  But  Henry  was  not  mistaken  in  his  man.  His  note 
was  indorsed,  money  obtained,  and  he  went  to  New  York  to  purchase  his  stock. 

In  New  York,  he  was  fortunate  in  meeting  several  old  acquaintances,  who  favored  him  by 
introducing  him  to  leading  business  houses,  where  he  obtained  credit  for  all  the  stock  desired. 
He  was  also  fortunate  in  meeting  several  sutlers  from  other  posts,  who  gave  him  much  valuable 
information  as  to  what  he  should  buy.  He  came  to  Fort  Winnebago  when  it  was  a  military 
post,  in  1834,  and  held  the  position  of  sutler.  He  was  engaged  in  merchandising  for  a  number  of 
years,  and  was  elected  Senator  from  the  Portage  District  after  the  adoption  of  the  State  Consti- 
tution in  1848.  He  resided  here  from  1834  till  his  death,  but  devoted  his  time  to  business 
rather  than  public  matters,  and  by  his  energy  and  foresight  acquired  a  handsome  fortune.  For 
a  number  of  years  previous  to  his  death,  he  had  been  engaged  in  active  business  in  La  Crosse, 
and  came  to  his  home  from  that  city  the  previous  week  feeling  unwell,  and  two  days  afterward 
fell  into  a  stupor,  from  which  he  was  raised  with  great  difficulty  by  his  attending  physicians. 
After  he  was  restored  to  consciousness,  he  did  not  recover  his  strength,  but  continued  to  decline 
gradually,  but  certainly,  up  to  the  last  hour,  when  he  passed  away  without  a  struggle.  During 
his  long  residence  in  Portage,  he  always  commanded  the  greatest  respect.  His  amiability  and 
cheerfulness  of  character,  and  his  active  sympathy  in  every  good  and  charitable  work,  endeared 
him  to  his  friends  and  the  community  where  he  so  long  resided.  His  name  was  intimately  inter- 
woven with  the  early  settlers  and  pioneers  of  Wisconsin,  by  all  of  whom  he  was  respected  and 
esteemed.  He  passed  away  after  a  busy  life,  at  a  ripe  old  age,  without  a  blemish  on  his  record, 
and  universally  regretted.     His  death  occurred  May  5,  1876. 

JULIUS    CONVEESE    CHANDLER 

was  born  at  West  Randolph,  Orange  Co.,  Vt.,  August  23,  1833.  The  disease  of  which  he 
died  was  dropsy,  induced  by  cirrhosis  of  the  liver. 

He  was  the  fifth  son  of  William  B.  Chandler,  in  a  fiimily  of  thirteen  children,  all  of  whom 
possessed  strong  characteristics,  and  several  of  them  have  occupied  important  and  responsible 
positions,  both  in  civil  and  public  life.  Julius  entered  as  an  apprentice  to  the  printing  trade  at 
an  early  age  in  the  office  of  the  Green  Mountain  Freeinan,  published  at  Montpelier,  Vt.,  which 
was  the  leading  paper  in  the  State. 

On  completing  his  apprenticeship,  he  set  out  as  a  journeyman,  his  first  stopping-place 
being  Quincy,  Mass.  In  1858,  he  went  thence  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  his  brother  William 
then  resided,  and  worked  for  a  time  as  compositor  on  the  Leader.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year, 
he  weat  back  to  Quincy,  and  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  W.  Adams,  of  that  place.  Returning 
to  Cleveland,  he  contiiaifcd  his  work  there  until  August,  1854,  when  he  removed  to  Janesville, 
in  this  State,  where  he  worked  on  the  Democrat,  of  which  Judge  Armstrong  was  editor.  From 
Janesville  he  came  to  Portage,  where  he  and  his  brother,  John  A.,  started  the  Independent. 


528  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

John  withdrew  at  the  end  of  nine  months,  and  after  the  paper  had  lived  two  years,  Julius  sold 
to  Robert  B.  Wentworth.  He  continued  a  year  longer  in  Portage,  out  of  business  and  then 
went  to  Friendship  and  started  the  Adams  County  Independent ,  which  he  published  till  the 
war  broke  out,  when  enlisted  in  the  Second  Regiment.  In  the  first  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  he  was  disabled  so  that  he  was  discharged  from  the  sei'vice.  He  then  returned  to 
Friendship,  and  continued  the  Independent  irregularly  till  May,  1864,  when  he  again  enlisted, 
this  time  in  the  Fortieth,  a  100-day  regiment,  serving  till  October.  In  December  of  the  same 
year,  he  entered  the  service  of  his  brother,  William  W.,  as  traveling  agent  of  the  Star  Freight 
Line,  and  so  continued  for  about  two  years  and  a  half,  in  the  mean  time  selling  his  office  at 
Friendship.  In  1867,  he  removed  to  Baraboo,  after  which  his  career  was  still  more  erratic  and 
unsteady  than  before.  There  he  published  for  awhile  the  Baraboo  Independent^  and  again  the 
Sauk  County  Herald.  Still  later,  he  made  newspaper  ventures  at  Augusta,  Eau  Claire  and 
Elroy,  and,  in  1877,  he  edited  a  paper  called  Frontiei-  Business,  at  Morris,  Minn.  In  the 
intervals  between  these  many  ventures  were  times  when  he  was  wholly  out  of  business  or 
employment. 

The  sobriquet,  "  Shanghai,"  was  given  to  him  by  the  local  Democratic  politicians,  as  the 
representative  of  the  Republican  or  "  Shanghai  "  party,  as  it  was  called  by  the  Democracy  in 
1854—55.  The  new  species  of  Shanghai  poultry  was  introduced  into  the  State  about  the  time 
the  Republican  party  was  in  the  period  of  incubation.  When  it  finally  made  its  appearance,  it 
was  dubbed  the  "  Shanghai  party,"  because  it  was  a  new  species  of  fowl  in  the  political  barn- 
yard. Mr.  Chandler's  ardent  advocacy  of  the  principles  of  the  new  party,  as  well  as  his  per- 
sonal appearance,  obtained  for  him  the  cognomen  of  "  the  Shanghai  ;"  he  accepted  it  and  used 
it  as  his  nom  de  plume  in  some  of  his  correspondence,  and  by  it  he  ever  after  was  generally 
known.  He  died  at  Baraboo,  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.,  August  28,  1878,  aged  forty-five  years  and  five 
days. 

SAMUEL    K.    VAUGHAN 

was  born  in  South  Adams,  Mass.,  April  20,  1824,  In  1841  the  family  moved  to  West  Troy, 
N.  Y.,  where  his  father  and  he  engaged  in  the  boot  and  shoe  business.  He  was  married  on  the 
10th  of  June,  1844,  to  Miss  Lavinna  W.  Wandell,  of  West  Troy.  He  came  West  in  1848, 
and  opened  a  boot  and  shoe  establishment  at  Waupun,  where  he  remained  nearly  four  years. 
Meanwhile  he  studied  law,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  Fond  du  Lac  in  1852,  and  the  same 
yes-r  he  moved  to  Wyocena,  which  was  then  the  county  seat  of  Columbia  County.  He 
was  elected  Clerk  of  the  Court,  in  1852,  and  when  the  county  seat  was  changed  he 
removed  to  Portage ;  he  was  re-elected  and  served  acceptably.  He  then  re-established 
himself  in  the  boot  and  shoe  business  in  Portage.  When  Fort  Sumter  was  fired  on,  he 
promptly  organized  a  company  in  Portage,  of  which  he  was  commissioned  Second  Lieu- 
tenant, to  rank  from  April  25,  1861.  His  company  was  mustered  in  as  "three  months'  men," 
in  the  Second  Regiment  of  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  was  in  the  first  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  soon  after  which  he  was  taken  sick  and  was  discharged.  He  came  home,  recovered,  raised  a 
company  and  was  commissioned  a  Captain  in  the  Nineteenth  Regiment,  to  rank  from  December  19, 
1861.  On  the  3d  of  December,  1863.  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major.  His  commission  as 
Lieutenant  Colonel  ranks  from  April  28,  1865.  His  commission  as  Colonel,  by  brevet,  dates 
August  y,  1865,  and  his  colonelcy  ranks  from  August  31,  1865.  On  the  22d  of  May,  1866,  he 
was  honored  with  the  commission  of  Brigadier  General,  by  brevet,  in  recognition  of  his  "efficient 
and  zealous  services,"  and  he  was  to  rank  as  such  from  August  9, 1865,  which  was  the  date  of  his 
discharge  at  Richmond,  Va.  He  was  elected  Sherifi"  of  Columbia  County,  in  the  fall  of  1866. 
and  served  during  the  years  1867  and  1868.  At  the  expiration  of  his  office,  he  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  fanning-mills.  The  Colonel's  health  was  never  good  after  the  war  ;  his  final  ill- 
ness was  brief  but  severe  ;  the  leading  cause  of  his  death  was  rheumatism  of  the  heart.  He  died 
on  the  27th  of  September,  1872.  Few  men  e.xcelled  him  in  attractive  social  qualities ;  he  was 
public-spirited  and  deservedly  popular.  While  a  resident  of  Fond  du  Lac  County,  he  served 
several  terms  on  the  Board  of  Supervisors.     His  home  was  the  abode  of  generous  hospitality. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  529 

He  was  domestic  in  his  tastes  and  devotedly  attached  to  his  family.  While  in  the  service,  he 
was  a  faithful  home  correspondent.  In  his  early  life  he  was  an  active  Good  Templar,  and  was 
always  a  consistent  temperance  man.  He  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows ;  a  man  of  strong  convictions,  a  positive  character,  but  his  sound  sense  and  good 
nature  prevented  his  making  enemies.  He  was  a  kind  friend  and  a  valued  citizen.  His  widow 
still  lives  in  Portage,  on  the  homestead.     He  was  the  father  of  four  children. 

JOSEPH    KERR. 

Mr.  Kerr  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Columbia  County.  Scarcely  any  man  in  it  had 
been  more  intimately  connected  with  its  history,  or  had  taken  a  livelier  interest  in  its  growth 
and  prosperity,  for  the  ten  years  preceding  his  death,  than  Mr.  Kerr.  In  his  own  town,  Ran- 
dolph, he  was  rapidly  called  by  the  suffrages  of  his  townsmen  to  fill  offices  of  trust  and  impor- 
tance. He  was  for  years  Chairman  of  its  Board  of  Supervisors,  and  three  times  elected  Chair- 
man of  the  County  Board.  He  represented  Columbia  County  in  the  Legislature  for  two  terms 
— 1848  and  1849 — with  honor  and  ability;  and,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  he  was  a  Director  in 
the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company. 

Possessing  fair  ability,  with  good  business  talents,  in  whatever  station  he  was  placed,  he 
acquitted  himself  honorably  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  all.  A  devoted  and  affectionate  husband, 
a  kind  and  indulgent  parent,  a  good  neighbor  and  obliging  friend,  and  honest  man  and  a  sincere 
Christian,  Mr.  Kerr  lived  beloved  and  respected,  and  died  January  22,  1855,  in  Randolph, 
mourned  by  all  who  knew  him. 

JOHN    PARDEE. 

Mr.  Pardee  was  born  in  Norfolk,  Litchfield  Co.,  Conn.,  February  15,  1796.  He  removed 
with  his  parents,  when  quite  young,  to  Marcellus  (now  Skaneateles),  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.  At 
the  age  of  sixteen,  he  was  left,  by  the  death  of  his  father,  in  charge  of  a  family  of  six  younger 
brothers  and  sisters,  of  whom  he  had  charge  until  they  were  grown.  He  served  in  the  war  of 
1812.  In  1824,  he  removed  with  his  mother  to  Wadsworth,  Medina  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he 
engaged  in  merchandising  for  thirty  years.  •  He  removed  to  Wisconsin  in  1859,  settling  at 
Pardeeville,  remaining  there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  26th  of  June,  1873,  after  a 
lingering  illness  of  more  than  three  years'  duration.  Mr.  Pardee  was  always  affable  and 
courteous  in  his  manner,  and  impressed  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact  as  being  a  gentleman 
at  all  times  and  under  all  circumstances. 

ANDREW    SWEANY 

was  born  in  the  town  of  Luny,  county  of  Derry,  Ireland,  October  29,  1829.  He  came  to 
Quebec,  Canada,  in  July,  1842 ;  thence  he  removed  directly  to  the  State  of  Vermont.  After  a 
few  weeks  he  went  to  Schuyler  Falls,  N.  Y.,  and  attended  a  high  school  at  that  place,  taking  a 
very  high  rank  as  a  scholar,  in  the  class  of  which  he  was  a  member.  After  remaining  there  a 
few  years,  he  went  to  St.  John's,  Canada.  From  this  place  he  moved  to  New  Hampshire.  On 
the  4th  of  October,  1849,  he,  with  the  rest  of  the  fiimily,  came  to  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago. 
He  was  elected  Superintendent  of  Schools,  for  the  town,  in  1852 ;  in  1855  was  chosen  Town 
Clerk  ;  he  was  elected  Chairman  of  the  town  for  the  years  1857  and  1858.  During  the  sessions 
of  the  County  Board  in  these  years,  he  was  an  active  and  prominent  member.  As  Chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  the  Poor,  he  recommended  and  strenuously  advocated  the  "  County  System  " 
for  their  maintenance.  Through  his  efforts,  with  those  of  some  other  members,  he  had  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  the  present  Poor  system  for  the  county  adopted,  at  the  session  in  1858.  He 
remained  in  the  vicinity  until  he  entered  a  seminary  some  years  previous  to  his  death.  He 
considered  he  had  a  call  for  the  ministry  of  the  Catholic  Church.  Had  he  commenced  his 
studies  sooner,  he  would  undoubtedly  have  become  an  able,  learned  and  zealous  clergyman.  It 
should,  however,  be  remarked  that  he  had  commenced  to  study  for  the  same  end,  when  sixteen 


530 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


years  of  age;  but  his  parents,  fearing  for   his   health,  advised  him  to  discontinue,  which,  in 
obedience  to  their  wishes,  he  did  ;  but  the  desire  still  remained. 

He  was  of  remarkable  depth  of  mind,  gifted  with  a  clear,  well-poised  intellect  and  good 
natural  endow^ments.  His  apprehension  was  quick  and  judgment  accurate.  No  one  could  more 
nicely  or  justly  discriminate  the  defects  or  excellencies  of  a  performance,  or  the  exhibition  of 
talent  or  genius,  but  his  good  sense  and  self-difBdence  generally  suppressed  the  declaration  of 
his  sentiments.  He  valued  and  appreciated  erudition  in  all  its  branches  and  for  all  its  legitimate 
purposes,  and  strove  patiently  and  laboriously  to  acquire  an  extensive  knowledge  of  sound  litera- 
ture. He  was  a  rapid,  correct  and  instructive  writer  ;  he  could  speak,  too,  and  when  he  did  so, 
it  told  with  effect — it  was  always  to  the  point.  He  was  a  firm,  consistent  and  conscientious 
Catholic,  but  his  homage  was  a  reasonable  one.  He  was  not  fanatic  or  visionary.  His  venera- 
tion for  religion  and  its  ministers  was  not  servile  or  forced  ;  not  springing  from  ignorance  or 
superstition,  but  voluntary  and  enlightened.  For  those  who  differed  with  him  in  his  religious 
convictions,  he  retained  neither  hatred  nor  prejudice.  His  nature  was  to  show  respect  and  proper 
appreciation  for  tlie  honest  opinions  and  convictions  of  his  fellow-creatures ;  he  did  not  display 
aggressiveness,  even  when  convinced  of  the  justness  of  his  cause;  hence  the  respect  in  which 
his  opinions  were  held,  even  by  those  wtio  did  not  agree  or  coincide  with  them.  He  died  in  the 
town  of  Fort  Winnebago  March  20,  1873. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  531 


CHAPTER    IX. 

The  Columbia  County  Pbess— Common  Schools— County  Board  of  Supervisors— Authors 
AND  Artists— President  Hayes  and  Party— Columbia  County's  War  Record— Colum- 
bia County'  of  To-Day-. 

the  columbia  county  press. 

Thirty  years  ago,  John  Delaney  settled  in  Portage,  and  commenced  practicing  law.  He 
had  pursued  the  duties  of  his  profession  but  a  short  time  when  he  was  induced  to  take  advan- 
tage of  an  opportunity  then  offering  to  establish  a  newspaper  in  what,  even  at  that  early  date, 
promised  to  be  a  leading  city  of  the  Badger  State.  Procuring  a  few  cases  of  type  and  an 
ancient  printing-press,  he  commenced  business,  having  his  brother  James  for  a  partner. 
"Delaney  Brothers"  was  the  style  and  title  of  the  firm,  and  the  first  number  of  their  paper 
bore  date  of  July  4,  1850,  being  issued  from  a  small  wooden  building  which  stood  on  the 
northwest  side  of  the  canal,  in  the  vicinity  of  Lewis'  lumber-yard.  It  was  called  the  River 
Times,  was  a  six-column  folio.  Democratic  in  politics,  and  thoroughly  en  rapport  with  the 
spirit  of  improvement  then  existing. 

The  editor,  in  his  salutatory,  said :  "  We  this  day  publish  the  first  number  of  the  Fox 
and  Wisconsin  River  Times.  If  it  is  not  a  curiosity  now,  it  will  be  hereafter,  as  the  first 
paper  published  in  the  city  of  Fort  Winnebago."  Truly,  the  transfer  of  a  printing-office  to 
Fort  Winnebago  (as  Portage  was  then  called)  and  the  setting  it  in  motion  must  have  been  no 
light  task,  and  the  first  issue  implies  the  exercise  of  much  energy  and  enterprise.  Evi- 
dently, the  men  who  accomplished  the  work  were  not  then  deterred  by  trifles.  "  That  gov- 
ernment is  best  which  governs  least "  was  the  motto  of  the  River  Times,  and  above  the  edito- 
rial columns  appeared  the  unqualified  assertion,  "  The  world  is  governed  too  much." 

The  initial  number  was  a  well-printed,  creditable  sheet,  full  of  vigor  and  vigilance  for 
those  days.  Its  contents  were :  A  beautiful  poetic  selection  from  the  Louisville  Journal; 
"  London  at  Night ;  "  "England  and  the  United  States;"  "  The  Lady  ;  "  "  A  New  Orleans 
Mazzaroni " — a  story  wherein  was  told  how  a  New  Orleans  burglar  had  stolen  the  jewelry  of 
a  young  husband  and  wife,  from  beneath  their  pillow  while  they  were  asleep,  and,  with  cool 
impudence,  had  kissed  the  bride  on  departing ;  "Advice  to  Unmarried  Ladies"  is  followed 
by  a  spirited  and  hopeful  editorial  on  Northern  Wisconsin,  in  which  the  writer  cites  the  causes 
of  immigration,  and  tells  why  it  has  hitherto  settled  chiefly  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  State. 
But  he  declares  that  the  era  for  the  opening-up  of  the  prairies,  the  forests,  the  streams  and  the 
lakes  of  Northern  and  Western  Wisconsin,  is  at  hand.  And  succeeding  years  have  told  how 
truly  he  prophesied.  Even  then,  he  speaks  of  the  feasibility  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin 
Improvement — a  direct  inland  water  communication  between  New  York  and  New  Orleans,  via 
Portage^ — as  placed  beyond  question,  with  the  means  at  hand  for  its  completion.  He  declares 
that  the  short  canal  to  connect  the  streams  will  be  finished  that  summer,  and  states  that  the 
Wisconsin  is  traversed  regularly  by  steamers  throughout  the  whole  route,  and  that  the  navi- 
gable portions  of  the  Fox  have  each  its  steamboat,  plying  between  towns  and  cities.  He  has 
much  else  to  say  in  support  of  this  scheme,  and  reprints,  in  its  favor,  large  extracts  from  the 
Green  Bay  Advocate  and  Oshkosh  Democrat. 

But  the  advertisements  of  that  number  will  give  something  of  an  idea  of  who  were  doing 
business  in  Portage  that  summer,  thirty  years  ago.  T.  Dean  &  Co.  continued  to  hold  out 
inducements  to  the  trading  public,  in  dry  goods,  groceries,  boots  and  shoes,  ready-made  clothing, 
stoves  and  tin  and  hardware ;  John  Strong,  of  the  Banner  Store,  was  a  wholesale  and  retail 
dealer  much  in  the  same  line  of  goods.     Keegan  &  Moore  had  the  prices  of  these  commodities 


532  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

at  an  enticingly  low  ebb,  at  Fort  Winnebago,  and  handled  also  lumber,  square  timber  and 
shingles,  in  Wauona,  which  was  Gov.  Doty's  Indian  for  the  Portage.  Walter  W.  Kellogg  was 
an  attorney  and  counselor  at  law  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  M.  D.  Ingraham  did  business  also 
as  an  attorney,  counselor  and  land  and  collecting  agent,  and  was  a  Notary.  William  R.  De 
Witt  and  J.  A.  Johnson,  too,  were  attorneys  and  counselors  and  solicitors  in  chancery.  L.  Van 
Slyck  was  a  Justice ;  and  G.  T.  Getty,  as  Postmaster,  advertised  an  extensive  list  of  unclaimed 
letters  remaining  in  the  post  office  at  Fort  Winnebago. 

Editor  Delaney,  in  a  supplemental  greeting  to  the  public,  apologizes  for  not  describing  the 
town  and  adjacent  localities.  He  is  willing,  moreover,  to  receive  advertising  patronage.  His 
establishment  cost  him  $1,000,  and  current  expenses  were  heavy ;  but  he  hopes  that  he  has  not 
commenced  prematurely,  and  that  he  will  be  reimbursed  and  do  a  good  business,  the  newspaper 
having  become  necessary  to  civilization.  He  is  not  quite  sure  of  his  subscription  list,  however, 
and  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  who  his  patrons  are,  will  postpone  the  ne.xt  issue  for  three 
or  four  weeks.     The  next  paper,  in  fact,  was  not  published  until  August  5. 

This  initial  number  contains  also  some  sharp  comments  on  the  action  of  the  Legislature, 
the  conduct  of  which  is  pronounced  disgraceful  to  the  State ;  in  this  connection  appears  a  long 
communication  from  Abrara  Vanderpool  in  regard  to  a  law  on  taxation,  of  which  he  is  the  reputed 
father.  There  is  also  a  two-column  editorial  on  general  politics,  and  another  long  article  on  the 
balance  of  trade.  Resolutions  of  the  Legislature  are  printed,  instructing  the  Senators  and 
Representatives  of  Wisconsin  to  oppose  the  admission  of  any  more  Slave  States,  and  to  exert  their 
influence  against  slavery  and  the  slave  trade  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  The  editor  says  that 
the  resolution  against  the  admission  of  new  Slave  States  would  be  an  infamous  violation  of  national 
faith,  pledged  to  Texas  on  her  annexation.  He  admires  the  truly  national  spirit  of  Webster, 
Clay,  Cass  and  Dickenson,  and  prints  a  summary  of  the  remarks  of  the  former  on  the  bill  to 
admit  California. 

There  was  bad  blood  in  these  borders  then  concerning  the  action  of  the  "  Potters'  Emigration 
Society,"  in  England,  of  which  various  residents  of  this  locality  were  members.  A  meeting 
was  held  here,  June  3,  1850.  to  consider  misrepresentations  against  certain  individuals  of  the 
society.  Walter  Kellogg  was  Chairman,  and  L.  A.  Uliss,  Secretary.  Thomas  Bliss,  agent  of 
the  society,  invited  to  attend  and  answer,  did  not  appear.  It  was  the  sense  of  the  meeting  that 
the  "  Potters'  Emigration  Society"  was  a  direct  deception  on  the  woi'king  classes  of  the  British 
empire ;  and  L.  A.  Bliss,  John  S.  Campbell,  James  Henman  and  William  Ward,  were 
appointed  to  draft  a  memorial  to  Thomas  Duncombe,  Esq.,  member  of  Parliament  for  Maryle- 
bone,  to  obtain  his  influence  to  prevent  the  people  of  Great  Britain  from  emigrating  under  the 
auspices  of  such  society. 

A  communication  from  a  spectator  tells  how  a  two-year  old  daughter  of  one  Marion,  an  Irish 
laborer  on  the  canal,  fell  into  the  Fox  River  near  the  bathing-house  ;  how  Catherine  Rolland 
leaped  after  the  child  into  the  water  fourteen  feet  deep  ;  how  the  two  were  finally  rescued  by 
John  Kennedy,  and  how  Dr.  Prentice  restored  the  child  in  about  twenty  minutes.  The  editor 
that  week  received  the  Sauk  County  Standard,  printed  at  Baraboo,  by  McFaden  k  McLaugh- 
lin ;  a  sheet  firmly  Whig,  and  full  of  epithet  against  Democracy. 

There  is  other  reading  in  this  first  issue  of  the  River  Times,  among  which  is  the  full  text  of 
a  treaty  between  the  United  States,  by  Commissioner  William  Medill,  and  the  chiefs  of  the 
Menomonee  Indians,  made  at  Lake  Powaw-hay-kon-nay,  October  18,  1848,  James  K.  Polk  being 
President,  and  James  Buchanan,  Secretary  of  State. 

Volume  III,  No.  21  (June  6,  1853),  mourns  with  turned  column  rules  the  death  of  James 
Delaney,  Jr.,  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  River  Times.  The  unfortunate  journalist  waa 
drowned  in  the  Wisconsin  River  May  31.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  he  was  City  Clerk  of  Port- 
age, and  but  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  The  August  following,  John  A.  Brown  became  asso- 
ciated with  Joseph  Delaney,  brother  of  John  and  James,  in  the  publication  of  the  paper.  About 
the  same  time  John  Delaney 's  name  appears  as  associate  editor.  The  office  was  removed  to  the 
second  story  of  Moore  &  Gorman's  Building,  opposite  the  Pettibone  Block,  where  the  paper 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  ,      533 

continued  to  be  published  under  the  new  management  until  its  suspension,  as  the  River  Times, 
September  17,  1853.  This  event  was  announced  in  an  able  editorial  signed  by  John,  Joseph 
and  Arthur  W.  Delaney,  closing  as  follows :  "  We  have  labored  to  maintain  the  Democratic 
party  in  its  integrity,  and  to  employ  the  best  intellect  of  that  party  in  the  offices  of  the  State 
and  nation.  In  the  result,  so  far.  our  highest  hopes  are  realized,  and  we  feel  that  we  can  with 
propriety  leave  the  editorial  field  with  others,  having  done  our  part  in  days  of  trial  and  depres- 
sion. Gen.  John  A.  Brown  is  now  sole  proprietor  and  editor  of  the  River  Times.  In  his  capa- 
city and  integrity  we  have  the  fullest  confidence.  We  ask  the  Democracy  to  sustain  him  as  a  man 
every  way  worthy."  An  idea  of  the  growth  of  Portage  and  the  prosperity  of  the  Times  is  had 
in  a  comparison  of  the  first  number  of  the  paper  with  the  last.  During  its  three  years'  exist- 
ence the  advertising  patronage  grew  from  half  a  column  to  ten  columns,  while  the  circulation 
was  all  that  could  be  asked,  and  augured  well  for  the  intelligence  of  the  people. 

John  Delaney,  while  living  in  Portage,  was  regarded  as  a  man  of  unusual  brilliancy.  He 
served  his  apprenticeship  in  the  office  of  the  Green  Bay  Intelligencer,  the  first  newspaper  pub- 
lished in  Wisconsin,  setting  his  first  type  in  1834.  He  was  the  Nestor  of  the  press  in  Columbia 
County. 

The  Badger  State. — The  termination  of  the  existence  of  the  River  Times  was  not  all  that 
is  implied  by  the  use  of  the  word  suspension  ;  it  was  simply  a  change  of  name  and  owners.  On 
the  1st  of  October,  1853,  Mr.  Brown  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Badger  State,  with  the 
following  modest  announcement :  "  Under  the  new  arrangement,  we  have  taken  a  new  name 
for  the  paper;  not  because  we  had  any  objection  to  that  of  the  River  Times,  but  we  have  a 
a  decided  partiality  for  our  old  name  of  Badger  State.*  It  was  endeared  to  us  in  earlier  times 
— during  the  old  constitution  fight,  when  we  joined  to  raise  the  chorus, 

"  We  are  a  band  of  brothers 
In  the  new  Badger  State." 

"  The  name  is  distinctive  and  apprapriate  for  a  newspaper  published  at  the  geographical 
center,  a  point  by  natural  laws  destined  to  be  the  business  center  of  the  State,  at  no  remote 
period.  As  the  Badger  State  now  shines  as  a  bright  particular  star  in  the  galaxy  of  the  Union, 
it  shall  be  our  pride  and  ambition  to  make  our  paper  worthy  of  that  name  in  the  journalistic 
firmament,  associated  as  it  is  with  liberality,  intelligence,  enterprise  and  the  progressive  spirit 
of  the  age." 

There  was  no  change  in  political  principles  or  public  patronage ;  the  Badger  State  opposed 
Whigs  and  Whiggery  with  the  same  earnestness  and  ability  that  had  characterized  the  course  of 
its  predecessor,  while  its  patronage  showed  no  lack  of  confidence  on  the  part  of  the  citizens,  as 
to  the  ability  of  the  new  management.  Mr.  Brown  seemed  to  be  not  of  the  opinion  that  ''  the 
world  is  governed  too  much,"  but  he  had  lived  long  enough  to  discover  that  "power  is  always 
stealing  from  the  many  to  the  few;"  at  least  such  was  the  motto  chosen  for  the  Badger  State, 
and,  with  the  somewhat  democratic  idea  that  such  a  condition  of  things  was  diametrically  opposed 
to  the  principles  of  the  old  Democratic  party,  the  editor,  with  a  trenchant  pen,  strove  to  pre- 
vent the  concentration  of  political  power — outside  the  Democratic  party.  Fortune  seems  to 
have  smiled  upon  his  efforts  to  make  a  good  local  paper,  however,  and  at  the  close  of  the  first 
volume  the  Badger  State  was  enlarged  to  twenty-eight  columns,  though  the  circulation,  it 
appears,  was  not  all  Mr.  Brown  had  reason  to  expect,  as  will  be  inferred  from  the  following 
characteristically  modest  item :  "  Those  who  from  personal  friendship,  for  love  of  the  prin- 
ciples we  advocate,  or  for  their  own  general  interest,  may  use  their  exertions  to  extend  our 
circulation,  will  confer  upon  us  a  favor." 

On  the  l-4th  of  April,  1855,  Chauncey  C.  Britt  took  an  equal  partnership  with  Mr.  Brown 
in  the  Badger  State,  the  event  being  announced  in  an  article  reiterating  the  political  convictions 
of  the  senior  proprietor,  which,  of  course,  were  in  accord  with  the  ideas  of  the  new  proprietary 
acquisition.     Both  gentlemen  were  practical   printers  of  some  twenty  years'  experience.     "  We 

*  Mr.  Brown  formerly  published  a  paper  by  this  name  at  Janesville. 


634  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

are,"  continues  the  article,  "  the  exclusive  owners  of  all  the  materials  of  the  office,  as  well  as 
the  consciences  of  the  editors,  and  believe  in  and  shall  practice  upon  the  principle  that  the 
amenities  which  obtain  in  social  life  should  govern  the  editorial  profession,  and  that  a  man 
should  be  held  as  strictly  to  account  for  what  he  publishes  in  his  paper  as  for  what  he  utters 
with  his  tongue.  There  is  no  more  excuse  for  palliating  official  and  public  wrongs  than  for 
pandering  to  private  vice  and  individual  crimes.  We  love  the  old  Democratic  party,  and  will  fight 
for  it  to  the  last  extremity — provided  the  party  bears  itself  as  becomes  a  great  national  party. 
But  the  party  must  purge  itself  of  the  piratical  crew  led  by  the  Pierces,  the  Douglases  and 
some  lesser  lights  nearer  home,  to  make  it  worthy  the  hearts  and  hands  of  true  men." 

June  6,  1856,  saw  the  enlargement  of  the  Badger  State  to  thirty-two  columns,  and  other 
marked  typographical  changes,  among  them  a  new  heading  of  patriotic  design,  the  letters  being 
dotted  and  streaked  with  stars  and  stripes.  Power  seems  to  have  ceased  to  steal  "  from  the 
many  to  the  few,"  and  the  editors  had  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  "  the  world  is  governed  too 
much  " — the  latter  sentiment,  in  big  letters,  being  substituted  for  the  former  motto.  "  The 
position  of  the  Democratic  i)arty  "  was  the  caption  of  what  may  be  termed  a  "  heavy  editorial  " 
in  this  enlarged  number  of  the  Badger.  "  It  is  very  evident,"  the  article  begins,  "  that  a  union 
of  the  elements  opposed  to  the  Democratic  party  will  take  the  field  in  the  present  campaign, 
without  making  any  issue  of  general  principles,  but  depending  for  success  upon  exciting  a  polit- 
ical phrenzy  similar  to  the  'hard-cider'  excitement  of  1840."  The  "elements"  referred  to 
were  the  Know-Nothing  and  Republican  parties.  The  national  political  issues  at  that  time  were 
concentrated  in  the  destiny  of  that  monstrosity,  slavery ;  the  Missouri  Compromise  and  Kansas 
Repeal  were  comcoraitant  parts. 

On  the  15th  of  August,  1856,  the  Badger  State  office  was  removed  to  the  new  Badger 
Block,  and  the  editors  invited  their  friends  to  "  call  and  make  themselves  comfortable  in  the 
prettiest  printing  office  in  the  State."  On  the  27th  of  February,  1857,  Chauncey  C.  Britt's 
name  appears  in  the  Badger  State  indicating  that  gentleman  as  the  sole  publisher.  Mr.  Britt 
conducted  the  paper  until  December  11,  of  the  same  year,  when  William  K.  McHugh  &:  Co. 
became  the  proprietors,  and  Joseph  M.  Doty,  who  had  been  editorially  connected  with  the  paper 
for  a  year  previous,  was  announced  as  the  responsible  editor,  with  all  the  glory  and  emoluments 
of  the  position.  Brother  Britt's  valedictory  re-assures  us  that  the  Badger's  Democracy  had 
been  preserved  in  all  its  original  purity,  and.  in  his  usual  graceful  style,  confidently  hoped  that 
it  would  remain  untainted.  Mr.  Doty's  name  disappears  from  the  editorial  mast-head  Septem- 
ber 18,  1858,  but  his  contributions  did  not  cease.  On  the  4th  of  December,  John  A.  Brown 
again  became  the  proprietor,  and  the  paper  was  reduced  in  size  to  twenty-eight  columns.  But, 
as  had  been  evident  for  some  time,  "  misfortuno  was  upon  them."  The  frequent  changes  in  the 
management  of  the  paper,  the  reduction  in  size,  and  various  other  unhealthy  signs,  gave  evidence 
of  the  early  and  inevitable  dissolution  that  must  soon  follow.  And  when  on  the  10th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 185U,  death  stilled  the  throbbing  heart  of  the  proprietor  of  the  Badger  State,  there  was 
but  little  left  to  cling  to.  The  paper  survived  the  demise  of  its  original  publisher  about  ten 
months,  the  widow  assuming  the  management.  J.  M.  Doty  was  in  editorial  charge  until  the 
date  of  its  suspension,  December  10,  1859. 

The  Independent. — This  paper  was  established  in  Portage  in  1855,  by  John  A.  and  Julius 
C.  Chandler,  the  first  number  being  issued  the  3d  day  of  February,  of  that  year.  It  was  the 
outgrowth  of  a  political  necessity,  and  is  numbered  among  the  thousand  other  newspapers  that 
espoused  the  cause  of  the  Republican  party  early  in  its  remarkable  history.  The  Independent 
took  uncompromising  ground  against  slavery,  and  advocated  the  enactment  by  the  Legislature 
of  a  prohibitory  liquor  law,  as  the  best  means  of  educating  the  people  to  a  moral  sense  of  their 
social  and  political  welfare.  John  A.  Ciiandler's  name  appears  at  the  head  of  the  editorial 
column,  indicating  that  gentleman  as  the  responsible  scribe,  and  across  the  title  page  appears  the 
following  inscription  :  "  A  weekly  newspaper,  devoted  to  literature,  temperance,  morality,  news, 
general  intelligence,  and  the  dissemination  of  Republican  principles.''  The  first  number  con- 
tained, among  other  choice  and  readable  things,  a  caustic  criticism   of  the  proceedings  of  the 


II 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT  i'.  '  S35 

United  States  oflBcials  against  Sherman  M.  Booth.  One  particularly  pointed  paragraph  in  the 
article  reads  :  "  There  is  not  a  slave  trader  in  the  land,  or  a  slave  pirate  on  the  high  seas,  who 
would  have  any  reason  to  find  fault  with  the  proceedings  in  Miller's  court  against  Mr.  Booth." 
There  is  also  an  article  from  the  Vermont  Freeman,  giving  the  number  of  slaveholders  in  the 
United  States  at  that  date.  It  may  be  interesting  to  know  that  there  were  then  347,525  persons 
in  the  Union  who  subsisted,  as  individual  owners,  upon  the  bondage  of  the  now  emancipated 
blacks.  The  advertising  patronage  of  the  Independent,  for  the  first  few  weeks,  was  conspicuous 
for  its  absence,  but  the  necessary  support  from  this  direction  was  soon  forthcoming,  and  the 
Independent  is  believed  to  have  become  a  paying  institution. 

On  the  22d  of  March,  John  A.  Chandler's  name  disappears  from  the  customary  position 
indicating  editorial  responsibility,  though,  until  February  t,  1856,  he  retained  a  proprietary 
interest  in  the  paper,  and  continued  to  furnish  political  pabulum  for  its  columns.  Julius  C- 
Chandler  then  became  sole  proprietor,  and  it  is  noticeable  that  about  this  time  the  Independent's 
previous  hostility  to  the  extension  of  slavery  grew  into  the  most  outspoken  opposition  to  the 
existence  of  the  "peculiar  institution"  in  any  part  of  the  Union.  The  editor's  arguments  in 
this  regard  were  clear,  concise  and  convincing. 

The  Independent  indorsed  the  nominations  of  the  Philadelphia  Convention  in  the  following 
language:  "We  place  this  week*  at  the  head  of  our  columns  the  names  of  John  C.  Fre- 
mont, of  California,  and  William  L.  Dayton,  of  New  Jersey,  and  invite  every  freeman — all 
who  love  free  institutions  and  equal  rights — to  unite  in  elevating  these  men,  respectively,  to  the 
offices  of  President  and  Vice  President  of  the  United  States.  Never,  since  the  first  organization 
of  the  Government,  has  there  been  a  Presidential  election  involving  principles  of  such  magni- 
tude. *  *  *  *  On  one  side  go  forth  Douglas,  Pierce,  Atchison, 
Stringfellow,  Brooks  and  their  followers,  with  Buchanan  for  a  standard-bearer,  champions  for  the 
extension  of  slavery ;  on  the  other  stands  arrayed  the  hosts  of  freedom,  with  such  leaders  as 
Seward,  Chase  and  the  glorious,  gallant  John  C.  Fremont  at  the  head,  fighting  manfully, 
earnestly,  for  the  extension  of  liberty.  Can  freemen  hesitate  and  doubt  with  which  party  to 
unite?     Is  not  the  path  of  duty,  of  interest,  of  patriotism  perfectly  plain  ? 

On  the  14th  of  April,  1857,  the  Independent  ceased  to  exist  in  name,  but  not  in  form,  and 
■Mr.  Chandler  bade  adieu  to  his  friends  and  patrons  in  a  few  well-chosen  words,  assuring  them 
that  his  journalistic  relations  with  them  had  been  a  source  of  pleasure  as  well  as  of  profit  to 
him.  In  his  valedictory  appears  the  following  concerning  the  Republican  party :  "  Only  two 
years  ago,  the  now  great,  mighty  and  glorious  Republican  party  was  in  its  infancy,  scarcely 
organized,  in  sooth,  in  Columbia  County.  What  advance  has  the  party  made?  The  1,709 
majority  for  Fremont  and  liberty  answers  the  question.  Proud,  indeed,  are  we  that  have  been 
an  advocate  of  a  righteous  party  whose  principles  of  truth  have  so  triumphed.  Columbia  has 
assumed  the  proudest  political  position  of  any  county  of  the  commonwealth." 

Julius  C.  Chandler,  more  familiarly  known  as  "Shanghai  "  Chandler,  was  a  man  of  recog- 
nized ability.  A  vein  of  eccentric  humor  pervaded  his  writings,  revealing  his  possession  of  a 
rare  genius,  in  comparison  with  which  the  reputations  of  our  greatest  American  humorists  would 
not  sufl'er.  Soon  after  disposing  of  the  Independent,  Mr.  Chandler  purchased  the  material  that 
had  been  used  in  the  office  of  the  Columbia  County  Reporter,  a  Democratic  paper  published  by 
Carr  Huntington,  and,  removing  it  to  Adams  County,  established  a  paper  at  Friendship.  He 
died  a  few  years  ago  in  Baraboo. 

Portage  City  Record. — Upon  the  fortunes  of  the  Independent  was  founded  the  Portage 
City  Record,  a  newspaper  more  within  the  meaning  of  the  term  ;  for  the  Independent  was  noted 
less  for  its  local  news  than  for  its  National  and  State  political  articles.  The  Record,  however, 
was  the  recognized  party  organ,  the  official  paper  of  the  county.  Republicanism  being  the 
accepted  faith  of  its  manager  and  proprietor,  Robert  B.  Wentworth.  The  first  number  was  issued 
April  29,  1857.  The  names  of  M.  M.  Davis  and  A.  J.  Turner  appear  as  editors.  Mr.  Davis' 
editorial  contributions  had  been  attracting  some  attention  from  the  readers  of  the  Independent, 

*  June  26, 1856.  , 


536  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

and  his  acknowledged  ability  was  a  material  aid  in  sustaining  the  enterprise.  Mr.  Turner  was 
younger  then  than  now  by  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century.  He  has  grown  some  in  stature,  and 
become  more  generally  known,  having  passed  through  the  various  grades  of  journalism  and 
been  honored,  as  all  journalists  should  be,  with  office.  "Perhaps  it  is  hardly  necessary,"  says 
Mr.  Davis  in  his  salutatory,  "  for  us  to  say  that  while  this  paper  is  under  our  control,  editorially, 
it  will  be  untiring  in  its  opposition  to  the  nationalization  of  slavery.  The  General  Government, 
being  one  of  delegated  powers  only,  we  hold  that  all  exercise  of  assumed  powers,  either  by  its 
executive,  legislative  or  judicial  departments,  is  a  dangerous  usurpation,  and  should  not  be 
peaceably  acquiesced  in  by  the  States  or  the  people,  in  whom  all  sovereignty  lies.  Since  the 
passage  of  the  Fugitive  Slave  Act,  the  Kansas-Nebraska  Bill,  and  more  recently  the  decision  of 
the  Dred  Scott  case,  the  whole  question  of  the  legitimacy  of  the  slave  power  in  this  nation  is  fairly 
open  for  full  and  free  discussion,  and,  for  one.  we  intend  to  write  about  it  and  talk  about  it  at 
our  will." 

Mr.  Wentworth,  the  proprietor  of  the  Record,  was  an  experienced  journalist,  in  so  far  as 
the  general  management  of  a  newspaper  was  concerned.  He  had  formerly  been  associated  with 
Charles  Billinghurst,  of  the  Dodge  County  Gazette,  at  Juneau.  The  first  thirteen  numbers  of 
the  Record  were  the  same  size  (twenty-eight  columns)  of  its  predecessor,  the  Independent,  but 
on  the  29th  of  July  it  was  enlarged,  another  column  being  added  to  each  of  its  four  pages. 
There  were  other  marked  and  favorable  changes.  The  Record,  moreover,  adopted  a  motto  at  this 
date  :   "  Resistance  to  Tyrants  is  Obedience  to  God." 

On  the  11th  of  November,  Mr.  Davia  severed  his  connection  with  the  Record  as  editorial 
writer,  leaving  that  duty  to  devolve  upon  bis  associate,  Mr.  Turner,  who  remained  but  a  short 
time  in  that  capacity,  going  to  Friendship,  Adams  County,  with  "  Shanghai  "  Chandler,  with 
whom  he  was  engaged  in  the  publication  of  a  paper.  Returning  to  Portage  in  March,  1859,  he 
resumed  his  former  relations  with  the  Record,  and  was  thereafter  during  the  existence  of  the 
paper  known  as  the  "  heavy  man"  of  the  institution.  At  the  head  of  the  editorial  column  of 
the  first  number  of  Volume  III  (April  27,  1859)  appear  the  names  of  Messrs.  Wentworth  and 
Turner  as  editors,  the  former  continuing  as  sole  proprietor.  The  Record,  at  that  date,  was,  per- 
haps, the  most  prosperous  paper  in  Central  Wisconsin.  It  was  and  had  for  some  time  been  in 
the  enjoyment  of  the  Republican  patronage  of  the  county,  with  liberal  profits  to  its  publisher. 
This,  of  course,  was  in  accordance  with  the  "eternal  fitness  of  things,"  for  the  county  was 
largely  Republican,  and,  there  being  no  competing  organ,  the  Record,  as  the  successor  of  the 
first  Republican  paper  in  the  county,  was  clearly  entitled  to  consideration  as  the  party  organ. 
But  many  changes  are  wrought  in  the  furnace  of  time.  When  the  Record  had  attained  its 
fourth  year  of  prosperity,  a  difference  of  opinion  arose  among  the  Republican  managers  as  to 
the  propriety  of  sustaining  it  further.  There  was  no  fault  to  be  found  with  its  Republicanism  ; 
that  was  sufficiently  sound  ;  but  the  personal  interest  of  a  few  of  the  party  leaders  seemed  to 
demand  a  division  of  patronage,  and  on  the  ITth  of  April,  1861,  the  publisher  announced  the 
sale  of  the  Record  to  A.  J.  Turner,  one  of  the  conditions  being  that  the  purchaser  was  to  supply 
the  paper  to  all  subscribers  who  had  paid  to  that  date.  In  the  same  issue  were  announced  the 
commencement  of  hostilities  at  Charleston,  and  the  subsequent  surrender  of  Fort  Sumter.  In 
retiring  from  journalism  Mr.  Wentworth  bade  an  affectionate  adieu  to  his  readers,  thanking  them 
for  their  liberal  patronage.  As  illustrating  his  characteristic  candor,  the  following  paragraph 
from  his  valedictory  is  given  :  "  We  have  attended  to  the  aftairs  of  the  office  very  closely,  so 
much  so  that  our  health  is  impaired  ;  and  have  succeeded  pecuniarily,  as  well  or  better,  perhaps, 
than  the  majority  of  publishers  of  country  papers,  and  in  that  particular  retire  from  the  estab- 
lishment perfectly  satisfied  with  the  result  of  our  four  years'  labor. 

The  Wisconsin  State  Register. — Of  the  numerous  journals  founded  in  Portage  at  an  early 
day,  the  Wisconsin  State  Register  is  now  the  only  one  in  existence.  It  was  established  by 
Samuel  S.  Brannan  on  the  16th  of  March,  1861,  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  upon  the  ruins  of  the 
Badger  State ;  the  latter,  as  has  already  been  shown,  having  supplanted  the  River  Times,  the  first 
paper  published  in  Columbia  County.     The  material  used  in  its  publication  was  that  from  which 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  537 

the  Badger  State  was  formerly  printed,  and  typographically,  the  Register  closely  resembled  the 
defunct  Democratic  organ.  The  editor,  in  saluting  his  friends,  said  :  "  Having  long  been  con- 
vinced of  the  necessity  for  a  representative  organ  in  this  city,  one  which  will  fully  and  fairly 
reflect  the  views  of  the  Republican  party,  and  having  received  such  assurances  as  will  justify 
the  enterprise,  we  have  concluded  to  commence  the  publication  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Regis- 
ter. *  *  *  To  enable  us  more  fully  to  complete  our  arrangements  for  the  publication  of 
the  paper,  no  sheet  will  be  issued  for  the  next  week  or  two  from  this  office.  We  shall,  early  in 
Api-il,  enlarge  and  otherwise  improve  our  paper." 

Following  this  was  an  article  announcing  John  T.  Clark  as  the  Republican  nominee  for 
County  Judge.  Mr.  Clai'k's  name  also  appeared  in  the  "candidate's  corner,"  almost  in  the 
identical  place  it  is  now  to  be  seen  as  editor  of  the  Register  .  In  the  same  column  was  an  arti- 
cle on  the  prospective  evacuation  of  Fort  Sumter.  In  it  were  reflected  the  war  sentiments  of 
the  Register  as  follows :  "  The  Government  may  see  fit  to  occupy  or  evacuate  any  one  of  the 
fortresses  of  the  country  as  a  measure  of  strategy  merely,  and  the  people  will  be  willing  to  sub- 
mit to  the  judgment  of  the  military  commanders  who  direct  the  steps  ;  but  they  will  not  consent 
to  the  abandonment  of  the  public  property  to  traitors  as  a  stroke  of  policy  to  placate  them." 

President  Lincoln's  inaugural  address  appears  in  full  on  the  first  page,  and  is  reviewed  at 
length  editorially,  receiving  high  indorsement  and  full  approval.  On  the  local  page,  among 
other  interesting  items,  we  find  a  notice  of  the  Portage  City  Light  Guards,  giving  an  account 
of  their  organization,  description  of  the  uniforms,  etc.,  and  concluding  as  follows:  "When 
civil  war  shall  have  been  declared  (we  are  getting  chilly)  and  re-enforcements  are  wanted,  and 
the  Portage  Light  Guards  are  drafted  and  on  their  way  to  South  Carolina  (Bohag,*  hand  us 
that  bottle).  *  *  *  J^or  Sale — A  very  cheap,  but  somewhat  flashy,  suit  of  clothes,  with 
brass  buttons,  designed  for  military  service.  The  ownerf  is  seriously  indisposed,  and  his  phy- 
sician recommends  his  immediate  withdrawal  from  the  army.  This  suit  will  probably  last  the 
purchaser  as  long  as  he  lives.     Apply  at  this  oflice." 

On  the  27th  of  Api-il,  soon  after  the  suspension  of  the  Record,  the  Register  appeared 
enlarged  from  a  seven  to  an  eight  column  folio ;  Brannan,  Turner  &  Co.,  pi'oprietors  ;  Israel 
Holmes  and  A.  J.  Turner,  editors,  and  S.  S  Brannan,  local  editor.  The  change  is  announced 
in  the  following  brief  card,  signed  by  Mr.  Turner :  "  In  the  last  Portage  Oitg  Record, 
announcement  was  made  of  the  fact  that  the  oflice  had  been  sold  to  the  undersigned.  This 
week, 'I  have  the  further  announcement  to  make  that  I  have  united  my  interest  in  the  oflice  with 
those  of  S.  S.  Brannan,  of  the  State  Register,  and  that  henceforth  both  papers  will  be  pub- 
lished unitedly,  under  the  name  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Register,  by  Brannan,  Turner  &  Co., 
and  will  be  conducted  by  I.  Holmes  and  A.  J.  Turner  as  principal  editors,  and  S.  S.  Brannan 
as  local  editor.  No  further  number  of  the  Record  will  be  issued,  except  a  small  edition  to  close 
up  some  legal  advertisements.  Advertisers  in  the  iJecorc?,  residing  out  of  the  city,  will  have 
their  contracts  completed  in  the  State  Register.  All  accounts  with  the  Record  will  be  adjusted 
by  R.  B.  Wentworth.  All  subscribers  who  overpaid  for  the  Record  will  be  furnished  with  the 
State  Register  to  ihe  close  of  their  subscriptions." 

Mr.  Holmes,  the  leading  editorial  writer  for  the  Register,  was  a  lawyer  by  profession,  and 
a  very  able  man.  His  articles  were  thoroughly  in  accord  with  all  the  measures  of  the  Repub- 
lican party,  save,  perhaps,  those  which  many  other  stanch  Union  men  then  regarded  as 
extremely  radical,  but  which  have  since  been  acknowledged  to  have  been  paramount  in  crushing 
the  rebellion.  In  April,  1864,  Mr.  Holmes  disposed  of  his  interest  in  the  Register  to  Messrs. 
Brannan  &  Turner,  and  retired  from  journalism.  Mr.  Turner  then  became  the  responsible 
writer,  being  ably  assisted  in  his  labors  by  his  partner,  Mr.  Brannan.  Both  were  practical 
men,  having  passed  through  the  various  grades  of  the  newspaper  business,  and,  this  being  true, 
it  is  not  strange  that  the  paper  grew  in  influence  and  circulation. 

*Bohag  was  the  Satanic  imp  of  the  printing  office. 
fMr.  Brannan  was  a  member  of  the  Light  Guards. 


538  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

In  July,  1864,  the  price  of  the  Register  was  increased  from  ^1.50  to  $2  per  year.  The  pro- 
prietors placed  a  large  part  of  their  profits  from  the  business  in  improvements  about  the  office, 
calculated  to  increase  the  value  of  their  paper.  Among  other'mechanical  accessories  was  a  large 
power  press,  of  the  Taylor  make,  purchased  in  1869.  It  is  still  in  use,  and  is  one  of  the  largest 
and  best  of  the  kind  in  the  Northwest.  Messrs.  Brannan  &  Turner  continued  the  publication 
of  the  Register  until  the  23d  day  of  February,  1878,  when  the  establishment  was  sold  to  John 
T.  Clark  and  B.  F.  Goodell,  the  present  owners.  In  bidding  farewell  to  their  friends,  the  veteran 
publishers  gave  some  very  interesting  reminiscences  of  their  newspaporial  careers  in  Portage. 
Extracts  from  the  joint  valedictory  are  herewith  given  :  "  In  severing  our  connection  with  the 
paper,  it  seems  fitting  that  we  should  indulge  in  a  brief  retrospect  of  our  connection  with  the  press 
of  this  city.  On  the  4th  day  of  July,  1850,  the  River  Times,  the  first  paper  ever  published  in 
this  city,  made  its  appearance.  It  was  printed  at  the  little  hamlet  over  near  the  fort,  and  it 
was  before  the  Portage  of  to-day  had  any  existence.  Engaged  in  the  mechanical  department  as 
roller-boy,  or  '  devil '  in  printing  office  nomenclature,  was  Mr.  Brannan ;  so  his  connection  with 
the  press  of  this  city  dates  from  its  very  incipiency,  nearly  twenty-eight  years  ago. 

"  In  1855,"  continues  Mr.  Turner,  "  we  arrived  in  this  city  with  a  capital  of  just  ten  cents, 
without  friends  and  a  total  stranger  to  nearly  every  person  in  the  county.  We  found  employ- 
ment as  compositor  in  the  Independent  office,  of  which  '  Shanghai  '  Chandler  was  the  proprietor, 
and  in  the  columns  of  this  paper,  in  that  year,  appeared  our  first  articles  for  the  press.  In 
1856  and  '57,  we  were  employed  in  the  composing  room  of  the  State  Journal,  at  Madison,  and 
for  a  few  months  served  as  legislative  reporter  and  local  editor  of  that  paper.  In  the  spring  of 
1857,  we  returned  to  Portage  and  were  associated  with  Dr.  M.  M.  Davis,  as  one  of  the  editors  of 
the  Portage  City  Record,  published  by  the  Hon.  R.  B.  Wentworth.  Mr.  Went  worth  had  pur- 
chased the  Independent  office  of  Mr.  Chandler,  and  given  it  the  name  above  mentioned,  and 
Mr.  Brannan,  who  had  about  this  time  returned  from  California,  held  a  case  in  the  Badger 
State  office,  published  by  John  A.  Brown  and  C.  C.  Britt.  In  the  spring  of  1861,  Mr.  Brannan 
purchased  the  Badger  State  office  and  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Wisco7isin  State  Reg- 
ister. About  a  month  later,  A.  J.  Turner  purchased  the  Record  office,  and  the  papers  were 
consolidated  with  I.  Holmes  as  one  of  the  partners.  In  April,  1864,  Mr.  Holmes  disposed  of 
his  interest  in  the  office  to  his  partners,  since  which  time  the  paper  has  been  published  continu- 
ously by  Brannan  k  Turner.  At  the  end  of  seventeen  years,  the  whirligig  of  time  has  brought 
a  new  revolution,  and  henceforth  the  readers  of  the  State  Register  will  receive  their  news 
pabulum  from  other  hands.  *  *  *  Wg  have  paid  to  our  compositors,  for  paper  bills  and 
other  incidental  expenses  of  the  office,  more  than  ^60,000.  We  have,  with  unfailing  regularity, 
paid  our  employes  every  Saturday.  We  have  never  suffered  a  paper  bill  or  any  other  bill  to  go 
past  due ;  we  have  held  tax  receipt  No.  1  for  many  years  ;  we  generally  stand  recorded  as  No.  1 
on  the  poll  list  at  each  election,  and  we  have  paid  our  pew  rent  promptly  and  cheerfully,  and 
have  most  unselfishly  permitted  other  people  to  occupy  that  pew  more  than  we  have  ourselves, 
if  we  are  not  mistaken.'' 

Mr.  Brannan,  when  the  transfer  of  the  Register  was  concluded,  was  absent  in  Colorado  for 
his  health,  but  the  sale  was  made  with  his  entire  approval,  he  having  left  the  matter  in  the  hands 
of  his  partner.  When  he  received  information  of  the  change,  he  wrote  from  Denver  as  follows : 
*  *  *         "I  trust  I  may   be   pardoned  for   a  word  of  allusion  to  the  services  which  I 

think  we  have  rendered  in  graduating  from  our  office  so  many  young  men  who  have  taken  high 
rank  and  honorable  positions  among  their  fellows.  Robert  Campbell,  R.  J.  Flint,  E.  H.  Weber, 
B.  F.  Goodell,  W.  R.  Finch,  F.  0.  Wisner,  Henry  Marvin  and  Rody  Keegan  are  but  a  few  of 
the  goodly  number  of  good  boys  whose  remembrances  come  to  me  now,  who  have  gone  forth 
rising  men,  due  to  good  tuition,  and,  may  I  not  say,  the  excellent  example  set  before  them. 
Poor  Jimmy  Dempsey,  ever  glorious  and  true,  sleeps  in  Dixie's  land,  a  martyr  to  the  slave- 
holders' rebellion,  while  faithful  and  true-hearted  W.  F.  Ward  reposes  in  Silver  Lake  Cemetery, 
a  victim  of  dise&se  engendered  in  the  tented  "field.  May  green  ever  grow  the  graves  on  the 
little  mounds  which  rise  over  them. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  .539 

"  In  looking  over  the  past,  I  do  so  without  descrying  here  and  there  little  paragraphs  which 
I  would  gladly  blot  out,  but  I  may  truthfully  say,  never  a  line  which  has  been  written  was  ever 
inspired  by  malice  toward  a  fellow  mortal.  *  *  * 

"  '  Farewell,  my  friends,  farewell,  my  foes; 
My  peace  with  these — my  love  with  those.'  " 

The  new  proprietors  of  the  State  Register  entered  upon  their  duties  with  that  spirit  of 
determination  which  is  generally  rewarded  with  success.  Mr.  Clark  took  his  position  at  the 
editorial  helm,  while  Mr.  Goodell  assumed  charge  of  the  mechanical  departments.  The  editor, 
in  his  salutatory,  after  briefly  reviewing  his  pioneer  experiences  in  Columbia  County,  says  : 
"  I  have  been  a  subscriber  to  this  journal  from  the  beginning,  and  feel  the  same  attachment  as 
such  patron  to  it  that  you  feel.  It  is  one  of  the  established  institutions  of  Columbia  County. 
Indeed,  the  county  would  hardly  be  itself  without  it.  I  do  not  propose  to  change  the  name, 
for  the  reason  that  it  must  still  have  a  name,  and  I  am  satisfied  with  the  old  one.  I  do  not 
propose  to  change  its  politics,  for  with  them  I  have  been  generally  in  hearty  accord.  It  will 
still  advocate  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  and  endeavor  to  secure  and  maintain  the 
supremacy  of  that  party.  At  the  same  time  it  will  be  unsparing  in  its  efforts  to  keep  that  [^arty 
pure  and  worthy  of  support.  *  *  *  Great  inconvenience  and  losses  result  from 

changing  one's  business,  but  there  are  some  compensations.  You  know  how  it  is  in  your 
neighbor's  calling  when  you  have  been  there  yourself.  If  you  have  been  a  lawyer,  you  know 
how  to  sympathize  with  them,  how  things  appear  from  his  standpoint.  If  you  have  been  a 
lender  of  money,  you  know  how  to  sympathize  with  him.  If  you  have  been  obliged  to  be  a 
borrower,  paying  high  interest,  you  can  feel  for  him.  If  you  have  been  a  farmer,  working  hard 
to  compel  Mother  Earth  to  bring  forth  her  increase,  and  just  as  you  have  been  upon  the  point  of 
securing  it,  some  vile  bug  has  snatched  it  from  your  hand,  making  all  your  labor  vain,  you  can 
appreciate  the  condition  of  the  farmer  during  these  few  past  years.  You  have  learned  that 
when  the  orator  at  the  fair  says  :  '  Tickle  Mother  Earth  with  a  hoe,  and  she  will  laugh  with  a 
harvest,'  he  is  reciting  poetry.  *  *         *         j  cannot  expect  to  agree  on  every  subject 

which  will  be  discussed  in  these  columns  with  all  my  patrons,  because  I  know  too  many  of  them 
are  independent  thinkers,  and  such  can  never  entirely  concur  ;  but  I  will  endeavor  to  treat  every 
topic  introduced,  candidly,  and  truly  represent  the  position  of  the  opposite  side.  t  *  * 
I  fully  realize  that  this  paper  has  been  a  power  in  this  county  and  State,  and  hope  it  will  remain 
such.  Encouraged  by  the  large  list  of  subscribers  already  on  the  Register's  list,  and  hoping 
the  old  ones  will  stand  by  it  still,  the  time  has  come  when  the  'I'  must  be  exchanged  for  a  'we,' 
and  '  we  '  must  take  oif  '  our  '  coat  and  go  at  the  work." 

Just  how  far  the  efforts  of  the  present  publishers  to  make  an  acceptable  newspaper  have 
been  seconded  by  the  intelligent  citizens  of  Columbia  County  is  illustrated  in  the  extent  of 
patronage  they  have  received  ;  and  the  measure  of  patronage  is  shown  by  the  recent  enlarge- 
ment of  the  paper  from  thirty-two  to  thirty-six  columns  and  the  purchase  of  a  handsome  outfit 
of  new  type.  The  Register  wore  its  new  dress  for  the  first  time  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  of 
April,  1880.  Most  of  the  old  material  composing  its  former  habiliments  had  been  in  use  for  a 
quarter  of  a  century. 

Politically,  the  Register  still  adheres  to  its  original  faith,  and  is  as  soundly  Republican  in 
all  its  teachings  and  aspirations  as  any  organ  of  the  party  in  the  State.  Locally,  the  Register 
is  singularly  complete  and  reliable.  It  also  claims  the  somewhat  unusual  distinction  of  being  a 
purely  home-made  paper,  which  means  that  both  sides  are  printed  at  home. 

Portage  Democrat. — In  March,  1877,  at  the  solicitation  of  Democratic  friends  in  Portage, 
Henry  D.  Bath,  editor  of  the  Columbus  Democrat,  and  his  brother,  W.  E.  Bath,*  established 
the  Portage  Democrat,  a  seven-column  folio.  "  To-day,"  said  the  editors  in  their  salutatory, 
"  for  the  first  time  in  almost  twenty  years,  a  Democratic  newspaper  in  the  English  language  is 
issued  in  this  city.     We  are  here  for  the  establishment  of  a  legitimate  business,  and  to  meet  a 

*  Died  in  June,  1S79. 


640  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

need  which  has  long  and  repeatedly  been  represented  to  us  as  existing  in  this  community.  We 
are  not  here  to  encroach  upon  the  province  of  any  other  journal,  but  to  do  work  in  an  open  field. 
The  Jtegister  is  an  old  and  ably  conducted  newspaper,  which  has  done  very  much  to  advance 
the  material  interests  of  Portage.  Its  editors  are  our  personal  friends,  and  we  hope  they  will 
remain  so,  however  divergent  the  line  of  our  political  operations  may  be.  The  Advance  is  not 
at  all  in  our  way,  having  its  own  great  work  to  accomplish ;  and  the  Weaker  is  our  ally.  We 
propose,  in  the  interests  of  Reform-Democracy,  and  not  in  subserviency  to  any  ring  or  clique 
of  it,  to  make  as  good  a  newspaper  as  we  can.  To  this  end,  we  invoke  the  co-operation  of 
every  member  of  the  party,  and  will  devote  our  utmost  endeavors  to  render  it  the  most  efficient 
aid  within  our  power.  But  the  political  work  of  a  local  journal  is,  after  all,  but  a  small  part 
of  the  labor  which  it  has  to  do.  It  should  be  ever  busy  in  furtherance  of  the  business  interests 
and  social  welfare  of  the  community  where  it  is  published.  It  is  a  record  of  the  life  of  the 
people  in  its  vicinity;  the  chronicler  of  their  joys  and  sorrows,  their  successes  and  reverses, 
and  its  general  purpose  is  to  do  good  to  those  within  the  circle  of  its  influence,  and  to  be  of 
value  to  them  in  the  accomplishment  of  worthy  subjects.  Such  are  the  aims  of  the  Portage 
De)iioc7-at." 

♦Early  in  1878,  the  health  of  W.  E.  Bath  failing,  Irving  Bath,  formerly  a  clerk  in  the 
Land  Office  at  Madison,  took  an  interest  in  the  paper,  and  it  is  now  conducted  in  his  name.  In 
March,  1878,  at  the  close  of  the  first  volume,  the  size  and  form  of  the  paper  were  changed  to  a 
six-column  quarto.  Early  in  April,  the  publisher  purchased  an  improved  Cottrell  &  Bab- 
cock  press  and  a  three-horse  power  Bookwalter  engine,  making  it  the  only  steam  printing-office 
in  the  county.  The  Democrat  has  performed  its  part  well  toward  giving  accounts  of  local 
occurrences,  and  is  being  rewarded  in  the  measure  of  its  merit. 

Columbia  County  Weaker  was  published  by  Gustavus  A.  Selbach,  the  first  number  being 
issued  September  1,  1874.  The  Weaker  is  a  German  newspaper,  the  only  one  in  Columbia 
County,  and  was  established  in  Portage  at  the  request  of  the  leading  German  citizens.  It  was 
originally  a  seven-column  folio,  but  was  enlai'ged  a  year  ago  to  eight  columns.  It  has  a  circu- 
lation of  500  copies,  but  is  jirobably  read  by  from  2,000  to  .5,000  people,  owing  to  an  economi- 
cal custom  among  its  patrons,  by  which  a  single  copy  is  perused  by  several  families.  Mr.  Sel- 
bach is  a  veteran  journalist,  having  established  a  paper  in  Appleton.  the  Volksfreund,  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1870,  and  one  at  Mansfield,  Ohio,  the  Mansfield  Courier,  in  1872.  Politically,  the 
Weaker  is  Democratic.  The  name,  translated  to  English,  means  "  wake  up,"  and  the  editor 
loses  no  opportunity  to  disturb  the  mental  lethargy  of  his  readers. 

The  Northern  Mepublic  was  a  Whig  paper,  established  in  1851,  the  first  number  being  issued 
December  20,  by  W.  W.  Noyes,  brother  of  Col.  Noyes,  of  Baraboo.  The  Republic  was  well 
received  by  the  River  Times,  the  Democratic  organ,  and  a  period  of  nearly  three  full  weeks 
elapsed  before  the  rival  editors  "  locked  horns  "  on  political  questions.  The  Republic  seems  to 
have  met  with  inferior  patronage,  as  its  suspension  was  soon  announced,  the  material  being  taken 
to  Baraboo,  where  it  was  used  in  the  publication  of  the  Baraboo  Republic. 

The  Columbia  County  Reporter  was  established  by  Carr  Huntington,  in  1857,  as  a  Democratic 
paper.  Misfortune  seems  to  have  frowned  upon  the  enterprise,  as  the  paper  suspended  in  the 
fall  of  1857,  tlie  material  being  sold  under  Sheriff's  execution,  on  a  chattel  mortgage.  "  Shang- 
hai "  Chandler  purchased  the  entire  outfit,  and  removed  it  to  Friendship,  in  Adams  County, 
where  he  established  a  paper.  Mr.  Huntington  went  to  Beaver  Dam,  where,  in  1858,  he  com- 
menced the  publication  of  the  Beaver  Dam  Democrat,  which  is  also  defunct. 

The  Rara  Avis  was  a  literary  and  musical  monthly,  the  first  number  of  which  was  issued  Jan- 
uary 30,  1857,  Horace  Norton,  editor  and  proprietor.  The  Rara  Avis  was  a  sixteen-page 
quarto,  very  creditable  in  appearance  and  very  ably  edited.  Had  it  been  establislied  in  a  larger 
city,  its  success  might  have  been  permanent.  A  year  or  more  of  unprofitable  labor  taught  Mr. 
Norton  this,  and,  in  July,  1858,  he  advertised  the  entire  outfit  for  sale.  A  suspension  soon  fol- 
lowed. 


PORTAGE, CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  64:3 

The  Columbus  Reporter. — This  was  the  name  of  the  first  paper  published  in  Columbus,  but 
diligent  search  and  inquiry  have  failed  us  in  ascertaining  the  date  of  the  first  number.  From 
all  that  can  be  learned  in  regard  to  it,  it  is  safe  to  say  it  did  not  exist  prior  to  1853.  Gov. 
Lewis  holds  a  receipt  for  subscription,  dated  June  20,  1854,  signed  by  Carr  Huntington,  editor 
and  proprietor  of  the  Reporter,  as  follows:  "  Received  of  James  T.  Lewis  four  dollars  in  full 
for  publishing  notices,  and  in  full  for  the  Columbia  Reporter,  for  the  years  A.  D.  1853,  1854, 
and  up  to  the  15th  of  June,  1855."  The  Reporter  was  of  the  Democratic  persuasion  in  politics. 
The  office  of  the  Reporter  was  located  on  Broadway,  near  the  present  site  of  Erhart's  harness- 
shop.  The  date  of  its  suspension  is  also  unknown.  That  it  did  suspend,  however,  before  it 
had  attained  any  great  age  or  influence,  is  undoubted,  for  the  editor  betook  himself  to  Portage 
early  in  1857,  and  there  re-established  his  paper,  continuing  to  publish  it  until  the  latter  part  of 
that  year,  when  the  oflice  was  sold  out  under  a  sheriff's  execution.  Mr.  Huntington  is  now  in- 
culcating Democracy  at  Blue  Earth,  Minn. 

The  Columbus  Journal. — On  the  22d  day  of  January,  1855,  Daniel  Mallo,  and  his  son- 
in-law,  Delancy  L.  Thayer,  issued  the  first  number  of  the  Columbus  Weekly  Journal,  a  seven- 
column  folio,  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  then  newly  fledged  Republican  party.  The  editor 
promised,  in  his  salutatory,  to  "  studiously  avoid  at  all  times  intentionally  wounding  the  feelings 
of  those  who  do  not  think  as  we  do.  It  is  a  well-known  fact,"  continues  the  editor,  "that  it  is 
not  in  the  scope  of  human  nature  to  please  everybody,  and  of  the  whole  human  race  the  con- 
ductor of  a  public  journal  has  the  hardest  and  most  difficult  task  of  all."  On  the  30th  of 
December,  1856,  Mr.  Thayer  retired  from  the  Journal,  leaving  Mr.  Mallo  sole  editor  and  pro- 
prietor. On  the  10th  of  March,  1859,  Marcus  A.  Mallo,  a  practical  printer  and  a  ready  writer, 
became  associated  with  the  paper  as  junior  editor,  the  firm  becoming  Mallo  &  Son.  This  copart- 
nership was  severed  on  the  4th  day  of  February,  1860,  through  the  death  of  the  son,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-two  years  and  four  months.  The  elder  Mallo  continued  the  publication  of  the  Journal  until 
June  6,  1861,  when  D.  H.  Pulcifer  and  J.  F.  Hazelton,  the  latter  as  editor,  took  charge.  In 
tiieir  first  issue  they  mourned  the  death  of  Stephen  A.  Douglas  with  turned  column  rules.  In 
April,  1862,  Mr.  Pulcifer  withdrew  from  the  management,  and  a  few  months  later,  Mr.  Hazelton 
did  likewise,  the  old  veteran,  Daniel  Mallo,  again  assuming  charge,  and  continuing  in  the  capa3- 
ity  of  editor  until  the  30th  of  October,  1864,  when  death  put  an  end  to  his  toils,  his  trials  and 
his  tribulations.  Mr.  Mallo  was  one  of  the  oldest  publishers  in  the  Northwest.  He  was  born 
in  York,  Penn.,  November  20, 1799,  and  commenced  his  career  as  a  printer  upon  the  York  Gazette 
at  the  age  of  seventeen  years,  coming  to  Wisconsin  in  1842,  and  taking  a  position  on  the  Madison 
Gazette.  But  one  number  of  the  Journal  was  issued  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Mallo.  In  it  was 
printed,  among  other  things,  the  obituary  of  the  deceased  journalist,  written  by  E.  E.  Chapin, 
whose  contributions  had  enlivened  the  Journal  throughout  most  of  its  existence.  Henry  D. 
Bath,  editor  of  the  Democrat,  then  a  law  student  in  Mr.  Chapin's  office,  put  the  article  in 
type. 

The  Columbus  Transcript. — Some  time  in  the  winter  of  1864-65,  Valentine  Baltuff,  who, 
with  his  brother  John,  had  been  publishing  the  Lodi  Weekly  Herald,  which  suspended  Novem- 
ber 9,  1864,  came  to  Columbus  with  the  material  of  the  defunct  journal,  and  established  the 
Columbus  Transcript,  unfolding  the  Republican  banner,  and  pledging  himself,  beneath  its 
folds,  to  support  the  great  national  party  in  all  that  was  consistent  with  the  wants  of  a  large 
constituency.  Mr.  Baltuff  possessed  but  little  literary  ability,  but  wielded  a  composing-stick 
with  great  fluency.  There  was  sufficient  local  genius  abroad,  however,  to  supply  the  Tran- 
script with  editorial  pabulum,  and  the  paper  flourished. 

In  August,  1868,  in  the  heat  of  summer  and  a  memorable  political  campaign,  a  somewhat 
sudden,  but  not  altogether  unexpected,  change  took  place  in  the  office  of  the  Transcript.  Mr. 
Baltuff  disposed  of  the  concern,  and,  soon  afterward,  went  to  Floyd  County,  Iowa,  where  he 
reestablished  in  the  same  line  of  business. 

The  Columbus  Democrat. — Henry  D.  Bath  was  the  purchaser  of  the  effects  of  the  Tran- 
script, and,  on  the  10th  of  September,  1868,  he  ushered  into  the  journalistic  world  a  seven-column 

N 


544  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

folio  newspaper — the  Columbus  Democrat — with  marked  political  inclinatioDS,  strongly  the 
reverse  of  those  of  its  predecessor,  as  was  indicated  in  the  names  of  presidential  preferences  that 
floated  from  the  mast-head,  and  their  emphatic  indorsement  editorially.  Mr.  Bath,  in  his 
"To  the  Public,"  said: 

"  It  is  already  known  by  many  that  the  Columbus  Transcript,  which  was  formerly  issued 
from  this  oflBce,  has  changed  hands,  and  to-day,  for  the  first  time,  we  believe,  in  ten  years, 
the  colors  of  the  Democratic  party  are  hoisted  by  a  newspaper  in  Columbia  County." 

The  editor  seems  to  have  been  conversant  with  the  difficulties  that  usually  beset  interior 
publishers,  and  wide  awake  to  the  requirements  of  the  important  position  he  had  chosen  to 
occupy.  "  The  progress  of  the  times,"  he  says,  "  has  changed,  to  a  great  degree,  the  province 
of  a  paper  published  in  the  interior.  The  locomotive  and  the  lightning  now  labor  for  men. 
The  daily  metropolitan  newspapers  are  dropped  in  our  midst  with  each  revolution  of  the  earth, 
and  from  them  we  learn  what  Europe  was  doing  only  yesterday.  They  tell  us  of  the  status  of 
parties,  and  to  a  much  greater  extent  than  a  country  newspaper.  But  who  chronicles  our  local 
events — those  occurrences  which  most  intimately  concern  us  ?  Who  makes  public  the  ravages 
of  death  and  the  inroads  of  matrimony  in  our  midst  ?  Who  speaks  of  our  crops  and  our  mar- 
kets, our  home  improvements  and  questions  relating  to  matters  immediately  surrounding  us  ? 
AVho  tells  us  of  the  good  fortune  or  disaster  to  our  neighbors  ?  Who  does  all  this  and  a  hun- 
dred other  services  ?  It  is  done  through  the  agency  of  the  local  press ;  and  any  town  of  the 
size  and  enterprise  of  Columbus,  which  does  not  possess  a  good  local  paper,  loses  a  powerful 
auxiliary  to  its  prosperity.     We  are  here  for  this  purpose,  and  here  we  propose  to  remain." 

Considering  the  adverse  political  circumstances  under  which  the  Democrat  was  established, 
the  editor  and  his  friends  have  cause  for  congratulation  in  the  growth  and  influence  of  the 
paper.  There  has  been  but  one  change  in  its  management,  and  that  was  only  temporary. 
From  October,  1870,  to  March,  1871,  the  father  of  Mr.  Bath  was  associated  with  the  Democrat 
as  publisher.     In  1872,  the  form  of  the  paper  was  changed  to  a  six-column  quarto. 

Mr.  Bath  was,  for  two  years  prior  to  1868,  city  editor  of  the  Milwaukee  News,  resigning 
his  position  on  account  of  ill  health,  and  has,  therefore,  had  some  of  the  experience  calculated 
to  test  one's  journalistic  qualifications.  His  views  concerning  the  province  of  interior  jour- 
nals have  been  carried  out  to  the  extent  of  making  the  Democrat  a  valuable  narrator  of 
local  happenings.  Mr.  Bath  has  been  especially  industrious  in  the  work  of  perpetuating  the 
early  history  of  Columbus. 

The  Columbus  Republican. — In  the  Presidential  campaign  of  1868,  by  an  adroit  maneuver 
of  the  Democracy,  the  material  of  the  Transcripit  changed  hands,  and  with  it  a  Democratic 
sheet  was  started.  This  was  less  than  eight  weeks  before  election,  and  the  political  cauldron  was 
boiling  fiercely.  There  was  a  strong  Republican  majority  in  town  and  county,  and  a  Demo- 
cratic paper  would  not  go  down,  and  set  well  on  a  Republican  stomach.  J.  R.  Decker  was  at  the 
time  publishing  the  Waupun  Times,  but  such  inducements  were  offered  that  he  sold  out  that 
paper  and  came  to  Columbus,  his  route  being  by  way  of  Chicago,  where  he  bought  an  entire 
new  printing  office,  including  a  job  press,  something  novel  in  Columbus.  The  office  was  estab- 
lished on  the  second  floor  of  Shaffer's  Block,  in  the  room  that  for  many  years  has  been  Squire 
Farnham's  Justice  office.  The  room  was  soon  found  to  be  too  small,  and  after  various  removals 
the  office  is  now  located  on  Ludington  street,  occupying  a  spacious  first  floor. 

The  first  issue  of  the  Republican  was  on  October  7,  1868.  It  was  a  seven-column  folio, 
ably  edited  and  handsomely  printed,  several  pithy  local  writers  contributing,  and  giving  the  new 
paper  a  "  boost "  through  the  few  weeks  before  election.  In  the  first  years  of  the  Republican, 
Mr.  Le  Roy  Irons,  a  young  man  recently  arrived  from  the  East,  contributed  liberally  to  its 
local  and  literary  departments.  In  December  of  1869,  the  local  was  printed  on  the  first  page, 
as  the  prominent  feature  of  the  paper,  and  commencing  with  January  of  1870,  Mr.  Irons'  name 
appears  as  one  of  the  editors,  an  arrangement  continuing  three  months.  He  was  a  vigorous 
writer  of  prose,  and  a  poet  of  acknowledged  merit,  but  physically  he  was  weak,  and  he  has  since 
passed  over  the  river.     In  December  of  1871,  the  Republican yi&s  enlarged  to  nine  columns  to 


f 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  545 

a  page,  the  increase  of  advertising  patronage  making  a  larger  sheet  necessary.  These  propor- 
tions were  maintained  until  July  of  1873,  when  an  increase  in  the  price  of  paper  and  a  shrink- 
age in  advertising  brought  down  the  paper  to  eight  columns.  In  1878,  the  style  was  changed 
to  the  popular  six-column  quarto.  Finer  type  was  adopted  for  city  and  county  news,  a  corps  of 
correspondents  were  secured  throughout  the  county,  and  new  vigor  awakened  in  the  paper.  It 
now  ranks  among  the  best  of  the  country  papers  in  the  West,  especially  in  point  of  home  news. 

Mr.  Decker,  the  editor  and  proprietoi-,  is  a  thorough  practical  printer,  having  acquired  the 
art  when  boys  had  to  learn  a  trade.  He  has  a  reputation  for  fine  work  that  extends  throughout 
the  West,  and  specimens  of  jobs  done  at  the  office  have  been  solicited  by  artistic  printers  from 
as  far  East  as  New  York,  as  far  South  as  Georgia,  and  as  far  West  as  San  Francisco. 

Having  received  instructions  in  stereotyping  in  Chicago,  and  procured  a  fair  outfit  fordoing 
the  work,  this  useful  adjunct  to  a  printing  office  is  made  to  contribute  to  the  completeness  of  the 
establishment.  The  Republican  and  the  Republican  job  printing  office,  are  institutions  of  which 
Columbia  County  is,  and  should  be,  proud. 

The  Lodi  Flag,  published  quarterly,  was  first  issued  in  July,  1856,  by  J.  0.  &  A.  Eaton, 
a  small  quarto  of  three  columns,  only  three  numbers  of  which  (for  July  and  November  of  1856, 
and  for  May,  1857)  were  issued. 

•  The  Lodi  Weekly  Herald,  established  February  25,  1863,  by  Baltuff  Bros.,*  publishers 
and  proprietors.  "  We  commence,"  say  the  editors,  in  their  salutatory,  "  the  publication  of  a 
paper,  under  the  above  title,  in  this  town ;  and,  believing  the  wants  of  the  people  to  be  more 
for  a  strictly  local  journal  than  a  political  one,  we  design  the  publication  of  an  independent 
paper."  It  was  a  six-column  paper,  of  a  very  respectable  appearance.  The  first  business  cards 
were  those  of  "  Richard  Lindsay,  attorney  and  counselor  at  law ; "  •'  G.  H.  Irwin,  M.  D.,"  and 
"J.  0.  Eaton,  Notary  Public."  On  the  2d  of  March,  1864.  the  copartnership  in  tlte  establish- 
ment of  the  paper  was  dissolved,  and  Valentine  Baltuif  appears  alone  as  editor  and  proprietor. 
This  event  occurred  at  the  beginning  of  the  second  volume,  but  the  paper  was  discontinued 
after  the  issuing  of  the  thirty-fifth  number,  November  9,  1864,  which  was  issued  on  a  half- 
sheet  only. 

Tlie  Lodi  Journal. — In  October,  1870,  was  issued  the  first  number  of  the  Lodi  Journal,, 
by  Charles  H.  Fullerton,  editor  and  publisher.  It  was  a  five-column  quarto,  and  was  edited 
with  ability  until  April  16,  1873,  when  the  editor  said  "  Good-bye,"  and  the  Journal  ceased 
to  exist. 

The  Lodi  Valley  News  was  established  by  Peter  Richards,  in  the  spring  of  1874,  the  first 
issue  being  on  the  22d  of  April  of  that  year.  It  has  had  a  circulation,  since  the  close  of  its 
first  year,  of  about  four  hundred  copies  weekly,  and  has  been  published  regularly  each  week, 
without  a  single  omission,  from  the  start.  In  jts  first  issue,  the  announcement  was  made  that 
the  paper  would  be,  in  its  political  complexion,  an  Independent  Republican  paper,  and  it  has 
been  the  aim  of  its  proprietor  to  hold  it  to  that  character  as  closely  as  possible.  Its  circulation 
has  been  very  uniform  from  the  start,  seldom  varying  in  any  two  years  more  than  half  a  quire. 
The  News  is  well  printed,  and  edited  with  ability. 

TJie  Wisconsin  Mirror. — In  the  fall  of  1855,  the  Wisconsin  River  Hydraulic  Company 
decided  upon  founding  a  new  village — Kilbourn  City — upon  Section  3,  Township  13  north. 
Range  6  east.  Alanson  Holly,  of  Warsaw,  N.  Y.,  was  then  West  looking  for  a  location,  and, 
visiting  the  site  of  the  proposed  village,  he  decided  at  once  to  settle.  A  dwelling  was  hastily 
erected  for  his  family,  and  a  small  building  for  a  printing  office  (the  first  houses  in  the  prospective 
village),  and,  on  the  1st  day  of  January,  1856,  the  first  issue  of  the  Wisconsin  Mirror  was 
struck  from  the  press.  This  issue  was  gotten  up  under  difficulties.  On  the  22d  day  of  Decem- 
ber previous,  the  building  was  inclosed,  and,  while  the  plasterers  were  at  work,  the  hands  of  the  office 
unboxed  the  type  and  setup  the  press.  It  was  so  cold  the  compositors  had  to  bathe  their  fingers 
in  warm  water  every  ten  minutes  to  make  them  limber.  As  the  paper  was  being  made  ready  for  the 
press,  a  number  of  friends  gathered  in  the  office,  and  it  was  proposed  to   sell   the   first  copy  ai 

*  Valentine  and  John. 


546  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COINTI. 

auction,  which  was  accordingly  done,  it  bringing  the  handsome  sum  of  $65.  The  second  and 
third  copies  were  also  put  up.  bringing  §10  and  $5,  respectively.  Another  instance  of  the  kind 
is  probably  not  on  record.  The  question  might  naturally  arise,  where  the  patrons  of  the  paper 
were  to  come  from — a  paper  published  in  the  woods,  with  owls,  squirrels  and  rabbits  for  neigh- 
bors. The  editor  had  faith  in  the  future  of  the  village,  and,  until  it  should  become  a  large  and 
prosperous  village,  it  was  expected  to  be  printed  at  pecuniary  loss,  though  many  copies  would  be 
taken  by  parties  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  place,  and  sent  away  to  those  who  were  likely 
to  be  attracted  thither.  For  many  months,  mails  were  only  received  once,  twice  or  three  times  a 
week,  at  the  village  of  Newport,  two  miles  distant,  and  to  this  place  the  editor  was  compelled  to 
go  for  his  postal  matter.  Notwithstanding  all  these  difficulties,  the  Mirror  was  always  a  readable 
paper.  It  continued  to  exist  for  nearly  three  years,  when  a  suspension  took  place  for  a  time, 
and  it  was  then  revived  by  H.  A.  Holly,  with  Alanson  Holly  as  editor.  In  due  course  of  time, 
it  was  sold  to  T.  0.  Thompson,  who  in  turn  sold  to  Davis,  Wright  ct  Davis,  Mr.  Wright  remain- 
ing with  it  but  a  short  time,  when  D.  I*.  &  E.  B.  Davis  became  proprietors.  In  January,  1872. 
it  passed  into  the  hands  of  Frank  0.  Wesner,  who  continued  it  until  July,  1876.  Mr.  Wesner 
was  in  a  measure  successful,  devoting  attention  principally  to  local  matters.  When  he  retired, 
W.  M.  Cole  became  proprietor,  and  continued  to  publish  until  October,  1876,  when  the  office  was 
destroyed  by  fire.    No  attempt  was  made  to  revive  it. 

The  Kilhourn  City  Guard  was  issued  by  Wesley  Moran,  for  the  first  time,  November  15, 
1876;  it  was  continued  with  varying  success  until  April  30,  187U,  when  it  was  suspended. 
The  size  was  a  seven-column  folio ;  price,  $2  ;  politics.  Republican.  It  was  edited  with  ability 
during  its  brief  existence. 

The  Reporter. — On  the  3d  of  June,  1875,  F.  A.  Brown,  a  Columbia  County  pioneer, 
issued  the  first  number  of  the  Poynette  Reporter,  a  six-column  folio,  neutral  in  politics.  The 
"  home  side  "  was  printed  at  the  office  of  the  Western  Advance,  a  small  temjierance  weekly, 
published  for  a  time  at  Portage  by  E.  W.  Stevens.  The  Reporter  survived  one  year.  Mr. 
Brown  came  to  Columbia  County  in  1849,  and  lived  here  about  twenty-seven  years.  He  is  now 
publishing  the  Monroe  County  Democrat,  at  Sparta,  Wis. 

COMMON    SCHOOLS. 

The  educational  system  of  the  State  embraces  common  schools,  normal  schools  and  the 
State  University. 

Towns  are  generally  divided  into  a  number  of  school  districts,  in  each  of  which  the  school 
affairs  are  in  charge  of  a  district  school  board,  consisting  of  three  members,  each  holding  office 
for  three  years,  one  being  elected  at  each  annual  school  meeting.  The  officers  of  this  board  are 
Director,  Treasurer  and  Clerk.  The  Clerk  reports  to  the  Town  Clerk,  and  the  Town  Clerk  to 
the  County  Superintendent.  Some  towns  have  what  is  called  the  township  system,  with  one 
school  board  for  the  whole  town. 

The  schools  in  cities  are  generally  under  the  control  of  a  Board  of  Education,  and  in 
charge  of  a  city  Superintendent  of  schools. 

In  most  of  the  cities  and  in  some  of  the  villages,  the  schools  are  graded,  the  highest  grade 
being  called  the  high  school. 

The  schools  of  the  State  are  principally  supported  by  local  taxation,  district  and  county. 
The  remainder  of  their  support,  about  one-thirteenth,  comes  from  the  income  of  the  State  school 
fund,  which  amounts  at  present  to  about  40  cents  for  each  child  of  school  age.  Some  of  the 
high  schools  under  certain  regulations  receive  special  aid  from  the  State.  ' 

From  lack  of  normal  schools,  academies  and  colleges  within  her  boundaries  or  near  them, 
Columbia  County  has  nt>  reason  to  boast  of  her  educational  advantages,  except  such  as  are 
furnished  by  her  high,  graded  and  common  schools.  Of  the  latter  she  has  good  reason  to  be 
proud.  The  ample  provision  made  by  the  State  for  common  schools  has  been  liberally  supple- 
mented bv  the  tax-payers  of  this  county.     The  need  of  the  influence  and  inspiration   derived 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  547 

from  institutions  of  higher  culture  is  greatly  felt,  but  the  want  is  being  rapidly  outgrown  by 
reason  of  the  increased  facilities  for  getting  to  and  from  places  of  higher  learning. 

The  early  schools  of  Columbia  County  were,  like  all  others  in  a  new  country,  small  in  their 
beginnings.  Previous  to  1850,  Eliza  Haight  taught  a  private  school  at  "the  portage,"  as  did 
also  Delos  Brown  in  the  year  just  mentioned.  The  first  district  formed  in  the  vicinity  of  Cam- 
bria was  in  1848 ;  a  schoolhouse  was  built  in  the  same  year,  and  a  public  school  taught  by 
Miss  Betsy  Griffin.  In  1852,  Julia  Landt  taught  in  the  town  of  Newport,  near  Kilbourn,  for 
$1.25  per  week,  and  "board  around;  "  and  Frances  Howard  taught  the  same  school  for  $2.50 
per  week,  and  boarded  herself 

The  first  year  of  public  schools  reported  was  in  1849,  when  the  average  wages  paid  male 
teachers  were  $11.75  a  month;  female,  $5.39.  The  average  value  of  the  schoolhouses  for  each 
town  in  the  State  was  $575,  which  for  the  eleven  towns  reported  of  Columbia  County,  would 
give  an  aggregate  of  $6,223.25;  and,  if  the  forty-one  districts  in  these  towns  that  reported  had 
each  a  schoolhouse,  the  average  value  would  be  about  $150. 

Just  thirty  years  after  this,  in  1879,  the  county  contained  146  "  regular  "  school  districts, 
with  schoolhouses  valued  on  the  average  at  over  $500  each.  There  were  also  seventy-three 
"parts"  of  districts,  and  forty  "joint  "  districts.  The  average  wages  paid  male  teachers  were 
$37.07  per  month,  and  female  teachers,  $20.87.  The  whole  number  of  children  of  school  age  in 
the  county  is  8,550,  of  whom  6,370  have  attended  school.  Outside  of  school  age,  which  is  from 
four  to  twenty  years,  eighty-three  have  also  attended  public  schools.  To  teach  all  these,  272 
different  teachers  have  been  employed  during  the  year  1879,  only  163  of  whom  could  be  teach- 
ing during  the  same  term.  The  total  amount  of  money  received  by  the  county  for  school  pur- 
poses, from  all  sources,  was  very  nearly  $46,000,  of  which  there  has  been  paid  out  for  teachers' 
wages  alone  the  sura  of  $32,167.  The  total  expense  of  the  common  schools  of  Columbia  County 
for  1879  was  very  nearly  $58,000,  or  about  $9  for  each  one  of  those  attending  school. 

Through  the  agency  of  teachers'  associations  and  institutes,  the  more  advanced  ideas  and 
methods  of  modern  teaching  are  disseminated  throughout  the  county,  and  many  good  teachers 
are  found  in  the  common  schools  even  at  the  present  low  rate  of  wages.  This  year  (1880)  is 
also  witnessing  an  increased  activity  in  the  building  of  new  schoolhouses,  and  the  repairing  of 
old  ones,  and  the  introducing  of  modern  and  improved  styles  of  school  furniture  and  apparatus. 

Exclusive  of  the  high  schools  in  the  cities  of  Portage  and  Columbus,  there  is  a  free  high 
school  at  Lodi.  This  was  established  as  a  graded  school  in  September,  1864,  with  A.  J.  Riley 
as  Principal  at  a  salary  of  $850.  In  1869,  a  high-school  building  was  built,  and  for  five  years 
Mr.  Yocum  was  Principal.  He  was  followed  in  1874  by  A.  A.  Miller,  and  subsequently,  ih 
1877,  by  W.  E.  Todd,  who  is  still  Principal  and  has  done  much  to  give  the  school  its  present 
excellent  reputation.  On  the  29th  of  March,  1878,  the  building  was  burned  down  and  a  new 
one  afterward  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $8,000.  There  are  six  departments,  employing  as 
many  teachers,  with  an  attendance  of  275  pupils,  seventy-five  of  whom  are  in  the  high-school 
department. 

In  the  village  of  Kilbourn  there  is  a  graded  school  of  five  departments,  employing  six 
teachers,  with  an  attendance  of  384  pupils.  The  schoolhouse  was  built  in  1869  at  a  cost  of 
$16,000,  and  the  annual  running  expenses  for  1879  were  about  $2,750. 

At  Cambria,  a  school  of  two  departments  was  organized  in  1859,  and  enlarged  to  three 
departments  in  1869.  In  1867,  the  total  enrollment  of  scholars  was  311,  and  again  in  1879 
the  number  was  253.  The  total  expense  yearly  of  running  the  school  is  $1,125.  In  the  list  of 
Principals  are  the  names  of  Henry  Rust,  J.  J.  Lloyd,  Orson  Kellogg,  D.  A.  Strong,  Kennedy  Scott 
and  Zed.  Merrill.  There  is  also  a  school  of  two  departments  and  three  teachers  at  Poynette, 
which  was  first  organized  in  the  fall  of  1862,  with  Miles  T.  Alverson  as  Principal.  The  total 
expense  that  year  was  $400.  The  number  of  children  enrolled  in  the  district  was  127,  and  the 
attendance  in  both  departments  103.  The  total  attendance  in  1880  is  about  140,  and  the 
annual  expense  of  running  the  school  over  $1,000.  To  within  a  year  two  teachers  only  have 
been  employed.     Besides  these  there  are  schools  of  two  departments  at  Wyocena,  Pardeeville, 


648  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Rio,  Fall  River  and  Randolph,  all  of  which  tend  to  draw  in  the  larger  scholars  from  the  sur- 
rounding country  districts. 

The  supervision  of  schools  was  in  the  care  of  town  Superintendents  until  the  close  of  1861, 
when  the  county  superintendency  was  adopted.  The  first  to  fill  the  oflBce  of  County  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools  of  Columbia  County  was  D.  W.  Rosenkrans,  of  Columbus,  six  years,  1862- 
67  ;  then  Levi  Bath,  of  Columbus,  two  years,  1868-69  ;  J.  J.  Lloyd,  of  Cambria,  two  years, 
1870-'71 ;  L.  J.  Burlingame,  of  West  Point,  three  years,  1872-74  ;  Kennedy  Scott,  five  years, 
1875-79,  and  the  incumbent,  Henry  Neill,  of  Caledonia,  elected  for  the  term  of  1880-81. 

COUNTY    BOARD    OF    SUPERVISORS. 

The  following,  are  the  towns,  cities  and  villages  in  Columbia  County  entitled  each  to  one 
representative  upon  the  County  Board  : 

Towtfs. — Arlington,  Caledonia,  Columbus,  Courtland,  Dekorra,  Fort  Winnebago,  Fountain 
Prairie,  Hampden,  Leeds,  Lewiston,  Loili,  Lowville,  Marcellon,  Newport,  Otsego,  Pacific,  Ran- 
dolph, Scott,  Springvale,  West  Point  and  Wyocena — 21. 

Cities. — Columbus,  First  Ward,  Second  Ward,  Third  Ward ;  Portage,  First  Ward,  Second 
Ward,  Third  Ward,  Fourth  Ward,  Fifth  Ward— 8. 

Villages. — Cambria,  Kilbourn  City,  Lodi,  Randolph  (West  Ward) — 4. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  membei's  of  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners  and 
Board  of  Supervisors  for  the  years  mentioned  : 

County  CommissionerH.* — 1846 — Solomon  Leach,  J.  Q.  Adams,  John  Langdon.f 

1847— R.  F.  Veeder,  N.  Griffin,  J.  D.  McCall. 

1848 — J.  Q.  Adams,  J.  J.  Guppey,  G.  M.  Bartholomew. 

1849 — J.  C.  Carr,  LaFayette  Hill,  John  0.  Jones. 

Board  of  Supervisors. — 184!t — A.  A.  Brayton,  S.  Brayton,  0.  Kincaid,  J.  0.  Jones,  W. 
T.  Whirry,  AV.  K.  Custar,  L.  Warner,  J.  Williams,  W.  W.  Patton,  Linus  Blair,  Edwin  Sylves- 
ter, M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Bishop  Johnson — 13. 

1850 — Jeremiah  Drake,  J.  Kerr,  J.  Hewett,  J.  Seavey,  J.  Whitney,  E.  Cook,  B.  Johnson, 

D.  Bisbee,  J.  0.  Jones,  J.  Williams,  A.  A.  Brayton,   0.  Kincaid,   0.  C.  Howe,  I.  Polley,  T. 
Dalziel,  E.  Lee — 16. 

1851 — Joseph  Kerr,  J.  Q.  Adams,  D.  S.  Bushnell,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  F.  C.  Curtis, 
Thomas  Dalziel,  J.  H.  Guptil,  J.  0.  Jones,  A.  C.  Ketchum,  0.  Kincaid,  Elijah  Lee,  J.  W. 
Rhoades,  J.  Rood,  T.  C.  Smith,  R.  H.  Mead,  Jesse  Van  Ness,  J.  Whitney — 17. 

1852 — Joseph  Kerr,  J.  Q.  Adams,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  M.  F.  Cass,  William  W.  Drake, 
J.  M.  Forrest,  F.  Folsom,  Elijah  Lee,  R.  H.  Mead,  John  Pate,  M.  W.  Patton,  D.  Vandercook, 
Jesse  Van  Ness,  D.  White,  C.  J.  Chapin,  R.  Closs,  F.  C.  Curtis,  F.  E.  Whiton— 18. 

1853— Jesse  Van  Ness,  W.  G.  Simons,  W.  H.  Young,  W.  W.  Drake,  J.  C.  Carr,  G.  D. 
Mead,  J.  F.  Hand,  D.  White,  J.  S.  Richmond,  C.  H.  Moore,  H.  Converse,  J.  0.  Jones.  R.  H. 
Mead,  Benjamin  Williams,  W.  Wiley,  E.  Williams,  Abram  Dates,  Samuel  Reeder,  J.  Christy, 

E.  Lee— 20. 

1854 — F.  C.  Curtis,  M.  Barden,  John  Hagan,  E.  A.  Tolles,  George  Wall,  H.  Converse, 
J.  0.  Jones,  R.  H.  Mead,  F.  Folsom,  D.  White,  J.  S.  Richmond,  Peter  Van  Ness,  M.  C.  Bar- 
tholomew, John  Derr,  J.  A.  Bowen,  E.  F.  Lewis,  J.  C.  Carr,  E.  A.  McDowell,  Benjamin  Dow, 
W.  T.  Whirry,  W.  H.  Young— 21. 

1855 — M.  W.  Patton,  Nathan  Hazen,  Thomas  Robertson,  N.  Griffin,  J.  Drake,  S.  Cook, 
John  Hagan,  J.  Walton,  J.  Montgomery,  I.  C.  Sargent,  F.  C.  Curtis,  M.  C.  Bartholomew, 
Jacob  Jacobia,  J.  Seavey,  Ed.  Dawes,  F.  Folsom,  Benjamin  Dow,  Andrew  Dunn,  J.  N.  Hardy, 
John  0.  Jones,  S.  W.  Walker,  S.  H.  Briggs— 22. 

1856— F.  C.  Curtis,  A.  N.  Smith,  Thomas  Robertson,  W.  W.  Drake,  F.  G.  Randall, 
Daniel  AVhite,  J.  C.  Carr,  J.  Devlin,  Ed.  Fairbanks,  J.  Ewing,  Jr.,  S.  Dutton,  M.  F.  Cass,  E. 

♦The  fii-st  officer  named  in  each  year,  in  this  Board,  and  in  tlie  Board  of  Supervisors,  waa  Chairman. 
fDid  not  qualify. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  549 

Dawes,  C.  S.  Tompkins,  William  Weir,  G.  G.  Marvin,  M.  W.  Patton,  N.  White,  W.  M.  Blair, 
T.  Tirrill,  N.  Goodall,  Josiah  Arnold— 22. 

1857 — Peter  Van  Ness,  J.  Austin,  Alexander  McDonald,  W.  W.  Drake.  R.  H.  Mead, 
Daniel  White,  S.  M.  Smith,  A.  Sweany,  E.  Fairbanks,  S.  A.  Wheeler,  W.  G.  Simons,  W.  T. 
Bradley,  Samuel  Dunn,  J.  H.  Bonney,  Ed.  Dawes,  Frank  Folsom,  J.  P.  McGregor,  William 
Weir,  R.  T.  Graves,  M.  Barden,  J.  0.  Jones,  H.  Converse — 22. 

1858— J.  C.  Carr,  J.  Austin,  J.  Williams,  Thomas  Robertson.  W.  M.  Griswold,  D.  White, 
A.  Sweany,  Henry  Lull,  S.  Dunn,  W.  T.  Bradley,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  J.  Devine,  J.  H.  Bonney, 
S.  Blood,  F.  G.  Smythe,  Francis  Wood,  L.  G.  Sever,  S.  E.  Dana,  G.  N.  Richmond,  R.  S. 
Stoyell,  R.  T.  Graves,  M.  Barden,  Evan  Meredith,  J.  Pound,  H.  W.  Roblier— 25. 

"  1859 — J.  C.  Carr,  J.  T.  Hillyer,  Thomas  Robertson,  J.  D.  Jones,  William  M.  Griswold, 
W.  Waugh,  L.  Sweany,  W.  K.  Custar,  W.  N.  Baker,  James  Devine,  J.  F..Hand,  C.  L.  Brown, 
M.  M.  Williams,  J.  Bowman,  J.  L.  Burk,  F.  Wood,  P.  Sheehan,  John  Graham,  A.  M.  Craig, 
J.  Collins,  A.  Warren,  M.  Barden,  E.  Meredith,  Ira  PoUey,  N.  B.  Ellis— 25. 

I860— W.  N.  Baker,  J.  T.  Hillyer,  W.  Stevenson,  W.  Bump,  Thomas  Silsbee,  D.  White, 
J.  Q.  Adams,  0.  S.  Smith,  Ed.  Fairbanks,  James  Devine,  Delos  Bundy,  C.  L.  Brown,  S.  A. 
Knapp,  J.  W.  King,  C.  S.  Tompkins,  Henry  Emder,  S.  E.  Dana,  A.  P.  Bennett,  H.  W. 
Emery,  A.  Weir,  Abram  Warren,  M.  Barden,  R.  B.  Sanderson,  N.  Coapman,  Ira  Policy — 25. 

1861— W.  N.  Baker,  H.  J.  Sill,  W.  Stevenson,  S.  Harvey,  A.  G.  Cook,  Hugh  Jamieson, 
0.  S.  Smith,  E.  H.  Wood,  J.  H.  Sutton,  L.  A.  Squire,  L.  D.  Dean,  J.  F.  Hand,  S.  A. 
Knapp,  J.  W.  King,  J.  L.  Burk,  Andrew  Weir,  Ed.  O'Keeffe,  John  Graham,  S.  S.  Brannan, 
G.  H.  Osborn,  G.  G.  Marvin,  J.  0.  Jones,  M.  Barden,  George  Yule,  E.  B.  Blaisdell — 25. 

1862 — Levi  W.  Barden,  C.  L.  Brown,  Marcus  Barden. 

1863 — Levi  W.  Barden,  C.  L.  Brown,  Marcus  Barden. 

1864— W.  W.  Drake,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  M.  Barden. 

1865— W.  W.  Drake,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  M.  Barden. 

1866— W.  W.  Drake,  E.  F.  Lewis,  M.  Barden. 

1867— Marcus  Barden,  E.  F.  Lewis,  W.  W.  Drake. 

1868— E.  F.  Lewis,  W.  W.  Drake,  M.  Barden. 

1869— G.  M.  Bartholomew,  Ira  H.  Ford,  J.  Meredith. 

1870 — A.  J.  Turner.  H.  McFarlane,  Alexander  Prentice,  A.  G.  Cook,  A.  W.  Ingalsbe, 
H.  B.  Rust,  E.  0.  Jones,  H.  Jamieson,  Abram  Dates,  W.  H.  Proctor,  S.  Hasey,  L.  A.  Squire, 
E.  F.  Lewis,  Joel  Pruyn,  W.  H.  Young,  Hiram  Albee,  George  Smith,  D.  B.  Kuney,  J.  L. 
Burk,  B.  F.  Flower,  Thomas  Dalton,  S.  S.  Brannan,  E.  Arthur,  W.  W.  Corning,  S.  S.  Tor- 
bert,  S.  M.  Smith,  M.  Barden,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  F.  0.  Sisson,  E.  B.  Blaisdell— 30. 

1871— William  M.  Griswold,  H.  McFarlane,  J.  G.  Staudenmayer,  E.  0.  Jones,  W.  W. 
Drake,  G.  M.  Bennett,  John  McKenzie,  Charles  Sweany,  H.  C.  Field,  Samuel  Hasey,  D.  B. 
Kuney,  L.  A.  Squire,  E.  B.  Craig,  Joel  Pruyn,  Samuel  Dunn,  H.  Albee,  George  Smith,  J.  L. 
Burk,  Stephen  Calverly,  L.  G.  Bever,  John  Gates,  Daniel  Wells,  W.  W.  Corning,  C.  Wheeler, 
G.  G.  Marvin,  M.  Barden,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  J.  L.  Farr,  E.  B.  Blaisdell,  S.  M.  Smith— 30. 

1872 — A.  J.  Turner,  H.  McFarlane,  J.  G.  Staudenmayer,  E.  0.  Jones,  I.  Smith,  E.  E. 
Chapin,  G.  M.  Bennett,  J.  McKenzie,  Charles  Sweany,  H.  C.  Field,  C.  S.  Tompkins,  D.  B. 
Kuney,  L.  A.  Squire,  Albert  Sharf,  A.  Eaton,  John  Foote,  Samuel  Dunn,  Hiram  Albee,  George 
Smith,  J.  Boutwell,  J.  L.  Porter,  L.  Prehn,  James  Fyfe,  B.  Doherty,  W.  W.  Corning,  John 
Chamberlin,  M.  Barden,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  J.  L.  Farr,  C.  J.  Pardee,  S.  M.  Smith — 31. 

187-3 — A.  J.  Turner,  H.  McFarlane,  J.  G.  Staudenmayer,  E.  0.  Jones,  J.  J.  Sutton,  E.  E. 

Chapin,  G.  M.  Bennett,  J.  McKenzie,  Abram  Dates,  H.  C.  Field,  Samuel  Hasey,  P.  G.  Stroud, 

.  W.  C.  Kleinert,  Albert  Sharf,  A.  Eaton,  J.  Foote,  Samuel  Dunn,  Hiram  Albee,  I.  W.  York,  J. 

Boutwell,  S.  Calverly,  Louis  Prehn,  S.  S.  Brannan,  B.  Doherty,  J.  Collins,  W.  T.  Whirry,  M. 

Barden,  J.  R.  Rowlands,  J.  L.  Farr,  Charles  Spear,  J.  Stolker — 31. 

1874 — A.  J.  Turner,  H.  McFarlane,  J.  G.  Staudenmayer,  R.  J.  Rowlands,  Paul  Miller, 
W.  M.  Griswold,  C  L.  Dering,  H.  A.  Whitney,  G.  M.  Bennett,  J.  McKenzie,  Charles  Sweany, 


650  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

H.  C.  Field,  John  Derr,  M.  Griffin,  W.  C.  Kleinert,  Alber;  Sharf,  A.  Eaton,  John  Foote, 
Samuel  Dunn,  Hiram  Albee,  A.  Chamberlin,  J.  Boutwell,  Edward  Smith,  Peter  Mahon,  Will- 
iam Meacher,  Evan  Arthur,  W.  W.  Corning.*  Samuel  Clark,  Marcus  Barden,  J.  R.  Rowlands, 
J.  A.  Parr,  C.  J.  Pardee,  W.  T.  Whirryf— 33. 

1875 — A.  J.  Turner,  Hiram  Albee,  Evan  Arthur,  Alan  Bogue,  Stephen  Calverly,  Samuel 
Clark,  John  Derr,  John  Foote,  Michael  Griffin,  Alfred  Hasey,  J.  C.  Hoppin,  D.  M.  Hall,  Evan 
0.  Jones,  Hugh  Jamieson,  J.  R.  Jones,  W.  C.  Kleinert,  Matthew  Lowth,  John  W.  Lee,  I.  G. 
Loomis,  Peter  Mahon,  William  Meacher,  W.  H.  Proctor,  Charles  J.  Pardee,  F.  G.  Randall,  J. 
G.  Staudenmayer,  Charles  Sweany,  Albert  Sharf,  John  Sawyer,  Joseph  Stalker,  Matbias  Traut. 
James  Wilson,  Jr.,  I.  W.  York,  George  Yule — 33. 

1876 — A.  J.  Turner,  Alan  Bogue,  William  Black,  M.  W.  Patton,  Matthew  Lowth,  J.  R. 
Decker,  A.  Hasey,  N.  C.  Bissell,  John  W.  Lee,  A.  Hastie,  Charles  Sweany.  0.  W.  Field,  John 
Derr,  P.  G.  Stroud,  W.  C.  Kleinert,  Peter  Tennison,  James  Wilson,  A.  Eaton,  F.  C.  Curtis,  0. 

D.  Coleman,  I.  W.  York,  T.  Thompson,  Edward  Smith,  Peter  Mahon,  S.  S.  Brannan,  S.  S. 
Johnson,  I.  G.  Loomis,  John  Sanderson,  John  Sawyer,  John  R.  Jones,  John  Evans,  C.  J.  Par- 
dee, Joseph  Stalker — 33. 

1877 — J.  R.  Decker,  Alan  Bogue,  Charles  McLeish,  John  Davis,  Matthew  Lowth,  A. 
Hasey,  A.  G.  Cook,  John  W.  Lee,  A.  Hastie,  Charles  Sweany,  W.  H.  Proctor,  Thomas  San- 
derson, P.  G.  Stroud,  W.  C.  Kleinert,  Albert  Sharf,  James  Wilson,  Addison  Eaton,  F.  C.  Cur- 
tis, 0.  D.  Coleman,  I.  W.  York,  Thornton  Thompson,  J.  L.  Porter,  Jacob  Bauer,  LI.  Breese, 
M.  Waterhouse,  C.  C.  Britt,  N.  H.  Wood,  John  Sanderson,  D.  C.  Merrill,  John  D.  Jones,  A, 
Vanderpoel,  Stephen  Calverly,  Joseph  Stalker — 33. 

1878— J.  R.  Decker,  Alan  Bogue,  Robert  Whitelaw,  J.  J.  Edwards,  J.  W.  Leffingwell,  A. 
Hasey,  C.  L.  Dering,  John  J.  Lloyd,  A.  Hastie,  Charles  Sweany,  M.  C.  Hobart,  J.  Montgom- 
ery, P.  G.  Stroud,  L.  L.  Phinney,  John  H.  Clark,  Charles  Goodall,  Addison  Eaton,  F.  C.  Cur- 
tis, Asa  Smith,  I.  W.  York,  Samuel  Sampson,  Henry  Jennings,  Jacob  Bauer,  William  Meacher, 

E.  C.  Maine,  C.  C.  Britt,  N.  H.  Wood,  J.  B.  Smith,  D.  C.  Merrill,  John  D.  Jones,  J.  A.  Parr, 
Stephen  Calverly,  G.  C.  Foster— 33. 

1879— J.  R.  Decker,  Alan  Bogue,  Robert  Whitelaw,  E.  W.  Lloyd,  J.  W.  Leffingwell.  A. 
Hasey,  Hobart  R.  Cook,  D.  D.  Morris,  J.  R.  Hastie,  Charles  Sweany,  M.  C.  Hobart,  Edward 
Fairbanks,  P.  G.  Stroud,  L.  L.  Phinney,  John  H.  Clark,  Charles  Goodall,  Addison  Eaton,  John 
W.  Palmer,  Asa  Smith,  L  W.  York,  Hans  H.  Tongen,  Edward  Smith,  Jacob  Bauer,  George 
Shackell,  Sr.,  Evan  Arthur,  R.  C.  Rockwood,  C.  Collipp,  J.  B.  Smith,  John  Sawyer,  John 
Leatherman,  Julius  A.  Parr,  M.  G.  Tucker,  G.  C.  Foster — 33. 

1880— Alan  Bogue,  C.  F.  Mohr,  Evan  W.  Loyd,  J.  W.  Leffingwell,  M.  Burnham,  Alfred 
Hasey,  H.  A.  Whitney,  D.  D.  Morris,  J.  R.  Hastie,  Charle^  Sweaney,  Spencer  Randall,  H.  R. 
Clark,  William  C.  Kleinert,  John  H.  Clark,  James  Wilson,  Addison  Eaton,  .James  Price,  P.  G. 
Stroud,  Asa  Smith,  I.  W.  York,  H.  Phillips,  Andrew  Weir,  John  Brickwell,  George  Shackell, 
Evan  Arthur,  M.  T.  Alverson,  C.  C.  Collipp,  Thomas  Williams,  Marcus  Barden,  John  Leather- 
man,  William  H.  Cook,  R.  C.  Falkner,  G.  C.  Foster, — 33.  Chairman  not  yet  elected  for 
1880. 

authors    and   artists. 
Hattie  Tyng  Grlswold 

was  born  in  Boston  on  the  26th  of  January,  1842.  She  is  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Dudley 
Tyng,  a  Universalist  divine,  now  deceased.  At  the  age  of  eleven  years  she  came  with  her 
parents  to  Wisconsin,  and  when  fourteen  years  old  began  to  attract  attention  as  one  marked 
with  literary  ability  by  her  short  stories  and  poems  in  the  Madison  State  Journal.  She  also 
wrote  for  the  Knickerbocker  Magazine  and  the  Home  Journal,  New  York  publications  of  note, 
and  the  Louisville  Courier-Journal.      In  1878,   Mrs.  Griswold  collected  many   of  her  poems 

•  Resigned  and  Charles  C.  Dow  appointed. 

t  W.  T.  Whirry,  deceased,  and  J.  Stalker  appointed. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  551 

and  published  them,  with  others  not  before  given  in  printer's  ink,  in  a  neat  little  volume  entitled 
"Apple  Blossoms." 

*'  These  poems  illustrate  this  fact,  that  a  born  singer  must  sing,  no  matter  how  or  where  ;  no 
matter  what  coveted  boons  of  culture  fortune  may  withhold,  or  how  niggardly  fate  may  be  of 
outward  advantage.  Mrs.  Griswold  is  a  student  of  nature  and  sings  the  emotions  of  common 
humanity.  Hers  is  a  healthful,  hopeful,  songful  book  for  everybody  who  has  soul  enough  to 
love  a  singing  bird  and  sense  to  appreciate  truth.  The  sun  is  called  the  sun,  not  Phoebus,  in 
this  book,  and  home  here  is  home,  and  heart,  simply  heart.  The  author  seems  to  love  the 
unpretending  household  phrase  of  the  land,  and  she  knows  no  disdain  for  any  soul  of  humanity, 
who  is  sincere  and  earnest  and  truth-seeking." 

One  of  the  Apple  Blossoms  is 

"  INACHIEVED. 

"  I  am  sad  for  the  poems  which  have  been  but  dreamed, 

For  the  books  which  have  never  been  writ,  •    ' 

For  the  pictifres  which  never  on  canvas  have  gleamed, 
For  the  thought  which  no  language  would  fit. 

"  I  am  sad  for  the  songs  that  have  burdened  the  brain 
Of  the  singer,  but  could  not  find  birth  : 
For  the  melodies  struggling,  and  struggling  in  vain, 
To  break  on  the  world  with  their  worth. 

"  1  am  sad  for  the  work  which  has  never  been  wrought 
By  the  hands  which  were  pinioned  and  pent ; 
I  lament  that  the  deed  could  not  equal  the  thought. 
Nor  the  action  the  spirit's  intent. 

"  Alas  !  for  the  deeds  wliich  have  never  been  done, 
So  heroic,  and  grand,  and  sublime  ; 
Alas  !  for  the  battles  which  have  not  been  won, 
In  this  contest  with  life  and  with  time. 

"  Alas  I  for  the  possible  loves  in  the  heart 
Of  the  man  who  loves  never  at  all ; 
For  the  sadness  and  sorrow  of  lives  set  apart, 
Who  might  have  found  joy  in  love's  thrall. 

"  Ah,  me  !   fur  the  idols  we  make  to  our  souls, 
And  who  live  not,  save  in  our  ideal ; 
Alas  !  for  the  sorrow  that  over  us  rolls, 

When  our  dreams  are  dispersed  by  the  real. 

"  Every  life  has  two  strands  :  the  life  that  we  see. 
And  the  other,  that  which  might  have  been  ; 
The  being  we  are,  and  the  one  we  might  be — 
Who  shall  say  where  they  end  or  begin  ? 

"  And  who,  that  there  is  not  success  in  defeat, 
And  a  failure  in  every  success  ; 
That  the  battle-field  held  may  not  be  a  retreat, 
And  the  wrong  that  we  suffer,  redress  ?" 

An  intelligent  critic  pronounced  Mrs.  Griswold's  book  one  of  rare  merit.  He  says  an 
undertone  of  sadness,  a  refrain  of  grief  and  pathos,  runs  through  all  her  poems ;  but  their  les- 
son is  always  of  patience  and  resignation  and  hope,  rather  than  despondency  or  despair.  Their 
sadness  is  that  of  life  and  of  a  woman's  heart,  when  it  has  known  "  a  sorrow's  crown  of  sor- 
rows," such  as  is  portrayed  in 

"THREE    KISSES. 

"  I  have  three  kisses  in  my  life 
So  sweet  and  sacred  unto  me. 
That  now,  till  death-dews  on  them  rest, 
My  lips  shall  ever  kissless  be. 

"One  kiss  was  given  in  childhood  s  hour. 
By  one  who  never  gave  another ; 
Through  life  and  death,  I  still  shall  feel 
That  last  kiss  of  my  mother. 


552  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

"  The  next  kiss  burned  by  lips  for  years  ; 
For  years  my  wild  heart  reeled  in  bliss 
At  every  memory  of  that  hour, 

When  my  lips  felt  young  love's  first  kiss. 

"The  last  kiss  of  the  sacred  three 

Had  all  the  woe  %vhich  e'er  can  move 
The  heart  of  woman  ;  it  was  pressed 
Upon  the  dead  lips  of  my  love. 

"  When  lips  have  felt  the  dying  kiss, 
And  felt  the  kiss  of  burning  love, 
And  kissed  the  dead,  tlien  nevermore 
In  kissing  should  they  think  to  move." 

One  of  this  poet's  gifted  friends  truly  says  of  her :  "  She  writes  out  of  the  fullness  of  a 
rich  nature.  She  has  thrilled  at  the  heroism  and  self-sacrifice  of  Father  Marquette,  and  has 
told  tenderly  a  mother's  sorrow  over  '  A  little  one  quietly  sleeping.'  "  "  Apple  Blossoms  "  has 
reached  its  second  volume. 

Sarah  Dyer  Hobart 

is  the  daughter  of  Wayne  B.  Dyer,  and  was  born  at  Otsego,  in  Columbia  County,  in  1846. 
She  commenced  her  literary  career  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  writing  for  the  local  newspapers.  She 
has  written  a  number  of  poems  of  acknowledged  merit,  among  them,  "The  Record  of  Company 
B,"  "  The  Legend  of  St.  Freda "'  and  "  Hector's  Recompense.  "  As  a  regular  prose  contributor 
to  the  Toledo  Blade  she  wrote  over  the  nom  de  plume  of  "  Floyd  Bentley."  Her  superior  talents 
as  a  musician  have  won  for  her  a  reputation  reaching  beyond  local  confines,  and  of  late  years 
she  has  turned  her  attention  almost  exclusively  to  the  divine  art  of  melody.  The  follow- 
ing is 

"THE    RECORD    OF    COMPANY    B. 

"  At  the  open  door  of  the  cottage, 
With  a  book  upon  her  knee, 
A  fair-haired  child  sat  reading 
The  record  of  Company  B. 

"  '  Father,  the  names  are  many. 

And  the  lists  are  long,'  she  said  ; 
'  But  tell  me,  who  are  the  living. 

And  who  were  the  wounded  and  dead.' 

"  Then  he  took  the  ancient  record 
And  laid  it  on  his  knee, 
And  he  told,  in  the  purple  twilight, 
The  story  of  Company  B. 

"  They  came  fmm  the  heart  of  the  prairie, 
These  men  so  brave  and  true. 
Who  left  their  homes  and  dear  ones, 
To  march  in  the  army-blue. 

"  One  hundred  stalwart  yeomen. 
Plowing  in  springtime  sweet. 
Gathering  the  sheaves  in  autumn, 
Reaping  the  ripened  wheat. 

"  They  marched  in  storm  and  sunshine, 
They  fought  in  the  battle-rain  ; 
Ah  me  !   'twas  different  labor 
From  gathering  golden  grain. 


'  In  the  wild  Virginia  mountains 
8ome  rendered  up  their  lives. 
With  prayers  for  the  stricken  country. 
With  prayers  for  mothers  and  wives. 


•HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  653 

"  On  the  plains  of  sunny  Georgia 
Others  were  laid  to  rest, 
With  traitor-soil  around  them, 
And  its  clods  upon  their  breast. 

"  Some  died  on  the  dreary  marches  — 
Hungry,  weary  and  worn — 
And  some  in  Southern  prisons, 
From  friends  and  comrades  torn. 

"  And  when  the  crippled  remnant 
Came  back,  and  peace  was  given, 
Of  the  hundred  who  enlisted, 
»  The  veterans  were  but  seven. 

"  By  many  a  blue- waved  river. 
And  where  old  ocean's  surge 
Wakes  through  the  solemn  ages 
An  anthem  and  a  dirge — 

"  Unmoved  by  bugle's  summons 
Or  drum's  deep  reveille, 
While  angels  guard  above, 
Sleep  the  men  of  Company  B. 

"  '  Ah  me  ! '  she  sighed,  'the  record 

Is  sad,  and  full  of  pain;  • 

Praise  God,  the  war  is  over. 
And  the  land's  at  rest  again  ! 

"  '  But  I'm  proud  that,  when  the  country 
Was  torn  from  sea  to  sea, 
My  father  fought  to  save  her 
In  the  ranks  of  Company  B.'  " 

The  following  brief  extract  clearly  shows  the  remarkable  power  of  Mrs.  Hobart  as  a  poet. 
Jt  is  from  a  poem  entitled 

"  UNREQUITED. 

"  I  gave  my  all,  with  a  lavish  hand, 
With  a  holy  love,  with  a  purpose  grand ; 
I  robbed  my  life  of  its  rarest  flowers, 
To  brighten  another's  lonely  hours. 

"  I  crushed  my  pride  with  an  iron  will. 
To  shield  another  from  pain  and  ill; 
For  I  said,  '  When  the  night  of  gloom  shall  cease, 
Above  me  shall  dawn  the  morn  of  peace.'  \ 

"  In  vain  !  In  vain !  The  years  roll  on, 
And  the  joy  of  youth  is  forever  gone  ; 
And  the  happy  bird  on  the  wind-tossed  tree 
Singeth  no  song  of  bliss  for  me. 

"  0  mother  earth,  on  thy  bosom  brown 
Let  the  child  in  painless  rest  lie  down ; 
Hope's  bark  lies  wrecked  on  the  rocks  of  time. 
And  the  boon  I  crave  shall  never  be  mine.  " 

Le  Boy  Irons. 

In  his  former  home  at  Winfield,  N.  Y.,  the  early  days  of  Le  Roy  Irons  were  full  of  the 
brightest  promise  of  a  fine  literary  career.  He  was  the  life  of  society,  the  ready  writer  of  prose  or 
verse.  But  with  failing  health,  commenced  the  struggle  against  fate.  He  came  to  Columbus 
about  the  year  1867.  He  contributed  largely  to  the  Republican,  of  that  city,  and,  for  about 
three  months,  had  editorial  control  of  the  paper.  He  was,  also,  for  a  few  months,  local  editor 
of  the  Duluth  Morning  Call.  He  at  one  time  contributed  largely  to  the  columns  of  the  New 
York  Ledger,  and  was  almost  always  writing  for  the  local  papers  where  he  might  be  living. 


554  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Some  of  the  best  of  his  poems  were  collected  in  1876,  and  published  under  the  title  of  "  Cen- 
tennial Columbia."  From  this  work  is  selected  a  short  poem,  as  illustrative  of  his  facility  of 
versification,  entitled 

"  HESTLING. 

"  Come,  ilarling,  fair  darling,  creep  into  the  fold, 
The  winters  are  long,  and  the  frosts  are  cold, 
And  the  snows  for  your  feet  are  many-fold. 

"Come,  darling,  bright  darling,  the  nest  is  so  warm, 
And  the  world  is  so  sorrowful  under  the  storm  ; 
Creep  to  thy  nesting-place,  happy  and  warm. 

"  And  darling,  oh  1  darling,  sweet  daisy  of  ours, 
Half  life  is  toilsome,  half  golden  with  flowers. 
Half  tempest  and  shadow,  half  sunshine  and  showers. 

"  Then  come  while  you  may,  darling,  unto  your  rest. 
The  moon  breaks  the  clouds,  ragged  edged,  in  the  west. 
Creep  in  while  you  may  to  your  warm,  warm  nest." 

He  was  married,  in  the  spring  of  1872,  to  Miss  Frank  Langworthy,  of  Clarksville,  N.  Y. 
He  died  in  April,  1877,  leaving  his  wife  and  little  daughter  to  mourn  his  loss. 

Mrs.  a.  C.  Kellogg. 

The  maiden  name  of  Mrs.  A.  C.  Kellogg  was  Harriet  R.  Aokerman.  She  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Brownville,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.  When  quite  young,  she  was  put  in  boarding- 
school  (at  Fairfield  Seminary,  Fairfield,  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.),  where  she  remained  several 
years.  She  evinced  a  decided  taste  for  the  study  of  nature.  Her  parents,  thinking  this  merely  a 
childish  freak,  compelled  her  to  fill  up  her  spare  time  with  music,  which  she  considered  of  minor 
value.  Leaving  this  branch,  she  commenced  the  study  of  art,  and  soon  drew  and  painted  in  a 
very  creditable  manner  for  the  time  and  advantage  she  had  in  her  course  at  Fairfield. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen,  she  assumed  the  responsibilities  of  teacher  of  the  art  department 
in  the  same  institution,  which  position  she  filled  three  years.  She  afterward  taught  nearly  two 
years  in  Hungerford  Collegiate  Institute,  until  the  building  was  destroyed  by  fire.  While  in 
these  institutions,  she  did  much  for  the  cultivation  of  art.  She  then  made  preparations  to  con- 
tinue the  study  of  art  in  New  York  City  and  Philadelphia,  when  she  was  urged  to  accept  the 
vocation  of  art  teaching  in  the  Wesleyan  Female  College  at  Wilmington,  Del.,  where  she 
remained  two  years,  teaching  a  class  of  young  ladies  and  zealously  pursuing  her  art  studies. 
She  visited  Philadelphia  two  and  three  times  a  week,  having  access  to  Mr.  Earl's  gallery,  mean- 
while receiving  several  complimentary  notices  through  the  press. 

Miss  Ackerman  came  to  Wisconsin,  in  the  summer  of  1870,  with  the  intention  of  return- 
ing when  the  fall  term  commenced  at  Hungerford  Collegiate  Institute,  which  was  then  rebuilt. 
Her  health  being  delicate,  she  concluded  to  remain  in  this  State.  She  has  since  instructed  a 
large  number  of  pupils  in  oil  painting,  and  has  done  much  for  the  cultivation  of  art  in  Portage. 

She  was  married  to  Dr.  A.  C.  Kellogg  September  27,  1871. 

"  The  Valley  in  Autumn,"  Wisconsin  scenery,  is  a  painting  on  which  Mrs.  Kellogg  has 
lavished  much  wealth  of  coloring.  Its  title  is  suggestive ;  a  widespread  and  faithful  landscape, 
with  perspective  handsomely  displayed,  and  a  general  effect  whose  beauty  is  marred  by  no  hasty 
finish  of  details.  The  water,  transparent  and  yielding,  reflects  with  soft  luster  what  the  bank 
presents.  Still  beyond  the  scenes  already  noted,  there  stretch  away  the  Baraboo  hill-tops, 
their  summits  tipped  with  the  radiance  of  the  sun.  It  possesses  a  freshness  of  color  that 
charms,  an  atmosphere  elastic,  yet  subdued  and  mellowed  by  the  genial  rays  of  an  autumn  sun. 

"The  Brook  Trout"  is  a  painting  also  worthy  of  special  mention.  It  is  much  smaller 
than  the  one  already  spoken  of.  Its  harmony  of  color  is  excellent,  and  the  trout,  that  seem  to 
have  just  been  taken  from  the  crystal  brook,  are  very  life-like. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  555 


PRESIDENT  HAYES  AND  PARTY. 


Tuesday,  September  10,  1878,  was  a  gala  day  in  Portage.  Attached  to  the  regular  8 
o'clock  train  from  St.  Paul,  was  a  special  car,  containing  President  Hayes  and  party,  consisting 
in  all  of  forty-six  gentlemen  and  ladies.  The  distinguished  visitors  were  received  at  the  depot 
by  the  Uuppey  Guard,  with  the  Schulze  Band,  and  a  large  number  of  prominent  citizens  of  Port- 
age ;  also  by  a  committee  of  gentlemen — Horace  Rublee,  L.  B.  Caswell,  George  W.  Burchard, 
Sat.  Clark  and  H.  M.  Lewis — who  came  up  from  Madison  the  evening  before  to  escort  the  party  to 
the  State  capital.  Amid  the  commingling  of  cheers  and  music,  the  guests  were  escorted  to  the  din- 
ing-hall  of  the  Fox  House,  where  an  excellent  breakfast  awaited  them.  After  partaking  of  the 
morning  repast,  the  President  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Caswell.  He  expressed  himself  pleased 
to  meet  and  become  acquainted  with  people  of  the  Northwest,  spoke  of  his  recent  visit  to  Dakota 
and  the  Red  River  country,  and  said  that  what  had  been  regarded  in  years  past  as  the  "  Great 
American  Desert"  was  in  fact  a  region  of  almost  unlimited  agricultural  and  mineral  resources. 
He  said  he  had  become  a  convert  to  the  advice  of  Horace  Greeley — "  Go  West,  young  man." 

The  President  then  introduced  Attorney  General  Devens,  who  was  pleased  to  meet  everybody, 
especially  those  with  whom  he  had  been  associated  during  the  war.  "  The  material  evidences 
of  the  war  are  sinking  out  of  sight  every  day  ;  the  fortifications  and  entrenchments,  which  have 
been  the  scenes  of  conflict,  are  gradually  vanishing  from  sight.  So  every  other  evidence  of 
the  war  should  sink  out  of  sight  except  the  grand  result — freedom  for  all  men." 

Mrs.  Hayes,  being  introduced,  smiled  pleasantly  and  bowed  gracefully  to  the  assemblage. 
The  distinguished  party  then  arose,  and,  escorted  by  the  Guppey  Guard,  the  Schulze  Band  and 
the  committee  from  Madison  as  escort,  boarded  the  train  and  took  their  departure. 

COLUMBIA   county's   WAR    RECORD. 

Treason,  always  despicable,  even  unto  the  eyes  of  traitors,  never  became  more  intensely 
odious  than  in  18G1,  when  the  climax  of  a  conspiracyj  long  brewing,  was  reached,  and  the  best 
government  under  the  sun  found  itself  face  to  face  with  an  unholy  and  unrighteous  civil  war. 
The  object  of  the  South  in  attempting  a  separation  of  the  Union  was  the  erection  of  a  great 
slave  empire,  encircling  the  Mexican  Gulf;  the  duty  of  the  North  was  clearly  to  prevent  the 
success  of  a  scheme  so  monstrous  and  inhuman.  The  fii'st  movements  of  the  Confederates  were 
made  under  very  favorable  circumstances.  They  were  in  possession  of  many  of  the  chief 
national  offices,  and  they  very  largely  controlled  the  army  and  the  navy.  Their  military  plan 
embraced  three  principal  objects— ^the  seizure  of  the  forts  and  coast  defenses,  the  capture  of  the 
national  capital  and  the  possession  of  the  Mississippi  River.  The  South  was,  nevertheless,  thrown 
upon  the  defensive  from  the  beginning  of  the  struggle,  and  very  soon  effectually  beleaguered.  It 
was  the  unfaltering  aim  of  the  North  to  bring  the  war  to  a  close,  with  as  little  bloodshed  as  pos- 
sible, by  the  capture  of  Richmond,  the  rebel  capital ;  but  the  first  forward  movement  terminated 
almost  disastrously  at  Bull  Run  on  the  21st  of  July,  1861.  This  battle,  however,  was  without 
military  significance,  since  it  did  not  secure  the  seizure  of  Washington  by  the  rebels.  It  taught 
the  North  the  real  nature  of  the  terrific  struggle  in  which  they  were  engaged.  On  the  day 
after  the  battle.  Congress  voted  $500,000,000  and  called  for  500,000  volunteers.  From  that 
moment  the  rebellion  was  doomed.  This  act  of  President  Lincoln  and  his  patriotic  Congress 
increased  the  nation's  confidence  in  them  to  deal  the  righteous  blow,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
struck  terror  to  the  hearts  of  the  Secessionists. 

The  responses  to  the  call  were  immediate  and  of  the  most  encoui-aging  character.  Already 
a  previous  call  for  three-months'  volunteers  had  been  filled.  No  State  in  the  Union  was  more 
prompt  in  sending  forward  volunteers  than  was  Wisconsin,  and  no  part  of  Wisconsin  responded 
with  greater  vigor  than  did  Columbia  County.  When  the  first  call  for  troops  was  made,  the 
Portage  Light  Guard  immediately  offered  its  services  to  the  Governor.  Simultaneous  action  on 
the  part  of  other  military  organizations  'throughout  the  State,  more  favorably  situated,  for  a 


556  HISTORY    OF   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

time  delayed  the  Governor's  acceptance,  and  the  Light  Guard  was  compelled  to  take  a  place  as 
Company  G  in  the  Second  Regiment  of  Infantry,  being  mustered  in  at  Camp  Randall,  on  the 
11th  of  June,  1861.  With  it  went  the  heartfelt  sympathies  of  the  citizens  of  Columbia  County 
for  the  integrity  of  the  Government.  It  was  the  substantial  result  of  their  first  patriotic  efforts 
toward  maintaining  that  Government.  But  they  did  not  pause.  Volunteers  continued  to  go 
forward  until  the  serpent-twined  palmetto  had  ceased  to  wave,  and  the  "  peculiar  institution," 
slavery,  was  entombed,  never  again  to  exist  in  a  free  and  enlightened  country. 

From  the  descriptive  book  of  Company  G,  now  in  the  possession  of  Capt.  C.  C.  Dow,  of 
Portage,  the  following  correct  list  of  the  names  of  those  who  joined  its  ranks  is  obtained.  It 
is  an  authentic  roll  of  Columbia  County's  first  contribution  to  the  grand  army  that  preserved 
the  Union : 

Capt.  John  Mansfield,  First  Lieut.  A.  S.  Hill,  Second  Lieut.  S.  K.  Vaughan,  Sergeants 
— W.  S.  M.  Abbott,  *G.  W.  Marsh,  Charles  D.  Ettinger,  John  G.  Kent.  Corporals — Julius 
C.  Chandler,  Hervey  G.  Clark,  *Charles  C.  Dow,  Horace  E.  Emerson,  J.  C.  Allen,  E.  S. 
Fletcher,  0.  F.  Winnie  and  *Charles  P.  Austin.  Musicians — *  Anson  Linscott  and  J.  A. 
Stanton. 

Privates— M.  C.  Alfred,  Henry  Acker,  A.  0.  Adams,  E.  S.  Best,  R.  0.  Batson,  G.  W. 
Briffett,  G.  W.  Blanchard,  C.  Bloom,  P.  V.  Brisbois,  A.  R.  Clement,  H.  R.  Cofiin,  D.  F. 
Crane,  T.  F.  Cowing,  J.  M.  Carr,  0.  W.  Davis,  J.  B.  Divin,  W.  Dean,  T.  H.  Dolan,  E.  H. 
Dorsey,  J.  Chapman,  G.  Elterman,  T.  Fletcher,  G.  Folinsbee,  E.  Fout,  F.  J.  Gilmore,  J.  H. 
Grace,  S.  H.  Hammond,  F.  D.  Helmes,  G.  Hill,  *W.  Holden,  C.  P.  Heath,  J.  House, 
G.  H.  Irwin,  P.  C.  Irvine,  J.  Jacobsen,  I.  Jordan,  F.  Kanzenbeck,  G.  Leclair,  F.  M.  Lewis, 
*Archa  Linscott,  J.  Lynch,  J.  T.  Metcalf,  J.  P.  McDermott,  S.  McHugh,  G.  H.  Miles,  S.  H. 
Morrison,  W.  H.  Matthewson,  G.  W.  Mack,  J.  Noonan,  P.  Maloney,  F.  Noble,  H.  Neally,  S.  A. 
Nichols,  D.  O'Brien,  A.  F.  Pardee,  W.  L.  Plumsted,  M.  S.  Phillips,  C.  Rice,  E.  Rice,  C.  E. 
Reynolds,  J.  Russell,  H.  Rensimer,  J.  P.  Schildgen,  G.  Slierwood,  F.  Smith,  H.  Smith,  J.  A. 
Snyder,  J.  Stone,  H.  Sweetman,  M.  Sweeney,  A.  P.  Tifi"any,  J.  X'wycross.  J.  M.  Vantassell, 
W.  H.  Williams,  G.  Williams,  J.  A.  .Wisor,  R.  V.  Dey,  M.  McMahon,  W.  Whitney  and  J. 
Chrystie. 

The  following  enlisted  October  7,  1861,  at  Fort  Tillinghast,  Va. :  Van  R.  Bentley,  C. 
Blackman,  J.  Castly,  A.  B.  Cole,  W.  H.  Church,  *Charles  Delaney,  S.  R.  Eggleston,  E.  Jack- 
son, J.  H.  Langdon,  G.  F.  Leeds,  J.  Lester,  J.  T.  Loomer,  C.  Mooter,  R.  C.  McDonald,  E.  H.  H. 
May,  C.  R.  Mosher,  W.  L.  Pratt,  0.  Parker,  J.  B.  Rowell,  C.  E.  Reiley,  J.  H.  Sharpe,  J.  T. 
Sines,  G.  Stalker,  H.  C.  Tupper  and  L.  Wilkins. 

Subsecjuent  enlistments  were  as  follows  :  T.  J.  Staley,  November  1,  18lil ;  H.  S.  Cave, 
March  19,  1862;  W.  T.  Davis,  December  10,  1868;  B.  Cooper,  January  6,  1864;  C.  B. 
Allen,  J.  Ford,  W.  Wilds,  F.  O'Neil,  G.  A.  Lupient,  M.  Kane  and  D.  Bracey,  January  16, 
1864;  I.  S.  Allen,  *M.  W.  Hartman  and  A.  Keebaugh,  January  26,  1864;  R.  K.  Chrystie, 
February  6,  1864  ;  T.  W.  Jones,  W.  N.  Sheeks,  E.  Van  Horn  and  H.  Williams,  February 
17,  1864. 

A  brief  account  of  the  wonderful  experience  of  Company  G  is  herewith  given  :  The  Second 
Regiment  was  originally  enrolled  under  the  President's  call  for  75,000  three-months  volunteers. 
Under  orders  to  rendezvous  at  Camp  Randall,  the  various  companies  were  organised  early  in 
May,  1861.  Meanwhile,  the  General  Government  had  decided  to  accept  no  more  troops  for  this 
short  term  of  service,  and  accordingly,  on  the  16th  of  May,  the  regiment  was  called  upon  to 
re-enlist  "for  three  years  or  during  the  war."  With  the  exception  of  one  company,  the  entire 
regiment  complied  enthusiastically.  On  the  11th  of  June,  the  Second  Regiment,  thus  organ- 
ized, was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  being  the  first  Wisconsin  organization  so  mus- 
tered. On  the  20th  of  the  same  month,  the  regiment  left  for  Washington,  and  was  the  first  body 
of  three-years  men  to  appear  at  the  capital.  On  the  2d  of  July,  tliey  were  ordered  to  Fort 
Corcoran,  on  the  Fairfax  road,  where  they  were  brigaded  with  three  New  York  regiments,  under 

*  At  preuent  residing  iD  Columbia  County. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  557 

Col.  (now  Gen.),  Sherman,  and,  on  the  16th,  when  the  movement  on  Manassas  was  made, 
were  attached  to  Gen.  Tyler's  Division,  by  whom  the  enemy  was  engaged  at  Blackburn's  Ford, 
on  Bull  Run.  On  the  21st,  the  Second  Regiment  was  ordered  to  assault  one  of  the  enemy's 
batteries.  They  moved  up,  under  a  terrific  enfilading  fire  of  shell  and  canister  from  other  bat- 
teries, formed  in  line  at  the  foot  of  a  hill  and  charged  up,  driving  back  the  rebel  infantry  which 
had  emerged  from  cover  in  pursuit  of  a  body  of  our  troops  just  repulsed  in  a  similar  assault. 
Here  they  fought  against  enormous  odds  for  over  an  hour,  but,  the  enemy  being  reinforced, 
were  compelled  to  fall  back,  having  suffered  a  loss  of  30  killed,  105  wounded  and  60  prisoners. 

On  the  23d,  the  regiment  went  into  camp  near  Fort  Corcoran,  where  they  remained  until 
August  27,  when  they  were  transferred  from  Col.  Sherman's  command  to  that  of  Brig.  Gen. 
Rufus  King,  which  then  consisted  of  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  Wisconsin  and  the  Nineteenth  Indiana, 
composing  what  afterward  became  known  as  the  "  Iron  Brigade."  Thus  organized,  they  crossed 
the  Potomac  on  the  5th  of  September,  and,  after  assisting  in  the  construction  of  Fort  Marcy, 
recrossed  the  river,  and,  October  5,  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Fort  Tillinghast,  on  Arlington 
Heights,  Va.  Here  they  remained  until  March  10,  1862,  when  they  took  part  in  the  advance 
upon  Manassas.  Nothing  of  startling  importance  occurred  until  the  forenoon  of  the  28th  of 
August.  The  brigade  having  been  assigned  a  position  in  the  advance  line  of  the  Army  of  Vir- 
ginia, they  proceeded  slowly  on  the  left  of  the  ai-my,  via  Gainesville,  to  Groveton,  where  they 
turned  to  the  right  on  the  Bethlehem  Church  road,  and  lay  under  arms  until  5  in  the  afternoon, 
when  they  returned  to  the  Warrenton  pike,  marching  toward  Centerville.  While  moving  by  the 
flank,  the  Second  Regiment  was  attacked  by  a  battery  posted  on  a  wooded  eminence  to  the  left. 
The  regiment  promptly  advanced  upon  the  battery,  and  soon  encountered  the  enemy's  infantry. 
While  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  this  regiment  sustained  and  checked  for 
nearly  twenty  minutes  the  onset  of  "  Stonewall  "  Jackson's  entire  division,  under  a  murderous 
concentric  fire  of  musketry.  When  the  brigade  arrived,  the  battle  was  continued  until  9  in  the 
evening,  when  the  enemy  was  repulsed. 

August  30,  the  Second,  having  been  temporarily  consolidated  with  the  Seventh  Wisconsin, 
moved  with  the  brigade  in  the  second  line  of  battle,  to  assault  the  enemy's  left,  posted  in  a  thick 
wood.  While  engaged  in  assaulting  this  position,  the  success  of  the  rebel  attack  upon  the  left 
flank  of  our  army  made  it  necessary  to  fall  back.  The  "  Iron  Brigade  "  formed  in  line  of  bat- 
tle, retained  the  position  until  the  entire  army  had  passed  on  the  road  to  Centerville. 

The  Second  Regiment  also  participated  in  the  movements  of  the  army  under  the  command 
of  Gen.  McClellan,  and,  on  the  14th  of  September,  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  was  assigned 
the  duty  of  storming  Turner's  Pass,  of  South  Mountain,  where  the  rebels  were  strongly  posted 
in  a  gorge.  The  enemy  was  routed  and  driven  from  the  pass  with  heavy  loss.  This  movement 
led  them  to  take  a  prominent  part  in  the  battle  of  Antietam,  and  afterward  in  the  memorable 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  December  13.  During  that  winter,  the  Second  engaged  in  several 
very  profitable  expeditions  in  Virginia,  under  Col.  Fairchild,  and,  in  April  following,  under 
command  of  Gen.  Hooker,  forced  a  passage  of  the  Rappahannock  at  Fitz  Hugh's  Crossing, 
driving  the  rebels  from  their  rifle-pits,  and  capturing  several  hundred  prisoners. 

June  1,  they  found  themselves  near  Gettysburg,  and  the  Second,  having  that  day  the  lead 
of  the  marching  column,  first  met  the  enemy,  under  an  order  to  support  Gen.  Buford's  cavalry. 
The  regiment  came  into  line,  on  the  double-quick,  behind  a  slight  elevation,  and,  without  wait- 
ing for  the  rest  of  the  brigade  to  form,  advanced  over  the  crest,  and  received  a  volley  which  cut 
down  over  30  per  cent  of  the  rank  and  file.  But  they  dashed  upon  the  enemy's  center  and 
crushed  it,  thus  checking  the  rebel  advance.  At  that  date,  the  loss  of  the  Second  Regiment 
since  its  re-enlistment,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  amounted  to  652. 

In  December,  1863,  forty  members  of  the  Second  Regiment  re-enlisted,  and,  on  the  28th 
of  January,  1864,  arrived  at  Madison,  received  their  furloughs  and  dispersed  to  their  homes  to 
enjoy  a  short  respite  from  duty.  During  the  absence  of  the  re-enlisted  men,  the  remainder  of 
the  Second,  with  the  non-veterans  of  the  brigade,  participated  in  a  reconnaissance  to  the  Rapidan 
River.     About  the  1st  of  March,  the  veterans  returned  to  the  front,  and  their  regiment  was 


558  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

soon  after  assigned  to  position  in  the  First  Brigade,  Fourth  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 
Accompanying  the  grand  forward  movement  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  under  Gens.  Grant 
and  Meade,  the  Iron  Brigade  participated  in  the  battles  of  the  Wilderness  and  Spottsylvania 
Court  House,  after  which,  the  Second  Regiment,  having  been  reduced  to  less  than  one  hundred 
men  present  for  duty,  and  having  lost  both  field  officers,  was  detailed  as  provost  guard  to  the 
Foui'th  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps,  thus  severing  its  connection  with  the  "  Iron  Brigade." 
The  battle-scarred  members  of  the  regiment  followed  the  destinies  of  that  division  in  the  grand 
movement  to  the  left,  arriving  June  6  at  Bottom's  Bridge,  on  the  Chickahominy,  where  they 
remained  until  the  expiration  of  their  term  of  service.  Those  absent  on  detached  duty  were 
recalled,  and  on  June  11  the  remnant  of  the  regiment  took  its  departure  for  home,  arriving  in 
Madison  on  the  18th,  being  enthusiastically  welcomed. 

By  order  of  the  division  commander,  those  who  had  joined  the  regiment  at  various  times 
after  its  original  organization  were  formed  into  an  independent  battalion  of  two  companies  under 
Capt.  D.  B.  Dailey,  and  assigned  to  duty  as  provost  guard  of  the  Fourth  Division,  Fifth  Army 
Corps.  Crossing  the  James  River,  on  the  16th  of  June,  they  took  part  in  the  battle  before 
Petersburg.  They  participated  in  various  unimportant  engagements  until  November  30,  when 
thev  were  transferred,  as  Companies  G,  and  H,  to  the  Sixth  Wisconsin,  with  which  they  were 
thereafter  connected  until  mustered  out.  The  names  of  those  of  the  original  Company  G  who 
were  killed  in  battle,  or  died  from  the  effects  of  wounds  or  disease,  are  as  follows  : 

Bull  Run,  July  21,  1861  :  Killed — Privates  Henry  R.  Coffin,  John  Christie,  John  Nooman 
and  William  H.  Williams. 

Gainesville,  August  28,  1862  :  Killed — Sergt.  John  G.  Kent ;  Corps.  Owen  W.  Davis  and 
Gustav  Leclair ;  Privates  Charles  Bloom,  William  Dean,  Edwin  Jackson,  John  Lester,  Randall 
McDonald,  George  W.  Mack,  Andrew  F.  Pardee,  Walter  C.  Plumstead,  Monroe  L.  Phillips, 
Orson  Parker,  John  P.  Schildgen,  Guy  Sherwood,  James  D.  Snyder,  and  Trevyllian  J.  Staley. 

Antietam,  September  17,  1862  :   Killed — Gustav  Etterman. 

Gettysburg,  July  1,  1863  :   Killed — Patrick   Moloney  and  Hanford  Tupper. 

Died  of  wounds — Van  R.  Bentley  and  Theodore  Fletcher. 

Died  of  disease — C.  B.  Allen,  Joseph  Castley,  J.  Chapman,  John  Ford,  Stephen  McHugh, 
H.  Ransaeler,  James  T.  Sines,  J.  H.  Sharpe,  Alonzo  P.  Tiffany. 

Capt.  Mansfield  was  made  a  Major  in  February,  1863.  He  is  now  Lieutenant  Governor  of 
California.  Lieut.  Hill  was  wounded  at  the  first  Bull  Run,  and  also  at  Antietam  ;  was  pro- 
moted to  captaincy  in  March,  1863 :  discharged  in  July  of  the  same  year.  Second  Lieut. 
Vaughan  resigned  in  September,  1861.  Sergt.  Dow  was  wounded  in  the  neck  at  Gainesville, 
August  28,  1862  ;  made  a  Second  Lieutenant  in  September,  1862  ;  promoted  to  First  Lieuten- 
ant in  March,  1863,  and  to  a  captaincy  in  August  following.  The  Second  Regiment  was 
under  fire  the  first  time  at  Blackburn's  Ford,  July  18,  1861.  Company  G  went  into  the  battle 
of  Gainesville  (the  second  Bull  Run)  with  54  men  and  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  43 — 13  being 
killed  outright. 

Anson  Linscott,  now  a  resident  of  Portage,  went  out  with  Company  G  as  a  musician  at  the 
age  of  fifteen  years,  and  afterward  became  drum  major  of  the  regiment.  After  the  battle  of 
Gainesville,  young  Linscott  penned  the  following  brief  but  graphic  letter  to  his  parents  in 

Portage : 

Camp  near  Munson  Hii.l,  Va.,  Sept.  3,  1862. 
Dtar  FiithtT  and  Mother:  I  thought  I  would  write  you  a  few  lines  about  the  awful  battles  we  have  had.  We 
have  been  under  heavy  cannon  and  musket  tire  and  in  bittles  for  the  last  two  weeks.  Our  regiment  is  about  all  gone, 
killed  and  wounded.  There  are  only  about  ten  men  left  in  our  company.  The  last  battle  we  fought  was  on  the  old 
Bull  Run  battle-field,  where  we  were  engaged  more  than  a  year  ago.  I  will  try  and  give  you  a  list  of  the  killed. 
*.\rcha  was  shot  through  the  neck.  I  was  in  the  rear  of  the  regiment,  with  the  ambulances,  taking  care  of  the 
wounded,  and  saw  him  fall,  but  we  could  not  save  him  :  he  died  in  a  few  minutes.  Poor  brother,  it  is  hard,  but  it  is 
true.  Snyder,  Billy  Dean,  Staley,  Kent,  Owen  Davis,  Plumbstead  and  some  others  fell  dead,  and  a  great  many  of  our 
company  are  wounded.  The  regiment  has  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men  left.  I  suppose  they  will  put  us  in  some 
place  to  stay  awhile  and  recruit ;  if  they  do,  I  will  have  a  better  chance  to  write  to  you.     I  have  a  poor  chance  now 

*  Recovered  ami  still  living. 


/  A 


tJf    7^K^-^<iy 


PORTAGE    CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  561 

to  write.  We  are  marcbing  and  fighting  all  the  time.  I  got  out  all  safe,  but  I  had  many  narrow  escapes.  All  of  our 
musicians  had  to  go  with  the  ambulances  right  up  into  the  fight.  I  tell  you,  the  bombshells  and  bullets  whistled  for 
miles  around.  Several  shells  hit  close  to  me.  Every  time  I  could  hear  them  coming  I  would  drop  fiat  on  the  grass. 
It  was  awful  Our  regiment  stood  up  and  fought  like  tigers.  Some  New  York  troops  threw  down  their  arms  and 
ran  like  sheep.  Poor  Archa  was  shot  through  the  windpipe  and  lived  only  a  few  minutes.  Ii  is  hard,  father,  but 
it  cannot  be  helped.  Archa  took  care  of  me  when  I  was  sick.  There  have  been  a  great  many  men  killed  in  these 
battles.     I  will  write  to  you  again  in  a  few  days  and  give  you  more  particulars. 

Anson  Linscott, 
Drum  Major  Second  Regiment    Wisconsin  Volunteers — what  there  is  left  of  them. 

Company  D,  Fourth  Regiment. — This  Company  was  recruited  at  Kilbourn  City,  and  went 
into  camp  at  Racine,  June  6,  1861,  with  the  following  commissioned  officers :  Joseph  Bailey, 
Captain  ;  Walter  S.  Payn,  First  Lieutenant ;  Edwin  R.  Herren,  Second  Lieutenant.  On  the  loth 
of  July  they  left  for  Baltimore  ;  remained  in  Maryland  acquiring  discipline  and  drill  until  Novem- 
ber 4,  when  they  embarked  on  an  expedition  to  the  eastern  shore  of  Virginia.  The  regiment 
returned  to  Baltimore  and  remained  until  February  19,  1862,  when  they  embarked  on  transports 
to  join  the  Army  of  the  Gulf,  arriving  at  Ship  Island,  Miss.,  on  the  12th  of  March.  The  hard- 
ships of  the  voyage  engendered  much  disease,  and  many  of  the  soldiers  found  a  grave  in  the  sandy 
bosom  of  this  ocean  solitude.  Were  present  at  the  bombardment  and  capture,  by  Porter  and 
Farragut,  of  the  forts  in  the  Southwest  Pass,  and  formed  a  part  of  the  array  of  occupation.  In 
May,  they  embarked  in  captured  transports  for  an  expedition  which  extended  to  Vicksburg,  near 
which  place  they  engaged  some  rebel  cavalry.  Upon  the  return,  they  occupied  Baton  Rouge, 
and  in  June  again  moved  upon  Vicksburg,  taking  part  in  the  thirty-day  siege  which  followed. 
On  the  5th  of  August,  they  found  themselves  once  more  in  Baton  Rouge,  defending  the  place 
against  an  attack  by  rebels  under  Breckinridge.  The  evacuation  of  Baton  Rouge,  becoming 
necessary,  the  Fourth  Regiment  reached  Carrollton,  near  New  Orleans,  the  latter  part  of  the 
same  month,  remaining  there  until  December,  when  they  moved  against  Baton  Rouge  under 
Gen.  Banks,  and  the  New  Year  found  them  encamped  in  the  suburbs  of  that  city.  Some  verv 
successful  reconnaissances  were  made  and  one  battle  fought — Bayou  Teche — during  the  succeed- 
ing four  months.  On  the  22d  of  April,  the  Fourth  was  mounted  and  sent  in  pursuit  of  a 
battalion  of  Texas  cavalry.  May  7,  the  army  occupied  Alexandria,  the  Fourth  being  con- 
stantly engaged  in  expeditions,  during  one  of  which  they  captured  "  Dick  "  Taylor's  rear  guard. 
On  the  26th  they  reached  Port  Hudson,  where,  two  days  later,  they  led  the  advance  in  driving 
the  enemy  within  his  works,  gaining  a  commanding  position  within  100  yards  of  his  fortifica- 
tions, which  they  held  for  six  days  before  being  relieved.  In  that  fearful  carnage  the  regiment 
lost  5  officers  and  55  men  killed  and  wounded.  Returning  to  the  siege,  they  led  a  charge 
against  the  works  on  the  14th  of  June,  from  which,  out  of  220  men,  but  80  returned,  having 
lost  12  killed,  75  wounded,  and  53  missing,  the  latter  having  been  taken  prisoners  inside  the  fort. 

On  the  25th  of  July  the  regiment  returned  to  Baton  Rouge,  and  in  September,  1863,  were 
completely  equipped  as  cavalry.  Thus  mounted,  they  continued  to  do  excellent  service  in 
repelling  guerrilla  raids  and  preventing  rebel  communication.  The  details  of  their  daring  exploits 
would  make  a  good-sized  volume.  On  the  2d  of  August,  1864,  they  were  at  San  Antonio, 
Tex.,  and  were  the  first  Union  troops  to  penetrate  the  territory  west  of  that  place,  engaging 
in  frequent  expeditions  against  the  Indians.  In  May,  1866,  they  encountered  a  pal'ty  of  Mexi- 
can marauders,  near  Brownsville,  and  killed  6  of  them.  The  Fourth  Regiment  was  mustered 
out  of  service  on  the  28th  of  May,  1866,  and  reached  Madison  on  the  16th  of  June. 

The  following  members  of  Company  D  were  killed  in  action  :  Privates  Michael  Brown, 
Peter  Beaumont,  Frank  Dawes,  Horace  Dike,  F.  C.  Ferris,  John  Kerr,  W.  P.  Stillick  and  C. 
W.  Shafier.  Died  of  wounds :  First  Lieut.  I.  N.  Earl,  Sergt.  G.  M.  Martin,  Privates  J.  W. 
Baldwin,  S.  C.  Grinnols  and  E.  0.  White.  Died  of  disease:  Second  Lieut  W.  J.  Duffield, 
Sergts.  R.  S.  Chase  and  A.  P.  Niles,  Corporals  Milo  Wood  and  W.  McKinstry,  Privates  D. 
Brewster,  J.  W.  Earl,  D.  W.  Early,  0.  S.  Foster,  H.  Garthwait,  J.  M.  Jones,  M.  M.  McCune, 
M.  McCarthy,  T.  Meredith,  M.  Newell,  C.  S.  Pickard,  C.  A.  Rue,  A.  Stivers,  G.  W.  Under- 
wood, L.  Weiss  and  S.  W.  S.  West.  Died  of  accidents :  J.  J.  Geer,  R.  Lyons,  W.  Manes, 
J.  H.  Needham  and  G.  Turner. 

0 


562  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Capt.  Bailey,  in  May,  1864,  had  reached  the  rank  of  Brigadier  General,  by  promotion. 
The  company,  during  its  existence,  had  the  following  Captains,  in  the  order  as  they  appear : 
Joseph  Bailey,  E.  R.  Herron,  G.  C.  Pierce  and  A.  C.  Ketchum.  First  Lieutenants  :  VV.  S. 
Payn,  E.  R.  Herron,  G.  C.  Pierce,  I.  N.  Earl,  A.  C.  Ketchum,  A.  Boynton  and  D.  C.  Free- 
land.  Second  Lieutenants:  E.  R.  Herron,  G.  C.  Pierce,  I.  N.  Earl,  W.  J.  Duffield,  A.  C. 
Ketchum,  A.  Boynton,  D.  C.  Freeland  and  M.  Skinner. 

The  Seventh  Regiment. — Companies  A  and  B,  of  the  Seventh,  were  from  Columbia 
County ;  the  former  from  Lodi,  and  the  latter  from  Portage,  known  as  the  Columbia  County 
Cadets.  Co.  A  was  commanded  by  Capt.  George  Bill ;  with  Hollon  Richardson  as  First,  and 
Richard  Lindsay  as  Second,  Lieutenant ;  Co.  B,  by  Capt.  James  H.  Huntington,  with  John 
Walton  as  First,  and  S.  L.  Bachelder  as  Second,  Lieutenant.  The  Seventh  regiment  rendez- 
voused at  Camp  Randall  in  August,  1861,  and  mustered  into  service  in  September,  leaving  for 
Washington  on  the  21st  of  that  month.  They  joined  Gen.  King's  command  in  October,  and 
thereafter,  till  mustered  out,  formed  one  important  part  of  the  "  Iron  Brigade,"  the  history  of 
which  has  been  briefly  related.  The  principal  losses  to  A  and  B  occurred  at  the  two  Bull  Runs, 
South  Mountain,  the  Wilderness,  Gettysburg  and  Fredericksburg.  The  casualties  sustained 
were  as  follows: 

Company  A. — Killed  in  action :  First  Lieut.  James  Holmes,  Sergts.  M.  Shehan  and  L. 
Porter  Holmes,  Corps.  M.  Chase,  I.  H.  Meed,  A.  T.  McCalvey  and  R.  Phillips,  Privates  J.  M. 
Bartholemew,  M.  Burke,  J.  Brown,  J.  Clelland,  William  Collins,  A.  F.  Douglass,  0.  B.  Hobart, 
C.  Hort,  S.  Johnson,  W.  Kurst,  J.  Kalb,  A.  Le  Barr,  C.  E.  Mills,  J.  Moor,  S.  Riopel,  P. 
Raflferty,  J.  D.  Sawyer,  D.  E.  Steei"S,  J.  W.  Sanderson  and  J.  Zinger.  Died  of  wounds :  Sergt. 
Lewis  Bascom,  Corps.  W.  Hinton  and  H.  M.  Buck,  Privates  J.  N.  Charles,  P.  Clune,  J.  Car- 
row,  G.  W.  Evans,  J.  Faith,  W.  F.  Lasky,  T.  McCalvey,  H.  Pierce,  T.  H.  Stilson,  J.  Simmers, 
and  A.  Van  Walker.  Died  of  disease :  Corp.  E.  P.  Sayre,  Privates  J.  Agan,  J.  Bascom,  F. 
H.  Beauregard,  H.  Ball,  W.  P.  Carter,  B.  Carter,  0.  N.  Cole,  P.  Frazer,  F.  A.  Fowler,  A. 
Hall,  E.  M.  Hicks,  P.  Lock,  S.  J.  Osborne  and  A.  Stone. 

Company  B. — Killed :  Capt.  George  H.  Brayton,  Sergts.  J.  H.  Miller  and  T.  Heln, 
Corps.  C.  E.  Plummer,  0.  H.  Hulbert,  VV.  Richardson  and  P.  A.  Batteau,  Privates  E.  Bronson, 
S.  Frost,  B.  F.  Graham,  C.  Kippen,  J.  Lewis,  W.  Myers,  J.  H.  Maxfield,  L.  Provost  and  E. 
Wheeler.  Died  of  wounds :  Sergt.  M.  C.  Monroe,  Corp.  E.  R.  Hancock,  Privates  R.  Cole, 
G.  H.  H.  Hawes  and  S.  Hatfield.  Died  of  disease:  Sergts.  W.  D.  Acres  and  M.  P.  Bronson, 
Corp.  J.  A.  Petts,  Privates  J.  Brown,  0.  B.  Cromwell,  P.  Carney,  P.  Caseney,  A.  Casson,  D. 
Dustin,  A.  Frost,  J.  T.  Hillicker,  A.  Miller,  H.  Newell  and  C.  Wenel. 

Capt.  Bill  and  Lieut.  Richardson,  of  Company  A.  and  Lieut.  Hobart,  of  Company  B,  were 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major.  Company  A's  Captains  were :  George  Bill,  H.  Richardson, 
James  Johnson  and  Oley  Grasley.  Company  B's :  J.  H.  Huntington,  G.  H.  Boynton,  M.  C. 
Hobart  and  C.  E.  Weeks. 

Qampany  D,  Tenth  Regiment. — This  company  was  formed  in  August,  1861,  and  was 
known  as  the  Fremont  Rifles.  James  L.  Coffin  was  the  Captain,  Thomas  L.  Kennan,  First 
Lieutenant,- and  George  W.  Marsh,  Second  Lieutenant.  Joshua  J.  Guppey  went  out  as  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  of  the  Tenth,  and  was  promoted  to  the  colonelcy  of  the  Twenty-third  Regiment, 
July  2.5,  1862.  The  Tenth  was  mustered  into  service  October  14,  1861,  at  Camp  Hutton, 
Milwaukee,  leaving  that  place  under  orders  of  November  9,  for  Kentucky,  where  it  took  its 
place  in  Colonel  Sills  brigade,  which  was  assigned  to  position  on  the  right  of  the  Third  Division, 
under  Gen.  Mitchell.  In  February,  1862,  they  marched  toward  Bowling  Green,  which  was 
evacuated  by  the  rebels  on  their  approach.  March  19  found  the  regiment  at  Murfreesboro, 
acting  as  provost  guard.  The  5th  of  September  brought  them  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  after  having 
captured  Huntsville,  Stevenson,  Decatur  and  Tuscumbia.  On  the  8th  of  October,  they  met  the 
enemy  under  Gen.  Bragg,  and  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Chaplin  Hills,  where,  out  of  276  men 
they  lost  36  killed,  110  wounded,  and  1  missing.  The  next  important  engagement  was  at 
Chickamauga,  where  the  Tenth  was  twice  assigned  the  first  line  of  battle.     By  an  awkward 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  563 

movement  on  the  second  day  of  the  battle,  they  ran  directly  into  the  lines  of  the  enemy,  who 
captured  a  large  number  of  officers  and  men.  During  the  two-days  conflict  the  regiment,  lost 
18  killed,  56  wounded,  and  132  prisoners,  leaving  3  officers  and  26  men.  In  February,  186-4, 
this  small  handful  of  men  led  the  advance  against  Tunnel  Hill  and  Buzzard  Roost,  going  into 
camp  nine  miles  from  Chattanooga,  where  they  remained  until  May,  about  which  time  they  took 
position  in  the  army,  under  Gen.  Sherman,  then  advancing  toward  Atlanta.  With  the  P'ourteenth 
Corps,  they  participated  in  the  operations  at  Dallas,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  and  Peach  Tree  Creek. 
Tlie  recruits  who  had  joined  the  regiment  since  its  organization  having  been  transferred  to  the 
Twenty-first  Wisconsin,  the  Tenth  Regiment,  having  completed  its  term  of  service,  left  for 
home,  arriving  in  Milwaukee  October  25,  1864. 

The  fatalities  in  Company  D  were :  Killed  in  action — -Sergt.  C.  Forsyth,  Corp.  James 
Di.Kon;  Privates  Irwin  Clark,  M.  Conlon,  A.  Farnham,  E.  Hunt,  H.  C.  Luther,  H.  Morey, 
A.  H.  Parmenter.  J.  Rosebaugh  and  G.  W.  Rouse.  Died  of  wounds — Privates  A.  H.  Bull, 
and  A.  Jones.  Died  of  disease — Corps.  A.  Crouch  and  E.  Sweet ;  Privates  F.  Beach,  J. 
D.  Bannister,  C.  Ellis,  G.  Hand,  G.  W.  Moore,  C.  C.  Merrill,  P.  Morties,  M.  M.  Parmenter, 
0.  M.  Smoke  and  A.  VViltse. 

The  commissioned  officers  of  the  company  from  time  to  time  were:  Captains — James  L. 
Coffin,  Orestes  B.  Twogood  and  William  A.  Collins;  First  Lieutenants — Thomas  L.  Kennan, 
Ciiarles  H.  Ford  and  August  E.  Patchin ;  Second — George  W.  Marsh,  A.  E.  Patehin  and 
Elisha  P.  Stowell. 

Company  H,  Eleventh  Regiment. — Organized  in  September,  1861,  and  accepted  at  Camp 
Randall,  for  service,  October  18,  with  Alexander  Christie  as  Captain;  Eli  H.  Mix  was  First, 
and  Isaac  J.  Wright  was  Second,  Lieutenant.  The  Eleventh  Regiment  was  attached  to  the  Sec- 
ond Brigade,  under  Col.  Ilovey,  in  Gen.  Steele's  command,  and  under  orders  to  proceed  South, 
passed  through  Missouri  into  Arkansas.  The  first  engagement  of  any  note  was  at  Bayou  Cache, 
on  the  7th  of  July,  when  Companies  D,  G,  H  and  I  held  in  check  a  vastly  superior  force  of 
rebels  until  re-enforcements  arrived.  The  Eleventii's  losses  were  four  killed  and  twenty  wounded. 
They  arrived  at  Helena  on  the  13th.  In  October,  they  returned  to  Pilot  Knob,  Mo.,  and 
remained  in  that  State  during  the  winter.  On  the  15th  of  March.  1868,  they  embarked  at  St. 
Genevieve  for  iNIemphis.  From  there  they  proceeded  to  Milliken's  Bend,  La.,  and  took  posi- 
tion in  the  Second  Brigade,  Fourteenth  Division  of  the  Thirteenth  Army  Corps.  The  1st  of  April 
dawned  upon  the  Eleventh  Regiment  leading  the  advance  at  Anderson  Hill,  near  Port  Gibson, 
Miss.,  Avhere  the  rebels  were  driven  back  in  confusion.  May  15,  the  brigade  took  part  in  the 
battle  of  Champion  Hills,  and  the  next  day  cut  oif  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  at  Black  River 
Bridge,  the  Eleventh  Regiment  taking  upward  of  1,001)  prisoners,  with  a  regimental  stand  of 
colors.  On  the  19th  they  were  in  the  trenches  before  Vicksburg,  and  participated  in  the  ter- 
rible charge  of  the  22d.  They  were  actively  employed  in  the  siege  that  followed,  and  were  there 
when  the  place  surrendered.  Immediately  after  that  event  the  Eleventh  joined  the  expedition 
to  Jackson,  and  took  part  in  the  "  Second  Teche  Campaign,"  going  as  far  as  Opelousas.  Return- 
ing over  almost  impassable  roads,  they  embarked  at  Algiers  on  the  19th  of  November  for  Bra- 
zos Santiago,  Tex.  There  they  received  orders  to  re-enforce  Gen.  Banks  at  Aranzas  Pass,  and 
af'^erward  to  proceed  to  Fort  Esperanza,  where  they  arrived  too  late  to  assist  Gen.  Washburn  in 
reducing  the  enemy  at  that  place.  Three-fourths  of  the  regiment  having  re-eniisted,  they  were 
relieved  from  duty  on  the  11th  of  February,  and  mustered  in  as  veterans  on  the  13th.  The 
non-veterans  were  temporarily  transferred  to  Col.  Guppey's  regiment  (the  Thirty-third).  The 
re-enlisted  portion  reached  Madison  March  21,  and  were  received  in  splendid  style  by  the  State 
authorities  and  citizens.  They  again  left  the  State  on  the  25th  of  April,  and  proceeded  to 
Memphis.  They  afterward  participated  in  the  various  expeditions  in  Northern  Mississippi  and 
Alabama,  doing  good  service  for  which  they  were  highly  commended  by  the  commanding  officers. 
The  regiment  was  mustered  out  in  Mobile  September  4,   1865,  and  reached  home  on  the  18th. 

Following  are  the  death  losses  of  Company  H  :  Killed  in  action — Sergts.  A.  C.  Bacon 
and  C.  Brunaller,  and  Private    F.    M.   Hartson.     Died   of  wounds — Sergt.   W.   H.  Jacobus ; 


564  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Corps.  B.  P.  Benson,  W.  N.  Tay,  J.  Hubanks,  and  Privates  R.  Bacon,  W.  Kent,  W.  H. 
Powderly  and  0.  S.  Robinson.  Died  of  disease — First  Lieut.  C.  A.  Johnson ;  Sergts. 
George  Parsons  and  Rufus  C.  Phillips  ;  Corp.  D.  I.  Washburn  ;  Privates  E.  Ackerman,  S. 
Almy,  H.  Almy,  E.  W.  Bidwell,  A.  Colborn,  W.  A.  Delap,  G.  W.  Faith,  John  Faith,  R. 
Hornby,  J.  E.  Jones,  F.  Langdon,  A.  C.  Miller,  W.  Mather,  W.  McElroy,  W.  P.  Newman,  D. 
H.  Olmstead,  H.  Porter,  G.  Richardson,  P.  Richardson,  H.  Sheldon,  R.  G.  Sawyer,  0.  Wash- 
burn and  E.  C.  Wheelock. 

The  regiment  suffered  a  death  loss  of  348 — 262  of  whom  died  of  disease.  Captain  Christie 
resigned  January,  1864,  and  was  succeeded  by  Lieut.  James  O'Neal. 

Company  Z>,  Nineteenth  Regiment. — Recruited  in  December,  1861,  with  Samuel  K. 
Vaughan  as  Captain,  William  H.  Spain  as  First  Lieutenant,  and  Edward  0.  Emmerson  as 
Second  Lieutenant.  They  were  mustered  into  service  April  -30,  1862,  and  left  for  the  Potomac 
on  the  2d  of  June.  Going  to  Norfolk,  Va.,  soon  afterward,  they  remained  there  until 
April,  1863,  and  thereafter  did  outpost  and  picket  duty  in  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  They 
were  engaged  for  the  first  time  at  Newbern,  N.  C,  on  the  1st  of  Februai'y,  1864.  On  the  12th 
of  May,  a  portion  of  the  regiment,  including  Company  D,  participated  in  the  movement  upon 
Fort  Darling,  and  on  the  16th,  in  attempting  to  dislodge  a  party  of  rebel  skirmishers,  lost 
twenty-five  men  killed  and  wounded.  In  June,  they  accompanied  the  advance  of  Gen.  Grant's 
army  upon  Petersburg,  and  participated  in  the  celebrated  assault  upon  the  enemy's  works.  In 
August,  the  re-enlisted  men  of  the  regiment,  250  in  number,  received  veteran  furloughs,  and 
reached  Madison  on  the  22d  of  that  month,  returning  in  October,  and  proceeding  at  once  to 
the  trenches  before  Richmond.  On  the  21st  of  October,  they  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Fair 
Oaks,  leaving  on  the  field  seven  officers  and  136  enlisted  men,  most  of  whom  were  wounded  and 
captured.  The  regiment  returned  to  Camp  Chapin,  before  Richmond,  with  eighty  men,  where 
they  were  joined  by  the  non-veteran  portion,  who  had  been  on  duty  at  Norfolk.  On  the  3d  of 
April,  1865,  they  were  ordered  to  assault  the  enemy's  works,  and,  meeting  with  but  little 
opposition,  marched  into  the  city  and  planted  the  regimental  colors  upon  the  city  hall.  Their 
subsequent  movements  were  unimportant,  save  that  which  brought  them  home.  They  were 
mustered  out  of  service  on  the  9th  of  August,  in  the  rebel  capital,  and  reached  Madison  on 
the  15th. 

The  fatalities  in  Company  D  were :  Killed  in  action.  Corps.  Sylvester  Richmond  and 
Albert  Waldref;  Privates  C.  Allen,  B.  Sherwin  and  N.  Shandt.  Died  of  disease — Corp.  B. 
S.  Daniels;  Privates  W.  Alverson,  J,  Congor,  G.  Dey,  C.  Gilson,  D  Hall,  A.  Kline,  J.  Lord, 
P.  Redmond  and  G.  R.  Smith. 

Capt.  Vaughan,  through  various  promotions,  was  Colonel  of  the  regiment  when  mustered 
out,  Lieut.  Spain  succeeding  him  as  Captain. 

Twenty-third  Begiment,  Companies  0,  G-  and  H. — i  ully  one-third  of  this  regiment  went 
from  Columbia  County.  Company  C  was  organized  in  Portage,  with  Edgar  P.  Hill  as  Cap- 
tain ;  Oliver  H.  Sorrenson,  First  Lieutenant,  and  John  Shoemaker,  Second  Lieutenant.  Com- 
panyG  was  from  Columbus,  James  F.  Hazelton,  Captain  ;  Chester  W.  Tuttle,  First  Lieutenant, 
and  William  H.  Dunham,  Second  Lieutenant.  Company  H  was  from  Lodi,  with  K.  Howard 
Irwin  as  Captain  ;  D.  Cyrus  Holdridge,  First  Lieutenant,  and  Robert  Steele,  Second  Lieu- 
tenant. J.  J.  Guppey,  promoted  from  the  Tenth,  was  Colonel  of  the  Twenty-third  during  its 
entire  service.  He  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  at  Carrion  Crow  Bayou,  La.,  November  3, 
1863,  and  exchanged  in  December,  1864.  Captain  Hill,  of  Company  C,  became  Lieutenant 
Colonel  of  the  regiment  in  August,  1863. 

The  regimental  organization  was  perfected  at  Camp  Randall,  under  the  superintendence  of 
Col.  Guppey,  and  left  for  active  service  September  15,  1862,  under  orders  to  proceed  to 
Cincinnati,  then  menaced  by  Kirby  Smith's  forces.  Parsing  through  Cincinnati,  they  crossed 
into  Kentucky,  and  were  assigned  to  position  in  Gen.  Green  Clay  Smith's  Division.  After 
marching  through  various  parts  of  the  Blue  Grass  State,  they  proceeded  to  Memphis,  Tenn.,  by 
water,  arriving  on  the  27th  of  November.  The  regiment  was  there  assigned  to  the  First  Brigade, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  565 

Tenth  Division,  and  at  once  took  position  in  the  army  destined  for  the  reduction  of  Vicksburg. 
Their  first  engagement  of  any  note  occurred  at  Fort  Hindman,  on  the  Arkansas  River,  January 
11,  1863.  While  moving  forward,  the  Twenty-third  was  assailed  by  an  unexpected  enfilading 
fire  from  the  enemy's  rifle-pits.  Companies  B,  G  and  K  were  thrown  out  as  skirmishers,  the 
remaining  companies  attacking  the  rifle-pits.  The  conflict  continued  with  great  fury  for  three 
hours,  when  the  rebels,  anticipating  the  charge  which  had  been  ordered,  raised  the  white  flag 
and  surrendered  unconditionally.  The  regiment  received  many  congratulations  for  their  conduct 
from  the  division  and  brigade  commanders.  Their  loss  was  4  killed  and  34  wounded.  The 
regiment  then  returned  to  Young's  Point,  near  Vicksburg,  but  the  malaria  of  the  Yazoo  swamps 
came  near  accomplishing  what  the  rebels  had  failed  to  do,  and  of  700  men  in  line  of  battle,  three- 
fourths  were  under  the  surgeon's  care.  The  health  of  the  regiment  improving,  their  next  active 
work  was  at  Cypress  Bend,  Ark.,  on  the  18th  of  February,  when  a  body  of  rebels  were  driven 
through  the  native  swamp,  some  prisoners  and  munitions  of  war  being  taken.  March  30  found 
them  on  the  battle-field  at  Fort  Gibson,  Miss.,  and  on  the  2d  of  May,  were  the  first  to  enter  that 
village.  On  the  15th,  the  line  of  march  was  resumed,  and  the  16th  witnessed  the  battle  of 
Champion  Hills,  in  which  the  Twenty-third  participated  with  such  ardor  and  effect  as  to  receive 
the  congratulations  of  the  commanding  General.  The  next  day,  they  pushed  forward  to  Black 
River  Bridge,  capturing  the  Sixtieth  Tennessee,  with  its  colors.  The  18th  brought  them  to 
within  three  miles  of  Vicksburg,  and  on  the  22d  they  took  part  in  the  general  assault  on  the 
enemy's  works,  pushing  forward  to  the  base  of  one  of  the  forts.  At  the  close  of  the  siege  that 
followed,  the  Twenty-third  numbered  but  150  men  for  duty.  August  24,  they  proceeded  south, 
in  transports,  to  Algiers,  opposite  New  Orleans.  After  an  extended  expedition  through  Missis- 
sippi, the  brigade  was  attacked,  at  Carrion  Crow  Bayou,  on  the  3d  of  November,  by  a  vastly 
superior  force.  The  Twenty-third  stood  firm,  doing  eff"ective  work,  until  flanked  on  both  sides, 
when  the  order  was  given  to  fall  back.  This  movement  was  executed  without  panic,  and  upon 
the  arrival  of  re-enforcements,  they  again  advanced  in  line,  forcing  the  enemy  back  and  gaining 
possession  of  the  field.  The  regiment,  at  the  beginning  of  the  action,  numbered  220  oflicers  and 
men,  of  whom  128  were  killed,  wounded  or  taken  prisoners,  the  latter  including  Col.  Guppey 
and  Capt.  Sorrenson,  who  were  severely  wounded.  The  regiment  thereafter  engaged  in  the 
Texas  and  Red  River  expedition.  On  the  8th  of  April,  1864,  occurred  the  battle  of  Sabine 
Cross  Roads,  in  which  the  Twenty-third  lost  7  killed,  14  wounded  aud  43  prisoners.  The  last 
general  engagement  in  which  they  participated  was  at  Mobile,  Ala.  In  the  mean  time,  they 
had  performed  some  wonderful  marches  and  engaged  in  numerous  skirmishes.  They  were 
mustered  out  of  service  July  4,  1865,  reached  Madison  on  the  16th,  and  were  disbanded  ott 
the  24th. 

The  losses  of  the  three  companies  from  Columbia  County,  were  :  Killed — Sergt.  J.  A. 
Lewis  and  Private  Martin  Cook,  Company  C  ;  Corp.  J.  G.  Jones,  Privates  N.  Dedish  and  J. 
Williams,  Company  G ;  Privates  John  Bates,  C.  L.  Brown  and  J.  D.  Stroud,  Company  H.  Died 
of  wounds — Corp.  L.  Cobb,  Company  C  ;  Privates  M.  L.  Johnson  and  C.  E.  Quinn,  Company 
G  ;  Sergt.  W.  T.  Shurtliff,  Corp.  J.  F.  Stahl,  Privates  E.  Brownfield  and  J.  W.  Shaw,  Com- 
pany H.  Died  of  disease:  Company  C — Sergts.  T.  E.  Halsey,  S.  E.  Van  Zandt  and  J.  Dempsey, 
Corp.  P.  Glasgow,  Privates  R.  Anderson,  G.  W.  Becker,  J.  Crosley,  J.  L.  Edgerton,  W.  Eastman, 
J.  F.  Fitts,  C.  B.  Flower,  J.  W.  Hosford,  J.  Hewett,  Jr.,  W.  E.  Jones,  N.  Morrison,  S.  D.  North- 
rup,  G.  G.  Parmenter,  J.  H.  Pulver,  W.  M.  Roberts,  F.  Rosecrans,  J.  Smith,  C.  Townley,  N. 
D.  Wilson  and  J.  D.  Williams.  Company  G — Sergt.  E.  E.  Eason,  Corps.  J.  Kelley,  J. 
M.  Moore,  and  E.  Parry,  Privates  E.  Bentley,  F.  S.  Cowes,  A.  E.  Fuller,  W.  H.  Grindall,  L. 
Kehler,  F.  F.  Keifei,  N.  H.  Nickerson,  F.  Nelson,  L.  Plumb,  Q.  A.  Page  (drowned),  M. 
Rogers,  S.  Trask,  R.  R.  Williams,  D.  C.  Warner  and  W.  J.  Whiting.  Company  H — Sergt. 
C.  F.  Stacker,  Privates  T.  Bunker,  T.  J.  Dowden,  A.  F.  Duel,  0.  Ellingson,  F.  A.  G. 
Eaton,  0.  E.  Holcomb,  J.  Harmley,  W.  J.  Jones,  G.  W.  Kingsley,  J.  Kenworthy,  L.  Olesoa 
(accidentally  killed),  J.  Petit,  W.  H.  H.  Rood,  W.  Ring,  E.  C.  Riddle,  G.  H.  Varrender  and 
L.  C.  Warriner.     The  total  deaths  in  the  regiment  were  287,  of  whom  249  died  of  disease- 


5(36  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Companies  A  and  E,  Twenty-ninth  Regiment. — Company  A  was  composed  almost  entirely 
of  citizens  of  Columbia  County.  Bradford  Hancock,  who,  in  April,  1865,  became  Colonel  of 
the  regiment,  was  its  first  Captain,  being  succeeded  by  Lieut.  0.  F.  Mattice,  in  April,  1863. 
Capt.  Mattice  was  succeeded,  upon  his  death  in  June,  1864,  by  Lieut.  0.  D.  Ray.  promoted 
from  the  ranks.  Company  E  recruited  along  the  border  between  Dodge  and  Columbia  Coun- 
ties. Its  Captains  were  Hezekiah  Dunham,  Darius  J.  Weils  and  Joshua  A.  Stark,  the  two 
latter  by  promotion  from  lieutenancies. 

The  Twenty-ninth  was  mustered  into  service  at  Camp  Randall  September  27,  1862,  and 
left  to  join  the  army  in  the  Southwest  November  2,  arriving  opposite  Helena,  Ark.,  on  the  7th. 
Their  first  active  duty  was  the  routing  of  guerrilla  bands  in  that  vicinity.  During  February, 
1863,  they  made  nn  expedition  to  the  Ya/.oo  country,  returning  to  Helena  March  1.  The  regi- 
ment was  soon  afterward  assigned  position  in  the  Thirteenth  Army  Corps.  Their  first  battle 
was  at  Port  Gibson.  In  this  connection  the  brigade  commander  said  of  them  :  "  I  cannot  refrain 
from  special  mention  of  the  Twenty-ninth  Wisconsin.  It  is  a  new  regiment,  but  they  fought 
like  veterans,  suffering  severely,  as  their  list  of  casualties  will  show."  Their  loss  was  75  killed 
and  wounded.  They  marched  tiirough  the  village  the  day  after  the  battle,  and,  on  the  15th  of 
May,  while  going  in  the  direction  of  Vicksburg,  fell  in  with  the  enemy  near  Balton.  On  the 
16th,  the  battle  of  Champion  Hills  was  fought,  the  Twenty-ninth  making  one  of  the  most  brill- 
iant bayonet  charges  on  record,  capturing  over  300  prisoners,  a  stand  of  colors,  and  a  brass 
battery.  Their  loss  was  19  killed  and  95  wounded.  Six  days  later,  they  were  before  Vicks- 
burg, engaged  in  the  general  assault  upon  the  enemy's  works,  and  during  the  remainder  of  the 
celebrated  siege  were  employed  in  the  rifle-pits  before  the  rebel  stronghold,  losing  6  men  killed 
and  wounded.  When  Vicksburg  surrendered  they  took  part  in  the  siege  of  Jackson,  losing  5 
men  killed  and  wounded,  returning  to  Vicksburg  July  22.  November  3  found  them  support- 
ing a  Missouri  battery  at  the  battle  of  Carrion  Crow  Bayou.  January  5,  1864,  they  embarked 
at  Algiers  to  take  part  in  the  Texas  expedition,  returning  to  New  Orleans  February  23.  On 
the  8th  of  April,  they  took  part  in  the  battle  at  Sabine  Cross  Roads,  and  out  of  183  men 
engaged  63  were  reported  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  After  aiding  in  the  construction  of  the 
famous  Red  River  dam,  they  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Simmsport  on  the  18th  of  May.  The 
remainder  of  their  service  was  devoted  to  those  worse  forms  of  warfare,  forced  marches  and 
guard  and  picket  duty,  concluding  with  the  battle  of  Mobile,  at  which  place  2  members  of  the 
regiment  were  killed  by  the  explosion  of  a  magazine.  The  Twenty-ninth  was  mustered  out  of 
service  June  22,  1865,  and  reached  Madison  July  5,  receiving  their  pay  and  being  disbanded 
on  the  17th. 

The  death  losses  in  Company  A  were :  Killed  in  action — Corp.  C.  F.  Matthews  ;  Privates 
N.  H.  Carter,  li.  Coughlan,  J.  King  and  W.  Peschock.  Died  of  wounds — Sergt.  L.  E.  Rob- 
bins  ;  Privates  C.  B.  Andrews,  J.  S.  Bridges  and  W.  J.  Blocker.  Died  of  disease — Capt. 
Oscar  F.  Mattice ;  Privates  John  Agnew,  G.  Balcom.  N.  Butler,  J.  Cruger,  T.  Draugerson. 
G.  K.  Gaskins,  F.  D.  Griffin,  L.  B.  Gregg,  C.  B.  Lintner,  T.  Levere,  J.  Nelson,  W.  H.  Parks, 
F.  Smith,  J.  Spooner.  H.  Thompson,  A.  Wilsey,  W.  Wetmore,  L.  Yerges. 

Company  E  :  Killed  in  action — Sergts.  D.  S.  Ketchum  and  G.  W.  Alexander ;  Privates 
J.  Jackson  and  A.  Sawistaskie.  Died  of  wounds — Privates  R.  D.  Fendon,  A.  J.  Floyd,  C. 
Grosse,  W.  R.  Herrick,  G.  Hugget,  H.  J.  Spring  and  G.  Van  Arnum.  Died  of  disease — 
Corps.  J.  W.  Bennett,  N.  Powers  and  R.  Seckerson ;  Privates  C.  Bryant,  S.  Barrett,  N. 
Carlisle,  H.  H.  Evans,  W.  Follet,  A.  D.  Gary,  S.  Mead,  S.  B.  Oliver,  J.  O'Riley,  G.  Ragow, 
B.  W.  Wilbur  and  P.  Derivan  (suicide.)  The  total  deaths  in  the  regiment  were  296,  all  but 
86  of  this  number  dying  of  disease. 

Company  K,  Thirty-second  Regiment. — Recruited  in  August,  1862,  and  mustered  into 
service  September  25,  1862,  at  Camp  Bragg,  Oshkosh,  with  John  E.  Grant  as  Captain,  Lewis 
Low,  First  Lieutenant,  and  John  Walton  as  Second  Lieutenant.  The  regiment  joined  Gen. 
Sherman's  command  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  on  the  3d  of  November,  taking  a  place  in  the  army 
that  advanced  toward  Jackson,  Miss.,  on  the  26th  of  the  same  month.     The  surrender  of  Holly 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  567 

Springs  having  caused  an  abandonment  of  the  movement  southward,  the  Thirty-second  was  the 
first  to  enter  the  town  after  its  capture.  Returning  by  way  of  Jackson,  Tenn.,  they  arrived  at 
Memphis  toward  the  latter  part  of  January,  1863,  where  they  remained  until  the  following 
November.  Moscow  being  threatened  by  Gen.  Lee,  the  Second  Brigade,  to  which  the  Thirty- 
second  belonged,  arrived  just  in  time  to  repulse  the  attack.  They  subsequently  moved  to 
Vicksburg,  where  they  joined  Sherman's  Meridian  expedition,  marching  over  two  hundred  miles 
into  rebeldom,  and  returning  to  Vicksburg  March  4,  1864.  From  there  they  went  to  Cairo, 
111. ;  thence  into  Tennessee  and  Alabama,  arriving  at  Decatur  on  the  10th  of  April,  where  they 
Were  employed  in  guard  duty  and  building  fortifications  with  the  Third  Brigade,  to  which  they 
had  been  transferred.  While  stationed  at  Decatur,  they  made  three  eflective  reconnaissances, 
returning  each  time  with  rebel  prisoners  and  other  worthless  trophies.  On  one  occasion,  they 
met  a  largely  superior  force,  and  lost  eight  men,  who  were  taken  prisoners.  On  the  7th  of 
August,  they  joined  the  Union  forces  in  front  of  Atlanta,  where  they  remained  in  the  trenches 
until  the  26th.  On  that  day,  they  accompanied  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  in  its  movement  to 
the  right,  and  when  twenty-two  miles  from  Atlanta,  were  attacked  by  the  rebels.  In  the  two- 
days  engagement  that  followed,  they  lost  six  killed,  fifteen  prisoners  and  six  wounded.  Re- 
joining Sherman's  forces,  they  set  out  on  the  march  to  Savannah,  November  15,  encountering 
the  rebels  on  several  occasions,  and  putting  them  to  flight  quite  as  often.  On  the  3d  of  January, 
1865,  they  embarked  at  Savannah  for  Beaufort,  S.  C,  arriving  there  on  the  5th.  On  the  1st 
of  February,  they  encountered  the  enemy  at  Rivers'  Bridge  on  the  Salkehatchie.  On  the  3d, 
after  a  hard  day's  fight,  the  enemy  having  retreated,  the  regiment  moved  into  his  abandoned 
works,  having  worked  from  six  in  the  morning  until  four  in  the  afternoon,  in  water  from  one  to 
four  feet  deep,  sustaining  a  loss  during  the  day  of  eight  killed  and  forty-three  wounded.  On 
the  yth,  they  again  came  upon  the  rebel  hosts,  strongly  fortified,  on  the  Sout^  Edisto  River. 
The  stream  being  crossed  by  means  of  pontons,  the  enemy's  works  were  carried  by  assault  at 
9  o'clock  in  the  evening.  In  this  gallant  affair,  the  regiment  lost  one  killed  and  five  wounded. 
Similar  encounters  with  the  rebels  were  experienced  until  the  21st  of  March,  when  they  came 
Upon  the  enemy  in  full  force  near  Bentonville.  Charging  through  a  swamp,  two  miles  wide,  they 
captured  his  works,  driving  him  from  the  field  in  confusion.  The  Thirty-second  held  the  cap- 
tui-ed  ground  until  all  support  had  fallen  back,  when  they  received  orders  to  withdraw.  In  this 
action  they  sustained  a  loss  of  two  killed,  twenty-three  wounded  and  two  missing.  On  the  14th 
of  April,  they  arrived  at  Raleigh,  N.  C,  and  reached  Richmond,  Va.,  May  9.  On  the  24th 
of  that  month,  they  took  part  in  the  grand  review  of  troops  at  Washington,  and  were  mustered 
out  June  12,  1865. 

Company  K's  losses  were  :  Killed  in  action — Privates  J.  Bissett,  S.  Taunt  and  A.  White. 
Died  of  wounds — Privates  M.  Gunderson  and  D.  Mason.  Died  of  disease — Corp.  J.  Hunting, 
Jr.,  Privates  T.  C.  Babcock,  A.  Baker,  I.  Bissett,  J.  Carman,  R.  F.  Davis,  C.  Eichle,  C. 
Esterbrook,  B.  J.  Fromdol,  T.  Gillson,  N.  W.  Hunting,  E.  W.  Morgan,  A.  Oleson,  D.  Prevot, 
A.  Simmonson,  P.  Thompson,  E.  E.  Warner,  A.  W.  Wright,  I.  N.  Watson,  A.  Whitehead  and 
S.  Dumbleton  (drowned).  There  were  274  deaths  in  the  regiment,  243  being  from  natural 
causes. 

Companies  G  and  JE,  Forty-second  Regiment. — These  companies  recruited  in  the  summer 
and  fall  of  1864,  only  a  portion  of  the  latter  being  raised  in  Columbia  County.  They  were 
mustered  in  at  Camp  Randall,  as  a  part  of  the  Forty-second  Regiment,  on  the  7th  of  Septem- 
ber. George  McHumphrey  was  Captain ;  Robert  Steele,  First  Lieutenant,  and  Cassius  M. 
Bush,  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  C.  Augustus  Haight,  B.  M.  Low  and  Joseph  Curtis 
held  corresponding  positions  in  Company  E.  They  reached  Cairo,  111.,  under  orders,  on  the 
22d  of  September,  where  they  were  employed  in  post  and  garrison  duty.  On  the  25th  of 
October,  Companies  B,  E,  G,  H  and  K  were  ordered  to  Springfield,  111.,  where  they  remained 
until  April,  1865,  returning  to  Cairo.  In  June  following,  they  were  mustered  out  of  the 
service,  reaching  Madison  on  the  20th  of  that  month,  without  having  participated  in  any 
engagements.      Nearly  all  their  death  losses  were  from  disease.   Company  C  losing  two  men 


568  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

— U.  S.  West  and  Henry  Koch,  the  latter  having  been  drowned  at  Cairo.  Company  E  did 
not  fare  so  well.  Its  losses  were  as  follows :  Privates  L.  W.  Benson,  C.  Cherwick,  J.  B. 
Howlett,  B.  Hampton,  I.  M.  Lewis,  W.  Moore,  I.  Outland,  H.  Smith,  F.  A.  Saddoris  and  R. 
H.  Baker.     The  latter  was  drowned  at  Paducah,  Ky. 

Company  Z),  Forty-sivth  Regiment. — Recruited  in  the  two  first  months  in  1865,  and  mus- 
tered  out  on  the  27th  of  September  of  the  same  year.  Company  D's  officers  were  :  John  E. 
Grout  (promoted  from  Second  Lieutenant),  Captain ;  Gilson  Hinton,  First  Lieutenant.  The 
regiment  left  Camp  Randall  on  the  5th  of  March,  under  orders  to  report  at  Louisville,  Ky., 
arriving  on  the  10th,  and  proceeding,  the  following  day,  to  Athens,  Ala.,  on  the  Nashville  & 
Decatur  Railroad,  along  which  they  were  stationed  at  various  points.  In  September,  they 
proceeded  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  were  mustered  out  as  above  stated,  arriving  in  Madison 
October  2.  During  their  service,  three  of  the  members  cf  Company  D — Corp.  C.  P.  Hen- 
ton,  and  Privates  W.  A.  Brown  and  T.  O'Connor — died  of  disease. 

Cavalry — Company  E,  Second  Regiment. —  This  company  was  known  as  Columbia 
County  Cavalry.  It  recruited  in  the  fall  of  1861,  and  was  accepted  for  service  at  various 
dates  between  December  3,  1861,  and  March  12,  1862.  The  commissioned  officers  of  Com- 
pany E  were :  George  N.  Richmond,  Captain  ;  Wallace  Smith,  First  Lieutenant,  and  Joseph 
T.  Dean,  Second  Lieutenant.  Captain  Richmond,  in  April,  1863,  was  promoted  Major  of 
the  Third  Battalion — C.  W.  Beach,  who  had  in  the  mean  time  succeeded  Lieut.  Smith, 
becoming  Captain.  Stephen  Woodward  was  Captain  when  the  company  was  mustered  out,  in 
November.  1865. 

The  regiment  left  Camp  Washburn,  Milwaukee,  March  24,  1862.  Proceeding  to  Benton 
Barracks,  near  St.  Louis,  they  were  thoroughly  equipped.  Marching  south  through  Missouri, 
they  joined  Gen.  Curtis'  forces  at  Augusta,  Ark.,  June  14,  and  a  month  later  arrived  at  Helena. 
Here  they  remained  until  the  latter  part  of  January,  1863,  when  they  moved  up  the  Mississippi 
to  Memphis.  In  June,  they  proceeded  south  and  took  part  in  the  operations  against  Vicksburg 
Upon  the  surrender  of  that  place,  they  joined  Gen.  Sherman's  Jackson  (Miss.)  expedition, 
returning  to  Redbone  Church,  near  Vicksburg,  soon  afterward.  Here  the  second  and  third  bat- 
talions remained  until  April  1864,  when  they  moved  to  Vicksburg.  The  first  battalion,  com- 
prising Companies  A,  D,  6  and  K,  during  all  this  time,  had  been  on  duty  in  Missouri.  In  Septem- 
ber, 1864,  they  joined  the  main  body  of  the  regiment  at  Vicksburg,  where  they  continued  to 
remain  until  November  23,  when  they  joined  an  expedition  into  Mississippi,  during  which  they 
destroyed  large  quantities  of  rebel  property,  and,  on  the  1st  of  December,  engaged  the  enemy 
near  Yazoo  City,  in  considerable  force.  A  brisk  encounter  followed,  in  which  the  Second  lost 
five  killed,  nine  wounded,  and  twenty-five  missing.  The  return  to  Vicksburg  was  made  by  the 
fifth,  and,  after  three  days'  stay,  they  embarked  for  Memphis.  On  the  25th,  they  joined  an 
expedition  under  Gen.  Grierson,  and  marching  in  a  southeasterly  direction,  destroying  rebel 
stores,  railroads  and  bridges,  engaged  and  defeated  the  enemy  on  the  2Sth,  at  Egypt  Station, 
capturing  a  large  number  of  prisoners.  After  marching  over  four  hundred  miles,  the  expedi- 
tion arrived  at  Vicksburg  ou  the  5th  of  January,  1865.  January  13,  they  again  embarked  for 
Memphis,  and,  on  the  26th,  descended  the  Mississippi  to  Gaines'  Landing,  Ark.,  returning  to 
Memphis  February  17. 

In  March,  a  short  expedition  was  made  into  Mississippi,  and,  on  the  9th  of  May,  330  men 
of  the  Second  set  out  from  Memphis  for  Grenada,  Miss.,  arriving  there  on  the  14th.  The  regi- 
ment came  together  again  at  Alexandria,  La.,  July  6.  Here  they  were  assigned  to  the  Second 
Brigade,  Second  Cavalry  Division,  Military  Division  of  the  Gulf.  Leaving  Alexandria  on  the 
8th  of  August,  they  arrived  at  Hempstead,  Tex.,  310  miles  distant,  on  the  26th.  From  there 
they  went  to  Austin,  Tex.,  where  they  were  mustered  out  November  15,  1865. 

The  casualties  to  Company  E  during  their  service  were :  Killed  in  action — Private  Will 
Payne;  died  of  disease — Sergt.  M.  Z.  Riblett;  Corp.  E.  H.  Moore:  Privates  W.  Atkin- 
son,  J.  Chandler,  J.  Cook,  J.  Carr,  T.  Day,  E.  Evans,  T.  Ferguson,  C.  C.  Fuller,  J.  Ferguson, 
E.  W.  Hale,   C.  C.  Heath,  E.  Herriman,   W.  H.  Lee,  H.  Mills,  R.  Murray,  J.  McCaroll,  E. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


569 


Mathewson,  W.  Parker,  G.  W.  Ross,  W.  Stollman,  W.  Sholes,  R.  Singleton,  L.  Taylor  and  R. 
Whiting.     Total  deaths  in  the  regiment  293,  265  being  from  natural  causes. 

Company  F,  First  Heavy  Artillery. — Organized  in  Portage,  in  September,  1864.  with 
Erastus  Cook  as  Captain  ;  Herman  Fenner,  Senior  First  Lieutenant ;  Asa  P.  Peck,  Junior 
First  Lieutenant ;  Jared  S.  W.  Pardee,  Senior  Second  Lieutenant,  and  Thomas  Graham,  Junior 
Second  Lieutenant.  The  company  left  Camp  Randall  on  the  3d  of  October,  1864,  and  was 
assigned  to  duty  in  the  defenses  of  Washington,  as  part  of  the  Fourth  Brigade,  De  Russey's 
Division  of  the  Twenty-second  Army  Corps,  where  it  remained  until  June  26,  1865,  being  mus- 
tered out  of  service  at  that  date.  It  is  the  only  company  of  troops  going  from  Columbia  County 
which  returned  without  loss  of  life. 

The  Draft. — The  first  official  steps  taken  in  Columbia  County  toward  conscription  occurred 
in  May,  1863.  For  many  months  previous,  rumors  of  an  impending  draft  had  been  rife ;  the 
local  press  teemed  with  appeals  to  the  loyal  citizens  to  volunteer  their  services  in  defense  of  the 
Union  in  sufficient  numbers  to  remove  the  necessity  for  such  an  alternative.  And  although 
they  responded  with  alacrity,  and  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  county's  representation  in 
the  army  was  equal  to  any  other  section  of  the  State,  in  proportion  to  population,  the  inevit- 
able finally  came.  In  June,  Provost  Marshal  S.  J.  M.  Putnam,  of  Janesville,  under  orders, 
appointed  the  following  enrolling  officers  to  take  the  names  of  those  liable  to  military  duty  in 
Columbia  County:  Perry  G.  Stroud,  Newport;  E.  F.  Lewis,  Lewiston ;  J.  B.  Wood,  Fort 
Winnebago  ;  Hiram  Albee,  Marcellon  ;  David  H.  Langdon,  Scott ;  John  M.  Bay,  Randolph  ; 
Jeremiah  Williams,  Courtland  ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Springvale  ;  Henry  Converse,  Wyocena  ; 
Wells  M.  Butler,  Portage  and  Pacific  ;  J.  C.  Mohr,  Caledonia  ;  Jacob  Cosad,  Dekorra,  Jesse  F. 
Hand,  Lowville ;  E.  W.  McNett,  Otsego ;  E.  T.  Kerney,  Fountain  Prairie ;  G.  W.  Campbell, 
Columbus ;  William  K.  Custer,  Hampden ;  Ammond  Christophers,  Leeds ;  A.  G.  Dunning, 
Arlington  ;   Thomas  Yule,  Lodi ;   Cyrus  Hill,  West  Point. 

Toward  the  latter  part  of  July,  the  enrolling  officers  having  completed  their  work,  it  was 
shown  that  the  number  of  persons  in  Columbia  County  liable  to  military  duty,  was  2,045  of  the 
first  class,  and  1,609  of  the  second.  Under  the  President's  call  for  800,000  men  in  1863,  the 
quota  to  be  filled  in  the  county  was  about  two  hundred  and  seventy.  In  this  connection,  the 
following  table,  compiled  by  Adjt.  Gen.  Gaylord,  showing  the  quotas  of  towns  in  Columbia 
County,  under  the  calls  for  volunteers  made  in  1861-62,  will  be  interesting : 


ArliDgton 

Caledonia 

Columbus 

Courtland 

Dekorra 

Fort  Winnebago... 
Fountain  Prairie.. 

H.ampden 

Leeds 

Lewiston 

Lodi 


Quota. 

Vols. 

63 

53 

40 

34 

134 

166 

63 

58 

67 

90 

32 

33 

54 

93 

.50 

47 

59 

36 

42 

42 

83 

142 

Towns. 


Lowville 

Marcellon... 

Newport 

Otsego 

Pacific 

Portage 

Randolph  .. 

Scott 

Springvale.. 
West  Point. 
Wyocena 


Total 1342 


Quota. 


54 

78 

43 

49 

59 

66 

57 

48 

10 

17 

171 

242 

67 

77 

47 

38 

41 

34 

52 

68 

64 

88 

1599 


After  the  first  enrollment,  three  persons  enlisted — one  each  from  the  towns  of  Columbus, 
Marcellon  and  Randolph — making  the  total  number  of  volunteers  from  the  county  up  to 
August  20,  1863,  1,602,  or  260  in  excess  of  the  quotas  under  the  calls  of  1861-62. 

Notice  of  the  draft  of  1863,  under  the  President's  call  for  300,000  men,  given  by  S.  J. 
M.  Putnam,  Captain  and  Provost  Marshal  for  the  Second  District,  was  dated  Janesville,  Novem- 
ber 11,  1863.  Accompanying  the  notification,  was  a  statement  of  the  number  to  be  drafted  in 
each  of  the  towns  of  Columbia  County,  with  "  the  50  per  cent  added,"  as  follows  :  West  Point, 
12;    Lodi,  20;  Arlington,  13;    Leeds,  14;    Hampden,  16 ;    Columbus,  32 ;    Fountain  Prairie, 


570 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


11;  Otsego,  14;  Lowville,  14;  Dekorra,  21;  Caledonia,  12;  Portage  and  Pacific,  46;  Wyo- 
cena,  11 ;  Springvale,  15  ;  Courtland,  23  ;  Randolph,  17  ;  Scott,  13  ;  Marcellon,  12  ;  Fort 
Winnebago,  8 ;  Lewiston,  11 ;  Newport,  18.  Total,  353.  The  excess  of  260  on  the  quotas 
under  the  1861-62  calls  being  deducted,  there  remained  but  93  to  be  supplied  under  the  call  of 
January,  1863. 

Under  the  calls  of  the  President  for  500,000  and  200,000,  the  quota  in  the  latter  call  not 
having  been  filled,  Columbia  County's  quota  in  April,  1864,  stood  as  follows :  Total  number  of 
men  to  be  furnished,  871 ;  total  credits  since  date  of  first  call,  731,  leaving  a  deficit  of  140 
men. 

On  the  18th  of  July,  another  call  was  issued  for  500,000  more,  and  after  a  deal  of  figuring 
among  those  interested  in  the  prospective  drawing,  it  was  discovered  that  Columbia  County's 
quota  of  men  to  be  furnished  was  806.  This  included  the  deficiency  under  previous  calls, 
amounting  to  ninety-eight  men  in  the  county  at  large.  Numerous  credits  subsequently  made  a 
deduction  of  almost  one-third  in  this  number.  But  the  inevitable  came  at  last,  and  the  2l8t  of 
September  was  an  interesting  day  to  those  whose  names  went  into  the  box  at  Janesville.  The 
quota  of  Portage  was  eighty-six.  Prominent  among  those  who  drew  prizes  were  E.  C.  Maine, 
1).  G.  Muir,  H.  0.  Lewis,  V.  Helmann,  William  Armstrong,  J.  P.  McGregor,  F.  H.  Ellsworth, 
W.  W.  Corning,  LI.  Breese,  John  T.  Clark,  James  Collins,  Carl  Haertel,  A.  J.  Turner,  Alva 
Stewart,  Israel  Holmes  and  many  others.  Most  of  those  mentioned  belonged  to  the  "  Draft 
Insurance  Club,"  and  were  entitled  to  draw  $380  each  from  a  citizens'  fund  to  pay  substitutes. 
Supplemental  drafts  soon  followed  in  a  few  of  the  towns  in  the  county. 

Another  call  for  300,000  volunteers  having  been  made  on  the  19th  of  December,  1864,  it 
was  ascertained  that  Columbia  County's  quota  would  amount  to  about  540  men,  according  to  the 
number  of  votes  polled  at  the  last  preceding  election,  but  it  afterward  transpired  that  the 
actual  number  to  be  raised  was  423,  including  all  deficiencies  and  deducting  all  credits.  The 
quota  of  Portage  by  wards  was  fifty-one.  There  was  some  lively  volunteering  about  this  time, 
under  the  patriotic  influence  of  nearly  $500  bounty,  $200  wages  for  a  year,  with  board  and  clothes, 
and  very  little  prospect  for  a  fight. 

A  draft  took  place  in  the  towns  of  Marcellon  and  Lewiston  on  the  27th  of  February,  1865, 
but  by  the  time  the  drawing  was  announced,  nearly  every  man  in  those  towns  liable  to  be  drafted 
had  enlisted. 

Following  is  a  statement  of  the  bounty  money  raised  in  the  various  towns  mentioned : 


Arlington $17,453  00 

Courtland 25, .576  00 

Columbus 30,204  R9 

Caledonia 10,912  90 

Dekorra 13,304  00 

Fort  Winnebago 7,182  00 

Fountain  Prairie 15,200  00 

Hampden 14,638  00 

Leeds 18,712  35 


Lodi $23,000  00 

Newport 14,300  00 

Otsego 18,384  00 

Pacific 1,.595  00 

Randolph 17,160  00 

Scott 11,430  00 

Springvale 18,.S03  00 

West  Point 10,814  11 

Wyocena 6,500  00 


Certain  iiistorical  events  occurring  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1865,  made  further  drafts 
unnecessary.  The  Union  had  been  preserved.  Old  veterans  and  new  volunteers  returned  to 
their  homes.  Peace  reigned  again.  Above  the  smoke  of  battles  well-fought,  floated  the  starry 
emblem  of  liberty,  humanity  and  equality.  A  million  lives  had  been  sacrificed  beneath  its  folds, 
but  it  still  waved  aloft,  brighter  and  more  brilliant,  bathed  in  the  life-fluid  of  patriots  dead. 

'•  But  what  shall  be  the  fate  of  those 
Who  designed  that  sea  of  blood  ? 
It  cannot  be  that  they  shall  die 
To  grace  the  throne  of  God  !  " 

The  Roll  of  Honor. — Following  is  a  list  of  the  names  of  soldiers  occupying  patriots' 
graves  in  Columbia  County :  Silver  Lake  Cemetery,  Portage — Col.  S.  K.  Vaughan,  Company 
D,  Nineteenth  Regiment ;  Herman  W.  Kind,   Company   C,  Twenty-third  Regiment ;    Corp. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  571 

John  A.  Harmon,  Company  A,  Twenty-fifth  Regiment;  Henry  Junge,  Second  Cavalry; 
Andrew  J.  McFarlane.  Company  K,  Thirty-third  Regiment ;  Melvin  Merrill,  Company  G, 
Twentieth  Regiment ;  William  F.  Ward,  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Regiment ;  John  Crosby, 
Jr.,  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Regiment ;  Martin  Bellinghauser,  Company  D,  Nineteenth  Regi- 
ment;  Judson  A.  Lewis,  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Regiment;  George  Parmenter,  Company 
C,  Twenty-third  Regiment;  Walter  Plumstead,  Company  G,  Second  Regiment;  Francis  H. 
Snow,  Company  K,  Third  Cavalry  ;  Capt.  Erastus  Cook,  Battery  F,  First  Artillery  ;  Col.  Frank 

A.  Haskell,  Thirty-sixth  Regiment. 

Columbus — Dr.  Charles  C.  Axtel ;  Sabins  J.  Bennett;  Sergt.  Benjamin  Campbell,  Sixth 
Regiment,  died  of  disease ;  Bissell  Carter,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  of  disease ; 
Walter  P.  Carter,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  in  Andersonville ;  Francis  Fouler, 
Company  A.  Seventh  Regiment,  died  in  Andersonville:  Alfred  Fuller;  Walter  Houton,  Com- 
pany A,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  of  wounds ;  Sergt.  L.  P.  Holmes,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regi- 
ment, killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  ;  Lieut.  James  Holmes,  Company  A,  Seventh 
Regiment,  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness ;  A.  T.  Hopkins  ;  W.  H.  Horton  ;  Dr.  James ; 
William  Kurst,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness ;  Uri  F. 
Laskey,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  Gainesville ;  Albert  McCalvey,  Company  A, 
Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  Petersburg ;  Charles  E.  Mills,  Company  A.  Seventh  Regiment, 
killed  at  Gainesville ;  Edwin  E.  Polly,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  Cedar  Mount- 
ain ;  William   Richards,  Third  Regiment,  killed  at  Five  Forks;  Seymour  A.  Sawyer,  Company 

B,  Forty-first  Wisconsin  Regiment ;  Jacob  D.  Sawyer,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed 
at  Antietam  ;  Eli  P.  Sawyer,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  of  disease;  E.  Silsbee;  M. 
Silsbee ;  Asher  M.  Starkweather,  Company  D,  Fortieth  Wisconsin  Regiment;  Stutson ;  C. 
Tuttle ;  Allen  Vanwalker,  Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  of  wounds ;  Milo  Waterhouse, 
Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  Antietam  ;  Warren  J.  Wheeling. 

Fall  River — George  Adams,  Company  I,  Eighteenth  Regiment,  killed  at  Pittsburg  Landing; 
Israel  Bissett,  Thirty-second  Regiment,  killed  in  action  ;  Joseph  Bissett,  Thirty-second  Regiment, 
died  ;  John  Bissett,  Company  B,  Thirty-second  Regiment,  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  ; 
Capt.  George  H.  Brayton,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  the  battle  of  Gainesville  ;  Eli 
Bronsen,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  Antietam  ;  Lorin  Bronsen,  Company  I, 
Eighteenth  Regiment,  killed  at  Pittsburg  Landing ;  Manly  Bronson,  Company  B,  Seventh 
Regiment,  killed  at  Belle  Plain  ;  George  Brossard,  Eleventh  Regiment,  died  ;  Alpheus  Cassen, 
Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  at  Madison  ;  Nathan  Chase,  died  at  Cumberland  Gap, 
Tenn. ;  Jerome  Comar,  Thirty-second  Regiment,  died;  George  C.  Farrand,  Fifty-first  Regiment; 
Brainard  Graves,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  died ;  Aldro  A.  Grant,  Company  B,  Seventh 
Regiment,  died ;  Edwin  Hancock,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  at  South  Mountain ; 
Perry  Henton,  Forty-first  Regiment,  died ;  A.  D.  Hicks,  Company  C,  Fifty-first  Regiment,  died 
at  Milwaukee;  James  0.  Hellaker,  died  in  Andersonville  Prison;  Wright  Hunburg,  Thirty- 
second  Regiment,  died  of  disease ;  Jabey  Hunburg,  Thirty-second  Regiment,  died  of  wounds ; 
RufuB  Kendall,  Government  employe,  killed  by  bushwhackers ;  Charles  Machen,  Thirty-second 
Regiment,  returned  at  close  of  war  and  was  killed  in  a  flouring-mill  at  Beaver  Dam  ;  Augustus 
Martin,  Third  Cavalry,  killed  by  bushwhackers ;  Charles  Plummer,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regi- 
ment, killed  at  Gainesville,  Va. ;  Dennis  Prevot,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  killed  by 
bushwhackers ;  Lewis  Prevot,  Company  B;  Thirty-second  Regiment,  died  at  Oshkosh ;  William 
Rumsey,  a  patriot  of  Florida  and  Mexican  wars ;  Felix  Sainlong,  Government  employe, 
killed  by  bushwhackers ;  Benjamin  Schaefier,  Company  I,  Eighteenth  Regiment,  killed  at  Pitts- 
burg Landing ;  Charles  Sickles,  died  in  hospital ;  Frank  Smith,  died  at  Sulphur  Springs ; 
Francis  A.  Smith,  Forty-ninth  Regiment,  died  since  discharged ;  Seth  Thurber,  killed  by  bush- 
whackers;  Seneca  Warner,  a  patriot  of  the  war  of  1812;  Newton  Watson,  Thirty-second 
Regiment,  died ;  John  Wood,  Company  I,  Eighteenth  Regiment,  died  after  he  was  dis- 
charged;  Joseph  Zeeman,  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  died  of  disease  contracted  in  the 
army. 


572  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Wyocena — Bull  Alansen,  Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  killed  at  Perryville ;  Volney 
Carpenter,  (,'ompany  C,  Nineteenth  Regiment,  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness ;  Henry 
Coffin,  killed  at  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run  ;  Michael  Conlon,  Company  — ,  Tenth  Regiment, 
killed  at  Stone  River ;  Girard  Dey,  Thirty-second  Regiment,  died  on  the  Potomac ;  James 
Dixon,  Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  killed  at  Perryville ;  John  Grover,  Company  G,  Twenty- 
fifth  Regiment,  killed  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  the  only  man  wounded  in  Company  G,  and  he  had 
nine  bullets  in  him  ;  George  Hand,  Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  died  at  Andersonville ; 
Alonzo  Jones,  Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  buried  at  Wyocena  ;  Hobart  Parmenter,  Company 
D,  Tenth  Regiment,  shot  at  Perryville ;  Marcus  Parmenter,  Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  died 
in  Nashville ;  Alexander  Wilsey,  ^Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  died  in  Nashville ;  Harlon 
Wiltham,  Company  D,  Tenth  Regiment,  killed  at  Chickamauga. 

Scraps  of  War  Ristorij. — It  would  be  almost  impossible  to  generalize,  so  far  as  loca' 
history  is  concerned,  in  a  description  or  statement  of  occurrences  during  the  war.  Of  course, 
there  was  intense  excitement  following  the  news  that  Fort  Sumter  had  been  assaulted.  Citizens 
of  all  classes,  no  matter  what  may  have  been  their  sympathies,  were  deeply  interested  through- 
out the  momentous  struggle  that  culminated  with  the  fall  of  Richmond  and  the  capture  of  the 
traitor  President  of  the  Southern  Confederacy.  We  herewith  present  a  compilation  of  local 
events,  chronologically  arranged,  pertaining  to  a  history  of  the  "  war  at  home  :  " 

1861,  March — S.  E.  Dana,  of  Portage,  appointed  Colonel,  and  H.  S.  Haskell,  also  of 
Portage,  appointed  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Twenty-first  Regiment  of  Wisconsin  Militia  by 
Gov."  Randall.     Portage  Light  Guard  vote  unanimously  to  offer  their  services  to  Gov.  Randall. 

April — Flag-raising  in  Wyocena ;  enthusiastic  Union  meeting.  Yates  Ashley,  Pardee- 
ville,  commissioned  to  raise  a  company.  Large  number  of  volunteers  from  Lodi  and  vicinity 
enrolled  themselves  in  Madison  companies.  Portage  Light  Guard  accepted  by  the  Governor, 
and  assigned  to  the  Second  Regiment.  Meeting  of  citizens  in  Portage,  at  which  strong  Union 
resolutions  were  passed.  City  Council  of  Portage  resolved  to  provide  for  the  needy  families  of 
those  who  volunteered,  the  credit  of  the  city  being  pledged  to  the  extent  of  $1,000.  Grand 
military  supper  at  the  Ellsworth  House  to  Portage  Light  Guard. 

May — Enthusiastic  meeting  in  Portage,  and  presentation  of  Stars  and  Stripes,  made  by 
ladies,  to  Light  Guard ;  patriotic  speeches  by  Emmons  Taylor,  Alva  Stewart  and  others. 
Departure  of  the  Guard  for  Camp  Randall.  The  Stars  and  Stripes  unfurled  from  Bank  Block, 
amid  the  singing  of  national  airs  by  the  various  church  choirs  of  Portage,  the  firing  of  rockets, 
burning  of  bonfires,  etc.  A  complete  company  formed  at  Lodi.  Meeting  of  citizens  at  Verandah 
Hall,  Portage,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  another  military  company;  officers  elected  as  fol- 
lows :  Captain,  H.  W.  Emery  ;  First  Lieutenant,  A.  Stewart ;  Ensign,  C.  Schneider ;  First 
Sergeant,  A.  Blockwitz;  Second,  S.  V.  Bedford;  Third,  J.  Jolley  ;  Fourth,  T.  E.  Best;  First 
Corporal,  C.  Brunhoeter;  Second,  P.  Shehan ;  Third,  H.  Bolting;  Fourth,  T.  Dalton  ;  to  be 
called  the  Portage  Rifles.  A  large  number  of  the  members  of  the  Portage  Light  Guard  return 
from  Camp  Randall,  having  reached  that  point  too  late  to  be  accepted  as  a  part  of  the  first 
quota  of  Wisconsin  under  the  President's  call  for  75,000  three-iponths'  volunteers ;  most  of 
them  re-enlist,  however,  for  three  years.  The  Columbia  Rifles,  of  Kilbourn  City,  having  offered 
their  services  under  the  first  call  too  late  for  acceptance,  re-enlist  for  "  three  years  or  during 
the  war  ;  "  flag  presentation  to  the  Rifles,  and  patriotic  speeches. 

June — The  Rifles  go  into  camp  at  Racine.  Flag  raising  in  Marcellon,  and  enthusi- 
astic gathering  of  the  citizens. 

July — Capt.  Christie  organizes  a  company  in  Portage.  Battle  of  Bull  Run ;  the  first 
blood  of  Portage  patriots  shed  on  the  field  of  battle ;  the  casualties  in  Company  G,  Capt.  Mans- 
field, Second  Regiment,  were :  Killed — W.  H.  Williams,  shot  through  the  heart ;  H.  R.  Coffin, 
son  of  Dr.  Coffin,  of  Wyocena,  shot  through  the  head  ;  Johd  Noonan.  Wounded — Lieut.  A.  S. 
Hill,  R.  0.  Batson,  A.  R.  Clement,  H.  Neally,  M.  L.  Phillips,  C.  C.  Dow,  J.  A.  Wiser  and 
John  Lynch.     Missing — E.  S.  Best,  J.  P.  Christie,  John  House,  D.  F.  Crane,  D.  O'Brien, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  673 

Peter  Irvine  and  G.  W.  Briflett.  It  afterward  transpired  that  O'Brien  and  Christie  were  taken 
prisoners. 

August — George  W.  Marsh,  of  Company  G,  returned,  discharged,  on  account  of  injuries 
received  at  Bull  Run.  Funeral  of  H.  R.  Coffin,  at  Wyocena.  Capt.  Christie  tenders  the 
services  of  his  "Dixon  Guard,"  which  are  accepted  by  the  Governor.  Erastus  Cook,  City 
Marshal  of  Portage,  commissioned  to  enroll  men  for  an  artillery  company.  Mayor  Richmond, 
of  Portage,  appointed  Captain,  with  authority  to  raise  a  company  of  cavalry.  Commissions 
issued  to  Dr.  J.  L.  Coffin,  of  Wyocena,  as  Captain,  and  T.  L.  Kennan,  of  Portage,  as  First 
Lieutenant,  to  raise  a  company  of  infantry.  J.  J.  Guppey  appointed  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the 
Tenth  Regiment.     The  ladies  of  Portage  engaged  in  making  clothing  for  the  Light  Guard. 

September — Lieut.  Hill,  of  the  Portage  Light  Guard,  while  at  home  nursing  wounds 
received  at  Bull  Run,  enrolled  the  following  recruits  to  fill  the  depleted  ranks  of  his  com- 
pany :  Van  R.  Bentley,  C.  Blackman,  J.  Castley,  A.  Carter,  W.  H.  Church,  C.  Delaney, 
S.  K.  Eggleston,  E.  Hathaway,  E.  Jackson,  T.  H.  Kennedy,  G.  F.  Leeds,  J.  H.  Langdon,  C. 
Morter,  R.  C.  McDonald,  E.  H.  A.  May,  C.  H.  Mosher,  W.  L.  Pratt,  0.  Parker,  C.  C.  Reiley, 
J.  B.  Rowell,  J.  T.  Lines,  J.  Sharp,  H.  C.  Tapper  and  L.  Wilkins.  Departure  of  the 
Seventh  Wisconsin  from  Madison  for  the  seat  of  war.  Company  A  being  the  Lodi  Guards 
(Capt.  George  Bill),  and  Company  B  the  Columbia  County  Cadets  (Capt.  J.  H.  Huntington). 
The  Fremont  Rifles  (Capt.  Coffin)  assigned  to  the  Tenth  Regiment,  and  ordered  into  camp. 
Dr.  Robert  Mitchell,  of  Portage,  appointed  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  Tenth.  Departure  of 
Lieut.  Hill  and  his  recruits  to  join  the  Light  Guard. 

October — George  W.  Marsh  ("  Agawara  ")  recovers  from  his  disabilities,  re-enlists  and 
is  appointed  Second  Lieutenant  of  the  Fremont  Rifles.  Lieut.  S.  K.  Vaughan,  of  the  Light 
Guard,  resigns,  and  is  succeeded  by  W.  S.  M.  Abbott.  Capt.  Christie's  Dixon  Guards 
assigned  to  the  Eleventh  Regiment,  as  Company  H,  and  go  into  camp  at  Madison.  Letter 
from  Swift  Best,  who  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner  at  Bull  Run,  announcing  his  incar- 
ceration in  the  Richmond  Prison  Hospital ;  also  announcing  the  death  of  John  P.  Christie, 
who,  seriously  wounded,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  rebels  in  the  same  battle. 

November — Return  of  Capt.  Mansfield,  of  the  Portage  Light  Guard,  to  enlist  recruits 
for  the  Second ,  Regiment.  Capt.  Christie,  of  the  Dixon  Guards,  presented  with  an  elegant 
sword  by  L.  S.  Dixon,  in  honor  of  whom  the  company  was  named.  Dr.  G.  F.  Huntington,  of 
Portage,  appointed  Surgeon  of  the  Eighteenth  Regiment.  Capt.  Coffin,  of  the  Fremont  Rifles, 
appointed  Chaplain  of  the  Tenth  Regiment.  W.  A.  Coleman,  Ira  Ford  and  0.  A.  South- 
mayd,  of  Columbus,  granted  commissions  to  raise  a  company  of  infantry.  Return  of  J.  C. 
Chandler  ("  Shanghai ")  of  the  Portage  Light  Guard,  honorably  discharged  from  service. 
Capt.  Richmond's  cavalry  company  go  into  camp  in  Milwaukee. 

December — Death  of  John  D.  Bannister,  of  Company  D  (Fremont  Rifles),  Tenth  Regi- 
ment, at  Shepherdsville,  Ky.  A  recruiting  rendezvous  for  the  Thirteenth  Infantry,  regular 
army,  opened  at  the  City  Hotel,  Portage.  John  Delaney  received  a  Captain's  commission  to 
recruit  a  company  for  the  Eighteenth  Regiment.  S.  K.  Vaughan  commissioned  as  Captain, 
with  authority  to  raise  a  company  for  the  Nineteenth  Regiment. 

1862,  January — Return  of  Capt.  Richmond,  George  Race  and  Surgeon  Huntington,  on  a 
flying  visit  from  "Dixie. "' 

February. — Lieut.  Hill  presented  with  a  $100-sword  by  the  Portage  Light  Guard.  Lieut. 
H.  B.  Converse  opens  a  recruiting  office  in  Portage,  to  fill  the  depleted  ranks  of  the  Second 
Regiment.  The  fall  of  Donelson.  Great  rejoicing  throughout  the  county.  In  Portage,  the 
*' big  gun  "  boomed,  church  bells  rang  and  locomotives  screamed.  Uncle  Sherwood  declared 
that  the  man  who  failed  to  get  drunk  on  such  an  occasion  would  be  declared  a  secessionist ;  the 
test  of  loyalty  said  to  have  been  a  complete  success. 

April — Battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing ;  large  number  of  Columbia  County  patriots  engaged  ; 
members  of  the  Lewis  Rangers  write  :  "  Those  known  to  have  been  killed  are  R.  Cronk,  Maurice 
Cook,  George  Hillman,  Benjamin  Shorer,  and  one  other,  name  unknown,  torn  to  shreds  by  a 


57-4  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

cannon  ball ;  among  the  missing  are  Allen  Church  and  John  Sines,  of  Dekorra ;  William  Mil- 
ler, of  Caledonia,  was  wounded  in  the  mouth  by  a  ball,  and  the  last  seen  of  him  he  was  down 
at  the  river  washing  his  wound ;  Peter  Mead,  John  Cook,  John  Delaney  and  Ole  Severson  are 
among  the  missing ;  we  lost  everything  except  what  we  had  on  when  the  fight  commenced  ; 
Lieuts.  Ford  and  Southmayd  were  taken  prisoners. 

May — Anson  Linscott,  the  petite  drummer  of  the  Light  Guard,  promoted  to  the  post  of 
Drum  Major  of  the  Second  Regiment.  George  Carnes  and  Wells  M.  Butler  receive  commis- 
sions as  Captain  and  Lieutenant,  respectively,  to  raise  a  company  of  infantry,  and  open  a 
recruiting  office  in  Verandah  Block. 

June — Swift  Best,  of  the  Portage  Light  Guard,  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run ; 
released  after  a  year's  sojourn  in  rebel  prison-pens. 

July — Thomas  H.  Dolan,  Portage  Light  Guard,  discharged  on  account  of  sickness.  Capt. 
Mansfield,  Portage  Light  Guard,  in  the  capacity  of  Military  Governor  of  Fredericksburg,  Va., 
stirs  up  the  ''secesh  "  citizens.  Deatli  of  Fred  Langdon,  William  IL  Powers  and  P.  Newman, 
Capt.  Christie's  company,  in  Arkansas.  Return  of  Capt.  Christie  on  account  of  wounds  received 
at  the  battle  of  Bayou  Cache.  Edgar  P.  Mills  commissioned  to  raise  a  company  for  the  Twenty- 
third  Regiment ;  Lieut.  Col.  Guppey,  of  the  Tenth  Regiment,  appointed  Colonel  of  the  Twenty- 
Third. 

August — Resignation  of  Lieut.  Kennan,  of  the  Fremont  Rifles  (Company  D,  Tenth  Regi- 
ment), on  account  of  ill  health.  Capt.  Mansfield  arrested  and  taken  to  Washington,  charged 
with  favoring  the  rebels,  by  allowing  contraband  trade  through  the  Federal  lines.  Intense  war 
feeling  throughout  the  county  owing  to  the  call  for  .300,000  men  and  the  prospective  draft ; 
enthusiastic  war  meeting  at  Pettibone's  Hall,  addressed  by  Alva  Stewart,  Col.  Guppey,  Capt. 
Hill,  M.  M.  Davis  and  others  ;  committee  of  tiiirteen  appointed  to  canvass  the  city  and  obtain 
subscriptions  to  a  bounty  fund  ;  .$3,200  subscribed  within  two  days.  War  meeting  at  Kilbourn 
City  ;  $1,000  subscribed  and  eight  men  enlisted.  War  meeting  in  Caledonia  ;  §1,000  subscribed 
and  seven  men  enlisted.  W.  ll.  Bennett,  J.  P.  Corbin,  D.  C.  Holdridge,  A.  M.  Kent,  W.  A. 
Dunham  and  0.  H.  Sorrenson,  Portage  veterans,  promoted  to  lieutenancies  in  Col.  Guppey's 
regiment  (the  Twenty-third).  M.  M.  Davis  appointed  Commissioner  to  superintend  the  draft 
in  the  county,  and  Robert  W.  Earle,  of  Columbus,  Examining  Surgeon.  One, thousand  dollars 
subscribed  to  the  war  fund  and  seventeen  men  enlisted  in  the  town  of  Lowville ;  town  of  Scott 
contributes  $1,200;  Lodi,  §1,500  and  fifty-two  men;  the  town  of  Arlington  oilers  .flOO  and  a 
cow  to  each  recruit.  Dr.  James  Prentice  appointed  Surgeon  of  the  Twenty-third  Regiment. 
War  meeting  at  West  Point ;  $760  si^bscribed,  eight  men  enlisted  and  $50  voted  for  each  mar- 
ried and  $25  for  each  unmarried  volunteer.  Departure  of  Capt.  Hill's  company  for  Camp 
Randall. 

October — Lieuts.  Ford,  Southmayd  and  their  associates  of  the  Eighteenth  Regiment  taken 
prisoners  at  Corinth,  released  on  parole,  and  return  of  Capt.  Chrystie.  taken  prisoner  near 
Helena,  Ark.  Death  of  Dr.  Axtell,  of  Columbus.  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  Twenty-third  Regi- 
ment.    Death  of  Col.  Emory  of  the  Fifth  Rotriment. 

November — A  court  of  inquiry  vindicates  Capt.  Mansfield  of  the  crime  of  "  disloyal  con- 
duct "  while  Provost  Marshal  of  Fredericksburg,  Va. 

December — C.  C.  Dow,  of  Portage,  promoted  to  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  G  (Light 
Guard),  Second  Regiment.  D.  P.  Slierwood,  of  tlie  Eighteenth  Regiment  returns,  honorably 
discharged.     Capt.  Hill  appointed  Brigade  Quartermaster  of  the  Twenty-third. 

1863.  January — Return  of  Lieut.  Hill,  Company  G,  of  the  immortal  Second,  for  the 
purpose  of  raising  recruits.  Capt.  Irwin,  Company  H,  Twenty-third  Regiment  resigns  ;  Lieut. 
Holdridge  promoted  to  fill  vacancy ;  E.  F.  Fletcher  promoted  to  Captain  of  Company  K,  same 
regiment,  vice  Frost,  deceased.  James  Dempsey,  Company  C,  Twenty-third,  killed  by  one  of 
his  own  company,  while  on  picket  duty,  near  Vicksburg. 

February — Capt.  Mansfield  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major  of  the  Second.  Death  of  James 
F.  Fitts,  Company  C,   Twenty-third   Regiment,  fi-om  typhoid  fever,  in  the  hospital  at  Memphis, 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  675 

Tenn.  Death  of  John  W.  Hosford  and  S.  E.  Van  Zandt,  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Regiment, 
in  the  hospital  at  St.  Louis.  Resignation  of  Dr.  Prentice,  as  Surgeon  of  the  Twenty-third. 
Bohag,  of  the  Second  Cavalry,  and  ex-devil  of  the  State  Register,  chases  a  "  secesh"  Lieutenant 
two  miles,  and  takes  him  prisoner. 

March — Death  of  Chester  B.    Flower,   Nelson   Morrison  and  John  Smith,   Company  C, 
Twenty-third,  First  Lieut.  A.  S.  Hill,  appointed  Captain   Company  G,  Second  Regiment,  vice 
Mansfield,  promoted  ;   Second   Lieut.   C.  C.  Dow,  appointed  First  Lieutenant,  vice   Hill,  pro- 
moted.    Accidental  death  of  Adelbert  Staley,  Company  F,  Seventh  Regiment,  near  Belle  Plain, 
Va. 

April— Capt.  E.  P.  Hill  promoted  to  the  majorship  of  the  Twenty-third  Regiment ;  Capt.  J. 
Bailey  promoted  to  a  similar  rank  in  the  Fourth  Regiment.  Acknowledgment  by  Company  G, 
Second  Regiment,  of  the  receipt  of  "  various  and  divers  bottles,  and  cans  of  fruit,  pickles  and 
other  luxuries,"  from  Mrs.  F.  H.  Ellsworth,  Mrs.  A.  P.  Bennett  and  Mrs.  McGregor. 

May — Promotions  of  Portage  Soldiers  :    George  N.  Richmond,  as  Major  of  the  Third  Bat- 
tallion  vice  Luxton,  resigned  ;  First  Lieut.  0.  H.  Sorrenson  as  Captain  of  Company  C,  Twenty 
third  Regiment,  vice  Hill,  promoted  ;     Second   Lieut.   Schoemaker,   as   First   Lieutenant,  vice 
Sorrenson,  promoted  ;  J.  W.  Richardson,  as  Second  Lieutenant,  vice  Schoemaker,  promoted. 

June — Organization  of  a  Home  League  in  Poynette.  E.  F.  Lewis,  of  Lewiston,  appointed 
Deputy  Provost  Marshal  for  Columbia  County.  Enthusiastic  Union  meeting  at  Poynette, 
addressed  by  Gov.  Solomon,  Rev.  Henry  Drew,  W.  C.  Webb,  Rev.  D.  Y.  Kilgour  and  N.  H. 
Wood. 

July — Lieut.  Chas  Allen,  Company  H.,  Eleventh  Regiment,  returns  to  Portage,  having 
suffered  the  loss  of  a  foot  in  the  assault  upon  Vicksburg.  Capt.  A.  S.  Hill,  Company  G,  Second 
Regiment,  discharged  from  service  on  account  of  wounds  received  at  South  Mountain.  Death,  in 
Portage,  of  Lieut.  A.  J.  McFarlane,  Company  K,  Twenty-third  Regiment,  from  wounds  received 
at  Vicksburg.  Fall  of  Vicksburg  !  Great  rejoicing.  Return  of  Col.  Guppey  from  Vicksburg,  on 
a  twenty-day  furlough  ;  an  ovation,  including  aserenade  by  the  Bohemian  band.  Joseph  Bailey, 
who  went  into  the  service  as  Captain  of  Company  D,  Fourth  Regiment,  promoted  to  a  colonelcy 
by  Gen.  Banks,  for  gallant  and  meritorious  conduct  before  Port  Hudson. 

August — Lieut.  J.  L.  Jolly,  Major  E.  P.  Hill,  Capt.  0.  H.  Sorrenson  and  Lieut.  John 
Schoemaker,  of  the  Twenty- third  Regiment,  home  on  short  furloughs.  Maj.  John  Mansfield 
promoted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Second  Regiment ;  Lieut.  C.  C.  Dow  made  Captain  of 
Company  G,  and  S.  H.  Morrison  First  Lieutenant.  Return  of  Maj.  Richardson,  of  the  Sec- 
ond Cavalry,  on  furlough,  after  an  absence  of  two  years  in  Secessia. 

October — Maj.  E.  P.  Hill,  Twenty-third  Regiment,  appointed  Lieutenant  Colonel  in  place 
of  Vilas,  resigned.  Capt.  M.  A.  Leahy,  Thirty-fifth  Regiment,  opens  a  recruiting  office  in 
Portage,  offering  $402  bounty  to  nine-month  veterans,  and  $200  to  novices  in  the  art  of  war. 
Resolutions  of  respect  by  the  pupils  of  the  Portage  High  School,  to  the  memories  of  Melvin  E. 
Merrell,  Richard  Williams,  Judson  A.  Lewis,  Edward  Owen,  Trevyllian  J.  Staley  and  Edward 
C.  Andrews,  killed  in  the  war  against  rebellion. 

November — Grand  ball  at  Pettibone's  hall.  Portage,  by  the  ladies  of  the  Soldier's  Aid 
Society.  E.  H.  Bronson,  First  Sergeant,  Company  K,  Thirty-second  Regiment,  detailed  to 
recruit  in  the  towns  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbus,  Otsego,  Lowville,  Leeds  and  Dekorra. 

December — Special  town  meetings  held  in  Fountain  Prairie  and  Marcellon,  at  which  it  was 
voted  to  pay  $200  bounty,  to  volunteers.  Resignation  of  Lieut.  Wanner,  Twenty-third  Regi- 
ment. 

1864,  January — Col.  Guppey  and  Capt.  0.  H.  Sorrenson,  of  the  Twenty-third  Regiment, 
released  by  the  rebels.  ,War  meeting  at  Vandercook  Hall,  Portage,  at  which  over  $(!00  was 
subscribed  as  bounty  money.  Town  of  Scott  votes  $250  bounty  to  volunteers  ;  Fort  Winnebago 
votes  $200  ;  Dekorra  raises  $1,950  cash  as  a  fund  to  supply  her  quota  of  thirteen.  Capt. 
Vaughan,  Nineteenth  Regiment,  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major.  Sergt.  Joseph  Twycross, 
Company  G,  Second  Regiment,  receives  a  first  lieutenant's  commission. 


676  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

February — First  Lieut.  W.  F.  D.  Bailey  appointed  Captain  of  Company  G,  Thirty-second 
Regiment.  Death  of  W.  F.  Ward,  one  of  the  trio  of  Reghter  printers  who  enlisted  in  the 
Twenty-third  Regiment,  in  1862.  Lieut.  Lewis  Low,  of  Lowville,  promoted  to  the  captaincy 
of  Company  K,  Thirty-second  Regiment. 

March — The  citizens  of  Portage  vote  to  appropriate  $3,500  for  a  volunteer  fund ;  276 
votes  were  cast,  of  which  number  27  were  against  the  proposition. 

April — Portage  offers  a  bounty  of  $150  each  for  volunteers  to  avoid  the  impending  draft. 

June — Grand  reception  to  the  returned  remnants  of  the  valorous  Second  Regiment,  to 
which  the  Portage  Light  Guard  belonged  as  Company  G  ;  but  ten  of  this  company's  members 
were  spared  to  reach  home,  as  follows  :  Capt.  C.  C.  Dow,  Sergt.  Joseph  Twycross,  George  Hill, 
Freeman  Smith,  Fritz  Kanzenbach,  Henry  J.  Acker,  Simon  Jordan,  C.  P.  Austin,  J.  A.  Stan- 
ton and  Anson  Linscott. 

July — John  A.  Jolly  made  Second  Lieutenant  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Regiment. 
Lieut.  John  Schoemaker,  Company  C,  Twenty-third  Regiment,  made  Captain  of  Company  I, 
same  regiment.  Speaking  of  the  impending  draft,  a  local  newspaper  said  :  "  The  thing  is  now 
reduced  to  a  single  allspice,  and  every  man  must  make  arrangements  for  a  fight  or  skedaddle  to 
Canada." 

September — Erastus  Cook  reports  si.xty  men  enlisted  for  his  artillery  company.  Maj. 
Vaughan,  Nineteenth  Regiment,  home  on  furlough.  Vigorous  volunteering  under  the  stimulus 
of  high-bounty  patriotism.  Col.  Mansfield  and  Lieut.  Newton,  paroled  from  Libby  Prison, 
return  home.  Capt.  Cook's  company  of  heavy  artillery  leave  for  Madison  ;  in  the  ranks  were 
five  brothers,  the  Douglas  boys  of  Lewiston.  Formation  of  a  "  draft  insurance  club  "  in  Por- 
tage.    John  Jolly  opens  a  recruiting  office  in  Portage  for  the  Fifth  Regiment. 

November — Col.  Guppey  appointed  Post  Commandant  at  Paducah,  Ky.  Columbia  County 
gives  1,178  majority  for  Lincoln.  Rev.  J.  B.  Bachman,  of  Portage,  appointed  Chaplain  of 
the  Thirty-second  Regiment.  Death  in  a  Southern  prison  hospital  of  Paul  V.  Brisbois,  Com- 
pany G,  Second  Regiment,  from  wounds  received  at  the  Wilderness. 

1865,  January — Dr.  T.  E.  Best,  of  Portage,  appointed  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  Four- 
teenth Ilegiment.  Arthur  W.  Delaney,  of  Portage,  appointed  Adjutant  of  the  Forty-seventh 
Regiment.  Town  of  Newport  votes  a  tax  of  $6,000,  and  raises  a  subscription  of  $2,000,  for 
the  purpose  of  filling  the  quota  under  the  last  call.  Portage  City  votes  almost  unanimously  in 
favor  of  a  bounty  tax.     Organization  of  the  Portage  Relief  Association. 

February — Another  special  (bounty)  election  in  Portage;  205  for  to  5  against  appropri- 
ating $200  each  for  volunteers  to  fill  quota  ;  volunteering  becomes  brisk.  Lodi  fills  her  quota 
from  the  ranks  of  her  own  citizens.  Great  rejoicing  throughout  the  county  over  the  occupation 
of  Charleston,  the  capture  of  Fort  Anderson,  etc.,  by  Federal  troops.  James  T.  Hulihane,  a 
three-years  Portage  veteran,  appointed  Second  Lieutenant  of  Company  C,  Forty-seventh  Regi- 
ment. 

April — Capture  of  Richmond  !  Great  rejoicing  throughout  the  county  ;  the  "big  gun  " 
brought  out  in  Portage  and  fired  at  short  intervals  throughout  the  day  and  ensuing  evening;  church 
bells  rung,  schools  dismissed,  and  a  general  suspension  of  business.  But  alas  !  joy  turned  to 
grief;  assassination  of  President  Lincoln  ;  imposing  obsequies;  services  in  all  the  churches. 

May — Return  of  veterans  mustered  out  under  orders  tor  a  reduction  of  the  army.  Capture 
of  Mother  Davis.     Secession  scotched  I 

A  Jteminiscence. — The  adventures  of  the  brave  boys  who  fought  our  country's  battles 
would  make  a  volume  of  massive  size,  but  the  following  narrative  of  love  and  danger  should 
no  longer  remain  hidden  in  the  mass  of  good  things  that  still  remain  to  be  told  :  About  three 
miles  from  the  little  village  of  Fall  River,  in  Columbia  County,  is  a  successful  and  highly 
respected  farmer,  whose  history  during  the  four  years  of  war  was  full  of  interest.  He  tried  to 
enter  the  service  under  the  call  for  75,000  men.  but  was  a  little  too  late.  Very  soon  after  the 
the  second  call  issued,  he  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  B,  Seventh  Regiment,  and  was 
made  Third  Sergeant.    The  spring  of  1862,  when  Capt.  Huntington  resigned,  George  H.  Bray  ton^ 


^::^^--^i<^<^  .-^/^-^rAJsL^ 


LO  D  1 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  579 

of  whom  I  shall  speak  hereafter,  was  made  Captain,  and  Sergt.  M.  C.  Hobart,  the  farmer  to 
whom  reference  is  made,  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant,  at  the  battle  of  Gainesville,  August 
28,  1862,  the  first  general  engagement  the  Iron  Brigade,  of  which  the  Seventh  Regiment  was 
a  part,  participated  in,  and  in  which  battle  the  brigade  fought,  for  more  than  two  hours,  Ewell's 
whole  division  of  Stonewall  Jackson's  famous  fighting  corps,  losing  between  SOU  and  900  men 
in  killed  and  wounded.  Capt.  Brayton  was  shot  in  the  head  and  immediately  expired.  Hobart 
succeeded  him  as  Captain,  at  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  where  Hobart  was  conspicuous  for  cool- 
ness, bravery  and  good  management ;  the  brigade  lost  heavily  in  prisoners  as  well  as  killed  and 
wounded.  He  was  among  the  prisoners.  On  their  second  day's  journeying  toward  Richmond 
and  Libby  Prison,  while  crossing  the  mountains,  Capt.  Hobart  stealthily  dodged  in  the  friendly 
thicket  and  in  a  short  time  was  a  free  man.  The  next  day  he  joined  his  regiment,  and  parti- 
cipated in  the  chase  after  Lee's  broken,  defeated  and  demoralized  army.  At  the  battle  of  the 
Wilderness,  in  May,  1864,  Capt.  Hobart  was  again  made  prisoner ;  though  making  several 
attempts  to  escape  the  vigilance  of  his  captors,  they  all  failed,  until  after  he  had  been  a  prisoner 
some  time.  It  was  while  at  Columbia,  S.  C,  if  we  mistake  not,  Hobart,  in  company  with 
others,  made  his  escape ;  after  many  days  and  nights  of  fatigue  and  hardship,  that  in  these 
times  of  peace  and  general  comfort  would  seem  unbearable,  he  was  re-captured  near 
the  Union  lines  at  Knoxville,  East  Tennessee,  and  taken  to  Danville,  N.  C.  ;  thence 
to  Libby  Prison,  Richmond ;  was  paroled  February  22,  1865,  and  exchanged  and  returned  to 
his  regiment  in  April  of  the  same  year.  Not  long  after  that  he  was  made  Major  of  the  Seventh, 
and  in  the  spring  of  1865,  he  was  commissioned  Lieutenant  Colonel,  Gen.  Hallon  Richardson, 
of  Chippewa  Falls,  being  Colonel,  and  Lieut.  George  S.  Hoyt,  now  of  the  regular  army,  being 
Major.  Col.  Hobart  was  severely  wounded  in  one  of  the  many  battles  he  participated  in,  two 
or  three  inches  of  one  of  the  bones  of  his  arm  being  removed.  Hobart  is  as  modest  and  unassum- 
ing in  his  role  of  a  successful  farmer,  as  he  was  brave,  modest  and  unassuming  as  a  soldier. 
The  history  of  Company  B,  of  the  Seventh,  would  make  entertaining  reading ;  counting  its 
original  members  and  the  recruits  forwarded  at  various  times,  it  had  140  men ;  a  great  many 
of  these  were  killed,  and  nearly  every  one  of  those  who  came  home  bore  a  bullet,  bayonet  or 
shell  mark.  Some  of  them  were  shot  a  half  a  dozen  times  ;  a  majority  of  the  survivors  are, 
very  properly,  drawing  pensions.  Spencer  H.  Bronson,  Fall  River's  Postmaster,  a  gentleman 
highly  esteemed  both  as  an  ofiicial  and  as  a  citizen,  was  one  of  its  members.  He  was  first  shot 
at  Gainesville,  then  at  Fitzhugh's  Crossing,  below  Fredricksburg,  in  May,  1863,  and  again 
seriously  at  the  Wilderness,  in  1864.  Capt.  G.  H.  Brayton,  who  was  killed  at  Gainesville, 
entered  the  army  as  Orderly  Sergeant.  He  was  educated  at  Lawrence  University,  and  one  of 
the  most  promising  young  men  in  Columbia  County  when  the  war  broke  out.  His  men  about 
idolized  him,  and  no  young  officer  in  the  regiment  stood  higher  ;  he  had  a  bright  future. 
Speaking  of  the  Seventh,  it  may  be  well  to  mention  an  incident  in  connection  with  the  early 
history  of  the  regiment.  While  in  winter  quarters  on  Arlington  Heights,  opposite  Washington, 
the  winter  of  1861-62,  the  family  of  Col.  W.  W.  Robinson  joined  him.  In  the  family  was  a 
bright  and  handsome  daughter ;  Lieut.  Richardson,  of  Company  A,  met  and  loved  her,  and 
wanted  to  marry  her.  She  was  willing,  but  Col.  Robinson  did  not  want  his  daughter  to  marry 
a  man  who  was  liable  at  almost  any  moment,  when  hostilities  commenced,  to  be  killed,  and  he 
lost  no  time  in  making  this  fact  known  to  the  daughter  and  the  Lieutenant.  But  what  was  the 
use,  the  young  people  had  made  up  their  minds  to  marry,  and  marry  they  did,  the  ceremony 
taking  place  in  Washington,  unknown  to  the  Colonel  and  his  family.  It  was  some  weeks  before 
he  learned  he  had  a  disobedient  daughter  and  son-in-law,  and  it  was  years  before  he  became 
reconciled.  Having  been  an  officer  in  the  Mexican  war,  and  being  a  regimental  commander  in 
the  war  of  the  rebellion,  he  had  imbibed  the  notion,  quite  naturally  too,  that  his  orders  must 
be  obeyed.  It  proved  a  happy  marriage.  The  Lieutenant  became  a  Captain,  then  Major, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  and  Colonel,  and  left  the  army  Brevet  Brigadier  General.  Col.  Robinson 
is  United  States  Consul  at  Madagascar. 


580 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


EOSTER, 


THE    CITY    OF    PORTAGE — FIRST    WABI). 

Second  Infantry— Qo.  G— Alfred  Stanton,  I.  T.  Staley, 
John  G.  Viegt,  M.  C.  Alfred,  I.  C.  Allen,  .lohn  .Tacobson. 
Co.  K — S.  H.  Morrison,  .lames  Bates,  John  K.  Bates. 

Fifth  Infantry— Co.  A— Hugh  0.  -Veil.  Co.  G— Charles 
Bohag. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  E— Oliver  H.  Sorensen,  W.  F. 
Worcester.     Co.  F — .\deloit  Staley. 

JS'inth  Infantry — Co.  I — Wexzel  Wackerhausen. 

Tenth   Infantry — -Co.  H — James  T.  Hulehan. 

Elevetth  Infantry — Co.  H  —  Charles  George,  William 
Kent.  William  Anderson.  Willibald  Gneedig. 

Fifteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Halver  V.  Halverson,  Elias 
Peterson,  Lars  Tologen. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Co.  li — Daniel  learden. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — Dudley  Bracy,  M.  W. 
.'springer.  Duncan  McClurg,  George  W.  Hillman,  W.  B. 
Kenyon,  William  Mills,  John  Martin,  Jacob  Pratt,  James 
.M.  Brown,  Friederick  Everson,  Charles  Everson,  W.  H. 
C.  Ferguson,  William  W.  .\lvey,  C.  C.  Andrus.  Co.  K— 
Thomas  .Madden. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  B — James  G.  Lowery,  Will- 
iam Weir,  Bishop  Johnson,  Baron  S.  Daniels,  John  M. 
Hagan.  Co.  D — Martin  Billinghausen,  David  Ferguson, 
Ira  .Schoemaker. 

Twenty-thira  Infantry — Co.  C — Herman  H.  Kent,  Fred 
Ford,  Patrick  Farmer,  David  Culbert,  James  F.  Fitts, 
Charles  Sorensou.  Co.  C  —  Andrew  Mesch,  Francis 
Boesler,  Isaac  Sorenson,  Louis  Heduck. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  E — 0.  C.  Bellude,  Washington 
Parker.  Alfred  Bohag,  Horace  Carpenter,  William  Stahl- 
man,  George  Ross,  William  McCormick. 

Sixteenth  U.  S.  Regulars — Company  unknown — Timothy 
Hulehan. 

Regiment  unknown — William  Bohag. 

CITY    OF    PORTAOE — SECOND    WARD. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — Capt.  John  Mansfield,  First 
Lieut.  A.  S.  Hill,' Walter  L.  Plumbstead,  John  F.  Metcalf, 
Joseph  Tiv,  Swift  E.  Best,  Charles  P.  Austin,  William  A. 
Williams,  W.  S.  M.  Abbot. 

Seventh  Infantry- — Co.  E — Joseph  Harrington. 

Fourteenth  Infantry — Co.  K — James  Dolan. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  G — lohn  Delaney.  Co.  I — 
Daniel  Sherwood. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  A — Oliver  E.  Tilliston.  Co. 
B — G.  W.  Morris,  Louis  Cavana,  Joseph  Rein,  Patrick 
Redmund,  Friedlieb  Kienlieb.  Co.  D — Capt.  S.  K. 
Vaughn,  M.  D.  Vaughn. 

Twentieth  Infantry — Company  unknown — Wm.  O'Neil, 
Birney  Ackerman,  Melvin  E.  .Merrill,  Philemon  Cross, 
Judson  Packard,  Anthony  Rogers,  Joseph  Vermilyen, 
Thomas  Warren.  James  Whitehead,  George  Green,  Ira 
Allen,  John  Hamilton,  George  Bohag,  .lohn  Holden. 

Tii'enty-third  Infantry — Co.  C — Second  Lieut.  John 
Shomaker,  John  Crosby,  James  Uempsey,  H.  L.  Asher, 
Edmund  Vanzant,  Rockwell  J.  Flint,  William  F.  Bailey, 
James  T.  Graham.     Co.  H — Leonard  F.  Warner. 

CITY    OF    PORTAGE THIRD    WAKl). 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — Oscar  F.  Wiune,  Owen  Davis, 
Gay  Sherwood,  Fritz  Kauzenbach,  Paul  V.  Brisbois, 
James  A.  Snider. 


Seventh  Infantry — Co.  E — Thomas  E.  Best,  Alexander 
Stephens. 

.Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  H — Capt.  .\lexander  Chrystie, 
Thomas  R.  Edmonds,  I.  W.  Brisbois,  John  L.  Lavin 

Nineteenth  Infantry- — Co.  B — S.  Kline,  E.  0.  Emerson, 
John  Jones,  D.  D.  Burdick,  Ludwig  Booth,  Charles 
Bracey,  Adam  Brickford,  John  Brooks.  A.  S.  Cooper.  B. 
D.  Carpenter,  George  N".  Dempsey,  John  Funk,  0.  L. 
Gilson.  John  I.  Holden,  .Mexander  Kline,  Edward 
McGrath. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  C — Newton  Wilson,  John 
W.  Hosford,   Marcellus   Blanchard,  George  G.  Parmiter, 

0.  P.  Weston,  A.  S.  Warren. 

Twenty-seventh  Infantry — Co.  H — George  C.  Snider. 
Second    Cavalry — Co.  E — Capt.  George  N.  Richmond, 

1.  H.  Walter,  Henry  Young,  D.  M.  Hunter. 

CITY    OF    PORTAGE FOURTH    WARD. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — Archy  Linscott.  Anson  Lins- 
cott,  Charles  Ettinger,  I.  A.  Wiser,  William  \.  Williams, 
George  Miles,  Gustav  Eltermann,  E.  S.  Fletcher.  James 
Grace,  Thomas  Dolan,  Gustave  La  Claire,  Horace  Emer- 
son, Cornelius  Riley,  William  T.  Dean,  S.  A.  Stanton,  J. 
M.  Carr,  Francis  Gillmore,  A.  Parker,  C.  C.  Dow,  J.  T. 
Mttcalf,  Henry  H.  Williams. 

Fifth  Infantry — Lieut.  Col.  Harvey  W.  Emmery,  Chap< 
lain  Rev.  Robert  Langley. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  E — James  Briggs. 

Ninth  Infantry — Co.  E — Casper  Frohlich.  Co.  K — 
Henry  Voight. 

Tenth  Infantry — Co.  D — First  Lieut.  Thomas  L.  Ken- 
nan,  Asst.  Surg.  Robert  Mitchell,  T.  L.  Vennan,  E.  P. 
Stogell,  George  Bell,  William  Thompson.  I.  E.  Webster, 
B.  F.  Woodard.     Co.  E — Dennis  Marsh. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  H — Silas  W.  Green,  Charles 
Brunohler,  Frank  V.  Douglass,  Charles  Allen,  Harvey 
Alma. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  F — Duncan  Forbes.  Company 
unknown — Thomas  Donohue,  Samuel  Reed,  Benjamin  F. 
Douglas,  Daniel  Howard. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Co.  A — Michael  Sanders. 

Eighteenth  Irifantry — Surg.  George  F.  Huntington. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  B — James  Hunter.  Co.  C — 
Charles  Case.  Co.  D — Michael  Kane,  Frederick  Lang- 
don.     Co.  K — Barney  Britt. 

Twentieth  Infantry — Company  unknown — John  Hamil. 
ton. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Col.  .loshua  J.  Guppey,  Surg. 
James  Prentice.  Co.  C — H.  F.  Merrill,  Henry  G.  Luther, 
George  Carpenter,  William  F.  Ward,  Thomas  Murray, 
Peter  Ball,  T.  E.  Ilalsey,  Franlin  A.  Blood,  Joseph  W. 
Richardson,  Wenzel  Roesler,  John  L.  Jolly,  Cassius  P. 
Edwards,  James  McDonough,  Henry  Watley,  Charles 
Slater,  James  Whitney,  Capt.  Edgar  P.  Hill.  Co.  II  — 
Robert  Giller,  Vincuz  Weber,  Julius  Weincr. 

Twenty-fourth  Infantry  —  Co.  F — lohn  W.  Sargent, 
Patrick  Cleary,  James  8.  Anderson,  (Jcorge  T.  Thomp- 
son. 

First  Cavalry — Co.  E — Ira  Suffan. 

Second  Cavalry— Co.  E— Robert  Murray.  W.  W.  Pot- 
ter, (Jeorge  S.  Race,  Earl  Race,  Samuel  Slifer,  George 
Hewitt,  August  Wagenhecht,  A.  H.  Brown,  William 
Clark,  David  Mitchell,  Charles  Orville,  Wallace  Smith, 


HISTOKV    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY, 


581 


Second  Arlillert/ — James  S.  Dudley. 

Stzth  Battery — Frederick  Melish,  Alfred  Bield. 

Srventh  Battery — Charles   H.  Green. 

Tinth  Battery — Charles  Robinson. 

TOWN    OF    ARLINGTON. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  A — Henry  H.  Grant,  George 
Farnsworth.  Co.  G — Warren  L.  Pratt.  Co.  H — Orville 
J.  Hurlburt,  Orville  S.  Hurlburt,  Thomas  Malone,  P.  C. 
Fryer,  Seeman  Allen.  Co.  I — .Joseph  Webber,  Hiland  H. 
Harlocker.     Company  not  known — 

Third  Infantry — Co.  F — Moses  Rose,  Amos  Petteys. 
Company  unknown — Joseph  Verber. 

Fifth  Infantry— Co.  D— Charles  A.  Urown.  Co.  F— 
John  Blondell. 

Sevmth  Infantry — Co.  A — Isaac  Clapp,  William  Wood. 
Co  G — Harrison  L.  Wiard,  F.  I).  Best,  H.  C.  Jesse, 
George  Sytle. 

Twelfth  Ivfantry — Company  unknown — William  Van 
Hoosen. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  B — Patrick  Collins,  Edward 
Paul,  C.  H.  Smith. " 

Nineteenth  Infanl--y — Co.  A — Edward  Leonard,  Frank- 
lin Winchester. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  C — Wesley  Richardson, 
John  W.  Stearns,  James  Collins.  Co.  H — 1).  W.  Knap- 
peer.  iMilo  N.  Blood,  Harlow  J.  Younians,  Allen  John- 
son, W.  D  Edgbert,  A.  J.  McFarlan,  Stephen  W.  Green, 
Oliver  0.  Holcomb,  John  Mancka,  Lewis  Oleson. 

First  Cavalry — Co.  G — James  M.  Wheeler,  Richard 
Singleton. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  E — Charles  C.  Lee,  William  Clark, 
Thomas  Cartright,  Thomas  Havercroft,  Prosper  L.  Knap- 
pen,  Oliver  Saterlee. 

Sixth  Battery — Company  not  known — Harlan  P.  Dunn- 
ing. 

TOWN    OF    C.4LED0NIA. 

Seccnd  Infantry — Co.  G — Paul  V.  Brisbois. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  H — Robert  Murray,  Jr.,  James 
O'Neil,  B.  Johnson,  John  L.  Lavine,  H.  Aliiia,  W, 
Grudig. 

Fourteinth  Infantry — Co.  K — William  O'Xeil. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Co.  H — Thomas  Harper,  Hugh 
Harper. 

Eigl  teenth  Infantry — Co.  I — William  Miller,  John 
.Morton . 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — William  H.  Hill. 

Twenty-third  Infantry— Qo.  C— William  M.  Ro'-erts, 
Hugh  f.  Williains,  Harris  Tuttle,  William  E.  Jones, 
Howell  T.  Phillips.  William  Anacker,  William  Donald, 
Hugh  Lindsay,  Kdward  Owen,  John  D.  Williams,  Will- 
iam I'Mwards,  Peter  Henderson,  James  T.  Graham,  James 
Lee,  Jr.,  William  Semple.  Co.  F— E.  L.  Stoner.  Co.  H— 
.J.  Jennings. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  F, — Robert  Murray. 

Third  Cavalry— Co.  E— W  illiam  Stoner. 

Cnknown — Company  unknown — lames  Roberts  Will- 
iam Willianis,  Joseph  Robertson,  John  Bricker. 

TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS. 

First  Infantry — Co.  G — Lansing  Williams,  Harvey  K. 
Dodge,  Charles  A.  Searls  (Lieutenant  on  Gen.  Stark- 
weather's staff),  Adison  S.  Gardiner,  Oscar  Bordman. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  A — Thomas  Downs,  William 
Kuhl,  John  Foley,  Thomas  Greene,  William  Dutcher, 
James  McDonald,  Reuben  H.  Clark.  Rufus  N.  Clark. 

Third  Infantry-Co.  K— Edwin  E.  Polly  (died),  Milo  I. 
Waterhouse  (died  in  service),  G.  Dailey, 


Fomth  fnfant'y— Co.  D— Albert  W.  James.  Co.  E — 
Walan  W.  Mallo. 

Fifth  Infantry— Co.  B— D.  McLarty,  Arch.  McFadden, 
C.  W.  Skinner  (Second  Lieutenant).  James  Conlan. 

S'Xth  Infantry — Co.  D — Benjamin  Campbell  (died  in 
service),  William  Flanagan. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  A — M.  B.  Misner  (Captain  Fourth 
Cavalry, Co.  .M  ),  James  Johnson,  James  Holmes  (killed), 
Eli  P.  Sayers  (died  in  service),  Alfred  Miller,  William  B. 
I'aige,  James  McCabe,  Charles  Browning,  William  Cum- 
mings,  George  P.  Uix,  Francis  A.  Fowler  (died  at  Ander- 
sonville),  Rufus  Hodgeman,  .Milo  Hawks,  Edward  I  Hurd, 
Lewis  P.  Holmes  (killed),  Simeon  B.  Kendall,  I'Mward 
G.  Perry,  Henry  Leyraan,  Albert  McCalvey,  Jacob  D. 
Swanger,  Hnrlo  A.  Safield,  William  I.  Townlee.  Co.  B — 
William  A.  McAlvey,  William  H.  Dunham  (Second  Lieu- 
tenant)     Co.  G — ^yilliam  Richards. 

Eighth  Infantry — Co.  X — Alvin  D.  Gano. 
Elevintti  'infantrif—Co.  B— William   P.  Williams,     Co. 
C— M.  V.  Thompson. 

Twelfth  Infantry — Co.  C — George  W.  Brce!=e. 
Fifteenth  Infantry — Co.  B. — Jems  0.  Mol,  Jems  Larson. 
Sixteenth.    Infantry — Co.   D — John    I.    Downey.   Joseph 
Edwards,  Louis  Flashbine,  William  Hamilton,  Thomas  I. 
Winston,  Frederich  Wolfe. 

Sevinteenth  Infantry — Co.  B — Emanuel  Muyer. 
Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — Michael  Corigan,  Morris 
E.  Cook,  Thomas  I.  Chapell.  Hugh  ('arey,  Theodore 
Dickerson,  Samuel  C.  Dale,  John  A.  Ehtinger,  Nelson 
Everson,  Saniutl  15.  Flithorp  (died  in  service).  Jacob 
Flack,  George  W.  Fossuch.  Delansen  Griffin,  Cilus  E. 
Greene,  Herbert  Gilpin,  Philomson  Haskins,  W.  I. 
Hughes,  William  Jones,  George  Kurth,  Harrison  Ijoomis, 
Sylvanus  Langdon.  .Morrow  E.  Loveless,  James  Scilch, 
John  South,  Charles  ilcLevey,  Daniel  E.  Newton,  Allen 
D.  Randall,  John  Topp,  James  Flynn,  William  A.  Cole- 
man (("aptain).  First  Lieut.  (J.  A.  Soulhmayde.  Peter 
Mclntyre,  Hiram  L.  Randall,  Andrew  1.  Hewing,  Benja- 
min W.  Shaver,  Elias  M.  Haight,  .John  .M.  James,  John 
Wood,  George  Bunker,  Hiram  H.  Brown,  Ferdinand 
Banta,  George  D.  Bellows. 

Twiniy-third  Infantry — Co.  G — George  S.  Campbell, 
John  H.  Hughes,  George  H.  Harrington,  Lewis  Kehlep, 
John  I.  Morey,  Abel  H.  Silsbee,  Charles  E.  Quinn, 
Joseph  S.  Edwards,  Daniel  C.  Cooper,  Seth  Trask,  Ches- 
ter W.  Tuttle,  John  .Mahl,  Warren  I.  Wliiting,  Garrilt 
Halverson,  Robert  Swanger,  .Michael  Karney,  Alfred  E. 
Fuller,  Edward  Grey,  John  W.  Jones,  James  M.  Tibbel5>, 
Elijah  Walrod,  Theophilus  Perry,  Henry  Weis,  James 
Nolan,  Herman  Klug,  Nicholas  Didesh,  George  W.  Gib- 
son, Ira  Trobridge,  Allen  D.  Thomas,  Edward  Parry, 
Henry  Beaver,  Henry  Russell,  .\lfred  W.  Fuller,  IJenja- 
min  Dayton,  E.  K,  Eason,  William  H.  Grindell,  Francis 
W.  Wright,  Quincy  A.  Page,  August  Hein,  Charles  W. 
Allen,  John  Krouse.  Joshua  Tompkins,  James  Downey, 
John  Wagoner,  John  F.  Kent.  MatView  Loulh,  Daniel 
O'Rourke,  John  Rohan.  Nathan  W.  Mead,  Capt.  J.  F. 
Hazeilon,  J.  ("'.  Axtel!  (.Second  .Assistant  Surgeon).  James 
McConnell  (Fife  Major). 

Twenty fijiiilh  Infantry — Co.  .\ — C.  J.  Woodward. 
Third  Cavalry — Co.  E — Inman   C.  Haines,  James  Kel- 
sey,  John  Williams.  Simeon  Crampton,  I.  W.  Haines,  P. 
W'  Wright.     Co.  L — Almond  S.  Trumbull. 
Buttery  No.  9. — Frederick  Page. 

Marshal  Guards  (Bradford  Hancock,  Captain)— Melvin 
Harrington,  George  Kenney. 

Thirli/second  Infmlry — Co.  K — Benjamin   F.   Wa<son. 
Thirty-sixth  Infantry — Jeremiah  Morton. 


582 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


TOWN    OF    COIRTLANI). 

Sfcnmi  Infanlrii — Co.  A — Daniel  Bennett,  Silas  Ben- 
nett, Henry  Bennett,  Milo  Bennett,  Harmon  Buog,  Sam- 
uel Cook.  Solomon  Cudderbag,  John  Enos,  J.  H.  Gould, 
George  L.  Hnbbs,  David  C.  Jonea,  James  H.  Lewis,  Lewis 
Norton,  Stephen  Varnt,  James  Walters,  Alexander  Ogden, 
George  Williams. 

Sixth  Iiifnntry — Co.  C — Henry  Rust. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  E — William  Jones. 

Eighth  Infantnj— Co.  D— Daniel  D.  Morris,  R.  T.  Pugh, 
Earnest  Adams. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  A — Festus  Hartson.  Co.  D — 
Joseph  Dickerson.     Co.  I — Thomas  Dixon,  Joseph  Kerr. 

Eighleinth  Infantry — Co.  I — George  Banker. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — J.  H.  Wheelock. 

Twentyfint  Infantry — Co.  A — John  W.  Hughes. 

Enlisted  at  East  Randolph,  in  Capt.  Dunham's  company , 
E.  Gaylord,  J.  N.  Olin,  J.  W,  Bennett,  Thomas  Dixon,  Jr., 
Anton  Frehing,  Henry  Furnell,  J.  Burrell  Ireland,  D. 
Ketchuni,  N.  Palmer,  George  Smith,  Joshua  A.  Stark. 

Enlisted  at  Cambria,  in  the  'Prairie  Tigers"  Co. — 
Joseph  Burnby,  Henry  T.  Williams,  J.  C.  Griffiths,  Evan 
R.  Jones,  Richard  Andrews,  Thomas  H.  Hughes,  George 
AV.  Lewis,  Joseph  Letellier.  David  G.  Williams,  David  R. 
Davies,  Lewis  E.  Evans,  Griffith  Evans,  Richard  Williams, 
D.  W.  Williams. 

Joined  a  Racine  company,  Capt.  0.  Griffiths' — Owen  K. 
Jones,  Evan  G.  Roberts,  Rowland  Edwards. 

Enlbted  at  Trenton,  Dodge  County — B.  W.  Brown. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  H — Francis  Hughes. 

TOWN    OF    DEEORRA. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — Charles  Rice,  William  Fletcher, 
Charles  Massee,  A.  Cole,  J.  T.  Loomer,  Jeremiah  Allen, 
John  Sharp,  E.  Bently,  Lucian  Wilkins,  Van  H.  Bently, 
James  Sines,  W.  H.  Church,  C.  Blackman,  Henry  Cave. 
Co.  H— George  H.  Wilbur,  Henry  McCollum,  Frank  Wil- 
kins, 0.  Tillotson,  Roscoe  Brown,  Charles  Erickson,  Isaac 
Kenuteson,  Thomas  Kenuteson,  Thomas  Murphy,  Arch. 
McCollum,   Henry  Brayton. 

Fflh  Infantry — Co.  F — John  Blundell. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  A — A.  Georgison,  James  Bates, 
John  Bates.  Daniel  Ackaman,  Burnet  Ackerman,  Henry 
M.  Buck,  J.  Ryan,  Kenute  Kenuteson,  John  Kenuteson. 
Co.  B — Joseph  Thomas. 

Eighth  Infantry — Co.  I — Victor  Perham.  Company 
unknown,  Wesley  Richardson. 

Tenth  Infantry — Co.  D — John  Woodard,  Elmore  Hath- 
away. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  H — William  Newman. 

Thirteenth   Infantry — Co.  G — W.  S.  Leitch. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Co.  A — W.Blundel.  Co.  F-Henry 
Boslic. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — John  Sines,  Jacob  Pratt,  D. 
Bracy,  Charles  Everson,  Frederick  Everson,  Nelson  Ever- 
son,  G.  Nancarron,  Nathan  Springer,  A.  Blackman,  George 
W.  Hilman,  Marom  Holden  Duncan  McCloud,  Allen 
Church,  Wallace  Kenyon. 

Alneteenth  Infantry — Co.  A — Harlo  Sheldon.  Co.  D — 
Bishop  Johnson,  O.  Tillotson,  Andrew  Bickford,  James 
Everson. 

Twentieth  Infantry — Co.  B — Judson  Packard,  Burnett 
Ackaman.  Company  unknown — Ira  Allen,  Philemon 
Cross,  R.  Bartlett. 

Twenty-third  Infantry  —('o.  C — Charles  Carman,  John 
Carman,  I.  P.  Blood,  Greenleaf  Ackaman,  C.P.Edmunds, 
Dabolt  Pfremmer,  G.  Hartman,    Tillman    H.    Hartman. 


James  McCollum,  Wesley  Richardson.  Co.  H — Jacob 
Stroud,  (^ompany  unknown — Stoner  Hassel,  Frederick 
Wait,  D.  Frazier,  Silas  Packard. 

Ticenly-fourth  Infantry — Co.  A — William  McDonald. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  H. — T.  Howard  Charles  C.  Lee, 
Charles  L.  Lee,  W.  R.  Streeler,  David  Quackinbush. 

Regiment  unknown — Peter  Post. 

Artillery — Timothy  Kennedy. 

TOWN    OF    FORT    WINNEBAGO. 

First  Infantry — Co.  H — Franklin  Ross,  Clark  Ross. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — A.  P.  Tiffany. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  E — lames  A.  Briggs. 

Tenth  Inf.nlry—Co.  D— Samuel  Cronch.  Co.  E— Da- 
rius Marsh. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  H — William  McAlrong,  Patrick 
Downey,  Thomas  Singleton,  Sylvester  Eastman. 

Seventeeiith   Infantry — Co.  H — Thomas  Obeir. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Charles  W.  Bradle.y,  Will- 
iam Gambel,  John  Gambel. 

Tirentirth  Infantry — Company  unknown — Melvin  E. 
Merril. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  C — John  Robins,  Isaac  D. 
Pasco,  Amos  R.  Spiser,  John  H.  Pulver,  Louis  R. 
Graves,  Samuel  D.  Eastman,  William  Potter,  Charles  F. 
Cooley. 

Fifty-seventh  Infantry — Cd.  C  (Illinois) — R.  0.  Nelson, 
Jacob  C.  Becker,  James  Clithero.  Adelbert  Eastman. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  E — Henry  Clithero,  Alexander 
Gamble,  John  Scott,  John  Fink,  James  Gamble,  Robert 
Whiting,  David  Gamble,  William  W.  French. 

Sixteenth  Regulars — George   B.  Smith,  John  W.  Clark. 

TOWN    OF    FOUNTAIN    PBAIRIE. 

Second  Infan'ry — Co.  A — J.  H.  Smith,  Charles  Brooks, 
Cas.  Neaymuer, Payson. 

Sevmth  Infantry — Co.  .V — Gilson  Henton.  Co.  B — 
Capt.  James  H.  Huntington,  Lieut.  S.  L.  Bachelder, 
George  II.  Brftyton,  Capt.  Martin  C.  Hobart,  William  H. 
Morgan,  Manley  T.  Bronsen  (died  in  service),  Edwin  R. 
Hancock,  Milton  C.  Monroe,  Cas.  E.  Plummer,  Amos 
Bisselt,  John  Bissett,  Eli  Bronson,  Spencer  H.  Bronson, 
Alfred  Casson,  Elisha  A.  Dean,  Herbert  D.  Dyer,  Chas. 
Foster,  Frank  Graham,  James  0.  Hilaker,  Harrison 
Lamson,  William  Myers,  William  Sickles,  Charles 
Sickles,  George  P.  Stanton,  David  Snow,  Henry  Jaunt, 
Dexter  Titcomb,  Joseph  Zeman,  Julius  Englekee.  Lyman 
Farrand,  Orian  C.  Crandall,  John  Hughes. 

Tenth  Infantry — Co.  E — lames  E.  Judd. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  B — A.  A.  Grout,  John  Hicks, 
Enos  Grout,  William  P.  Williams  (died  in  service),  Frank 
Livermore,  George  W.  Brossard. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Silas  B.  Loyd,  James  San- 
tong,  William  McConnell. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — Albert  Turck,  Loren 
Bronson,  George  L.  Adams,  John  S.  Field,  Stephen 
Crossman,  Theodore  Dickerson,  Stephen  Jaunt,  John 
Payson. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — lohn  Brooks. 

Thirty-s'cond  Infantry — Co.  K — Capt.  John  E.  Grout, 
Sanford  L.  Batchelder,  Second  Lieut.  E.  H.  Bronson, 
William  V.  Little,  James  Cornei,  Patrick  Burk,  Theo- 
dore Wood,  Alfred  Wright,  Lieut.  James  S.  Babcock, 
Augustus  Hoofman.  Lewis  P.  Horton,  E.  T.  Kerney, 
Henry  Funnell,  Thomas  Gilson.  Israel  Bissett,  Theodore 
Jenkins,  H.  W.  Hancock,  Thomas  Tasker,  Jr.,  Abram 
Woodhead,  Michael   Foley,  George   Allen,  Samuel   King, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


58  S 


William   Grout,    Frederick   Virgil,  John    Walton,  James 
HoiightoD,  Horace  O'Brien,  A.  S.  Sizor. 

Third  Cavalry — Co.  E— Wayne  B.  Dyer,  Milo  W.  Mar- 
tin, Leonard  Sage,  Judson  Brown,  Nelson  Brayton,  Hi- 
ram Barber,  Alvin  Hastings,  George  Bliss,  D.  K.  Potter, 
Charles  Green. 

TOWN    OF    HAMPDEN. 

Fourth  Infantry — Co.  D— Albert  W.  James.  Co.  H — 
Andrew  Weitzart. 

Sixth  Infantry — Co.  D — William  Flanagan. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  A — Herbert  K.  Lull,  Isaac  H. 
Mead,  Wallace  Hinton,  Uri  Lakey. 

Fifteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Thoma  Thomas,  John 
Bcayer.     Co.  H — John  L.  Johnson,  Amphon  Thomson. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Frederick  Wolf,  Darwin  B. 
Sowards,  James  Digon,  Capt.  Edwin  B.  Royes,  Daniel 
Kalahan,  Henry  Riggie. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — Capt.  Ira  H.  Ford,  Gerden 
G.  Beckwith,  Almon  R.  Root,  William  Smith,  Peter  Mead, 
Frederick  A.  Brewer.  James  Flynn,  William  Yarns, 
Thomas  Laskey. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Company  unknown — John  Miller. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  A — Frederick  Hine.  Co. 
B — Daniel  Warner,  Herbert  D.  James,  Elijah  Hoteling, 
Frank  Lull,  Chancey  N.  Elithorp,  John  Wagoner,  Preston 
Sowards,  William  Holshetile,  August  Hine,  Joseph  Ed- 
wards, Ira  Durbuu,  Ole  J.  Oleson,  Matthias  L.  Johnson, 
Charles  McDonald,  G.  W.  McDonald,  T.  G.  Oleson, 
Marius  Anderson. 

Third  Cavalry — Co.  E — Hiram  R.  Tripp. 

TOWN    or    LEEDS. 

First  Infantry — Co.  B — James  Durkee,  Joseph  Durkee. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — David  Brown,  Sylvester  Fos- 
ter. 

Third  Infantry — Co.  K — Milo  J.  Waterhouse. 

Eighth  Infantry — Co.  I — Eugene  Perham,  John  O'Kielf. 

Thirteenth  Infantry — Co.  A — Ole  Anderson,  Ole  Am- 
mondson. 

Fifteenth  Infatdry — Co.  B — John  S.  Opatell,  Angle 
Johnson,  .lohn  Slarkson.  Co.  F — Knute  Iverson.  Co.  H 
— Stephen  Lewis,  Marcus  Johnson,  Knute  Larson, 
Knute  Nelson.  Co.  I — Nels  Beanson,  Arma  Turtleson. 
Company  unknown — Thomas  Thomas,  Nels  Albert. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Co.  D — William  Yarns. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — George  Murray  Dexter. 

Thirty-second  Infantry — Co.  K — Samuel  Dumbottom, 
Cuyler  Green,  William  Kinehart,  George  Simmons, 
Chauncy  Estabrook,  George  Kuby,  Hiram  H.  Freeman, 
Krants  Harenburg,  Martin  Wolfley,  Conrad  Bonneraan, 
Casper  Eichle,  Hendrick  Casper,  Andrew  Oleson,  William 
Blake,  Andrew  Anderson,  Lars  Larson  Hans,  Charles 
Bulow,  Neil  Beryonson. 

Third  Cavalry — Company  unknown — George  Retting. 

Cavalry  unknown — O.  C.  Bellroide. 

Regiment  itnknown — Surg.  Henry  M.  Mixer,  S.  L.  Lass, 
John  0' Keith. 

TOWN    OF    LEWISTON. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  A — Thomas  McFarlin.  Co.  G — 
Simon  Jordan,  Theodore  Flet'-her,  Stampbor. 

Ninth  Infantry — Co.  I — William  Seifert,  Wencel  Waker- 
shausor,  Mathias  Wagner. 

Tenth  Infantry — Co.  D — John  Gaffany,  William  Carel, 
Michael  Callahan,  John  B.  Banister,  Oliver  Fellows. 
Co.  K — Anton  Clement. 

Twelfth  Infantry — Co.  E — Henry  Dyre. 


Fifteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Elias  Peterson,  Ole  M. 
Bendickson,  .\ndrew  A.  Dahl,  Andrew  Mickleson,  Lars 
G.  Tobackson,  Elias  P.  Lewis. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  H — Lepold  Bach. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Company  unknown — Patrick  Me 
Mahon,  Thomas  McMahon.  Co.  D — Charles  Bach. 
Rodolf  Mulish. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  G  —  John  Anderson,  Peter 
Tenison. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — George  Dempsay. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  C — Orrin  Hay,  John  Mc- 
Mahon, Carl  Hussenfus,  Judson  A.  Lewis,  John  A.  Peter- 
sen, 0.  A.  Tolackson,  Elias  Ereckson,  Tonas  Dolivar. 
Daniel  Devine.  William  C.  Hanson. 

First  Cavalry — -Company  unknown — Scot  Wossen. 

Second  Cavalry — Company  unknown — Asa  Brown. 

Sixth  Baiteiy — Frederick  Mulish. 

Twelfth  Battery — Louis   Hiekether,  Herman  Kune. 

Regiment  unknown — Henry  .Mudley,  Michael  Jordon, 
Stumpt. 

TOWN    OF    LODI. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — George  H.  Irwin.  Co.  H — 
George  M.  Humphrey,  Theodore  D.  Bahn,  William  L. 
Black,  D.  Syrus  Holdridge,  Thomas  Knuteson,  John 
Kisk,  Charles  Erickson,  Jerry  Grover,  Sidney  Wells, 
Jonathan  R.  Bryan,  F.  J.  Burnett,  Ole  Omensen,  Will- 
iam Mcintosh,  Thomas  Murphy.  Wilbur  F.  Turner, 
William  H.  Kibby.  H.  C.  Hyatt,  Thomas  W.  Canning, 
James  E  Northrop,  Benjamin  F.Stahl,  David  C.  Edwards, 

Joseph  Wall, Titus,  Edward  Loney,  Roscoe  Browne, 

Charles  Moore,  Orlando  S.  Hawkins,  S.  Faup,  John 
Joryson.     Co.  I — James  Osborn. 

Third  Infantrn — Co.  K — I.  Q.  Lyman. 

Fifth  Infantry — Co.  H — A.  Armor. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co  A — William  Chalfaut.  Philander 
Phinney,  Lucius  Phinney,  George  D  Phinney,  Joseph 
Ring,  Samuel  Osborn,  Alexander  Hull,  S.  Morrow, 
John  Grant.  Thomas  Sweet,  John  Small,  Eben  B.  Dunlap, 
Elijah  B.  Hinds,  Henry  F.  Turner,  Thomas  Buchanan,  E. 
Brown,  Capt.  George  Bill,  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Joseph 
Merryman  Bartholomew,  John  Bartholomew,  Samuel 
Bachman,  Edward  Chalfaut,  Michael  Burck,  C.  B.  Fumey, 
J.  W.  Sanderson.     Co.  G — R.  J.  Varnuilu. 

Tenth  Infantry— Co.  H— Stephen  D.  Duel. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  K — W.  W.  Rood. 

Fourteenth  Infantry — Co.  K — S.  Casper,  Henry  Wolf,. 
Stephen  Wood,  Horace  Foster. 

Fifteenth  Infantry — -Co.  H — Ole  Amfrison. 

Seventeenth  Infantry — Co.  A — Michael  Landree.  Co.  H, 
Edwin  Chapman. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  H — Hiram  Brown,  Daniel 
Leitch. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  G — Samuel  Holdridge.  Co. 
H — Simon  Cleland,  Andrew  J.  Ryle,  Thomas  Bunker, 
William  Ring,  Alpheus  W.  Baker,  Thomas  Yule,  Isaac 
Ring,  Leander  Wells,  John  F.  Stahl,  John  Lawrence, 
Franklin  A.  G.  Eaton,  John  Civenaugh,  .James  Pettit, 
Ransom  P.  Ray.  John  Sweet,  Joseph  Church.  Patrick 
Farrell,  Anthony  Philips,  Charles  Ring,  Lyman  Williams, 
Adolphus  Graves,  Joseph  Michael  Bartholomew,  Thomas 
Furber,  George  W.  Kingsley,  John  R.  Scott,  Joseph  C. 
Brown,  Cornelius  Dever,  Ansen  S.  Burlingame,  Henry  A. 
Shaw,  Henry  Bates,  Thomas  Dowden,  Leonard  F.  War- 
ner, Joseph  Eells,  Jr.,  George  Phinney,  Thomas  C. 
Armor,  Henry  L.  Bancroft,  Christian  Stacker,  Joseph  R. 
Collin,  H.C.  Lockwood,  James  Quinn,  Seth  B.  Lannchill, 
G.  E.  Reynolds,  Thomas  Townsend,  Capt.  E.  Howard 
Irwin,  Charles  L.  Brown. 


584 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


Twtntylhird  Infantry— Qo.  K— George  Van  Loan. 
FiTtl  "CiwaJry— Company   unknown— William    Iravis, 
Rohen  Travis,  Thomas  Auferson. 
Second  Cavalry— Qo.  E— E.  Morse. 
Sixth  Battery— George  W.  Barney. 
U.  S.  /ie^uiars— William  Leach. 

TOW.N    OF    LOWVILLE. 

F,r,t  /nf,wtry—Co.  E-R.  McUonaM.  Co.  G- A.  Gard- 
ner, Homer  Brintnall,  A.  D.  Bundy.  , ,    „,      , 

Second  /,„-„„^.,/_ro.G- Randall  McDonald.  Charles 
llelaney,  .lohn  Rowell,  .Joseph  Coslley,  George  W^btalker, 
John  Lynch,  John  Lester,  Charles  Inex.    to.  H— C.  H. 

^iCrd  Manlry -Co.  K-Charles  Curtis,   Alva  Newell. 

.S«;«,(A  lnfan,ry-Co.  B-George  H.  H.  Hawes,  Edwin 
Dye,  Theodore  Fletcher.  .     "     ,  „     j 

Tenth  Mantr,/-Co.  D-Peter  Montier,  (.eorge  Hand, 
Michael  Couloni.lohnBorabaugh,  Leonard  Jnnton,  Lewis 
Green   Thomas  Darrow,  Lyman  Burleson,  .lohn  Brady. 

aievenfh  Infantry— Qo.  I— Cyrus  Benjaniin. 

Eiffktemth  'l„/a„try-Co.  I-OIiver  Gunderson,  James 
Mettler,  OleSeverson,  A.  J.  Herring.  x         i.  n 

Tu'er,lietli  Infanlry-Go.    K-Albert  Morse,  Joseph  D. 

Vermilyier.  ..     ,       ■      t  t„„    p 

nirty-second  Infantry— Vo.  K-Lewis  Low,  Jac.  G. 
Herring  Hemy  Catf.  Theodore  Northrop,  Calvin  Andrews, 
Anson  White,  Eli^s  H.  Webb,  Jonathan  Gilbert.  Ambrose 
Oleson,  Andrew  Arenson,  Andrew  Simmonson,  Michael 
Gunderson,  Ever  Sampson,  John  McCann,  Oavid  Chase, 
Horace  Stalker,  Charles  Carman,  John  Carman,  James 
Gilson,  Levi  Reeves,  Ole  Kittleaon. 

First  fan/Zry— Company  unknown— John  Midberry, 
Alfred  C.  Wait.  „..„.    , 

Second  Carulry— Co.  E— James  Price,   W  illis  Leasure. 


TOWN    OF    MARCEI.LON. 

Second  Infanlry-Co.  G_Homer  Smith,  George  Mills, 
George  Leeds,  Freeman  Smith,  William  Powderly,  Ohas. 
P    Healh,  Homer  Sweetman. 

TInrd  Infantry -Co.    0  — Edward    Vining,    Harrison 

Vining.  ,„     ,  „. 

Fourth  Infantry-Co.  D— Alfred  Kinney. 
Sev.nlh  Infantry-Co.  B-Edwin  Dye. 
7V«/A  l„fanlry-Co:  D-Harlow  Wittam,  Winfield  Wit- 

"'shteertth  Infantry— Comy^my  unknown— W  isley  Clark. 

Tw.ntv-th.rd  l„fanlry-\S.  W.  Austin,  John  L.  Edger- 
ton  Daniel  .Icrome,  Leonard  Cobb,  Clinton  Hoyt,  Eugene 
Williams,  John  Smith,  Malhew  Reardon,  tieorge  W. 
Hcnick,  Martin  Cook,  Oscar  Hill,  Vjarlin  liriggs, 
Duwavne  Mctjuean,  Patrick  Glasgow.  William  Fairheld, 
Benjamin  Pace,  Ira  Kinney,  Nelson  Morrison,  James 
Atkinson,  Samuel  Qviinn.  ,     „     „  u     .  v.,,. 

Second  Curalry-Co.  E-J.  C.  Blodgctt,  Robert  Van 
iSieinlmrg,  William  Albee.  William  Comstock,  Carmi 
lieach  George  Ames,  Albert  Stedman,  Co  H-Emmel 
WeVt  Gilman  Smith,  Henry  Cook,  Hiram  Miles,  William 
French,  S.  B.  Roberts,  T.  .1.  A.  Fletcher. 

KegimenI   unkno«n-\\i[\i&m   Ketchum,    W  lUiam   Will- 

iams 

TOW.V    OF    NEWPORT. 

First  /„/-«»/rv— Company  unknown-I.  Sleriiburg 
Fourth  Infantry-Co.   D-Capt.   Joseph    Hx'l^y.   «■   ';■ 
Herren,  Charles  Mueler,  George  W.Por>er,  J.  W.  1  ore  , 
W.  S.  Payne,  Myron  Skinner,  Virgil  Thayer,  Lnos  Vliet, 
E.  P.  WooruflF. 


Seventh   Infantry— Co.  A— J.  M.  Perry.     Co.   B— Geo. 
Gayman.  ,  ,  ^ 

Tenth  Infantry— Co.  D— Halver  Halverson,  Freman 
Buder.     Co.  H — P.  Edmundson. 

rwe/fth  Infantry— Co.   E— H.    Bennett,  E.  F.  Bennett, 
F     M  "  t'anfi'eld,  William    Fisher,    James   M.   GuUck,  J. 
Hawes,  .lohn  Soman,  L.  Woodworth,  William  Watson. 
Fifteenth  Infanlnj— Company  unknown— H.  Oleson. 
Seventeenth    Infantry— Co.    H— J.    H.   Colbourn,    John 
Guger,  Joel  Hamlin,  T.  Morrison. 

Eiahteenth.  Infantry-Co.  G-J.  H.  Shield,  C.  Shield. 
Co  H— Heman  Bradway.  Co.  K— William  Buck,  K. 
Crunst,  Andrew  Hooker,  Jefferson  Kingsley,  John 
O'Connor,  David  Brothers,  James  N.  Shield,  J.  A.  Whip- 
ple. S.  W.  .lerard  P.ardee. 

Nineteenth  Infanlry—Vo.  G— H.  W.  Kingsbury,  Elmer 
Hathaway,  Jacob  Guger. 

Thirtv-fint  Infantrv— Co.  I— Milton  Armstrong,  M.  C. 
Armstrong,  Rason  ■Bonnell.  J.  K.  Conner,  Osmund 
Christoferson,  C.  H.  Gould,  Ole  Kuttleson,  J.  W.  Ker- 
zarter,  Henry  Shinks,  William  Sweet,  W.  A.  York. 

First  Cavalry— Com\Mny  unknown— A  Blood.  Co.  C— 
W.  H.  Casweli,  George  A.  Caswell,  F.  M.  Compton.  Co.  F 
—  Harvey  E.  Wety.  „      n      i 

Third  Cavalry— Co.  H— Willis  A.  Hawes.  Co.  F-J. 
H.  Clerk.     Company  unknown — H.  R.  Smith. 

^  ^      TOWN    OF    OTSEGO. 

First  Infantry— Co.  G— George  N.  Lawton. 

Second  'infantry— Co.  A— Henry  M.  Hunting,  Bramard 
D.  Graves,  Philo  Pason. 

Siith  Infantry-Co.  C— Henry  M.  Botten. 

Seventh  Infantry— Co.  A— Wallace  llenton,  (.^yrus  Hen- 
ton  l"o  B— David  B.  Pulver,  Richard  Weatly,  John  H. 
Smith  John  Hughes,  Alexander  Hughes,  Azel  Stoddard, 
Azel  S  Miller,  John  E.  McMahon.  Henry  Sickels,  Daniel 
Sickels,  C.  C.  Spalding,  D.  B.  Pormer,  George  Bush.  Co. 
E— Tolly  Ogden.     Co.  G— Nathaniel  Jones. 

T.nth  Infantry— Co.  D— Lyman  M.  Burleson,  Thomas 
P.  Darre,  Alson  Bush. 
!        Sixteenth  Infantry— Co.  B— Alphanso  Hernngton.     Co. 
D — Lewis  Pettis.  „    „  ,      • 

,        Eighteenth    Infantry-Co.  I-Hiram   H.   Brown,  Lewis 

1   Anderson. 

Twenty-third  Infantry— Co.  G— Hugh  Halb. 

Thirt'n-second  'infantry-Co.  K-Newton  Aekerman, 
Ancel  Starr,  James  Pulver,  Charles  Lee,  B.  J.  Fromdall, 
James  A.  llano,  Lewis  H.  Stickney,  George  M.  Sticknoy, 
Jabez  Hunting,  Jr  ,  Dennis  Blenis,  Edwin  Memn-  ^■*- 
Holly,  George  S.  Harring,  Hiram  Pittis,  William  An 
drews. 

First  Cavalry— Co.  L— Joseph  R.  Lee. 

Third  Cavnlry— Co.  L— James  McMahon. 

Regiment  unknown — Silas  B.  Roat. 


TOWN    OF    TAOIFlC. 

Second  Infantry— Co.  G— Francis  Gilmore.' 

Tenth  lnfantn,-Co.  D-Hiram  Mason,  Samuel  Mur- 
rey, Alfred  Holmes,  George  W.  Marsh,  William  Dow, 
Lorenzo  How. 

Fourteenth  Infantry-Co.  E-David  tjuackinbush. 

Sixtimth  Infantry— Co.  I— John  Sines^ 

Eighteenth  Infanlr,/-Co.  l-Francis  Eaverson,  Nathan 
Eaverson,  James  Eaverson.     Company  unknown-Owen 

"^^'^NMeeirh  Infantry^Co.    D-Ludwick  Booth,    William 
Mar. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


585 


Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  C  —  Chester  B.  Flowers, 
Jamea  Holmes. 

TOWN    OF    EANDOLPH. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  A — George  E.  Maynard,  .Jasper 
Daniels,  Charles  Fletcher,  William  H.  Thomas,  Chester 
p.  Thomas,  Charles  C.  Thomas,  Martin  V.  Bloodgood, 
Lewis  Norton,  Frederick  Martin,  Amasa  Ketcham,  Dan- 
iel Williams,  William  Lewis,  Robert  Welch. 

Eighth  Infantry — Co.  D — Samael  Fanstenod,  J.  C. 
Voteman,  G.  B.  Finney,  Carlos  F.  Manser,  Avery  Rob- 
inson, George  H.  Whirry,  Thomas  Collins,  William  Fitts, 
Henry  Hockmer,  George  S.  Holsie,  Elisha  Fletcher,  John 
Wilson,  Ftancis  Gale,  .John  Carlisle,  George  Plank, 
David  L.  L.  D.  -Jones. 

Tenth  Infantry — Company  unknown — Jos.  G.  Thomas. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  H — Jonson  Anderson,  Fred- 
erick Langdon. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  B — Lorenzo  Ford.  Co.  D — 
Josiah  Fields,  James  Sims.  Co.  H — Isaac  Vanorunm, 
John  Vanorunm.     Company  unknown — George  Herriok. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  B — William  W.  Griffith.  Co. 
D — Edward  McGrath,  Byron  Daniels,  John  Jones,  John 
Griffith.     Company  unknown — Thomas  Jones. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  <J — Porter  Langdon,  Byron 
Anderson. 

Twenty-ninth  Infantry — Co.  E — Patrick  Bada,  Scott 
Carlisle,  Jerome  Gordon,  John  W,  Phillips,  James  Dib- 
ble, Oliver  Walch,  Joseph  Thomas,  Job  W.  Perry,  Sam- 
uel Mead,  Lucius  Cole. 

TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH. 

Twenty-ninth  Infantry — Co.  E — John  Egau,  Alfred 
Gary,  John  Jackson,  John  Riley,  William  Jackson,  John 
Dutton,  Alphonzo  Dibble,  Cornelius  Palmitier,  Frederick 
Hawky,  Andrew  Onto,  Richard  Perrott,  Samuel  Daward. 

Regiment  unknown — I'erry  Thompson,  Richard  H.  Jones, 
David  Griffith,  Lewis  Evans,  E.  H.  Prichard. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  H — Even  Evens. 

Third  Cavalry — Co.  I — Edward  Rice. 

TOWN    OF    SCOTT. 

First  Infantry — Co.  A — Melvin  L.  Fuller. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  A — Samuel  Cook,  James  Lewis. 
Co.  G — Horner  Sweetman,  John  H.  Langdon. 

Tenth  Infantry — Co.  K — Horace  Fuller. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  G — James  Lee.  Co.  H — James 
O'Neil. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  G — Theodore  Thomas.  Co.  I 
— Morris  Cook,  Hilard  Taylor,  George  Garsuch,  S.  Lang- 
don, Adrastus  Cook. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  G — Charles  Odey. 

Twenty-thtrd  Infantry — Co.  C — John  D.  Parish,  Free- 
man Bentley,  Israel  Cannon,  Josepli  Hewitt,  Jr. 

Regiment  unknown — John  Marshall,  John  J.  Edwards, 
Thomas  T.  Roberts,  John  Luther  Dutton,  Reynold 
Nemitz,  Mark  Mead,  Edward  Wight,  Erwiu  Grover, 
Charles  Chapman. 

Light  Artillery — Co.  B — George  Stancer  (SHch.). 

First  Cavalry — Co.  F — Martin  Mayhew,  Robert  Wright. 

Second    Cavalry — Co.    E — Stephen   Woodard,    Charles 

Heath,    Herbert   Heath,  Frank    Hughes,  Stallman. 

Company  unknown — William  Stallman. 

Third  Cavalry — Co.  C — Martyr  Judge. 

TOWN    OF   SPRINGVALE. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  G — John  Hause,  Francis  Gilmore, 
Horace  Neely. 

Eighth  Infantry — Co.  D — Daniel  L.  Morris. 


Tenth  Infantry — ^Co.  D — Alexander  Wiltsy,  Allen  Grow. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  C — Hugh  Kelley. 

Fourteenth  Infantry — Co.  K — Peller  Palmitier,  Kneel- 
ious  Palmitier. 

Sixteenth  Infantry — Co.  A — Joseph  C.  Kelley. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  I — Evan  H.  Williams,  William 
Furgursou,  John  Giance, 

Nineteenth  Infantry  —  Company  unknown  —  Hendry 
Funk. 

Twenty-second  Infantry — Co.  I — Evan  Roberts,  Robert 
Williams. 

Regiment  unknown — Failo  Brower,  Joe  Carrier,  Hugh 
W.  Hughes,  Rowland  Morris,  Thomas  Babcock,  Edward 
Hartt,  George  Morgan,  Edward  Morgan,  David  Jones, 
John  Williams,  John  Roberts,  Edward  Williams,  David 
Williams,  Owen  Hughes. 

Second  Cavalry — Co.  E — Austin  Camian,  Faiett  Can- 
non. 

Third  Cavalry — Co.  C — Hendrey  Brower,  James  Palmer. 

TOWN    or    WEST    POINT. 

Second  Infantry — Co.  A — William  Kibby,  James  E.  Nor- 
throp. Co.  G — Charles  Morter,  Jr.  Co.  H — Thomas 
Kannon. 

Sixth  Infantry — Co.  A — Marshal  Keyes. 

Seventh  Infantry — Co.  A — Albert  0' Conner,  JohnO'Con- 
ner.  Co.  D— P.  T.  Battan.  Co.  G— James  H.  Rodgers. 
Co.  H — Oscar  Parry,  Edward  Fenton,  Hiram  Wyatt,  John 
Yule. 

Eleventh  Infantry — Co.  A — William  Madison,  James 
Henderson,  Michael  Donahoe,  Frederick  Raymond,  John 
Story.  Co.  H — Horace  Policy,  William  Haassor,  Harvey 
S.  Barnes,  Ed.  Finton. 

Fourteenth  Infantry — Co.  K — Lewis  Lyman,  Horace  D. 
Lyman,  Hiram  Burroughs,  Richard  Jennep,  Hiram  T. 
Johnson,  Samuel  B.  Johnson,  Horace  A.  Foster,  Azro 
Abbott,  Harmon  Tiffany. 

Seoenteenth  Infantry — Co.  H — Ausil  J.  Bugby. 

Twenty-third  Infantry  —  Co.  H  —  Edgar  Richmond, 
Alonzo  Duel,  Byron  Waffle,  H.  P.  Waffle,  Charles  Passage, 
Earnest  Danger,  Robert  Mayward,  A.  B.  Avery,  Rufus 
Morrell,  Lorenzo  C.  Warrener,  Edward  Streeter.  Co.  K 
— William  Ballard,  Martin  Delaney,  Henry  H.  Avery, 
Patrick  Morrisy,  Patrick  Byon,  John  Kehoe,  William  T. 
Shirtliff. 

Second  Cavalry — Company  unknown — Edward  H. 
Moore,  Myron  Z.  Ribbet. 

Third  Cavalry — Arnold  Pratt. 

Sixth  Battery — Alonzo  B.Avery,  Samuel  Clark,  Charles 
Hutchinson,  Thomas  C.  Jackson,  Edwin  Barberia,  Andy 
Herren,  Augustus  Dilly,  William  Dowden,  Frank  Baker, 
W.  W.  Wyman,  George  \.  Bigford. 

Twelfth  Battery — David  Kyes. 

Sixth  Regiment — Webster  Kyes,  Orin  Kyes. 

TOWN    OP    WYOOENA. 

Second  Infantry— Co.  G— S.  A.  Nichols,  Peter  Irwin, 
Edward  Rice,  George  Briffett,  Richard  V.  Dey,  James 
Holden,  Charles  Johnson,  George  Mack,  Henry  Reusi- 
more,  John  Chapman,  Stephen  Eggleston,  Charles  Rey- 
nolds, George  Williams,  George  Blanchard,  Andron  F. 
Pardee,  H.  K.  Coffin,  John  House,  W.  H.  Mathewson. 
Yates  Ashley,  Charles  P.  Bloom,  Charles  Rice,  Richard 
Batson,  John  M.  Carr,  Charles  Heath,  Theodore  Fletcher, 
George  Hodgedon. 

Fifth  Infantry — Co.  D — John  Brady. 

Sixth  Infantry— Co.  A— W.  W.  Spear. 


586 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


Seventh  Infantry — Co.  B — .Tames  K,  .Salisbury.  Co.  E 
— Edward  Bowen,  Ira  D.  Grow.  Charles  H.  .Tohnson. 

Eighth  Infantry — Regimental  Band — Samuel  W.  Jones, 
Norman  Coapman,  Henry  H.  Blair.  .Samuel  0.  Leonard, 
Charles  Cook,  D.  H.  Cummings,  Jr. 

Tenth  Iiifonlri/— Co.  D— H.  C.  Luther,  Henry  Thrall, 
Diiniel  Babcock.  Rollin  Nichols.  F.  M.  Spear,  A.  E. 
Patchin,  Henry  Oviatt,  James  Dickson,  David  H.  Cum- 
mings, Sr.,  Charles  W.  Hill.  Alfonso  Jones,  Frank  Cum- 
mings, Thomas  Knowles,  N.  D.  Cone.  Charles  Cone, 
Alanson  A.  Bull,  Royal  Hawkins,  George  Rouse,  Hobert 
I'armenter.    Marcus    Parmenter,   C.  C.   Merrill,    James 


Hayes,  Chap.  James  L.  Coffin,  0  M.  Smoke,  Alson  Bush, 
Wescott  Austin,  James  Forrister,  Marlin  Gerry,  Thomas 
R.  Powers,  Charles  Rockwood,  John  Purves. 

Eighteenth  Infantry — Co.  F — Henry  Cooledge. 

Nineteenth  Infantry — Co.  D — Volney  D.  Carpenter. 
Gerard  Dey,  Peter  McGuire,  Augustus  Lobdell,  Highland 
Whelock,  John  Pallister,  John  Ballard. 

Twenty-third  Infantry — Co.  C — Albert  L.  Bounell,  John 
Hunt,  William  Boothe!     Co.  F— Henry  C.  Stanley. 

Second  Cavalry — John  Brown,  Jacob  Luzeler,  George 
Mack,  Albert  Steadman,  Allen  Grow. 

Regiment  vnknown — Richard  Williams. 


COLUMBIA   COUNTY   OF   TO-DAY. 

The  general  surface  of  Columbia  County  is  gently  rolling  prairie  and  openings,  with  some 
level  marsh.  There  is  about  40  per  cent  of  the  land  that  is  styled  openings,  where  the  timber 
is  mainly  white,  burr  and  black  oak,  and  the  balance  is  nearly  equally  divided  into  prairie, 
timber  and  marsh  land.  The  timber  is  principally  oak,  maple,  basswood  and  elm.  The  county 
contains  492, .500  acres  ;  485,.580  acres  of  these  are  owned  by  actual  settlers,  which  are  assessed 
at  an  average  value  of  $12.8-3  per  acre.  Nearly  two-thirds  of  the  land  are  now  cultivated. 
There  are  a  number  of  excellent  water-powers.  Numerous  quarries  of  lime  and  sandstone,  and 
beds  of  clay,  furnish  first-class  material  for  building  purposes.  The  railroad  communications 
are  excellent ;  there  is  no  point  in  the  county  more  than  twelve  miles  from  a  line  of  road,  and 
it  will  also  have,  at  no  distant  day,  it  is  believed,  uninterrupted  water  communication  with  the 
Mississippi  and  Lake  Michigan.  On  the  Wisconsin  River,  where  it  passes  through  the  county, 
some  of  the  grandest  scenery  is  to  be  found  in  the  West.  It  has  already  been  shown  how  cele- 
brated are  the  Dells  of  the  Wisconsin.  They  are  much  visited  by  tourists,  the  number  annually 
increasing.  Two  good  boats  make  their  regular  trips  daily,  in  the  summer,  and  objects  of 
interest  are  shown  and  fully  explained  to  visitors. 

The  State  census  of  1875  showed  a  population  of  28,803 ;  of  these,  19,653  are  natives  of 
the  States,  and  9,150  are  foreigners,  including  2,774  from  Germany  ;  2,681  from  England  and 
Scotland;  1,564  from  Sweden  and  Norway;  1,332  from  Ireland,  and  511  from  Canada.  There 
are  twenty-one  towns,  and  two  cities,  containing  an  area  of  800  square  miles.  The  city  of 
Portage  has  a  total  assessed  value  of  real  estate  of  $647,110,  and  personal  property  to  the 
amount  of  $335,000.  Her  public  buildings,  business  blocks  and  private  dwelling  houses  are  a 
credit  to  the  place.  The  city  of  Columbus  has  real  estate  to  the  amount  of  $445,040,  and  per- 
sonal property  amounting  to  $330,000.  The  principal  villages  in  the  county  are  Lodi,  Kilbourn 
City,  and  Cambria.  The  other  villages  of  the  county  are  Wyocena,  Rio,  Otsego,  Doylestown, 
Fall  River,  Pardeeville,  Okee,  Poynette,  Arlington,  and  a  part  of  Randolph.  Besides  the 
post  offices  in  Portage  and  Columbus  and  in  these  villages,  there  are  those  in  the  county  named 
Randolph  Center,  Leeds  Center,  Leeds.  North  Leeds,  Keyeser,  Lowville,  Marcellon,  Bellefoun- 
tain.  Midland,  Port  Hope,  Hampden,  West  Point,  Farr's  Corners,  Rocky  Run,  Dekorra,  Alloa, 
Colburn,  Lewiston,  Pacific  and  Hartman. 

All  parts  of  the  county  are  well  supplied  with  water,  and  the  various  streams  afford  com- 
plete drainage.  The  Fox  River  and  its  tributaries  drain  the  northern  part;  Rock  River  the 
eastern  part,  emptying  into  the  Mississippi  at  Rock  Island,  111. ;  the  Wisconsin  the  remainder, 
pouring  its  waters  into  the  Mississippi  at  Prairie  du  Chien.  Many  of  the  streams  afford  good 
water  privileges,  which  are  utilized  at  several  points  in  the  driving  of  flouring-mills.  Spring 
Creek  has  now  six;  Duck  Creek,  four;  Rowan  Creek,  two;  Rocky  Run,  one;  Crawfish,  two  ; 
Fox  Run,  one.     The  majority  are  custom  mills  and  do  only  local  work. 

Stock  raising  is  now  recognized  as  quite  an  industry  among  the  farmers.  As  the  land 
becomes  less  adapted  for  the  cereals,  pasture  lands  take  their  place,  and  the  hills  and  valleys  are 
now  seen  dotted  with  herds  of  cattle  and  flocks  of  sheep  ;  of  the  latter  the  finer  breeds  are 
being  introduced.     As  an  outgrowth  of  the  cattle  feeding  and  grazing,  together  with  the  low 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 


58T 


price  of  wheat,  the  dairy  business  was  begun.  A  number  of  cheese  factories  are  distributed  at 
diflPerent  points,  the  export  during  the  season  of  1878  amounting  to  about  1,000,000  pounds. 

Three  lines  of  railroad  enter  the  county  and  afford  easy  exit  in  all  directions.  These  are 
the  Wisconsin  Central,  which  has  Portage  City  for  its  southern  terminus,  and  connects  with 
points  to  the  northward  ;  the  Madison,  Northern  and  La  Crosse  Divisions  of  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee &  St.  Paul ;  and  the  Chicago  &  North-Western.  In  all  there  are  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  miles  of  road  within  the  limits  of  the  county. 

The  educational  facilities  in  the  county  are  excellent.  There  are  149  schoolhouses,  a  large 
proportion  being  in  good  condition.  Instruction  is  spurred  on  by  Institutes,  by  the  County 
Teachers'  Association,  and  by  the  visits  to  the  schools  of  the  County  Superintendent. 

There  are  seven  newspapers  in  the  county.  These,  in  mechanical  appearance  and  editorial 
ability,  take  high  rank  in  the  State.  The  State  Register,  Democrat  and  Columbia  County 
Weaker  are  published  in  Portage ;  the  Democrat  and  Republican,  at  Columbus ;  the  Valley 
Neivs,  at  Lodi ;  and  the  DelU  Reporter,  at  Kilbourn  City. 

In  the  internal  improvements  of  the  county  are  found  abundant  indications  of  the  enter- 
prise, good  taste  and  prosperity  of  its  citizens.  A  large  number  of  first-class  farm  houses  and 
private  residences  is  seen.  Church  edifices  are  numerous,  and  are  respectable  in  size  and 
appearance.  The  county  buildings  are  large,  convenient  and  well  adapted  to  the  purposes  for 
which  they  are  designed,  and  no  more  faithful,  intelligent  and  accommodating  county  ofiicers 
are  anywhere  to  be  found. 

Considering  its  geographical  position,  its  physical  features,  its  agricultural,  social  and 
financial  advantages,  and  the  intelligence  and  enterprise  of  its  inhabitants.  Columbia  County 
may  be  regarded  as  a  model  county. 


588  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE    CITY    OF    PORTAGE. 

Early  Settlement— Growth  of  Portage— Portage  Thirty  Years  Ago— Portage  in  1860— 
"Claim  Twenty-one"— Richard  Freeman  Veeder— The  Guppey  Plat  and  Veeder 
Claim— Organization  and  Government  of  Portage— The  Canal— The  Schools— Relig- 
ious Institutions— Manufactories— Ferries  and  Bridges— The  Fire  Department 
AND  Fire  Record— Bank.s— Wisconsin  Editorial  A.ssociation— Early  Justice  in  Port- 
age—The ScHULZE  Band— The  Post  Office— Hotels— Public  Halls— Local  Militia- 
Orders  and  Societies— Cemeteries— Portage  of  To-day. 

early  settlement. 

Henry  Carpenter,  now  residing  at  Coloma,  Waushara  County,  was  the  first  white  man  to 
make,  within  the  present  city  limits  of  Portage,  improvements  of  a  permanent  and  progressive 
character,  though  preceded,  as  a  resident,  by  Silas  Walsworth.     Mr.  Carpenter  says : 

"  I  landed  in  Portage  in  July,  1837 — my  wife  and  I  and  a  man  and  wife  by  the  name  of 
Hart.  Henry  Merrell  was  keeping  a  sutler's  store  when  I  came,  in  a  building  close  by  the 
fort.*  He  afterward  built  and  moved  to  the  west  side  of  Fox  River.  The  first  white  woman 
who  came  to  the  portage,  and  permanently  settled  there,  was  Sarah  Carpenter,  my  wife  ;  the  first 
white  child  born  at  the  portage  was  George  Carpenter,  my  son.  Silas  Walsworth  kept  a  small 
grocery  on  the  Wiscpnsin  River,  near  the  place  where  I  built  my  hotel.  Gideon  Low  (an  army 
officer),  then  living  at  the  fort,  was  building  the  Franklin  House  when  I  came,  and  afterward 
moved  into  it." 

Neither  Carpenter  nor  Low  came  to  Portage  to  settle  there,  although  they  finally  became  resi- 
dents. The  same  may  be  said  of  Henry  Merrell,  who  was  a  suttler  at  Fort  Winnebago,  and  came  to  the 
portage  in  18-34.  He  built  a  store  on  the  west  side  of  the  Fox  River,  opposite  the  fort,  in  the  summer 
or  fall  of  1837,  about  the  same  time  that  Carpenter  erected  the  old  original  United  States  Hotel. 
Both  Merrell  and  Low  lived  and  died  in  Portage.  Silas  Walsworth,  whom  Carpenter  found 
living  on  the  portage  in  July,  1837,  came  the  same  year.  He  afterward  married  the  Widow 
Pervonsal,  more  familiarly  known  as  Madame  Pauquette,  and,  in  1846,  when  Columbia  County 
was  organized,  was  chosen  to  fill  the  responsible  office  of  County  Judge,  though  he  failed  to 
qualify  and  assume  its  duties.  He  came  to  the  portage  as  a  trader  who  might  at  any  time  leave 
for  another  place. 

The  year  1838  witnessed  the  advent  of  Andrew  Dunn,  Hugh  McFarlane,  Clark  Whitney, 
J.  Garrison,  Archibald  Barker,  Jonathan  Cole  and  others.  Dunn,  McFarlane  and  Whitney,  it 
seems,  were  the  only  ones  who  "came  to  stay."  The  full  tide  of  immigration  set  in  during 
1839-40,  and  continued  unabated  for  nearly  twenty  years. 

GROWTH    OF    PORTAGK. 

The  development  of  Portage,  during  the  first  fifteen  years  of  its  existence,  was  rapid. 
Unlike  most  Wisconsin  cities  and  villages,  dependent  upon  the  local  water-power  site  for  their 
earlier  greatness.  Portage  commanded  a  large  share  of  the  trade  of  all  those  portions  of  the 
State  lying  between  Green  Bay  and  Prairie  du  Chien  ;  that  is  to  say,  the  products  of  the  region 
of  country  extending  along  the  Fox  and'  Wisconsin  Rivers  found  their  way  to  Portage,  where 
exchanges  and  sales  were  made,  and  thus  the  place  became,  and,  in  fact,  has  since  remained  the 
entrepot  of  Central  Wisconsin.  Under  these  circumstances,  its  growth  has  been  rapid,  though 
of  a  less  substantial  nature  in  the  earlier  part  of  its  history  than  now.     In  fact,  from  1849  to 

*  East  of  Fox  Rirer,  and  therefore  outside  the  pre-^ent  city  limits. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY".  689 

1860  may  be  denominated  the  speculative  period  in  its  development ;  while  the  era  of  permanent 
progress  occupies  the  time  from  the  latter  date  to  the  present.  The  canal,  of  course,  was  the 
improvement  toward  which  every  one  looked  and  the  thoughts  of  all  reverted.  When  it  was 
finally  decided  that  there  should  be  a  canal,  before  the  survey  had  been  made,  great  excitement 
prevailed  among  the  people  owning  and  occupying  the  little  cluster  of  houses  along  Wisconsin 
street.  It  was  generally  believed  that  the  two  rivers  would  be  connected  through  Bronson 
avenue,  inasmuch  as  the  two  streams  approached  nearest  together  at  this  point,  and  a  demand 
for  property  along  the  avenue  was  necessarily  soon  manifested.  But,  as  some  experience  has 
long  since  taught,  there  is  no  telling  where  canals  and  railroads  are  going  until  they  get  there ; 
the  Portage  Canal  was  no  exception  to  the  rule.  Bronson  avenue  property  owners  were  seriously 
disappointed  when  the  fiat  went  forth  that  the  canal,  with  a  perplexing  elbow  in  it,  should  be 
located  some  distance  northwest  of  them.  This  announcement  created  confusion,  and  real  estate 
values  were  sadly  effected.  Immigrants  were  constantly  pouring  in,  but  very  few  of  them  chose 
to  locate  upon  "  the  flat;"  they  preferred  high  ground.  And  then  it  was  that  the  first  settle- 
ments were  made  along  the  brow  of  the  semi-circular  hill,  then  so  clearly  discernible,  in  what 
are  now  the  Second  and  Third  Wards.  The  population  of  this  new  settlement  was  composed 
almost  entirely  of  former  residents  of  Fremont,  Ohio.  A  very  brisk  rivalry  soon  sprang  up 
between  the  old  residents  of  "  Lower  Town  "  and  the  new  comers  of  "Upper  Town;"  and 
when  the  latter  became  influential  enough  to  secure  the  removal  of  the  post-office  to  the  north 
side  of  the  canal,  the  name  "  Gougeville  "  was  immediately  substituted  for  "  Upper  Town  "  by 
the  chagrined  denizens  of  "The  Flat.  "  The  energy  and  industry  of  all  classes,  however,  soon 
united  in  the  common  cause  of  progress.  The  two  settlements  became  one,  and  local  differences 
of  a  character  to  retard  development  were  thereafter  seldom  indulged  in. 

In  the  fall  of  18.5o,  there  were  ten  dry  goods  stores  in  Portage,  with  an  aggregate  stock 
worth  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  million  of  dollars.  Of  other  mercantile  establishments,  such  as 
grocery,  drug,  clothing,  hardware,  jewelry  and  tin  stores,  thei'e  were  sixteen.  This  number  did 
not  include  the  "grocery  stores  "  where  liquor  was  the  chief  commodity  dealt  in.  In  several  of 
the  establishments  mentioned,  the  daily  receipts  were  from  $100  to  $150,  and  it  was  generally 
conceded  that  more  business  was  transacted  in  Portage  (then  but  three  or  four  years  of  age) 
than  in  Jamesville,  the  latter  having  the  advantage  of  three  times  the  population  and  twenty 
years'  experience. 

"  Three  years  ago,"  says  a  writer  of  1854,  "it  was  but  a  bare  frontier  settlement  around 
the  old  Fort  Winnebago  ;  now  it  numbers  3,000  inhabitants,  and  is  the  center  of  trade  for  a 
large  tract  of  the  best  country  in  the  State.  Two  freight  and  passenger  steamers  are  running 
to  this  place  weekly  from  the  Mississippi  River,  thereby  connecting  Portage  with  St.  Louis  and 
New  Orleans.  There  is  but  one  check  to  its  growth,  and  that  I  regard  as  only  temporary  ;  I 
mean  the  Veeder  claim  dispute,  just  decided  by  the  Supreme  Court  in  favor  of  Veeder." 

During  1854.  manufacturing  institutions,  schools  and  churches  sprang  up  on  every  hand. 
The  very  atmosphere  appeared  to  throb  with  the  pulsations  of  progi'ess.  McNeal  &  Burgher 
completed  their  four-story  stone  flouring-mill  on  the  canal  in  this  year  ;  Smith  &  Blair  estab- 
lished a  furnace  on  Dodge  street ;  work  was  commenced  on  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Rail- 
road depot  buildings  ;  a  classical  institute  was  placed  upon  a  sound  footing ;  a  daily  mail  was  estab- 
lished between  Madison  and  Portage ;  H.  Orton  organized  a  circus,  and  gave  a  performance  for 
the  benefit  of  the  poor ;  while  numerous  other  progressive  movements  were  made. 

In  185.5,  D.  Vandercook  built  and  finished  his  substantial  brick  block,  46x65,  three  stories 
high ;  B.  F.  Pixley  erected  a  steam  planing-mill,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  near  the  ferry. 
Arnold,  Fai'go,  Mappa,  Dunn  and  McFarlane  broke  ground  for  an  extensive  brick  structure 
(now  the-  Corning  House),  on  the  northwest  corner  of  Cook  and  Wisconsin  streets ;  Mr.  Sexton 
completed  a  block  of  stores  on  Cook  street ;  six  brick  buildings,  the  property  of  Mr.  McTighe, 
were  in  course  of  construction  ;  the  Methodist  Church  was  completed  ;  the  Presbyterian  Church 
was  commenced ;  the  Episcopal  Church  was  finished,  and  numerous  private  residences  were 
occupied  for  the  first  time      A  local  editor  sums  up  the  work  of  two  years  as  follows:     "  Two 


590  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

years  ago  this  month  (August),  we  took  possession  of  the  room  we  now  occupy  as  a  printing 
ofBce — which  was  hurriedly  finished  for  the  purpose — in  an  isolated  building,  with  a  few  tempo- 
rary cabins  in  the  immediate  neighborhood.  The  corner  opposite  was  cultivated  as  a  vegetable 
garden,  and  one  unfinished  building  on  DeWitt  street  stood  alone  between  us  and  the  corner 
above.  Now,  the  space,  from  street  to  street,  is  covered  with  handsome  business  blocks — one 
banking  house,  twelve  new  stores,  offices,  saloons  and  shops — and  the  busy  hum  of  trade  rises 
from  the  spot  then  covered  with  cabbages  and  potatoes.  On  the  next  corner,  where  the  grass- 
plat  spread  so  invitingly  for  the  circus  folks  to  pitch  their  tents,  now  stands  a  block  of  fireproof 
buildings,  fifty-four  feet  high  from  cellar  to  battlement,  with  a  front  of  one  hundred  and  thirty 
feet,  and  built  in  a  style  unexcelled  by  any  in  the  State.  Alongside  of  this,  fronting  on  Wis- 
consin and  Cook  streets,  masons  iire  actively  engaged  in  raising  the  walls  of  a  block  of  still 
larger  size  ;  and  still  another  store  and  brick  building  is  being  erected  on  the  northwest  corner 
of  Wisconsin  and  Cook  streets,  by  Mr.  Haertel.  Three  handsome  church  edifices  are  being  fin- 
ished with  all  the  dispatch  that  circumstances  will  admit."  At  this  date,  the  population  of  Port- 
age, officially  ascertained,  was  2,062,  as  follows  :  First  Ward,  612  ;  Second  Ward,  443  ;  Third 
Ward,  464  ;  Fourth  Ward,  543.  This  did  not  include  the  residents  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Fort, 
those  in  Pacific  or  that  portion  of  Lewiston  embraced  in  the  business  of  the  city.  In  September, 
Prospect  Hill  was  surveyed  and  laid  out  in  city  building  lots  by  Dr.  McCuUoch,  and  in  the 
early  part  of  October,  Milo  H.  Pettibone  purchased  of  Thomas  Christopher  the  lots  corner  of 
DeWitt  and  Cook  streets,  paying  therefor  $4,000.  One  of  the  conditions  of  the  sale  required 
Mr.  Pettibone  to  erect  within  one  year  a  brick  block,  not  less  than  three  stories  high,  and  to 
occupy  the  entire  front  on  DeWitt  street  (114  feet).  C.  J.  Pettibone  was  then  at  work  on  a 
similar  structure  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street.  As  showing  the  normal  condition  of  things 
at  that  date,  it  is  stated  that  during  three  months  of  the  summer  and  fall  of  1855,  more  than 
ten  thousand  persons,  with  their  teams,  stock,  etc.,  crossed  the  Wisconsin  River  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Portage,  en  route  for  homes  in  the  great  Northwest. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  year  1856,  contracts  had  been  let  for  the  completion  of  100 
buildings  the  then  coming  season.  Among  other  institutions  in  successful  operation  at 
that  date,  there  were  five  hotels,  one  iron  foundry  and  machine-shop,  one  steam  saw-mill,  one 
planing-mill,  one  flouring-mill  and  three  brick-yards.  Besides  the  numerous  mercantile  institu- 
tions already  established,  eleven  brick  structures,  to  be  filled  with  new  goods  when  completed, 
were  then  in  process  of  construction ;  five  churches  and  three  printing-offices  helped  to  make  up 
the  list  of  important  things. 

In  the  fall  of  1856.  Ketchum's  Second  Addition  to  Portage  was  laid  out,  and  became  a 
part  of  the  city ;  the  Portage  Bridge  Company  was  organized,  and  preparations  made  for  the 
construction  of  the  great  bridge  over  the  Wisconsin  River.  About  the  middle  of  November,  on 
a  damp,  still  morning,  the  heavy  atmosphere  vibrated  to  notes  never  before  heard  in  the  vicinity. 
Whence  came  they?  The  "thing"  screamed  again.  The  oldest  settlers'  knees  trembled, 
and  women  are  said  to  have  fainted.  The  citizens  assembled  in  little  knots  on  the  street  cor- 
ners, and,  finally,  a  Committee  of  Safety  having  been  appointed,  it  was  ascertained  that  a  rail- 
way construction  train,  somewhere  between  Pondsville  and  Cambria,  had  run  out  to  the  end  of 
the  road  to  wake  up  the  natives  with  its  little  whistle.  Fear  and  sorrow  was  soon  afterward 
turned  to  joy  when  the  iron  horse  came  puffing  into  the  city. 

A  local  newspaper,  announcing  some  of  the  principal  business  changes  within  the  month, 
tells  us  that  "  Mr.  Van  Winter's  Block,  on  Cook  street,  is  now  in  working  order,  Mr.  Van 
Winter  having  removed  his  stock  round  the  corner  into  No.  1,  and  Messrs.  Emmerson  & 
McGrath  having  taken  possession  of  No.  2.  Messrs.  B.  &  S.  Schwartz,  finding  their  three 
stores,  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal,  too  small  for  their  stock,  have  taken  the  one  recently 
vacated  by  Mr.  Van  Winter.  J.  Servis  &  Co.  (newcomers  in  town)  have  taken  the  store 
formerly  occupied  by  G.  W.  Babcock,  in  Pettibone's  Block,  which  they  have  filled  with  ready- 
made  clothing.  Mr.  Babcock  has  changed  his  quarters  to  Verandah  Block,  in  the  store  hereto- 
fore occupied  by  J.  B.  Miller.     0.  Case  still  offers  bargains  at  the  'People's  Store,'  formerly 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  591 

known  as  Anderson's."  At  that  date,  the  population  of  Portage  was  4,364.  It  is  not  surpris- 
ing that  new  additions  to  the  city  and  new  stores  and  manufactories  were  so  frequently 
announced.  Building  did  not  cease  through  the  entire  winter  (and  it  was  a  cold  one).  A  pub- 
lic sale  of  real  estate  took  place  the  day  after  Christmas,  at  which  $13,000  changed  hands  for 
•city  lots,  most  of  the  purchasers  proceeding  immediately  to  rear  houses  thereon. 

The  panicky  condition  of  affairs  in  1857  had  its  effect  upon  the  progress  of  Portage.  There 
■was  noticeably  less  activity  in  all  kind  of  business.  Real  estate  ceased  to  advance  in  price, 
there  was  less  demand  for  building  material,  money  became  scarce,  cash  customers  were  in 
greater  demand  and  the  people  moved  cautiously.  The  end  of  the  speculative  era  had  arrived. 
Then  commenced  the  substantial  and  permanent  period  of  the  young  city's  growth.  The  com- 
pletion of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad  and  the  spanning  of  the  Wisconsin  River  with 
the  great  bridge  in  this  year  are  important  items  in  the  history  of  Portage.  It  was  cause  for 
congratulation  that  the  citizens  had  never  voted  the  credit  of  the  city,  except  to  aid  in  the 
building  of  the  bridge,  and,  while  other  cities  and  villages  were  struggling  to  meet  their  bonded 
obligations,  Portage  occupied  the  enviable  position  of  a  brilliant  exception  in  the  matter  of 
indebtedness.  Private  capital  was  no  less  plenty  than  in  years  past,  but  there  was  less  of  it  in 
sight. 

In  the  spring  of  1858,  in  spite  of  the  hard  times,  there  were  from  fifty  to  eighty  buildings 
being  erected,  many  of  them  of  brick,  of  the  most  substantial  character.  Labor,  lumber  and 
lots  had  become  as  good  a  circulating  medium  as  coin  itself.  Lumber  men  bought  lots,  built 
houses  and  paid  in  lumber ;  laborers  obtained  lumber  and  building  lots  in  exchange  for  work, 
while  land-owners  contracted  for  work,  lumber  and  other  material,  and  gave  an  equivalent  in  lots. 

In  1859,  the  assessed  real  and  personal  property,  in  the  city  of  Portage,  was  valued  at 
■$588,169.  A  correspondent  draws  the  following  picture :  "  Seven  years  ago,  I  entered  Portage 
on  a  lumber-wagon,  after  a  tedious  four  days  journey  from  Milwaukee.  What  is  now  a  large, 
well-built  city,  with  an  enterprising  population,  was  then  an  unreclaimed  waste,  dotted  by  a  few 
straggling  houses.  Its  growth  has  been  almost  magical.  It  contains  many  structures  that 
would  do  honor  to  a  much  larger  city.  The  churches,  especially,  are  unusually  fine  edifices, 
and  speak  well  for  the  intelligence  and  morality  of  the  inhabitants.  There  are  also  several  large 
blocks  built  in  a  substantial  and  tasteful  manner.  The  color  of  the  brick  made  here  is  the  same 
as  that  of  the  far-famed  Milwaukee  brick,  and  gives  to  the  place  a  cheerful  and  pleasing 
appearance." 

The  war  of  the  rebellion  came,  and  the  unparelleled  progress  that  has  always  character- 
ized the  history  of  Portage  was  again  temporarily  checked.  The  implements  of  industry  were 
laid  aside,  and  the  destructive  weapons  of  war  taken  up.  Hundreds  of  the  best  men  composing 
the  thriving  population  gave  up  their  pursuits  of  peace  and  joined  the  grand  army  to  aid  in 
•obliterating  treason.  Many  of  them  never  returned.  A  new  generation  has  grown  up.  Con- 
fidence in  the  integrity  of  the  Government  has  been  fully  restored.  The  rays  of  a  new  indus- 
trial era  are  just  beginning  to  shed  their  welcome  splendor  over  the  battlements  of  progress. 
Portage,  through  all  the  tribulations  that  resulted  disastrously  to  other  cities,  has  not  receded. 
Her  commercial  supremacy  has  been  steadily  maintained.  Her  reverses  have  simply  checked, 
not  diminished,  her  prosperity.  She  boasts  of  shrewd  and  enterprising  merchants.  All  that  is 
now  lacking  is  the  development  of  the  manufacturing  advantages  she  naturally  possesses,  she 
being,  as  it  were,  the  "half-way  house  "  of  Wisconsin. 

PORTAGE   THIRTY    YEARS    AGO. 

Fort  Winnebago,  in  1850,  claimed  a  population  of  300  or  400  inhabitants,  but  had,  by 
actual  count,  probably  200  ;  and  no  small  share  of  these  were  merely  transient  stoppers  in  the 
place.  There  were  three  villages  then — the  little  collection  of  houses  under  the  hill  this  side 
of  the  Fox  River  at  the  fort,  the  little  hamlet  down  the  plank  road  at  the  United  States  Hotel, 
and  what  is  now  the  site  of  the  city.     A  Detroit  firm,  Webb  &  Bronson,  had  bought  and  platted 


592  HISTORY    OF   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

a  large  tract,  including  a  portion  of  what  is  now  the  Second  Ward,  and  extending  nearly  to  the 
fort;  and  for  a  long  time  the  proprietors  did  not  give  up  the  idea  that  over  near  the  fort  was 
to  be  the  future  city  ;  for  none  of  the  inhabitants  even  then  doubted  that  Portage  was  to  be  an 
important  point.  In  that  little  burg  were  to  be  found  Henry  and  G.  H.  Merrell,  in  the  dry- 
goods  and  grocery  business  ;  L.  Berry,  in  the  same  line ;  A.  Sheret,  we  believe,  Bully  O'Neil, 
the  tinker,  in  the  tin  business,  and  somebody  running  a  blacksmith-shop.  The  post  office  for 
this  whole  section  of  country,  with  a  semi-weekly  mail,  was  also  over  there,  and  was  kept  by 
G.  T.  Getty,  and  John  Graham  was  the  first  clerk.  M.  R.  Keegan  and  C.  H.  Moore  held 
forth  in  the  old  Government  building  at  the  left  of  the  bridge,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river, 
and  ran  a  grocery  and  provision  store ;  F.  Steber  occupying  one  corner  of  the  store  as  a  watch- 
maker and  jeweler.  Mr.  Moore  afterward  conducted  a  store  on  his  own  account  on  Canal 
street,  just  in  the  rear  of  the  building  afterward  occupied  by  N.  M.  Henry.  Later,  he  pulled 
up  stakes  and  went  West.  Mr.  Steber  also  soon  after  removed  over  and  continued  in  the  jew- 
elry business  until  his  death  in  1872.  Dr.  Prentice  lived  at  the  fort,  in  one  of  the  officers' 
buildings,  at  the  right  of  the  road,  and  practiced  his  profession.  He  also,  a  few  years  later, 
removed  "into  town,"  where  he  still  resides.  C.  D.  Hottenstein,  also  physician  and  surgeon, 
resided  in  that  locality  as  well ;  but  in  18.')6  or  1857,  removed  to  Columbia,  Penn.  William 
Spain  resided  at  the  fort,  and  occupied  his  time  in  civil  engineering.  James  Chancellor,  now 
of  St.  Louis,  taught  school  there  during  the  week,  and  preached  on  Sundays.  Erastus  Cook 
lived  in  a  little  house  on  the  avenue  in  front  of  the  Franklin  House.  He  and  a  Mr.  Burnham 
kept  a  little  store  near  the  Franklin  House.     Capt.  Low  lived  in  the  old  agency  building.  • 

The  Franklin  House  was  a  somewhat  noted  hotel,  and  for  a  short  time  was  kept  by  Mr. 
Ahlum,  who  removed  to  California  the  same  year.  He  was  succeeded  by  Burnham  &  Arrasby 
as  proprietors,  and,  a  little  later  in  the  year,  Aaron  Thompson,  afterward  Marshal  of  the  city, 
assumed  control.  John  Graham  acted  as  clerk  for  Ahlum,  and  Charlie  Thompson  officiated  for 
his  father  as  clerk,  hostler  and  "  bar  keep." 

The  post  office  was,  late  that  year  or  early  the  following  year,  removed  over  to  "  Gouge- 
ville,"  as  Uncle  Henry  Carpenter  delighted  to  call  this  portion  of  the  town,  and  was  kept  in 
the  store  of  T.  Dean  &  Co. — N.  W.  Dean,  of  Madison,  being  the  Co. — and  John  H.  Clark  was 
the  post  office  clerk.  L.  Berry  succeeded  Mr.  Dean  as  Postmaster.  Thad.  Dean,  in  1852, 
went  over  the  Plains  to  California,  but  in  a  few  years  returned. 

The  little  burg  at  the  fort  was  not  entirely  abandoned  for  a  number  of  years  after,  but  no 
traces  of  a  town  are  now  left,  the  buildings  having  either  rotted  down  or  been  removed. 

Uncle  Carpenter's  town  down  the  plank  road,  consisted  of  a  dry-goods  store,  kept  by 
himself,  with  0.  P.  Williams,  as  clerk  ;  the  Wisconsin  House,  kept  by  M.  Van  Winter  ;  the 
old  United  States  Hotel,  with  mine  host  Carpenter  as  proprietor  ;,  one  or  two  private  houses ; 
and  a  first-class  steamboat  landing.  Mr.  Van  Winter  continued  there  for  a  time,  but  yielding 
gradually  to  the  onward  march  of  progress  in  this  direction,  he  first  removed  half-way  up  and 
located  a  store  about  where  the  channel  of  the  Wisconsin  River  now  is,  and  afterward  abandoned 
the  flat  entirely,  came  into  town  and  erected  the  handsome  brick  block  now  occupied  by  Loomis, 
Gallett  &  Breese,  as  a  dry-goods  store. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2d  of  February,  1852,  the  old  United  States  Hotel,  located  a  few 
rods  south  of  the  presant  building,  was  destroyed  by  fire.  In  the  hall  of  this  building,  Lan- 
grische  &  Atwater  and  the  elder  Adams'  theatrical  troupes  used  to  delight  the  natives  in  the 
rendition  of  tragedies  that  would  make  a  saint  weep  and  a  Winnebago  Indian  lay  his  tomahawk 
down  at  the  foot-lights.  It  is  related  that  Moses  M.  Strong,  being  present  at  one  of  these 
entertainments,  was  called  out  by  the  boys  and  responded  by  "  You'd  scarce  e.xpect  one  of  my 
age  to  speak  in  public  on  the  stage,  etc.,"  which  called  forth  rounds  of  applause.  And  here, 
too.  the  young  folks,  together  with  the  festive  old  devotees  of  Terpsichore,  occasionally  assembled 
and  "  hoed  it  down  "  with  great  animation  and  delight.  It  may  be  mentioned,  also,  that  in 
this  building  historic  tradition  hath  it  tliat  the  first  wliite  child  was  born  in  the  city — George 
Carpenter. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  .  593 

Portage  proper  was  confined,  principally,  to  a  limit  east  of  De  Witt  street  and  south  of 
Pleasant,  with  a  few  scattering  houses  to  Ketchum's  Point,  and  about  an  equal  number  south  of 
the  canal.  That  year,  Edwin  Sylvester  erected  the  Washington  House  on  the  corner  south  of 
where  now  stands  the  First  Ward  Schoolhouse,  John  Graham  officiating  as  clerk.  Perry  Lee 
afterward  became  proprietor,  and  ran  the  hotel  till  it  was  burned  in  1859  or  1860.  Theophilus" 
Muelhause  (old  Louis)  acted  as  hostler  for  him  for  a  number  of  years.  R.  Twentyman  erected 
a  building  in  the  opposite  block,  and  opened  a  store.  He  soon  left  for  England,  and  died  in  two 
hours  after  reaching  his  home.  Stewart  &  Anderson,  with  Hoppock  &  Greenwood,  of  New 
York,  opened  a  store  in  the  building  opposite  Hank  James'  old  ball  alley.  The  firm  never  got 
rich  there,  but  were  always  happy,  and  Harve  would  always  be  in  fashion  if  he  never  laid  up  a 
cent.  A  steam  mill  by  Campbell,  Buchanan  &  Murison  was  in  contemplation,  and  partially 
constructed  that  fall.  These,  together  with  a  few  isolated  buildings,  constituted  nearly  all  south 
of  the  canal. 

That  which  has  become  so  beautiful  and  thickly  settled  a  residence,  as  well  as  business  por- 
tion of  the  town,  was  then  straggling  enough  ;  and  its  residents  were  exceedinfily  sensitive  as  to 
any  intimation  that  north  of  the  canal,  on  the  ridge,  was  not  the  center  of  Portage,  and,  possibly 
of  the  State.  The  feeling  between  the  different  localities  was  oftentimes  bitter,  and  men's 
interests  in  one  or  the  other  little  hamlet  had  entirely  too  much  to  do  with  the  opinions  of  each 
other.  It  is  strange  now  to  remember  that  such  strong  jealousies  ever  existed.  The  main 
institutions  on  the  present  site  of  the  city  were  Uncle  Dick  Veeder's  tavern,  C.  B.  Smith's  store 
and  a  liberty  pole.  The  town  was  then,  however,  as  now,  rich  in  saloons,  for  the  population. 
Main  street  was  the  principal  business  street.  Veeder's  tavern  stood  opposite  the  old  barn,  and 
in  1860,  together  with  the  new  and  commodious  structure  of  that  name,  was  consumed  by  fire. 
In  the  old  "tavern,"  for  "Uncle  Dick"  never  allowed  any  one  to  speak  of  it  as  an  "hotel" 
without  a  rebuke,  there  were  many  incidents,  and  much  of  interest  which  would  repay  a  recital, 
but  would  fill  a  volume.  The  old  house  was  known  far  and  wide,  and  was  the  favorite  stopping 
place  of  lumbermen  in  their  weary  return  from  Galena  and  other  points  below,  long  before  emigra- 
tion set  this  way.  E.  B.  Treadwell  was  the  faithful  and  obliging  clerk.  C.  B.  Smith's  store 
was  the  store  of  the  place.  Smith  was  a  rollicking  genius,  and  exactly  suited  to  work  up  a  lively 
trade  with  the  equally  rollicking  and  devil-may-care  community.  During  the  summer  months, 
his  goods  were  transported  by  river,  from  Galena,  by  the  old  steamer  Enterprise,  a  stern-wheeler 
of  no  mean  pretensions  at  that  early  day.  She  made  regular  weekly  trips,  was  well  patronized 
and  did  a  thrifty  and  profitable  business.  In  the  fall,  Ellas  Thomas  inaugurated  the  system  of 
hauling  goods  by  teapi,  from  Milwaukee,  for  Smith,  and  the  succeeding  years  witnessed  an  immense 
business  in  that  line,  which  was  continued  until  superseded  by  the  iron  horse  in  the  winter 
of  1856.  Lorenzo  Burger  clerked  for  him  and  afterward  went  to  California.  Riley  Moulton 
also  clerked  for  Smith,  and  afterward  married  his  widow.  They  removed  to  New  Lisbon,  where 
Mrs.  Moulton  died.  A  little  later,  the  store  of  Smith  was  occupied  by  Isaac  Brill,  a  dry-goods 
and  clothing  store,  and  in  the  winter  of  1851  or  1852,  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

The  spring  and  summer  of  1850  wittnessed  the  coming,  from  Ohio,  of  C.  J.  Pettlbone,  C.  G. 
McCulloch,  George  Wall,  John  A.  Johnson,  E.  L.  Jaeger  and  perhaps  others.  Mr.  Pettlbone 
opened  a  store  in  an  old  building.  He  brought  on  a  large  stock  of  dry  goods,  groceries,  etc., 
and  opened  for  awhile,  without,  however,  very  flattering  success.  He  finally,  with  a  portion  of 
his  goods,  started  for  Madison.  On  his  way  down  he  became  mud-bound,  and,  while  absent,  his 
wise  disposed  of  barrels  of  sugar,  and  other  goods  in  proportion,  to  customers  80  and  100  miles 
north.  On  his  return,  with  this  flattering  evidence  of  business,  he  concluded  to  remain.  He 
succeeded  beyond  expectation,  and  he  here  laid  the  foundation  for  a  large  fortune.  Mr.  E.  L. 
Jigger  was  the  head  clerk  for  him  at  that  time,  and  remained  with  him  for  a  number  of  years 
thereafter.  McCulloch  soon  became  the  leading  druggist  and  was  located  at  the  head  of  Main 
street  and  on  the  north  side  of  Conant,  and  Dr.  Best  ran  a  smaller  establishment  of  the  kind 
further  down  the  street,  and  also  practiced  at  his  profession.  Fred.  A.  Peabody,  a  wide-awake 
Yankee,  ran  a  grocery  on  Main  street.     Mr.  Brewer  run  a  butcher-shop  on  the  opposite  side. 


594  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

while  Dave  Morgan  and  a  curly-headed  mulatto  ran  a  barber-shop  a  door  or  two  below  Dr. 
Best's.  Frank  Winnie  was  shoeing  horses  on  Conant  street.  John  Gates  came  in  the  fall  of 
1850,  and  opened  the  "  Janesville  store,"  in  a  building  opposite  the  City  Hotel,  on  Cook  street. 
Mr.  Older  came  with  him.  Mr.  Gates  "  organized"  the  first  dray  in  town.  George  and  Robert 
Norris  run  a  tin-shop  next  door  to  Mr.  Gates.  The  Time»  office  was  opened  in  a  building  which 
then  stood  on  Cook  street.     It  was  afterward  removed  to  Canal  street. 

The  legal  fraternity  was  represented  then  by  John  Delaney,  M.  D.  Ingraham,  D.  J.  M. 
Loop,  L.  Van  Slyck,  Alvah  Hand,  Judge  Kellogg,  W.  R.  De  Witt,  A.  C.  Ketchum,  J.  A. 
Johnson  and  L.  S.  Dixon.  John  Delaney  was  eminent  in  his  profession,  and  was  widely  known 
as  a  politician.  M.  D.  Ingraham  was  another  gifted  and  brilliant  young  man,  whom  all  old 
settlers  remember  well,  and  his  death,  a  year  later,  was  universally  lamented.  D.  J.  M. 
Loop — and  who,  of  all  old  neighbors,  cannot  remember  him  ?  Van  Slyck  was  Justice  then, 
and  Loop  practiced  in  Van's  court,  and  it  was  Van's  chief  delight,  when  the  frisky  little  disci- 
ple of  Blackstone  became  enraged  and  unruly,  to  take  him  by  the  nape  of  his  neck  and  the  seat 
of  his  pants  and  throw  him  bodily  through  the  window  into  the  street.  Alvah  Hand,  ever  faith- 
ful to  his  client,  continued  the  practice  here  till  his  death,  which  event  occurred  several  years 
ago.  Judge  Kellogg  died  in  1874  at  Rio.  De  Witt  went  West  in  search  of  another  "  rattle- 
trap "  farm  in  1860.  A.  C.  Ketchum  went  to  Memphis.  John  A.  Johnson  was  the  first  part- 
ner of  L.  S.  Dixon.  Judge  Dixon  came  late  in  the  fall  of  1850,  fresh  from  the  Vermont 
University,  and  the  law  school  at  Ballston  Spa,  we  think,  and  here  laid  the  foundation  for  the 
eminence  he  subsequently  achieved  at  the  bar  and  on  the  bench 

The  town  was  soon  full  of  mechanics,  among  them  Alexander  Carnagie.  Alexander 
Chrystie  and  a  man  named  Johnson  ran  a  carpenter-shop  on  the  corner  near  the  City  Hotel, 
and  the  building  was  afterward  occupied  by  Col.  Vaughan  (brother-in-law  to  LeRoy  Gates),  a 
daguerrian,  who  removed  to  the  Territories  years  later.  H.  Sexton  and  L.  S.  Thompson  car- 
ried on  the  furniture  business  at  HoUenbeck's  old  stand. 

The  first  and  only  schoolhouse,  at  that  time,  excepting  the  Portage  High  School,  with  Mrs. 
Butz  (afterward  Mrs.  Cornwall)  as  Principal,  was  situated  in  a  small  building  and  Delos  Brown 
was  the  pedagogue. 

The  Presbyterians  were  the  only  denomination  who  could  afibrd  a  church  building,  and 
Rev.  W.  W.  McNair,  who  was  the  only  preacher  living  there,  preached  the  first  season,  at  least, 
to  the  greater  portion  of  the  church-going  community.  Jenny  Lind  Williams  used  to  come  in 
eight  or  ten  miles  each  Sunday  to  preside  at  the  organ.  The  church  stood  on  Cook  street, 
nearly  opposite  the  jail.  Mr.  McNair  built  and  lived  in  the  Doty  House,  and  a  few  years  after 
removed  to  the  northwest  part  of  the  State.     Williams  is  dead. 

The  construction  of  the  canal  between  the  two  rivers,  by  the"  State,  was  then  in  progress, 
and  a  large  number  of  laborers  were  attracted  hither  seeking  employment,  which  was  readily 
obtained.  Thomas  Reynolds  had  the  contract  for  the  work  proper,  while  Gelson  McNeal  con- 
structed the  locks.  Charlie  Kingsbury,  of  iSt.  Joseph,  Mo.,  was  in  charge  of  the  dredge  boat, 
then  working  its  way  up  the  Fox,  and  a  Mr.  Alton  was  chief  engineer,  and  had  general  super- 
vision over  all.  The  first  boat  through  the  canal  was  the  steamer  John  L.  Mitchell,  which 
event  occurred  May  23,  1851.  The  appearance  of  the  boat  called  out  quite  a  concourse  of  peo- 
ple who  gazed  upon  it  in  wonder  and  indulged  in  extravagant  prediction?  as  to  the  future.  The 
first  steamboat  whistle  ever  heard  on  the  "  Wisconse"  in  this  region,  was  that  of  the  old  Enter- 
prise. Perry  Williams  was  the  first  man  to  catch  the  shrill  sound.  Never  having  heard  its 
like  before.  Perry  mistook  the  sound  for  the  cries  of  some  drowning  raftsman  in  the  last  agonies 
of  despair,  secured  a  skiff  and  started  to  his  relief.  An  experienced  riverman  happening  along, 
informed  Perry  that  he  was  a  "'cussed  dunce  and  had  better  go  West,"  or  words  to  that  effect. 

C.  W.  Mappa  erected  the  first  warehouse,  which  stood  opposite  the  upper  lock  on  the  river 
bank.     It  afterward  toppled  over  and  was  long  since  removed. 

Capt.  William  Weir  then  took  the  fort  under  his  protecting  wing,  as  captain  of  the  post  in 
charge,  and  guarded  faithfully  and  well  the  interests  of  "  Uncle  Sam." 


PORTAGE  ,  CITY. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  597 

Michel  Brisbois  lived  where  John  Graham's  new  brick  block  now  stands.  Mrs.  B.  was  the 
■daughter  of  Pierre  Pauquette.  Valentine  Helmann  was  then  shoving  the  jack-plane,  while 
Owen,  John  and  Larey  Ward,  Tom  Dalton,  Pat  Sheehan,  Jack  Maloney  and  others,  were 
like-wise  engaged  when  not  studying  the  sand  bars  and  intricate  channel  of  the  "  old  Wis- 
conse." 

Of  those  not  already  mentioned,  there  were  La  Fayette  Van  Dusen,  Dr.  Seaman  and  Henry 
Ensign.  All  three  are  living  in  the  Golden  State.  Of  others  now  absent  or  dead,  there  are 
remembered  Dr.  F.  W.  Miller  (an  excellent  physician,  trusty  friend  and  esteemed  citizen),  L. 
Cornwell,  Amasa  Wilson,  E.  Childs,  J.  M.  Crawford,  Deputy  Sheriif  Spoor,  Dan  Boylan,  Jim 
Scott,  Doc.  Rollins,  Dick  Lamb,  Thornton  Thompson,  Gale  Anderson,  Sam  Carpenter,  Charlie 
McNeal,  D.  B.  Peck,  Uncle  Major  Linn,  Col.  Morehouse  and  family,  John  Lodge,  J.  B.  Sand- 
derson,  W.  E.  Waite,  and  last,  though  perhaps  least,  in  size,  little  Sam  Pearsoll. 

The  spring  and  summer  witnessed  the  coming  of  a  large  number  who  have  since  been 
identified  as  among  the  city's  most  prominent  citizens:  J.  J.  Guppey,  Josiah  Arnold,  J.  B. 
Fargo,  Q.  N.  Richmond,  Samuel  Edwards,  R.  0.  Loomis,  H.  S.  Haskell,  Milo  and  William 
Pettibone,  A.  B.  Alden,  0.  Ward  and  others.  Guppey  then,  as  now,  was  County  Judge.  Not 
that  he  has  held  the  office  continuously  since  that  time,  for,  be  it  remembered,  he  was  an  active 
participant  in  the  late  war,  first  entering  the  service  as  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  Tenth 
Regiment,  and  afterward  assuming  command  of  the  Twenty-third,  as  Colonel. 

Felix  McLinden,  "when  the  sun  was  low,"  assisted  Samuel  Reynolds  about  the  improve- 
ment, and  officiated  in  those  days  as  Sergeant-at-arms  of  the  Assembly.  In  a  little  building  on 
Main  street,  N.  H.  Wood  ran  an  auction  store.  H.  G.  Hansen  and  0.  C.  Bellrude  kept  a 
shoe-shop  on  Conant  street,  at  the  head  of  Main,  and  Thomas  Buttrey  had  a  similar  institu- 
tion, also  on  Conant  street.  Among  other  ancient  "landmarks"  deserving  a  passing  notice 
were  old  Jo  Robinson  and  old  Uncle  Lord,  both  graduates  from  the  militai-y  post  at  Fort 
Winnebago. 

The  jumping  of  claims  was  of  daily  occurrence,  and  a  street  fight  or  a  "knock-down  " 
among  the  contestants  for  a  corner  lot  was  a  frequent  and  indeed  animating  pastime ;  and  may 
we  not  be  pardoned  for  incidentally  mentioning,  at  this  late  day,  that  we  also  occasionally  "got 
one  in  under  the  ear,"  ourselves,  but  always,  however,  in  defense  of  an  honest  claim.  "  Oh, 
dem  was  good  times."  The  whole  town  site  west  of  De  Witt  street,  with  occasionally  here  and 
there  a  house,  was  then  in  its  primeval  condition,  being  almost  entirely  covered  with  under- 
growth. Main,  and  the  east  end  of  Cook,  Conant  and  a  little  settlement  in  the  Third  Ward  on 
Pleasant  street  were  in  town,  and  anywhere  outside  of  them  seemed  like  going  into  the 
country.  Down  by  Hiurtel's  Brewery,  Emder's,  the  bank  corner  and  Coming's  store,  pigeons 
were  hunted  among  the  then  dense  oak-trees,  with  no  indifferent  success.  Mr.  Whitney,  one 
of  the  early  pioneers  (who  died  a  year  or  two  after),  resided  in  a  little  frame  house  fronting  on 
Canal  street.  The  house  formerly  stood  where  Emder's  Hotel  now  stands,  and  Whitney's 
always  had  a  little  wheat-field  in  his  inclosure.  Beyond  Mr.  Whitney's  and  near  the  upper 
lock,  resided  old  Mr.  Dempsey,  who  afterward  removed  to  Lewiston,  and,  a  few  years  ago,  while 
fulfilling  a  contract  for  wood  with  us,  fell  from  a  load,  was  run  over  and  instantly  killed.  A 
little  further  up  and  just  beyond  the  lock,  stood  the  building  so  long  occupied  by  0.  P.  Will- 
iams as  a  residence,  and  which  was  afterward  burned.  In  this  house  lived  Hugh  McFarlane, 
and  in  one  end  of  the  same  he  conducted  a  store.  Here  John  Delany  was  dividing  his  time  in 
reading  law  and  waiting  on  any  stray  customer  who  chanced  to  favor  him  with  a  call.  In  the 
upper  part  of  the  building,  Mrs.  Cornwell  conducted  the  Portage  High  School,  an  institution 
which  was  alike  creditable  to  the  enterprising  citizens  and  its  accomplished  preceptress.  From 
McFarlane's  it  was  a  short  half-mile  walk  through  the  woods  to  the  house  of  the  late  Andrew 
Dunn.  Dunn,  McFarlane  and  William  Armstrong  were  early  pioneers,  and  laid  claim  to  a 
large  tract  of  land,  embracing  the  most  of  that  part  of  the  city.  McFarlane  was  Portage's  first 
representative  in  the  assembly,  and  in  making  laws  for  the  "boys"  and  advocating  the  inter- 
ests of  his  constituents  in  general,   proved  himself  a  valuable  member.     Dunn,  in  1857  or 


598  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

1858,  removed  to  New  Lisbon,  and,  a  few  years  later,  died  in  the  insane  asylum  at  Madison. 
Across  Silver  Lake  a  mile  from  Dunn's,  was,  and  still  is,  Conrad  Collipp,  the  happy  possessor 
of  a  valuable  tract  of  land  which  has,  under  his  supervision,  been  improved  and  beautified,  and 
also  increased  in  value  tenfold.  Samuel  Slifer  was  Mr.  Collipp's  nearest  neighbor.  He  died 
in  1851.  Patrick  Carroll  made  claim  to  what  is  now  known  as  the  Pettibone  farm  on  the  hill 
half  a  mile  east  from  Collipp's.  There  was  no  road  there  in  those  days,  the  new  pinery  road 
not  having  been  laid  out  until  a  year  or  two  after.  Benjamin  Schulze  made  his  claim  that 
year,  and  was  then  living,  as  now,  in  the  Second  Ward.  Out  on  ihe  old  pinery  road.  Coop. 
Lemour,  from  Canada,  stuck  his  stakes  and  erected  a  small  brick  house,  and,  still  further  on, 
Enoch  Pixley,  also  from  Canada,  pitched  his  tent  and  soon  thereafter  erected  a  brick  building, 
and,  for  a  time,  ran  a  hotel  for  the  accommotlation  of  the  pinery  trade.  These  two  buildings 
were  the  only  brick  structures  in  the  whole  village.  Lemour  removed  to  California  in  1858. 
Bemus  J.  Pixley  lived  out  in  the  bush  opposite  Mayor  Gallett's  residence,  and  James  Marrs 
lived  in  the  old  dilapidated  building  in  front  of  H.  S.  Haskell's.  Solomon  Leach  and  0.  F. 
Waggoner  landed  here  some  time  subsequent  to  the  flood.  Mr.  Leach  is  rightfully  entitled  to 
the  honor  of  building  the  first  saw-mill  which  was  situated  on  the  island  in  the  river  opposite 
his  house  above  the  bridge.  The  mill  was  noted  chiefly  for  its  speed,  the  saw  running  on  the 
same  time-table  with  the  Oxford  stage,  up  one  day  and  down  the  next.  Mr.  Waggoner  for  a 
year  maintained  the  ferry  across  the  river  where  the  bridge  now  stands.  He  afterward  located 
on  the  bluft'  which  now  bears  his  name,  four  miles  up  the  river,  but  having  a  natural  love  for 
the  attractions  of  the  frontiersman's  life,  he  soon  thereafter  moved  further  to  the  front.  These 
half-dozen  residents  composed  about  all  of  what  now  constitutes  the  thickly  settled  and  popu- 
lous Fourth  and  Fifth  Wards.  Communication  with  the  outside  world  was  then  by  Frink  & 
Walker's  stage  line  to  Madison,  and  the  Veeder  House,  which  was  the  stage  house,  oftentimes 
swarmed  with  travelers  and  river  men  on  their  way  to  the  pinery. 

A  writer  in  November,  1850,  says:  "The  canal  connecting  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers 
at  this  point  is  very  nearly  completed.  The  work  of  excavation  is  finished,  and  but  a  small 
portion  remains  to  be  planked.  The  locks  at  each  end  are  nearly  finished — all,  we  believe, 
except  the  hanging  of  the  gates.  In  addition  to  this  improvement  a  levee  or  embankment  is 
being  erected  by  Messrs.  Webb  &  Bronson  (the  enterprising  proprietors  of  that  part  of  the  land 
on  which  the  city  is  located,  sold  by  the  General  Government),  extending  from  the  high  land,  or 
blufi",  on  the  south  side  of  the  canal  to  the  bluif  on  the  other  side  of  the  portage.  This  embank- 
ment, when  completed,  will  entirely  prevent  the  overflow  of  the  portage.  It  is  now  far  advanced, 
and  will  cost  about  $16,000.  Messrs.  Webb  &  Bronson  have  also  completed  a  turnpike  road 
across  the  portage,  from  Carpenter's  Hotel,  on  the  Wisconsin  River,  to  old  Fort  Winnebago,  on 
Fox  River,  at  a  cost  of  $1,700. 

"  Heretofore,  there  has  been  but  little  said  on  the  subject  of  the  progress  of  our  city,  for 
the  reason  that  while  its  progress  has  been  rapid  beyond  parallel,  it  has  been  steady  and 
unmarked  by  any  particular  distinguished  incident.  Good  buildings  have  been  erected  and 
others  are  still  going  up.  The  number  built  within  the  past  year  is  over  two  hundred.  Among 
them  are  stores  of  all  descriptions,  mechanics'  shops,  taverns,  offices,  etc.  The  population  of 
the  city,  as  shown  by  the  Marshal's  returns,  is  1,176,  and  is  steadily  increasing.  This  rapid 
improvement,  startling  and  wonderful  as  it  is,  has  been  made  in  the  face  of  the  most  serious 
drawbacks.  Previous  to  the  erection  of  the  levee  on  the  shore  of  the  Wisconsin,  eligible  sites 
for  building  could  only  be  found  on  the  lands  lately  purchased  from  the  Menomonee  Indians,  to 
which  no  higher  title  than  that  of  a  claim  could  be  obtained.  The  ultimate  value  of  such  a  title 
is  subject  to  many  contingencies,  and  present  values  and  the  safety  of  erecting  buildings  are 
determined  entirely  by  the  moral  sense  of  the  present  inhabitants.  So  far,  the  confidence  of 
those  who  placed  a  high  estimate  upon  that  moral  sense  has  not  been  abused. 

"  The  noise  of  hammers  and  saws  is  to  be  heard  on  every  hand.  The  present  progress  of 
improvement  is  accelerated  beyond  that  of  any  former  time,  and,  during  the  rise  of  our  city,  the 
settlement  in  the  surrounding  country  has  more  than   kept  pace  with  it.     Building  materials, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  599 

water-powers  of  any  capacity  desired,  and  a  rich,  rapidly  settling  country  are  with  us  and  around 
us.     No  obstacle,  save  that  of  the  title  to  the  land,  stands  in  the  track  of  our  advancement." 

'-  The  tourist  finds  at  this  place,"  says  a  writer  at  Fort  Winnebago,  in  October,  1851, 
"objects  of  deep  interest.  Here  is  the  line  that  divides  the  northern  and  southern  waters.  Let 
us  ascend  the  beautiful  elevation  that  lies  between  the  two  rivers,  for  observations.  On  facing 
the  east,  we  see  the  wide  tracts  once  possessed  by  the  Winnebagoes.  On  the  right  hand  rolls  in 
silent  majesty  the  Wisconsin  River,  which,  emptying  into  the  Mississippi,  at  length  reaches  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico.  On  the  river  is  the  flourishing  village  of  Fort  Winnebago,  or,  as  it  is  called, 
Portage  City.  Here,  but  a  few  years  since,  we  wandered  through  a  grove,  where  naught  but 
the  grav;  of  the  murdered  Pauquette  arrested  the  attention.  Now,  how  changed  the  prospect ! 
The  place  is  sprinkled  over  with  pretty  white  cottages  and  substantial  stores  of  various  kinds. 
A  small,  neat  church  stands  in  bold  relief  upon  the  brow  of  the  table  land ;  and  this  being  the 
shire  village  of  Columbia  County,  the  spot  where  the  court  house  is  to  be  erected  is  very  attract- 
ive. Standing  on  the  high  ground,  it  is  to  be  a  splendid  building,  facing  a  square.  The  courts 
are  now  held  in  the  old  garrison.  On  the  south  rise  the  Baraboo  hills,  and  on  the  left  hand  the 
fertile  lands,  lately  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  Menomonees,  stretch  out  in  boundless 
extent." 

PORTAGE    IN    18t)0. 

"I  noticed,"  says  a  writer  in  1860,  "some  very  extensive  stores  in  which  the  quality  of 
goods  and  amount  of  display  were  not  a  whit  behind  Milwaukee.  In  W.  W.  Forbes  magnifi- 
cent establishment  in  Pettibone's  Block,  there  are  no  less  than  a  dozen  clerks  busily  engaged  in 
their  various  departments.  C.  J.  Pettibone's  'headquarters,'  as  he  calls  it,  is  in  full  operation. 
Pettibone  opened  his  store  in  Portage  eight  or  nine  years  ago,  when  it  was  a  small  village  of  only 
one  tavern,  one  grocery,  and  a  blacksmith-shop,  where  the  lumbermen  and  farmers  got  cheated 
so  badly  that  they  christened  it  Gougeville.  Indeed,  that  was  the  regular  name  for  a  long  while 
of  the  now  important  and  pretentious  Portage.  Pettibone's  store  has  been  carried  on  upon  an 
honest  principle,  and  has  been  largely  influential,  by  square  dealing,  in  removing  from  the  incipi- 
ent city  its  odious  name.  I  also  observed  some  fine  stores  on  Cook  street,  and  in  the  Vander- 
cook  Block,  which  appear  to  be  prospering. 

"  Portage  has  one  thing  that  is  peculiarly  enviable,  and  that  is  the  beautiful  cream-colored 
brick,  of  which  most  of  her  best  buildings  are  made.  Those  who  visit  the  place  cannot  fail  to 
admire  the  splendid  appearance  of  the  Bank  Block,  Pettibone  and  Vandercook  buildings,  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  etc.  These  edifices  owe  their  chief  beauty  to  the  material  of  which  they 
are  composed.  I  think  that  the  pressed  brick  here  are  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  the  famous 
Milwaukee  article.  An  extensive  stone  quarry  back  of  Fort  Winnebago  furnishes  substantial 
foundations  for  these  beautiful  structures,  but  there  seems  to  be  no  disposition  to  use  stone  above 
the  ground  when  brick  and  lumber  are  so  easily  obtained.  The  only  stone  building  that  I  saw, 
except  the  county  jail,  was  Reynolds,  Craig  &  Co.'s  Fort  Winnebago  Mill,  at  the  junction  of 
the  canal  and  Fox  River.  This  is  an  enormous  building,  four  stories  high,  and  now  literally 
crammed  with  grain  and  flour,  there  being  only  room  enough  for  six  or  eight  runs  of  stone  to 
operate  in.  The  mill  grinds  steadily  from  Monday  morning  till  Saturday  night  without  cessa- 
tion.    Large  quantities  of  flour  and  feed  are  sold  and  sent  ofl'  daily. 

"  Portage  is  insufficiently  supplied  just  now  witli  good  hotels.  Last  winter  the,  Lee  House 
burned  down,  and,  about  a  month  ago,  the  famous  Veeder  House  was  destroyed  by  the  same  means. 
The  City  Hotel  and  the  McTighe  or  Ellsworth  House  are  all  that  are  now  left  to  fill  the  vacancy, 
and  they  are  crowded  to  repletion. 

"  The  system  of  union  schools  just  established  here  is  in  great  favor.  Prof  MagoSin, 
foi-merly  of  Carroll  College,  and  more  recently  Principal  of  the  Waukesha  Union  School,  is  at 
the  head  of  an  able  corps  of  teachers,  and  is  doing  much  in  the  cause  of  education." 


600  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


"  CLAIM    TWENTY-ONE. 


The  land  upon  which  a  large  portion  of  Portage  now  stands  presents  historical  features  of 
interest.  Although  the  city  is  still  young,  title  to  a  very  important  part  of  its  site  dates  back 
many  years.  The  land  in  question  is  that  covered  by  what  is  known  as  the  "Grignon  Claim," 
frequently  referred  to  as  "  Claim  No.  21."     The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  deed  made  by  the 

:■  United  States  Government  in  1832: 

.1. 

.        I  UNITKU    STATES    TO    AUOUSTIX    GRIGNON. 

'  I IThe  United  States  of  America  to  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  greeting :  Know  ye  that  there  has  been  depos- 
ited in  the  General  Land  Office  a  certificate,  numbered  "266,  of  the  Register  of  the  Land  Office  at  Detroit,  in  the  Territory 
of  Michigan,  whereby  it  appears  that,  by  the  second  section  of  the  act  of  Congress  approved  on  the  17th  day  of 
April,  1828,  entitled  "An  Act  to  confirm  certain  claims  to  lands  in  the  Territory  of  Michigan,"  Augustin  Grignon 
was  confirmed,  saving  the  rights  of  the  heirs  of  John  Ecuyer  [or  Lecuyer],  deceased,  in  his  claim  in  volume  num- 
bered one  of  the  Reports  of  the  (Jommissioners  on  Land  Claims  in  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  to  the  tract  of  land 
containing  six  hundred  and   forty-eight   acres   and   eighty-two  hundredths  of  an  acre,  situate  at  the  portage  of  the 

■'Ouisoonsin  and  Fox  Rivers,  bounded  and  described  as  follows,  to  wit: 

y-.  Ueginning  on  the  northeast  bank  of  the  Ouisoonsin  River,  one-fourth  of  a  mile  below  the  landing-place,  at  a 

post  from  which  a  birch  twelve  inches  in  diameter  bears  north  3o  degrees  west,  distant  eleven  links,  and  a  birch  14 
inches  diameter  bears  south  G4  degrees  east,  distant  To  links  ;  thence  up  the  river  north  forty  degrees,  west  twenty 
chains,  to  the  landing-place  (entered  prairie  at  five  chains),  north  70  degrees,  west  five  chains,  north  01  degrees,  west 
26  chains  and  .5(1  liuks  (at  three  chains  foot  of  island),  south  81  degrees,  west  eight  chains  and  uO  links  to  an  aspen 

'seven  inches  in  diameter  (corner  on  the  bank  of  the  river);  thence  north  10  degrees  and  15  minutes,  west  thirty 
i chains  thro\igh  prairie  to  the  top  of  the  hill  to  the  corner  of  the  pickets  which  surround  the  grave  of  the  late  .John 
Ecuyer  (no  post,  no  bearings  near) ;  thence  north  50  degrees  east  (at  15  chains  enter  barrens,  after  passing  through 
'  old  field  at  41  chains  a  pond,  at  46  chains  left  the  pond,  and  at  58  chains  a  wet  prairie),  118  chains  to  a  post  on  the 

■'left  bank  of  Fox  River,  from  which  a  white  oak  five  inches  in  diameter  bears  north  56i  degrees  west,  distant  three 

V  jahains  and  46  links ;  thence  up  Fox  River  south  five  degrees,  west  three  chains,  south  16  degrees,  west  9  chains  and 

ji,60  links  to  landing-place  at  Portage,  south  47  degrees,  east  '2i  chains  and  40  links  to  a  post  on  the  margin  of,river  in  a 
marsh  :   thence  south  25  degrees  and  30  minutes,  west  116  chains  and  70  links  (entering  timber  land  at  100  chains) 

•"to  the  beginning. 

III.         There  is,  therefore,  granted  by  the  United  States  unto  the  said  .ALUgustin  Grignon  and  to  his  heirs,  saving  any 

J^ight  or  claim  which  the  said  heirs  of  .John  Ecuyer,  deceased,  may  have  in  and  to  the  same,  the  tract  of  land  above 

described  ;  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  tract,  with  the  appurtenances,  unto  the  said  Augustin  Grignon  and  unto  his 

'lifeirs  and  assigns  forever,  saving,  as  aforesaid,  any  right,  title   or  claim   which   the   said  heirs  of  John   Ecuyer, 

•deceased,  may  have  in  and  to  the  hereby  granted  premises. 

),.  I        In  testimony  whereof,  I,  Andrew  .lackson,  President  of  the  United  States,  have  caused  these  letters  to  be  made 
patent,  and  the  seal  of  the  General  Land  Office  to  be  hereunto  aflBxed.      Given  under  my  hand,  at  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington, the  liljth  day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-two,  and  of  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  the  fifty-ninth.  ANDREW  JACKSON. 
x:?^^^^!^     By  the  President.                                                                                     Eli.iah  Hatwood, 
/8KA1.\                                                                                                                Commissioner  of  the  General  Land  Office. 

•   ViTyx:^/     Recorded  on  Friday,  the  17th  of  August,  A.  D.  183-2,  at  6  o'clock  P.  M. 

''■I  Samuei  Irwin,  Deputy  Register. 

o  i.(  I.  ^ygygjijj  Gngnon  came  into  possession  of  the  above  described  lands  by  purchase  from  the 
I'^'eirs  of  John  Lecuyer,  who  acquired  title  to  it  by  priority  of  settlement. 

",         Under  an  act  of  Congress  entitled  "  An  act  to  confirm  certain  land  claims  in  the  Territory 
<){  Michigan,"  commissioners  were  appointed  and  sent  out  by  the  Government  of  the  United 
'States  to  inquire  into  the  validity  of  title  to  "'certain  claims,"  and  it  was  in  accordance  with  the 
report  of  the  commissioners  that  the  Grignon  claim  became  a  valid  one,  recognized  by  the  United 
States,  from  whom  a  patent  accordingly  is,sued.     The  boundaries  of  this  claim  have  ever  since 
■''been  relied   upon  and  followed  by  local  surveyors,  and  frequent  reference  to  "  Claim  No.  21  " 
■'aire  made  in  the  land  records  of  Portage.     The  land  was  patented  to  Grignon  in  April,  1832, 
'and  on  the  18th  of  June,  of  the  same  year,  an  indenture,  made  ''between  Augustine  Grignon 
and  Nancy  Grignon,  his  wife,  of  the  first  part,  and  Daniel  Whitney,  all  of  Green  Bay,  county 
of  Brown,  of  the  second  part,  to  wit :     That  the  said  parties  of  the  first  part,  for  and  in  consider- 
ation of  the  sum  of  $500  to  them  in  hand  paid  by  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  conveyed 
the  property  to  Whitney.     This  conveyance  was  witnessed  by  Peter  B.  and  Charles  A.  Grignon, 
and  acknowledged  before  L.  Grignon,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  being  recorded  June  26,  1832, 
by  Samuel  Irwin,  Deputy  Register  of  Brown  County. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  601 

On  the  14th  of  June,  1836,  Sheldon  Thompson,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  De  Gamo  Jones, 
of  Detroit,  Michigan  Territory,  became  the  purchasers  and  owners  of  the  land,  paying  therefor 
$12,500.  Messrs.  Thompson  and  Jones  were  trustees  for  themselves,  Robert  McPherson, 
Daniel  Whitney,  G.  P.  Griffith,  and  others,  constituting  "the  Wisconsin  Shot  Company." 
They  remained  the  owners  of  the  Grignon  claim  until  October  17,  1839,  when  the  Portage 
Canal  Company  came  into  possession  through  purchase.  The  consideration  was  $34,234.61. 
"This  indenture"  was  witnessed  by  Evan  Griffith,  B.  L.  Webb,  Asher  B.  Bates  and  Samuel 
Haines  Porter,  and  acknowledged  by  Sheldon  Thompson  before  N.  K.  Hall,  Commissioner  of 
Deeds  for  Erie  County,  N.  Y.,  and  by  De  Gamo  Jones  before  Samuel  Haines  Porter,  a 
Notary  Public  in  Wayne  County,  Mich. ;  received  for  record  May  30,  1840,  by  Jacob 
McKinney,  Register  of  Deeds,  Brown  County. 

Thompson  and  Jones,  it  appears,  again  came  into  possession  of  the  property,  for  in  Sep- 
tember, 1842,  Claim  21  was  sold  by  them,  as  trustees  for  themselves,  and  others,  constituting 
the  Shot  Company,  to  Benjamin  L.  Webb,  and  in  May,  1844,  Alvin  Bronson  became  the  pur- 
chaser of  an  undivided  four-nineteenths  of  the  claim,  paying  Webb  therefor  $2,500.  In 
November,  1849,  a  plat  of  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  covering  the  Grignon  claim,  was  made 
by  Messrs.  Webb  and  Bronson,  John  Mullett,  Surveyor.  The  boundary  lines  of  this  plat  may 
be  easily  traced  upon  any  of  the  modern  maps  of  the  city  of  Portage.  The  northwesterly 
boundary,  designated  as  "'  the  line  of  public  lands,"  as  distinguishing  them  from  the  early 
Menomonee  possessions,  begins  at  a  point  on  the  Fox  River,  opposite  old  Fort  Winnebago,  and 
runs  southwesterly  to  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Conant  streets ;  thence  almost  directly  south 
across  the  canal  to  the  Wisconsin  River  ;  thence  southeasterly  along  the  bank  of  the  river  to  a 
point  half  a  block  east  of  Ontario  street;  thence  northwesterly  on. a  direct  line  to  Fox  River, 
and  down  that  stream  to  the  place  of  beginning. 

RICHARD    FREEMAN    VEEDER 

was  a  man  of  wonderful  constitution,  and,  had  the  laws  of  health  been  studied  and  more  care^ 
fully  observed  by  him,  it  seems  as  though  he  might  have  lived  to  an  age  not  often  allotted  to 
mankind.  His  name  is  intimately  associated  with  the  early  settlement  of  Portage.  While  he 
was  frequently  rude  and  rough  in  speech,  he  had  a  heart  wonderfully  tender  and  sympathetic, 
which  was  never  appealed  to  in  vain,  and  few  men  performed  more  acts  of  charity  than  "  Uncle 
Dick."  Hundreds  will  remember  hiiii  for  his  charities,  and  speak  kindly  of  his  name,  and  all 
who  ever  knew  him  will  never  forget  the  peculiar  characteristics  which  so  emphatically  distin- 
guished him.  He  died  at  his  residence,  in  Portage,  January  19,  1870,  aged  about  fifty-eight 
years.  He  lives  largely  in  the  remembrance  of  the  people  of  Portage  because  of  the  "  Veeder 
Claim,"  an  account  of  which  is  given. 

THE    GUPPEY    PLAT    AND    THE    VEEDER    CLAIM. 

The  plat  of  Portage  City,  covering  Lots  2  and  3,  and  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  south- 
west quarter,  and  the  west  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  5,  and  Lots  5  and  6  of  Sec- 
tion 8,  all  in  Town  12  north.  Range  9  east,  and  known  as  the  "  Guppey  Plat,"  was  surveyed  in 
July,  1852,  by  Henry  Meriton,  and  was  recorded  August  14,  of  the  same  year,  in  Volume  VII  of 
deeds,  pages  2  and  3,  by  Josiah  Arnold,  Register.  This  plat  was  made  under  the  provisions 
of  a  law  of  the  United  States  authorizing  County  Judges  to  enter  in  trust  for  settlers  thereon 
any  portion  of  the  public  domain  occupied  as  town  sites.  The  above-described  lands  were  entered 
by  Joshua  J.  Guppey,  County  Judge  of  Columbia  County,  at  the  United  States  Land  Office, 
June  1,  1852,  but  it  being  soon  afterward  discovered  that  the  Government  authorities  at  Wash- 
ington would  only  recognize  as  valid  the  entry  of  lands  on  even  sections,  the  tracts  on  Section 
5  passed  to  the  State,  under  the  act  of  Congress,  approved  August  8,  1846,  granting  the  "land 
equal  to  half  of  three  sections  in  width  on  each  side  of  Fox  River,  and  the  Portage  Canal  for 
the  improvement  of  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers."     The  Governor  having  selected  the  odd 


602  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

sections  for  the  State,  and  the  land  comprised  within  the  boundaries  of  Section  5  being  within 
the  limits  of  the  grant — although  the  Indian  title  to  it  had  not  been  extinguished  when  the  grant 
was  made — it  was  held  that  when  the  Indian  title  was  extinguished  the  Governor's  selection  of 
the  odd  sections  operated  upon  it,  and  it  became  the  property  of  the  State.  Hence,  its  entry  at 
the  United  States  Land  Office  being  unauthorized,  the  title  must  be  secured  from  the  State. 
Therefore,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  County  Judge,  in  making  a  plat  to  Section  5,  was  laboring 
under  a  very  natural  misapprehe.nsion  of  the  then  undefined  law,  and  his  action  was  not  binding, 
his  title  having  failed. 

Finally,  it  having  been  conceded  that  title  to  Section  5  was  vested  in  the  State,  Richard  F. 
Veeder,  who,  in  1850,  as  one  of  a  committee  of  settlers,  platted  an  addition  to  the  Webb  k  Bron- 
son  survey  covering  portions  of  Sections  5  and  8,  was  assured  by  his  friends  that  he  had  a  valid 
claim.  Mr.  Veeder  had  been  living  for  several  years  on  Block  163  of  the  Webb  &  Bronson  plat, 
but  had  improvements  to  the  value  of  $100  or  more  on  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  5.  The 
State  law,  approved  August  8,  1848,  providing  for  pre-emptions  on  improvement  land,  gave  to 
each  person,  who  had  made  improvements  worth  $50  or  more  on  each  quarter-section  of  such 
land,  the  right  to  purchase  the  same  at  $1.25  per  acre.  There  was  also  a  State  law  passed  at  a 
later  date,  providing  for  the  entry  of  any  improvement  lands  occupied  as  town  sites  by  the  County 
Judge  in  trust  for  settlers  thereon.  This  law,  it  will  be  observed,  was  similar  in  its  provisions 
to  the  law  of  the  United  States  on  that  subject.  Under  the  State  pre-emption  law  of  1848,  Mr. 
Veeder  made  application  to  purchase  the  land  as  a  pre-emption  ;  under  the  State  law  for  entry 
of  town  sites.  Judge  Guppey  made  application  to  enter  the  land  in  trust  for  settlers.  Other  par- 
ties— whose  claims  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  consider  here,  as  the  principal  contest  was  between 
Mr.  Veeder  in  his  own  interest,  and  Judge  Guppey,  acting  as  Trustee  for  the  settlers — also 
attempted  to  establish  pre-emption  rights  to  the  land. 

As  against  the  claim  of  the  former,  the  rights  of  the  settlers  may  be  briefly  stated,  as  fol- 
lows:  In  February,  1850,  a  committee  of  settlers  (acknowledged  as  such  by  the  settlers), 
composed  of  R.  F.  Veeder,  S.  Dean  and  William  R.  Dewitt,  laid  out  a  plat,  commonly  known 
as  Spain's  Plat,  which  was  duly  recorded  in  the  office  of  the  Register  of  Deeds.  It  is 
described  in  the  book  of  plats  as  "  an  addition  to  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  laid  out 
by  authority  of  a  committee  appointed  by  claimants  in  the  said  addition,  which  is  situate  in 
the  northwest  quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  8,  and  the  southwest  quarter'^of  the 
southwest  quarter  of  Section  5,  Town  12,  Range  9,  consisting  of  five  blocks,  surveyed  by 
William  II.  Spain."  At  this  time,  Mr.  Veeder,  believing  that  his  improvements  on  the  Indian 
land  were  on  Section  8  and  not  on  Section  5,  encouraged  the  people  to  settle  on  the  latter  sec- 
tion, assuring  them  that  no  one  claimed  the  lots  on  that  section.  In  the  winter  of  1850-51, 
the  settlers  on  both  sections  jointly  petitioned  the  Legislature  to  pass  a  law  which  would  insure 
each  settler  on  Section  5  not  exceeding  five  lots  at  a  reasonable  price,  and  Messrs.  A'^eeder, 
Thomas  Christopher.  J.  A.  Johnson  and  F.  W.  Peabody  were  appointed  by  the  settlers  a  com- 
mittee to  urge  the  enactment  of  such  a  law.  These  gentlemen  took  the  petition  to  Madison, 
and  labored  arduously  to  secure  the  required  legislation,  Mr.  Veeder  uniting  with  the  others  in 
the  request. 

AVhen  a  hearing  was  reached  at  the  State  Land  Office,  all  these  facts  were  shown,  and  the 
Register  decided  that  Mr.  Veeder  had  a  right  to  the  land  by  pre-emption,  for  the  reason  that  he 
had  $50  worth  of  improvements  thereon  prior  to  any  other  occupancy  thereof.  On  the  8th  of 
August,  an  appeal  was  taken  to  the  Circuit  Court,  and  the  decision  of  the  Register  was 
reversed.  A  counter  appeal  was  then  taken  to  the  Supreme  Court,  where  the  decision  of  the 
lower  court  was  set  aside,  and  the  original  decision  of  the  Register  of  the  State  Land  Office 
affirmed,  the  higher  tribunal  declaring  that  the  equitable  relations  existing  between  the  settlers 
and  Mr.  Veeder  could  be  more  properly  determined  in  other  proceedings  between  them.  The 
result  was  that  Mr.  Veeder  took  the  legal  title  to  tracts  on  Section  5,  subject  to  the  equitable 
rights  of  the  settlers  thereon  ;  and,  as  before  stated,  the  action  of  the  County  Judge  in  laying 
out  the  same  into  a  plat  was  of  no  binding  force. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  603 

This  decision  was  reached  in  1854.  The  litigation  had  very  much  impeded  the  develop- 
ment of  the  young  city,  and,  after  the  decision  was  made,  the  settlers  and  Mr.  Veeder  differed 
so  much  about  their  respective  rights,  that  the  impossibility  of  an  amicable  settlement  between 
them  became  more  and  more  apparent,  and  improvements  continued  to  be  delayed  for  several 
years  on  account  of  the  difficulty  new-comers  encountered  in  obtaining  good  titles.  There 
seems,  however,  to  have  been  no  personal  ill  will  between  the  settlers  and  Mr.  Veeder,  for  the 
latter  is  said  to  have  been  a  very  kind-hearted  man  and  good  neighbor,  while  the  former  were 
of  that  class  of  order-loving  citizens  who  will  undergo  much  sacrifice  to  secure  peace  and  quiet. 
At  last,  and  in  the  year  1860,  Mr.  Veeder's  misfortunes  practically  worked  an  unlooked-for 
settlement  of  the  whole  matter;  for,  on  the  22d  of  March  of  that  year,  a  judgment  was  recov- 
ered against  him  and  others  as  sureties  for  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Babcock  on  an  administrator's  bond, 
amounting  to  |7,198..34,  and  his  interest  in  lots  on  Section  5  was  sold  out  in  due  course  of  law 
under  an  execution  issued  to  satisfy  said  judgment.  The  lots  were  bid  in  by  the  settlers 
thereon  or  their  friends  for  nominal  sums.  Prior  to  this  time,  most  of  the  settlers,  or  parties 
interested  in  their  behalf,  had  obtained  tax  titles  to  the  lots  occupied  by  them,  so  that  with  the 
tax  deeds  and  the  deeds  of  the  Sheriff,  the  settlers  considered  their  titles  perfected. 

In  April,  1854,  Mr.  Veeder  replatted  a  part  of  the  southwest  fractional  quarter  of  Section 
5,  the  survey  being  made  by  L.  Van  Slyck,  but  the  plat  was  never  recognized  by  the  citizens 
or  the  local  officers.  All  descriptions  of  lots  on  Section  5  were  and  have  continued  to  be  given 
to  the  present  time  in  accordance  with  the  plat  laid  out  by  J.  J.  Guppey. 

There  have  been  numerous  additions  to  Portage  since  the  Guppey  Plat  originated.  Dunn, 
Haskell  &  Tenney's  Addition,  made  in  July,  1854,  covers  the  north  half  of  the  southeast  quar- 
ter of  Section  6.  Then  came  Schultz's  Addition  and  Houston's  Addition,  lying  in  what  is  now 
the  Second  Ward,  north  of  the  railroad  track  ;  McFarlane,  Dunn  &  Armstrong's  Addition, 
south  of  the  railroad  depot ;  McCulloch's  Prospect  Hill  Addition,  on  the  Wisconsin  River,  one 
mile  west  of  Mac  street;  Ketchum  &  DeWitt's  "Rattle-Trap  Farm"  Addition,^  long  since 
vacated,  lying  in  the  northwestern  portion  of  the  Second  Ward ;  Borden  &  Fargo's  Addition, 
south  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  in  Section  7  ;  Ketchum's  Addition,  bounded  by  Houston  street 
on  the  north  and  Hamilton  street  on  the  east,  containing  eight  blocks ;  Leache's  Addition,  a 
strip  along  the  Wisconsin  River,  east  of  the  bridge  ;  Haskell  &  Fargo's  Addition,  bounded  by 
North,  West  and  Harrison  streets  and  the  west  line  of  Section  6  ;  Hettinger's  Addition,  Hart 
&  Norton's  Addition,  Pixley's  Addition  and  H.  R.  Pettibone's  Addition,  on  the  Northern 
Division  of  the  St.  Paul  Road. 

The  city  limits  of  Portage  are  two  and  a  half  by  three  miles  square,  containing  about  four 
thousand  eight  hundred  acres,  including  the  area  covered  by  waters  of  the  Wisconsin  River. 

ORGANIZATION    AND    GOVERNMENT    OF    PORTAGE. 

The  first  steps  toward  the  township  or  precinct  organization  of  the  territory  now  included 
within  the  city  limits  of  Portage  were  taken  in  July,  1846,  when  the  County  Commissioners  set  off 
"all  that  portion  of  the  county  embraced  in  Town[ship]  12  lying  north  of  the  Baraboo  River, 
and  Town[ship]  13  and  Fractional  Town[ship]  14,  Range  8;  also,  Town[8hip]  13  and  the  north 
half  of  Town[ship]  12,  Range  9  " — the  territory  described  to  "  compose  an  election  precinct  to 
be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Winnebago  Portage  Precinct ;  elections  to  be  held  at  the  house  of 
Gideon  Low  ;  Richard  F.  Veeder,  Daniel  D.  Robertson  and  Henry  Merrell  being  appointed 
Judges  of  Election  in  said  precinct."  Such  is  the  record  of  the  County  Commissioners  dated 
July  10,  1846.  No  part  of  the  territory  west  of  the  Fox  and  east  of  the  Wisconsin  Rivers  and 
north  of  a  line,  connecting  these  two  streams,  running  northeasterly  and  southwesterly  through 
the  present  limits  of  Portage,  was  then  attached  to  Columbia  County  (it  being  Menomonee 
land  and  belonging  to  Portage  County.  Consequently,  all  that  portion  of  "  Town[ship]  13  and 
Fractional  Town[ship]  14,  Range  8,'"'  as  described  by  the  Commissioners ;  also  that  portion  of 
Town[ship]  13,  Range  9,  lying  west  of  Fox  River  ;  also  the  northeast  fraction  of  Town[ship] 


t)04  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUXTY. 

12,  Range  8,  lying  east  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  the  northwest  fraction  of  Town[ship]  12, 
Range  9,  lying  north  of  the  above- described  northeasterly  and  southwesterly  line  connecting 
the  two  streams,  not  then  composing  any  part  of  Columbia  County,  the  election  precinct  of 
Winnebago  Portage,  as  formed  by  the  Commissioners  of  Columbia  County,  was  composed,  in 
part,  of  territory  belonging  to  Portage  County.  "  Fractional  Town[ship]  14,  Range  8," 
referred  to  by  the  Commissioners,  included  territory  now  belonging  to  Marquette  County, 
which  was  then  embraced  in  Portage  County.  Much  depended  upon  the  intelligence  of  voters 
in  those  days. 

On  the  9th  day  of  February,  1849,  the  title  of  the  Menomonee  Indians  having  been 
extinguished,  and  an  act  extending  the  northern  boundaries  of  the  county  from  Fox  River  to 
the  Wisconsin  River  having  been  passed,  thus  bringing  into  the  jurisdiction  of  the  county  what 
are  now  the  towns  of  Lewiston  and  Newport  and  the  unsurveyed  fractions  of  Townships  12 
and  13,  Ranges  8  and  9,  already  described,  the  toivn  of  Winnebago  Portage  was  organized  by 
the  Commissioners,  with  boundaries  described  as  follows  :  "  The  fractional  parts  of  the  town- 
ships lying  north  of  the  Baraboo  River  and  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River ;  also,  the  north  half 
of  Township  12  and  the  fractional  part  of  Township  13  [lying  east  of  the  Fox  River],  Range 
j>  9,  in  Columbia  County,  are  hereby  organized  into  a  town  to  be  called  Winnebago  Portage,  and 
the  Franklin  House,  in  said  town,  is  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election." 
For  some  reason,  the  Menomonee  lands  lying  in  the  county,  although  having  been  rightfully 
acquired,  were  not  included  within  the  boundaries  of  the  town  of  Winnebago  Portage ;  conse- 
quently, all  the  territory  now  embraced  in  the  city  limits  of  Portage  lying  north  and  west  of  a 
line  running  southwesterly  from  a  point  on  Fox  River  opposite  old  Fort  Winnebago  to  the 
corner  of  Conant  and  Adams  streets,  thence  southerly  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  was  still  outside 
the  pale  of  sub-organization.  The  first  election  held  by  the  electors  residing  within  the  newly 
made  boundary  lines  of  the  town  of  Winnebago  Portage  took  place,  as  specified,  at  the  Franklin 
House,  Gideon  Low,  proprietor,  on  the  first  Tuesday  (3d  day)  of  April,  1849,  with  the  following 
result  : 

For  Supervisors,  Richard  F.  Veeder  received  13  votes,  Henry  Carpenter,  13  votes,  Edwin 
Sylvester,  13  votes.  The  last-named  was  selected  as  Chairman  of  the  Board.  For  Assessor, 
Cornell  Vaughn,  13  votes;  for  Treasurer,  Henry  Merrell,  13  votes;  for  Town  Clerk,  D.  J.  M. 
Loop,  13  votes ;  for  Justices  of  the  Peace.  B.  F.  Veeder,  E.  Sylvester,  M,  Ahlum  and  H.  Car- 
penter, 13  votes  each;  for  Constables,  H.  Hanson,  0.  Bellrood,  and  H.  McFarlane.  13  votes 
each ;  for  School  Commissioner,  Henry  Merrell,  13  votes ;  for  Overseers  of  Highways, 
E.  Sylvester,  M.  Ahlum  and  Gordon  H.  Merrell,  13  votes  each. 

It  was  agreed  by  the  thirteen  electors  present  that  the  place  of  holding  the  town  meetings 
should  be  at  the  office  of  D.  J.  M.  Loop.  At  a  meeting  held  on  the  18th  of  June,  it  was  voted 
that  a  tax  of  $50  be  levied  for  the  support  of  common  schools,  $100  for  the  repair  of  roads  and 
bridges,  and  §200  for  other  expenses  of  the  town.  On  the  16th  of  November,  a  special  elec- 
tion was  held  to  fill  vacancies,  occasioned  by  resignation,  in  the  offices  of  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
at  which  Lorenzo  Van  Slyck,  Michael  Van  Winters,  Erastus  Cook  and  Dr.  James  Prentice 
were  chosen.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Town  Board,  held  November  29,  M.  D.  Iiigraham  was 
appointed  Superintendent  of  Common  Schools  for  the  town  of  Winnebago  Portage. 

On  the  8th  of  January,  1850,  the  County  Board,  in  session  at  Wyocena,  resolved  to 
change  the  name  of  the  town  of  Winnebago  Portage  to  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  and  also 
to  relocate  the  boundaries  as  follows  :  The  surveyed  portion  (excepting  Section  33,  in  which 
Fort  Winnebago  itself  was  situated)  of  Town  13,  Range  9,  and  a  sufficient  extent  of  the 
Indian,  or  unsurveyed,  land  west  of  Fox  River  to  constitute  it  a  town  six  miles  square, 
were  included  and  organized  into  a  town  called  Port  Hope  (now  Fort  Winnebago),  and  the 
unsurveyed  balance  of  Town  13,  Range  8,  and  the  northeast  fractional  part  of  Town  ]2,  Range 
8,  and  the  northwest  fractional  part  of  Town  12,  Range  9,  were  attached  to  Fort  Winnebago 
for  town  purposes.     Range  7   and  the  fractional  portion  of   Range  6  in  Town  13  were  not 


•> 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  605 

officially  included  in  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  at  this  date,  but  nominally  belonged  to  it.     In 
April,  officers  for  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  were  chosen  as  follows : 

Supervisors — Erastus  Cook  (Chairman),  Henry  Carpenter  and  Richard  Dempsey  ;  Town 
Clerk,  Cornelius  H.  Helms  ;  Treasurer,  Thomas  E.  Best ;  Assessor,  Thomas  Christopher ; 
School  Superintendent,  D.  Vandercook.  Justices  of  the  Peace — M.  Van  Winters,  Walter  N. 
Kellogg,  Thomas  Reynolds  and  Edwin  Lolls.  Constables — Donald  Fairchilds,  Samuel  Spauld- 
ing  and  Azarial  Feey ;  Overseers  of  Highways,  District  No.  1,  M.  Van  Winter,  No.  2, 
Erastus  Cook  ;   Sealer  of  Weights  and  Measures,  Edward  Christopher. 

Officers  elected  April,  1851:  Supervisors — A.  C.  Ketchum  (Chairman),  John  Brewer 
and  C.  H.  Helms ;  Town  Clerk,  L.  D.  Burges ;  Treasurer,  T.  E.  Best.  Justices  of  the  Peace 
— L.  Van  Slyck,  Andrew  Dunn,  J.  B.  Sanderson  and  G.  T.  Getty  ;  Assessor,  R.  F.  Veeder. 
Constables — William  Anderson,  William  Fennegan  and  Charles  Spore;  School  Superintendent, 
W.  R.  De  Witt;  Sealer  of  Weights  and  Measures,  H.  Merrell.  At  this  election,  441  votes 
were  cast  "for  the  permanent  location  of  the  county  seat  at  Fort  Winnebago,"  and  7  votes 
against  the  proposition. 

On  the  11th  of  November,  1851,  the  County  Commissioners  authorized  the  formation  of 
the  town  of  Caledonia  from  territory  then  embraced  in  the  towns  of  Fort  Winnebago  and 
Dekorra.  This  made  the  Wisconsin  River  and  the  town  line  between  what  are  now  the  towns 
of  Newport  and  Lewiston  the  western  boundary  of  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  the  other 
boundary  lines  established  in  January,  1850,  remaining  unchanged.  Under  this  condition  of 
things  an  election  was  held  in  April,  1852,  with  the  following  result : 

Supervisors — Decatur  Vandercook  (Chairman),  John  Brewer  and  John  Gates ;  Town 
Clerk,  Charles  H.  Seamon  ;  Treasurer,  Richard  F.  Veeder.  Justices  of  the  Peace — L.  Van 
Slyck,  William  E.  Waite  and  H.  R.  Pettibone ;  Assessor,  George  Wall ;  School  Superintend- 
ent, James  Chancellor.  Constables — John  M.  Crawford,  William  Fennegan  and  Thornton 
Thompson ;   Sealer  of  Weights  and  Measures,  J.  Belbond. 

In  November,  1852,  the  Board  of  Commissioners  granted  the  prayer  of  P.  K.  Gill  and 
others  to  organize  the  town  of  Newport,  all  that  portion  of  Town  13,  Range  6,  lying  on 
the  east  side  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  the  west  half  of  Range  7  in  the  same  town,  being 
duly  incorporated  in  such  town,  and  the  house  of  James  Cristie,  in  the  village  of  Newport, 
being  named  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election. 

During  the  same  session  of  the  Board,  Range  8  and  the  east  half  of  Range  7,  Town  13, 
were  set  off  from  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  and  formed  into  a  new  town,  which  was  named 
Lewiston,  the  house  of  E.  F.  Lewis  being  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first 
election. 

The  work  of  re-organization  was  still  further  continued  at  this  session  of  the  Board, 
by  that  body  setting  off,  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  Alexander  McDonald  and  others,  so 
much  of  the  south  half  of  Range  9,  Town  12  (town  of  Dekorra),  as  lies  east  of  the  Wisconsin 
River,  and  attaching  it  to  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  leaving  the  latter  confined  to  all  that 
territory  lying  east  of  the  Wisconsin  River  contained  in  Town  12,  Range  9,  embracing  the 
northeast  fractional  part  of  Range  8  in  the  same  town  lying  east  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and 
,  the  historical  Section  33,  in  the  then  town  of  Port  Hope,  in  which  old  Fort  Winnebago  was 
located. 

December  15,  1852,  after  the  receipt  from  time  to  time  of  various  petitions  with  that  end 
in  view,  Section  33  was  awarded  to  Port  Hope,  and,  two  days  later,  the  Commissioners  granted 
authority  for  changing  the  name  of  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  to  the  town  of  Portage  City. 
In  April  following,  an  election  for  town  officers  took  place,  with  the  following  result : 

Supervisors — C.  H.  Moore  (Chairman),  Francis  Winney  and  F.  A.  Hilbert ;  Town  Clerk, 
John  Lodge ;  Treasurer,  C.  H.  Helms ;  Justices  of  the  Peace,  H.  R.  Pettibone  and  M.  Auer- 
back  ;  School  Superintendent,  A.  C.  Ketchum ;  Assessor,  C.  J.  Pettibone.  Constables — W. 
R.  Clough,  Theodoi-e  Hoffman,  D.  W.  Hinkley  and  J.  Thompson  ;  Sealer  of  Weights  and 
Measures,  William  German. 


> 


606  HISTORY    OF   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

In  November,  1853,  the  name  of  the  town  of  Port  Hope  was  changed  to  the  town  of  Fort 
Winnebago,  and  it  has  borne  that  title  to  the  present  time.  At  the  annual  session  of  the 
County  Commissioners  for  1853,  the  prayer  of  J.  J.  Guppey  and  others,  that  all  that  part  of  the 
town  of  Portage  City  lying  north  of  the  Wisconsin  River  and  south  of  the  town  of  Lewiston 
be  attached  to  the  town  of  Lewiston,  was  duly  granted,  but,  at  a  subsequent  sitting  of  the 
Board,  a  reconsideration  of  the  subject  was  taken,  and  a  bill  passed  leaving  the  matter  to  the 
electors  of  the  town  of  Portage  City  to  be  voted  on  at  their  next  succeeding  aiinual  election. 
The  result  was  favorable  to  the  town  of  Lewiston,  and  the  territory  in  question  was  duly  set  off 
to  that  town. 

City  of  Portage. — On  the  10th  of  March,  1854,  "  An  Act  to  incorporate  the  City  of  Port- 
age," passed  by  the  State  Legislature,  was  duly  approved  by  Gov.  Barstow.  The  salient  features 
of  the  charter  were  contained  in  the  first,  third  and  forty-third  sections,  as  follows :  Section  1 
provided  that,  "  from  and  after  the  first  Tuesday  in  April,  1854,  all  that  portion  of  the  west 
fractional  half  of  Section  4  which  lies  south  and  west  of  the  Fox  River,  Sections  5  and  6  ;  all 
that  portion  of  Sections  7  and  8  which  lies  north  of  the  Wisconsin  River  ;  the  west  fractional 
half  of  Section  9,  and  claim  No.  21,  known  as  the  claim  of  A.  Grignon,  in  Township  12,  north 
Range  9  east,  in  the  county  of  Columbia,  State  of  Wisconsin,  shall  be  a  city  of  the  name  of 
the  City  of  Portage,  and  the  people  inhabiting   said  district  shall   be  a  municipal  corporation." 

Section  3  provided  for  the  division  of  the  city  into  three  wards,  bounded  as  follows :  "  All 
that  part  lying  south  and  east  of  the  canal  connecting  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  shall  con- 
stitute the  First  Ward  ;  all  that  part  lying  north  of  said  canal  and  east  of  De  Witt  street  and 
the  road  leading  from  the  same  to  the  north  line  of  said  Town  12,  shall  constitute  the  Second 
Ward,  and  all  that  part  lying  north  of  said  canal  and  west  of  De  Witt  street  and  said  roads 
shall  constitute  the  Third  Ward  ;  but  the  Common  Council  shall  have  power  to  change  said  lines 
of  division  as  they  may  deem  convenient  and  proper." 

Section  43,  it  will  be  observed,  created  the  town  of  Pacific  out  of  so  much  of  the  town  of 
Portage  City  as  remained  without  the  newly  incorporated  city.  It  provide!  that  "  the  connec- 
tion between  the  city  of  Portage  and  the  town  of  Portage  City  shall  be  dissolved,  and  the  duties 
now  or  heretofore  imposed  upon  the  officers  of  the  town,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  city  of 
Portage,  shall  be  imposed  on  the  officers  of  said  city  of  Portage  ;  and  so  much  of  the  town  of 
Portage  City  as  is  not  included  in  the  limits  of  the  city  of  Portage  shall  be  the  town  of  Pacific, 
for  the  purposes  of  town  and  county  government,  and  they  shall  hold  their  next  meeting  at 
such  place  within  the  organized  town  of  Portage  City  as  the  present  Board  of  Supervisors 
shall  appoint,  and  thereafter  the  place  of  meeting  shall  be  decided  by  a  vote  of  this  town 
meeting." 

On  the  30th  of  March,  an  amendment  was  passed,  providing,  among  other  things,  that 
"  all  that  part  of  the  city  lying  north  of  said  canal  and  west  of  De  Witt  street,  and  the  road 
leading  from  the  same  aforesaid,  shall  constitute  the  Fourth  Ward."  At  the  first  charter  elec- 
tion, held,  as  provided  by  law,  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  April,  1854,  366  votes  were  cast,  and  the 
following  officers  elected :  Mayor,  William  Sylvester ;  Clerk,  John  Lodge ;  Treasurer,  D. 
Vandercook  ;  Assessor,  Henry  Carpenter  ;  Marshal,  Alexander  Chrystie  ;  School  Superintend- 
ent, W.  S.  M.  Abbott ;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  M.  Van  Winter,  John  McTighe  ;  Second 
Ward,  Josiah  Arnold,  George  Wall  ;  Third  Ward,  Alva  Stewart,*  John  Gates;  Fourth  Ward, 
William  Armstrong,  S.  L.   Knapp. 

1855. — Mayor,  Andrew  Dunn ;  Clerk,  John  Lodge  ;  Treasurer,  Samuel  Edwards  ;  Asses- 
sor, Conrad  CoUipp ;  Marshal,  Daniel  Ginder ;  School  Superintendent,  W.  S.  M.  Abbott ; 
Aldermen — First  VVard,  Michael  McHale,  D.  Blass ;  Second  Ward,  Josiah  Arnold,  John  Gates  ; 
Third  Ward,  Geo.  N.  Richmond,  Wm.  K.  Miles  ;  Fourth  Ward,  A.  Murison,  Wm.  C.  Pettibone. 

1856 — [Charter  amended  March  31.] — Mayor,  Andrew  Dunn  ;  Clerk,  John  Lodge;  Treas- 
urer, C.  D.  Hottenstein  ;  Assessor,  Conrad  Collipp  ;  Marshal,  Daniel  Ginder ;  School  Superin- 
tendent, Hugh  M.  Thompson ;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Michael  McHale,  Perry  Lee ;   Second 

*  W.  K.  Mile:?,  elected  June  15,  vice  A.  Stewart,  who  failed  to  qualify. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COITNTY.  607 

"Ward,  Josiah  Arnold,  C.  H.  Moore;  Third  Ward,  George  N.    Richmond.  F.  Steber;  Fourth 
Ward,  John  A.  Brown,  J.  G.  Herrigal. 

1857 — [Charter  amended  March  7.] — Mayor,  John  P.  McGregor;  Clerk,  John  Lodge'; 
Treasurer,  C.  D.  Hottenstein  ;  Assessor,  N.  Hollendyke ;  Marshal,  Aaron  Thompson  ;  School 
Superintendent,  Hugh  M.  Thompson  ;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Michael  McHale,  Perry  Lee ; 
Second  Ward,  L.  S.  Dixon,  C.  J.  Pettibone ;  Third  Ward,  George  N.  Richmond,  F.  Steber; 
Fourth  Ward,  C.  Ha?rtel,  H.  W.  Tenney. 

1858 — Mayor,  Henry  B.  Munn  ;  Clerk,  George  D.  Dimraick' ;  Treasurer,  John  Condon  ; 
Assessor,  Volney  Foster ;  Marshal,  Aaron  Thompson ;  School  Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey ; 
Aldermen — First  Ward,  L.  G.  Bever,  William  Miller'';  Second  Ward,  S.  E.  Dana,  George 
Hatcher ;  Third  Ward,  George  N.  Richmond,  F.  Steber ;  Fourth  Ward,  R.  S.  Stoyell,  J.  Arnold. 

1859 — [Charter  amended  March  11.] — Mayor,  John  P.  McGregor;  Clerk,  H.  C.  Baker; 
Treasurer,  Henry  Bolting ;  Assessor,  Henry  Carpenter ;  Marshal,  Aaron  Thompson  ;  School 
Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey ;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Patrick  Sheahan,  Samuel  Wisdom  ; 
Second  Ward,  John  Graham,  Benjamin  L.  Webb^ ;  Third  Ward,  William  K.  Miles,  A.  M. 
Craig  ;  Fourth  Ward,  James  Collins,  Francis  Winne. 

I860 — [Charter  amended  March  27.] — Mayor,  George  N.  Richmond;  Clerk,  H.  C.  Baker; 
Treasurer,  Henry  Bolting ;  Assessor,  R.  S.  Stoyell ;  Marshal,  S.  S.  Brannan ;  School  Super- 
intendent, J.  J.  Guppey  ;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  L.  G.  Bever,  Henry  Emder ;  Second  Ward, 
S.  E.  Dana,  L.  W.  Barden  ;  Third  Ward,  Wells  M.  Butler,'  W.  K.  Miles ;  Fourth  Ward,  H. 
W.  Emry,  Andrew  Kiefer. 

1861 — Mayor,  George  N.  Richmond  ;  Clerk,  C.  C.  Britt ;  Treasurer,  B.  S.  Doty  ;  Asses- 
sor, Thomas  Christopher;  Marshal,  E.  Cook;  School  Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey;  Alder- 
men— First  Ward,  Edward  O'Keeffe,  John  Brickwell ;  Second  Ward,  W.  H.  Smith,  John  Mans- 
field; Third  Ward,  S.  S.  Brannan,  R.  0.  Loomis ;  Fourth  Ward,  George  H.  Osborn,  A. 
Kiefer. 

1862— [Charter  amended  June  17.]— Mayor,  Alvin  B.  Alden  ;  Clerk,  C.  C.  Britt;  Treas- 
urer, B.  S.  Doty  ;  Assessor,  C.  Collipp ;  Marshal,  John  Coleman ;  School  Superintendent,  H. 
B.  Munn;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  L.  G.  Bever,  M.  E.  Keegan  ;  Second  Ward,  John  Gates, 
L.  Fungenstein  ;  Third  Ward,  Thomas  Buttrey,  S.  S.  Brannan" ;  Fourth  Ward,  W.  W.  Corn- 
ing, C.  Hfprtel. 

1863 — [Charter  amended  so  that  Aldermen  should  hold  their  office  for  two  years,  one-half 
going  out  each  year.  Those  elected  for  the  short  term  this  year  were  Messrs.  Emder,  Randall, 
Ten  Eyck  and  Ginder.]— Mayor,  W.  K.  Miles;  Clerk,  C.  C.  Britt;  Treasurer,  B.  S.  Doty; 
Assessor,  Thomas  Christopher ;  Marshal,  J.  Coleman  ;  School  Superintendent,  H.  B.  Munn  ; 
Aldermen — First  Ward,  H.  Emder,  M.  R.  Keegan  ;  Second  Ward,  C.  J.  Randall,  L.  Funken- 
stein ;  Third  Ward,  George  Ten  Eyck,  Thomas  Buttery  ;  Fourth  Wai-d,  John  Ginder,  Peter 
Karch. 

1864— Mayor,  John  Condon  ;  Clerk,  V.  Helman;  Treasurer,  B.  S.  Doty;  Assessor  C.  J- 
Randall";  Marshal,  Tim  L.  Collins;  School  Superintendent,  H.  B.  Munn.  Aldermen — First 
Ward,  Lars  G.  Bever,  M.  R.  Keegan  ;  Second  Ward,  Matt.  Hettinger,'  L.  Funkenstein ; 
Third  Ward,  E.  H.  Dewey,  Thomas  Buttrey  ;  Fourth  Ward,  John  Ginder,  Peter  Karch. 

186.5 — Mayor,  L.  Funkenstein ;  Clerk,  V.  Helmann  ;  Treasurer,  B.  S.  Doty  ;  Assessor, 
0.  P.  Williams ;  Marshal,  P.  Sheahan  ;  School  Superintendent,  H.  B.  Munn.  Aldermen — 
First  Ward,  John  N.  Kind,  Lars  G.  Bever ;  Second  Ward,  R.  B.  Wentworth,  S.  B.  Rhodes ; 
Third  Ward,  Thomas  Buttrey,''  E.  H.  Dewey  ;    Fourth  Ward,  John  Graham,  Peter  Karch. 

1.  Died  December  2,  1867,  and  George  D.  Dimmick  elected  December  19,  to  fill  ibe  vaaincy. 

2.  Died,  and  H.  C.  Baker  appointed  t<i  fill  the  vacancy  September  20, 1858. 

3.  Died,  and  Owen  Ward  elected  to  fill  vacancy  June  13, 1858. 

4.  Failed  to  qualify,  and  C.  J.  Pettibone  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  May  2, 1859. 

5.  Removed  from  the  ward,  and  A.  P.  Bennett  elected  to  fill  vacancy  July  9, 1860. 

6.  Removed  from  the  Murd,  and  Georee  Ten  Eyrk  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  December  26, 1862. 

7.  Uesigned,  C.  Collipp  appointed  to  fill  vacancy. 

8.  Removed  from  the  Ward  and  S.  B.  Rhodes  elected  January  28, 1865,  to  fill  vacancy. 

9.  Resigned  and  W.  F.  Bailoy  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  November  7 ;  at  the  same  time  J.  0.  Preacott  was  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  In  the 
Second  Ward  in  place  of  S.  B  Rhodes,  removed. 


608  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1866 — [Charter  amended  February  28,  March  31,  April  7  and  April  11.] — Mayor,  L.  Funk- 
enstein  ;  Clerk,  V.  Helraann  ;  Treasurer,  B.  S.  Doty;  Assessor,  Thomas  Christopher;  Marshal, 
Thomas  Dalton  ;  School  Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Samuel  Wis- 
dom, John  N.  Kind  ;  Second  Ward,  J.  0.  Prescott,  R.  B.  Wentworth ;  Third  Ward,  Evan 
Arthur,  W.  F.  Bailey  ;  Fourth  Ward,  A.   Klenert,  C.  R.  Gillett.* 

1867 — [Charter  amended  April  10.] — Mayor,  L.  Funkenstein ;  Clerk,  V.  Helmann  ; 
Treasurer,  B.  S.  Doty  ;  Assessor,  Thomas  Christopher  ;  Marshal,  John  Coleman  ;  School  Super- 
intendent, J.  J.  Guppey.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Carl  Prehn,  Samuel  Wisdom;  Second 
Ward,  S.  S.  Brannan,  J.  0.  Prescott ;  Third  Ward,  George  Port,  Evan  Arthur ;  Fourth  Ward, 
H.  Bolting,  John  Ginder.f 

1868 — [Charter  amended  and  boundaries  of  the  city  changed  as  follows  :  Beginning  at  a 
point  in  the  center  of  Fox  River  where  the  east  and  west  (juarter  line  of  Section  33,  Town  13, 
Range  9.  intersects  the  center  of  said  river;  running  thence  west  along  the  quarter  line,  through 
Sections  33,  32  and  31,  Town  13,  Range  9,  to  the  centre  of  Section  36,  Town  13,  Range  8; 
thence  south  along  the  quarter  line  through  Section  36,  Town  13,  Range  8,  and  Sections  1  and 
12,  Town  12,  Range  8,  to  the  south  ([uarter  post  of  Section  12,  Town  12,  Range  8  ;  thence  east 
along  the  south  line  of  said  Section  12  and  of  Sections  7,  8  and  9,  Town  12,  Range  9,  to  the  south 
quarter  post  of  said  Section  9 ;  thence  north  along  the  quarter  line  through  Sections  9  and  4  till 
it  intersects  the  easterly  line  of  Claim  No.  21  (known  as  Grignon's  claim);  thence  northeasterly 
along  the  east  side  of  said  claim  to  the  center  of  Fox  River ;  thence  down  Fox  River  along  the 
center  thereof  to  the  place  of  beginning.  Ward  5  was  created  and  the  ward  boundaries  changed 
as  follows :  All  that  part  lying  south  and  east  of  the  canal  connecting  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin 
Rivers  and  north  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  shall  constitute  the  First  Ward.  All  that  part  lying 
north  of  said  canal  and  east  of  Adams  street,  extended  in  a  straight  line  to  its  intersection  with 
the  new  pinery  road  and  east  of  said  new  pinery  road,  extended  north  to  the  north  line  of  said 
city,  shall  constitute  the  Second  Ward.  All  that  part  lying  north  of  said  canal  and  between 
Adams  street  so  extended,  and  DeWitt  street  and  said  new  pinery  road,  shall  constitute  the 
Third  Ward.  All  that  part  lying  southerly  of  Carroll  street,  extended  from  DeWitt  street, 
westerly  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  along  said  river  to  the  west  line  of  said  city,  and  all  that 
part  lying  south  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  shall  constitute  the  Fourth  Ward.  All  that  part  lying 
westerly  of  DeWitt  street  and  northerly  of  Carroll  street,  commencing  at  DeAYitt  street,  and 
running  westerly  along  said  street  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  along  the  banks  of  said  river  to- 
the  west  line  of  the  city,  shall  constitute  the  Fifth  Ward.] — -Mayor,  J.  P.  McGregor ;  Clerk, 
V.  Helmann ;  Treasurer,  P.  Karch  ;  Assesssor,  J.  Gates ;  Marshal,  Geo.  C.  Snider ;  School 
Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  H.  Emder.J  Carl  Prehn  ;  Second 
Ward,  J.  0.  Prescott,  S.  S.  Brannan ;  Third  Ward,  W.  G.  Bebb,  George  Port ;  Fourth  Ward, 
W.  W.  Corning,  H.  Bolting ;  Fifth  Ward,  John  Ginder,  C.  R.  Gallett  (short  term). 

1869 — [Charter  amended  March  5.] — Mayor,  John  Graham  ;  Clerk,  V.  Helmann  ;  Treas- 
urer, P.  Karch ;  Assessor,  Thomas  Christopher  ;  Marshal,  L.  M.  Hickey  ;  School  Superin- 
tendent, J.  J.  Guppey.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  John  Holsten,  Carl  Prehn  ;  Second  Ward, 
Alex.  Carnagie,  J.  0.  Prescott ;  Third  Ward,  E.  C.  Main,  W.  G.  Bebb  ;  Fourth  Ward,  Corne- 
lius Wheeler,  W.W.  Corning ;  Fifth  Ward,  L.  T.  Mead,  John  Ginder. 

1870 — Mayor,  C.  R.  Gallett:  Clerk,  V.  Helmann;  Treasurer,  0.  Krisch;  Assessor,^ 
Thomas  Christopher  ;  Marshal,  L.  M.  Hickey,  School  Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey.  Alder- 
men— First  Ward,  Vinzenz  Hamele,  John  Holsten  ;  Second  Ward,  J.  0.  Prescott,  Alex.  Car- 
nagie ;  Third  Ward,  Thomas  R.  Davies,  E.  C.  Maine  ;  Fourth  Ward,  John  B.  Dassi,  James 
Collins  ;  §   Fifth  Ward,  Isaac  W.  Bacon,  L.  T.  Mead. 

1871 — [Charter  amended  March  24.] — Mayor,  S.  S.  Brannan  ;  Clerk,  "V.  Helmann  ; 
Treasurer,  0.  Krisch;  Assessor,  A.  Hoffman;  Marshal,  C.  Schneider;  School  Superintendent, 

*  To  fiU  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  removal  of  J.  Graham  from  the  ward. 
+  To  fit!  vacancy  occasioned  by  removal  of  A.  Klenert. 

1  Removed  from  the  ward,  and  John  Brickwell  elected  to  fill  the  vacjincy  August  22, 1868. 

2  To  flu  vacancy  in  place  of  C.  Wheeler,  removed  from  ward. 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  609 

J.  J.  Guppey.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Ira  Schoemaker,  Vinzenz  Hamele ;  Second  Ward, 
StillmanE.  Dana,  J.  0.  Prescott ;  Third  Ward,  A.  D.  Hemenway,  Wilford  M.  Patten  ;*  Fourth 
Ward,  James  Collins,  John  B.  Dassi ;  Fifth  Ward,  L.  T.  Mead,  I.  W.  Bacon. 

1872 — Mayor,  S.  S.  Brennon;  Clerk,  V.  Helmann  ;  Treasurer,  C.Wheeler;  Assessor, 
Thomas  Christopher ;t  Marshal,  C.  Schneider;  School  Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey.  Alder- 
men— First  Ward,  Jacob  Bauer,  Ira  Schoemaker  ;  Second  Ward,  E.  L.  Jreger,  S.  E.  Dana  ; 
Third  Ward,  Hugh  0.  Lewis,  A.  D.  Hemenway ;  Fourth  Ward,  William  Armstrong,  James 
Collins ;  Fifth  Ward,  William  Rusch,  L.  T.  Mead. 

1873 — Mayor,  C  R.  Gallett:  Clerk,  V.  Helmann;  Treasurer,  C.  Wheeler;  Assessor,  John 
Bean  ;  Marshal,  Daniel  AVells ;  School  Superintendent,  G.  J.  Cox.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  J. 
€.  Hass,  Jacob  Bauer;  Second  Ward,  Job  Purnell,  E.  L.  Jreger;  Third  Ward,  S.  G.  Gage,  H. 
0.  Lewis ;  Foui-th  Ward,  F.  Sieverkrop,  William  Armstrong ;  Fifth  Ward,  R.  0.  Loomis,  Will- 
iam Rusch. 

1874 — [Charter  amended  March  7.] — Mayor,  C.  R.  Gallett ;  Clerk,  B.  Doherty  ;  Treasurer, 
A.  Kiefer ;  Assessor,  Alexander  Carnagie ;  Marshal,  Daniel  Wells  ;  School  Superintendent,  G. 
J.  Cox.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  A.  C.  F.  Koenig,  J.  C.  Hass ;  Second  Ward,  John  Graham, 
Job  Purnell ;  Third  Ward,  H.  0.  Lewis,  E.  C.  Maine  ;.t  Fourth  Ward,  Henry  Emder,  F.  Siever- 
krop ;  Fifth  Ward,  A.  C.  Flanders,  R.  0.  Loomis. 

1875 — Mayor,  W.  W.  Corning ;  Clerk,  B.  Doherty  ;  Treasurer,  A.  Kiefer ;  Assessor, 
Alexander  Carnagie ;  Marshal,  William  Edwards ;  School  Superintendent,  N.  K.  Shattuck. 
Aldermen — First  Ward,  J.  C.  Hass,  A.  C.  F.  Koenig ;  Second  Ward,  E.  S.  Purdy,§  John 
Graham;  Third  Ward,  E.  C.  Maine,  H.  0.  Lewis;  Fourth  Ward,  R.  C.  Rockwood,  Henry 
Emder ;  Fifth  Ward,  C.  R.  Gallett,  A.  C.  Flanders. 

187(3 — [Charter  codified,  consolidated  and  amended;  boundaries  of  Third,  Fourth  and  Fifth 
Wards  changed  as  follows :  All  that  portion  of  the  city  commencing  at  the  canal  bridge  on 
Wisconsin  street,  running  thence  northwesterly  along  Wisconsin  street  to  its  intersection  with 
Mac  street,  thence  northerly  along  Mac  street  to  its  intersection  with  the  railroad  track  of  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  Company,  thence  easterly  along  said  railroad  track  to 
its  intersection  with  Adams  street,  thence  in  a  southerly  direction  along  said  Adams  street  to 
the  said  canal,  thence  along  said  canal  to  the  place  of  beginning,  shall  constitute  the  Third  Ward; 
all  that  portion  of  the  city  lying  southerly  of  Carroll  street,  extended  from  Mac  street  westerly 
to  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  along  said  river  to  the  west  line  of  the  city,  and  all  that  part  lying 
south  of  the  Wisconsin  River  shall  constitute  the  Fourth  Ward ;  all  that  portion  of  the  city 
lying  westerly  of  Mac  street  and  the  new  pinery  road,  and  northerly  of  Carroll  street,  commenc- 
ing at  Mac  street  and  running  westerly  along  said  street  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  along  the 
banks  of  said  river  to  the  west  line  of  the  city,  shall  constitute  the  Fifth  Ward.] — Mayor,  W. 
W.  Corning ;  City  Clerk,  Valentine  Helmann  ;  Treasurer,  James  Collins ;  Assessor,  William 
Hensel;  Marshal,  William  Edwards ;  School  Superintendent,  N.  K.  Shattuck.  Aldermen — 
First  Ward.  Julius  C.  Hass,  John  Brickwell ;  Second  Ward,  E.  S.  Purdv,  John  M.  Holmes ; 
Third  Ward,  E.  C.  Maine,  H.  0.  Lewis ;  Fourth  Ward,  R.  C.  Rockwood,' George  Port ;  Fifth 
Ward,  C.  R.  Gallett,  Joseph  Huebl. 

1877 — [Charter  amended  February  7.] — Mayor,  Josiah  Arnold;  Clerk,  V.  Helmann; 
Treasurer,  James  Collins ;  Assessor,  William  Hensel ;  Marshal,  Frederick  Sieverkrop ;  School 
Superintendent,  A.  C.  Kellogg.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Peter  Mahon,  John  Brickwell; 
Second  Ward,  E.  S.  Purdy,  John  M.  Holmes ;  Third  Ward,  J.  E.  Wells,  H.  0.  Lewis ;  Fourth 
Ward,  John  Gonten,  George  Port ;  Fifth  Ward,  Ferdinand  Manthey,  Joseph  Huebl. 

1878 — [Charter  amended  March  16.] — Mayor,  Josiah  Arnold ;  Clerk,  John  O'Keefe,  Jr. ; 
Treasurer,  V.  Helmann  ;  Assessor,  John  Bean  ;  Marshal,  F.  Sieverkrop  ;  School  Superintendent, 
A.  C.  Kellogg.     Aldermen — First  Ward,  Christian   Schultz,  Peter  Mahon ;   Second  Ward,  R. 

*  In  place  of  T.  R.  Davis,  removed  from  the  ward. 

tDied,  John  Bean  appointed  by  the  council  to  fill  vacancy. 

t  E.  C.  Maine  elected  to  fill  vacancy  occasioned  by  death  of  S.  P.  Gage. 

I  Certificate  of  election  given  to  S.  S.  Brannan,  who  resigned,  and  Mr.  Purdy  waa  chosen  at  a  special  election. 


610  HISTOHY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

B.  Wentworth,  E.  S.  Purdy ;  Third  Ward,  G.  J.  Cox,  J.  E.  Wells ;  Fourth  Ward,  George  Port, 
John  Gonten  ;  Fifth  Ward,  Jacob  Clemens,  Frederick  Manthey. 

1879 — [Charter  amended  March  4,  and  boundaries  of  the  Fourth  and  Fifth  Wards 
changed  as  follows  :  •'  Beginning,  on  the  northerly  bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  in  the  center 
of  Cass  street ;  thence  running  north  through  the  center  of  said  Cass  street,  to  the  track  of 
the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad  track  ;  thence  east  along  said  track  to  the  center 
of  Mac  street ;  thence  south  through  the  center  of  Mac  street  to  the  center  of  Wisconsin  street ; 
thence  southerly  through  the  center  of  the  said  Wisconsin  street  to  the  canal  connecting  the 
Fo.x  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  ;  thence  westerly  and  northerly  along  said  canal  and  river  to  the 
center  of  said  Cass  street,  the  place  of  beginning,  shall  constitute  the  Fourth  Ward.  All  that 
part  of  said  city  which  lies  west  and  south  of  Wisconsin  street,  all  that  part  which  lies  west  of 
said  Cass  street  and  south  of  said  railroad  track,  and  all  that  part  which  lies  north  of  said  rail- 
road track  and  west  of  the  new  pinery  road,  shall  constitute  the  Fifth  Ward."] — Mayor,  Josiah 
Arnold;  Clerk,  John  O'Keefe.  Jr.;  Treasurer,  V.  Helmann  ;  Assessor,  Thomas  Bennett; 
Marshal,  Fred.  Sieverkrop  ;  School  Superintendent,  A.  C.  Kellogg ;  Aldermen — First  Ward, 
Peter  Mahon,  Christian  Schultz  ;  Second  Ward,  Job  Purnell,  R.  B.  Wentworth  ;  Third  Ward, 
J.  E.  Wells,  G.  J.  Cox  ;  Fourth  Ward,  Henry  Little,  George  Port ;  Fifth  Ward,  William 
Rallies,  Jacob  Clemens. 

1880. — Mayor,  Josiah  Arnold ;  Clerk,  John  O'Keefe ;  Treasurer,  Joseph  Hueble ; 
Marshal,  Patrick  Sheehan  ;  Assessor,  Alexander  Carnagie ;  School  Superintendent,  A.  C. 
Kellogg;  Aldermen — First  Ward,  Frank  jYanko  ;  Second  Ward,  Alexander  Thompson  ;  Third 
Ward,  R.  C.  Pixley  ;  Fourth  Ward.  Alois  Klenert ;  Fifth  Ward,  Jacob  Clemens. 

THE    CANAL. 

In  1837,  a  company  was  chartered,  under  the  name  of  the  "  Portage  Canal  Company," 
for  the  purpose  of  building  a  canal  connecting  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers.  This  company 
was  composed  of  Sheldon  Thompson,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.;  DeGarmo  Jones,  Detroit,  Mich.;  Rob- 
ert McPherson,  Daniel  Whitney,  S.  P.  Griffith,  and  others,  who  were  also  the  incorporators  of 
the  Shot  Tower  Company  of  Helena.  They  were  the  owners  of  all  the  plat  of  the  village  of 
Fort  Winnebago.  In  the  year  1838,  they  commenced  to  dig  a  canal  at  a  point  on  Fox  River, 
where  it  is  crossed  by  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad.  Its  course  was  on  the  line 
of  Bronson  avenue,  about  two  rods  north,  entering  the  Wisconsin  River  near  Mac  street. 
About  $10,000  was  spent  by  the  company,  when  the  work  was  abandoned. 

Nothing  further  was  done  for  some  years.  It  finally  attracted  the  notice  of  the  General 
Government,  and  Secretary  of  War  Poinsett  called  the  attention  of  Congress  to  its  value  as  a 
route  for  military  communication  and  transportation,  and  urged  an  appropriation  for  the  con- 
struction of  locks  around  the  rapids  and  a  canal  to  unite  the  two  rivers.  To  effect  this  object, 
in  August,  1846,  Congress  passed  an  act  granting  the  State  of  Wisconsin  alternate  sections  of 
land,  three  miles  on  each  side  of  the  Fox  River.  In  1848,  the  State  accepted  the  grant  and 
appointed  a  Board  of  Public  Works,  who  were  charged  with  its  execution.  A  new  route  was 
chosen,  and  between  the  hours  of  12  and  1  o'clock,  on  the  1st  day  of  June,  184'J,  the  first  soil 
was  broken.  Thomas  Reynolds,  of  Madison,  was  awarded  the  contract  of  constructing  the 
canal  and  Nelson  McNeil,  of  Eau  Claire,  the  locks.  The  work  progressed  somewhat  slowly, 
being  delayed  by  misunderstandings  between  the  contractor  and  State.  The  men  working  upon 
it  were  kept  out  of  their  money  for  weeks  and  months,  and  were  compelled  to  abandon  it  for 
that  reason,  leaving  it  in  an  unfinished  condition.  A  resident  of  Portage  thus  describes  the 
work,  in  March,  1851 :  "  The  banks  of  the  canal  at  this  place  are  crumbling  before 
the  thaw,  in  many  places,  and  flilling  into  the  stream.  The  planking  is  in  great  part  afloat. 
By  prompt  attention,  the  work  done  on  the  canal  may  be  saved  to  the  State.  As  it  is  now,  it 
presents  a  melancholy  spectacle  of  premature  decay.  The  unpaid  laborers,  lately  employed  on 
the  work,  whose  destitution  and  wrongs  have  aroused  the  indignation  and  sympathies  of  our 
citizens,  will  hardly  assist  in  its  repair,  unless  they  are  secured  in   their  pay,  as  recommended 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  611 

by  Mr.  Crosswell,  nor  will  they  suffer  strangers  to  be  duped  and  wronged  as  they  themselves  have 
been."  Repairs  were  subsequently  made,  the  water  let  in,  and  on  Saturday,  the  24th  day  of 
May,  1851,  a  boat  attempted  to  pass  through  the  canal.  The  event  was  chronicled,  at  the  time, 
as  follows,  by  the  Portage  paper  : 

"  First  Boat  Through  the  Canal — almost. — The  beautiful  steamer,  John  Mitchell,  nearly 
accomplished  the  feat  of  passing  through  the  canal  at  this  place,  from  the  Fox  into  the  Wisconsin 
River,  on  Saturday  last.  She  came  up  as  far  as  Main  street.  As  the  John  Mitchell  came  up 
the  canal,  the  Enterprise  came  up  the  Wisconsin  River  to  the  head  of  the  canal.  The  bluster- 
ing rivalry  between  these  inhabitants  of  different  waters  (the  throat  of  each  giving  its  best  puff 
and  whistle  alternately),  was  quite  exhilarating,  and  called  out  a  large  concourse  of  citizens,  to 
gaze  upon  the  scene  presented,  and  make  predictions  for  the  future.  After  a  short  time,  boats 
and  citizens  withdrew,  amid  strains  of  music,  and  the  '  noise  and  confusion  '  were  over." 

The  water  was  drawn  off,  and  the  work  of  strengthening  the  banks  and  bottom,  to  prevent 
the  quicksand  from  pouring  in  and  filling  up  the  bed,  was  proceeded  with  ;  but  their  efforts 
were  of  little  avail,  if  the  same  local  authority  quoted  can  be  relied  on.  On  the  31st  day  of 
August,  1851,  the  water  was  again  let  in,  and  the  next  morning  it  presented  a  rather  novel 
appearance,  the  planking  having  raised  from  its  fastening,  at  the  bottom,  and  floated  on  either 
side  of  the  iurfiice,  and  forming  two  floating  plank-roads.  Fortunately  no  high  winds  prevailed ; 
but  had  a  storm  arisen  and  stirred  up  the  angry  waters,  there  is  no  telling  where  the  planking 
might  have  been  hurled  to,  or  where  the  destruction  would  have  ended. 

On  Sunday  night,  September  28,  1851,  the  Wisconsin  River,  which  had  been  unusually 
high  for  some  days,  broke  into  the  canal,  and  cut  a  channel  through  its  southern  bank,  some 
fifty  yards  wide  and  eight  or  ten  feet  deep.  The  wai-ehouse  of  C.  W.  Mappa  was  undermined, 
and  other  houses  fell  in  and  floated  off.  The  planking  of  the  canal,  together  with  a  quantity  of 
lumber  lying  on  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin,  floated  into  the  Fox  River. 

But  little  was  done  from  this  time  until  in  1853.  As  the  Constitution  of  the  State  forbade 
the  creation  of  any  public  debts,  the  Board  of  Public  Works  were  limited  in  their  expenditures 
to  the  receipts  from  the  sale  of  land  granted  by  Congress.  At  this  stage  of  affairs,  a  company 
proposed  to  take  charge  of  the  work,  completing  the  canal,  and  the  improvements  contemplated 
on  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers.  On  the  6th  day  of  July,  1853,  an  act  was  passed  by  the 
Legislature  of  this  State,  incorporating  the  "  Fox  and  Wisconsin  River  Improvement  Company." 
composed  of  Mason  C.  Darling,  Otto  Frank,  Morgan  L.  Martin,  Edgar  Conklin,  Benjamin  F. 
Moore,  Joseph  G.  Lawton,  W.  H.  Peak  and  Theodore  Conkey.  The  State  gave  to  this  com- 
pany all  the  interests  that  had  been  acquired  by  it,  under  certain  conditions.  The  act  making 
the  transfer  from  the  State  to  the  improvement  company,  was  approved  by  Gov.  Coles  Bash- 
ford,  Oct.  3,  1856.  The  company  was  instructed  to  commence  the  work  within  ninety  days, 
and  to  finish  the  improvement  within  three  years.  They  failed  to  comply  with  the  law,  and 
finally  the  United  States  took  the  work  off  their  hands. 

As  builr,  by  the  Government,  the  canal  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1874,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Col.  D.  C.  Houston,  Corps  of  Engineers,  U.  S.  A.,  assisted  by  Capt.  G.  J.  Lydecker, 
Corps  of  Engineers,  U.  S.  A.,  with  Mr.  John  Pierpont  and  Mr.  Edward  Sargent,  as  civil 
assistants,  until  the  winter  of  1875  and  1876,  when  Capt.  Lydecker  and  assistants  Pierpont  and 
Sargent  were  called  to  other  work  on  the  Fox  River,  and  Col.  Houston  was  assisted  by  Lieut. 
F.  A.  Hinman,  Corps  of  Engineers,  U.  S.  A.,  with  Mr.  Edward  C.  Hinman,  as  civil  assistant. 
The  work  of  construction  was  done  by  contract,  by  Messrs.  Conro,  Starke  &  Co.,  of  Milwaukee. 
The  excavation  was  made  by  a  steam  excavator,  wheelbarrows  and  small  construction  cars. 
The  work  was  commenced  at  the  lower  end — in  order  that  it  could  be  drained  as  completed — 
and  consisted  of  an  excavation  seventy-five  feet  wide  and  seven  feet  deep,  with  a  timber  and  pile 
revetment  on  both  sides.  The  latter  was  completed  as  fast  as  the  excavation  would  permit. 
During  the  season  of  1874,  the  work  was  completed  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile.  During  the 
season  of  1875,  the  revetment  and  excavation  on  the  north  side  were  completed,  and,  on  the 
south  side,  about  three-fourths  finished.     The  balance  of  the  work  was  completed  in  June,  1876. 


612  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

A  writer  soon  afterward  sajs : 

"  The  canal  is  seventy-five  feet  wide,  inside  the  revetment,  two  and  one-half  miles  long,  and 
seven  feet  from  the  top  of  revetment  to  the  bed. 

"  There  is  one  waste  weir  at  the  lower  end,  to  carry  off  the  surface  water,  and  ample  as  a 
feeder  to  the  Fox  River. 

"  Messrs.  Starke  &  Conro,  completed  the  canal  between  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  and 
turned  it  over  to  the  Government  Friday  last,  July  30.  The  revetment  on  southerly  side  of  the 
canal,  between  the  bridge  and  the  lock,  was  not  carried  through  to  the  river,  because  a  lock  side 
and  canal  basin  is  to  be  constructed,  between  the  canal  and  the  river,  requiring  the  whole  of 
the  point  of  land  between  them  for  that  purpose  ;  it  is  not  yet  determined  whether  the  work  of 
constructing  the  basin  will  go  forward  this  season  or  not.  The  canal  is  a  completed  job,  and  is 
not  excelled  by  any  other  work  of  the  kind,  of  which  we  have  any  knowledge.  There  is  six  feet 
of  water  in  it,  which  is  a  great  abundance  for  any  demand  that  will  ever  be  made  upon  it. 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  30th,  a  party  of  gentlemen  accepted  an  invitation  from  the  officers 
in  charge,  to  take  passage  on  the  Government  steamer,  Boscobel,  on  a  trial  trip  through  the 
canal,  from  the  Wisconsin  to  the  Fox.  As  a  matter  of  record,  we  give  the  names  of  the  follow- 
ing gentlemen:  Hon.  Alva  Stewart,  Hon.  R.  L.  D.  Potter,  Messrs.  G.  J.  Cox,  E.  E.  Chapin, 
A.  J.  Turner,  T.  L.  Kennan,  W.  D.  Fox,  Fred  W.  Schulze,  E.  S.  Baker,  John  Cable, 
and  others,  whose  names  do  not  occur  to  us,  besides  Government  officers  in  charge  of  the 
work.  As  the  steamer  coursed  its  way  down  to  the  Fox,  trains  passed  by  on  the  several 
divisions  of  the  railroad.  For  some  distance,  the  theme  of  conversation  was  the  change 
wrought  in  the  line  of  trade  and  commerce,  within  the  past  five  years,  by  the  introduction 
of  steam  power,  and  we  all  wondered  how  Louis  Jolliet  regarded  it,  if  his  spirit  was  floating 
about  in  this  vicinity,  where,  203  years  before,  on  the  17th  of  June,  he  had  hauled  his  batteaux 
across  this  same  portage,  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  on  his  voyage  of  discovery, 
where  steamboats  and  railroads  now  hold  sway.  And  thus  conversation  ran  on  through  the 
evening,  until  10  o'clock,  when  the  little  excursion  had  been  completed." 

At  the  upper  end,  the  Portage  City  lock  connects  the  canal  with  the  Wisconsin  River, 
with  a  lift  from  the  canal  of  from  nothing  to  nine  feet,  depending  on  the  stage  of  water  in  the 
Wisconsin  River.  At  the  lower  end,  the  Fort  Winnebago  lock  connects  it  with  the  Fox  River, 
having  a  lift  of  six  feet  from  the  Fox  River. 

These  locks  above  mentioned,  have  both  been  rebuilt  by  the  Government ;  the  former  in 
1880,  and  the  latter  in  1874  and  1875.  They  are,  as  previously  mentioned,  thirty-five  feet  wide 
and  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  long,  between  gates. 

The  United  States  steamer,  Boscobel,  was  the  first  boat  to  pass  through  the  canal,  after  its 
completion.  On  June  30,  1876,  the  steamer  passed  from  the  Wisconsin  to  the  Fox  River 
and  returned.  Everything  was  found  to  be  in  good  working  order,  and  navigation  was  opened 
immediately,  and  has  been  uninterrupted  since  that  time. 

THE    SCHOOLS. 

The  subject  of  education  is  one  of  prime  importance  to  every  community,  and  the  degree  in 
which  it  is  fostered  and  promoted  is  always  a  sure  index  to  the  intelligence  and  liberality  of  the 
people.  The  refinements  of  education  constitute  the  most  elegant  and  ennobling  pleasures  of 
life.  The  moral  sentiments  are  elevated  and  the  face  of  humanity  made  to  shine  with  celestial 
luster.  It  has  truly  been  said  that,  "  an  education  is  that  which  no  misfortune  can  depress,  no 
clime  destroy,  no  enemy  alienate,  no  despotism  enslave  ;  at  home  a  friend,  abroad  an  introduction, 
in  solitude  a  solace,  in  society  an  ornament." 

As  illustrative  of  the  tendancy  of  the  times,  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  show  the  atten- 
tion education  received  at  Fort  Winnebago  forty-five  years  ago.  Maj.  Green,  then  command- 
ing officer  at  the  fort,  engaged,  in  1835,  Miss  Eliza  Haight  as  governess  in  his  family,  and  he 
allowed  the  children  of  other  officers  of  the  fort  to  attend  the  private  school  thus  established. 


^'(Jrt4yr-Gj-r-^^^2>i>u^ 


PORTAGE,  CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  615 

There  were,  in  all,  about  one  dozen  pupils.  In  the  spring  of  1840,  Rev.  S.  P.  Keyes  became 
both  chaplain  and  schoolmaster  at  the  post,  and  taught  about  twenty  children,  some  of  them  over 
twelve  years  of  age. 

The  first  school  in  Portage,  however,  the  benefits  of  which  were  enjoyed  by  actual  settlers, 
was  established  in  the  house  of  Hugh  McFarlane,  in  184-3,  Mrs.  McFarlane  being  the  teacher. 
Instruction  was  given  on  Sundays  only,  and  it  was  therefore  a  Sunday  school.  Books  were 
purchased  for  the  purpose,  from  a  fund  created  by  contributions  solicited  from  the  hardy  rafts- 
men of  the  Wisconsin  River,  by  Mrs.  McFarlane.  From  this  small  beginning,  a  private  school, 
with  a  "hired  "  teacher,  grew  into  existence.  It  was  located,  for  awhile,  in  one  portion  of  Mr. 
McFarlane's  blacksmith-shop,  partitioned  off  for  that  purpose. 

The  town  of  Winnebago  Portage,  organized  on  the  9th  day  of  January,  1849,  by  virtue  of 
that  organization,  became,  at  that  date,  a  school  district,  under  a  law  of  the  Territory  of  Wis- 
consin, which  continued  in  force  till  January  1,  1850,  and  which  declared  that  "  every  town  in 
this  Territory,  containing  not  less  than  ten  families,  shall  be  a  school  district,"  etc.  There  is 
no  record  of  a  public  school  in  the  town,  during  1849  ;  but  in  that  year  a  portion  of  the  town 
occupied  by  its  residents  living  in  the  vicinity  of  the  "  old  fort,"  was  set  off  as  School  District 
No.  2,  all  other  parts  of  the  town  being  considered  District  No.  1.  It  is  not  necessary  to  give 
the  limits  of  this  District  No.  2,  as  it  became  joint  District  No.  1,  of  Port  Hope  and  Fort  Win- 
nebago, on  the  8th  day  of  January,  1850,  when  the  name  of  Wiiinebago  Portage  was  changed 
to  Fort  Winnebago,  and  Town  13,  Range  9,  taken  from  that  town  and  organized  as  the  town  of 
Port  Hope.  This  joint  district  followed  the  fortunes  of  Section  33,  Town  13,  Range  9,  site  of  the 
the  old  fort,  and  was  transferred  with  it  three  times,  from  one  town  to  the  other.  It  was  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  (now  Portage)  only  about  three  years,  and  after 
noticing  its  first  annual  report,  in  1850,  its  history  will  not  be  further  considered  in  connection 
with  that  part  of  the  city  of  Portage,  except  in  the  explanation  of  the  numbering  of  the  dis- 
tricts that  may  hereafter  be  named. 

In  1850,  School  Superintendent  D.  Vandercook  formed  four  new  districts,  in  the  town  of 
Fort  Winnebago,  making  five  in  all,  viz.,  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4  and  5.  And  as  No.  3  soon  passed  to 
another  town,  and  as  No.  4  was  substantially  absorbed  in  another  district  of  the  same  name, 
which  in  reality  was  the  successor  of  joint  District  No.  1,  hereinbefore  named,  they  will  be 
briefly  described  and  "  accounted  for  "  first,  so  that  further  mention  of  them  will  not  be 
required. 

District  JS/o.  3. — Set  off,  June  27,  1850,  commencing  "at  the  west  line  of  Town  12, 
Range  8,  thence  east  three  miles,  including  John  Tibbet's  claim  on  Section  5 ;  thence  north  to 
the  Wisconsin  River,  and  bounded  on  the  south  by  the  Baraboo  River."  This  district  became 
a  part  of  the  town  of  Caledonia,  at  the  organization  of  the  latter,  on  the  12th  of  November, 
1851. 

District  No.  4-,  set  off  November  30,  1850,  contained  the  "  east  side  of  the  village  (at  the 
Portage)  from  Center  avenue,"  and  was  united  with  a  part  of  joint  District  No.  1,  before  named, 
on  the  30th  day  of  August,  1851.  The  new  district  was  designated  No.  4,  and  as  such  made 
its  annual  report  for  the  year  1851,  being  really  the  report  of  the  school  of  said  joint  district  for 
that  year.  It  passed  from  the  jurisdiction  of  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  on  the  15th  day  of 
December,  1852,  with  the  site  of  the  fort.  Section  33,  Town  13,  Range  9,  which  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  town  of  Port  Hope  on  that  day. 

Districts  JVos.  1,  2  and  5,  of  the  organization  of  1850,  have  been  the  permanent  districts 
of  the  place. 

No.  1  embraced  that  part  of  the  town  south  of  the  canal  and  west  of  Center  avenue  (in 
part  of  First  Ward,  now  west  of  Center  avenue)  not  set  off  to  other  districts. 

No.  2. — Substantially  the  present  Second  Ward  of  the  city  (old  No.  3  becoming  joint  Dis- 
trict No.  1,  as  above  stated),  organized  January,  1850. 

No.  5. — Substantially  what  is  now  Third,  Fourth  and  Fifth  Wards  of  the  city,  and  organ- 
ized December  20,  1850. 


616  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT"!'. 

Districts  Nos.  1  and  2,  of  Fort  Winnebago,  and  joint  District  No.  1,  of  Port  Hope  and  Fort 
Winnebago  (once  No.  2  of  Winnebago  Portage),  maintained  public  schools  in  the  year  ending 
August  31,  1850,  and  made  annual  reports,  from  which  the  following  statistics  are  taken,  viz.  : 

District  No.  1. — Number  of  male  children  of  school  age,  21 ;  number  of  female  children  of 
school  age,  15;  number  attending  school,  20  ;  number  of  months'  school,  3;  wages,  with  board, 
per  month,  of  teacher.  Miss  C.  V.  Baldwin,  $6 ;  schoolroom,  second  scory  of  Henry  Car- 
penter's warehouse. 

District  No.  2. — Number  of  male  children  of  school  age,  70;  number  of  female  children  of 
school  age,  65 ;  number  attending  school,  87  ;  number  of  months'  school,  3  ;  monthly  wages  of 
teacher,  Mr.  R.  M.  Brown,  $18  ;  the  schoolroom  was  a  shop  of  William  Rice,  standing  on  a  part 
of  the  present  homestead  of  Mrs.  Dr.  Dent,  Block  No.  240. 

Joint  District  No.  1,  of  Port  Hope  and  Fort  Winnebago. — Number  of  male  children  of 
school  age,  55 ;  number  of  female  children  of  school  age,  41 ;  number  attending  school,  65  ; 
number  of  months'  school,  3  ;  monthly  wages  of  teacher,  Mrs.  Grace  Bliss,  $15.  Schoolroom, 
arsenal  building  of  the  fort ;   William  Wier  was  Clerk. 

District  No.  1  contained  that  part  of  the  town  south  of  the  canal  not  set  off  to  other  dis- 
tricts. Its  boundaries  were  not  given  on  its  records,  for  the  reason  that  it  originally  contained 
the  whole  town,  and  it  was  called  "  No.  1,"  because  it  was  the  original  organization,  or  what 
was  left  of  that  organization.  To  give  it  a  name  and  limits  on  its  records.  School  Superintendent 
W.  R.  DeWitt  re-organized  it  on  the  10th  day  of  May,  1851,  giving  it  the  name  it  had  borne 
and  the  boundaries  rightfully  belonging  to  it.  Ten  days  after,  namely.  May  20,  1851,  he  organ- 
ized that  portion  of  the  district  south  of  Superior  street  into  District  No.  7  (No.  6  not  described, 
being  in  what  is  now  Caledonia).  Practically,  the  two  districts  remained  as  one,  and  as  the 
schoolhouse  was  in  District  No.  7,  the  annual  reports  were  made  in  the  name  of  that  district, 
until  the  two  were  united  under  the  original  name.  District  No.  1. 

During  the  year  ending  August  31,  1851,  Districts  Nos.  1  (7  and  1)  and  2  again  main- 
tained public  schools,  and  District  No.  5  had  its  first  public  school.  From  the  report  of  the 
Clerk  of  District  No.  5  for  that  year,  the  following  particulars  are  taken,  viz. :  Number  of  male 
children  of  school  age,  43 ;  number  of  female  children  of  school  age,  55 ;  number  attending 
school,  98 ;  number  of  months'  school,  3 ;  monthly  wages  of  teacher.  Miss  Helen  M.  Hand, 
$15.  James  Boylan  taught  ten  days.  The  schoolroom  was  the  schoolhouse  of  District  No.  2, 
rented. 

Changes  of  Name,  etc. — The  name  of  the  town  having  been  changed  to  Portage  City,  and 
some  alterations  having  been  made  in  its  boundaries  by  the  Board  of  County  Supervisors  on  the 
17th  day  of  December,  1852,  School  Superintendent  A.  C.  Ketchum  re-organized  the  school 
districts  on  the  23d  day  of  April  following,  designating  Districts  Nos.  1  and  7  as  District  No. 
4,  and  District  No.  5  as  District  No.  3,  District  No.  2  retaining  its  name.  The  city  having 
been  incorporated  in  1854  with  southeasterly  boundaries  different  fi-om  those  of  the  town  pre- 
ceding it,  School  Superintendent  W.  S.  M.  Abbott,  on  the  3d  day  of  February,  1855,  in  making 
a  record  of  the  altered  limits  of  the  then  District  No.  4,  restored  its  original  name.  District 
No.  1.  From  that  date  till  graded  schools  were  established  in  the  city,  the  districts  were :  No. 
1,  First  Ward ;  No.  2,  Second  Ward  ;  No.  3,  present  Third,  Fourth  and  Fifth  Wards.  And 
in  speaking  of  them  on  other  points  of  their  history,  the  names  last  above  given  will  be  used, 
whatever  may  have  been  their  designations  when  the  events  named  took  place. 

Schoolhouses. — Districts  1  and  2  each  erected  a  wooden  schoolhouse  in  1851,  that  of  the 
former  standing  on  Lot  10,  Block  89,  and  that  of  the  latter  on  Lot  16,  Block  187,  of  Webb  & 
Bronson's  Plat.  The  one  erected  by  District  No.  1  now  forms  a  part  of  the  First  Ward  School- 
house  on  Block  140 ;  and  that  erected  by  District  No.  2  was  sold  by  the  city,  and  is  now  a 
dwelling-house  on  Block  197,  of  the  plat  of  Portage  City. 

District  No.  3  (5)  did  not  erect  a  schoolhouse.  For  many  years  it  rented  one  of 
Hugh  McFarlane,  erected  by  him  for  a  private  high  school,  and  standing  on  Lot  9,  Block  237, 
of  Portage  City,  and  in   1857  it  purchased  the  house  and  lot  of  Mr.  McFarlane  for  $1,500. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTT.  617 

The  house  and  grounds  were  sold  by  the  city,  and  the  building  has  been  converted  into  a 
dwelling-house,  and  is  now  owned  by  William  Miller. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  teachers  and  officers  of  School  District  No.  1,  during  its  exist- 
ence—it being  also  known  as  District  No.  4,  and  District  No.  7,  and  the  time  it  was  so  known 
being  herein  indicated  :  Year  ending  August  31,  1850 — Miss  0.  V.  Baldwin,  Teacher  ;  Henry 
Carpenter,  Director  ;  George  W.  Morgan,  Clerk  ;  M.  Van  Winter,  Treasurer.  Year  ending 
August  31,  1851 — Miss  C.  V.  Baldwin,  Teacher;  Henry  Carpenter,  Director  ;  S.  F.  Marston, 
Clerk  ;   M.  Van  Winter,  Treasurer.     Year  ending  August  31,  1852 — Mrs.  Maria  Gue  and  Miss 

E.  J.  Page,  Teachers  ;  Henry  Carpenter,  Director  ;  0.  P.  Williams  and  M.  Van  Winter,  Clerks  ; 
Alex.  McDonald,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1853 — Miss  Sophia  Wright,  Teacher  ; 
Henry  Carpenter,  Director  ;  M.  Van  Winter,  Clerk  ;  Alex.  McDonald,  Treasurer.  Year  end- 
ing August  31,  1854 — Minor  Palmer,  Teacher  ;  Henry  Carpenter,  Director  ;  M.  Van  Winter, 
Clerk  ;  Perry  Lee,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1855 — Miss  Margaret  E.  Hand  and 
Miss  Margaret  St.  John,  Teachers;  Henry  Carpenter,  Director;  C.  A.Comstock,  Clerk  ;  Perry 
Lee,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1856 — D.  J.  Waters  and  Miss  Margaret  E.  Hand, 
Teachers  ;  Edward  O'Keefe,  Director ;  M.  McHale,  Clerk  ;  Perry  Lee,  Treasurer.  Year  end- 
ing August  31,  1857 — D.  J.  Waters,  Teacher  ;  Henry  Carpenter,  Director;  M.  McHale,  Clerk  ; 
Perry  Lee,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1858 — D.  J.  Waters,  Teacher  ;  Henry  Carpen- 
ter, Director ;  Eugene  Muldoon  and  John  Brickwell,  Clerks  ;  Perry  Lee,  Treasurer.  From 
August  31,  1858,  to  end  of  district  system.  May,  1859 — Jerome  Starr,  Teacher ;  M'.  Van  Win- 
ter, Director  ;  John  Brickwell,  Clerk  ;  Volney  Foster,  Treasurer. 

List  of  teachers  and  officers  of  School  District  No.  2,  during  its  existence  :  Year  ending 
August  31,  1850 — Mr.  R.  M.  Brown,  Teacher  ;  Richard  Dempsey,  Director  ;  T.  Dean,  Clerk  ; 
John  M.  Crawford,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31, 1851 — Mr.  James  Boylan,  Miss'B.  Edg- 
erton,  Teachers;  John  A.  Johnson,  Director;  H.  R.  Pettibone,  Clerk;  John  M.  Crawford  and 
C.  G.  McCuUoch,  Treasurers.     Year  ending  August  31,  1852 — Miss  B.  Edgerton,  Teacher;   R. 

F.  Veeder,  Director;  H.  R.  Pettibone,  Clerk:  C.  G.  McCulloch,  Treasurer.  Year  ending 
August  31,  1853— Seth  Mills,  Teacher  ;  George  Wall,  Director;  A.  C.  Ketchum,  Clerk  ;  Will- 
iam Sylvester,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31, 1854 — Mr.  R.  S.  Carter,  Miss  Jane  S.  Chap- 
pell  and  Miss  Helen  Ward,  Teachers  ;  Thomas  Thompson,  Director;  John  M    Crawford,  ('lerk  ; 

G.  N.  Oddie,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31, 1855 — Emory  Peck,  C.  0.  Paquin  and  Miss 
Helen  M.  Hand,  Teachers  ;  Thomas  Thompson,  Director  ;  John  M.  Crawford,  Clerk  ;  William 
R.  Clough,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1856 — J.  A.  Burt  and  C.  0.  Paquin,  Teachers  ; 
James  Learmouth,  Director ;  John  M.  Crawford  and  J.  B.  Rogers,  Clerks  ;  W.  R.  Clough, 
Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1857 — J.  A.  Burt  and  Miss  Lucy  A.  Miller,  Teachers  ; 
S.  K.  Vaughan,  Director ;  J.  B.  Rogers,  Clerk  ;  James  Learmouth,  Treasurer.  Year  ending 
August  31,  1858 — G.  J.  Cox  and  Miss  Mary  J.  Bisbee,  Teachers  ;  M.  M.  Davis,  Director;  G. 
M.  Oddie,  Clerk;  A.  Carnagie,  Treasurer.  From  August  31,  1858,  to  end  of  district  system, 
May,  1859 — T.  C.  Barden  and  Miss  Fannie  E.  Waldo,  Teachers  ;  George  Wall,  Director ;  Barrin 
S.  Doty  and  J.  0.  Prescott,  Clerks ;  Alex.  Carnagie,  Treasurer. 

List  of  teachers  and  officers  of  School  District  No.  3,  otherwise  No.  5,  during  its  existence  : 
Year  ending  August  31,  1851 — Miss  Helen  M.  Hand,  Teacher;  Hugh  McFarlane,  Director; 
Daniel  Young,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  Clough,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1852 — Mrs. 
Agnes  N.  Butz,  Teacher ;  H.  McFarlane,  Director;  C.  H.  Moore,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  Clough, 
Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31, 1853— James  Chancellor  and  Miss  Helen  M.  Hand,  Teach- 
ers ;  Charles  H.  Moore,  Director;  James  Chancellor  and  A.  Hand,  Clerks  ;  Daniel  Clough,  Treas- 
urer. Year  ending  August  31, 1854 — Seth  Mills  and  Martha  Mills,  Teachers  ;  Richard  Demp- 
sey, Director;  L.  Berry  and  D.  J.  M.  Loop,  Clerks;  Daniel  Clough,  Treasurer.  Year  ending 
August  31,  1855 — J.  W.  Hollenshead  and  Miss  Butterfield,  Teachers  ;  Richard  Dempsey,  Direc- 
tor ;  E.  Cook,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  Clough,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1856 — W.  S.  M. 
Abbott  and  Mrs.  Abbott,  Teachers  ;  James  Collins,  Director  ;  W.  S.  M.  Abbott  and  H.  B.  Ander- 
son, Clerks  ;  Daniel  Clough,  Treasurer.     Year  ending  August  31, 1857 — George  F.  Richardson 


618  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

George  Hand  and  Mary  Dempsey,  Teachers ;  James  Collins,  Director ;  Richard  Dempsey, 
Clerk  ;  T.  E.  Best,  Treasurer.  Year  ending  August  31,  1858 — George  F.  Richardson  and 
Mary  Dempsey,  Teachers ;  William  P.  St.  John,  Director  ;  H.  S.  Haskell,  Clerk  ;  D.  Vander- 
cook,  Treasurer.  From  August  <51,  1858,  to  end  of  the  district  system,  May,  1859 — George 
F.  Richardson  and  Mary  Dempsey,  Teachers  ;  John  T.  Clark,  Director;  H.  S.  Haskell,  Clerk  ; 
H.  L.  Norton,  Treasurer. 

Graded  Schools.— -The  present  graded-school  system  commenced  in  1859,  as  will  appear 
from  the  following  report  of  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Education  : 

"  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  city  of  Portage,  held  at  the  office 
of  the  City  Superintendent,  on  the  2d  day  of  May,  1859,  at  7  o'clock  P.  M. — present.  Com- 
missioners Volney  Foster,  First  Ward  ;  Baron  S.  Doty,  Second  Ward ;  Alvin  B.  Alden,  Third 
Ward ;  Henry  B.  Munn,  Fourth  Ward,  and  City  Superintendent,  J.  J.  Guppey,  ex  officio  Sec- 
retary, being  all  the  members  of  the  board — the  Commissioners  took  and  subscribed  to  the  oath 
of  office. 

"  On  motion  of  Mr.  Alden,  seconded  by  Mr.  Munn,  Baron  S.  Doty  was,  by  unanimous  vote, 
elected  President  of  the  board. 

"  On  motion  of  Mr.  Munn,  Thursday,  the  12th  inst.,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  the  Com- 
mon Council  room,  were  designated  as  the  time  and  place  for  e.xamination  of  applicants  for 
schools,  and  the  Secretary  was  directed  to  give  notice  in  the  city  paper  accordingly. 

"  After  a  general  but  informal  discussion  of  the  action  to  be  taken  by  the  board  for  the 
future,  in  reference  to  city  schools,  it  was  voted  to  hold  an  adjourned  meeting  on  Monday,  the 
12th  inst.,  at  9  o'clock  A.  M.,  at  the  Common  Council  room,  for  the  purpose  of  examining 
teachers  and  transacting  such  general  business  as  might  be  brought  before  the  board.  Ad- 
journed accordingly.  Joshua  J.  Guppey,  Clerk." 

The  board  met  accordingly,  and  examined  G.  F.  Richardson,  Charles  R.  Gallett,  Miss 
Kate  Roland,  Miss  Fannie  E.  Waldo,  Miss  Luthera  Waldo,  Miss  Hannah  P.  Best  and  Miss 
Helvetia  L.  Reese,  as  to  their  qualifications  to  fill  teachers'  positions,  as  follows:  Messrs. 
Richardson  and  Gallett  and  Miss  Luthera  Waldo,  for  intermediate  schools,  and  Miss  Kate 
Roland,  Miss  Fannie  E.  Waldo,  Miss  Hannah  P.  Best  and  Miss  Helvetia  L.  Reese,  for  primary 
schools.  At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  board,  reported  favorable  upon  the  application  of 
each  aspirant. 

The  next  work  of  the  board  was  "  the  organization  of  the  primary  and  intermediate 
schools  of  the  city  of  Portage."  This  was  accomplished  by  the  adoption  of  a  by-law,  drawn 
and  ofiTered  by  Superintendent  Guppey,  providing  that  the  First  Ward  of  the  city,  excepting  the 
portion  lying  northerly  of  Center  avenue,  should  constitute  a  primary  and  intermediate  school  dis- 
trict, and  there  were  established  therein  and  therefor,  one  primary  and  one  intermediate 
school,  to  be  known  as  the  First  Ward  Primary  and  Intermediate  Schools ;  that  so  much  of  the 
First  Ward  as  lies  north  of  Center  avenue,  and  all  of  the  Second  Ward,  should  constitute  a  pri- 
mary and  intermediate  school  district ;  that  the  Third  and  Fourth  Wards  of  said  city  shall  also 
constitute  a  primary  and  intermediate  school  district ;  provided,  that  a  second  primary  school 
may  be  organized  in  the  Third  Ward,  if  necessary.  In  the  two  last-mentioned  districts,  pri- 
mary and  intermediate  schools  were  established. 

It  was  then  decided  to  employ  teachers  two  months  from  May  23,  as  follows :  George 
F.  Parkinson,  First  Ward  Intermediate,  at  $35  per  month  ;  Miss  Luthera  Waldo,  Second  Ward 
Intermediate,  $25  ;  Miss  Helvetia  L.  Reese,  First  Ward  Primary,  $15  ;  Miss  Fannie  E.  Waldo, 
Second  Ward  Primary,  $20.  At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  Board,  Mrs.  Agnes  N.  Cornell 
and  Miss  Caroline  M.  Prentiss  passed  successful  examinations,  and  were  employed  in  the  Third 
and  Fourth  Ward  Schools  ;  Mrs.  Cornell,  in  the  intermediate  department,  at  $35  per  month, 
and  Miss  Pientiss,  in  the  primary,  at  $20,  per  month — for  a  period  of  ten  weeks  from  May  23, 
1859.  At  a  meeting  of  the  board,  held  June  4,  a  resolution  was  passed  requesting  the  Com- 
mon Council  to  levy  a  tax  of  $1,500  for  the  support  of  the  schools  thus  established. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  619 

Superintendent  Guppey's  first  report  under  the  new  system  showed  that  there  were  1,076 
children  of  school  age  residing  in  the  city  of  Portage,  511  being  males  and  565  being  females, 
divided  as  follows  :  First  Ward,  293  ;  Second  Ward,  274  ;   Third  Ward,  145;  Fourth  Ward,  364. 

In  October,  a  second  primary  school  was  organized  in  the  Third  and  Fourth  Wards,  "  the 
schoolhouse  near  the  residence  of  H.  S.  Haskell  being  leased  for  that  purpose,"  and  Miss 
Luthera  Waldo  being  employed  as  teacher,  at  a  salary  of  $20  per  month. 

The  semi-annual  report  of  the  Superintendent,  dated  January  3,  1860,  gave  the  status  of 
the  schools,  at  that  date,  as  follows  :  Number  of  pupils  in  attendance.  641 ;  average  attend- 
ance, 464  ;  aggregate  monthly  salaries  of  teachers,  $285 ;  cost  of  schools,  from  September  1, 
1859,  $1,064.75  ;  estimated  cost  to  next  report  (si.x  months),  $1,781.25. 

The  report  of  the  Superintendent  for  the  term  ending  August  31,  1860,  gave  the  number 
of  children  of  school  age  residing  in  the  city,  1,047  (males,  512;  females,  585),  there  being 
242  in  the  First  Ward,  241    in  the  Second,  149   in   the   Third,  and   415   in  the  Fourth. 

In  August,  1861,  there  having  been  a  reduction  in  salaries,  thereby  causing  the  resignation 
of  certain  teachers.  Miss  Jane  Booth  was  employed  as  teacher  in  the  Second  Ward  Intermediate 
School,  Miss  Emma  Sherwood  in  the  Fourth  Ward  Primary,  and  Miss  Eliza  Hunter  in  the  First 
Ward  Primary.  The  school  census  for  this  year  showed  1,013  children  of  school  age  in  the 
city,  there  being  490  males  and  523  females.  In  October,  Superintendent  Guppey  resigned  his 
position,  and  the  Common  Council  appointed  Henry  B.  Munn  to  fill  the  vacancy.  Edgar  P. 
Hill  succeeded  Mr.  Munn  as  a  member  of  the  board.  In  this  connection,  are  fonnd  the  following 
patriotic  sentiments  in  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Education  to  the  City  Council : 

"  Shortly  after  the  commencement  of  the  current  school  year,  we  lost  the  assistance  and 
co-operation  of  our  late  excellent  School  Superintendent,  Joshua  J.  Guppey,  and  we  desire  in 
this,  our  annual  report,  to  record  our  high  appreciation  of  his  successful  efforts  in  behalf  of  the 
best  interests  of  our  public  schools.  He  left  us  to  take  an  active  part  in  crushing  out  the  infer- 
nal rebellion  that  is  struggling  to  dismember  our  once  happy  land  and  overthrow  the  best 
government  the  sun  ever  shone  upon.  And,  while  we  regretted  his  departure,  we  could  not  but 
bid  him  Godspeed.  His  leaving  brought  the  subject  of  the  war  home  to  all  the  pupils  in  our 
public  schools,  and  inspired  them  with  a  new  love  of  country,  and  hatred  of  traitors.  And  our 
schoolrooms  have  resounded  during  the  year  with  patriotic  songs — songs  kindling  a  patriotism 
which  will  never  die." 

At  the  November  meeting  of  the  board,  a  resolution  was  adopted  setting  forth  the  crowded 
condition  of  the  schoolhouses  then  in  use,  and  recommending  the  purchase  of  "  the  building 
now  occupied  by  D.  J.  M.  Loop,  in  the  Third  Ward,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  $200."  The  City 
Council  having  granted  the  requisite  authority,  the  building  was  purchased  and  an  intermediate 
school  established  therein. 

In  January,  1863,  a  slight  increase  was  made  in  the  salaries  of  teachers,  the  Principal  of 
the  high  school  being  allowed  $70  per  month,  and  his  assistant  $35.  Teachers  in  the  inter- 
mediate schools  received  $30,  while  those  in  the  primary  departments  were  allowed  $20. 

In  1864,  the  intermediate  schools  were  somewhat  reduced  on  account  of  the  establishment 
of  a  grammar  grade  in  the  high  school,  but  the  primary  departments  were  overflowing  with 
"  little  prattlers,"  receiving  the  first  seeds  of  knowledge.  The  receipts  for  school  purposes  this 
year  were  $9,938.14.  This  included  the  $5,000  of  school  bonds  issued  by  the  city.  The 
expenditures  (including  the  cost  of  the  high-school  building  and  grounds)  balanced  the  receipts. 
The  board  estimated  the  value  of  school  property  belonging  to  the  city  at  $12,400,  divided  as 
follows  :  high  school  and  grounds  (26  lots),  $10,000  ;  house  and  lot  in  the  Second  Ward,  $600  ; 
house  and  lot  in  the  Third  Ward,  $900 ;  two  buildings  and  lot  in  the  Fourth  Ward,  $900. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  new  school  year  of  1865,  several  changes  occurred  in  the  list  of 
teachers.  The  term  opened  with  the  following  persons  at  the  heads  of  the  different  departments : 
Intermediate — First  Ward,  Miss  Susan  N.  Waters ;  Second  and  Third  Wards,  Mrs.  George 
Ege ;  Fourth  Ward,  Miss  Maria  Austin.  Primary — First  Ward,  Miss  Eliza  Hunter ;  Second 
and  Third  Wards,  Miss  Fannie  E.  Waldo ;  Fourth,  J.  Kate  Miller. 


620  HISTORY    OF    COLl'MBIA    COUNTY. 

The  first  paragraph  of  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Education,  at  the  close  of  the  school  year 
of  1865,  is  worth  reproducing,  as  showing  the  wonderful  contrast  in  educational  matters,  that 
must  have  existed  at  that  time,  between  the  loyal  North  and  the  rebellious  South  :  "  The 
schools  have  just  closed  another  year  of  usefulness.  Notwithstanding  the  terrible  civil  strife, 
now  happily  brought  to  a  close,  which  has  so  long  distracted  a  large  portion  of  our  fair  country, 
and  drawn  so  long  and  heavily  upon  our  resources,  the  educational  interests  of  our  city  have 
been  steadily  and  quietly  advancing.  The  average  attendance  of  pupils  has  been  about  .500 
daily.  This  exceeds  the  average  of  any  previous  year."  About  the  middle  of  the  term,  Mrs. 
Ege  resigned  her  position  as  teacher  in  the  Second  and  Third  Wards  Intermediate,  the  vacancy 
being  filled  by  the  appointment  of  Miss  Rose  L.  Wotring. 

In  April,  186  J,  Franklin  Street  School  District  was  organized,  out  of  the  Third  and 
Fourth  Wards.     Miss  Lizzie  C.  Osborne  was   placed  in  charge,  at  a  salary  of  $30  per  month. 

At  the  close  of  the  school  year  of  1867,  the  names  of  the  following  persons  appear  on  the 
records  as  teachers  in  the  intermediate  and  primary  schools :  Intermediate — First  Ward, 
Miss  Mattie  L.  Oilman ;  Second,  Miss  M.  McFarlane ;  Fourth,  Miss  M.  Austin  and  Mrs.  II. 
Stewart.  Primary — First  Ward,  Miss  J.  A.  Moore  ;  Second,  Miss  F.  E.  Waldo ;  Fourth,  Miss 
J.  K.  Miller  and  Miss  Kate  O'Leary.  Franklin  Street  School — Mrs.  Ann  Condon,  Miss 
Lizzie  Osborne  and  Miss  iNIary  Ten  Eyck. 

In  1867,  the  site  of  the  old  Lee  House  was  purchased  by  the  city,  and  the  First  Ward 
Schoolhouse  removed  thereto.  Owing  to  the  crowded  condition  of  the  Franklin  Street  School, 
a  primary  class  was  formed,  and  placed  in  charge  of  Miss  Josephine  Williams,  a  room  having 
been  fitted  up  in  the  basement  of  the  high-school  building  for  its  accommodation.  During  this 
year.  Miss  Addie  E.  Forrest  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  First  Ward  Intermediate  School. 
Numerous  changes  having  occurred  in  the  corps  of  teachers,  the  names  of  those  holding  positions 
in  the  intermediate  and  primary  departments,  August  1,  186'J,  will  be  of  interest.  In  the 
intermediate  department.  Miss  Addie  E.  Forrest  taught  in  the  First  Ward,  Mrs.  R.  G.  Wood 
in  the  Second,  Miss  E.  R.  Briggs  in  the  Fourth,  and  Miss  Lizzie  C.  Osborn  and  Miss  Mary 
Draper  in  the  Franklin  Street  School.  In  the  primary  department.  Miss  Joanna  A.  Moore 
presided  in  the  First  Ward,  Miss  Mary  Draper  and  Miss  Mary  Ten  Eyck  in  the  Second,  Miss 
Kate  E.  Brady  in  the  Fourth,  and  Miss  H.  B.  Cole  in  the  Franklin  Street  School. 

The  large  influx  of  Germans  into  Wisconsin  made  necessary  the  passage  of  a  law  pro- 
viding for  the  establishment  of  German  and  English  schools,  the  experiment  of  a  German- 
English  school  was  tried  in  Portage,  in  1868.  The  lower  floor  of  the  Dean  store,  on  Clark 
street,  was  leased  for  the  purpose.  Miss  Amelia  Schneider  being  placed  in  charge.  The  new 
institution  grew  rapidly  in  favor,  and  soon  became  a  leading  feature  of  the  school  system  of 
Portage. 

In  1871,  Miss  Delia  Damp,  Miss  Annie  Hagan  and  Miss  Belle  C.  Stewart,  were  appointed 
upon  the  staft"  of  primary  teachers.  Miss  Briggs  resigned  her  position  in  the  Franklin  Street 
School,  and  was  succeeded  by  Miss  K.  C.  Wright.  Before  the  close  of  the  school  year,  Miss 
Harriet  Lowenfels,  Miss  Louisa  A.  Collipp  and  Miss  Mary  G.  Staley,  became  teachers  in  the 
primary  department. 

In  February,  1874,  Miss  Wright  resigned  as  teacher  of  the  Franklin  Street  Intermediate 
School,  and  Miss  Fannie  E.  Waldo  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy.  Miss  Mary  Gaffney,  as 
teacher  of  the  Second  Ward  Intermediate,  also  resigned ;  Miss  May  Dent  became  her  succes- 
sor. Other  changes  followed  thick  and  fast,  and  the  report  of  the  board  for  the  school  year  of 
1873  shows  the  following  new  names  in  the  roll  of  teachers,  in  addition  to  those  already 
mentioned  :  Intermediate  department — First  Ward,  Miss  A.  McMurray  and  Gretta  E.  Collins. 
Primary  department — Second  Ward,  M.  B.  Ferguson  ;  Fourth,  Miss  Helen  Flanders.  Miss 
McMurray  was  shortly  removed  by  death. 

In  June,  1873,  bids  were  received  for  building  a  brick  schoolhouse  in  the  Fourth  Ward, 
upon   lots  near  the  corner  of  Dunn  and   Howard   streets,  which   cost  the  city  $300.     George 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  621 

Hurst  and  John  Dalton  were  the  successful  bidders,  at  $3,420.  The  old  Fourth  Ward  School 
is  now  the  residence  of  Alois  Klenert.  It  was  built  at  an  early  day,  by  Hugh  McFarlane,  as  a 
residence,  and  afterwards  sold  to  the  city  for  a  schoolhouse. 

In  the  spring  of  1874,  the  old  Second  AVard  Schoolhouse  gave   way   to  a  brick   structure?  ' 
built  on  a  $4,700  contract  by  A.  Carnagie,  at  the  corner  of  Howard  and  Monroe  streets. 

At  the  close  of  the  school  year  of  1874,  both  the  Second  and  Fourth  Ward  Schoolhouses 
having  been  completed  and  occupied,  we  find  the  list  of  teachers  in  the  intermediate  and  pri- 
mary departments  as  follows:  Intermediate — First  Ward,  Miss  E.  A.  Marsh;  Second,  Miss 
Mary  Dent  and  Miss  Amelia  Schneider  ;  Fourth,  Miss  S.  A.  Waters  and  Miss  E.  K.  Briggs. 
Primary — First  Ward,  Miss  M.  Christopher ;  Second,  Miss  F.  E.  Pettibone  ;  Third,  Miss  M. 
G.  Staley  ;  Fourth,  Miss  Helen  Flanders  and  Miss  Emma  Marsh.  One  of  the  features  in  school 
matters  for  1874  was  the  establishment  of  a  preparatory  grammar  school,  to  which  pupils  were 
promoted  from  the  intermediate  classes.  Miss  Lucelle  Shattuck  was  placed  in  charge.  Besides 
Miss  Shattuck's  the  names  of  new  teachers  appearing  upon  the  record  at  the  end  of  the  school 
year  of  1875  were  Miss  Mary  Kane,  First  Ward  Intermediate ;  Miss  Nellie  Flanders,  Miss 
Anna  Hogan  and  Miss  A.  N.  Cornwell,  Fourth  Ward  Higher  Intermediate ;  Miss  Helen  Marsh 
and  Miss  H.  B.  Cole,  Fourth  Ward  Lower  Intermediate;  Annie  Muir  and  Fannie  Waldo,  Sec- 
ond Ward  Primary ;  Nellie  G.  Goodrich,  Franklin  Street  School.  A  year  later,  is  found  Miss 
J.  Whitelaw  as  Principal  of  the  Fourth  Ward  Higher  Intermediate,  and  Miss  Mary  Downey  and 
Miss  Lida  Gilman  as  the  respective  instructors  in  the  Second  and  Fourth  Wards  Lower  Inter- 
mediate. 

The  only  changes  in  teachers  for  the  school  year  of  1877  were  the  appointment  of  Miss 
Mary  O'Neil  to  the  Second  Ward  Higher  Intermediate,  and  Miss  Mary  Cockroft  to  the  Lower 
Intermediate  of  the  same  ward. 

From  August,  1878,  to  December,  1879,  the  only  changes  in  teachers  to  note  are  the 
appointment  of  Miss  M.  Karch  to  the  First  Ward  Higher  Intermediate,  Miss  Kate  Knibbs  to 
the  Third  Ward  Second  Primary,  Miss  Rachael  Buttrey  to  the  First  Primary  of  the  Second 
Ward,  and  Miss  Filie  Collipp  to  take  charge  of  the  new  primary  class  in  the  basement  of  the 
high-school  building. 

The  present  value  of  school  property  in  the  city  of  Portage  is  estimated  at  $25,000.  The 
schoolhouses  are  of  the  most  substantial  character,  and  the  extensive  gi-ounds  surrounding  them 
are  studded  with  the  best  varieties  of  shade  and  ornamental  trees. 

The  High  School. — In  August,  1859,  soon  after  the  propitious  inauguration  of  the  pres- 
ent ward-school  system,  the  citizens  foresaw  the  necessity  for  an  academic  branch 
in  connection  with  the  common  school.  The  Board  of  Education,  with  commendable  alac- 
rity and  wisdom,  took  immediate  measures  looking  toward  the  establishment  of  a  high  school. 
The  services  of  Prof.  MagofEn,  as  Principal,  were  secured,  at  a  salary  of  $800  per  annum, 
with  Miss  Abbey  0.  Briggs,  as  Assistant,  at  $35  per  month.  The  early  historical  features  of 
the  high  school  are  contained  in  a  by-law  adopted  by  the  Board  of  Education,  at  its  meeting  of 
August  16,  1859,  which  says  :  "  There  is  hereby  established  in  and  for  the  city  of  Portage,  a 
high  school,  which  shall  be  kept  and  maintained  in  the  Sylvester  Store,  so  called,  recently 
rented  for  that  purpose  ;  and  said  school  shall  be  in  charge  of  a  Principal  and  one  or  more 
assistants,  as  may  be  found  necessary.  During  the  first  term  of  said  school,  no  more  than 
eighty  pupils  shall,  at  one  time,  be  entitled  to  seats  therein ;  and  if  that  number  of  qualified 
pupils  resident  in  said  city  do  not  apply  for  admittance  to  said  school,  the  number  may  be 
completed  by  receiving  children  of  persons  residing  in  other  places,  on  the  terms  and  in  the 
manner  hereinafter  to  be  designated  by  the  board.  Until  otherwise  ordered,  eighteen  pupils 
shall  be  admitted  to  the  high  school  from  the  First  Ward,  sixteen  from  the  Second  Ward,  fifteen 
from  the  Third  Ward,  and  thirty-one  from  the  Fourth  Ward  ;  j^rovided,  that  if  any  ward  has 
not  the  number  of  qualified  pupils  assigned  to  it,  such  vacancies  may  be  filled  by  qualified  pupils 
residing  in  other  wards  of  the  city." 


622"  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

At  a  special  meeting  of  the  board,  held  September  1,  1859,  Superintendent  Guppey  presented 
the  names  of  the  following  successful  applicants  who  had  been  by  him  examined  as  to  their  qualifi- 
cations for  admission  to  the  high  school  : 

First  Ward — George  Carpenter,  Volney  W.  Foster,  Charles  A.  Lee,  William  McDole  Lee, 
John  Buchannon,  Gustavus  A.  Sahlquist,  Annie  Buchannon,  Christina  Delamater,  Mary  Han- 
son, Manila  M.  Lee  and  Jane  Lee. 

Second  Ward — Oscar  C.  McCulloch,  Chauncey  V.  Pettibone,  George  Peabody,  Uriah  A. 
Phillips,  William  Shachell,  Myra  D.  Vaughn.  Edward  J.  S.  Wright,  Jane  C.  Ball,  Anna  H. 
Brady,  Mary  E.  Brady,  Agnes  Carnagie,  Eliza  A.  Crawford,  Helen  J.  Crawford,  Frances  A. 
Crawford,  Helen  G.  Cook,  Susie  Davis,  Helen  Hanson,  Mary  A.  Learmworth,  Fannie  H.  Mc- 
Culloch, Kate  M.  Peabody,  Maria  C.  Pettibone,  Eliza  Purnell,  Josephine  A.  Turney,  Josephine 
Williams  and  Manamne  Wing. 

Third  and  Fourth  Wards — Homer  Hart,  Drayton  A.  Hillyer,  Albro  Johnson,  Theodore 
Johnson,  Eben  Johnson,  James  Kane,  Judson  A.  Lewis,  Frederick  Steveop,  John  Veeder, 
Emily  Ayres,  Hannah  P.  Best,  Mary  Brown,  Cornelia  M.  Cook,  Cornelia  Hand,  Lucy  Hink- 
ley,  Helen  Hunter,  Lucy  Johnson,  N.  Nellie  Leavitt,  Matilda  McFarlane.  Sarah  L.  McCregor, 
Kate  Miller,  Mary  Miller,  Clara  Robinson,  Georgianna  Snyder,  Emma  J.  Snyder,  Ella  Stew- 
art, Emily  St.  John,  Lydia  Whitney  and  Elizabeth  Waters. 

Non-resident — Samuel  Kerr,  Harriet  Munn  and   Adeline   Parmenter.     Total,  sixty-eight. 

Applications  for  admission  became  very  numerous,  and  before  the  close  of  the  first  term 
(November  21)  the  following  additional  pupils  passed  examination,  and  were  admitted  :  Resi- 
dents— Louise  Morehouse,  Joanna  Hazeltine,  Eliza  Hunter,  Margaret  Van  Winter,  Cassius  Van 
Winter,  Minnie  Williams,  Mary  Draper,  David  T.  Gilman,  Ella  Huntington,  Ella  McCulloch, 
Richard  Gushing,  Carrie  M.  Butz,  James  T.  Hulihan,  James  H.  Crawford,  Mary  A.  O'Keefe, 
Joanne  Moore,  Catherine  O'Leary,  John  M.  Holmes  and  Letitia  J.  David.  Non-residents — 
Melvin  E.  Merrell  (Fort  Winnebago),  Sarah  Hand,  Alma  M.  Hand,  Emma  Kelley,  Catherine 
Cairnes,  Sarah  E.  Goodwin,  Porter  Langdon  and  Given  J.  Owen.  From  November  21,  1859, 
to  July  13,  1860,  there  were  thirty-nine  additional  pupils  admitted,  making  the  roll  107  for  the 
first  year. 

From  this  date  until  186.3,  there  is  but  little  to  note  in  connection  with  the  high  school, 
save  that  it  progressed  rapidly  and  the  membership  increased  even  beyond  the  most  sanguine 
expectations.  In  January  of  that  year,  the  necessary  measures  were  taken  by  the  board  and 
City  Council  for  constructing  a  high  school  building.  Alexander  Carnagie  became  the  suc- 
cessful bidder,  he  agreeing  to  erect  a  structure,  according  to  plans  previously  adopted,  for 
$4,325.  Block  230,  bounded  by  Mac,  Franklin  and  DeWitt  streets,  was  purchased  of  Mr. 
Barden,  for  the  purposes  of  a  site,  $300  being  paid  therefor.  City  school  bonds,  to  the  extent 
of  $5,000,  were  issued  to  defray  the  expenses  of  building. 

From  the  report  of  Superintendent  Henry  B.  Munn,  who  succeeded  Superintendent  Guppey, 
in  1861,  it  appears  that  there  were  193  names  upon  the  roll  August  1,  1863,  quite  a  number  of 
whom  were  non-residents.  The  Portage  High  School,  even  at  that  early  day,  was  regarded  at 
home  and  abroad  as  one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  that  character.  Its  able  and  intelligent 
management,  as  indicated  by  the  carefully  kept  records  of  the  time,  fully  justified  this  recogni- 
tion. The  new  building  was  completed  and  occupied  early  in  18G4,  but  from  some  inexplicable 
cause  there  had  been  a  serious  falling-off  in  the  attendance,  the  average  during  the  year  being 
seventy-eight,  while  in  1863  it  was  eighty-two.  The  newly  established  grammar  grade,  under 
the  new  tutorship  of  Mrs.  Agnes  N.  Cornwell,  showed  an  average  attendance  of  fifty-seven.  At 
the  beginning  of  the  new  school  year,  August  1,  1864,  Prof.  Magoffin  and  Miss  Briggs  were 
re-appointed  to  the  positions  of  Principal  and  assistant,  at  salaries  of  $75  and  $37.50  per 
month,  respectively.  Mrs.  Cornwell  was  also  retained  as  Principal  of  the  grammar  school  at  a 
salary  of  $35,  while  Miss  Luthera  B.  Waldo  was  appointed  as  assistant  at  $30  per  month. 

The  report  of  the  board  at  the  close  of  the  year  was  full  of  encouragement.  It  showed 
an  average  attendance  of  109  out  of  a  total  attendance  of  200.     Of  the  number  attending 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  623 

school  during  the  year,  thirty-nine  had  engaged  in  teaching  in  the  country  districts,  most  of 
them  in  Columbia  County,  and  two  had  entered  Racine  College. 

In  September,  1865,  Prof.  Magoffin  resigned  as  Principal,  having  held  the  position  from 
the  foundation  of  the  institution  in  1859.  Miss  Abby  0.  Briggs  was  placed  temporarily  in 
charge  at  a  salary  of  $60  per  month,  with  Mrs.  Ann  Condon  as  assistant.  Miss  Briggs  ful- 
filled the  duties  of  the  position  until  August,  1866,  when  C.  J..  Whitney  was  appointed  as  Prin- 
cipal, at  a  salary  of  $1,000  per  annum,  Miss  Briggs  resuming  her  place  as  assistant,  at  an 
increased  salary.  At  the  end  of  Mr.  Wliitney's  first  term,  his  books  showed  an  average  attend- 
ance of  174,  out  of  a  list  comprising  the  names  of  322  pupils.  Before  the  close  of  the  spring 
term  of  1867,  Mr.  Whitney  sent  in  his  resignation,  which  was  accepted,  and  Miss  Briggs  was 
again  called  upon  to  take  charge.  She  was  assisted  in  finishing  the  term  by  the  Hon.  J.  P. 
McGregor,  who  heard  the  Latin,  and  Mrs.  Jane  Steber,  who  heard  the  French,  recitations.  At 
the  close  of  the  terra.  Miss  Briggs  also  resigned ;  E.  E.  Ashley  was  then  engaged  as  Principal,  at 
a  salary  of  $1,200  dollars  per  year,  with  Miss  M.  Austin,  from  the  Fourth  Ward  Intermediate, 
as  temporary  assistant.  In  August,  1867,  Miss  Rosa  L.  Wotring  received  the  appointment  of 
assistant  to  Mrs.  Cornwell,  in  the  grammar  school,  and  in  May,  1868,  Miss  Austin  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Miss  Mary  Flanders,  as  the  assistant  of  Mr.  Ashley,  the  Principal.  In  August, 
1868,  Mrs.  Cornwell  resigned  the  principalship  of  the  grammar  school,  and  in  October  was 
succeeded  by  Miss  Lizzie  C.  Osborn,  with  Miss  Maria  Austin  as  assistant.  During  1869,  a 
German  class  was  organized  under  the  tutorship  of  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Hoifmann,  who  heard  recita- 
tions in  the  tongue  of  the  Fatherland,  one  hour  each  day,  in  the  old  Lutheran  schoolroom.  In 
1870,  two  German  classes  were  formed  from  pupils  of  the  high  school. 

During  the  school  year  of  1871,  Mr.  Ashley,  the  Principal,  was  temporarily  assisted  by 
Miss  Carrie  B.  Goldsmith  and  Miss  Marion  R.  Rosenkrans.  The  Assistants  of  Miss  Osborn, 
Principal  of  the  grammar  school,  were  Miss  Maria  Austin  and  W.  G.  Clough.  Before  the  close 
of  the  year.  Miss  Rosenkrans  became  Mr.  Ashley's  assistant,  while  Miss  Austin  and  Mr.  Clough 
were  succeeded  by  Miss  Laura  B.  Copeland  in  the  grammar  department. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Education,  held  August  18,  1873,  J.  J.  Hughes  was  elected 
Principal,  and  Miss  Mary  A.  Clark,  Assistant.  Under  the  management  of  Mr.  Hughes  and 
Miss  Clark,  the  school  lost  none  of  its  previously  acquired  importance,  and,  toward  the  close  of 
the  school  year,  the  first  regular  graduating  exercises  of  which  there  is  any  record  in  the  history 
of  the  institution,  took  place.  The  Class  of  '74  was  as  follows :  Nellie  Goodrich,  Emma  C. 
Prentice,  George  Muir  and  Samuel  Lockhart.  The  eifect  of  thus  placing  a  "  premium  upon 
advancement "  was  noticeable  in  the  increased  average  attendance  and  better  behavior  of  pupils 
the  following  year,  not  only  in  the  high  school,  but  also  in  the  lower  grades.  At  the  begin- 
ning of  the  school  year  of  1875,  Miss  Clark  was  succeeded  by  W.  A.  Weavman  as  Assistant,  and 
at  the  August  meeting  of  the  board,  William  M.  Lawrence  and  W.  G.  Clough  succeeded  to  the 
positions  of  Principal  and  assistant,  respectively.  In  December,  1876,  Miss  Fannie  Estabrook, 
was  appointed  to  the  position  of  assistant  teacher,  in  the  grammar  school.  Miss  Austin  being 
promoted  to  the  principalship.  In  April,  1877,  Miss  Osborn  and  Miss  Austin  were  allowed  to 
resume  their  original  positions  in  the  grammar  school,  and  in  July,  W.  G.  Clough  was 
appointed  Principal  of  the  high  school,  with  Henry  Reid,  as  assistant. 

In  accordance  with  a  vote  of  the  citizens  of  Portage,  taken  in  April,  1877,  this  institution 
was  organized  under  the  high-school  law  of  the  State,  which  provides,  among  other  things, 
that  the  State  Superintendent  shall  prescribe  the  course  of  study  to  be  pursued  in  all  high 
schools,  and  shall  designate  the  class  of  te.xt-books  to  be  used. 

The  graduates  for  1877  were  Annie  Malloy  and  George  Shackell.  Under  the  careful 
management  of  teachers  and  officials,  the  Class  of  '78  was  very  encouraging  and  satisfactory. 
The  graduates  were  Mary  Ellen  Borden,  Rachael  Ann  Buttery,  .Joseph  Francis  Gallagher,  Loa 
Brown  Kennan,  Kathrina  Mary  Knibbs,  Thurlow  Wheeler  Maine,  Isabella  Jane  G'Neill,  Lillie 
Elenor  Schneider,  James  Horace  Wells,  Susy  F.  Whitelaw,  Grant  Robinson  Bennett,  James 


624 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


Alfred  Cole,  Martha  Ann  Karch,  Helen  Blodgett  Knibbs,  Bennett  R.  Lewis,  Bernard  Joseph 
McMahon,  Louis  Oscar  Pfaff,  Fred  Jackson  Turner  and  Susan  Elizabeth  Wells. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  present  school  year,  Henry  Neill  was  appointed  to  the  position  of 
assistant  teacher.  Mr.  Neill  resigned  in  the  latter  part  of  1879,  and  W.  S.  Jeffries  was  chosen 
by  the  board  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

The  graduating  class  for  1879  was  as  follows:  Albert  Samuel  Crouch,  Richard  Arthur 
Dempsie,  Ida  May  Farrington,  Margaret  Barbour  Harvey,  Belle  Judson,  Mary  McDonell,  Anna 
Gilrye  Reid  and  Andrew  Guppey  Williams. 

Private  Schools. — The  first  school  of  a  strictly  private  character  established  in  Portage  was 
the  Classical  Institute.  It  was  founded  in  the  winter  of  1851-52,  by  William  Sylvester,  John 
Q.  Adams,  Lemuel  Berry,  Rev.  Bradley  Phillips,  C.  J.  Pettibone  and  Rev.  W.  W.  McNair. 
The  Principal  was  the  Rev.  John  Brittain,  A.  M.,  assisted  by  Miss  Abbey  0.  Briggs  and  Miss 
Margaret  B.  Burt.  In  it  were  taught,  besides  all  the  English  branches  of  education,  Greek, 
Latin  and  French  ;  also  music,  drawing  and  painting.  As  the  district  schools  grew  into  impoV- 
tance,  public  interest  in  the  Classical  Institute  seems  to  have  waned,  and  it  was  completely  sup- 
planted when  the  present  system  of  public  education  was  organized  and  the  high  school  established. 

Cotemporaneous  with  the  Classical  Institute,  was  the  select  school  of  Miss  Butts,  which 
at  one  time  enjoyed  the  patronage  of  about  eighty  pupils.  When  the  lady  principal  entered  the 
matrimonial  state  (becoming  Mrs.  Cornwell),  a  Mr.  Mills  took  charge  of  the  school ;  but  the 
institution  went  into  gradual  dissolution  from  causes  already  cited.  There  were  also  the  Parish 
School  of  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church,  established  in  November,  1855,  and  the  female  semi- 
nary, founded  two  years  later.  The  Rev.  H.  M.  Thompson  presided  over  the  former,  with  Miss 
A.  0.  Briggs,  Mary  Morehouse  and  Miss  McFarlane  as  assistants.  Mrs.  E.  D.  Emery,  Mrs. 
E.  W.  Tenney  and  Miss  Briggs  were  connected  with  the  latter. 

Attached    to    the    various    Catholic   and   Lutheran   churches  in   the   city,   are  flourishing 

f)arochial  schools,  notable  among  them  being  the  one  in  charge  of  three  sisters  of  St.  Dominick, 
ocated  at  the  corner  of  Conant  and  Adams  streets. 

School  Statistics. — The  following  is  a  tabulated  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  schools 
of  Portage,  since  1859  : 


SCHOOL  YEAES. 


18«o. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865., 
1866. 
1867.. 
1868., 
1869., 
1870., 
1871.. 
1872.. 
1873.. 
1874.. 
187'... 
1876.. 
1877.. 
1878.. 
1879.. 


No.  Children 

of  School 

Age. 


047 
,013 
,070 

069 

075 
,'208 

282 

477 
,496 
,604 

521 
,564 

539 
,430 
,556 
,756 
,776 
,566 


1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1, 771 

1 


Wholp  No.       Average  No. 

Children      I      Daily      |  Teachere 
Eurulled.     lAttendaoce  Employed, 


641 

"897 
1,021 
1,198 
1,177 
1,018 
1,073 
1 ,045 
1,063 
1,065 
1,069 
1,064 
990 
1,074 
1,009 


924 

875 
932 


464 

400 
4.50 
458 
478 
478 
525 
485 
623 
561 
551 
547 
533 
571 
528 
628 
5S5 
599 
655 


9 
9 
9 
10 
11 
12 
18 
13 
15 
16 
20 
13 
16 
18 
14 
20 
18 
15 
17 


Monthly 

Pay  of 

Teachers. 


$285 


247. 

275 

23  H 

342 

350 

730 

485 

437 

540 

685 

515 

610 

665 

547 

592 

592 

690 

615 


Receipts. 


$3,292 

4,423' 

4,383 

*9,938 

6.438 

5,198 

6,399 

6,186 

6,114 

6,146 

6,849 

6,813 

7,074 

11,978 

14.999 

12,516 

14,433 

10,580 

7,851 


DiBbuTse- 

mente. 


$3,444 

"3,696 

4,299 

19,938 

5,466 

4,601 

5,784 

5,590 

6,043 

6,286 

6,389 

6,513 

6,574 

13,217 

12,530 

12.863 

13,512 

9,948 

7,255 


The  following  named  individuals  have  held  the  oflSce  of  Superintendent,  since  the  establish- 
ment of  the  present  school  system  :     J.  J.  Guppey,  from  May,  1859,  to  September,  1861  ; 

*  Includine  bunds  issued  for  boilding  high  school. 

t  Increased  by  additional  expense  incurred  in  building  high  school. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  625 

Henry  B.  Munn,  from  September,  1861,  to  April,  1866;  J.  J.  Guppey,  from  April,  1866,  to 
April,  1873;  G.  J.  Cox,  from  April,  1873,  to  April,  1875;  N.  K.  Shattuck,  from  April,  1875, 
to  April,  1877  ;  A.  C.  Kellogg,  from  the  latter  date  to  the  present  time. 

The  members  of  the  Board  of  Education,  appointed  by  the  Common  Council,  in  June  of 
each  year,  have  been  : 

1860. — First  Ward,  Volney  Foster;  Second,  B.  S.  Doty;  Third,  A.  B.  Alden ;  Fourth, 
H.  B.  Munn. 

1861.— First  Ward,  Henry  Merrell ;  Second,  B.  S.  Doty;  Third,  A.  B.  Alden;  Fourth, 
H.  B.  Munn. 

1862.— First  Ward,  Henry  Merrell;  Second,  B.  S.  Doty;  Third,  A.  B.  Alden;  Fourth, 
Guy  C.  Prentiss. 

1863.— First  Ward,  L.  G.  Beaver ;  Second,  B.  S.  Doty  ;  Third,  H.  C.  Baker  ;  Fourth, 
G.  C.  Prentiss. 

1864.— First  Ward,  M.  R.  Keegan  ;  Second,  H.  D.  Kingsbury;  Third,  H.  C.  Baker; 
Fourth,  G.  C.  Prentiss. 

1865.— First  Ward,  M.  R.  Keegan  ;  Second,  H.  D.  Kingsbury  ;  Third,  A.  B.  Alden  ; 
Fourth,  W.  K.  Miles. 

1866.— First  Ward,  L.  G.  Beaver ;  Second,  H.  D.  Kingsbury ;  Third,  H.  C.  Baker ; 
Fourth,  G.  C.  Prentiss. 

18G7.— First  Ward,  Henry  Emder ;  Second,  H.  D.  Kingsbury ;  Third,  W.  G.  Bebb ; 
Fourth,  J.  P.  McGregor.     (Reelected  in  1868.) 

1868.— First  Ward,  V.  Helmann ;  Second,  S.  E.  Dana;  Third,  D.  G.  Muir ;  Fourth, 
Robert  Mitchell ;   Fifth,  J.  P.  McGregor. 

1869.— First  Ward,  V.  Helmann  ;  Second,  S.  E.  Dana  ;  Third,  A.  D.  Hemenway  ;  Fourth, 
Robert  Mitchell  ;  Fifth,  J.  P.  McGregor.  W.  W.  Corning  and  G.  C.  Prentiss  were  subsequently 
appointed  to  represent  the  two  latter  wards,  on  account  of  the  removal  of  Messrs.  Mitchell  and 
McGregor,  to  other  localities. 

1870. — First  Ward,  V.  Helmann;  Second,  S.  E.  Dana;  Third,  A.  D.  Hemenway; 
Fourth,  P.  S.  Hallenbeck ;  Fifth,  Carl  Schneider. 

1871. — First  Ward,  John  N.  Kind ;  Second,  S.  E.  Dana ;  Third,  A.  D.  Hemenway  ; 
Fourth,  W.  W.  Corning ;  Fifth,  G.  C.  Prentiss. 

1872.— First  Ward,  John  N.  Kind;  Second,  0.  A.  Southmayd;  Third,  A.  D.  Hemen- 
way ;  Fourth,  T.  B.  Duncan  ;  Fifth,  C.  Schneider. 

1873.— First  Ward,  John  W.  Kind;  Second,  S.  S.  Brannan ;  Third,  Evan  Arthur; 
Fourth,  W.  W.  Corning  ;  Fifth,  C.  Schneider. 

1874. — First  Ward,  John  Holstein  ;  Second,  S.  S.  Brannan ;  Third,  Evan  Arthur ;  Fourth, 
M.  Waterhouse ;  Fifth,  M.  T.  Alverson. 

1875.— First  Ward,  John  N.  Kind;  Second,  LI.  Breese;  Third,  L.  W.  Borden;  Fourth, 
M.  Waterhouse  ;  Fifth,  M.  T.  Alverson. 

1876. — First  Ward,  John  N.  Kind  ;  Second,  LI.  Breese ;  Third,  M.  Waterhouse  ;  Fourth, 
Mr.  Hagan  ;   Fifth,  M.  T.  Alverson. 

1877.— First  Ward,  John  N.  Kind;  Second,  F.  H.  Lewis;  Third,  M.  Waterhouse; 
Fourth,  C.  C.  Britt ;   Fifth,  Conrad  Collipp. 

1878.— First  Ward,  John  O'Keefe;  Second,  E.  S.  Purdy  ;  Third,  George  Murison  ;  Fourth, 
V.  Helmann  ;  Fifth,  C.  Collipp. 

1879.— First  Ward,  John  O'Keefe  ;  Second,  E.  S.  Purdy  ;  Third,  W.  G.  Bebb  ;  Fourth, 
Irving  Bath  ;*  Fifth,  C.  Collipp. 

The  Legislature  of  1878-79,  passed  an  act  providing  for  the  appointment  of  members  of  the 
Board,  in  April,  and  making  the  term  of  office  two  years  instead  of  one.  Accordingly,  in  April, 
1879,  Messrs.  O'Keefe,  Bebb  and  Collipp  were  appointed  for  one  year,  and  Messrs.  Purdy  and 
Bath,  for  two  years.  In  April,  1880,  appointments  from  the  First,  Third  and  Fifth  Wards 
were  made,  for  two  years. 

*  Removed  from  the  Ward  ;  V.  Helmann  appointed  to  fill  vacancy. 


626  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

RELIGIOUS    INSTITUTIONS. 

The  first  Christian  missionary  who  visited  Fort  Winnebago  is  believed  to  have  been  a  Romish 
priest  named  Mazzuchelli.  He  came  to  labor  among  the  Indians  as  early  as  1831,  soon  after 
the  completion  of  the  fort,  and,  being  unable  to  speak  their  language,  was  usually  accompanied 
by  Miss  Elizabeth  Grignon  as  interpreter.  Forty  Winnebagoes  were  baptized  and  given 
Christian  names  by  Father  Mazzuchelli  during  one  of  his  visits.  The  presentation  of  crosses, 
crucifixes  and  beads  had  a  wonderful  effect  upon  the  recipients  of  these   holy  favors. 

The  first  structure  built  and  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  Christianity  in  what  is  now  Columbia 
County — and,  indeed,  it  may  safely  be  said  that  it  was  the  first  in  Central  Wisconsin — stood  near 
the  center  of  the  present  city  of  Portage.  It  was  built  about  1833  by  the  famous  Peter  Pauquette, 
whose  wife  professed  a  belief  in  Catholicism,  and  was  located  upon  an  elevation — long  since 
leveled  away  by  progressive  whites — near  the  middle  of  what  is  now  Adams  street,  at  its  inter- 
section with  Conant  street,  and  almost  within  a  stone's  throw  of  the  spot  stained  by  the  blood 
of  its  founder  when  he  was  foully  assassinated,  October  18,  1836.  No  one  now  living  in  Por- 
tage remembers  anything  concerning  Pauquette's  log  church  ;  but  events  which  have  transpired 
since  the  coming  of  those  now  classed  among  the  first  settlers,  confirm  the  hitherto  unsubstan- 
tiated statements  regarding  the  existence  of  such  a  church.  Satterlee  Clark  says  he  assisted  at 
the  burial  of  Pauquette,  and  that  the  remains  were  deposited  beneath  the  floor  of  this  church. 
The  structure  was  destroyed  by  fire  about  1840. 

Ten  years  later  witnessed  the  commencement  of  a  new  era  in  the  history  of  Christian  prog- 
ress in  Portage.  The  arrival  and  permanent  settlement  of  Thomas  Christopher,  Patrick  Lenon, 
Charles  Moore,  M.  R.  Keegan,  James  Collins,  John  Sweeney,  Mrs.  Ward  and  others  owing 
allegiance  to  the  church  of  Rome,  opened  the  way  for  the  establishment  of  a  parish.  The  Rev. 
Father  Smith,  a  Catholic  missionary,  was  the  first  to  preach  to  the  small  band  of  pioneers. 
After  he  left,  came  Father  Hobbs,  who  held  services  in  an  unoccupied  house  near  the  fort.  In  the 
latter  part  of  1850,  the  Rev.  Louis  Godhardt,  a  Hollander,  came  as  a  missionary,  and  "  said 
mass  "  in  the  house  of  Mrs.  Ward,  south  of  the  canal.  Early  in  1851,  a  frame  church  was 
erected  by  the  members  of  the  parish  upon  a  lot  at  the  corner  of  Conant  and  Adams  streets, 
donated  by  Webb  &  Bronson.  Upon  the  site  stood  a  small  fol-est  of  crosses,  marking  the  graves 
of  a  score  or  more  of  "good  Indians,"  who,  having  been  converted  by  early  missionaries,  had 
died  in  the  faith.  Among  them  rested  the  remains  of  Peter  Pauquette,  whose  grave  was  indi- 
cated by  a  rude  yet  pretentious  palisade  of  pickets.  According  to  the  original  survey  of  the 
city  of  Portage,  a  street  (Adams)  passed  through  this  graveyard,  and  in  the  center  of  that 
street  were  the  modern  Samson's  remains.  It  had  been  especially  stipulated  by  the  donors  of 
the  lot  that  the  Catholics,  in  accepting  it,  should  agree  to  give  proper  burial  to  Pauquette's 
bones  when  the  excavations  for  the  street  were  made ;  so,  in  1852,  when  the  grading  of  what 
are  now  the  principal  streets,  was  in  progress,  the  earthly  particles  of  Peter  Pauquette's  body 
were  disinterred,  removed  and  reburied,  this  time  beneath  the  threshold  of  the  south  entrance 
to  the  little  frame  church  now  used  by  the  Catholics  for  the  purposes  of  a  parochial  school,  where 
they  have  lain  to  the  present  time ;  but  there  is  a  prospect  that  they  will  soon  again  be  dis- 
turbed. While  the  excavations  were  in  progress,  the  decayed  foundations  of  a  log  house  were 
discovered,  not  over  or  around,  but  near,  Pauquette's  grave ;  charcoal  and  ashes  were  noticeable 
in  the  vicinity — incidents  which  go  to  confirm  the  fact  already  shown,  that  a  house  once  stood 
upon  the  ground,  and  that  it  was  burned  down.  The  little  graveyard  was  doubtless  the  result 
of  Catholic  burials  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  rude  cross  that  surmounted  the  first  structure 
devoted  to  Christianity  on  the  Wisconsin  River  northeast  of  Prairie  du  Chien. 

In  1858,  St.  Mary's  Parish  (for  such  was  the  name  of  the  organization)  purchased  a  lot  on 
the  north  side  of  Conant  street,  and  removed  thereto  a  small  frame  structure,  in  which,  after 
needed  improvements,  they  established  a  parochial  school.  Soon  afterward,. they  made  a  second 
purchase — a  lot  just  east  of  and  adjoining  the  lot  donated  them  by  Webb  &  Bronson.  A  frame 
structure,  in   which    the    Baptists   had   but   recently  held  services,  was   included   in  the   latter 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  627 

purchase.  The  building  was  removed,  and  now  forms  the  north  wing  of  the  Catholic  school. 
The  Baptists,  in  the  mean  time,  had  commenced  the  erection  of  a  large  brick  church  on  Cook 
street,  near  Mac,  but  before  completing  the  work,  an  exchange  was  effected,  whereby  the  Cath- 
olics became  possessed  of  the  then  unfinished  brick,  which  they  have  since  completed  and  largely 
embellished.  Besides  the  church  building,  upon  which  there  is  an  insurance  of  $5,000,  the 
property  consists  of  five  lots,  of  average  size,  and  a  parsonage,  which  cost,  "  in  war  times,"  over 
$2,000.  The  number  of  families  in  the  parish  is  given  at  175.  The  successors  of  Father 
Godhardt  have  been  the  Revs.  James  Roche,  James  M.  Doyle  (now  of  Janesville),  P.  J.  O'Neil 
P.  F.  Pettit  and  Thomas  Keenan.  Father  Keenan,  the  present  incumbent,  also  presides  over 
the  mission  in  Lodi,  whither  he  goes  once  a  month  to  console  the  spiritual  troubles  of  a  parish 
composed  of  some  twenty  families. 

The  M.  E.  Ohurch.— Isaac  Smith,  it  seems,  was  the  first  person  in  Columbia  County  to 
preach  Methodism.  He  came  from  England,  in  1846,  with  a  colony,  known  as  the  Potters'  Emi- 
gration Society,  which  settled  on  Portage  Prairie.  Mr.  Smith  applied  at  Fort  Winnebago  for  per- 
mission to  hold  religious  services  therein,  but,  on  account  of  the  existence  of  various  shades  of 
religious  belief  among  the  oSicers,  he  received  little  encouragement.  Thereupon  the  use 
of  the  dining-room  of  the  Franklin  House  was  tendered  by  Capt.  Low,  and  Mr.  Smith  fre- 
quently held  forth,  thereafter,  to  large  and  interested  audiences.  In  the  spring  of  1851,  a 
society  was  organized  in  Portage  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mackintosh,  who  remained  until  the  meeting 
of  the  conference  that  year,  when  he  received  a  call  to  other  parts.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Wilcox, 
Presiding  Elder,  was  requested  by  the  society  to  bring  before  the  conference  the  necessity  for 
sending  thither  a  minister,  but  for  some  reason  he  failed  to  do  so.  However,  regular  services 
were  kept  up  by  the  exertions  of  local  preachers,  among  whom  were  James  Chancellor,  Isaac 
Smith  and  others.  In  the  summer  of  1852,  Presiding  Elder  Wilcox  sent  a  divine  named  Irish, 
to  minister  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  society.  He,  being  an  invalid,  remained  but  a  short 
time,  and  during  the  fall,  the  Rev.  John  Bean,  in  answer  to  a  call,  took  charge,  and  thus  became 
the  first  regular  Pastor.  The  immediate  successors  of  Mr.  Bean  were  the  Revs.  Stansbury 
(during  whose  pastorate  the  present  church  edifice  was  built).  Hackney,  Train  and  Hazletine. 
Since  1859,  the  following-named  Pastors  have  presided:  1859,  R.  Langley ;  1861,  John 
M.  Springer;  1862,1.  B.  Bachman  ;  1864,  Jacob  Miller;  1868,  I.  B.  Richardson:  1869, 
William  Haw ;  1870,  James  Evans  ;  1878,  George  Case,  now  Presiding  Elder  of  the  dis- 
trict ;  1876,  John  Knibbs ;  1879,  F.  W.  Hall,  the  incumbent.  The  membership  is 
given  at  115  persons,  while  the  congregation  frequently  reaches  200.  The  society  is  free 
from  debt.  The  present  officers  are  :  Trustees — J.  F.  Warren,  Mr.  Cutsforth,  J.  E.  Wells. 
James  Gowran,  Mr.  Wah,  Evan  Arthur,  Mr.  Kenion,  Joseph  Donham  and  W.  Williams, 
Stewards — 0.  H.  Lewis,  J.  Cole,  S.  M.  Smith,  Thomas  C.  Evans,  W.  Williams.  Stew- 
ardesses— Mrs.'  N.  Smith,  Mrs.  0.  H.  Lewis,  Mrs.  M.  H.  Wood  and  Mrs.  James  Gowran. 
Class  Leaders — J.  Cole  and  Joseph  Donham.     Sunday   School    Superintendent — W.  Williams. 

The  Presbyterians. — In  June,  1849,  the  Rev.  William  Wynkoop  McNair  was  commissioned 
by  the  Board  of  Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  as  an  evangelist  within  the  bounds  of  Wis- 
consin. At  that  time  there  was  but  one  Pi-esbytery  in  the  State.  In  July  following,  Mr. 
McNair  commenced  preaching  in  the  schoolroom  at  the  garrison  of  Fort  Winnebago.  Accord- 
ing to  the  records,  he  "  devoted  one-third  of  his  time  the  first  year  to  the  portage,  preaching 
occasionally  toward  the  close  of  his  missionary  year  in  the  new  village  then  just  springing  up 
near  the  Wisconsin  River,  afterward  called  Portage  City.  The  remainder  of  his  time  was  devoted 
to  Wyocena  and  Dekorra.  In  July,  he  commenced  to  devote  two-thirds  of  his  time  to  the  port- 
age and  the  remainder  to  Dekorra."  At  the  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Wisconsin,  held  at 
Cambridge,  Dane  County,  in  June,  1850,  a  committee  of  four,  consisting  of  Revs.  Thomas 
Frazer,  Bradley  Phillips,  Eben  Blachley  and  W.  W.  McNair,  was  appointed  to  organize  a  church 
at  Fort  Winnebago,  ''  if  the  way  be  clear."  In  the  mean  time,  a  colony,  composed  of  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Fremont,  Ohio,  had  arrived  and  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
fort.      The  members  of  the  colony  were  H.  R.  Pettibone,  John  A.  Johnson,  Mrs.  Almira  B. 


628  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Johnson,  C.  J.  Pettibone,  Caroline  Pettibone  and  George  and  Ann  Wall.  Mr.  McNair  returned 
to  his  field  of  pioneer  labor,  and  with  his  accustomed  energy  set  about  carrying  out  his  instruc- 
tions. The  results  of  the  first  meeting  are  given  in  the  church  journal  as  follows :  "  In  pursu- 
ance of  public  notice  given  by  the  minister  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Fort  Winnebago 
on  three  successive  Sabbaths  previous,  the  people  of  said  church  and  congregation  assembled  at 
the  schoolhouse  in  said  town — their  most  usual  place  of  meeting  for  divine  worship — on  Monday 
evening,  July  2!),  1850,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  themselves  into  a  body  corporate  and 
electing  trustees."  At  this  meeting,  the  Rev.  W.  W.  McNair  was  chosen  President  and  J.  A. 
Johnson  Secretary.  Church  Trustees  were  elected  as  follows  :  H.  R.  Pettibone,  John  Ap.  Jones 
and  John  A.  Johnson.  Among  those  who  soon  afterward  became  identified  with  the  church 
may  be  mentioned  Chester  Helmes,  Dr.  C.  D.  Hottenstein,  C.  G.  McCulloch  and  Mrs.  Emily 
Best.  The  organization  completed,  the  next  thing  was  a  house  of  wcfrship.  The  individual  and 
collective  exertions  of  the  congregation  soon  supplied  the  want.  A  commodious  frame  building 
was  finished  in  December,  1850.  It  stood  upon  a  lot  on  the  southeast  side  of  Cook  street, 
opposite  the  present  site  of  the  county  jail,  serving  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  erected  until 
about  1855,  when  it  was  removed  to  the  corner  of  Conant  and  Adams  streets,  being  purchased 
by  the  Baptists.  In  the  mean  time,  the  society  had  commenced  the  erection  of  a  handsome  brick 
edifice  at  the  corner  of  Cook  and  Adams  streets.  This  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $16,000,  and 
opened  in  February,  1856.  In  September  of  that  year,  Mr.  McNair  tendered  his  resignation, 
and  on  the  18th  of  the;  same  month  it  was  resolved  that  "  Dr.  McCulloch  be  a  committee  to  call 
at  Port  Byron,  N.  Y.,  and  hear  Rev.  George  C.  Heckman  preach,  and  report  by  mail  immedi- 
ately." Advices  from  the  Doctor  must  have  been  favorable,  for  we  find  that  Mr.  Heckman  soon 
afterward  received  a  call  at  a  salary  of  $800  per  annum,  which  he  accepted.  The  follow- 
ing named  ministers  have  filled  the  pulpit  since  the  time  of  Mr.  Heckman :  September,  1860, 
Benjamin  Van  Zandt ;  June,  1863,  George  C.  Crissman ;  October,  1863,  F.  R.  Wotring ; 
November,  1866,  Charles  F.  Beach;  .June,  1869,  John  H.  Ritchie;  December,  1874,  Samuel 
Wyckoff;  August,  1878,  L.  H.  Mitchell,  the  incumbent.  The  present  Trustees  of  the  church 
are  William  Fulton,  James  Patterson,  John  Williamson,  E.  L.  Jpeger  and  George  Wall. 
The  following  names  comprise  a  complete  list  of  the  Elders  since  the  organization :  C. 
J.  Pettibone  (who  was  among  the  main  pillars  of  the  church  during  its  early  struggle  for 
existence),  George  Wall,  John  T.  Clark,  LI.  Breese,  Mr.  Jennings,  A.  D.  Hemenway.  Dr. 
Schemerhorn,  Thomas  Yule,  Donald  Ferguson,  William  T.  Parry  and  N.  K.  Shattuck.  Messrs. 
Breese,  Shattuck,  Parry  and  Wall  are  the  present  Elders.  Robert  Campbell  and  E.  L.  J;eger 
have  filled  the  ofiice  of  Deacons,  the  latter  acting  in  that  capacity  at  present.  The  membership 
of  the  society  is  given  at  110. 

St.  John's  Episcopal  Church. — This  parish  was  organized  in  1853,  at  a  meeting  held  in 
Verandah  Hall  on  the  8th  day  of  June  of  that  year.  Henry  Merrell  was  chosen  Chairman  and 
J.  B.  Seaman  Secretary  of  the  meeting,  after  which  church  officers  were  elected  as  follows  : 
Henry  Merrell,  Senior  Warden  ;  Alvah  Hand,  Junior  Warden ;  Vestrymen — C.  D.  Hotten- 
stein, John  Delaney,  J.  B.  Seaman,  M.  H.  Pettibone  and  A.  C.  Ketchum.  After  the  election 
of  Dr.  Hottenstein  and  J.  B.  Seaman  as  Treasurer  and  Secretary,  respectively,  of  the  parish, 
an  invitation  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  E.  A.  Goodnough,  a  missionary,  to  take  spiritual  charge 
of  the  small  flock,  which  invitation  was  accepted.  M.  H.  Pettibone  tendered  the  use  of  Ver- 
andah Hall  for  meetings,  which  was  also  accepted.  Such,  in  brief,  were  the  proceedings  of  the 
first  meeting  of  St.  John's  Episcopal  Parish.  The  Rev.  H.  M.  Thompson,  of  Maysville,  Ky., 
was  the  first  Rector.  He  came  at  a  salary  of  $450  per  annum,  and  remained  until  November, 
1858,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pattison.  Mr.  Thompson  has  since  become 
somewhat  noted,  having  filled  the  rectorship  of  Grace  Church,  New  York,  at  a  salary  of  $10,000 
per  annum.  He  is  now  Rector  of  Trinity  Parish,  New  Orleans.  In  April,  1855,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  negotiate  for  a  church  site,  which  was  secured  on  the  north  side  of  Pleasant 
street,  near  Clark,  and  a  church  edifice,  built  after  plans  drawn  by  William  Thompson,  a 
brother  of  the  Pastor,  erected  thereon,  at  a  cost  of  $5,000.      Mr.  Pattison  was  succeeded  by  the 


HISTORr   OF    COLUMBfA    COUNTY.  629 

Rev.  Alonzo  J.  M.  Hudson,  who  took  charge  February  1,  1861,  and  remained  until  the  sum- 
mer of  1867,  being  superseded  by  the  Rev.  Walter  F.  Lloyd.  During  the  rectorship  of  Mr. 
Hudson,  the  parish  was  duly  incorporated  in  accordance  with  law.  This  event  occurred  June 
27,  1864,  the  first  parish  officers  under  the  incorporation  being  S.  S.  Case  and  H.  S.  Haskell, 
Wardens,  and  H.  B.  Merrell,  W.  W.  Corning,  I.  W.  Bacon,  F.  Winne,  0.  P.  Williams  and 
Mr.  Wells,  Vestrymen.  The  changes  in  the  rectorship  since  1867  have  been  Samuel  D. 
Pulford,  who  came  in  1869,  and  remained  until  July,  1876.  The  Rev.  John  J.  Karcher  was 
the  next  Rector.  His  resignation  bears  date  of  May  1,  1877.  The  Rev.  Joel  Clark  followed 
and  resigned  April  10,  1879.  Since  then  the  Revs.  Harry  Thompson  and  Charles  T.  Susan 
have  officiated.  Two  of  the  most  pleasant  features  in  the  past  history  of  St.  John's  Parish 
were ;  First,  the  presentation,  during  the  rectorship  of  H.  M.  Thompson,  of  a  costly  silver  com- 
munion set  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hopkins,  of  New  York  City;  and,  second,  the  $1,000  bequest  of 
Henry  Merrell,  for  many  years  Senior  Warden  of  the  parish.  The  first  confirmation  occurred 
January  21,  1855,  when  a  class  of  sixteen  persons  were  accepted  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Jackson 
Kemper,  Bishop  of  Wisconsin.  The  first  baptisms  in  Portage,  according  to  Episcopal  rites, 
were  of  Helen  M.  H.  Merrell,  now  Mrs.  E.  S.  Purdy,  and  Henry  L.  Merrell,  which  occurred 
July  1,  1850,  being  performed  by  Bishop  Kemper.  The  records  show  a  total  of  343  baptisms, 
227  confirmations,  127  marriages  and  157  bui-ials.  The  present  membership  of  the  parish  is 
about  100.  A  neat  brick  rectory  was  built  in  1871,  at  a  cost  of  $2,019.  The  present  officers 
are:  Wardens,  H.  D.  Wells  and  G.  H.  Merrell;  Vestrymen,  John  Graham,  J.  B.  Wells, 
W.  N.  Cole,  E.  J.  S.  Wright,  J.  B.  Taylor,  W.  D.  Fox,  Alexander  Thompson  and  C.  R. 
Gallett;  Treasurer,  E.  J.  S.  Wright;   Secretary,  W.  N.  Cole. 

Evangelical  Association. — Eighty  years  ago,  Jacob  Albrecht  founded  a  new  religious  creed 
among  his  German  brethren  in  Pennsylvania,  based  upon  rules  of  faith  not  unlike  those  govern- 
ing Methodism.  The  "  Albrights,"  as  they  are  generally  known,  to  distinguish  them  from  other 
denominations,  found  their  way  to  Wisconsin  at  an  early  day.  Their  advent  into  Columbia 
County  dates  back  some  thirty  years  ago,  when  a  class  was  organized  in  the  town  of  Lewiston. 
A  similar  organization  was  effected  soon  after  in  Portage,  Samuel  Schleifer  being  the  prime 
mover.  The  Rev.  George  Eslinger  (then  the  only  minister  of  the  Albrecht  persuasion  in  the 
extensive  circuit  in  which  were  included  the  present  circuits  of  Portage,  Westfield,  Brandon,  Win- 
nebago, Fox  River,  Berlin,  Marquette  and  Oshkosh,  at  present  comprising  an  aggregate  membership 
of  fifteen  hundred  souls),  presided  every  second  Sunday.  It  was  his  custom  to  fill  a  small  provision 
pouch  with  hard  crackers  and  other  imperishable  food,  and  set  out  from  Portage  on  foot,  making 
his  tour  and  reaching  Oshkosh  in  seven  days.  Before  leaving  the  latter  place,  on  his  return,  a 
fresh  supply  of  provisions  was  procured,  and  the  reverend  gentleman  would  make  Portage  in  time 
to  preach  to  his  flock  at  that  point  on  the  following  Sabbath.  Services  were  held  at  the  houses  of 
members,  or  in  halls,  until  1871.  During  that  year,  a  house  of  worship  was  completed,  at  a  cost  of 
$2,650,  and  also  a  parsonage,  costing  $1,400.  Mr.  Eslinger  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  L. 
Buehler,  now  Presiding  Elder  of  Milwaukee  District.  Since  then,  the  pastoral  successions  have 
been  :  The  Revs.  Henry  Esch,  L.  Von  Wald,  A.  Turnutzer  (the  present  Presiding  Elder  of 
Portage  District),  William  Stegner  (now  Presiding  Elder  at  Winona,  Minn.),  M.  Hauert,  Peter 
Massueger,  William  Zickerich,  Charles  Finger,  George  Schofer,  Henry  Schelp,  M.  Witten- 
wyler,  0.  Ragatz,  Ernst  Schulz  (now  Presiding  Elder  in  Iowa),  Nicholas  Schuck,  William  Pffer- 
korn,  T.  Umbreit  (who  was  in  charge  during  the  building  of  the  church),  Peter  Held,  Peter 
Speigh,  and  the  incumbent,  M.  Wittenwyler.  The  present  Trustees  of  the  society  are  Aug. 
Matthison,  George  Koehler  and  Charles  Moore;  the  membership  about  twenty  families. 
This  denomination  has  two  church  papers,  in  Cleveland,  Ohio — the  Christliche  Botschafter  and 
the  Evangelical  Messenger. 

First  Baptist  Church. — Very  full  and  complete  records  of  this  church  have  been  preserved. 
The  date  of  organization  is  given  as  August  30,  1853,  and  the  names  of  those  who  figured  in 
that  event  are  A.  L.  Round,  I.  Fuller,  M.  Fuller,  Samantha  P.  Kincaid,  Eunice  Fuller,  Malissa 
Fuller,   C.   Wright,  Julia   Wright,   A.   Spicer,   Caroline  Spicer,  R.  Spicer,   Christina     Spicer, 


^^^  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


Cu^iTThot7o   Hear"'  tA'T'  ^"^"'^  '^°°^^'  ^^^^^  -'^  ^ucy  Fuller,  Lecta  M 
For?  WinneE  go  "     Subsequen'^  "",  "'f  '"  .^P'^^'''^  Scho^lhouse/located  It 

residences  of  ™^e.be.tryerdTHa.^  Th  l^tre"  !  r  ^if.rE.TeJ  r'^   "  ^ 
commenced  hs   abors  Jiilv  1Q    18'^'^      n     •       u-  *     '^S,?    \r^'^'''^  ^^is -'i'lder  Rogers,  who 

above,  stood  a  frame  building,  efected  thryea"  p  v  ous  b/tEeCaho  'f  '''  rT"'*^ 
Gilbert  Luther  contracted  to  nut  seat<,   intn  iV  «r,J  =^  Catholics  for  a  schoolhouse. 

long  since  took  its  placelro^  the^^Hnctaf;  eh^LJl'To^re^^  ^'"1  '""^  '"^•'^^'  '' 
in  December,  1859,  and  the  stciet/was  iithout  a  regular  pastor  unt^Jan^^v^R^^^^  ''l^^"'^ 
call  was  extended  to  the  Rev.  I.  J.  Hoile  In  Mav  18fi-.  M?-  TT  i  '^''""'''^^'  1862  when  a 
Rev.  A.  Whitman,  who  remained  until  Anril\  tT/o  ^^''■'\^'\^°;^<'  ^^as  succeeded  by  the 
pulpit  of  the  PresbyteHanThu^h  Siir/he;  th!  '  ^T,"!^  h,s  farewell  discourse  from  the 
guided  by  the  Revs    E    EliirA  i-    Wu  the  spiritual  destinies  of  the  society  have  been 

Services  ™ehel<U,fh, S"„tetor.h  wrrd&'hJh,„f.t„a  m^ 

time  the  membership  was  laro-ely  increased   whilp  >!,.  fi.         7  f  "°'^"  l^J^;     I"  the  mean 

at  one  hundred  and  n  net;.      It  belongs  to  the  Svnod  of  Mi^      •    "7^'.^  ''  '^'  ''''''^  '^  g'^^" 
Evangelisch  Lutherischei.  JohaiGe^tdl"^  Tl^^Z^l^ZulTC  T'  "''^"'"1" 

^ti'"a'."s;sraU^Brzaii'-  ^-''^  -theRevrTR:hS:^t^^;j:s-Hf.! 

Portage.  The  meeting  was  presided  over  by  DM  %lZ  ^^^oolhouse,  six  miles  northeast  of 
Free  Methodist  Conference  Tl  ^rP  wIL  ^  .  '^  "'^l'"^""'  ''^^n  at  the  head  of  the  Wisconsin 
William  Shepard  and  wif  James  MorisoraTd^tifc  ''^'' ^^'^.^^  ^  .?-•  ^ellington  Nobles, 
Mrs.  William  Holden.  There  were  but  few  ^IT'  ^'  n^'f ''  ^""Z  '"^^'  ''"'^  ^'•^-  ^^'es,  now 
establishing  themselves  pen^lLn'ti;  n  Vorl'ttT^fan  '  inTsT^'^tr'  '"'^^  t''\  '^^  ^T' 
man  Lutherans  a  frame  church  buildin-  and  ?emovpH  if,:  J  t      '^  P'^^^^^^^'^  of  the  Ger- 

Pleasant  streets,  at  a  cost,  when  rl  ;i-roccuZon   If  «70o"' M   t  m'""''"  °^  ■^'^''''"'  ""''^ 

Wirison;    St^'Ind  Ilrt^rr^^Si^^SiS:   ^^J^  i;  ^^  ^ 


//^f^/^.-eA,^<^y^A^    --^<:0 


PORTAGE     CITY. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  633 

Grerman  Evangelical  (Trinity)  Church. — Organized  in  1865  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Von  Rague. 
Services  were  held  in  the  hall  of  the  fire  department  building,  corner  of  Clark  and  Pleasant 
streets,  until  1871,  when  a  frame  church  edifice  was  erected  on  the  south  side  of  Wisconsin 
street,  between  Cass  and  Dunn,  at  a  cost  of  $2,200.  Mr.  Von  Rague  was  succeeded  in  the  pas- 
torate by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hanf,  and  he  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gottleib.  It  was  during  the  incumbency 
of  the  latter  that  the  church  building  was  erected.  The  society  at  that  time  was  composed  of 
twenty-five  families.  The  Rev.  A.  Klein,  the  successor  of  Mr.  Gottleib,  increased  this  number 
to  forty-three.  The  ministers  in  charge  since  then  have  been  the  Revs.  D.  Ankele,  J.  Franken- 
field  and  Chr.  A.  Hauck.  Mr.  Hauck  commenced  with  twenty-one  families ;  the  membership 
is  now  thirty-four. 

German  Catholics. — This  parish  was  organized  in  the  fall  of  1877,  and  during  the  follow- 
ing year  a  brick  church  edifice  was  constructed  on  Mac  street,  at  a  cost  of  $2,700.  The  parish 
originally  comprised  about  one  hundred  families,  but  there  has  been  a  slight  falling  off  from  that 
number.  The  Rev.  H.  Pauzer  was  the  first  Pastor.  The  Kev.  John  Zawistowiski  is  at  present 
in  charge. 

MANUFACTURERS. 

Solomon  Leach's  saw-mill  was  the  first  one  erected  within  the  borders  of  what  are 
now  the  city  limits  of  Portage.  It  was  built  in  1843,  and  stood  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Wisconsin  River,  near  the  present  bridge.  The  propelling  power  was  a  wind  mill,  the 
wings  of  which  were  fanned  by  the  upper  air  currents.  The  amount  of  lumber  sawed  depended, 
of  course,  upon  the  velocity  and  volume  of  the  gale.  The  windmill  was  soon  supplanted  by  a 
water-wheel,  upon  which  the  remarkable  genius  and  industrious  hands  of  Mr.  Leach  had  labored 
for  many  weary  days  and  nights.  In  184.5,  during  Mr.  Leach's  absence  in  the  pineries,  his 
mill  took  fire  and  was  destroyed. 

Campbell  &  Scott  built  a  steam  saw-mill  in  Portage,  in  1850,  and  a  large  portion  of  the  building 
material  used  by  the  early  residents  was  the  product  of  this  mill.  It  was  destroyed  by  fire  July 
7,  1852,  the  loss  being  estimated  at  $8,000.  The  proprietors  immediately  rebuilt,  and  for  some 
years  continued  their  operations  ;  but  the  steam  saw-mill,  as  it  was  called,  long  since  became  a 
thing  of  the  past.  Kent  &  Manchester  and  Buchanan  &  Murison  also  built  and  operated  saw- 
mills, at  an  early  day. 

Flouring  Mills. — The  big  stone  mill,  built  by  McNeal  &  Burgur  in  1854,  was,  while  it 
stood,  one  of  the  solid  institutions  of  Portage.  It  was  built  of  stone,  the  walls  being  four  feet 
thick,  covered  an  area  of  40x50  feet,  and  was  four  stories  high.  The  first  grist  was  ground  in 
October,  1854,  and  for  sixteen  years,  its  buhrs  supplied  the  citizens  of  Portage  and  surrounding 
country  with  the  "  staff  of  life."  During  that  time,  Wells  &  Craig  became  the  owners.  It  was 
destroyed  by  fire  on  the  11th  of  April,  1870,  at  an  estimated  loss  of  $24,000  ;  insured  for  one- 
half  this  sum.  At  the  date  of  its  destruction,  there  were  six  runs  of  stones  in  operation,  and 
the  capacity  of  the  mill  was  about  250  barrels  per  day. 

Soon  after  the  burning  of  the  "Big  Mill,"  when  the  proprietors  gave  evidence  of  receding 
from  their  expressed  intention  of  rebuilding,  the  Portage  Flouring  Mill,  a  small  frame  institu- 
tion, with  one  run  of  stones,  was  established  by  Fred.  Siverkrop  &  Bro.,  at  the  corner  of  Pau- 
quette  and  Wisconsin  streets.  In  1874,  John  Schlossman  became  a  partner  in  the  concern, 
and  in  1876,  Dr.  M.  Waterhouse  acquired  title  to  a  two-thirds  interest.  Otto  Krish  and  M. 
De  Witt  Older  have  since  possessed  themselves  of  the  concern.  Portage  is  virtually  without  a 
flouring-mill  in  keeping  with  her  importance  as  a  great  commercial  center. 

Portage  Iron  Works. — The  first  iron  foundry  established  in  Portage  was  the  property  of 
Smith  &  Blair.  It  was  built  in  1853,  and  stood  on  Dodge  street,  in  the  rear  of  Helm's  store. 
The  institution  seems  to  have  supplied  "  a  long-felt  want,"  for  we  find  that  in  1856,  the  services 
of  twenty  men  were  required  to  perform  the  work  that  came  to  it.  Neither  was  the  demand 
strictly  local,  for  an  order,  given  by  a  New  Lisbon  mill-builder  for  a  1,500-pound  shaft,  was 
promptly  filled.     In  1863,  M.  R.  Keegan  founded  a  similar  institution,  on   a  small  scale,  and, 

s 


634  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTW 

after  carrying  it  on  for  two  years,  sold  to  James  Fyfe  &  Co.,  who  removed  and  located  it  at  the 
corner  of  Dodge  and  Wisconsin  streets,  where  large  and  important  additions  have  since  been 
made.  A  general  jobbing  business  comprised  the  extent  of  operations,  until  1867-68,  when 
the  firm,  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  times,  entered  largely  into  the  manufacture  of  hop-presses, 
but  the  venture  proved  unprofitable,  for  the  reason  that  a  panic  in  the  hop  market  set  in  just  at 
a  time  when  the  manufacture  of  presses  by  Messrs.  Fyfe  &  Co.  had  reached  the  maximum,  leav- 
ing them  with  a  high-priced  article  on  hand,  with  no  demand.  In  1872,  Fyfe  k  Co.  sold  out, 
and,  under  the  name  of  the  Portage  Manufacturing  Company,  the  business  was  continued,  for 
about  a  year,  with  A.  E.  Eggleston  as  Superintendent.  A  re-organization  then  took  place,  the 
institution  taking  the  name  of  the  Portage  Iron  Works,  with  James  Fyfe  as  manager.  In  1878, 
Mr.  Fyfe  became  sole  proprietor.  J.  C.  Anderson  was  shortly  afterward  admitted  as  a  partner, 
when  the  firm  resumed  its  original  style  and  title — James  Fyfe  ifc  Co.  Under  the  new  order  of 
things,  the  manufacture  of  the  "  Portage  Chilled  Plows  "  was  commenced,  about  300  of  these 
utensils,  which  are  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  soil  of  Central  Wisconsin,  being  turned  out  in 
1878,  and  500  in  1879.  In  1876,  a  planing-mill  was  added  to  the  foundry,  but  in  1879  the 
machinery  was  disposed  of  to  R.  B.  Wentworth,  by  whom  it  is  now  used.  Messrs.  Fyfe  &  Co. 
have  furnished  the  ironwork  for  the  principal  buildings  in  Portage.  The  handsome  columns  in 
the  stone  buildings  of  Loomis,  Gallett  &  Breese,  the  Opera  House  and  Graham's  and  Vortman's 
Blocks  are  the  product  of  this  foundry. 

One  of  the  institutions  of  this  character,  once  existing  in  Portage,  will  be  remembered — the 
Portage  Foundry,  established  by  Cromwell  Bros.,  in  the  premises  formerly  occupied  by  Capt. 
Arnold  as  a  sash  and  blind  factory,  in  July,  1864. 

Planing  Mills. — In  the  fall  of  1850,  Carnagie  &  Learmouth  set  up  a  horse-power  planing- 
mill  in  Portage,  and  the  hillside  between  Cook  and  Canal  and  Jefferson  and  Monroe  streets. 
Here  they  continued  to  make  rough  boards  smooth  until  spring,  when  they  removed  their 
machinery  to  a  point  on  the  canal  opposite  the  present  site  of  Wentworth's  elevator.  In  185-t, 
a  steam  engine  was  purchased,  and  for  the  next  three  years  "things  just  hummed."  In  1857, 
there  was  a  dissolution  of  copartnership,  Mr.  Learmouth  retiring.  About  the  same  time,  the 
mill  was  removed  to  Goodyear's  lumber-yard,  on  Wisconsin  street,  east  of  the  canal,  where  it 
remained  in  successful  operation  until  1860.  The  encroachments  of  the  Wisconsin  River  mak- 
ing a  change  of  location  necessary,  the  institution  was  finally  and  permanently  established  on 
Canal  street,  not  far  from  the  spot  where  the  original  horse-power  was  located  ten  years  previ- 
ously. In  1876,  a  partnership  was  effected  under  the  style  and  title  of  Carnagie,  Prescott  & 
Co.  Since  then,  the  manufacture  of  sash,  doors  and  blinds  for  the  wholesale  trade  has  been  largely 
entered  into,  the  demand  extending  throughout  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Carnagie  has,  during  all  this 
time,  applied  himself  individually  to  the  work  of  contracting  and  building.  The  court  house, 
the  county  jail,  the  high  school  and  Second  Ward  School  buildings  and  county  poor  house, 
at  Wyocena,  are  among  the  principal  structures  erected  under  his  supervision. 

In  the  spring  of  1855,  B.  F.  Pixley  established  a  planing-mill  "near  the  ferry."  It  was 
quite  an  extensive  institution,  but  was  short-lived. 

In  the  fall  of  1879,  R.  B.  Wentworth,  the  veteran  editor,  elevator  man,  banker,  etc.,  pur- 
chased of  James  Fyfe  &  Co.  an  outfit  of  planing  machinery,  and  located  it  in  a  building  near 
his  monster  elevator,  where  it  has  ever  since  been  operated  by  a  neat  twenty-horse-power  engine. 
The  capacity  of  the  institution  is  about  30,000  feet  per  day,  surfacing  and  siding.  Under  the 
same  roof  is  a  feed-mill,  with  a  capacity  of  eight  tons  per  day. 

Elevators. — The  purchase  and  shipment  of  grain  forms  one  of  the  leading  industries  of 
Portage.  Among  the  early  wheat-buyers  will  be  remembered  W.  P.  St.  John,  William  McKen- 
zie,  W.  D.  Fox,  D.  Muir,  Hiram  Sexton,  S.  K.  Vaughan,  N.  H.  Wood,  C.  J.  Pettibone  and 
S.  S.  Case.  The  latter,  in  1860,  built  the  first  elevator,  deserving  the  name  of  elevator,  at  the 
depot.  Prior  to  that  time,  the  grain  purchased  by  the  above-named  individuals  had  been  stored 
in  out-houses  and  rudely  constructed  granaries ;  but  the  great  fire  of  January  19,  1863,  swept 
away  these  fragile  concerns.     Mr.  Case's  elevator  was  also  burned.     He  rebuilt,  however,  and 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY.  t)35 

soon  afterward   sold   to  the  railroad  company.      A.  C.  Flanders,   the   railroad  agent,    has  the 
management  of  it  at  present.     It  has  a  capacity  of  20,000  bushels. 

The  VVentworth  elevator  was  built  in  1862.  During  the  first  eight  or  nine  years  of  Mr. 
Wentworth's  wheat  operations,  shipments  were  made  by  water,  on  barges  to  Ureen  Bay,  thence 
by  propellers  and  schooners  to  Buffalo.  A  much  larger  amount  of  grain  was  handled  then  than 
now.  The  product  of  the  large  grain-producing  areas  about  Baraboo,  Poynette,  etc.,  now  cut 
off  by  railroad,  was  then  marketed  in  Portage.  In  1871,  the  Madison  &  Portage  Railroad 
Company  (now  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.)  extended  a  side-track  along  the  east  side  of  the  canal  to 
the  Wisconsin  River,  for  the  accommodation  of  merchants  and  others.  Since  then  the  ship- 
ments of  the  Wentworth  elevator  have  been  made  by  rail.  One  half  of  the  grain  handled  by 
Mr.  Wentworth  is  sold  to  millers  in  Watertown,  Berlin,  etc.  Seventy-five  thousand  bushels 
were  handled  in  1879.  The  elevator  building  is  40x60  feet,  has  a  storage  capacity  of  40,000 
bushels,  and  is  supplied  with  the  latest  improved  cleaning  apparatus. 

Breweries. — On  the  12th  day  of  May,  1849,  John  M.  Hettinger,  with  his  family,  arrived  in 
Portage  from  Freeport,  111.  His  first  work  was  the  building  of  a  shanty,  to  protect  his  wife  and 
children  from  the  storms  ;  then  he  built  a  brewery,  and  painted  it  red  ;  and  although  he  insisted 
upon  calling  it  the  Fort  Winnebago  Brewery,  the  people  disregarded  his  wishes,  and  persistently 
styled  it  the  Old  Red  Brewery.  By  the  latter  name  it  has  ever  since  been  known.  Upon  the 
death  of  John  Hettinger,  the  management  passed  to  his  son  Matthias.  A  partnership  was 
subsequently  arranged  between  the  latter  and  his  brother  Michael,  who,  after  the  death  of  Mat- 
thias, carried  it  on  alone  for  awhile,  when  it  passed  to  the  hands  of  the  widow  of  the  original 
Hettinger.  She  sold  to  Nauer  &  Klecker,  but  through  some  cause  the  property  again  reverted 
to  the  widow.  John  Hettinger  then  took  charge  of  the  establishment  and  ran  ituntil  the  spring 
of  1876,  when  he  sold  to  the  present  owner,  Henry  Epstein.  The  original  capacity  of  the  Old 
Red  Breweiy  was  from  eighteen  to  twenty  barrels,  of  thirty-two  gallons  each — which  speak  well 
for  the  capacity  of  the  pioneers  of  1849-50.  The  absence  of  census  reports  of  the  population 
of  that  early  day  prevents  us  giving  the  exact  quantity  of  beer  each  person  was  recjuired  to 
drink  to  make  Mr.  Hettinger's  business  a  profitable  one. 

In  1852,  Charles  Hsertel  commenced  the  manufacture  of  lager  beer  in  a  small  building  on 
the  northeast  corner  of  Cook  and  Clark  streets.  Twelve  barrels  per  week  was  his  average 
brew  until  the  demand  for  the  beverage  necessitated  an  enlargement  of  his  premises,  which  was 
made  in  1855  by  the  erection  of  a  three-story  brick  building,  20x60  feet  in  size.  Two 
years  later,  another  addition  was  made,  and  this  failing  to  afford  sufficient  room  for  his  expanding 
trade,  has  been  enlarged  from  time  to  time,  until  the  present  imposing  structure,  estimated  to  be 
worth  $75,000,  is  the  result.  The  annual  product  of  this  mammoth  institution  is  about  250,000 
gallons,  requiring  80,000  bushels  of  barley.  The  death  of  Mr.  Hrertel,  in  1876,  brought  to 
the  management  of  the  brewery  Jacob  Best,  a  son-in-law  of  the  deceased.  A  bottling  establish- 
ment with  a  capacity  of  ten  barrels  per  day,  was  added  to  the  institution  in  1877.  There  are 
five  heirs  to  the  Hrertel  estate.  A  division  of  the  property  will  take  place  in  the  course  of  a 
year,  or  as  soon  as  Carl  Hicrtel,  Jr.  comes  of  age.  The  executors  of  the  estate  are  Jacob  Best, 
F.  W.  Schulze  and  Mrs.  Charles  Hrertel,  widow  of  the  deceased. 

Tannery. — In  1851,  J.  Ludwig  established  a  tannery  on  the  north  sands  of  the  Wisconsin 
River,  near  where  that  stream  is  intersected  by  the  canal.  The  scene  of  operations  was  the 
space  embraced  within  the  confines  of  a  very  small  log  house,  which  soon  became  inadequate  to 
the  increasing  business  of  Mr.  Ludwig,  and,  in  1852,  a  frame  structure,  a  decided  improvement 
over  the  log,  was  erected  a  few  rods  west,  exactly  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  canal.  In  1858, 
Mr.  Ludwig  established  a  manufactory  at  the  corner  of  De  Witt  and  Canal  streets,  where  most 
of  the  product  of  his  tannery  is  worked  up  into  boots,  shoes,  boot-packs  and  shoe-packs.  Large 
quantities  of  sheepskin  leggings  are  also  manufactured.  Sales  of  these  articles  are  made 
throughout  Wisconsin,  and  in  the  principal  markets  of  Illinois  and  Minnesota. 

Distillery. — In  1850,  a  man  named  Awerbach  established  an  old  fashioned  hand-mash 
distillery  in  one  of  the  abandoned  garrison  stables  at  Fort  Winnebago.     A  gentleman  residing 


636  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

on  the  east  side  of  the  canal  says  that  Mr.  Awerbach,  when  he  discovered  that  most  of  his 
patrons  lived  in  Gougeville,  removed  his  utensils  thither,  and  located  in  a  little  building,  since 
used  for  a  soap  factory  by  John  Sisingut ;  but  there  must  have  been  a  successful  temperance 
crusade  soon  afterward,  as  the  ungodly  Awerbach  disposed  of  his  pipes  and  stills  within  the 
year  and  went  to  Texas,  where  he  resided  when  the  rebellion  broke  out. 

Portage  Cheese  Factory. — Established  by  N.  H.  Wood  in  1874,  in  the  First  Ward.  The 
factory  is  conducted  upon  a  moderate  scale  at  present,  but  it  is  the  intention  of  the  proprietor 
to  increase  its  capacity.  Mr.  Wood  has  eighty  cows,  the  milk  product  of  fifty  being  manu- 
factured into  full  cream  cheese,  which  finds  ready  sale  in  home  markets.  The  lands  bordering 
upon  Duck  Creek,  and  the  Fo.x,  Wisconsin  and  Baraboo  Rivers  are  peculiarly  adapted  to 
dairying. 

Union  Bed  Spring  Manufactory. — Established  in  Portage  in  January  of  the  present  year, 
by  R.  W.  Mclntyre,  Jr.,  in  connection  with  the  main  factory  in  Oregon,  Wis.  Among 
the  many  thousand  applicants  for  patents  on  bed  springs,  the  inventor  of  the  Union  Spring 
received,  with  his  patent  from  Washington,  a  certificate  testifying  to  the  superiority  of  his 
invention.  It  has  since  taken  premiums  at  the  Nebraska  State  Fair,  the  Illinois  State  Fair, 
and  been  awarded  the  first  premium  two  successive  years  at  Madison.  Mr.  Mclntyre  is  located 
on  Wisconsin  street  just  east  of  the  canal,  where  he  employs  from  four  to  six  men. 

Marble  Works. — In  1866,  B.  &  H.  Doherty  established  themselves  in  Portage  in  the 
business  of  manufacturing  marble  monuments,  headstones,  mantles  and  table-tops.  In  April, 
1878,  H.  Doherty  purchased  the  interest  of  his  brother,  and  has  since  conducted  the  business 
in  his  own  right.  Mr.  Doherty's  trade  extends  over  eight  or  ten  of  the  principal  counties  in 
the  State.     Office,  corner  Canal  and  Wisconsin  streets. 

In  May,  1879,  Groth  &  Stotzer  established  the  Columbia  County  Marble  Works,  on  Wis- 
consin street,  near  Cook,  and  have  met  with  success  sufficient  to  insure  its  permanency.  Both 
of  these  firms  deal  in  Italian  and  American  marble  and  Scotch  and  American  granite. 

Brickmaking. — The  peculiar  excellence  of  the  brick  manufactured  in  Portage  gives  the 
place  additional  fame  as  one  of  the  important  commercial  centers  of  the  State.  The  first  brick 
were  made  by  Thomas  Corey,  a  soldier,  for  use  at  Fort  Winnebago.  In  1847,  Enoch  Pixley, 
Samuel  Reeder  and  William  Armstrong  burned  a  small  kiln  of  brick  made  from  the  red  surface 
clay  on  the  present  site  of  Mr.  Armstrong's  brickyard,  near  the  Wisconsin  River  bridge.  The 
burning  of  this  kiln  proved  a  profitable  experiment.  It  was  discovered  that  the  red  brick  were 
very  brittle,  while  tiiose  of  a  lighter  color  were  strong  and  durable.  At  the  suggestion  of  Luther 
Dixon,  a  practical  brickmaker  named  Risdon,  a  friend  of  Mr.  Dixon's,  was  imported  from  Ver- 
mont for  the  purpose  of  giving  the  white  clay,  which  lay  at  a  depth  of  two  or  three  feet  from  the 
surface,  a  thorough  trial.  Mr.  Risdon  may  be  said  to  have  been  a  "born  brickmaker,"  just  as 
poets  are  accredited  with  coming  into  the  world  crying  and  kicking  in  short  or  long  meter.  It 
was  charactertistic  of  him  to  chew  clay,  and  he  always  tested  the  quality  of  his  material  by  tast- 
ing it.  It  was  under  the  management  of  Mr.  Risdon  and  the  proprietorship  of  Messrs.  Arm- 
strong, Pixley  &  Reeder  that  the  first  "cream  brick"  were  made  in  Portage.  Besides  Mr. 
Armstrong,  Isaac  Corkerer,  Dwyer  &  Jurgens,  Sanborn  &  Maloy,  and  Conrad  Collipp  have  car- 
ried on  the  business  of  brickmaking. 

Vacuum  Cream  Il.rtractor.~^n  May,  1878,  a  patent  was  obtained  by  J.  W.  Powers 
for  a  Vacuum  Cream  Extractor,  and  in  December,  1879,  for  an  improvement  on  the 
same.  The  inventor  makes  the  following  claims,  and  produces  a  large  number  of  testimo- 
nials to  substantiate  them  from  parties  that  have  used  tlie  invention :  1st — We  use  the  deep- 
setting  vessels.  2d — The  vessels  need  not  be  submerged.  3d — The  vessels  may  be  sub- 
merged if  desired.  4th — The  vessels  become  air-tight  the  moment  the  vacuum  is  produced. 
5th — But  one  set  of  vessels  is  required.  6th — The  cream  will  be  absolutely  and  perfectly  raised 
between  milkings.  7th — All  unpleasant  odors  which  may  be  in  the  milk  will  be  taken  out. 
8th — The  cream  can  be  removed  and  the  milk  drawn  off  without  lifting  or  moving  the  cans. 
9th — The  milk  of  twenty  cows  can  be  set  in  our  vessels  with  as  little  labor  as  setting  milk  from 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  637 

one  cow  by  the  old  method  with  tin  pans.  10th — The  apparatus  takes  up  but  little  room. 
11th — The  price  is  reasonable  and  within  the  reach  of  every  farmw.  12th — The  cans  being 
air-tight,  may  be  kept  in  any  cellar  or  other  convenient  place  without  injury  to  the  milk  from 
foul  gas,  odors,  or  from  dirt  or  insects.  13th — The  milk  left  after  the  removal  of  cream  by  the 
Vacuum  process,  is  good  for  family  use  or  feeding  to  young  stock,  because  the  sugar  contained 
in  it,  and  which  is  as  valuable  for  food  as  the  oily  portion,  remains  unchanged  in  the  short  time 
required  for  getting  the  cream;  whereas,  by  the  ordinary  process,  chemical  changes  in  the  milk 
entirely  destroy  the  sugar  before  the  cream  is  removed.  This  saving  alone  will  in  a  single  season 
more  than  pay  the  cost  of  apparatus.  14th — Butter  may  be  made  from  the  cream  while  it  is 
sweet,  or  after  acidity  begins,  as  the  taste  of  the  maker  or  the  market  for  which  it  is  made, 
requires.  15th — The  butter  made  by  the  Vacuum  process  commands  the  highest  market  price. 
A  company  was  organized  in  the  winter  of  1879-80  for  the  manufacture  of  these  extractors,  and 
is  meeting  with  good  success  in  its  introduction. 

FERRIES    AND    BRIDGES. 

Peter  Pauquette  was  the  first  to  establish  a  ferry  across  the  Wisconsin  River,  at  or  near 
the  portage.  It  is  not  positively  known  in  what  year  the  "  modern  Samson  "  undertook  the 
enterprise,  but  it  could  not  have  been  at  a  much  later  date  than  that  which  witnessed  the  build- 
of  Fort  Winnebago  (1828).  Pauquette  lived,  with  his  wife  and  children,  on  the  south  side  of 
the  river,  where  he  tilled  a  small  portion  of  the  land  now  owned  by  L.  W.  Borden.  In  this 
connection,  mention  may  be  made  of  the  fact  that  Madame  Pauquette's  first  husband  was  a  man 
named  Lupient.  By  him,  she  had  one  child — Theodore,  who,  sometime  in  the  early  part  of  the 
sixties,  met  with  an  accidental  death,  in  Chicago,  being  run  over  by  a  railway  train,  while  in 
the  "  Garden  City,"  exhibiting  his  grandfather,  the  famous  Joseph  Crelie,  as  "  the  oldest  man 
in  the  world."  In  due  course  of  time,  after  the  tragic  death  of  Peter  Pauquette,  at  the  hands 
of  a  revengeful  savage,  Mme.  Pauquette  married,  for  her  third  husband,  Antoine  Pervonsal,  a 
Frenchman,  who  conducted  the  ferry,  "at  the  old  stand,"  until  he  himself  passed  over  the  river 
Styx,  leaving  the  daughter  of  Joseph  Crelie,  thrice  a  widow.  At  this  date  (about  1840),  ac- 
cording to  Solomon  Leach,  the  ferry  fleet  comprised  a  large  rafting  skiff  for  foot  passengers, 
and  an  ordinary  flat-boat  for  teams.  The  latter  was  propelled  by  means  of  long  poles,  in  the 
shallow  parts  of  the  river,  and  mammoth  oars  over  the  deeper  currents. 

A  mile  below  the  ferry,  on  the  flat,  lived  a  solitary  trader,  Silas  Walsworth,  a  widower  with 
one  son — Jared.  At  times,  when  business  was  slack,  the  old  gentleman  was  in  the  habit  of 
strolling  along  the  shores  of  the  river,  and  watching  the  shifting  currents  of  the  stream.  His 
course  was  usually  westward  ;  as  business  grew  duller,  his  walks  grew  longer,  and  soon  his  face 
became  familiar  at  the  ferry.  Once  he  ventured  over  the  stream,  but  did  not  remain  long.  The 
next  day  he  came  again,- and  as  his  visits  increased,  his  gait  became  more  buoyant.  He  bought 
a  commutation  Ferry  ticket,  which  was  daily  "punched  in  the  presence  of  the  passejaire,"  and 
when  the  unperforated  territory  of  that  ticket  had  narrowed  down  to  half  a  dozen  fares,  the  secret 
of  the  widower's  movements  got  out.  A  quiet  wedding  soon  followed,  and  then  Silas  Walsworth 
took  charge  of  the  ferry,  having  succeeded  to  its  management  in  the  same  manner  as  had  Pervon- 
sal, his  predecessor.  During  the  proprietorship  of  Mr.  Walsworth,  Oscar  F.  Wagoner  ran  it  on 
shares.  In  1847,  William  Armstrong  purchased  the  ferry,  and  carried  it  on,  under  a  charter 
of  the  Legislature,  until  the  first  bridge  was  built  across  the  Wisconsin  River  in  1857.  Mr. 
Armstrong  soon  improved  upon  the  old  method  of  "  polling,"  by  stretching  a  chain  across  the 
river,  to  which  the  boat  was  attached  by  pulleys.  The  ferry  tolls,  established  by  the  County 
Commissioners,  were  50  cents  for  wagon  and  team  of  two  horses,  12|  cents  for  foot  passengers, 
and  the  same  for  fourdegged  animals,  except  sheep  and  swine,  for  which  2  cents  per  head  was 
collected. 

Soundings  of  the  Wisconsin  River  were  made  as  early  as  1850,  the  object  in  view  being 
the  bridging  of  that  stream  for  the  accommodation  of  the  rapidly  increasing  population.  A 
small  iron  rod  passed  through  the  sand  in  the  deepest  place,  near  the  point  now  spanned  by  the 


638  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

bridge,  struck  clay  and  stone  at  twenty  two  and  a  half  feet.  The  width  of  the  stream,  during 
low  water,  at  the  narrowest  "place,  was  thirty-four  rods.  An  amount  of  water  estimated  at  3,325 
cubic  feet  passed  through  the  channel  every  second,  at  a  rate  of  speed  sufficient  to  give  134 
horse-power. 

In  March,  1851,  the  Portage  Bridge  Company  was  incorporated  by  act  of  the  Legislature, 
the  incorporators  being  Jared  Walsworth,  Silas  Wadsworth,  Hugh  McFarlane,  Charles  H. 
Moore,  William  Armstrong  and  such  other  persons  as  might  be  associated  with  them.  The 
capital  stock  was  $20,000,  divided  into  shares  of  $10  each.  Messrs.  McFarlane,  Moore  and 
J.  Walsworth  were  appointed  Commissioners  to  raise  subscriptions,  and  books  were  at  once 
opeped  for  that  purpose.  The  corporators  were  empowered  to  construct  and  maintain  a  bridge 
across  the  Wisconsin  River  in  Section  7,  Township  12,  Range  9  east,  not  less  than  twenty  feet  wide 
with,  a  draw  of  at  least  fifty  feet  over  the  most  navigable  channel,  and  to  be  provided  with  a  double 
track  for  wagons  and  a  single  track  for  foot  passengers  ;  to  be  commenced  within  two  and  finished 
within  six  years,  the  company  to  have  power  for  a  term  of  thirty  years.  They  were  further 
empowered  to  demand  and  collect  tolls  at  the  following  rates :  For  vehicle  and  one  horse,  15 
cents,  and  each  additional  horse  or  ox,  5  cents ;  single  horse  and  rider,  10  cents ;  foot  passen- 
gers, 3  cents  ;  for  animals,  excepting  hogs  and  sheep,  in  droves  of  fifty  or  less,  2  cents  per  head  ; 
all  over  fifty,  1  cent  each  ;  hogs  and  sheep,  1  cent  per  head. 

The  company  not  having  complied  with  the  section  requiring  the  commencement  of  the 
work  within  two  years,  the  charter,  of  course,  expired,  and  in  March,  1855,  a  new  charter  was 
granted  to  Milo  H.  Pettibonc,  Hugh  McFarlane,  William  Owen,  Henry  W.  Tenney,  Thomas 
Robertson,  Charles  H.  Moore,  Harrison  S.  Haskell,  George  H.  Wall,  Andrew  Dunn,  John  Craw- 
ford and  John  A.  Chandler,  with  similar  powers  given  in  1851.  The  capital  stock  was  $25,000, 
divided  as  before,  and  Messrs.  McFarlane,  Owen,  Pettibone,  Crawford  and  Tenney  were  com- 
missioned to  receive  subscriptions.  A  meeting  of  the  corporators  were  held  in  Portage  in  April 
of  the  same  year,  at  which  the  following  officers  were  chosen  to  direct  the  work  in  the  name  of 
the  company :  President,  M.  H.  Pettibone ;  Vice  President,  A.  Dunn ;  Secretary,  H.  W. 
Tenney;  Treasurer,  W.  Owen.  Directors — H.  S.  Haskell,  H.  McFarlane  and  C.  G.  McCul- 
loch.  The  sum  of  $4,000  was  subscribed,  upon  which,  at  a  subsequent  meeting,  a  10  per  cent 
assessment  was  levied. 

No  further  actijn  seems  to  have  been  taken  until  December  following,  when  a  meeting  of 
citizens  was  held  at  the  office  of  Register  of  Deeds.  At  this  meeting,  a  committee  of  five  was 
appointed  to  draft  a  bill  amendatory  of  the  act  incorporating  the  Portage  Bridge  Company. 
The  purport  of  the  amendment  was  to  allow  the  city  of  Portage  and  the  town  of  Caledonia  to 
issue  fifteen-year  10  per  cent  bonds — the  former  in  any  reasonable  amount  the  citizens  might 
<ieem  necessary,  and  the  latter  not  to  exceed  $15,000 — each  being  empowered  to  levy  an  annual 
tax  to  pay  interest  and  principal.  The  bill  was  passed  in  March,  1856,  and  on  the  18th  of 
November,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Portage  Company,  a  resolution  was  adopted  setting  forth  that  it 
was  "deemed  expedient  to  have  a  new  organization  of  the  company,"  with  a  view  of  placing 
control  of  the  bridge  question  in  the  hands  of  the  authorities  of  the  city  of  Portage  and  the 
town  of  Caledonia,  recommending  the  release  of  all  subscriptions,  and  the  resignation  of  the 
Directors.  By  this  arrangement  the  city  and  town  aforesaid  became  the  Portage  Bridge  Com- 
pany. Negotiations  were  at  once  entered  into  with  Hall  &  Leet,  a  Philadelphia  bridge-building 
firm,  and  in  May,  1857,  a  contract  was  closed  between  this  firm  and  Bridge  Commissioner  Van- 
dercook,  the  work  of  driving  piles  through  the  ice  having  commenced  in  February  previous. 

An  idea  of  the  progress  of  the  work  of  construction  may  be  had  from  the  following  "  local 
item"  written  in  August,  1857  :  "It  is  a  massive  piece  of  work,  and  is  being  carried  on  in  a 
workmanlike  manner.  The  large  oak  piles  which  compose  the  outwork  of  the  piers  are  driven 
through  the  sand,  and  stand  fast  in  a  solid  clay  foundation.  The  inner  spaces  are  filled  with 
rock,  2,000  cubic  yards  of  which  have  been  used  for  the  purpose.  This  insures  a  foundation 
against  which  floods  and  rafts  may  beat  with  impunity.  Over  200,000  feet  of  lumber  will  be 
used  in  the  framework.     The  whole  length  of  the  bridge  will  be  650  feet  with  a  draw  of  130  feet." 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  639 

The  bridge  was  so  far  completed  by  October,  1857,  as  to  permit  the  crgssing  of  teams. 
At  that  date  "ye  local"  describes  it  as  being  "640  feet  long,  and  eighteen  feet  wide  inside. 
There  were  used  in  its  construction  250,000  feet  of  lumber,  and  the  entire  structure  cost 
$26,000."  In  February,  1858,  $10,000  worth  of  the  city's  bridge  bonds  found  sale  in  New 
York  city  at  76^^  cents.  In  November,  1866,  the  City  Council  levied  a  tax  of  4  per  cent  with 
which  to  liquidate  one-half  of  the  bonded  indebtedness  on  the  bridge,  and  in  March,  1867,  the 
obligation,  together  with  interest  on  the  whole  indebtedness,  amounting  in  all  to  $18,049.50, 
was  met. 

The  office  of  Bridge  Commissioner  at  once  became  an  important  one,  as  is  evident  in 
the  fact  that  in  May,  1860,  C.  R.  Gallett  was  chosen  to  fill  the  position  by  the  Council  on  the 
sixty-ninth  ballot,  amid  great  excitement  among  the  City  Fathers  and  those  who  had  been 
admitted  to  the  council-room.  From  the  date  of  the  opening  of  the  bridge  (October  10,  1857) 
to  December  31  of  that  year,  the  tolls  amounted  to  $688.  The  receipts  during  the  Commis- 
sionership  of  George  Wall,  from  the  date  of  his  appointment  in  1858  to  April  9,  1859,  were 
$1,672.  Under  the  administration  of  John  Bean,  from  May  7, 1859,  to  the  same  date  in  1860, 
tolls  to  the  amount  of  $1,818  were  collected,  and  from  the  latter  date  to  March  26,  1861,  dur- 
ing Mr.  Gallett's  incumbency,  they  aggregated  $2,163.  From  the  date  of  the  expiration  of 
Mr.  Gallett's  term  of  office  to  March,  1868,  (during  the  existence  of  the  old  bridge)  the  Com- 
missioners and  the  amounts  of  tolls  received  by  each  were  as  follows :  Charles  Schenck  (four 
terms),  1862,  $1,798 ;  1863,  $1,792  ;  1864,  $2,322 ;  1865,  $2,440  ;  Patrick  Sheehan  (four 
terms,  including  1869),  1866,  $2,704 ;  1867,  $2,056 ;  1868,  $1,935.  The  total  cost  of  the 
old  bridge  was  $41,146.13.  The  expenses  were  largely  increased  by  the  city  being  compelled 
to  sell  its  bonds  at  a  discount  of  from  25  to  30  per  cent  and  redeem  them  at  par  when  they 
fell  due.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  the  expenses  exceeded  the  receipts  nearly  $20,000.  In 
April,  1867,  the  Council  resolved  to  make  an  effort  to  take  up  $3,000  of  the  bridge  bonds 
before  they  fell  due  if  the  holders  could  be  induced  to  turn  them  in  at  par.  Correspondence  was 
opened  with  an  Eastern  Shylock  holding  this  amount  of  the  bonds,  who  replied  that  he  would 
take  $1.25!  The  redemption  scheme  was  abandoned.  The  Mayor  was  then  instructed  by 
the  Council  to  solicit  proposals  to  buy  the  bridge,  and  in  February,  1868,  it  was  sold  under  the 
hammer  to  W.  W.  Corning  for  $2,000,  the  sale  being  subject  to  ratification  by  the  people.  The 
sale  wa^  revoked  before  the  time  for  holding  an  election  arrived,  it  having  been  ascertained  that 
the  bridge  was  in  an  unsound  condition. 

In  March,  1868,  the  Legislature  passed  two  bridge  bills,  the  first  authorizing  the  city  of 
Portage  and  the  town  of  Caledonia  to  jointly  erect  a  free  bridge  ;  and  the  second,  if  they  should 
deem  it  inadvisable  to  construct  such  a  bridge,  authorizing  the  city  of  Portage  to  build  another 
toll  bridge.  The  latter  measure  provided  for  the  same  rates  of  toll  allowed  in  the  old  charter, 
and  authorized  the  city  to  assign  its  charter  to  an  individual,  or  individuals,  should  any  such 
wish  to  make  the  bridge  a  private  enterprise.  In  the  mean  time,  the  City  Council  employed  an 
experienced  bridge-builder  to  inspect  the  old  concern,  and  a  report  was  made  to  the  effect  that 
an  expenditureof  $2,000  would  keep  it  up  for  a  couple  of  years  longer.  Before  any  definite  action 
was  taken,  however,  Messrs.  Chapin  &  Wells,  of  Chicago,  appeared  upon  the  scene  and  submitted 
a  proposition  to  remove  the  old  bridge  for  $1,000,  and  place  a  new  one — a  Howe  truss — upon 
the  same  piers,  for  $18,000,  allowing  the  city  the  market  value  for  any  old  materials  which 
might  be  used.  A  contract  was  closed  with  the  Chicago  builders,  and  in  May  the  work  of  tear- 
ing away  the  old  structure  was  commenced.  L.  W.  Borden  established  a  ferry  across  the  river, 
and  maintained  it  while  the  new  bridge  was  being  built,  the  council  voting  $250  to  aid  him  in  keep- 
ing it  up.  The  new  bridge  was  completed  in  August,  and  has  ever  since  answered  the  purpose 
for  which  it  was  intended.  It  is  a  massive  structure,  and  an  object  of  much  curiosity  to  stran- 
gers. The  bonds  issued  by  the  city  to  build  it  were  redeemed,  from  time  to  time,  as  they 
became  due,  until  the  last  cancellation  was  made. 

The  entire  cost  of  building  and  maintaining  both  the  old  and  new  bridge,  from  the  com- 
mencement of  the  work,  in  March,  1857,  to  March,  1871,  was  $119,624.02.     The  receipts  of 


640  "  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

tolls,  since  the  completion  of  the  latter,  have  been  $19,392,  as  follows  :  Under  the  Commis- 
sionership  of  Patrick  Sheehan,  in  1869,  $1,965  ;  J.  B.  Gilman,  from  1869  to  1873,  $9,491  ; 
Charles  Schenck,  from  1873  to  the  date  of  his  death  (August,  1875),  and  Thomas  Bennett,  for 
the  unexpired  term,  $8,015  ;  Thomas  Bennett,  1876-77,  $2,611 ;  August  Dettlerner,  1878-79, 
$2,310. 

In  October,  1869,  the  bridge  was  "boarded  up  "  and  covered,  and  in  July,  1870,  during 
the  prevalence  of  a  tornado,  seventy  feet  of  the  roof  was  carried  away.  In  March  following,  a 
similar  catastrophe  occurred,  a  hundred-foot  slice  being  gathered  to  the  breast  of  old  Boreas  and 
borne  from  its  moorings.  Under  the  consolidating  act  of  1879,  the  following  rates  of  toll  were 
established :  For  every  vehicle  drawn  by  one  or  more  horses,  or  other  animal  or  animals,  and 
for  every  horse  and  rider,  10  cents.  For  hogs  and  sheep,  1  cent  each,  and  for  other  animals, 
2  cents  each,  provided  that  when  the  number  of  animals  exceed  ten,  only  one-half  rates  shall 
be  taken  for  the  excess.  For  cows  passing  to  and  from  pasture,  from  April  1  to  December  1, 
in  each  year,  $1  each.  No  toll  shall  be  collected  from  persons  going  to  or  from  church  on  Sun- 
days, or  from  funeral  processions,  or  from  officers  of  the  city  on  official  business.  Persons  paying 
10  cents  for  crossing,  as  required  in  Section  2,  shall  be  entitled  to  re-cross  on  the  same  day 
without  further  payment,  and  any  person  paying  $5  in  advance,  shall  be  entitled  to  cross  with 
one  team  for  one  year. 

The  Wisconsin  Street  Bridge. — Besides  the  draw-bridges  built  and  maintained  over  the 
canal,  by  the  railroad  company,  there  is  a  first-class  bridge  at  the  junction  of  De  Witt  and  Wis- 
consin streets,  that  deserves  brief  mention  in  these  pages.  In  June,  1859,  Mr.  Jenne,  Superin- 
tendent of  the  improvement,  concluded  an  agreement  with  the  city  to  place  a  safe  temporary 
bridge  across  the  canal,  within  three  months'  time,  and  within  a  year  to  complete  a  more  sub- 
stantial structure.  The  latter  was  finished,  according  to  agreement,  in  July,  1860.  In  1879, 
it  became  necessary  to  rebuild,  and  the  present  iron  bridge  at  that  point  was  the  result. 

THE    FIRE    DEPARTMENT    AND    FIRE    RECORD. 

The  frequency  of  destructive  conflagrations  in  Portage,  for  ten  years  succeeding  the  burning 
of  the  old  United  States  Hotel,  in  1851,  warned  the  citizens  of  the  urgent  necessity  for  protec- 
tion of  their  property  against  the  ravages  of  the  "  fire  fiend."  The  fearful  consequences  that 
might  result  from  delay  in  taking  precautionary  steps  were  often  depicted  in  the  columns  of  the 
local  press,  but  not  until  1863  was  the  repeated  warning  heeded.  On  the  6th  of  June,  of  that 
year,  the  Council,  under  the  provisions  of  the  recently  amended  charter,  organized  a  fire 
department,  with  the  following  officers  :  Chief  Engineer,  James  Collins ;  Assistant,  L.  T. 
Mead ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham ;  Secretary,  S.  S.  Brannan ;  Fire  Wardens,  S.  E.  Dana  and 
Carl  Haertel.  The  lack  of  implements  appertaining  to  the  business  of  fighting  fire,  seriously 
militated  against  the  efficiency  of  the  department,  the  first  year  of  its  existence.  In  the  spring 
of  1864,  the  citizens  clubbed  together  and  purchased  an  old  hand  engine,  then  in  use  in  Milwau- 
kee. Oregon  Company,  No.  1,  was  then  organized,  with  the  following  officers  :  Foreman, 
John  Curry  ;  Assistant,  John  Schliessman  ;  Hose  Captain,  F.  Burback ;  Secretary,  V.  Hel- 
mann  ;  Treasurer,  P.  McGinn  ;  Marshal,  John  Coleman  ;  Steward,  M.  Huber.  Among  the 
other  members  of  the  company,  will  be  remembered  J.  0.  Mullen,  Peter  Mahon,  Patrick  Shee- 
han, M.  and  N.  Brand,  Andrew  Kiefer,  Thomas  Maloney,  John  White  and  Joseph  Lynn.  The 
engine  was  housed  in  a  building  located  where  Lewis'  lumber-yard  now  is.  The  company 
proved  itself  a  very  useful  institution,  and  flourished  until  about  two  years  ago,  when  it  was 
disbanded,  owing  to  the  organization  of  new  companies. 

In  November,  1871,  Hook  and  Ladder  Company,  No.  1,  came  into  existence,  through  the 
efforts  of  certain  citizens,  whose  names  appear  among  the  early  officers  and  members.  The  first 
officers  were:  Foreman,  William  Hensel;  First  Assistant,  Charles  Prehn  ;  Second  Assistant, 
Frank  Tessman ;  Secretary,  A.  Kiefer ;  Treasurer,  Joseph  Hubel.  The  present  officers  are : 
Foreman,  William  Hensel ;  First  Assistant,  Antoine  Bartl ;  Second  Assistant,  Charles  Haertel, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  ^  641 

Jr. ;  Secretary,  A.  Kiefer ;  Treasurer,  Louis  Prehn  ;  Marshal,  F.  W.  Schuabel ;  Steward,  H. 
Hermann.     The  company  now  consists  of  fifty-eight  members. 

In  1874,  the  city  purchased  a  "  Champion  Fire  Extinguisher,"  paying  therefor  $2,200, 
Excelsior  Engine  Company,  No.  2,  having  previously  been  organized  from  among  the  citizens  to 
man  it.  The  first  oiBcers  of  the  company  were  :  Foreman,  Alexander  Thompson ;  First  Ex- 
tinguisher Captain,  Thack  Fool ;  Second,  William  Beattie ;  Secretary,  Henry  Williams ;  Treas- 
urer, Thack  Pool  ;  Steward,  William  Beattie.  The  company  flourished  until  the  Silsby  steamer 
was  bought,  when  gratitude  for  the  services  of  its  valiant  members  seems  to  have  turned  to  admira- 
tion for  the  new  "  machine."  Two  years  ago,  a  fireman's  tourney  took  place  on  the  fair  grounds. 
Two  old  houses  were  fired,  and  while  every  one  was  watching  the  "  Silsby  boys  "  get  ready  to 
make  the  attack  upon  one  of  the  burning  buildings,  the  Excelsior  crowd  put  out  the  fire  in  the 
other,  thus  winning  the  silver  cup  that  had  been  offered  as  a  prize  to  the  most  efficient  company. 
The  citizens  were  greatly  surprised,  but,  nevertheless,  interest  has  waned  in  the  Excelsior's 
"  soda  fountain,"  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  the  feats  performed  by  those  who  manipulate  it 
have  been  little  less  than  miracles. 

Silsby  Steamer  Company,  No.  3,  was  organized  in  October,  1877.  A  first-class  engine 
was  purchased  for  the  very  small  sum  of  $5,500  (the  regular  price  being  $7,500),  owing  to 
competition  on  the  part  of  the  Ahrens  managers.  The  first  officers  of  the  company  were: 
Foreman,  V.  E.  Brewer  ;  First  Assistant,  D.  M.  Neill ;  Second  Assistant,  William  Edwards  ; 
Secretary,  John  Lewis ;  Treasurer,  D.  M.  Neill.  The  ofiicers  for  1878-79  were  the  same,  with 
the  exception  of  Secretary,  C.  P.  Jreger  succeeding  Mr.  Lewis  in  the  latter  year.  The  present 
officers  are  :  Foreman,  V.  E.  Brewer ;  First  Assistant,  A.  A.  Sherett ;  Second  Assistant.  F. 
L.  Jones  ;  Secretary,  Frank  Wilkie ;  Treasurer,  C.  P.  Jaeger.  There  are  now  thirty-eight 
members  in  the  company. 

The  building  in  which  the  city's  fire  paraphernalia  is  housed  is  one  of  the  landmarks  of 
Portage.  It  stood  formerly  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal,  and  was  occupied  by  Mr.  Berry  as  a 
store  on  the  lower  floor,  the  upper  portion  being  used  for  county  oSices.  In  1866,  the  Lieder- 
kranz  Society  pui-chased  and  moved  it  to  a  lot  near  the  present  site  of  James  Collins'  residence. 
It  became  the  property  of  the  city  in  1874,  and  was  removed  to  its  present  site. 

As  has  been  shown,  the  fire  department  was  organized  in  June,  1863.  The  next  election 
of  officers  of  which  there  is  any  record  was  held  in  March,  1865,  with  the  following  result : 
Chief  Engineer,  Peter  Karsh  ;  Assistant,  J.  B.  Cromwell ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham  ;  Secretary, 
Andrew  Kiefer;  Fire  Wardens,  Charles  Haertel  and  W.  W.  Corning. 

1866— Chief,  Peter  Karsh  ;  Assistant,  L.  T.  Mead ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham  ;  Secretary, 
Andrew  Kiefer  ;   Wardens,  Charles  Haertel  and  W.  W.  Corning. 

1867 — Chief,  Peter  Karsh  ;  Assistant,  Patrick  Sheehan ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham  ;  Secre- 
tary, A.  Keifer;   Wardens,   C.  Haertel  and  S.  E.  Dana. 

1868 — Chief,  John  Currie  ;  Assistant,  Patrick  Sheehan  ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham ;  Sec- 
retary, A.  Kiefer  ;  Wardens,  C.  Haertel  and  S.  E.  Dana. 

1869 — Chief.  John  Currie  ;  Assistant,  F.  Burback  ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham  ;  Secretary, 
A.  Kiefer;  Wardens,  Henry  Bolting  and  S.  S.  Brannan. 

1870 — Chief,  John  Currie  ;  Assistant,  Charles  Haertel ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham  ;  Secre- 
tary, A.  Kiefer ;   Wardens,  Henry  Bolting  and   S.  S.  Brannan. 

1871. — Chief,*  S.  S.  Brannan  ;  Assistant,  Charles  Hpertel ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham  ;  Sec- 
retary, A.  Kiefer ;  Wardens,  Henry  Bolting  and  Cornelius  Wheeler. 

1872. — Chief,  Owen  Hogan  ;  Assistant,  Charles  Hrertel ;  Treasurer,  John  Graham ;  Sec- 
retary, A.  Kiefer  ;  Wardens,  John  Dullighan  and  Henry  Bolting. 

1873. — Chief,  James  Fyfe ;  Assistant,  Evan  Arthur  ;  Treasurer,  C.  Wheeler ;  Secretary, 
A.  Kiefer ;  Wardens,  John  Dullighan  and  Henry  Bolting. 

1874.— Chief,  James  Fyfe ;  Assistant,  S.  L.  Plumb ;  Treasurer,  C.  Wheeler ;  Secretary, 
A.  Kiefer ;  Wardens,  George  Port  and  James  Collins. 

Reaigned  in  April ;  Owen  Hogan  appointed  to  fill  vacancy. 


642  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1875. — Chief,  William  Hensel ;  Assistant,  Patrick  Sheehan ;  Treasurer,  F.  Silverkrop  ; 
Secretary,  C.  H.  Tasker ;   Wardens,  N.  H.  Wood  and  John  Graham. 

1876. — Chief,  W.  Hensel ;  Assistant,  Patrick  Sheehan ;  Treasurer,  F.  Silverkrop  ;  Sec- 
retary, C.  H.  Tasker  ;  AVardens,  Charles  Prehn  and  P.  Mohan. 

1877. — Chief,  W.  Hensel ;  Assistant,  Charles  Prehn  ;  Treasurer,  John  Dullighan  ;  Secre- 
tary, C.  H.  Tasker ;  Wardens,  N.  H.  Wood  and  R.  0.  Loomis. 

1878. — Chief,  W.  Hensel ;  Assistant,  Alexander  Thompson  ;  Treasurer,  R.  A.  Sprecher ; 
Secretary,  C.  H.  Tasker  ;  Wardens,  George  Bohag  and  Louis  Blakewall. 

1879. — Chief,  Alexander  Thompson  ;  Assistant,  Jacob  Best ;  Treasurer,  R.  A.  Sprecher  ; 
Secretary,  V.  E.  Brewer  ;  Wardens,  A.  Kiefer  and  John  Bean. 

1880. — Chief,  Alexander  Thompson  ;  Assistant,  J.  Muller ;  Treasurer,  A.  Klenart ;  Sec- 
retary, V.  E.  Brewer. 

The  Fire  Record. — Following  is  a  list  of  the  fires  that  have  occurred  in  Portage  since  1850, 
with  dates,  losses,  insurance,  etc. : 

United  States  Hotel,  February  2,  1851.  The  hotel  was  under  the  management  of  Lee  & 
Mitchell,  and  was  then  considered  one  of  the  institutions  of  Portage.  The  loss  was  about 
$6,000 ;  insured  for  ^3,000.  It  was  rebuilt  at  once,  and  opened  with  a  grand  ball  January 
8,  1852. 

Fort  Winnebago,  March  31,  1856.  The  fire  broke  out  in  the  north  wing  of  the  buildings 
formerly  occupied  as  officers'  barracks,  destroying  most  of  the  old  landmarks  of  early  days.  The 
buildings  were  mostly  occupied  by  private  families. 

Charles  Haertel's  brewery  barn,  October  6,  1856.  Two  valuable  horses  were  burned  to 
death.     Loss  about  $500  ;  no  insurance. 

Barn  belonging  to  William  Miller,  on  the  east  side  of  the  canal,  July  25,  1857. 

Motash's  City  Bathing  Establishment,  near  Silver  Lake,  November  30,  1857. 

Lee  House  saloon,  December  20,  1857.  Two  of  Col.  Orton's  performing  lions,  housed 
in  the  establishment  at  the  time,  were  liberated  at  the  time  to  save  them.  The  ground  being 
covered  with  snow,  they  were  easily  recaged  by  their  trainer,  Charles  Tubbs,  when  the  fire  was 
extinguished.     Loss,  $750  ;  uninsured. 

Lee  House  barn,  April  14,  1859.     Loss,  $1,500  ;  insured  for  $1,000. 

The  newly  finished  residence  of  S.  B.  Linscott,  April  21,  1859.     Loss,  $600  ;  no  insurance. 

Gome's  meat  market  and  adjoining  buildings,  December  18,  1859.  Aggregate  insurance 
of  $1,500. 

Lee  House,  December  21,  1859.     Insurance,  $4,000. 

James  Dunn's  barn,  December  24,  1859.     Three  cows  burned  to  death.     No  insurance. 

Veeder  House,  April  5,  1860.     Insured  for  $9,500  ;  loss  much  greater. 

Richard  Dempsey's  house.  Fourth  Ward,  October  15,  1860.  Five  hundred  dollars  in  money 
destroyed.     Insurance  on  property,  $1,000. 

Dean  &  Smith's  foundry  and  machine-shop,  August  21,  1861.  It  is  believed  the  building 
was  struck  by  lightning.  Loss  estimated  at  $20,000 ;  insured  for  $5,000.  Thirty  men  were 
thrown  out  of  employment. 

"  Doc  "   Wooster's  house  on  the  river  bank,  August  26,  1861. 

Samuel  Edward's  house,  September  25,  1861  ;  partially  insured. 

Mr.  Peterman's  frame  building  in  the  First  Ward.  March  17,  1862  ;  insurance  $1,000. 

Railroad  depot  and  other  buildings,  January  19,  1863 — a  very  disastrous  fire — destroying 
property  to  the  extent  of  $30,000.  It  originated  in  W.  D.  Fox's  storehouse  at  the  west  end  of 
the  depot,  and  spread  to  the  depot  building  and  eating-house ;  thence  to  the  saloons  of  Carl 
Schneider  and  T.  V.  Derkson.  S.  S.  Case's  elevator  building  was  the  next  to  catch.  In  it 
were  stored  about  ten  thousand  bushels  of  wheat  and  barley  belonging  to  diifei'ent  parties. 

C.  H.  Moore's  house,  near  the  old  Christopher  Hotel,  March  19,  1863. 

James  Chancellor's  house,  February  19,  1864. 

The  old  pottery,  in  the  Third  Ward,  August  31,  1864. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  643 

Mrs.  M.  C.  Alvord's  house,  First  Ward,  October  3,  1864 ;  insured  for  $300. 

The  Columbia  County  Jail,  December  24,  1864.  Set  on  fire,  it  is  believed,  by  prisoners, 
who  tried  to  burn  a  hole  in  the  floor,  in  order  that  they  might  escape. 

Mr.  Luther's  new  dwelling,  in  the  Fourth  Ward,  March  1,  1865.  Loss,  $300  ;  partially 
insured. 

Felix  Curran's  residence  and  grocery,  March  18,  1865.     Loss,  $800  ;  insured  for  $500. 

Thomas  Buttrey's  boot  and  shoe  shop  (the  property  of  John  Williamson)  and  W.  G. 
Bunker's  harness-shop,  June  5,  1866.     Loss  $800. 

Extensive  conflagration  on  Cook  street,  July  7,  1866,  resulting  in  the  destruction  of  the 
following  buildings  and  stores  :  Robert  Norris'  grocery,  Morris  Collins'  grocery,  James  Mal- 
colmson's  second-hand  store,  Louis  Eltermann's  jewelry  store,  (over  which  resided  George 
Helmann,  the  owner  of  the  building),  William  Niemeyer's  confectionery  store,  John  Verson's 
harness-shop  and  residence,  Andrew  Kiefer's  barber-shop  and  residence,  and  Donald  Ferguson's 
residence.  Mrs.  Wightman's  millinery  store  was  saved  by  the  eflbrts  of  a  large  number  of 
ladies,  who  formed  a  line  reaching  to  the  canal  and  passed  water  in  buckets  to  quench  the  flames 
that  threatened  their  favorite  temple  of  fashion. 

A  frame  building  occupied  by  Thomas  Pile,  M.  Slinger  and  James  Scott,  adjoining  the  St. 
Charles  Hotel,  February  27,  1868  ;  insurance,  $250. 

An  unoccupied  building  in  the  Second  Ward,  belonging  to  Mr.  McGoorty,  November  20, 
1868. 

A  large  frame  building  belonging  to  N.  H.  Wood,  burned  January  27,  1869,  while  being 
removed  from  the  First  to  tlie  Fourth  Ward.     Loss,  $300  ;  uninsured. 

Charles  Sternberg's  tannery  on  Canal  street,  June  9,  1869.  Loss,  $1,500  ;  insured  for 
$700. 

A  frame  building  known  as  the  Murison  House,  in  the  Fifth  Ward,  December  25,  1870  ; 
partially  insured. 

Portage  Stone  Mill,  owned  by  Wells  &  Craig,  April  11,  1870.  Loss,  $24,000  ;  insured  for 
$14,000. 

Engine  House  of  the  Portage  &  Madison  Railroad,  February  21,  1871. 

Portage  Hotel,  near  the  depot,  the  property  of  James  Graves,  August  23,  1871  ;  insured 
for  $1,000. 

John  Bryan's  livery  stable.  Fourth  Ward,  October  10,  1871. 

I.  Holmes'  house  in  the  Fifth  Ward,  occupied  by  J.  M.  Russell,  partially  burned,  Decem- 
ber 25,  1871. 

Herrigel's  building.  Cook  street,  December  10,  1872.     Loss,  $500  ;  no  insurance. 

D.  A.  Goodyear's  building,  occupied  by  C.  A.  Driese  as  a  cigar  manufactury,  same  date; 
insured  for  $600. 

E.  Wright's  dwelling,  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city ;  same  date. 

George  Brown's  residence.  Fourth  Ward,  January  5,  1873.  Loss,  $1,500  ;  insured  for 
$1,000. 

Barn  and  granary  of  Patrick  Mulcahey,  March  18,  1873.     Two  horses  burned  to  death. 

Henry  Hermann's  residence.  First  Ward,  December  4,  1874. 

A  building  in  the  rear  of  the  St.  Charles  Hotel,  February  22,  1874. 

John  Bryan's  slaughter-house,  June  20,  1874.     Loss,  $200. 

John  Brisbois'  residence  in  the  Fourth  Ward,  June  26,  1875.  Insured  for  $1,050,  about 
two-thirds  of  the  loss. 

The  unoccupied  dwelling  of  P.  McMurray,  in  the  First  Ward,  August  23,  1875. 

Carnagie'a  planing-mill,  scorched  October  7,  1875. 

Ellsworth  House,  barn,  property  of  Mr.  McDonald,  November  15, 1875.     Four  horses  and 
three  cows  burned  to  death. 
1      John  Ringner's  house,  near  Carnagie's  planing-mill,  February  3,  1876. 

George  Port's  warehouse,  Fourth  Ward,  April  1, 1876.     Loss,  $4,000 ;  insurance,  $1,000. 


644  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Henry  Emder's  barn,  adjoining  the  hotel,  September  30,  1876. 

Henry  Fink's  stable,  January  11,  1877. 

Burning  of  the  grass  in  Silver  Lake  Cemetery,  April  25,  1877. 

Peter  Neiss'  dwelling  badly  damaged.  May  15,  1877. 

E.  J.  McCabe's  dwelling.  Fifth  Ward,  July  18,  1877  ;  insured  for  $2,075. 

John  Mueller's  cooper-shop,  July  28,  1877.     Loss,  $800;  insurance,  $250. 

Fire  in,  and  narrow  escape  of,  Pettibone's  Block,  September  22,  1877. 

Joseph  Lee's  house.  Fourth  Ward,  September  23,  1877. 

City  Hotel,  October  24,  1877  ;  insurance,  $1,000. 

The  old  Pettibone  store,  January  16,  1878.     Loss,  $500  ;  no  insurance. 

D.  A.  Goodvear's  residence,  February  8,  1878.     Loss,  $1,500;  uninsured. 
John  T.  Clark's  barn,  March  17,  1878. 

John  Duerr's  house.  Second  Ward,  May  13,  1878. 

House  in  the  Fourth  Ward  belonging  to  John  T.  Clark,  August  20,  1878. 

Morris  Collins'  house.  Fourth  Ward,  October  12,  1878. 

The  Kirby  House  barn,  and  the  old  Ira  Blood  house.  First  Ward,  November  8,  1878. 

Mayor  Arnold's  barn,  Fourth  Ward,  February  4,  1879. 

Patrick  Hayes'  house,  near  the  lock.  May  1,  1879  ;    insurance,  $1,000. 

E.  A.  Wells'  residence,  built  in  1857  at  a  cost  of  $3,550,  May  7,  1879 ;  no  insurance. 
Liederkranz  Society's  building,  occupied  by  A.  Matthieson,  tailor.  May  22,  1879 ;    insur- 
ance, $500. 

Barns  of  Mr.  Pauley  and  Mr.  Zastrow,  in  the  First  Ward,  May  80,  1879. 
Unoccupied  house  of  Mr.  Chase,  in  the  First  Ward,  January  10,  1880. 
Unoccu]iied   buildings  at  east  end   of  the   Wisconsin  Street  Bridge,  owned  by  Mary  A. 
Keegan,  March  9,  1880 ;  uninsured. 

BANKS. 

The  Columbia  County  Bank  was  started  as  a  banking  institution  in  1853  by  Marshal  & 
Ilsley,  of  Milwaukee,  and  the  late  Harrison  S.  Haskell,  the  latter  having  charge  of  the  business. 
May  1,  1854,  it  was  regularly  incorporated  with  Samuel  Marshall  as  President,  and  H.  S. 
Haskell  as  Cashier ;  capital,  $25,000.  In  the  spring  or  summer  of  1855,  Fred.  S.  Ilsley  went 
into  the  bank  as  teller  or  assistant  cashier.  At  this  time  Mr.  Haskell's  brother,  Harvey,  was 
also  connected  with  the  bank  as  book-keeper.  In  October,  1855,  Mr.  Haskell  sold  out  his  stock 
in  the  bank  and  retired.  John  P.  McGregor  then  bought  in  and  became  Vice  President; 
F.  S.  Ilsley  being  cashier  and  also  a  stockholder,  and  James  Chancellor  was  book-keeper. 
In  1857,  John  S.  Henderson  went  into  the  bank  as  a  clerk.  In  1858,  F.  S.  Ilsley 
sold  out  his  stock,  and  John  S.  Henderson  became  acting  cashier.  In  1859  or  1860, 
Horace  E.  Wells  became  a  stockholder  and  cashier,  Marshall  &  Ilsley  having  sold  out  their 
interest  entirely,  and  Mr.  Mitchell  became  book-keeper.  About  1863,  Henderson's  health  failed, 
and  he  left  the  bank,  going  to  California,  and  Joseph  Hainsworth  came  in  as  assistant  cashier. 
In  1864,  Theodore  Goldsmith  was  engaged  as  clerk,  and  afterward  was  assistant  cashier.  About 
1865,  Horace  E.  Wells  sold  out  his  stock,  and  J.  P.  McGregor  became  the  sole  stockholder,  and 
in  1866-67  Hainsworth  left,  going  to  Kilbourn  to  start  the  Bank  of  Kilbourn.  A  year  or  so 
afterward,  C.  Wheeler  became  cashier,  and  a  year  later  W.  M.  Patton  became  assistant  cashier. 
In  the  panic  of  1873,  the  bank  failed  and  went  into  the  hands  of  receivers,  who  wound  it  up. 

Bank  of  Porta<ie. — This  bank  is  also  numbered  among  the  financial  institutions  that 
became  victims  of  panics.  It  was  organized  in  1857,  with  D.  Vandercook  as  President,  and  H. 
L.  Norton,  Cashier.  E.  0.  Emerson,  who  was  its  President  and  chief  owner  when  it  failed, 
is  now  paying  the  creditors  of  the  Portage  Bank.  He  is  living  in  Titusville,  Penn.,  and  makes 
regular  remittances  to  LI.  Breese  and  L.  W.  Barden,  his  appointed  agents  in  Portage,  who  dis- 
tribute the  funds  equitably  among  the  creditors. 

City  Bank  of  Portage. — Incorporated  April  16,  1874.  Commenced  business  May  4,  of 
the  same  year,  with  the  following  directory:     R.   B.  Wentworth,  W.  D.   Fox,  E.  L.   Jaeger, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  645 

A.  Weir,  R.  0.  Loomis  and  LI.  Breese.  The  oiBcers  were:  LI.  Breese,  President;  E.  L. 
Jaeger,  Vice  President;  R.  B.  Wentworth,  Cashier.  There  has  been  but  one  change  in  the 
■directory,  A.  Weir  being  succeeded  by  W.  S.  Wentworth,  and  but  one  in  the  oflBcers,  W. 
S.  Wentworth  succeeding  his  father  as  cashier.  The  capital  stock  is  $25,000.  Located  in  Van- 
dercook's  Block. 

German  Exchange  Bank  of  Portage. — A  private  banking  institution  established  by 
Haertel  &  Schulze,  in  1874,  with  a  capital  of  $20,000,  Charles  Haertel,  President,  and  F.  W. 
Schulze,  Cashier.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Haertel,  Mr.  Schulze  became  President,  and  R.  A. 
Sprecher,  Cashier.      Located  in  Haertel's  Block. 

WISCONSIN    EDITORIAL   ASSOCIATION. 

It  is  a  matter  of  history  that  the  first  meeting  of  this  well-known  body  was  held  in  Port- 
age. There  were  twenty-three  members  present,  as  follows :  Harrison  Reed,  Conservator, 
Neenah  and  Menasha ;  E.  A.  Calkins,  Argus  and  Democrat,  Madison  ;  J.  W.  Hoyt,  Wiscon- 
sin Farmer,  Madison ;  Horace  Rublee,  State  Journal,  Madison ;  Ansel  N.  Kellogg,  Republic, 
Baraboo ;  Frank  Hyde,  Express,  Marquette ;  J.  T.  Farrar,  Democrat,  West  Bend ;  L.  M. 
Rose,  Freeman,  Sparta ;  Horace  Norton,  Rara  Avis,  Portage ;  D.  McBride,  Star,  Mauston ; 
A.  Holly,  Mirror,  Kilbourn  City ;  H.  N.  Ross,  Evergreen  City  Times,  Sheboygan ;  S.  D.  Car- 
penter, Patriot,  Madison ;  Charles  Roeser,  Demokrat,  Manitowoc ;  F.  A.  Moore,  Democrat, 
La  Crosse ;  A.  J.  Turner,  R.  B.  Wentworth  and  M.  M.  Davis,  Record,  Portage ;  J.  A. 
Leonard,  Republican,  Waukesha ;  M.  M.  Pomeroy,  Argus,  Horicon ;  J.  A.  Brown,  C.  C. 
Britt,  and  J.  M.  Doty,  Badger  State,  Portage ;  H.  E.  Hascall,  State  Republican,  Lansing, 
Mich.,  permitted  to  join  in  the  proceedings  by  courtesy. 

The  meeting  took  place  at  Pettibone's  Hall  on  the  9th  of  July,  1857,  and  was  called  to 
order  by  M.  M.  Pomeroy.  Upon  the  motion  of  C.  C.  Britt,  Harrison  Reed  was  elected  Presi- 
dent and  E.  A.  Calkins  and  A.  J.  Turner,  Secretaries.  Resolutions  were  passed  reciting  rea- 
sons why  the  i-ates  of  public  printing  should  be  increased ;  calling  upon  the  Legislature  to 
authorize  the  publication,  in  newspapers,  of  all  general  laws  passed  by  that  body  at  the  various 
sessions ;  approving  the  system  adopted  by  the  railroad  companies  of  cutting  off  the  peculiar 
privileges  of  "  dead  heads,"  but  protesting  against  the  term  being  applied  to  "  our  brethi-en  of 
the  local  press ; "  condemning  violations  of  the  good  old  custom  of  sending  newspapers  to  those 
who  pay  only  in  advance;  recommending  a  discontinuance  of  the  practice  of  "puffing"  in 
general  and  the  total  exclusion  of  quack  advertisements  in  particular.  Scales  of  prices  for 
advertising  and  job  printing  were  adopted,  as  were  also  a  constitution  and  by-laws.  The  fol- 
lowing officers  were  elected  :  President,  Harrison  Reed  ;  Vice  Presidents,  F.  A.  Moore,  Charles 
Roeser  and  John  A.  Brown;  Corresponding  Secretary,  J.  W.  Hoyt;  Recording  Secretary,  M. 
M.  Pomeroy ;  Treasurer,  Alanson  Holly  ;  Executive  Committee,  A.  N.  Kellogg  and  H.  N. 
Ross.  Charles  D.  Robinson,  of  the  Green  Bay  Advocate,  and  Horace  Rublee,  of  the  Madison 
State  Journal,  were  appointed  essayist  and  poet  respectively,  and  instructed  to  be  present  in 
Madison,  at  the  next  meeting,  the  third  Wednesday  in  June,  1858,  with  their  literary  produc- 
tions. 

The  members  of  the  association  were  entertained  at  the  residence  of  Mayor  McGregor  in 
sumptuous  style,  and,  at  the  end  of  their  two  days'  deliberation,  took  their  departure  highly 
pleased  with  their  visit  and  convinced  that  all  that  had  been  said  about  the  beauties  at  Portage 
was  true. 

At  a  subsequent  meeting  of  the  association  it  was  decided  that  the  members  should 
furnish  historical  matters,  to  be  read  before  the  association,  concerning  the  press  in  the 
respective  localities  respresented  by  them.  The  result  was  very  satisfactory,  and  the  letters  of 
the  various  editors  were  afterward  published.  Here  is  one  from  John  Delaney,  of  Portage : 
"  Brother  Hyer :  In  reply  to  your  letter  of  inquiry  I  have  leisure  only  to  state  that  on  the 
fourth  of  July,  1850,  I  issued  the  first  number  of  the  River  Times.     I  had  a  short  time  before 


646  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

that  come  to  Portage  City  to  reside  and  practice  law.  We  had  everything  except  a  newspaper 
to  make  a  city.  I  had  learned  the  trade  at  Green  Bay,  commencing  in  1834,  and  on  the 
solicitation  of  business  men  and  politicians  was  induced  to  resume  it  for  a  time.  I  started  the 
paper  partly  to  advance  the  town,  and  keep  up  with  other  cities  in  dispensing  knowledge  of  our 
advantages,  and  partly  to  give  tone,  so  far  as  I  could,  to  the  politics  qf  the  day.  I  had  seen 
many  of  the  would-be  leaders  of  the  Democratic  party  pandering,  through  a  change  of  its 
creed,  for  the  abolition  vote  of  the  State,  willing  to  insert  or  strike  out  planks  from  the  plat- 
form to  suit  the  day,  but  still  retain  the  name  of  De.mocr.\t — anything,  so  a  numerical  major- 
ity of  the  vote  of  the  State  could  be  saved  to  candidates  for  office.  I  foresaw  that  such  a 
course  must  end  in  sectionalizing  the  party  ;  and,  in  disgust  and  indignation,  did  what  little  I 
could  to  stem  the  tide,  with  satisfaction  to  myself  as  to  my  own  course.  The  Times  was 
merged  in  the  Badyer  State  in  1853.  The  publication  of  a  Democratic  paper  was  soon  followed 
by  that  of  a  Whig  paper,  to  carry  on  the  political  war.  W.  W.  Noyes  started  the  Northern 
Republic,  a  national  Whig  paper,  in  1851. 

"  Fraternally  yours,  John  Delaney." 

EARLY    JUSTICE    IN    PORTAGE. 

Many  interesting  memories  are  extant  concerning  the  early  history  of  Portage.  None, 
however,  are  so  excruciatingly  ludicrous  or  pathetic  as  those  pertaining  to  the  legal  profess- 
ion, concerning  scenes  in  the  early  Justices'  Courts.  An  idea  of  the  ability  of  the  average 
Justice  of  the  Peace,  in  those  days,  may  be  had  from  the  following  entry  made  in  a  Justice's 
docket  twenty-six  years  ago,  a  large  number  of  these  record-books  being  still  in  existence  : 

"  A  warrant  was  ishude  on  the  IT  day  of  augost  1854  and  delivrd  to  coon  Deputy  cheref 
prisner  in  custiaty  on  the  18  prisner  pleeds  nott  gilty  on  oplicashun  ov  prosecutin  witnes  the 
abov  coase  is  continude  til  the  12  da  ov  Augost  by  concent  of  the  dafendint  at  1  O'C  p.  ra. 
prisner  dischargde  whereas  michel  Craythiu  hes  maid  othe  befor  me  aganst  Graves  for  Sault 
And  Batery  whitch  was  A  melishus  prosecushun  so  thearefoor  i  rendearde  a  gugmant  aganst 
Michel  craythin  for  coast  ov  this  sute  coasts  ov  cort  168  cherefs  feas  50." 

It  must  be  remembered  that  the  above  was  written  before  Josh  Billings  was  heard  of.  In 
it  we  see  traces  of  Nasby's  style  of  orthography,  but  as  there  is  no  record  of  that  distinguished 
citizen  ever  having  visited  Portage,  it  would  be  unjust  to  charge  him  with  plagiarism. 

In  1855,  a  trespass  case  came  before  a  Portage  Justice,  the  parties  to  the  suit  being  well 
known  and  respected  citizens.  The  very  best  legal  talent  in  the  city  was  engaged.  Eloquence 
was  then  considered  more  powerful  and  effective  than  the  rules  of  equity  laid  down  in  the 
books.  Clients  were  not  slow  to  observe  this,  and  they  generally  took  advantage  of  the  strange 
condition  of  things.  The  defendant's  counsel,  for  reasons  of  their  own,  obtained  a  change  of 
venue  to  another  Justice,  and  the  Judge  1>efore  whom  the  case  originally  came  subsecjuently 
joined  the  counsel  for  plaintiff  and  aided  in  the  prosecution.  When  the  case  came  up  it  was 
discovered  by  the  defense  that  the  written  complaint  had  been  interlined  and  otherwise  changed 
in  favor  of  his  opponents.  The  handwriting  very  closely  resembled  that  of  the  Judge  before 
whom  the  case  was  then  on  trial,  and  the  irate  attorney  who  made  the  discovery  was  not  slow 
to  accuse  "  His  Honor  "  of  having  perpetrated  the  irregularity,  for  wliich  mark  of  disrespect  for 
the  dignity  of  the  bench  he  was  fined  $10.  The  implicated  limb  of  the  law  arose  to  make  an 
explanation,  but,  before  he  had  concluded,  was  again  fined  for  contempt  and  threatened  with 
imprisonment  if  the  offense  was  repeated.  A  most  exciting  scene  then  followed,  resulting  in 
the  Judge  being  twice  denominated  '"an  old  liar,"  and  the  attorney  receiving  an  infliction  of  a 
like  number  of  fines,  making  the  total  penalty  ^40.  Amid  the  wildest  confusion,  a  recess  was 
taken,  and  during  the  interval  one  of  the  plaintiff's  attorneys  induced  counsel  on  the  other  side 
to  agree  to  a  jury  trial,  and  at  the  same  time  persuaded  the  Judge  to  remit  the  fines,  provided 
defendant's  counsel  would  make  due  apology.  A  jury  of  six  men  was  accordingly  summoned, 
and  when  the  court  convened  the  matter  was  smoothed  over  and  the  case  proceeded.     The  entire 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  647 

afternoon  was  taken  up  with  discursive  arguments,  the  jury  frequently  leaving  their  seats  and 
retiring  to  an  adjacent  saloon  for  '•consultation."  When  night  came,  the  case  was  closed  and 
the  jury  locked  "up,  but  it  was  evident  to  all  concerned  that  there  would  be  a  disagreement. 
Judge  and  counsel  then  adjourned  to  a  favorite  resort  across  the  street,  where  they  awaited  the 
result  with  such  anxiety  as  to  necessitate  frequent  potations  of  gin  and  sugar  to  keep  their  cour- 
age up.  The  opposing 'counsel  vied  with  each  other  in  efforts  to  "make  it  pleasant  for  the 
Judge,"  succeeding  even  beyond  their  most  sanguine  expectations ;  for  when  the  short  hours  of 
the  morning  came  his  mental,  physical  and  judicial  equilibrium  had  given  away,  and  after  embrac- 
ing each  of  his  genial  companions  he  insisted  upon  going  over  to  the  court  room  to  re-instruct 
the  jury.  He  was  dissuaded  from  performing  this  unnecessary  act,  for  the  jury  had  agreed  to 
disagree.  When  the  Judge  was  apprised  of  the  fact  that  there  had  been  a  disagreement,  he 
assumed  an  air  of  indignation  and  made  an  attempt  to  be  very  dignified,  avowing  that  he  would 
"fine  them  for  contempt  of  (hie)  court."  After  falling  over  a  chair,  for  which  he  apologized 
to  the  stove,  his  friends  conveyed  him  to  his  home.  During  the  night,  when  the  prospect  for  a 
verdict  was  being  discussed,  the  Judge  took  each  of  the  opposing  counsel  aside  and  confiden- 
tially assured  them  that  in  case  the  jury  disagreed  he  would  decide  the  case  in  their  favor. 
"  Leave  it  to  me,"  he  said  to  each  of  them,  "  leave  it  to  me,  you're  all  (hie)  right." 

On  another  occasion,  a  replevin  suit  was  up  for  trial,  the  property  in  dispute  being  a  flock 
of  sheep.  The  defendant's  attorney,  thinking  to  discourage  his  professional  brother  of  the  other 
side,  said  to  him  that  there  was  no  use  in  attempting  a  successful  prosecution  of  the  case,  as  he 
(counsel  for  defense)  knew  of  a  witness  who  would  swear  to  anything  necessary  to  insure  a 
decision  in  his  client's  favor.  Plaintifl"s  attorney  saw  at  once  that  there  was  no  hope  for  his 
client  in  court,  so  he  advised  him  to  procure  a  wagon,  and,  while  the  case  was  being  tried,  to 
proceed  to  the  premises  where  the  sheep  were,  and  take  them,  vi  et  armis,  if  necessary.  As 
was  expected,  the  case  was  decided  in  favor  of  the  defendant,  but  the  sheep  were  never  after 
heard  of  This  celebrated  action  has  ever  since  been  referred  to  as  the  "sheep-stealing  case," 
and  the  eminent  lawyer  who  planned  the  seizure  of  the  mutton  is  highly  esteemed,  by  young  dis- 
ciples of  Blackstone,  for  his  sagacity.  There  is  no  doubt  that  this  case  will  some  day  be  cited 
as  a  precedent. 

Thomas  Christopher  once  brought  suit  against  Col.  Tom.  Reynolds,  before  His  Honor 
Richard  Dempsey,  J.  P.  Hugh  McFarlane  was  summoned  as  a  witness.  While  on  the  stand, 
he  claimed  the  right  to  give  evidence  in  his  own  peculiar  manner,  to  which  an  attorney,  named 
Johnson,  demurred.  After  much  sparring,  the  witness  put  a  quietus  on  the  legal  questioner, 
by  saying:  "  If  you  interrupt  me  again,  I  will  kick  you  square  in  the  mouth." 

Mr.  Fry.  one  of  the  jurors,  disgusted  at  such  undignified  conduct  in  court,  rose  to  his  feet 
and  shouted,  in  a  stentorian  voice :  "  If  this  is  to  be  a  d d  row,  I  am  going  to  leave.  Con- 
stable, where  is  my  coat  and  hat?  " 

The  court  objected  to  his  leaving,  and  ordered  him  to  be  seated,  threatening  a  fine  for  con- 
tempt of  court.     The  refractory  juror  politely  invited  him  to  fine  and  be  d d,  asserting  that 

His  Honor  was  nothing  but  an  old  wooden  head  anyway.  Then  the  court,  becoming  highly 
indignant  at  such  insolence,  ordered  the  juryman,  in  language  more  forcible  than  polite,  to 
leave  the  temple  of  justice. 

Pending  the  trial,  it  became  necessary  for  the  court  to  take  the  witness-stand  and  supply 
evidence  to  sustain  the  complainant.  Tom  Reynolds,  the  defendant,  being  a  Justice  of  ?he 
Peace,  administered  the  oath,  and,  after  the  direct  testimony  was  given,  another  juror,  named 
Jimmy  O'Neill,  cross-questioned  the  court.  His  questions  were  so  impertinent  that  the  witness 
lost  all  patience,  and  it  was  only  by  the  interference  of  the  other  jurors  that  a  fight  was  pre- 
vented.    The  verdict  is  not  recorded. 

But  the  members  of  the  legal  profession  in  Portage  seldom  lost  control  of  themselves,  and 
we  know  of  but  one  fisticuff  to  record  in  which  lawyers  participated.  The  little  unpleasantness 
grew  out  of  a  case  that  had  came  before  a  Portage  Justice,  in  which  a  man  and  wife,  residing  in 
the  town  of  Caledonia,  were  the  defendant  and  plaintifi",  respectively.     There  had  been  previous 


648  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

trouble  in  that  household,  resulting  in  black  eyes  and  dislocated  joints,  but  these  are  of  that 
class  of  domestic  infelicities  that  attract  but  little  attention.  This  time  the  question  of  the 
possession  of  certain  property  was  involved,  and  the  best  "legal  "  talent  in  the  city  had  been 
employed  on  both  sides.  When  the  arguments  were  reached,  counsel  for  defendant  (the  hus- 
band) made  an  eloquent  appeal,  on  behalf  of  what  he  was  pleased  to  call  the  injured  man.  During 
the  forensic  onslaught,  plaintiff's  attorney,  when  his  antagonist  became  too  severe  upon  his  fair 
client,  would  pull  the  speaker's  coat  tail  and  otherwise  attempt  to  disconcert  him.  The  -Judge 
had  observed  the  proceeding,  and  finally  told  the  meddling  attorney  that  his  conduct  was  very 
unbecoming.  Defendant's  counsel  continued  to  "warm  up,"  not  forgetting  to  occasionally  abuse 
the  gentleman  on  the  other  side  for  his  unseemly  interference.  Pretty  soon  there  came  another 
tug  at  the  coat  tail,  and  as  the  speaker  turned  quickly  around,  probably  to  vither  his  opponent 
with  a  look,  he  received  a  blow  square  upon  the  nose,  causing  that  organ  to  bleed  copiously. 
Recovering  himself,  he  knocked  his  assailant  down,  and  then  a  rough  and  tumble  fight  took 
place,  the  belligerents  both  being  pretty  badly  used.  Plaintiff's  counsel,  being  small  of  stature, 
had  received  a  severe  trouncing ;  both  of  his  eyes  were  closed  up  tight,  and  he  had  been  com- 
pelled to  desist  because  he  could  no  longer  see  whom  he  was  hitting.  Peace  restored,  the  blood 
was  washed  away,  and  the  attorneys  accompanied  each  other  from  the  court  room,  the  victor 
leading  the  vanquished  to  his  home. 

In  1858,  a  petty  case  came  before  a  well-known  Justice  of  the  time,  for  equitable  adjust- 
ment, the  defendant  in  which  had  a  wide  reputation  for  the  frequency  of  his  appearance  in  court, 
and  his  uniform  success  in  getting  a  verdict  or  decision  in  his  favor.  The  case  was  a  somewhat 
aggravated  one,  the  plaintiff  having  hesitated  for  a  long  time  before  concluding  to  enter  into 
legal  proceedings  with  an  adept  at  lawsuits.  Two  of  the  best  lawyers  in  the  city  were  engaged, 
both  being  men  possessed  of  rare  powers  as  pleaders.  When  the  defendant  laid  the  case  before 
his  attorney,  he  was  told  that  he  would  be  beaten,  because  the  facts  and  circumstances  were 
clearly  against  him. 

"That's  none  of  your  d — d  business,"  replied  the  client;  "facts  and  circumstances  have 
nothing  to  do  with  it.  Pay  no  attention  to  them,  but  go  in  and  attack  plaintiff's  lawyer  and  do 
your  best;  that's  what  I'm  paying  you  for." 

"  Vefy  well,"  quoth  the  attorney,  "  I  have  no  faith  in  the  case  whatever,  but  I'll  make  all 
the  noise  I  can." 

"  That's  right ;  slaughter  the  other  fellow  with  words  for  weapons.  Smother  him  with 
technicalities.  Say  anything  you  please  to  him,  and  I'll  stand  by  you.  Don't  mind  the  merits 
of  the  case  ;  I'll  look  out  for  that." 

When  the  case  came  on  there  was  a  large  crowd  present,  in  anticipation  of  seeing  the  fun. 
The  preliminaries  were  gone  through  with  very  quietly.  The  testimony  was  extremely  favor- 
able for  the  plaintiff,  and  it  was  generally  conceded  that  he  had  won  his  case.  Argument 
commenced  with  a  full  house,  and  the  spectators  were  entertained  for  several  hours  with  the 
most  exciting  debate  they  had  ever  listened  to.  The  case  was  entirely  lost  sight  of,  and  a  fight 
between  counsel  was  several  times  most  imminent.  The  plea  of  defendant's  counsel  was  excep- 
tionally eloquent.     When  the  arguments  closed,  the  Judge  arose  and  said : 

"  Gentlemen,  you  have  tried  this  case  remarkably  well,  your  arguments  were  grand,  I  never 
lieard  anything  like  them.  But  I  must  say  the  law  is  on  the  side  of  the  defendant.  Therefore, 
I  am  constrained  to  record  my  decision  against  the  plaintiff." 

Tliis  disposition  of  the  case  "/as  a  surprise  to  every  one,  except,  perhaps,  the  defendant. 
Defendant's  counsel  was  elated  over  the  result.  He  took  the  case  with  the  gloomiest  of  fore- 
bodings; surely  his  eloquence  had  accomplished  the  work.  He  was  beginning  to  feel  himself 
quite  a  lawyer,  when  his  client  entered  his  office,  and,  laying  some  currency  upon  his  table,  said  : 

"There's  yer  flO.     S'pose  you  think  you  won  that  case,  don't  you?" 

"Most  certainly  I  did,"  replied  the  attorney,  surprised  at  the  contemptuous  tone  of 
his  client. 

"  Well,  you  didn't  do  no  such  thing." 


(2/     \^  ^U^^. 


PORTAGE    CITY. 


HISTORY    or    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  651 

"Then,  pray,  inform  me  who  did." 

"  Why,  I  did,  of  course.  I  made  the  Judge  a  present  of  a  d — d  nice  ham  this  morning 
before  the  case  came  up." 

The  attorney  fainted.  the  schulze  band. 

or  the  past  thirty  years,  the  citizens  of  Portage  have  been  entertained  and  delighted  with 
a  very  superior  quality  of  instrumental  music,  rendered  by  the  members  of  a  band  whose  his- 
tory is  somewhat  remarkable. 

'Che  Schulze  Band,  the  one  referred  to,  was  organized  in  Schmannewitz,  Saxony,  about 
1825  It  was  composed  of  Benjamin  Schulze,  the  father  of  the  Schulze  brothers,  who  have,  for 
the  past  quarter  of  a  century,  been  identified  with  the  growth  of  Portage,  and  his  two  brothers- 
in-law,  named  Wagenknecht.  The  instruments  used  were  of  the  string  and  reed  order,  and  the 
three  musicians  were  always  in  demand  at  balls  and  such  like  amusements  at  Schmannewitz. 

In  1830,  they  removed  to  Tamenheim,  a  small  Saxon  hamlet,  where  Mr.  Schulze  re-engaged 
in  his  three  avocations — butchering,  weaving  and  music  teaching,  and  also  kept  a  hotel,  by  way 
of  relieving  monotony.  Three  years  later,  bright  business  prospects  induced  a  removal  to  Sitz- 
enroda,  also  in  Saxony,  where,  in  addition  to  his  other  callings,  the  versatile  Schulze  engaged 
in  farming. 

At  that  date,  the  first  son,  Frederick,  who  is  now  seci-etary  of  the  government  telegraph 
bureau  in  Bautzen,  Saxony,  had  reached  his  sixth  year,  and,  having  received  much  early  train- 
ing in  music,  was  a  very  proficient  performer  on  the  violin. 

In  1835,  the  second  son,  Charles,  having  also  been  instructed  in  the  divine  art,  reached  his 
musical  majority,  which,  in  the  Schulze  family,  was  from  four  to  eight  years.  Both  boys  soon 
became  widely  known  for  their  peculiar  accomplishments,  and,  with  their  father,  were  often  called 
to  distant  parts  to  enliven  festive  occasions.  The  diminutive  stature  of  the  two  children  com- 
bined to  make  their  performances  in  a  degree  wonderful ;  and,  as  the  proud  parents  were  blessed 
with  increase  of  wealth  in  the  way  of  musical  prodigies  of  the  male  persuasion,  the  fame  of  the 
Schulze  Band  became  almost  national. 

The  most  important  period  in  the  history  of  this  band  occurred  in  1846,  in  the  town  of 
Mueckervena,  ten  miles  from  the  abode  of  Benjamin  Schulze,  whose  seventh  son,  Frederick  W., 
was  then  but  four  years  of  age.  The  occasion  was  one  of  unusual  import.  Frederick  William 
the  Third,  King  of  Prussia,  was  en  route  from  Berlin  to  Deitsch,  and  the  citizens  of  Muecker- 
vena, as  an  exhibition  of  loyalty  toward  their  sovereign,  prepared  to  receive  him  in  splendid 
style,  as  he  passed  through  their  humble  village.  By  order  of  the  Landrath  (a  sort  of  provincial 
satrao  having  jurisdiction  over  the  district),  the  Schulze  Band  were  present  in  full  uniform, 
consisting  of  blue  coats,  black  pants  and  "  shako  "  hats. 

The  instruments  used  were  a  bass  horn,  upon  which  the  father  performed  as'leader;  then 
came  Frederick,  the  oldest  son,  with  a  trumpet,  he  being  a  trumpeter  in  one  of  the  King's  artil- 
lery bands.  Charles  playing  upon  a  key-horn,  Henry  upon  a  trombone,  Frank  and  Herman 
upon  tenor  horns,  and  Ferdinand  and  Frederick  William  "upon  French  horns.  They  were 
assigned  a  position  on  the  right  of  the  procession,  ranged  in  the  order  of  their  size,  the  father  in 
front,  and  the  mother  bringing  up  the  rear  wich  the  eight  son,  Samuel,  in  her  arms. 

When  the  pageant  came  within  hearing  distance,  the  band  played  "  Heil  Dir  in  Sieger's 
Kranz,"  an  old  national  hymn,  and  when  the  King's  carriage  drew  up  and  stopped,  the  Landrath, 
who,  it  seems,  must  have  been  master  of  ceremonies,  requested  the  mother  of  this  musical  family 
to  conduct  her  seventh  born  to  the  King's  side,  which  she  did.  The  little  four-year-old  was 
almost  as  much  of  a  curiosity  as  the  King  himself.  He  had  been  the  recipient  of  $50 
from  His  Majesty,  on  the  occasion  of  his  baptism,  in  accordance  with  an  old  German  custom, 
which  is  observed  by  the  King  standing  as  godfather  for  the  seventh  consecutive  male  child  of 
all  the  families  within  his  realm,  and  he  immediately  placed  himself  upon  the  most  intimate 
terms  with  the  mighty  monarch.  "  How  old  are  you  ?  "  queried  he  of  the  house  of  Hohenzol- 
lern,  stroking  the  lad's  forehead  with  his  kingly  hand.  "  Four  years,  sire,"  quickly  retorted  the 
.youth,  at  the  same  time  making  a  graceful  obeisance. 


652  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

At  this  juncture  of  the  interesting  proceedings,  the  pent-up  enthusiasm  of  the  crowd  could 
no  longer  restrain  itself,  and  amid  deafening  cheers,  a  rush  was  made  for  the  king's  carriage. 
In  the  confusion,  little  Frederick  William  and  his  horn  were  thrust  aside.  As  the  procession 
moved  slowly  away.  Prince  Wilhelm,  now  Emperor  of  Germany,  pointing  to  the  mother,  asked  ; 
"  Are  you  the  mother  of  all  those  boys  ?  "'  Receiving  an  answer  in  the  affirmative,  he  replied  : 
"  I  wish  you  eight  more."' 

In  1850,  this  "little  German  band,"  with  the  exception  of  Frederick,  the  eldest  son,  came  to 
America.  The  "  Amalia,"  the  good  ship  which  bore  them  across  the  Atlantic,  was  nine  weeks 
on  the  voyage,  but  the  monotony  was  often  relieved  by  strains  of  music. 

The  band  also  played  at  Quebec,  Buffalo,  Milwaukee  and  other  principal  points,  on  the  way  to 
Portage,  where  they  arrived  on  the  28th  of  July,  1850,  stopping  at  the  Franklin  House.  While 
there,  they  serenaded  the  guests  of  the  Veeder  House,  the  dwellers  of  Fort  Winnebago,  and  some  of 
the  leading  citizens,  taking  up  a  collection  of  $6  on  the  first  occasion.  Since  then  the  Schulze 
Band  has  been  in  demand  on  all  stated  occasions,  and  have  furnished  music  at  different  points 
throughout  the  country  for  celebrations,  balls,  etc.  At  the  Wisconsin  band  conventions,  held  in 
Portage  in  1877,  LaCrosse  in  1878,  and  Watertown  in  1879,  the  Schulze  Band  was  classed 
among  the  best  of  the  twelve  or  fifteen  bands  present. 

When  President  Hayes  and  party  were  in  Portage  in  1878,  the  Schulze  Band  occupied  a 
position  in  the  procession  similar,  in  many  respects,  to  the  part  they  bore  in  the  reception  of  the 
King  of  Prussia,  thirty-four  years  ago.  The  circumstances,  however,  were  widely  different ;  one 
was  an  ovation  to  a  king  by  subjects,  the  other  a  reception  to  the  President  of  a  republic  by  a 
free  people. 

The  little  four-year-old,  who,  in  1846,  stood  at  the  foot  of  the  class,  and  was  the  object  of 
so  much  distinguished  attention,  has  grown  to  man's  estate,  and  is  to-day  the  leader  of  this 
historical  band,  and  several  of  the  band's  favorite  pieces  of  music  now  performed  by  them  are 
his  own  composition. 

THE    POST    OFFICE. 

The  early  history  of  this  institution  is  so  closely  identified  with  postal  matters  connected 
with  Fort  Winnebago,  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  go  back  nearly  half  a  century  to  obtain  a 
starting-point.  John  Kinzie,  who  is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  Indian  agent  appointed  by  the 
Government,  with  headquarters  at  the  fort,  assuming  his  duties  at  that  post  in  18-31,  was  authorized 
to  act  as  Postmaster  for  the  people  of  the  garrison.  He  continued  to  fill  the  position  until  about 
1834.  In  that  year  Henry  Merrell  was  appointed  Post  Sutler.  Mr.  Merrell  then  acted  as 
Postmaster,  and  held  the  position  for  several  years,  until  business  developments  at  the  portage 
began  to  attract  attention.  Henry  Carpenter,  having  built  the  old  United  States  Hotel,  and 
established  a  small  store  near  the  banks  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  on  what  is  now  Wisconsin 
street,  was  appointed  Postmaster.  He  removed  the  office  from  the  fort  to  his  place  of  business, 
but  when,  soon  afterward,  M.  R.  Keegan  was  appointed  to  the  position,  it  was  taken  back  and 
established  in  the  commissary  building  at  the  fort.  Here  it  remained  until  another  change  in 
oflBce  took  place,  G.  T.  Getty  becoming  Mr.  Keegan's  successor,  when  the  ofiice  was  located  on  the 
west  side  of  Fox  River,  near  the  junction  of  the  canal  with  that  stream.  In  August,  1851,  Mr. 
Getty  advertised,  in  the  River  Times,  "  a  list  of  letters  remaining  unclaimed  in  the  post  office  of 
Fort  Winnebago,"  and  in  October  following,  "  T.  Dean,  Postmaster  at  Portage  City,"  caused 
to  be  advertised,  in  the  same  paper,  quite  an  extensive  list  of  letters  remaining  unclaimed  in  Jiis 
office.  In  this  connection,  the  Times,  of  December  22,  1851,  contained  the  following  :  "  Among 
the  many  things  which  call  for  amendment  in  this  town,  we  know  of  none  more  important  than 
an  alteration  of  the  post  office  arrangements,  by  which  the  recipients  of  nine-tenths  of  all  the 
mail  matter  coming  to  the  post  office  at  the  garrison  may  be  better  accommodated.  The  neces- 
sity of  being  compelled  to  trudge  two  miles  for  all  the  mail  matter  destined  for  this  place,  or 
await  its  arrival  at  the  side  office  in  this  city  (where  the  principal  ofiice  should  be),  two  or  three 
days  after  its  arrival  at  the  fort,  is  a  burden  too  grievous  to  be  longer  borne  without  remon- 
strance.    We  believe,  if  the  matter  was  properly  presented,  the  Postmaster  General  would  make 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUJSTTY.  653 

this  city  the  terminus  of  the  route  now  centering  at  the  fort."  Early  in  January,  1852,  the 
editor  of  the  Times,  "  in  conversation  with  Lemuel  Berry,  Deputy  Postmaster  at  the  Fort, 
understood  him  to  say  he  would  have  no  objection  to  the  removal,  if  the  two  offices  were  merged 
in  one."  Mr-  Berry  soon  afterward  succeeded  Mr.  Getty  as  Postmaster.  A  consolidation  of 
the  two  offices  then  followed,  and  the  institution  was  located  in  Berry's  Store,  on  Wisconsin 
street,  a  short  distance  east  of  the  canal.  The  old  building  now  does  service  as  a  fire-engine 
house,  at  the  corner  of  Pleasant  and  Clark  streets.  Prior  to  the  consolidation,  the  Portage  City 
office  was  generally,  but  not  officially,  known  as  Wauona  (the  Indian  word  for  Portage),  named  by 
Gov.  Doty,  who  had  a  penchant  for  Indian  appellations.  Charles  H.  Moore  was  the  first  in 
charge  of  Wauona  Post  Office. 

In  March,  1853,  James  Delaney,  Sr.,  succeeded  Mr.  Berry,  and  held  the  office  until  Sep- 
tember, 1855,  retiring  in  favor  of  Jerome  B.  Fargo.  Mr.  Fargo's  successor  was  John  A. 
Brown,  who  died  in  office  February  10,  1859.  During  Mr.  Brown's  incumbency,  the  office 
became  subject  to  Presidential  consideration.  C.  C.  Britt  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy  thus 
created,  and  remained  in  office  until  1861,  being  succeeded  by  Stillman  E.  Dana,  who  was 
appointed  by  President  Lincoln  ;  Mr.  Dana  served  nearly  ten  years,  retiring  in  favor  of  Charles 
P.  Austin.  Harrison  S.  Haskell  was  Mr.  Austin's  successor.  He  died  in  office  February  13, 
1879.  S.  S.  Brannan  was  then  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and  upon  his  death,  on  the  5th 
of  April,  1880,  C.  C.  Dow  succeeded  to  the  position. 

The  office  has  been  subjected  to  the  usual  changes  of  location  experienced  by  similar  insti- 
tutions everywhere.  From  Berry's  store  it  was  removed  by  Mr.  Delaney  to  Canal  street, 
between  Main  and  DeWitt.  Mr.  Fargo  took  it  to  Mappa's  store,  opposite  Verandah  Hall. 
Next  it  was  located  in  a  building  on  Conant  street,  between  Adams  and  De  Witt ;  thence  to  a 
one-story  wooden  structure  on  the  southeast  side  of  Cook  street,  near  Wisconsin ;  thence  to 
Arnold's  Block  (now  the  Corning  House) ;  thence  to  a  building  which  stood  on  the  vacant  lot 
opposite  the  Corning  House;  thence  to  Emporium  Block,  on  DeWitt  street;  thence  to  the 
junction  of  De  Witt  and  Wisconsin  streets,  near  the  bridge,  in  a  brick  building  in  which  was 
located  the  State  Register  office,  and  finally  to  Vandercook's  Block,  its  present  location,  to 
which  place  it  was  removed  by  Postmaster  Austin. 

It  was  during  the  incumbency  of  Mr.  Delaney  that  a  gentleman  of  color  inquired  for  a 
letter.  "  Go  way,  ye  blackguard,"  said  the  Postmaster,  "do  ye  think  anybody  would  write  to 
a  nagur ?" 

Fifty  years  ago,  when  John  Kinzie  had  charge  of  the  office,  the  mail  came  from  the  East 
by  way  of  Buffalo  and  Green  Bay.  From  the  latter  point  it  found  its  way  to  the  fort  by  the 
kindness  of  some  voyageur,  with  but  little  regularity.  There  was  no  Chicago  mail  in  those 
days ;  in  fact  there  was  no  Chicago.  Advices  from  Fort  Dearborn  (where  Chicago  now  stands) 
were  even  less  frequent  than  from  Washington,  New  York,  etc.  Now  there  are  eight  mails  a  day 
to  and  from  Portage.  Letters  are  received  from  the  Atlantic  cities  in  forty-eight  hours;  from 
the  city  by  the  Golden  Gate  in  less  than  six  days. 

The  Portage  office  became  a  money-order  office  in  July,  1865,  the  first  order  being  issued 
to  Levi  W.  Barden,  in  favor  of  Samuel  D.  Hastings,  Madison,  the  amount  being  $9.10.  Since 
then  there  have  been  over  thirty-five  thousand  orders  issued. 

HOTELS. 

As  has  been  seen.  Portage,  from  its  infancy,  has  been  quite  a  central  point  for  travelers 
and  the  trans-shipment  for  merchandise.  Before  the  railroads  were  built,  it  occupied  a  position 
at  the  cross  roads  of  commerce,  running  from  Green  Bay  to  the  Mississippi  River,  and 
from  the  great  pineries  of  the  North  to  Chicago  and  Milwaukee.  It  is  not  strange  then  that 
the  business  of  hotel-keeping  was  a  profitable  one  in  early  days  ;  and,  indeed,  there  has  been  but 
little  change  in  this  regard  to  the  present  time.  Where,  twenty-five  and  thirty  years  ago, 
there  could  be  seen  on  the  streets  almost  any  time  of  the  day,  from  ten  to  fifteen  four-horse 


654  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COrXTY. 

wagons  heavily  loaded  with  freight,  there  are  now  equally  as  many  "  traveling  men  "  represent- 
ing large  firms  in  the  great  commercial  marts  who  register  at  the  leading  hotels  daily. 

The  Franklin  House,  built  by  Oapt.  Gideon  Low  about  1835-36,  was  the  first  hotel  at  the 
portage.  Prior  to  this,  those  who  came  this  way  were  accommodated  at  the  fort  or  the 
agency  building.  The  next  was  the  United  States  Hotel,  Henry  Carpenter,  proprietor.  The 
old  frame  of  this  ancient  caravansary  still  stands  in  the  First  Ward,  a  dismal  monument  to 
pioneer  days.  Then  came  the  Wisconsin  House,  kept  by  the  affable  McFarlane,  who,  though 
the  frosts  of  sixty  winters  have  whitened  his  hair,  is  in  no  immediate  danger  of  being  reaped  by 
the  scythe  of  time.  The  Veeder  House,  the  first  "tavern  "  west  of  the  canal  is  still  standing. 
The  McTighe  House  came  next,  and  though  it  is  built  of  wood,  no  one  ever  knew  where  Joseph 
Hague  got  his  lumber.  It  is  still  standing  in  the  First  Ward,  the  silent  witness  to  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  Wisconsin  River.  The  old  original  Ellsworth  House,  F.  H.  Ellsworth,  proprietor ; 
Sylvester's  Hotel,  by  Edwin  Sylvester,  and  the  City  Hotel,  solicited  a  share  of  the  public 
patronage  thirty  years  ago.  In  18(52,  the  Arnold  Block,  built  by  Andrew  Dunn  and  J. 
Arnold,  the  present  Mayor  of  the  city,  was  converted  into  a  hotel.  F.  H.  Ellsworth  was  the 
first  lessee,  and  it  bore  his  name  until  a  recent  date,  when  it  was  changed  to  the  Corning  House. 
A.  E.  Smith  is  the  present  proprietor.  The  Emder  House,  by  Henry  Emder ;  the  Farmers' 
Home,  by  John  Hettinger,  and  the  Pruyn  House,  complete  the  list  of  hotels  in  Portage.  The 
Fox  House,  at  the  C,  M.  &  S.  P.  R.  R.  depot,  though  generally  known  as  an  "  eating-house," 
is  in  every  respect  a  hotel  of  the  first  order,  and  is  one  of  the  institutions  of  the  place. 

PUBLIC    HALLS. 

Verandah  Hall  was  the  first  place  of  any  note  calculated  for  the  accommodation  of  public 
assemblages.  It  was  built  early  in  the  fifties  by  Milo  H.  Pettibone,  and  stood  on  the  present 
site  of  Graham's  brick  block.  In  it  was  a  rude  stage  where  early  representations  of  the  drama 
took  place,  both  by  traveling  and  amateur  companies.  The  next  place  of  this  kind  to  claim  the 
favor  of  the  public,  was  Vandercook's  Hall,  in  Vandercook's  Block.  The  hall  is  now  occupied 
by  the  Masons  as  a  lodge-room.  It  is  here  that  devoted  husbands  assemble  on  stated  occasions 
to  vote  sustenance  to  widows  and  orphans,  returning  to  their  domestic  firesides  after  a  hard 
night's  work  for  the  amelioration  of  the  afflicted  and  otherwise  unfortunate,  only  to  be  accused 
of  less  unworthy  acts.  Pettibone's  Hall  built  in  1855-56,  and  was  for  a  time  the  most  popular 
resort  in  the  city.  The  I.  0.  0.  F.  lodge-room  is  located  in  Pettibone  Block.  Schulze's  Hall 
came  next,  and  is  now  a  successful  competitor  for  public  entertainments.  Woods  Hall  was  also 
one  of  the  "  institutions."  In  1879,  John  Dullaghan  erected  a  magnificent  building  on  the 
north  side  of  Cook  street,  devoting  the  entire  upper  part  to  the  purposes  of  a  hall,  and  dedicat- 
ing it  DuUaghan's  Opera  House.  The  size  of  the  entire  hall  is  52x90  feet,  including  the  stage. 
The  latter  has  a  dimension  of  21x51  feet;  is  appointed  with  four  ample  dressing-rooms,  two  on 
each  side;  is  abundantly  supplied  with  water,  toilet  conveniences,  and  is  completely  and  ele- 
gantly furnished  throughout;  the  width  of  proscenium  is  thirty  feet.  The  drop  curtain  is 
15x28,  and  is  an  artistic  triumph,  being  a  bird's-eye  view  of  Constantinople  and  the  blue 
Bosphorus  in  the  distance.  The  auditorium  is  60x51  feet,  and  has  a  seating  capacity  of  700. 
The  gallery  is  17x51  in  dimensions ;  will  comfortably  seat  800  people,  and  is  reached  by  a 
double  staircase  branching  oft"  from  the  main  entrance  on  either  side.  The  seats  are  folding 
settees  of  the  latest  construction,  on  each  of  which  six  persons  may  sit.  The  reserved  seats  con- 
sist of  two-seated  settees,  and  are  very  elegant  and  comfortable.  The  hall  is  lighted  by  gas, 
manufactured  by  an  apparatus  on  the  premises.  It  was  opened  on  the  15th  of  September, 
1879,  by  a  grand  ball,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Guppey  Guard,  and,  on  the  19th  of  the  same 
month,  Janauschek,  the  German  actress,  appeared  in  the  role  of  "  Marie  Stuart,"  dedicating 
the  Dullaghan  Opera  House  to  the  Muses.     The  building  and  hall  complete  cost  $13,000. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  655 

LOCAL    MILITIA. 

The  Portage  Light  Guard  was  the  first  regularly  organized  military  company  in  Portage, 
and,  it  is  believed,  in  Columbia  County.  The  Guards  were  originally  organized  about  1859  or 
1860,  but  did  not  enter  actively  into  military  discipline  and  drill  until  early  in  1861,  when  a 
re-organization  took  place.  By  the  time  this  had  been  eifected,  the  war  broke  out,  a  call  was 
made  for  75,000  volunteers,  and  the  Portage  Light  Guards  jirofiered  their  services  to  the  Gov- 
ernor, who  accepted  the  ofter  and  assigned  the  company  to  the  Second  Regiment,  Wisconsin 
Volunteers,  as  Company  G.  But  a  large  number  of  those  who  originally  enlisted  while  the 
Light  Guards  were  only  "  play  soldiers,"  either  resigned  or  were  not  accepted  by  the  Govern- 
ment.    A  history'  of  Company  G  will  be  found  in  another  part  of  this  work. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  1877,  a  meeting  was  held  at  the  court  house  in  Portage  for  the  pur- 
pose of  organizing  a  military  company.  A  petition  having  been  signed  by  about  sixty-five  young 
men  of  the  required  age  for  military  duty,  and  presented  to  .Joshua  J.  Guppey,  requesting  him 
to  appoint  some  one  to  organize  a  company  as  provided  for  under  the  laws  of  the  State,  A.  J. 
Turner  was  appointed  to  take  steps  for  such  an  organization,  which  he  did.  At  the  first  meeting 
of  the  company,  A.  H.  Russell,  who  served  several  years  in  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  was  elected 
Captain,  Homer  S.  Goss,  First  Lieutenant,  and  George  S.  Race,  Second  Lieutenant.  The  com- 
pany soon  afterward  received  from  the  State  sixty  Springfield  rifles,  with  belts  and  cartridge 
boxes  to  match,  and  at  once  commenced  regular  drills.  The  next  thing  in  order  was  to  secure 
uniforms,  which  they  did,  the  citizens  of  Portage  subscribing  liberally  toward  the  purchase. 
There  were  si.xty-five  uniforms  ordered  at  once,  three  of  them  being  for  commissioned  officers. 
They  are  made  of  gray  cloth,  the  finest  manufactured,  and  known  as  West  Point  cadet  cloth. 
They  are  trimmed  with  gold  lace  and  dark  facings,  and  were  made  by  Messrs.  Loomis,  Gallett 
&  Breese,  at  a  cost,  for  the  entire  lot,  of  $1,485.50.  The  caps  are  made  of  gray  cloth,  with 
black  top  and  gilt  trimming,  costing  $2.25  each.  The  fiitigue  cap  is  of  blue  cloth,  with  gilt 
trimming,  costing  $1.25  each.  The  company  receives  $300  a  year  from  the  State,  which  pays 
incidental  expenses. 

The  first  competitive  drill  took  place  at  Reedsburg  July  4,  1879,  with  the  Mauston  Light 
Guard,  which  was  called,  at  that  time,  one  of  the  best  companies  in  the  State.  The  judges 
were  unable  to  decide  which  was  the  most  thoroughly  drilled  company,  and  concluded  to  divide 
the  prize  fund  equally,  giving  each  company  $100.  The  next  competitive  drill  took  place  at 
Portage  September  18  with  the  same  company,  the  Guppey  Guard  taking  the  second  prize  of 
$75,  their  score  being  85J,  and  that  of  the  Mauston  Light  Guard,  90.  The  next  drill,  again 
wjth  Mauston  Light  Guard,  was  on  October  5,  and  the  Guppey  Guard  succeeded  in  taking  the 
first  prize  of  $125. 

The  Guppey  Guard  took  part  in  the  inaugural  ceremonies  of  Madison,  in  January  last, 
and  this  is  what  a  local  newspaper  said  of  them  :  "  The  Guppey  Guard,  of  Portage,  Captain 
Womer,  'went  in  on  its  muscle,'  and  showed  the  crowd  something  grand.  Cheer  after  cheer 
went  up  as  the  company  went  through  with  some  of  its  fancy  and  most  dilficult  movements. 
The  other  companies  indulged  in  the  usual  parade  movements  only.  Portage  City  is  assured 
that  her  company  '  took  the  palm  '  in  the  drill  business  in  our  city  ;  and  the  Captain  of  this 
company  may  well  be  proud  of  his  men." 

The  oificers  and  privates  of  the  company,  at  the  present  time,  are  as  follows ;  J.  D. 
Womer,  Captain ;  W.  S.  Wentworth,  First  Lieuten.ant ;  W.  B.  Stevens,  Second  Lieutenant ; 
H.  W.  Orthman,  First  Sergeant;  G.  C.  Carnagie,  Second  Sergeant;  J.  C.  Britt,  Third 
Sergeant ;  J.  H.  Wells,  Fourth  Sergeant;  C.  P.  Jaeger,  Fifth  Sergeant ;  I.  A.  Ridgway,  First 
Corporal ;  T.  W.  Maine,  Second  Corporal ;  T.  J.  Wells,  Third  Corporal ;  R.  G.  Shackell, 
Fourth  Corporal ;  James  Dempsey,  Fifth  Corporal ;  B.  R.  Lewis,  Sixth  Corporal ;  John 
Sweeney,  Seventh  Corporal;  W.  D.  McKenney,  Eighth  Corporal;  Alex.  Carnagie,  Colors;  J. 
B.  Mills,  Drummer.  Privates — D.  H.  Abell,  C.  L.  Alverson,  J.  C.  Anderson,  L.  S.  Allen, 
W.  E.  Allen,  Fred.  Allen,   C.  W.  Allen,  Thomas  Barrett,  Tony  Brandt,  C.  M.  Bard,   William 


656  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUI^TY. 

D.  Beattie,  Robert  L.  Beattie,  G.  R.  Bennett.  William  Bengel,  Frank  Brandt,  A.  P.  Bever, 
William  W.  BuUard,   E.  Betz,  A.  P.  Barry,   C.  W.  Baker,   Fred.  Blood,   Daniel   W.  Bath,  J. 

F.  Cole,  W.  S.  Corning.  M.  E.  Cook,  Harry  Clark.  Ansel  Clark,  James  Cleary,  Albert  Crouch, 

G.  A.  W.  Carr,  J.  B.  Chadwick,  D.  J.  Dalton.  Richard  Dempsey,  John  Dalton,  James  DuUag- 
han,  Hewett  Dent,  T.  M.  Edwards.  William  Edwards,  A.  J.  Eastmin,  Wdliam  Fatchild,  G. 
C.  Fyfe,  E.  C.  Frounfelter,  W.  B.  Gilman.  F.  F.  Goss,  E.  H.  Hemenway,  J.  L.  Hardie,  T. 
Hofman,  Nelson  Hardie,  K.  M.  Hazletine,  George  Hemenway,  J.  E.  Jones,  F.  W.  Loomis,  J.  C. 
Lewis,  B.  C.  Meacher,  D.  C.  Maine.  F.  S.  McDuffie,  Henry  Mady,  George  M.  Maloy,  C.  P. 
McKinney,  Henry  Neef.  P.  Powers,  George  W.  Phillips,  H.  Pomeroy,  S.  H.  Reed,  D.  G.  Rom- 
denn,  J.  Ruthven,  Emil  Reber,  William  Ruthven,  William  Richardson,  L.  F.  Schulze,  Max  Schulze, 

E.  J.  Swift,  G.  T.  Shackell,  J.  Spain,  W.  I.  Sherman,  L.  S.  Shattuck,  E.  E.  Stevens,  A.  C. 
Stevens,  George  Stevens,  F.  J.  Schulze,  C.  H.  Tasker,  F.  B.  Thompson,  Fred  J.  Turner, 
G.  Tsehamer,  Frank  Veseley,  J.  E.  Williams,  F.  C.  Warren,  A.  L.  Witter,  M.  Ward,  J.  H. 
Wells,  Jr.,  C.  W.  Williams,  John  White,  John  T.  Yule. 

The  first  executive  officers  of  the  company  were:  J.  J.  Guppey,  President;  A.  J.  Turner, 
Vice  President;  John  T.  Yule,  Secretary,  H.  S.  Goss,  Treasurer.  The  present  are:  A.  J. 
Turner,  President ;  W.  D.  Fox,  Vice  President ;  Alexander  Carnagie,  Secretary ;  W.  S. 
Wentworth,  Treasurer. 

ORDERS    AND    SOCIETIES. 

The  Masons. — Fort  Winnebago  Lodge,  No.  33,  was  organized  in  1850,  the  dispensation 
being  granted  June  26,  by  William  R.  Smith,  Grand  Master  of  the  State,  and  the  charter, 
December  13.  The  original  meeting  place  was  in  the  house  now  occupied  by  John  Graham  as 
a  residence.  The  building  then  stood  on  Cook  street,  opposite  the  present  site  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  The  old  anteroom  door,  with  the  little  wicket  in  the  center,  through  which  the  belated 
members  of  the  mystic  order  were  wont  to  whisper  mysterious  things  in  order  that  they  might 
get  inside  with  the  "rest  of  the  boys,"  now  does  service  as  a  cellar  door  on  the  premises  of  Mr. 
Graham.  The  charter  members  of  the  lodge  were  Hugh  McFarlane,  Erastus  Cook,  Charles 
M.  Kingsbury,  Walter  W.  Kellogg,  G.  Law,  Nelson  McNeal,  Robert  Hunter  and  Daniel  Clough. 
John  Delaney,  the  lawyer-editor,  was  the  first  initiate;  he  became  a  member  October  17,  1850. 
The  present  membership  of  the  lodge  is  about  one  hundred.  Meetings  are  held  in  a  well- 
appointed  hall  in  N'^andercook's  Block.  Following  is  a  complete  list  of  the  officers  of  the  lodge 
since  its  organization  : 

1850 — Walter  W.  Kellogg,  Worshipful  Master ;  Hugh  McFarlane,  Senior  Warden  ;  R. 
Hunter,  Junior  Warden.  1851— W.  W.  Kellogg,  W.  M. ;  H.  McFarlane,  S.  W. ;  R.  Hunter, 
J.  W.  1852— H.  McFarlane,  W.  M.  ;  Erastus  Cook,  S.  W. ;  Caleb  Croswell,  J.  W.;  C.  A. 
Gridley,  Sec.  and  Treas.  1853 — Josiah  Arnold,  W.  M.  ;  Erastus  Cook,  S.  W.  ;  William 
Armstrong,  J.  W. ;  Walter  Smith,  Treas. ;  John  Delaney,  Sec.  1854 — Josiah  Arnold,  W.  M.  ; 
William  Armstrong,  S.  W.  ;  William  Crane,  J.  W.  ;  A.  B.  Douglass,  Treas. ;  Riley  Moulton, 
Sec.  1855— Josiah  Arnold,  W.  M. ;  George  F.  Huntington,  S.  W.  ;  William  Crane,  J.  W. ; 
Riley  Moulton,  Treas.  ;  J.  B.  Seaman,  Sec.  1856 — G.  F.  Huntington,  W.  M.  ;  William 
Armstrong,  S.  M. ;  A.  W.  Manchester,  J.  W. ;  G.  N.  Richmond,  Treas. ;  A.  B.  Alden,  Sec. 
1857— G.  F.  Huntington,  W.  M. ;  G.  W.  Stout,  S.  W.  ;  John  Delaney,  J.  W. ;  G.  N.  Rich- 
mond, Treas.  ;■  Edgar  P.  Hill,  Sec.  1858— C.  D.  Hottenstein,  W.  M.  ;  E.  P.  Hill,  S.  W. ; 
John  Graham,  J.  W. ;  G.  N.  Richmond,  Treas. ;  H.  B.  Munn,  Sec.  1859— E.  P.  Hill,  W. 
M.  ;  A.  B.  Alden,  S.  W.  ;  John  McGrath,  J.  W. ;  Henry  Bolting,  Treas.  ;  M.  P.  Wing,  Sec. 
1860 -A.  B.  Alden,  W.  M. ;  H.  S.  Haskell,  S.  W. ;  William  L.  Sawtell,  J.  W. ;  Edward  F.  Lewis, 
Treas. ;  George  B.  Burch,  Sec.  1861— A.  B.  Alden,  W.  M. ;  E.  P.  Hill,  S.  W. ;  W.  F.  Thompson, 
J.  W. ;  E.  F.  Lewis,  Treas. ;  LI.  Breese,  Sec.  1862— E.  P.  Hill,  W.  M. :  J.  H.  Magoffin,  S.  W.  ; 
Peter  Karch,  J.  W. ;  A.  P.  Bennett,  Treas. ;  Julius  Austin,  Sec.  1863— J.  H.  Magoffin,  W.  M. ; 
Harvey  M.  Haskell,  S.  W. ;  Lyell  T.  Mead,  J.  W.  ;  A.  P.  Bennett,  Treas. ;  S.  S.  Brannan,  Sec. 
1864— John  Graham,  W.  M.  ;L.  T.  Mead,  S.  VV. ;  A.  P.  Bennett,  J.  W. ;  H.  Bolting,  Treas.  ; 


L 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  657 

J.  H.  Magoffin,  Sec.  1865— John  Graham,  W.  M. ;  A.  P.  Bennett,  S.  W. ;  S.  B.  Rhodes,  J.  W. ; 
H.  Bolting,  Treas.  ;  J.  H.  Magoffin,  Sec.  1866— John  Graham,  W.  M. ;  Peter  Karch,  S.  W. ; 
D.  A.  Hillyer,  J.  W.  ;  W.  B.  Dent,  Treas.  ;  0.  C.  Dibble,  Sec.  1867— Peter  Karch,  W.  M. ; 
D.  A.  Hillyer,  S.  W. ;  H.  S.  Goss,  J.  W.  ;  John  Graham,  Treas. ;  R.  J.  Flint,  Sec.  1868— 
Homer  S.  Goss,  W.  M.  ;  Ira  Schoemaker,  S.  W.  ;  I.  G.  Loomis,  J.  W. ;  F.  Steber,  Treas.; 
M.  T.  Alverson,  Sec.  1869— D.  A.  Hillyer,  W.  M. ;  Ira  Schoemaker,  S.  W. ;  E.  C.  Maine, 
J.  W. ;  I.  W.  Bacon,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec.  1870— John  Graham,  W.  M.;  E.  H. 
Hughes,  S.  W. ;  W.  T.  Parry,  J.  W. ;  I.  W.  Bacon,  Treas. ;  C.  Wheeler,  Sec.  1871— Ira 
Schoemaker,  W.  M. ;  Sherman  L.  Plumb,  S.  W. ;  George  T.  Thompson,  J.  W. ;  I.  W.  Bacon, 
Treas.  ;  Edward  S.  Baker,  Sec.  1872— L.  T.  Mead,  W.  M. ;  S.  L.  Plumb,  S.  W. ;  M.  T. 
Alverson,  J.  W. ;  I.  W.  Bacon,  Treas.  ;  J.  E.  Wells,  Sec.  1873— S.  L.  Plumb,  W.  M. ;  M. 
T.  Alverson,  S.  W. ;  Joseph  Hurst,  J.  W.  ;  John  Graham,  Treas. ;  J.  E.  Wells,  Sec.  1874— 
I.  G.  Loomis,  W.  M.  ;  F.  B.  Northup,  S.  W. ;  N.  J.  Currier,  J.  W. ;  John  Graham,  Treas.  ; 
J.  E.  Wells,  Sec.  1875— H.  S.  Goss,  W.  M. ;  James  Fyfe,  S.  W. ;  William  M.  Edwards,  J. 
W. ;  John  Graham,  Treas. ;  J.  E.  Wells,  Sec.  1876— William  Meacher,  W.  M. ;  C.  C.  Dow, 
S.  W. ;  J.  E.  Wells,  J.  W. ;  John  Graham,  Treas. ;  E.  S.  Baker,  Sec.  1877— H.  S.  Goss,  W. 
M. ;  J.  E.  Wells,  S.  W. ;  Samuel  S.  Brannan,  J.  W. ;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  George  S.  Race, 
Sec.  1878— H.  S.  Goss,  W.  M. ;  E.  J.  S.  Wright,  S.  W. ;  George  W.  Marsh,  J.  W. ;  John 
Graham,  Treas. ;  George  S.  Race,  Sec.  1879— H.  S.  Goss,  W.  M. ;  E.  J.  S.  Wright,  S.  W. ; 
S.  S.  Lockhart,  i.  W.  ;  John  Graham,  Treas. ;  George  S.  Race,  Sec.  1880— William  M. 
Edwards,  W.  M. ;  E.  H.  Hughes,  S.  W. ;  S.  S.  Lockhart,  J.  W.  ;  John  Graham,  Treas. ;  E. 
J.  S.  Wright,  Sec. 

Fort  Winnebago  Lodge  has  always  had  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  model  lodges  of 
the  State,  its  members  being  well  skilled  in  the  work,  and  close  adherents  of  the  ritual.  Several 
members  have  filled  positions  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  A.  B.  Alden  having  been  Grand  Master  of 
Masons  of  Wisconsin  from  1861  to  1863,  inclusive. 

Fort  Winnebago  Chapter,  No.  I4.,  R.  A.  M. — Dispensation  granted  February  22,  1856, 
by  R.  D.  Pulford,  Grand  High  Priest,  State  of  Wisconsin.  The  Charter  was  granted  February 
4,  1857.  From  the  date  of  dispensation  until  February  5,  1862,  the  name  of  the  chapter  was 
"  Portage,"  at  which  time  it  was  changed  to  "  Fort  Winnebago,"  its  present  name.  The  chapter 
met  for  the  first  time  March  11,  1856,  and  received  nineteen  petitions  that  evening.  The  chap- 
ter was  constituted  and  officers  installed  by  Daniel  Howell,  Grand  High  Priest,  February  28, 
1857.  The  first  three  who  received  the  R.  A.  degree  were  A.  B.  Alden,  G.  W.  Stout  and  J. 
Arnold.  The  officers  have  been :  1856 — George  F.  Huntington,  High  Priest ;  Nelson  McNeal, 
King;  H.  Nickerson,  Scribe.  1857— George  F.  Huntington,  H.  P.;  B.  S.  Doty,  K.;  Levi 
Funkenstein,  S.;  William  K.  Miles,  Treas.;  John  Graham,  Sec.  1858 — G.  F.  Huntington,  H. 
P.;  B.  S.  Doty,  K.;  L.  Funkenstein,  S.;  William  K.  Miles,  Treas.;  John  Graham,  Sec.  1859 
— G.  F.  Huntington,  H.  P.;  A.  B.  Alden,  K.;  L.  Funkenstein,  Treas.;  John  Graham,  Sec. 
I860— A.  B.  Alden,  H.  P.;  E.  P.  Hill,  K.;  L.  Funkenstein,  S.;  William  K.  Miles,  Treas.. 
John  Graham,  Sec.  1861— A.  B.  Alden,  H.  P.;  E.  P.  Hill,  K.;  Riley  Moulton,  S.;  E.  F. 
Lewis,  Treas.;  S.  S.  Lease,  Sec.  1862— J.  H.  Magoffin,  H.  P.;  S.  S.  Case,  K.;  L.  T.  Mead, 
S.;  H.  E.  Wells,  Treas.;  M.  P.  Wing,  Sec.  1863— A.  B.  Alden,  H.  P.;  L.  T.  Mead,  K.;  C, 
J.  Pardee,  S.;  L.  Funkenstein,  Treas.;  M.  P.  Wing,  Sec.  1864— A.  B.  Alden,  H.  P.;  L.  T. 
Mead,  K.;  John  Graham,  S.;  L.  Funkenstein,  Treas  ;  J.  H.  Magoffin,  Sec.  1865— L.  T. 
Mead,  H.  P.;  John  Graham,  K.;  Peter  Karch,  S.;  L.  Funkenstein,  Treas.;  J.  H.  Magoffin, 
Sec.  1866.— John  Graham,  H.  P.;  Peter  Karch,  K.;  S.  B.  Rhodes,  S.;  L.  Funkenstein,  Treas ; 
L.  T.  Mead,  H.  P.  1867— John  Graham,  H.  P.;  Peter  Karch,  K.;  H.  S.  Goss,  S.;  L.  Funk- 
enstein, Treas.;  R.  J.  Flint,  Sec.  1868— P.  Karch,  H.  P.;  H.  S.  Goss,  K.;  D.  A.  Hillyer, 
S.;  L.  Funkenstein,  Treas.;  R.  J.  Flint,  Sec.  1869— H.  S.  Goss,  H.  P.;  D.  A.  Hillyer,  K.; 
S.  L.  Plumb,  S.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  M.  T.  Alverson,  Sec.  1870— H.  S.  Goss,  H.  P.; 
D.  A.  Hillyer,  K.;  A.  Hoffman,  S.;  John .  Graham,  Treas.;  M.  T.  Alverson,  Sec. 
1871— A.  Hoffman,  H.  P.;   S.    L.  Plumb,  K.;  Ira  Schoemaker,   S.;  John   Graham,  Treas. 


658  HISTORY    OF    COLT'MBIA    COUNTY. 

M.  T.  Alverson,  Sec.  1872— S.  L.  Plumb,  H.  P.:  M.  T.  Alverson,  K.;  E.  H.  Hughes,  S., 
John  Graham,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec  ;  1873— John  Graham,  H.  P.;  M.  T.  Alverson, 
K.;  E.  H.  Hughes,  S.;  R.  C.  Rockwood,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec.  1874— S.  L.  Plumb, 
H.  P.;  E.  H.  Hughes,  K.:  William  M.  Edwards.  S.;  R.  C.  Rockwood,  Treas.:  W.  H.  C. 
Abell,  Sec.  1876— S.  L.  Plumb,  H.  P.;  W.  M.  Edwards,  K.;  I.  G.  Loomis,  S.;  R.  C.  Rock- 
wood, Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec.  1876— S.  L.  Plumb,  H.  P.:  W.  M.  Edwards,  K.;  W. 
AV.  Corning,  S.;  R'.  C.  Rockwood,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec.  1877— William  M.  Ed- 
wards, H.  P.;  W.  W.  Corning,  K.:  C.  C.  Dow,  S.;  R.  C.  Rockwood,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell, 
Sec.  1878— William  M.  Edwards,  H.  P.;  N.  J.  Currier,  K.:  George  S.  Race,  S.;  R.  C. 
Rockwood,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec.  1879— William  M.  Edwards,  H.  P.;  0.  H.  Warri- 
ner,  K.;  William  Meacher,  K.;  R.  C.  Rockwood,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Sec.  1880— Charles 
J.  Pardee,  H.  P.;  William  Meacher,  K.  George  S.  Race,  S.;  R.  C.  Rockwood,  Treas.;  W. 
H.  C.  Abell,  Sec. 

In  his  report  to  the  Grand  Chapter,  in  1878,  the  Grand  Lecturer  said  :  "  April  9,  I  vis- 
ited Fort  Winnebago  Chapter,  No.  l4,  at  Portage.  This  chapter  fully  maintains  its  old  reputa- 
tion of  being  one  of  the  best  working  and  most  reliable  of  those  in  this  jurisdiction.  They 
have  a  large  number  of  well-skilled  workmen,  capable  of  filling  any  station  in  the  chapter." 
There  are  eighty  members  in  the  chapter. 

Fort  Winnebago  Commandery,  No.  4-,  Knights  Templar. — Dispensation  granted  March 
18,  1861,  by  H.  L.  Palmer,  Grand  Commander  of  Knights  Templar,  State  of  Wisconsin. 
Chapter  granted  January  2,  1862.  The  commandery  met,  the  first  time,  on  April  17,  1861. 
The  officers  of  the  commandery,  since  organization,  have  been  :  1861 — E.  P.  Hill,  Eminent 
Commander  ;  A.  B.  Alden,  Generalissimo ;  C.  J.  Pardee.  Captain  General.  1862 — E.  P. 
Hill,  E.  C;  A.  B.  Alden,  Gen.;  C.  G.  Pardee,  C.  G.;  H.  E.  Wells,  Treas.;  M.  P.  Wing.  Re- 
corder. 1863— A.  B.  Alden,  E.  C:  Charles  Case,  Gen.;  J.  H.  Magoflin,  C.  G.;  Yates  Ash- 
ley, Treas.;  M.  P.  Wing,  Rec.  1864— A.  B.  Alden,  E.  C;  C.  Case,  Gen.;  J.  H.  Magoffin, 
C.  G.;  Y.  Ashley,  Treas.;  Ed.  F.  Lewis,  Rec.  1865— Charles  Case,  E.  C;  J.  H.  Magoffin, 
Gen.;  S.  H.  Bailey,  C.  G.;  Yates  Ashley,  Treas.;  A.  Hoffman,  Rec.  1866— Charles  J.  Par- 
dee, E.  C;  Emmons  Taylor,  Gen.;  L.  T.  Mead,  C.  G.;  Yates  Ashley,  Treas.;  John  Graiiam, 
Rec.  1867— C.  J.  Pardee,  E.  C;  Emmons  Taylor,  Gen.;  L.  T.  Mead,  C.  G.;  Yates  Ashley, 
Treas.;  W.  R.  Dent,  Rec.  1868— Emmons  Taylor,  E.  C;  L.  T.  Mead,  Gen.;  E.  M.  Hall, 
C.  G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  A.  Hoffman,  Rec.  1869— L.  T.  Mead,  E.  C;  Yates  Ashley, 
Gen.;  P.  Karch,  C.  G.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Treas.;  A.  Hoffman,  Rec.  1870— L.  T.  Mead,  E. 
C;  George  T.  Thompson,  Gen.;  H.  S.  Goss,  C.  G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.:  A.  Hoffman,  Rec. 
1871— L.  T.  Mead,  E.  C;  George  T.  Thompson,  Gen.;  H.  S.  Goss,  C.  G.;  John  Graham, 
Treas.;  A.  Hoffman,  Rec.  1872— Emmons  Taylor,  E.  C;  H.  S.  Goss,  Gen.;  L.  T.  Mead,  C. 
G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  0.  A.  Southmayd,  Rec.  1873— H.  S.  Goss,  E.  C:  J.  B.  Taylor, 
Gen.;  E.  E.  Chapin,  C.  G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  0.  A.  Southmayd,  Rec.  1874 — H.  S. 
Goss,  E.  C;  J.  B.  Taylor,  Gen.:  E.  E.  Chapin,  C.  G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  0.  A.  South- 
mayd, Rec.  1875— H.  S.  Goss,  E.  C;  J.  B.  Taylor,  Gen.;  William  Meacher,  C.  G.;  John 
Graham,  Treas.;  0.  H.  Sorrenson,  Rec.  1876 — James  B.  Taylor,  E.  C;  William  Meacher, 
Gen.;  S.  L.  Plumb,  C.  G.:  John  Graham,  Treas.;  0.  H.  Sorrenson,  Rec.  1877— William 
Meacher,  E.  C;  C.  C.  Dorr,  Gen.;  W.  W.  Corning,  C.  G.:  John  Graham,  Treas.;  0.  H.  Sor- 
renson, Rec.  1878— William  Meacher,  E.  C;  J.  B.  Taylor,  Gen.;  W.  W.  Corning,  C.  G.; 
John  Graham,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Rec.  1879— William  Meacher,  E.  C;  J.  B.  Taylor, 
Gen.;  W.  W.  Corning,  C.  G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C.  Abell,  Rec.  1880— William 
Meacher,  E.  C;  H.  S.  Goss,  Gen.;  W.  W\  Corning,  C.  G.;  John  Graham,  Treas.;  W.  H.  C. 
Abell,  Rec. 

The  late  Emmons  Taylor  was  Grand  Commander  of  the  Knights  Templar  of  Wisconsin 
when  he  died.     Commandery  No.  4  has  100  members. 

The  Odd  Fellows. — Portage  City  Lodge,  No.  61,  was  organized  January  2,  1854.  Among 
the  first  members  were   Henry  Emder,  Charles   Uaertel,   C.  R.   Gallett,  Thomas  Drew,  B.  J. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLl'MBIA   COUNTY.  659 

Pixley,  John  Blceser,  Adam  Blochwitz,  Frank  Winne,  Charles  Brunoehler,  John  B.  Dassi  and 
Henry  Bolting.  In  January,  1862,  it  became  a  German-speaking  lodge,  and  has  remained 
as  such  to  the  present  time,  the  Americans  having  gradually  withdrawn.  Henry  Emder  is  now 
the  only  member  living  who  took  part  in  the  new  organization.  The  Past  Grands,  who  are 
entitled  to  seats  in  the  Grand  Lodge,  since  1862,  have  been  Henry  Emder,  George  Port,  G. 
Gerstenkorn,  William  Windus,  William  Hensell,  Charles  Wilkie,  L.  Prehn,  C.  Pfaif,  G. 
Huebner,  A.  Bettke,  F.  Foogmann,  C.  Mass,  G.  Janda,  F.  Findeisen  and  Jacob  Best. 

On  the  8th  of  October,  1867,  Wauona  Lodge,  No.  132,  was  instituted,  with  nineteen 
members,  by  Grand  Master  C.  C.  Cheeney.  The  charter  members  were  Samuel  K.  Vaughan, 
M.  Waterhouse,  M.  T.  Alverson,  B.  J.  Pixley,  James  Munroe,  W.  G.  Bunker,  E.  H.  Dewey, 
L.  M.  Averill,  S.  A.  Carpenter  and  George  Murison.  First  officers  :  S.  K.  Vaughan,  N.  G.  ; 
M.  Waterhouse,  V.  G.  ;  M.  T.  Alverson,  R.  S. ;  B.  J.  Pixley,  Treas.  ;  James  Munroe,  Per. 
Sec.  The  next  election  was  held  April  8,  1868,  with  the  following  result :  M.  Waterhouse, 
N.  G. ;  M.  T.  Alverson,  V.  G. ;  W.  G.  Bunker,  Sec. ;  M.  M.  Bradley,  Treas.  Since  then 
the  officers  have  been :  October  7,  1868— M.  T.  Alverson,  N.  G. ;  W.  G.  Bunker,  V.  G. ; 
T.  A.  Pool,  Sec;  James  Monroe,  Treas.  April  8,  1869— W.  G.  Bunker,  N.  G.;  T.  A.  Pool, 
V.  G.;  H.  Meriton,  Sec.  ;  J.  C.  Holden,  Treas.  September,  29,  1869— T.  A.  Pool,  N.  G. ; 
H.  Meriton,  V.  G.;  J.  C.  Holden,  R.  S.;  J.  S.  Smith,  Treas.;  H.  W.  Lee.  Per.  Sec.  March 
.30,  1870— M.  Waterhouse,  N.  G. ;  G.  Murison,  V.  G. ;  V.  E.  Brewer,  R.  S. ;  J.  S.  Smith, 
Treas.  September  28,  1870— George  Murison,  N.  G. ;  E.  H.  Dewey,  V.  G.;  T.  A.  Pool,  R. 
S.:  William  Holden,  Treas.;  M.  T.  Alverson,  Per.  Sec.  March  29,  1871— E.  H.  Dewey,  N.  G.; 
William  Edwards,  V.  G.:  C.  A.  Goodyear,  R.  S.;  William  Holden,  Treas.  September  27, 
1871— H.  Meriton,  N.  G.;  H.  W.  Lee,  V.  G.;  A.  Thompson,  R.  S.:  William  Holden,  Treas.; 
M.  T.  Alverson,  Per  Sec.  March  27,  1872— H.  W.  Lee,  N.  G.;  C.  A.  Goodyear,  V.  G.;  G. 
Murison,  R.  S.;    M.  T.  Alverson,  Per.  Sec;  William  Holden,  Treas.     September  27,  1872— 

C.  R.  Gallett,  N.  G.;  Charles  Baker,  V.  G.;  G.  C.  Jackson,  R.  S.;  G.  Murison,  Per.  Sec; 
W.  Holden,  Treas.  January  1, 1873— C.  R.  Gallett,  N.  G.;  C.  Baker,  V.  G.;  T.  A.  Pool,  R. 
S.;  G.  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  W.  Holden,  Treas.  July  1,  1873— C.  Baker,  N.  G.;  A.  Thomp- 
son, V.  G.;  D.  C.  Treadway,  R.  S.;  G.  Murrison,  Per.  Sec;  M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  January 
1,  1874— A.  Thompson,  N.  G.;  R.  B.  Pixley,  V.  G.;  C.  H.  Tasker,  R.  S.;  G.  Murson,  Per. 
Sec;  T.  C.  Thompson,  Treas.  July  1,  1874— William  Edwards,  N.  G.;  C.  H.  Tasker,  V.  G.; 
T.  B.  Fletcher,  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  January  1, 1875— 
R.  C.  Pixley,  N.  G.;  T.  B.  Fletcher,  V.  G.;  A.  D.  Hemenway,  R.  S.;  George  Murison.  Per. 
Sec;  M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  July  1,  1875— C.  H.  Tasker,  N.  G.;  A.  D.  Hemenway,  V.  G.; 
E.  A.  Rice,  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  January  1,  1876 — 
T.  B.  Fletcher,  N.  G.;  E.  A.  Rice,  V.  G.;  D.  M.  Neill,  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec; 
M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  July  1,  1876— E.  A.  Rice,  N.  G.;  V.  E.  Brewer,  V.  G.;  H.  W. 
Williams,  R.  S.;   George  Murison,   Per.    Sec;   M.   Waterhouse,  Treas.     January  1,  1877 — A. 

D.  Hemenway,  N.  G.;  D.  M.  Neill,  V.  G.;  H.  W.  Williams,  R.  S. ;  George  Murison,  Per. 
Sec;  M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  July  1,  1877— V.  E.  Brewer,  N.  G.;  H.  W.  Williams,  V.  G.; 
B.  B.  Hughes.  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  January  1, 1878 — 
D.  M.  Neill,  N.  G.;  B.  B.  Hughes.  V.  G.;  S.  M.  Smith,  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec; 
M.  Waterhouse,  Treas.  July  1,  1878— H.  W.  Williams,  N.  G.;  T.  B.  Fletcher,  V.  G.;  G.  J. 
Cox,  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  C.  R.  Gallett,  Treas.  January  1,  1879— B.  B. 
Hughes,  N.  G.;  S.  M.  Smith,  V.  G.:  A.  Holmes.  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  C.  R. 
Gallett,  Treas.  July  1,  1879— S.  M.  Smith,  N.  G.;  G.  J.  Cox,  V.  G.;  A.  A.  Sheret,  R.  S.; 
George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  C.  R.  Gallett,  Treas.  January  1,  1880— G.  J.  Cox,  N.  G.; 
A.  A.  Sherett,  V.  G.;  E.  A.  Vaughan,  R.  S.;  George  Murison,  Per.  Sec;  C.  R.  Gallett,  Treas. 
Number  of  members  in  lodge,  seventy-five. 

Excelsior  JEncarnpment  was  instituted  by  R.  W.  G.  P.  Hudson,  of  Portage,  Wis.,  March 
22,  1869,  with  Patriarchs  S.  K.  Vaughan,  M.  Waterhouse,  George  Jowett,  Charles  Schenck, 
Charles  Prehn  and  George  Port  as  charter  members,  and  the  following  officers  were  elected  and 


660  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

installed:  James  Monroe,  Chief  Patriarch  ;  George  Port,  High  Priest;  S.  K.  Vaughan,  Senior 
Warden;  V.  E.  Brewer,  Junior  Warden;  H.  Meriton,  Scribe;  Charles  Schenck,  Treas.  The  fol- 
lowing officers  were  elected  January  1,  1870:  V.  E.  Brewer,  C.  P. ;  H.  Meriton,  H.  P. ;  W. 
G.  Bunker,  S.  W. ;  E.  S.  Purdy,  J.  W. ;  Charles  Prehn,  Scribe ;  Charles  Bchenck,  Treas.  July  1, 
1870.— W.  G.  Bunker,  C.  P. ;  Charles  Prehn,  H.  P. ;  M.  Waterhouse,  S.  W. ;  M.  M.  Bradley,  J.' 
W.  ;  A.  Ducat,  Scribe;  H.  Emder,  Treas.  January  1,  1871— M.  W.  Waterhouse,  C.  P.;  E. 
S.  Purdy,  H.  P. ;  E.  H.  Dewey,  S.  W. ;  William  Hensel,  Scribe ;  Charles  Schenck,  Treas.  July  1, 
1871— August  Batke,  C.  P. ;  E.  S.  Purdy,  H.  P. ;  William  Hensel,  S.  W. ;  C.  A.  Goodyear,  J. 
W. ;  M.  Waterhouse,  Scribe ;  F.  Seiverkrop,  Treas.  January  1,  1872— E.  S.  Purdy,  C.  P. ; 
E.  H.  Dewey,  H.  P. ;  C.  A.  Goodyear,  S.  W. ;  J.  Gerstenkorn,  J.  W. ;  George  Port,  Scribe ; 
A.  Cardozo,  Treas.  January  1,  187-3 — C.  A.  Goodyear,  C.  P. ;  George  Port,  H.  P. ;  Charles 
Baker,  S.  VV. ;  T.  H.  Cortelyou,  J.  W. ;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas.  January  1,  1874— H.  W.  Lee, 
C.  P. ;  W.  G.  Bunker,  H.  P. ;  C.  R.  Gallett,  S.  W. ;  C.  H.  Tasker,  J.  W. ;  D.  M.  Neill,  Scribe ; 
E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas.  July  1,  1874— C.  R.  Gallett,  C.  P. ;  C.  H.  Tasker,  H.  P. ;  D.  M.  Neill, 
S.  W. ;  T.  P.  Thompson,  J.  W.;  Alex.  Thompson,  Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas.  January  1, 
1875— C.  H.  Tasker,  C.  P. ;  W.  G.  Bunker,  H.  P. ;  A.  M.  Fargemann,  S.  W. ;  H.  Seiverkrop, 
J.  W. ;  T.  P.  Thompson;  Scribe.  July,  1  1875— Alex.  Thompson,  C.  P. ;  T.  P.  Thompson,  H. 
P. ;  A.  M.  Fargemann,  S.  W. ;  C.  R.  Gallett,  J.  W. ;  E.  A.  Rice,  Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas. 
January  1,  1876— D.  M.  Neill,  C.  P. ;  E.  A.  Rice,  H.  P. ;  T.  B.  Fletcher,  S.  W. ;  B.  B. 
Hughes,  J.  W. ;  C.  R.  Gallett,  Scribe ;  E.   S.  Purdy,  Treas.     July  1,  1876— T.  B.  Fletcher, 

C.  P. ;  A.  M.  Fargemann,  H.  P. ;  A.  Padley,  S.  W. ;  T.  P.  Thompson,  J.  W. ;  E.  A.  Rice, 
Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas.  January  1,  1877— A.  Padley,  C.  P.;  B.  B.  Hughes,  H.  P.; 
L.  D.  Comstock,  S.  W.;  E.  F.  Kind,  J.  W. ;  V.  E.  Brewer,  F.  S. ;  A.  A.  Sherett,  Scribe ; 
E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas.  July  1,  1877— B.  B.  Hughes,  C.  P.  ;  E.  F.  Kind,  H.  P.;  M.  Water- 
house,  S.  W. ;  George  Murison,  J.  W. ;  V.  E.  Brewer,  F.  S. ;  E.  A.  Rice,  Scribe;  E.  S. 
Purdy,  Treas.  January  1,  1878 — George  Port,  C.  P.  ;  A.  M.  Fargemann,  H.  P.  ;  J.  Huebner, 
S.  W. ;  E.  Schleicher,  J.  W. ;  V.  E.  Brewer,  F.  S. ;  C.  R.  Gallett,  Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy, 
Treas.  July  1,  1878— C.  R.  Gallett,  C.  P. ;  C.  H.  Tasker,  H.  P. ;  T.  H.  Cortelyou,  S.  W. ; 
Samuel  Schulze,  J.  W.  ;  V.  E.  Brewer,  F.  S. ;  T.  B.  Fletcher,  Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas. 
January  1, 1879— A.  M.  Fargemann,  C.  P. ;  S.  Schulze,  H.  P. ;  D.  Wells,  S.  W. ;  Wm.  Hensel, 
J.  W. ;  V.  E.  Brewer,  F.  S. ;  G.  J.  Cox,  Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas.  January  1,  1880— 
L.  D.  Comstock,  C.  P. ;  D.  M.  Neill,  H.  P. ;  T.  B.  Fletcher,  S.  W. ;  S.  Schulze,  J.  W. ;  V. 
E.  Brewer,  F.  S.;  M.  T.  Alverson,  Scribe;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Treas. 

The  encampment  now  numbers  between  fifty  and  sixty  members.  February  1,  1876, 
thirty-seven  members  purchased  uniforms  and  organized  the  Portage  Battalion  of  uniformed 
Patriarchs,  which  at  that  time  was  the  largest  number  of  any  encampment  in  the  State.  The 
first  officers  were  :  V.  E.  Brewer,  Commander  ;  William  Hensel,  First  Vice  Commander  ;  C.  H. 
Tasker,  Second  Vice  Commander.  1877 — V.  E.  Brewer,  Commander ;  William  Hensel,  First 
Vice  Commander;  E.  S.  Purdy,  Second  Vice  Commander.  1878 — V.  E.  Brewer,  Commander; 
E.  S.  Purdy,  First  Vice  Commander;  William  Hensel,  Second  Vice  Commander.  1879 — V.  E. 
Brewer,  Commander ;  E.  S.  Purdy.  First  Vice  Commander ;  T.  B.  Fletcher,  Second  Vice  Com- 
mander. 1880 — V.  E.  Brewer,  Commander;  E.  S.  Purdy,  First  Vice  Commander;  T.  B. 
Fletcher,  Second  Vice  Commander. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  encampment  the  following  members  have  died :  S.  K. 
Vaughan,  M.  Waterhouse,  and  Charles  Schenck. 

The  Portage  Temple  of  Honor,  No.  16  was  instituted  April  15,  1875.  The  following  were 
the  charter  members — E.  W.  Stevens,  J.  B.  Tinklebaugh,  F.  Blood,  D.  A.  Hughson,  M.  Water- 
house,  A.  P.  Bever,  A.  C.   Stevens,  George  Wright,  Stewart  Wyllie,  LI.   Breese,  T.  C.  Evans, 

D.  G.  Muir,  E.  J.  S.  Wright,  W.  Fulton,  Alex.  Thompson,  W.  T.  Parry,  S.  M.  Smith,  James 
Gowran,  W.  P.  St.  John,  E.  C.  Maine,  A.  D.  Hemenway,  G.  W.  Case,  R.  J.  Lloyd.  The 
first  officers  elected  were  M.  Waterhouse,  W.  C.  T.;  D.  G.  Muir,  W.  V.  T.;  A.  Thompson,  P. 
W.  C.  T.     The  following  persons  were  elected  W.  C.  T.  from  the  above  date  to  the  present  time 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  661 

E.  W.  Stevens,  one  term ;  W.  Borne,  one  term ;  W.  T.  Parry,  three  terms  ;  W.  Fulton,  one 
term  ;  G.  C.  Jackson,  one  term  ;  S.  M.  Smith,  one  term  ;  H.  H.  Curtis,  one  term.  Number 
of  initiates  during  the  time,  234.  Number  now  in  good  and  regular  standing,  75.  The  most 
efficient  workers  in  the  cause  of  temperance  have  been  W.  T.  Parry,  W.  Fulton,  D.  G.  Muir, 
S.  M.  Smith,  D.  A.  Goodyear,  G.  C.  Jackson,  Charles  Prehn  and  Peter  Mills.  While  many 
moderate  drinkers  have  become  total  abstainers,  there  are  twenty-nine  who  have  been  habitual 
drinkers  and  most  of  that  number  had  gone  down  very  nearly  to  destruction.  Their  reforma- 
tion is  believed  to  be  complete. 

The  Mendotas.— On  the  28th  of  March,  1876,  Shu-na-ha-ha  Council,  No.  19,  of  the 
Ancient  Order  of  Mendotas,  was  organized  in  Portage,  with  the  following  charter  members :  S. 
S.  Brannan,  G.  0.  Clinton,  J.  B.  Taylor,  E.  C.  Maine,  I.  G.  Loomis,  S.  L.  Plumb,  Ferdinand 
Schulze,  C.  K.  Peterson,  0.  H.  Sorrenson,  James  Gowran,  Mrs.  S.  S.  Brannan,  Mrs.  J.  H.  Rogers, 
Mrs.  S.  L.  Plumb,  Mrs.  Dow,  Mrs.  I.  G.  Loomis,  Mrs.  J.  B.  Taylor  and  Mrs.  E.  C.  Maine. 
The  prime  object  of  the  organization  was  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  temperance.  The 
council  bore  its  part  well  in  the  battle  against  rum,  until  a  lack  of  interest  on  the  part  of 
members  necessitated  a  suspension.  Mendota  is  the  Indian  name  for  the  fourth  lake  at  Madi- 
son, which,  translated,  means  Spirit  Lake.  The  nature  of  the  spirits  found  there  by  the  red 
men  is  not  known. 

The  Turnverein  {  Vorwcerts)  of  Portage,  was  organized  April  15,  1877,  with  the  following 
charter  members  :  A.  E.  Klenert,  Charles  Klenert,  Al.  Niemeyer,  Jacob  Hornung,  Frank  Zienert, 
Frank  Sieverkrop,  Albert  Schleicher,  H.  Sittenbecher,  Ernst  Schleicher,  Henry  Port,  George 
Koberstein,  Charles  Klabunda  and  Joseph  A.  Versen.  Their  prosperity  has  been  great  in  physical 
and  social  advancement.  Their  membership  has  increased  to  sixty-three,  in  good  standing. 
The  present  officers  are  :  President,  A.  E.  Klenert ;  Secretary,  Hermann  Richter  ;  Corresponding 
Secretary,  Alois  Krisch  ;  Treasurer,  Joseph  A.  Versen  and  Adam  Rebholz  ;  Teacher,  Henry  Port 
Their  financial  standing  is  good ;  having  cash  and  property  to  the  extent  of  over  $600  on  hand. 

Portage  Liederkranz. — This  society  was  organized  December  31,  1856,  having  for  its 
object  the  practice  and  improvement  in  vocal  music.  Its  constituent  members  were  :  Robert 
Gropius,  President ;  Charles  Deidrich,  Secretary ;  Charles  Moll,  Treasurer  ;  John  B.  Dassi, 
Conductor  ;  Charles  Brumwhler,  Peter  Boll,  Bernard  Glceckler,  John  Versen,  John  Schliessmann, 
Thomas  Spargnapani,  Christian  Schultz,  Charles  Prehn,  John  Misch,  John  Bartl,  Jacob 
Clemens,  Joseph  Fuerst,  William  Haertel,  Mr.  Hilbert,  Robert  Lehmann,  Louis  Lange,  Peter  Rein- 
hold,  Franz  Schulze,  Charles  Wilke,  Sr.,  Mr.  Weidenbacher,  Charles  Schmidt,  Ferdinand  Schulze, 
Henry  Schulze,  Andrew  Kiefer,  Samuel  Kopp,  Franz  Julien  and  Diebold  Blass.  Regular  monthly 
meetings  have  since  been  held,  and  at  times,  as  seemed  necessary,  the  members  have  been  called 
together  for  practice.  An  annual  ball  is  given  on  each  recurring  31st  of  December.  In  1864, 
the  society  purchased  two  lots  on  Conant  street,  moved  thereon  a  building,  employed  a  German 
teacher,  and  opened  a  select  school.  This  enterprise  not  proving  successful,  the  building,  in 
1872,  was  sold  to  the  city  for  an  engine-house.  By  this  means,  the  small  indebtedness  incurred 
was  paid  ofi",  and  in  the  spring  of  1880  the  society  was  in  a  flourishing  condition,  having  its 
two  lots  free  of  all  incumbrances,  and  some  money  on  interest.  At  that  time  its  ofiBcers  were, 
V.  Helmann,  President ;  Christian  Schultz,  Treasurer  ;  John  B.  Dassi,  Secretary  ;  Joseph  R 
Huebl,  Conductor ;  Robert  Lehmann,  Frank  Helm  and  Charles  Wilke,  Directors. 

THE    CEMETERIKS. 

Fort  Winnebago  Cemetery. — In  a  thick  wood  of  small  oaks  perhaps  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
eastward  from  the  fort  along  the  military  road  is  the  old  Fort  Winnebago  depository  after  the 
last  muster-out.  It  is  a  lonely  spot.  About  one  hundred  persons  were  buried  here  to  await 
the  resurrection.  It  was  the  cemetery  of  the  earlier  village  which  clustered  around  the  fort. 
A  number  of  soldiei's  went  here  below  the  thunder  of  the  morning  and  the  evening  gun  and 
the  disturbing  clatter  of  reveille  tattoo.     Their  graves  are  undistinguishable  now  ;   though  once 


662  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

the  summits  of  their  head-board  were  decked  with  black  paint,  a  distinction  their  country 
gave  them  that  they  might  not  be  confounded  with  the  civilians  sleeping  about  them.  The 
names  of  Maj.  Clark  and  Capt.  Gideon  Low  appeared  in  the  roll-call  of  death.  Their 
remains,  however,  have  been  removed.  Those  of  the  latter  oiBcer  were  laid  in  the  cemetery  at 
Portage  City.  Indeed  empty  sepulchers  are  frequent  on  every  hand.  It  is  observable  that 
most  of  the  undistinguished  tenants  of  these  tombs  are  women.  The  summer  fires  leaping 
through  the  dry  thicket  have  burned,  and  half  burned,  at  will,  the  picketed  inclosures  about 
many  graves,  and  the  years  have  met  success  in  their  endeavors  to  raze  and  bury  even  the 
memorials  of  other  burials.  Your  inadvertent  foot  each  moment  throws  up  excellently  seasoned 
chips  in  memory  of  somebody  wliose  name  Old  Time  prefers  you  shall  not  read.  Boastful,  per- 
ennial, eternal  Fame  is  after  all  but  the  serf  and  prey  of  this  old  grub  among  the  epitaphs, 
build  how  you  will.  Cooper  Pixley,  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution,  went  to  sleep  in  these  grounds, 
aged  eighty-six  years  and  seven  months.      His  grave  is  still  undisturbed. 

Near  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Conant  streets,  in  the  city  of  Portage,  is  another  hallowed 
spot.  For  years,  it  was  the  happy  hunting-ground  for  good  dead  Indians  with  friends  to  bury 
them.  Here  it  was  that  the  bones  of  Peter  Pauquette  were  placed  only  to  be  removed  to  make 
way  for  civilization's  feet. 

Silver  Lake  Cemeterij. — With  a  public  spirit  and  generosity  deserving  all  commendation, 
H.  S.  Haskell  and  J.  B.  Fargo  in  1856  set  off  forty  acres  of  a  farm,  of  which  they  were  owners, 
for  cemetery  purposes.  Previous  to  this  time,  there  had  been  provided  no  resting-place  for  the 
dead  of  this  city,  and  the  wise  forethought  of  these  men  was,  doubtless,  appreciated  by  the  citi- 
zens. •'  Silver  Lake  Cemetery,"  as  it  was  called,  is  a  romantic  upland  spot,  about  one  mile 
from  the  business  center  of  the  city,  overlooking  Wisconsin  River  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  pure 
and  placid  Silver  Lake  on  the  other.  There  are  few  spots  devoted  to  such  purposes  more  lovely 
than  this,  and  none  in  the  city  that  could  be  so  readily  beautified  by  the  hand  of  man.  In  the 
winter  of  1856-.57,  the  Legislature  of  the  State  passed  an  act  providing  that  Harrison  S.  Haskell 
and  Jerome  B.  Fargo,  and  their  associates,  be  organized  as  a  body  corporate,  under  the  name  of 
the  "  Silver  Lake  Cemetery  Association."  The  lands  set  off  by  them  were  to  be  held  and  forever 
used  solely  and  exclusively  for  the  burial  of  the  dead,  and  to  be  exempt  from  taxation  and  execu- 
tion. The  ofScers  of  the  association  were  to  consist  of  a  President,  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  who 
were  to  be  an  ex  officio  board  of  directors.  The  first  person  buried  in  the  cemetery  was  a  Mr. 
Snow,  in  the  spring  of  1857.  In  18(37,  considerable  feeling  was  raised  on  account  of  an  adver- 
tisement appearing  in  the  city  papers,  offering  the  grounds  for  sale  under  a  railroad  mortgage 
given  by  the  owner  before  it  came  into  the  hands  of  Haskell  &  Fargo ;  but,  before  the  day  of 
sale,  Mr.  Haskell  paid  off  the  mortgage,  thus  freeing  it  from  all  incumbrances.  In  18G7,  the 
property  was  deeded  to  Mrs.  Haskell.  From  August,  1857,  to  April,  1880,  there  had  been 
about  525  interments,  an  average  of  25  per  year. 

German  Oemeter//  Assoiriation. — On  the  30th  of  March,  18G2,  an  association  was  organ- 
ized for  the  purpose  of  providing  indigent  Germans  a  place  for  the  burial  of  their  dead.  Christian 
Schultz,  Charles  Ilaertel  and  Andrew  Kiefer  were  elected  Trustees.  Twenty-five  lots  were  pur- 
chased in  the  Silver  Lake  Cemetery  and  set  apart  for  their  use.  The  first  there  buried  was  a  child 
named  August  Helm.  From  March,  1862,  to  April,  1880,  there  were  fifty-three  interments. 
Matt.  Brand,  Peter  Neiss  and  Andrew  Keifer  were  Trustees  at  the  latter  date. 

POKTAGE    OF    TO-DAY. 

When  the  city  adjusts  its  glasses  fifty  years  hence  to  road  of  those  who  have  passed  away, 
the  following  account  of  Portage,  in  1880,  will  be  of  interest : 

Agricultural  Implements. — James  Gowran,  Hugh  0.  Lewis,  George  Port. 

Abstracts. — Smith  &  Dering. 

Attorneys. — E.  S.  Baker,  Harvey  Briggs,  J.  Brickwoll,  G.  J.  Cox,  Curtis  &  Curtis,  D.  J. 
Dalton,  Thomas  L.  Kennan,  J.  H.  Rogers,  James  B.  Taylor. 

Auctioneers. — John  Bean,  Stephen  Turner,  Daniel  Wells. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  663 

Bakeries. — Edward  Fink,  Henry  Fink  and  Michael  Huber. 
Banks. — City  Bank  of  Portage  and  German  Exchange  Bank. 

Barbers. — Deabolt  Blass,  H.  Hildebrand,  F.  F.  Hofmann  and  A.  Kiefer. 

Baths. — Dr.  Minnie  Hiirlbut. 

Bed  Springs. — R.  W.  Mclntyre,  Jr. 

Billiards. — John  Dullaghan,  Henry  Emder,  W.  D.  Fox  and  A.  E.  Smith. 

Blacksmiths. — James  Collins,  G.  C.  Jackson,  H.  0.  Lewis  and  R.  J.  Lloyd. 

Boots  and  Shoes. — William  Beattie,  James  Brodie,  George  Brown,  Joseph   Ludwig  and 
John  Williamson. 

Breweries. — Henry  Epstein  and  estate  of  Charles  Haertelj 

Brickmakers. — William  Armstrong,  Affeldt  &  Gonten,  and  Sanborn  &  Maloy. 

Butchers. — John  Bryan,  Anton  Klenert,  George  Krech  and  Julius  Mettler. 

Carriage  Manufacturer. — George  C.  Jackson. 

Cheese  Factory. — N.  H.  Wood. 

Cigar  Factories. — John  U.  Sanderson  and  F.  Scherbert. 

Commission  Merchants. — Thomas  W.  Drew  and  Alexander  Thompson. 

Contractors  and  Builders. — A.  Carnagie,  R.  C.  Holmes,  George  Hurst,  Peter  Mahon, 
Charles  Moll,  Charles  Prehn,  Sanborn  &  Maloy,  Patrick  Sheehan. 

Cooperage. — John  Duerr  and  John  Mueller. 

Dentistry.—^.  H.  C.  Abell  and  T.  B.  Fetcher. 

Dressmaking.— Mrs.  John  Bean,  Anna  Ferguson,  Annie  Jordan,  Mrs.  Larowe,  Maggie 
Lindsay,  Dora  Meyer,  Clara  M.  Reed,  and  Misses  Rumann  &  Joerrison. 

Drugs,  etc. — John  Graham,  E.  C.  Maine,  J.  E.  Parrott  and  E.  S.  Purdy. 

Fxpress.—S.  S.  McDuffie. 

Flour  and  Feed. — Jacob  Cole,  Dates  Brothers,  N.  M.  Henry,  Hughes  &  Thayer,  and 
Daniel  Wells. 

Flour  Mill.—M.  DeWitt  Older. 

Foundry. — James  Fyfe  &  Co. 

Furniture  Manufacturers. — P.  S.  Hollenbeck  and  George  Murison. 

General  Stores. — Ernsperger  &  Co.,  E.  L.  Jjeger,  Loomis,  Gallett  &  Breese,  Mohr 
Brothers,  Parry  &  Muir,  Paul  Schumann.  Schumacher  &  Schulze,  and  N.  H.  Wood. 

G-loves  and  Mittens. — Charles  Baum. 

G-rain  Dealers. — A.  C.  Flander  and  R.  B.  Wentworth. 

Grocers. — E.  0.  Blackmar,  John  Dullaghan,  C.  P.  Etten,  William  Fulton,  Hermann 
Brothers,  N.  M.  Henry,  A.  S.  Johnson,  H.  L.  Kind,  Otto  Krisch,  Patrick  Lennon,  Madden 
Brothers,  McDuffie  &  Goss,  Patrick  McGinn,  Martin  Moran,  Morrison  Brothers,  William  Nei- 
meyer,  T.  D.  Pugh  &  Co.,  Alexander  Thompson  and  Frank  Yanko. 

Hardware. — W.  W.  Corning,  J.  Purnell,  Schulze  Brothers,  and  J.  E.  Wells  &  Co. 

Harness. — William  G.  Bunker,  Charles  Kaiser  and  H.  C.  Thede. 

Hotels. — Bartosz  Hotel,  S.  Bartosz ;  City  Hotel,  Gage  Brothers ;  Corning  House,  A.  E. 
Smith ;  Emder  House,  Henry  Emder ;  Farmers'  Home,  John  Hettinger,  Fox  House,  W.  D. 
Fox ;  Pruyn  House,  Byron  Pruyn. 

Insurance. — Thomas  Armstrong,  Jr.,  Dering  &  Smith,  Valentine  Helmann,  James  Law- 
son,  Rolleston  &  Marsh,  Schulze  &  Sprecher,  N.  K.  Shattuck. 

Jewelry. — Bard  k  Reed,  J.  C.  Forbes,  Turner  &   Parsons. 

Leather. — William  Beattie,  James  Brodie,  Joseph  Ludwig  and  John  Williamson. 

Lime. — John  Gonten,  A.  S.  Johnson,  and  Schumacher  &  Schulze. 

Livery. — George  N.  Gates,  Henry  Little  and  D.  D.  Porter. 

Lumber. — Carnagie,  Prescott  &  Co.,  F.  H.  Lewis  and  Nathan  H.  Wood. 

Marble    Yards. — H.  Doherty  and  Groth  &  Stolzer. 

Millinery.— Mrs-  C.  B.  Chancellor,  Mrs.  S.  M.  Gallett,  Miss  McKenna,  Miss  P.  Moll, 
Miss  L.  Rolleston  and  Mrs.  E.  Weir. 


664 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 


Ministers. — F.  W.  Hall,  Methodist;  Chr.  A.  Hauck,  German  Evangelist  (Trinity); 
George  P.  Guild,  Baptist ;  Thomas  Keenan,  Catholic ;  Charles  T.  Susan.  Episcopal ;  L.  H. 
Mitchell,  Presbyterian  ;  A.  Tarnutzer,  Evangelical  Association ;  B.  J.  Zahn,  Evangelical 
Lutheran  ;  Mr.  Charmley,  Free  Methodist ;  John  Zastronkowski,  German  Catholic. 

News'papers. — Columbia  Count/f  Wecker,  G.  A.  Selbach ;  Portage  Democrat,  Irving  Bath  ; 
Wisconsin  State  Register,  Clark  &  Goodell. 

Painting. — W.  W.  Bullard,  F.  Burbach,  E.  H.  Dewey,  F.  W.  Foogmann,  George  Jowett, 
Charles  Meyer,  John  Romdenne. 

Peltries. — Arthur  Brothers  and  J.  Ludwig. 

Photography. — S.  L.  Plumb  and  J.  A.  &  A.  L.  Witter. 

Physicians. — Mrs.  Minnie  Hurlbut,  J.  Cavaney,  A.  C.  Kellogg,  E.  C.  Maine,  William 
Meacher,  James  Prentice  and  A.  Schla'milch. 

Picture  Frames. — Z.  J.  D.  Swift. 

Pianos  and  Organs. — Abraham  Padley. 

Postmaster. — Charles  C.  Dow. 

Printers. — Irving  Bath,  Clark  &  Goodell  and  G.  A.  Selbach. 

Bailroad  Agents. — Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul,  A.  C.  Flanders ;  Wisconsin  Central, 
R.  E.  Holston. 

Saloons. — Achterberg  &  Schoek,  Corning  House,  Emder  House,  Henry  Epstein,  Farmers' 
Home,  Fox  House,  Jacob  Gautchi,  Hsertel  Brewery,  Henry  James,  Keegan  &  Michel  and  C. 
Koberstein. 

Shoemakers. — John  Marshall,  John  Metzler,  J.  W.  Rice,  Patrick  Riley,  A.  B.  Thompson 
and  T.  Venzke. 

Stock  Dealers. — A.  M.  Craig  and  Reid  &  Foster. 

Tailors. — A.  Ahrendt,  P.  Goodman,  E.  H.  Hughes,  August  Koenig  and  Loomis,  Gallett  & 
Breese. 

Wagon  Making. — Collins  &  Hensel,  G.  C.  Jackson,  Elijah  Johnson  and  Lewis  &  Bauer. 

Wall  Paper. — John  B.  Dassi  and  John  Graham. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  665 


CHAPTER  XI.     . 

THE  CITY  or  COLUMBUS. 

First  Settlement— Columbxts  Twenty-Five  Years  Ago— Government— Plats  and  Addi- 
tions— The  Columbus  Post  Office— The  Schools- Religious  Institutions— Manufac- 
turing Interests— Banks— Columbus  Library  Association— Hotels— Columbus  Opera 
Hou.se — The  Fire  Department— Lodges  and  Societies— Cemeteries— Local  Reminis- 
cences—Travel  Now  AND  Then. 

FIRST    SETTLEMENT. 

Elbert  Dickason  was  the  first  settler  upon  territory  within  the  boundary  limits  of  what  is 
now  the  city  of  Columbus  ;  and  this  brave  and  stalwart  old  frontiersman  first  sought  this  place 
as  his  abode,  in  1839.  He  came  hither  under  an  agreement  with  Lewis  Ludington,  as  the 
purchaser  from  the  latter  of  a  considerable  tract  of  land  on  time.  Erecting  a  small  log  cabin 
upon  the  west  side  of  the  Crawfish  River,  not  far  from  the  present  site  of  the  railroad  depot, 
Dickason  next  turned  his  attention  to  the  work  of  damming  the  stream  and  building  a  mill. 
He  evidently  came  with  the  full  determination  of  staying  and  making  this  his  permanent  home, 
for  he  brought  with  him  a  herd  of  cattle,  a  number  of  horses  and  a  few  wagons,  with  the  necessary 
employed  help  to  care  for  them  and  aid  him  in  the  improvements  he  set  out  to  make.  But,  alas, 
misfortune  bore  heavily  upon  him.  He  lost  most  of  his  stock  by  the  severity  of  the  winter  and 
the  scarcity  of  food.  Dickason,  after  many  fruitless  efforts  to  fulfill  his  part  of  the  agreement 
with  Ludington,  relinquished  his  claim  to  the  broad  acres  of  fertile  soil  he  had  tamed  from  the 
wilderness.  The  saw-mill,  which  had  been  in  successful  operation  for  some  time,  also  became 
the  property  of  Ludington.  Dickason  received  $200  in  cash  for  his  right  and  title  to  every- 
thing, and  withdrew  from  the  scenes  of  his  greatest  ambition  comparatively  penniless.  It  is 
said  he  spent  nearly  $10,000,  all  he  had,  of  his  own  money  in  the  enterprise. 

There  are  but  few  men  now  living  who  knew  Dickason  in  those  days  and  witnessed  his 
triumphs  and  disasters.  Alexander  McDonald,  now  a  resident  of  Portage,  says  he  was  in  the 
Major's  cabin  about  the  last  of  May,  1839.  The  house  was  of  logs,  covered  with  bark,  and 
had  Indian  bedsteads  around  the  sides.  It  had  no  fioor  or  fireplace,  but  the  fire  was  put 
against  the  logs  at  one  end  of  the  house,  which  was  all  burnt  out.  Dickason,  Mr.  McDonald 
thinks,  built  it  the  year  before.  McDonald  stayed  all  night.  The  Major  was  absent,  but  his 
brother,  the  "Colonel,"  as  he  was  called,  was  at  home,  and  two  Stroud  boys,  his  nephews, 
were  also  there.  Mrs.  Dickason  had  not  moved  out  yet.  They  slept  on  the  ground  wrapped 
up  in  Mackinaw  blankets,  with  "smudges"  around  to  keep  ofi"  the  mosquitoes.  With  Mr. 
McDonald  were  Daniel  Hyer  and  Mr.  Palmer,  who  came  on  from  Madison — they  having  been 
hired  by  Maj.  Dickason  to  get  out  timber  for  a  saw-mill.  They  built  a  temporary  shanty 
across  the  Crawfish,  from  Dickason's  house,  and  went  to  work,  while  McDonald  returned  next 
day  to  Madison  with  the  ox  team. 

Wayne  B.  Dyer,  now  of  Durand,  Pepin  Co.,  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  these  parts. 
He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  August,  1843,  and  when  he  passed  over  the  present  site  of  Columbus, 
the  log  cabin  of  Maj.  Dickason,  on  the  Crawfish,  and  that  of  Hiram  Allen,  not  far  from  where 
the  mill  now  is,  constituted  the  entire  village  of  Columbus.  Mr.  Dyer  relates  an  incident  in  the 
experience  of  Dickason  which  illustrates  the  trials  he  bore.  Once  the  "  Major  "  got  out  of  hay 
and  was  compelled  to  drive  his  cattle  over  to  the  vicinity  of  Beaver  Dam,  and  chop  down  elm 
and  basswood  trees  for  them  to  feed  or  "  browse  "  upon.  This  operation  was  called  "  grubbing 
it,"  and  what  is  now  known  as  Beaver  Dam  was  then  known  as  "  Grubbville."  In  that  same 
spring  of  1843,  the  deer  lay  dead  upon  the  Crawfish — starved  to  death,  because  the  deep  snow 


666  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

prevented  their  getting  any  sustenance.  Dyer  was  a  great  hunter  and  trapper  in  those  days  and 
killed  many  a  deer  in  the  vicinity  of  Columbus.  Indeed,  for  years  after  his  arrival  he  could 
start  out  almost  any  day  and  return  with  one.  His  lodge  was  seldom  without  venison.  After 
Columbus  had  grown  to  be  quite  a  village  he  saw  several  deer  run  across  one  of  the  principal 
streets.  He  trapped  many  otter,  also,  at  that  period  along  the  Crawfish.  Maj.  Dickason  passed 
through  Otsego  on  his  way  to  locate  at  Duck  Creek,  now  Wyocena,  the  next  day  after  Dyer  was 
settled  in  his  new  home,  and  he  took  a  primitive  dinner  with  him. 

Jeremiah  Drake,  as  the  agent  of  Mr.  Ludington,  succeeded  Dickason  in  the  management 
of  early  affairs  in  Columbus.  He  built  the  first  frame  house  in  the  place.  It  stands  near  the 
mill  and  is  known  as  the  "mill  house."  Hiram  Allen  built  the  second  frame  house.  It  was 
afterward  owned  by  Robert  Mills,  he  having  married  the  widow  of  Mr.  Allen.  From  18-il  to 
1846,  the  arrival  of  strangers  who  became  permanent  settlers  was  of  almost  daily  occurrence. 
In  1841  Jacob  Dickason,  brother  to  the  Major,  settled  near  the  latter's  cabin.  In  1842  came 
Noah  Dickason,  James  Shackley,  S.  W.  St.  John  and  Mr.  Baldwin.  In  184.3  arrived  H.  W. 
McCaiFerty,  H.  A.  Whitney,  Jeremiah  and  W.  Drake,  who  settled  just  outside  the  village  limits. 
Within  a  few  miles  of  its  site  were  located  T.  C.  Smith,  W.  Stewart,  B.  Campbell  and  W.  Wade, 
The  year  1844  brought  to  the  village  Jacob  Smith  and  the  Stroud  family,  and  to  the  immediate 
vicinity  H.  AV.  Hamilton,  John  Swarthout,  H.  Cady.  A.  Lashier,  Mr.  Edwards,  and  perhaps  a 
few  others.  In  1845  there  came  to  this  frontier,  for  it  was  still  so,  J.  T.  Lewis  J.  C.  Axtell, 
D.  E.  Bassett,  J.  E.  Arnold,  Warren  Loomis,  W.  C.  Spencer,  Jesse  Rowell,  E.  Thayer,  W.  M. 
Clark,  and  some  others,  who  settled  in  the  village.  The  same  year,  A.  P.  Birdsey,  Thomas 
Swarthout.  the  Barrows  family  and  Zenas  Bobbins  located  in  the  vicinity. 

In  1846,  B.  F.  Hart  and  S.  Wright  came  to  the  village,  and  the  Adler  family  and  R.  Gam- 
mage  settled  near  it. 

Rev.  C.  E.  Rosenkrans  was  the  first  minister  in  the  village.  J.  T.  Lewis  was  the  first  attor- 
ney, and  Dr.  J.  C.  Axtell  was  the  first  physician ;  they  commenced  practice  in  1845,  and  the 
two  occupied  for  some  time  the  same  office.  The  first  tavern  and  the  first  store  wei-e  opened  by 
H.  A.  Whitney,  and  he  was  the  first  Postmaster,  after  a  lively  contest  between  his  friends  and 
those  of  Col.  Drake.  The  second  store  was  opened  by  J.  E.  Arnold  and  D.  E.  Bassett,  in  1845. 
The  first  saw  and  grist  mill  was  commenced  by  Maj.  Dickason.  B.  F.  Hart  and  S.  Wright 
introduced  in  the  community  the  ancient  business  of  blacksmithing  and  working  in  iron.  Hart 
&  Wright  sold  the  shop  to  Amasa  Siisbee  and  J.  Huntington,  and  years  ago  it  was  purchased 
by  D.  D.  Kelsey.  It  is  said  that  apparitions  grim  and  ghastly  made  their  periodical  visits  to 
this  old  shop  before  its  removal.  The  clink  of  the  sledge  hammer  told  of  times  long  gone  by. 
Vulcan,  who  hammers  out  thunderbolts  for  Jupiter,  is  supposed  to  have  had  his  headquarters  at 
this  antiquated  forge.     The  first  schoolhouse  was  built  in  1846. 

Several  of  the  old  settlers  enjoy  describing  James  T.  Lewis  as  he  appeared  on  his  arrival. 
It  was  in  July,  1845.  He  had  left  Orleans  County,  N.  Y.,  a  short  time  before,  to  find  a  home 
in  the  West.  Arrived  at  Buffalo,  he  and  Dr.  Axtell  made  the  trip  around  the  lakes  to 
Detroit  together,  and  there  parted.  Lewis  shortly  after  landed  at  Kenosha,  and  purchased 
himself  a  "mount"  adapted  to  the  vicissitudes  of  Wisconsin  journeyings  at  that  early  period. 
It  was  an  Indian  pony  of  the  value  of  $30  in  the  current  money  of  the  Republic,  and  was  cor- 
respondingly caparisoned.  On  this  "steed"  he  set  out  along  the  lake  shore  toward  Green 
Bay.  Civilization  had  scarcely  more  than  begun  to  touch  the  Western  coast,  and  as  he  passed 
along  through  the  rude  and  hardly  discernible  beginnings  of  the  future  cities  and  villages  of 
the  State,  it  is  probable  he  did  not  imagine  that  in  less  than  twenty  years  the  population  of 
Wisconsin  would  approach  a  million,  and  that  he  would  be  its  chief  magistrate,  during  a  portion 
of  its  history  so  important  as  two  years  of  the  rebellion.  At  that  date  Oshkosh,  had  made  a 
slight  start,  and  Neenah  and  Appleton  were  only  in  embryo.  Fond  du  Lac  was  a  small  village. 
Green  Bay  was  an  old  French  trading  post  antedating  Milwaukee,  and  that  whole  portion  of 
the  State  gave  little  promise  of  its  near  hereafter.  Turning  his  Bucephalus  southward,  Lewis 
was  told  at  Fond  du  Lac  that  he  would  find  another  village  about  twelve  or  thirteen  miles 


>.l*^ 


Res.  op  C.  D  .Stiles  Town  of  Hawpden  Sec.  23  Columbia  Co. 


Res. OF  ELIUA.H  FEPERLY  SeC.35  ToWN  OF  COLUMBUS 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  869 

distant.  This  was  the  Waupun  of  the  present  day,  that  name  meaning  in  the  poetic  Indian  tongue 
"break  of  day."*  Having  ridden  about  the  distance  mentioned,  he  inquired  at  a  solitary  log 
house  by  the  roadside  how  far  it  was  to  the  village,  and  was  told  that  he  was  in  the  very  midsi 
of  it.  Beaver  Dam  was  then  a  little  village.  There  were  some  hints  of  a  road  between  Colum- 
bus and  there,  and  along  it  Lewis  made  his  way,  much  of  his  journey  having  been  by  the  trail. 
He  found  four  houses  only  in  Columbus.  It  was  upon  the  termination  of  this  journey,  on  the 
travel-worn  pony,  and  with  the  evidences  of  the  trail  and  the  bush  about  himself,  that  the  oldest 
settlers  obtained  their  first  impressions  of  the  future  Governor,  which  they  retain  to  this  day.  It  is 
noticeable  that  Dr.  Axtell,  who  had  come  from  Detroit  by  the  way  of  Chicago,  and  from  that 
settlement  across  to  Columbus,  arrived  the  same  day  that  Lewis  did.  The  doctor  was  a  man 
whom  to  see  once  was  to  remember  always ;  and  he  is  still  mentioned  as  the  very  model  of 
manly  beauty,  and  as  being  possessed  of  unusual  intellectual  endowments. 

COLUMBUS    TWENTY-FIVE    YEARS    AGO. 

The  first  copy  of  the  Columbus  Journal,  dated  in  February,  1855,  contained  an  article  on 
"  Columbus  as  it  is,"  from  which  it  is  learned  the  village  then  claimed  800  inhabitants,  and 
possessed  a  surpassingly  beautiful  location.  Emphasis  is  placed  upon  the  fact  that,  while  other 
villages  suffered  from  the  cholera,  the  Asiatic  destroyer  had  never  had  a  victim  in  Columbus. 
We  are  further  told  that  the  village  had  advanced  rapidly  within  two  or  three  years,  and  that 
its  growth  had  been  sure  and  steady.  It  had  already  seven  stores,  with  two  or  three  more  to  be 
opened  in  the  spring.  There  was  a  drug  store,  a  good  flouring-mill,  a  saw-mill,  two  wagon- 
shops,  one  of  which  had  made  a  hundred  wagons,  and  the  other  fifty,  during  the  year  previous ; 
three  groceries  and  provision  stores,  two  hotels,  four  blacksmith  shops,  three  boot  and  shoe 
stores,  three  tailor  shops,  one  jewelry  store  and  one  harness-shop.  The  Congregational  Church 
was  building,  and  it  was  thought  the  coming  spring  would  lay  the  foundations  of  Methodist  and 
Universalist  houses  of  worship.  To  show  the  business  done,  the  writer  states  that  during  the 
preceding  four  months,  35,000  bushels  of  wheat  and  147  tons  of  pork  had  been  bought.  One- 
half  of  this  was  purchased  by  one  firm.  The  writer  of  the  article  mentions  the  high  price  paid 
for  produce,  and  the  low  price  to  which  competition  had  reduced  goods,  and  adverts  to  the 
advancing  value  of  real  estate,  and  the  good  policy  of  immediately  securing  good  locations.  The 
Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  was  built  to  Oconomowoc,  would  reach  Watertown  in  the 
spring,  and  soon  be  finished  to  Columbus.  The  writer  also  understands  that  a  railroad  would 
soon  be  constructed  from  Chicago,  and  that  the  contract  as  far  as  Columbus  was  already  let. 
In  looking  over  the  directory  to  see  who  were  the  business  men,  we  find  H.  W.  McCafferty 
keeping  the  Columbus  Exchange  Hotel,  at  the  corner  of  James  and  Ludington  streets  ;  A.  P. 
Birdsey  is  the  landlord  of  the  Mountain  House ;  Isaac  Robinson  is  a  land  agent  and  dealer  in 
real  estate,  on  James  street;  R.  Thomas  &  Son  have  a  rough  and  ready  store  ;  and  next  to 
them  is  J.  McConnell,  tailor ;  one  door  below  him  is  Franklin  F.  Fowler,  sadler  and  harness- 
maker  ;  J.  Colville  has  a  cabinet  shop ;  B.  F.  Hart  is  a  dealer  in  groceries  and  provisions ;  E. 
Silsbee  has  to  do  with  drji -goods  ;  Farnham  &  Allen  deal  in  the  same  commodities,  at  their  old 
store  on  James  street,  aud  so  do  Griswold  &  Co.  at  their  present  corner  ;  while  on  the  opposite 
corner,  in  the  same  line  of  trade,  is  H.  C.  Cooper,  in  the  rear  of  whose  store  J.  Smith  is  a  mer- 
chant tailor;  next  door  west,  R.  W.  Chadbourn  is  Justice  of  the  Peace  ;  next  to  the  "  Columbus 
Recess,"  whatever  that  was,  S.  McLarty  has  a  tailor  shop,  while  in  the  rear  of  that  unknown 
Alhambra,  H.  A.  Whitney  has  a  livery  stable  ;  under  Cooper's,  one  Carl  Sampson  consumes 
his  strength  in  the  management  of  an  oyster  saloon ;  J.  P.  Atwood  is  a  cooper,  on  James  street, 
below  S.  McLarty's  ;  J.  Williams  is  a  cabinet-maker,  at  the  corner  of  James  and  Waterloo 
streets ;  J.  S.  Manning  grinds  the  Columbus  Mills  ;  Spencer  &  Buxton  are  carriage  and  wagon 
makers  on  James  street,  and  next  door  above,  D.  D.  Kelsey  is  a  village  blacksmith  ;  0.  H. 
Hammond  is  a  daguerrean  artist,  over  Bassett's  brick  store,  on  James  street ;  moreover,  F.  W. 
Maynard  sells  groceries  and  provisions  ;   C.  W.  Dean  has  a  farmers'  store  ;  Silsbee  &  Swarthout 

*  Waubun,  in  this  case  corrupted  to  Waupun,  was  the  Indian  word  for  "  the  early  day." — Ed. 


670  HISTOET    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

are  druggists ;  J.  B.  Ingalls  &  Co.  are  jewelers,  in  the  rear  of  Cooper's,  and  J.  S.  Haines  has 
a  shoe  shop  in  the  same  block,  which  seems  to  have  been  a  sort  of  omnibus ;  William  Drake 
has  a  wagon-shop  on  Ludington  street ;  T.  Bottom  is  maker  of  shoes  on  that  avenue,  and  Mrs. 
Dayton  has  a  boot  and  shoe  store  on  that  street;  Mrs.  N.  Bissell  has  a  millinery  shop  at  her 
residence ;  Nelson  Adams  advertises  to  cure  the  public  homeopathically,  from  his  residence  in 
West  Columbus ;  Dr.  Tucker  is  a  botanic  physician,  office  at  his  residence,  No.  2  Broadway  ; 
A.  G.  Cook  is  an  attorney  and  counselor  ;  Drs.  Earll  and  J.  C.  Axtell  are  physicians,  and  A.  J. 
Willson  is  a  dentist — all  doing  business  one  door  north  of  Cooper's  store. 

GOVERNMENT. 

Prior  to  May,  1864,  Columbus  was  under  town  government.  The  villagers  took  part  in 
town  affairs,  and  those  residing  "  in  the  country  "  had  a  voice  in  all  that  pertained  to  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  villagers.  But  there  came  a  time  when  the  interests  of  these  two  classes  of 
residents  were  not  identical,  when  the  requirements  of  one  were  not  to  the  advantage  of  the 
other,  and  vice  versa.  The  remedy  came  in  the  shape  of  a  village  charter,  and  Columbus  was 
incorporated  as  a  village  by  the  provisions  of  an  act  passed  by  the  State  Legislature,  approved 
March,  30,  1864.  The  boundaries  were  set  forth  to  be  all  of  Section  13,  except  the  southeast 
quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter,  and  the  southwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter;  all  that 
part  of  the  south  half  of  the  south  half  of  Section  12  included  within  the  village  plat  of  the 
town  of  Columbus  and  the  several  additions  thereto  ;  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast 
quarter  of  Section  14,  all  in  Town  10,  Range  12. 

Section  3  provided  that  "  the  elective  officers  of  said  corporation  shall  be  one  president, 
four  trustees,  one  marshal  and  one  treasurer,  to  be  elected  annually  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  May." 
During  the  ten  years  it  remained  a  village  the  following  ofiicers  were  elected  : 

1864 — President,  R.  W.  Chadbourn ;  Trustees,  F.  F.  Farnham,  Silas  Axtell,  John  Hasey 
and  Thomas  Smith. 

1865 — President,  R.  W.  Chadbourn  ;  Trustees,  John  Hasey,  E.  S.  Griswold,  G.  T.  Dodge 
and  Thomas  Smith ;  Treasurer,  Milo  J.  Ingalls ;   Marshal,  B.  F.  Hart. 

1866— President,  W.  W.  Drake ;  Trustees,  E.  S.  Griswold,  J.  A.  Erhart,  G.  W.  Camp- 
bell and  Joseph  E.  Churchill ;   Treasurer,  J.  P.  Miller ;  Marshal,  M.  B.  Misner. 

1867 — President,  F.  F.  Farnham ;  Trustees,  D.  F.  Newcomb,  Julius  Fox,  J.  S.  Manning 
and  A.  J.  Whitcomb. 

1868 — President,  Daniel  E.  Bassett ;  Trustees,  John  Swarthout,  'L.  J.  Sawyer,  John 
Quincy  Adams  and  Julius  Fox. 

1869 — President,  Daniel  E.  Bassett;  Trustees,  J.  S.  Manning,  J.  Q.  Adams,  L.  J.  Saw- 
yer and  Joseph  Schaeffer. 

1870 — President,  W.  M.  Griswold ;  Trustees,  Frank  Huggins,  M.  G.  St.  John,  Joseph 
Schaeffer  and  J.  M.  G.  Price ;   Treasurer,  Milo  Ingalls  ;  Marshal,  0.  M.  Dering. 

1871 — President,  J.  S.  Manning;  Trustees — F.  Huggins,  L.  J.  Sawyer,  Joseph  Schaefl'er 
and  James  F.  Allen  ;   Treasurer,  Milo  Ingalls  ;   Marshal,  Adam  McConnell. 

1872 — President,  Frank  Huggins  ;  Trustees,  L.  J.  Sawyer,  Joseph  Schaeffer,  E.  E. 
Chapin  and  James  F.  Allen  ;  Treasurer,  James  Lowth ;  Marshal,  A.  J.  Whitcomb. 

1873 — President,  Frank  Huggins  ;  Trustees,  E.  E.  Chapin,  L.  J.  Sawyer,  Joseph  Schaeffer 
and  James  F.  Allen ;  Treasurer,  James  Lowth ;   Marshal,  A.  J.  Whitcomb. 

From  the  organization  of  Columbus  as  a  village  to  its  incorporation  as  a  city,  Charles  L. 
Dering,  now  a  resident  of  Portage,  acted  as  Clerk. 

Incorporated  as  a  City. — There  had  been  considerable  agitation  of  the  question  of  incor- 
porating as  a  city,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  encountered  in  filling  a  village  charter  to  the 
requirements  of  a  city  de  facto.  In  the  month  of  December,  1873,  the  question  began  to  take 
form,  and  a  determination  to  organize  under  city  charter  was  the  result.  Between  the  last  meet- 
ing of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  in  December,  and  the  first  meeting  in  January,  the  question  was 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  671 

quite  thoroughly  canvassed  among  the  leading  citizens  and  heavy  tax-payers  of  the  city,  and 
the  general  opinion  seemed  to  prevail  that  the  better  plan  would  be  to  organize  anew  under  a 
city  government,  and  accordingly,  on  the  6th  of  January,  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  by  a 
full  board,  "  that  a  charter  be  drafted  to  incorporate  the  cicy  of  Columbus,  and  that  it  be  made 
the  special  order  of  the  next  regular  meeting." 

A  petition  was  drawn  by  the  Clerk,  circulated  and  generally  signed  by  the  prominent  men 
and  tax-payers  within  the  proposed  corporate  limits.  On  the  20th  of  January,  1874,  it  being 
the  next  regular  meeting  of  the  Village  Board,  "the  special  order"  was  taken  up.  A  city 
charter,  in  the  mean  time,  in  the  main,  had  been  agreed  upon.  The  boundaries,  howeyer,  had 
not  been  fully  determined.  For  a  number  of  reasons,  it  was  thought  best  to  extend  the  limits 
to  embrace  the  south  half  of  Sections  11  and  12,  the  west  half  of  Sections  13  and  14,  and  the 
north  half  of  the  north  half  of  Sections  23  and  24,  provided  that  the  persons  living  on  the  same 
were  willing,  and  the  board  adjourned  till  the  21st.  The  parties  were  seen  and  nearly  all 
acquiesced  in  the  proposed  change.  At  the  meeting  of  the  board,  January  21,  several  of  the 
prominent  citizens  were  present.  Amendments  were  proposed  and  considered.  Suggestions 
Avere  made,  and  the  board  adjourned  till  the  22d.  The  petition,  in  the  mean  time,  was  publicly 
circulated  and  generally  signed,  not  by  people  outside  the  proposed  city  limits,  but  by  actual 
residents,  by  those  most  interested. 

The  charter  was  finished  on  the  23d.  A  memorial  of  the  Village  Board  to  the  Legislature 
was  also  prepared.  Mr.  Huggins,  President  of  the  Village  Board,  and  E.  E.  Chapin  were 
authorized  to  repair  to  Madison  with  the  memorial  and  bill,  and  procure  the  necessary  legisla- 
tion thereon.  February  3d,  the  memorial  was  introduced  into  the  Senate,  when  that  order  of 
business  was  reached;  likewise  the  "bill  to  incorporate  the  city  of  Columbus."  The  bill  was 
read  the  first  and  second  times  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Incorporations.  The  bill,  being 
very  lengthy,  was  not  printed  till  Thursday  afternoon,  February  5,  and  was  laid  on  the  desks  of 
members  on  the  morning  of  the  6th,  at  which  time  all  the  extra  copies  of  the  printed  bill  were 
obtained  for  the  purpose  of  distribution.  These  copies,  some  seventeen  of  them,  were  distributed 
among  the  residents  as  soon  as  possible,  that  errors  might  be  corrected,  amendments  proposed, 
and  the  charter  perfected  as  near  as  possible  while  the  same  was  before  the  committee,  who  had 
agreed  not  to  report  it  back  till  the  next  week. 

On  the  9th,  the  board  met,  at  which  time  nearly  every  gentleman  with  whom  the  printed 
bill  had  been  left  appeared  and  suggested  amendments,  corrected  errors,  and  aided  in  perfecting 
the  bill  for  its  passage.  At  this  meeting,  Jtessrs.  Huggins,  Chadbourn  and  Chapin  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  appear  before  the  Senate  Committee  on  Incorporations,  on  the  12th, 
with  the  proposed  amendments.  At  the  morning  session  of  the  Senate,  "  a  remonstrance  of  the 
citizens  of  Columbia  County  against  a  bill  to  incorporate  the  city  of  Columbus  "  was  presented, 
and  on  the  afternoon  of  that  day  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Village  Board  appeared  before 
the  Senate  Committee  on  Incorporations,  and  presented  the  several  proposed  amendments,  also 
urging  a  favorable  report  from  the  committee.  The  Chairman  of  Town  Board  of  Supervisors 
also  appeared  before  the  Senate  committee,  and  was  decidedly  opposed  to  the  whole  thing. 

On  Tuesday,  the  17th,  the  Senate  committee  reported  the  bill  back,  unanimously  recom- 
mending its  passage,  whereupon  it  was  ordered  engrossed  for  a  third  reading,  and  on  the  IHth  it 
passed  the  Senate  unanimously,  and  was  messaged  to  the  Assembly  and  passed  without  a  dis- 
senting vote.  On  the  23d,  it  was  reported  correctly  enrolled,  and  on  the  24th  was  signed  by 
Lieut.  Gov.  Parker,  messaged  to  the  Assembly,  signed  by  Speaker  Bouck,  returned  to  the  Senate, 
then  sent  to  the  Governor,  who,  after  a  careful,  critical  reading,  approved  the  bill  on  the 
26th,  when  it  became  a  law,  and  thus  Columbus  became  a  city,  a  municipal  corporation  by  the 
name  of  "the  city  of  Columbus."  i 

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  charter,  the  boundaries  of  the  city  were  set  off  as 
follows:  The  south  half  of  Section  11,  the  .south  half  of  Section  12,  all  of  Section  13,  all  of 
Section  14,  the  north  half  of  the  north  half  of  Section  23,  and  the  north  half  of  the  north  half 
of  Section  24,  all  being  in  Town  10,  Range  12.     The  above-described  territory  was  divided  into 


«72  HISTORY   OF    COLITMBIA    COUNTY. 

three  wards,  and  it  was  provided  that  elections  be  held  the  first  Tuesday  of  April  in  each  year. 
Section  2  of  the  charter  provided  that  "  the  elective  officers  of  said  city  shall  be  a  Mayor,  a 
Treasurer,  an  Assessor  and  a  Police  Justice,  elected  for  and  by  the  city  at  large,  and  three  Alder- 
men ;  one  supervisor,  to  represent  his  ward  in  the  Board  of  Supervisors  of  Columbia  County  ; 
one  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  one  Constable,  to  be  elected  by  and  for  each  ward."  A  subsequent 
amendment  to  the  charter  repealed  the  clause  providing  for  the  election  of  a  Police  Justice,  and 
the  duties  formerly  devolving  upon  that  officer,  are  now  performed  by  the  Ward  Justices.  The 
•city  officers  elected  since  the  incorporation  are : 

1874 — L.  J.  Sawyer,  Mayor  ;  H.  Rowell,  Police  Justice  ;  H.  D.  James,  Treasurer ;  John 
■C.  Hoppin,  Assessor.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  E.  D.  Kanouse,  Joseph 
Schaeffer;  Second  Ward,  John  Hasey,  J.  S.  Manning,  Frank  Huggins  ;  Third  Ward,  C.  A. 
Oolonius,  J.  Topp,  Frederick  Hanneman.  John  Topp  removed  in  July,  and  A.  G.  Cook  was 
■elected  to  fill  vacancy.  City  Clerk,  C.  L.  Bering ;  Marshal,  0.  M.  Bering.  Justice  of  the 
Peace — Third  Ward,  E.  V.  Briesen.     (Other  Justices  of  the  Peace  did  not  qualify.) 

1875 — L.  J.  Sawyer,  Mayor;  Michael  Adams,  Police  Justice;  W.  G.  Bresee,  Treasurer; 
John  C.  Hoppin,  Assessor.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  E.  B.  Kanouse,  Joseph 
Schaeffer ;  Second  Ward,  John  Hasey,  J.  S.  Manning,  B.  C.  Bavies  ;  Third  Ward,  A.  G. 
Cook,  F.  Hannemann,  August   Krause.     City   Clerk,  E.  V.  Briesen ;   Marshal,  0.  M.  Bering. 

1876 — W.  M.  Griswold,  Mayor;  Michael  Adams,  Police  Justice  ;  Chas.  A.  Colonius,  Treas- 
urer ;  H.  A.  Lueders.  Assessor.  Aldermen— First  Ward,  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  E.  B.  Kanouse, 
M.  G.  St.  John;  Second  Ward,  John  Hasey,  J.  S.  Manning,  B.  C.  Bavies;  Third  Ward,  A. 
G.  Cook,  F.  Hannemann,  August  Krause.  Alderman  Krause  removed  out  of  the  ward  in 
May,  1876,  vacancy  not  filled.     City  Clerk,  E.  V.  Briesen  ;  Marshal,  Alfred  Miller ;  Justice, 

E.  V.  Briesen,  Third  Ward. 

1877 — 0.  E.  Cornwell,  Mayor ;  M.  Adams,  Police  Justice ;  C.  A.  Colonius,  Treasurer ; 
L.  Birdsey,  Assessor.  Aldermen — First  Ward,  W.  G.  Bresee,  E.  B.  Kanouse,  M.  G.  St.  John  ; 
Second  Ward,  John  Hasey,  B.  C.  Bavies,  August  Krause;  Third  Ward,  H.  C.  Fields,  C.  Ulm, 

F.  Hannemann.  City  Clerk,  E.  V.  Briesen ;  Marshal,  A.  McConnell ;  Justice,  First  Ward, 
Hy.  Annis  (for  one  year). 

1878 — 0.  E.  Cornwell,  Mayor;  C.  A.  Colonius,  Treasurer;  L.  Birdsey,  Assessor.  Alder- 
men— First  Ward,  W.  G.  Bresee,  E.  B.  Kanouse,  M.  G.  St.  John  ;  Second  Ward,  John  Hasey, 
R.  B.  Vanaken,  August  Krause;  Third  Ward,  H.  C.  Fields,  C.  Ulm,  F.  Hannemann.  City 
Clerk.  E.  V.  Briesen;  Marshal,  A.  McConnell;  Justices — First  Ward,  H.  Annir;  Third  Ward, 
E.  V.  Briesen. 

1879 — 0.  E.  Cornwell,  Mayor;  C.  A.  Colonius.  Treasurer;  L.  Birdsey,  Assessor.  Alder- 
men— First  Ward,  W.  G.  Bresee,  E.  B.  Kanouse,  R.  W.  Chadbourn  ;  Second  Ward,  John 
Hasey,  R.  B.  Yanaken,  August  Krause ;  Third  Ward,  H.  C.  Fields,  C.  Ulm,  C.  Leitsch.  City 
Clerk,  E.  V.  Briesen  ;  Marshal,  0.  M.  Bering. 

1880 — 0.  E.  Cornwell,  Mayor;  C.  A.  Colonius,  Treasurer;  L.  Birdsey,  Assessor.  Alder- 
men— First  Ward,  W.  M.  Griswold,  E.  B.  Kanouse,  R.  W.  Chadbourn ;  Second  Ward,  John 
Hasey,  R.  B.  Vanaken,  August  Krause ;  Third  Ward,  C.  Ulm,  C.  Leitsch,  J.  A.  Erhart.  City 
Clerk,  E.  V.  Briesen ;  Marshal,  H.  W.  McCafferty  ;  Justices — First  Ward,  J.  R.  Becker ; 
Third  Ward,  E.  V.  Briesen. 

The  original  plat  of  the  town  of  Columbus,  embracing  the  four  corners,  the  town  pump, 
and  a  lew  acres,  has  from  necessity  been  extended  in  either  direction,  and  now  covers  hundreds 
of  acres.  Instead  of  only  "the  crossroads,"  are  now  scores  of  streets  lined  with  maple,  elm, 
linden  and  poplar  shade  trees,  at  sight,  beautiful  and  attractive.  Modest  dwelling-houses,  hand- 
so«ne  cottages  and  splendid  mansions,  surrounded  by  lawn,  trees,  shrubs,  flowers  and  cultivated 
gardens  are  now  seen,  in  place  of  the  rude  structure  and  unbroken,  uncultivated  soil  of  early 
days. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  673 


PLATS    AND    ADDITIONS. 

From  the  records  at  the  Recorder's  office,  in  Portage,  it  appears  that  the  first  plat  of  Col- 
umbus, called  Ludington's  Plat,  and  containing  Blocks  1  to  9,  was  recorded  in  Brown 
County,  on  the  11th  of  November,  1844.  The  next  plat  made  was  of  Ludington's  Addition, 
Blocks  10  to  13,  recorded  in  Columbia  County  August  6,  1849.  On  the  3d  of  October,  1850, 
Mr.  Ludington  made  a  second  addition  to  the  original  plat,  covering  Blocks  14  to  19.  In 
1869,  all  that  portion  of  this  addition  lying  between  Blocks  17  and  18,  and  as  much  as  had 
been  purchased  by  the  railroad  company  for  depot  purposes,  was  vacated.  Other  additions 
have  been  made,  as  follows  :  Birdsey's  Addition,  Blocks  1  to  9,  January  3,  1854  ;  Birdsey's 
Addition,  Blocks  10  to  27,  June  4,  1855— Blocks  20  and  21,  vacated  December  1,  1868  ;  In- 
galsbe's  Addition,  April  9,  1856 ;  Farnham  &  Co.'s  Addition,  June  25,  1856  ;  Mills'  Addition, 
July  3,  1856 — vacated  March,  1861  ;  Manning's  Addition,  in  August,  1856;  Warner's  Addi- 
tion, September  29,  1856 — vacated  December  1,  1868,  all  except  Blocks  1  and  5  ;  Williams' 
Addition,  March  4,  1857 — aU  but  Blocks  1,  15  and  29,  vacated,  in  March,  1861  ;  Warner  & 
Fuller's  Addition,  May  12,  1857 — vacated  in  1868,  except  Block  6  ;  Whitney's  Addition. 
April  28,  1857  ;  Thyng's  Addition,  August  8,  1857  ;  Laura  Gibbon's  Addition,  October  28,. 
1858 ;  Butterfield's  Addition,  1878. 

The  plat  (J.  T.  Lewis)  of  the  village  of  West  Columbus  was  I'ecorded  June  10,  1854,  in 
Vol.  10  of  Deeds,  on  pages  107  and  208,  in  Register's  office  of  Columbia  County.  The  plat 
of  Lewis'  First  Addition  to  the  town  of  West  Columbus,  recorded  August  8.  1856,  in  Vol.  17 
of  Deeds,  on  page  324. 

THE    COLUMBUS    POST  OFFICE. 

Reference  to  this  subject  takes  the  pioneer  back  to  the  period  when  the  only  communica- 
tion between  Columbus  and  Beaver  Dam  was  a  mere  Indian  trail  and  the  only  means  of  trans- 
portation the  backs  of  Indian  ponies.  Before  the  establishment  of  the  postal  route  from  Green 
Bay  to  Madison  there  existed  a  primitive  line  from  Aztalan  to  the  portage.  Letters  were  dropped 
at  Columbus  by  the  carrier,  who  made  the  distance  on  horseback,  and  when  any  of  the  residents 
went  to  the  "village  of  the  mounds"  they  brought  back  letters  to  such  of  the  neighbors  as 
were  fortunate  enough  to  have  any  addressed  to  them.  Late  in  1845,  a  post  office  was  estab- 
lished at  Columbus  with  a  weekly  mail.  There  was  an  animated  contest  as  to  who  should  be 
the  first  Postmaster.  The  friends  of  Col.  Drake  and  those  of  II.  A.  Whitney  were  equally 
active  and  made  every  exertion  in  their  behalf  The  latter,  however,  received  the  appointment. 
He  shortly  after  went  to  the  pineries  on  business,  and  in  his  absence  the  duties  of  the  office 
were  performed  by  Sylvester  Corbin,  more  familiarly  known  in  after  years  as  "old  Hyson." 
Corbin  carried  the  mail  about  the  place  in  his  hat,  except  when  out  with  his  gun  hunting  prai- 
rie chickens.  On  such  occasions,  he  would  leave  the  contents  of  the  "office"  with  Gov.  Lewis. 
The  first  post  office  was  kept  in  a  low,  flat-roofed  building  which  stood  nearly  opposite  the  pres- 
ent site  of  Schaeffer's  brick  block,  and  which  subsequently  became  one  of  the  out-buildings  of 
the  Whitney  House.  F.  F.  Farnham,  who  came  to  Columbus  about  this  time,  thus  describes 
it:  "  The  apartment  was  partitioned  by  the  aid  of  blankets,  and  in  tiie  room  lay  '  old  Hyson  ' 
prone  upon  a  bed,  shivering  with  the  ague.  In  one  corner  stood  a  barrel  of  whisky,  a  grocery 
much  in  vogue  in  those  days,  and  in  another  was  a  7x9  glass  box,  the  contents  of  which  consti- 
tuted the  post  office,  which  the  inquirer  after  mail  rummaged  at  his  leisure." 

Josiah  Arnold  next  became  Postmaster,  in  the  spring  of  1847,  and  kept  the  office  in  a 
building  which  stood  where  the  store  of  Bassett  &  Davies  now  stands.  Arnold  was  familiarly 
known  as  "Captain  Spraker  "  by  reason  of  his  connection  with  the  famous  "Old  Guard,"  an 
organization  more  un-matrimonial  than  military.  James  E.  Eaton  is  the  next  on  the  list.  He 
was  appointed  in  Fillmore's  time,  and  is  said  to  have  been  a  cousin  of  that  President,  who  wrote 
asking  him  what  appointment  he  desired.  He  chose  the  incumbency  of  the  Columbus  Post  Office. 
He  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  kept  the  two  offices  together  in  a  building  which  stood  on  the 


674  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

lot  afterward  occupied  by  the  harness-shop  of  J.  A.  Erhart.  Eaton  went  to  California  in  1850, 
having  resigned  in  favor  of  D.  F.  Newcomb,  who  shortly  afterward  removed  the  office  to 
Griswold's  store.  Addison  Griswold  became  Postmaster  under  President  Pierce,  but  Mr.  New- 
comb  remained  with  hira  for  some  time  and  attended  to  the  business.  The  office  was  after- 
ward removed  to  the  building  which  then  stood  where  is  now  situated  Jolin  Swarthout's  brick 
drug  store.  When  Buchanan's  administration  came  into  power,  A.  G.  Cook  became  the 
appointee  and  removed  the  office  to  the  present  site  of  Winler's  jewelry  store,  into  a  building 
which  had  formerly  been  used  by  Mr.  Farnhara  when  Register  of  Deeds,  and  which  was  moved 
from  its  original  foundations  to  make  room  for  Farnham's  old  red  store,  which  was  in  turn 
moved  to  Sargent's  corner,  to  make  room  for  Schaeffer's  brick  block.  In  1859,  Mr.  Cook 
built  what  is  now  used  as  a  millinery  shop  by  Mrs.  Dering  and  removed  thither.  Under  Lin- 
coln's first  administration  Frank  Huggins  was  made  Postmaster.  When  he  first  took  possession 
he  occupied  the  structure  formerly  used  by  Griswold  as  Postmaster,  but  in  1868  he  moved 
the  office  into  his  new  drug  store.  In  May,  1869,  John  Swarthout  was  appointed  to  the  posi- 
tion of  Postmaster,  and  has  held  the  office  ever  since,  his  long  tenure  being  evidence  of  his 
ability.  The  Columbus  Post  Office  was  made  a  mouey-order  office  in  1867,  the  first  order  being 
issued  September  U  of  that  year.  Frank  Huggins,  the  Postmaster,  was  the  remitter  and  W.  D. 
Ogden,  of  Chicago,  the  payee,  the  amount  being  $10.  The  number  of  orders  issued  up  to 
March  31,  1880,  is  18,415.  H.  D.  James,  who  has  been  Assistant  Postmaster  for  nearly  twelve 
years,  furnishes  the  following  interesting  statistics,  which  are  in  marked  contrast  with  the  num- 
ber of  letters  it  was  the  wont  of  "old  Hyson  "  to  carry  in  his  hat:  "  The  number  of  letters 
received  at  the  office  delivery  during  the  year  1879  is  estimated  at  72,125;  postal  cards  at 
35,420.  Number  of  letters  mailed,  63.480 ;  postals,  32,540.  The  number  of  stamps  sold  was 
8,470  1-cent,  1,756  2-cent,  56,738  3-cent,  921  5cent,  416  6-cent,  592  10-cent,  83  15-cent, 
41  30-cent  and  24,391  postal  cards  ;  stamped  envelopes  11,410  and  stamped  newspaper  wrap- 
pers 2,307.  The  discrepancy  between  the  amount  of  postal  cards  sold  and  the  amount  mailed 
is  caused  by  the  large  number  mailed  by  traveling  men  whicn  are  furnished  them  by  the  houses 
for  which  they  travel. 

THE    SCHOOLS. 

The  citizens  of  Columbus  enjoy  school  privileges  excelled  by  few  cities  in  the  State.  These 
educational  ad'vantages  were  not  attained  all  at  once,  nor  without  much  effort.  There  is  a  fund 
of  local  history  associated  with  their  growth.  It  is  said  that  Columbus  never  possessed  a  log 
schoolhouse.  That  rough  cradle  of  learning,  which  many  distinguished  men  recall  in  the  glamour 
that  memory  throws  around  boyhood  as  their  only  alma  mater,  never  reared  its  rugged  exterior 
in  the  community.  The  old  schoolhouse  wiiich  stood  on  Ludington  street  was  built  in  1846,  at 
a  cost  of  |!400.  It  was  the  scene  of  many  varying  events,  often  doing  duty  as  a  church,  town 
hall,  etc.  Political  harangues  and  religious  exhortations,  and  much  very  far  from  kin  to  the 
latter,  found  voice  within  its  walls.  It  saw  festivity  and  mourning,  and  is  itself  fast  coming  to 
grief. 

In  this  seat  of  learning  a  school-meeting  was  held  in  November,  1849,  at  which  J.  J.  Guppey 
was  Chairman,  and  F.  F.  Farnham,  Clerk  pro  tern.  On  that  evening,  pursuant  to  a  notice,  an 
election  for  district  officers  was  held,  and  Robert  Mills  was  elected  Director;  J.  T.  Lewis  was 
elected  Treasurer,  and  H.  S.  Haskell,  Clerk.  At  that  same  meeting,  several  resolutions  passed 
which  may  be  of  some  interest  at  this  date,  by  way  of  comparison  ;  $10  were  voted  to  procure 
seats  for  the  schoolhouse.  It  was  voted  to  have  four  months'  winter  school,  with  a  male  teacher. 
On  the  succeeding  page  is  a  report  of  the  District  Clerk  to  the  Town  Superintendent,  which 
states  that  on  the  1st  of  September,  1850,  there  were  residing  in  the  district  (No.  2)  forty-seven 
male  and  forty-five  female  persons,  between  the  age  of  four  and  twenty  years ;  that  sixty-six 
pupils  attended  during  the  winter  terra,  and  sixty-two  during  the  summer;  E.  E.  Randall 
tau<'ht  four  months,  and  Agnes  N.  Butts  five  months;  the  former  was  paid  $100,  and  the  latter 
$56  ;  the  amount  of  money  received  from  the  Town  Superintendent  was  $91.50,  and  the  amount 
raised  by  the  district  was  $80.     The  text-books  used  during  the  school  were  Sanders'  Speller, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  675 

Sanders'  Series  of  Readers,  Rhetorical  Reader,  New  Testament,  Colburn's  Arithmetic,  Morse's 
Geography,  Smith's  small  Geography  of  the  Heavens,  and  Comstock's  Philosophy. 

By  way  of  contrast,  let  us  examine  the  report  made  by  the  Clerk  of  the  district,  in  Au- 
gust, 1868.  We  find  that  there  were  then  residing  in  the  district  296  male  and  321  female 
persons,  between  the  ages  of  four  and  twenty,  and  the  total  number  of  pupils  who  attended  dur- 
ing the  year  was  455.  The  school  property  in  the  district  was  appraised  at  $9,500,  and  during 
the  year,  the  district  paid  to  a  male  teacher  $960,  and  to  female  teachers  $1,637,  a  total  of 
$2,597. 

In  running  over  these  musty  pages,  we  discover  the  names  of  several  persons,  spoken  of  as 
teachers,  who  have  since  become  quite  prominent  before  the  public — Garrit  T.  Thorn,  since  then  a 
Senator  from  Jefferson  County,  once  taught  in  the  old  schoolhouse,  as  did  John  A.  Elliot,  since 
State  Auditor  of  Iowa,  and  Dr.  Laura  D.  Ross,  who  afterward  took  so  active  a  part  in  the 
woman's  rights  movements,  and  several  others. 

In  1853,  the  number  of  males  between  four  and  twenty  years  was  100,  and  of  females 
185.  The  number  who  attended  during  the  year  was  173,  and  the  total  expenditure  was 
$.321.-50. 

At  a  meeting  held  in  February,  1856,  the  expediency  and  necessity  for  building  a  new 
schoolhouse  was  considered.  It  was  resolved  that  J.  T.  Lewis  be  authorized  to  apply  to  the 
Legislature  for  the  passage  of  an  act  authorizing  District  No.  2,  of  Columbus,  to  loan  money  of 
the  school  fund,  and  that  C.  W.  Dean,  C.  E.  Rosenkrans,  A.  G.  Cook,  W.  W.  Drake  and 
William  McCracken,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  State  Superintendent  of  Schools  and 
others,  respecting  plans  and  expenses  of  a  suitable  school  building.  In  a  resolution  immedi- 
ately following,  the  proximity  of  the  Milwaukee  &  Watertown  Railroad  to  the  then  site  of  the 
school  is  the  only  reason  assigned  for  erecting  a  new  building.  But  it  was  not  until  1857  that 
the  contest  concerning  a  new  building  was  fairly  opened  ;  and  it  was  among  the  liveliest  passages- 
at-arms  ever  known  in  the  community.  It  continued  and  waxed  hot,  until  about  January,  1859, 
when  the  contract  for  building  was  awarded.  Meetings  were  held  in  that  interim,  sometimes  on 
alternate  nights.  There  was  occasionally  manifested  a  careless  audacity  concerning  the  require- 
ments of  parliamentary  law.  The  records,  however,  give  little  idea  of  the  real  animation  of 
these  occasions.  According  to  the  minutes,  it  was  first  voted  to  raise  $3,000,  for  a  building 
and  site,  and  a  committee,  consisting  of  A.  G.  Cook,  C.  E.  Rosenkrans  and  William  M.  Lewis, 
was  appointed  to  select  the  latter.  Two  weeks  after,  it  was  voted  to  authorize  the  purchase  of  a 
portion  of  Newcomb's  Nursery  lots,  and  a  fortnight  later  the  vote  was  rescinded,  as  was  also  the 
vote  to  raise  $3,000.  This  was  in  November,  1857.  In  October,  1858,  another  special  meeting 
is  recorded,  when  it  was  again  resolved  to  procure  a  site  and  erect  a  union  schoolhouse,  the  site 
to  be  the  Newcomb  lots,  and  $2,000  to  be  raised.  A  building  committee,  consisting  of  A.  G. 
Cook,  J.  B.  Folsom,  F.  M.  Black,  William  L.  Lewis  and  F.  F.  Farnham,  was  appointed,  to 
procure  land  and  conJ;ract  the  building,  not  to  exceed  $6,000  in  cost.  On  November  20,  suc- 
ceeding, the  adverse  party  called  a  meeting  to  consider  and  modify  the  action  last  taken.  It 
was  reported  that  a  contract  had  already  been  made,  but  a  motion  was  made  to  rescind  the  action 
taken  at  the  last  meeting.  The  chairman,  William  L.  Lewis,  declared  the  motion  out  of  order. 
An  appeal  was  taken  from  this  decision,  and  the  chair  was  not  sustained.  The  motion  to  rescind 
was  then  put  and  carried,  by  a  vote  of  fifty-nine  to  forty-nine.  A  division  of  the  house  was  then 
called  for,  pending  which  the  chair  abruptly  declared  the  meeting  adjourned,  and,  as  the  ofiicial 
chronicler  of  the  event  says,  "  amid  confusion  the  Chairman  retired."  A.  Topliff  was  then 
elected  Chairman,  and  a  new  building  committee  appointed,  consisting  of  J.  B.  Folsom,  William 
M.  Griswold,  H.  J.  Waterhouse,  J.  T.  Lewis,  Robert  Mills,  F.  F.  Farnham,  Amos  Clement 
and  F.  M.  Black.  At  a  subsequent  meeting,  William  Griswold  presented  the  majority  report 
of  this  committee,  in  favor  of  two  smaller-sized  buildings,  and  J.  T.  Lewis  a  minority  report,  in 
favor  of  one  large  one.  The  latter  was  finally  adopted,  und  the  present  site  was  finally  selected, 
and  purchased  of  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  for  $1,000.  The  building  was  completed  the  same  year, 
John  Haydon  fulfilling  the  contract  for  $5,000. 


676  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

As  illustrating  the  growth  of  the  schools  the  following  figures  from  the  records  of  Super- 
intendent Bowen  are  given  :  In  1861,  the  number  of  male  children  between  the  age  of  four  and 
twenty  years  residing  in  the  district  was  228 ;  female.  225 ;  making  a  total  of  458.  Of  this 
number  292  attended  school.  The  receipts  for  school  purposes  during  this  year  were  $2,4-30, 
$1,825  being  raised  by  tax..  In  1865,  the  total  number  of  children  in  the  district  was  576, 
there  being  16  more  females  than  of  the  sterner  sex,  and  iu  1871  there  were  640,  the  females 
being  in  the  majority  38 ;  receipts,  $5,4-30.  The  salaries  of  teachers  this  year  amounted  to 
$2,821.  In  1879,  there  were  697  resident  children  of  school  age  in  the  district,  23  being  the 
preponderance  in  fiivor  of  the  females.  The  receipts  for  the  school  year  of  1880  were 
$4,829,  $3,500  of  which  was  paid  out  for  teachers'  salaries. 

The  most  important  feature  of  the  school  history  of  Columbus  is  that  embracing  the  free 
high-school  system  now  in  vogue.  The  act  of  February  26,  1874,  incorporating  the  City  of 
Columbus  provided,  among  other  things,  for  the  establishment  of  a  school  system,  which  should 
be  independent  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  County  Superintendent,  and  committing  the  educational 
interests  of  the  city  to  a  Board  of  Education  whose  duties  and  powers  were  prescribed-  In  the 
month  of  July  following,  the  Common  Council  elected  a  Board  of  Education,  and  in  the  fall  of 
1874  the  public  schools  were  opened  under  the  new -system.  On  the  5th  of  March,  1875,  the 
Legislature  enacted  a  general  law  authorizing  the  extablishment  of  free  high  schools.  The  city 
availed  itself  of  the  privileges  given  by  the  law,  and  duly  appointed  and  held  an  election,  Au- 
gust 9,  1875,  by  which  it  was  determined  by  a  majority  vote  of  electors  to  adopt  the  free  high- 
school  system.  The  Board  of  Education  experienced  some  difficulty  in  attempting  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  new  system,  but  finally,  in  the  month  of  January,  1876,  succeeded,  and  the  free 
high  scliool  of  the  city  of  Columbus  became  fully  established. 

In  June,  1877,  Miss  Louie  Adams  graduated  from  the  high  school.  A  year  later  there 
were  seven  graduates  from  the  high  school,  as  follows:  Laura  Bassett,  Mary  R.  Cook,  Julia 
M.  Davies,  Carrie  Genung,  Nellie  Ida  Loomis,  Elouise  M.  Stephens  and  Genevieve  A.  Stephens. 
Olivel  Church  was  crowded  on  the  occasion  of  the  graduating  exercises  with  the  justly  proud 
citizens  of  Columbus,  the  inside  walls  of  the  building  being  gaily  bedecked  with  fragrant 
flowers.     The  programme  of  exercises  is  herewith  given: 

Quartette,  by  Misses  Flora  and  Matie  Walsh  and  Messrs.  E.  D.  Kanouse  and  D.  Griffith  ; 
Prayer,  by  Rev.  M.  E.  Eversz  ;  Solo,  by  Miss  Satie  Butler ;  Introductory  Remarks,  by  Prof. 
G.  M.  Bowen  ;  Essay.  ''  The  Extent  of  Man's  Researches,"  by  Genevieve  A.  Stephens  ;  Essay, 
"Dr.  Jenner,"  by  Mary  R.  Cook;  Solo,  by  Miss  Katie  Jones;  Essay,  "  Climbing  the  Hill  of 
Science,"  by  Julia  M.  Davies;  Solo,  by  E-  D-  Kanouse;  Essay,  "Joan  of  Arc,"  by  Elouise 
M.  Stephens;  Essay,  "Salt,"  by  Laura  Bassett;  Trio,  by  Misses  Maggie,  Genevieve  A.  and 
Elouise  M.  Stephens;  Essay,  "Mound-Builders,"  by  Carrie  E.  Genung;  Solo,  by  Miss  Kittie 
Lowth;  Essay,  "  An  Ill-Fated  Nation,"  by  Nellie  A.  Loomis  ;  Valadictory,  by  Julia  M.  Davies  ; 
Solo,  by  Miss  Lillie  Lewis ;  Presentation  of  Class,  by  Prof.  G.  M-  Bowen  ;  Conferring  Diplo- 
mas, by  E.  E.  Chapin ;  Music. 

The  high-school  curriculum,  in  addition  to  furnishing  a  thorough  English  education,  is 
designed  by  the  law  as  a  preparatory  course  for  the  State  University.  Graduates  passing  the 
necessary  examination  are  entitled  at  once  and  at  all  times  to  free  tuition  in  all  the  colleges  of 
the  State  University. 

The  following  pupils  graduated  on  the  27th  of  June,  1879  :  Angie  Turner,  Mattie  Por- 
ter, Annie  L.  Loomis,  Phoebe  Wallace,  Mary  R.  Southraayd,  Charles  M.  Davis  and  Walter  H. 
Waterhouse.  The  exercises  were  held  at  the  Methodist  Church,  the  interest  manifested  and  the 
number  of  persons  present  being  fully  as  great  as  on  a  similar  occasion  in  1878.  The  pro- 
gramme was  as  follows : 

Prayer;  Music;  Salutatory,  by  Charles  E.  Davies;  Essay — "No  Pains,  no  Gains,"  by 
Angie  Turner;  Music;  Essay — "Out  of  the  Harbor,"  by  Annie  L.  Loomis;  Essay — "  Haste 
Rhymes  with  Waste,"  by  Walter  H.  Waterhouse;  Music;  Essay — "What  the  Types  Tell," 
Mattie  E.  Porter  ;  Music;  Essay — "What  Biography  Teaches,"  by  Phoebe  Wallace;  Essay — 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  677 

"  The  Unseen  Battlefield,"  by  Mary  R.  Southmayd  ;  Music  ;  Essay — "  The  Stability  of  a  Re- 
public the  Intelligence  of  its  People,"  by  Charles  M.  Davies ;  Valedictory — by  Mattie  E.  Por- 
ter ;  Music  ;   Conferring  Diplomas  ;  Music. 

It  is  a  -noteworthy  fact  that  there  are  less  changes  in  the  staff  of  teachers  in  the  Columbus 
schools  than  in  those  of  most  other  cities  of  the  State.  The  acknowledged  wisdom  of  this  con- 
dition of  things  is  shown  in  the  marked  evenness  in  the  attendance  of  pupils  and  their  rapid 
progress.  In  1878,  the  board  of  instructors  was  composed  as  follows:  George  M.  iJowen, 
Principal  ;  Martha  Dean,  grammar  school ;  Katie  Jones,  fourth  intermediate ;  Celia  Wilson, 
third  intermediate;  Anna  Quickenden,  second  intermediate  ;  Belle  Merriam,  first  intermediate; 
Matie  Williams,  second  primary ;  Hattie  Chamberlain,  first  primary.  Since  then  the  only 
changes  made  have  been  these:  In  the  grammar  department,  Miss  Martha  Dean  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Len.  C.  Mead,  who,  upon  adopting  the  profession  of  a  physician  and  entering  Rush 
Medical  College  in  Chicago,  was  followed  in  the  school  by  Miss  Kate  Bailey.  She  resigned  in 
April  last,  and  William  E.  Ritter  is  now  teaching.  In  the  fourth  intermediate  department, 
Miss  Katie  Jones  was  succeeded,  in  1878,  by  Miss  Corrie  Morse.  Miss  Hattie  Chamberlain, 
of  the  first  primary  department,  relinquished  her  class  to  Belle  Pederson  in  1879.  Miss 
Pederson  was  soon  succeeded  by  Miss  Helen  St.  John. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  gi-aded-school  system,  the  Board  of  Education  has  been  com- 
posed of  the  following  gentlemen  :  The  first  board  consisted  of  John  Quincy  Adams  (Pres- 
ident), James  T.  Lewis  and  E.  E.  Chapin,  with  S.  0.  Burrington  as  Superintendent.  The 
Board  of  1875  was  substantially  the  same.  In  July,  1876,  C.  L.  Dering  was  appointed  to  the 
vacancy  occasioned  by  the  expiration  of  the  term  of  Mr.  Lewis.  In  1877,  Mr.  Adams  was 
made  School  Superintendent,  D.  C.  Davies  being  appointed,  to  fill  the  vacancy  in  the  board. 
Mr.  Chapin  was  appointed  as  President.  In  July,  1878,  H.  A.  Leuders  succeeded  Mr.  Chapin 
on  the  board,  D.  C.  Davies  became  President,  and  F.  C.  Eldred  School  Superintendent.  In 
1879,  E.  S.  Griswold  was  appointed  on  the  board  in  place  of  C.  L.  Dering.  Mr.  Davies  is 
still  acting  as  President ;  G.  M.  Bowen,  the  Principal  of  the  schools,  was  made  Superintendent, 
and  fills  that  office  to  the  present  time. 

Columbus  Collegiate  Institute. — In  March,  1855,  an  act  of  incorporation  was  secured  for 
the  establishment  in  Columbus  of  a  collegiate  institute.  The  incorporators  were  J.  T.  Lewis, 
J.  Q.  Adams,  R.  W.  Earll,  E.  P.  Silsbee,  Chester  W.  Dean,  Joseph  S.  Manning,  William  C. 
Spencer,  W.  W.  Drake,  W.  A.  Niles,  John  A.  Elliott  and  Cyrus  E.  Rosenkrans.  The  objects 
of  the  corporation  were  to  provide  for  ''  the  education,  the  mental  and  moral  discipline  and 
instruction  in  literature,  sciences  and  arts  of  youth  of  both  sexes."  It  was  provided  that  "no 
political  or  religious  opinion  shall  be  required  as  a  qualification  of  membership,  and  no  student 
shall  be  required  to  attend  worship  with  any  particular  denomination." 

In  pursuance  of  the  act  the  Board  of  Trustees  met  at  the  Congregational  Church  on  the 
10th  of  April,  1855,  and  organized  for  business.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Rosenkrans  was  made  Presi- 
dent of  the  institute,  and  in  anticipation  of  securing  ii)  the  near  future  a  more  substantial 
structure.  Block  15  in  West  Columbus  was  purchased  and  a  small  building  erected  thereon. 
In  the  fall,  a  school  was  opened  with  Miss  Martha  Brigham  (now  Mrs.  William  Hazelton)  and 
Miss  Mary  L.  Pomeroy  (now  Mrs.  Polly)  as  teachers,  which  lasted  about  two  years.  Upon  the 
completion  of  the  present  high-school  building  and  the  failure  to  get  sufficient  subscriptions,  the 
institute  suspended,  and  the  teachers  found  employment  in  the  public  schools.  It  is  said  that 
Columbus  at  one  time  had  fair  prospects  of  securing  the  institution  now  located  at  Ripon,  it 
having  been  the  intention  of  the  founders  of  the  Collegiate  Institute  to  make  it  what  the  enter- 
prising citizens  of  Ripon  have  made  their  college. 

There  is  now  in  Columbus  no  educational  institution  conducted  by  private  enterprise,  but 
several  attempts  have  been  made  to  establish  schools  and  academies  of  more  or  less  importance. 
In  1850,  an  act  passed  the  Legislature  chartering  the  Columbus  Academy,  but  no  action  was 
taken  under  the  grant.  In  1854,  Rev.  C.  E.  Rosenkrans  erected  a  building  afterward  occupied  as 
a  residence  by  M.  Ingalls.    It  was  designed  to  make  this  the  basis  of  a  seminary  of  some  extent. 


678  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Circumstances,  however,  were  not  fortuitous,  and  the  undertaking  was  sustained  during  a  few 
months  only.  Among  the  teachers  of  this  school  were  Miss  Mary  Pomeroy  and  Misses  Mary 
and  Martha  Brigham.  In  1859,  the  store  now  owned  and  occupied  by  the  Dodge  Brothers  was 
built  by  A.  G.  Cook  on  the  site  where  is  now  the  calaboose;  it  was  used  as  a  schoolhouse  for  a 
year  or  more.  Here  taught  Miss  Achsah  Huyck,  afterward  the  wife  of  Rev.  Mr.  Phillips. 
There  have  been  other  and  more  recent  movements  toward  the  building-up  of  private  institutions 
of  learning,  some  of  them  looking  toward  extensive  results,  but  they  have  made  no  progress. 

RELIGIOUS    INSTITUTIONS. 

Columbus  is  truly  "  a  city  of  churches."  No  city  in  the  State  has  a  larger  number  in  pro- 
portion to  population,  and  few  of  the  same  size  has  so  many. 

The  Oongregationalist  and  the  Presbyterians. — The  local  relations  of  these  denominations 
have  been  such  as  to  make  the  writing  of  separate  history  of  each  without  repetition  one  of  the 
impossibilities.  The  original  organization  was  perfected  January  26,  1850,  under  the  Congre- 
gational form  of  government,  the  Rev.  A.  Montgomery  being  chosen  Chairman  of  the  Council, 
and  J.  Q.  Adams,  Clerk.  Letters  from  different  churches  were  presented  by  James  Campbell, 
Mrs.  Julia  Campbell,  Richard  Stratton,  Mrs.  Polly  Stratton,  Emily  Stratton,  Mrs.  Asenath 
Stratton,  Mrs.  Helen  S.  Rosenkrans,  Ellen  Hagerman,  Maria  Hagerman  and  Mrs.  Hay- 
den,  which  were  read  and  these  persons  were  constituted  a  church.  The  church  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Madison  District  Convention  within  a  week  from  the  date  of  its  organization,  and  R. 
Stratton  was  sent  as  the  first  delegate.  In  August,  18.')2,  it  was  voted  to  change  the  relations 
of  the  church  from  the  Madison  District  to  the  Fox  River  Presbytery,  and  in  November  follow- 
ing the  Presbyterian  form  of  government  was  adopted,  three  Elders  of  that  faith  being  chosen. 
Thus  matters  progressed  until  a  majority  of  the  church  members  withdrew,  and  organized  a 
separate  Presbyterian  society  in  18(56.  On  the  2Uth  of  January  of  that  year,  the  remaining 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  resumed  the  original  name  and  form  of  organization,  and 
officers  chosen  to  correspond  with  the  change. 

It  will  now  be  necessary  to  return  to  an  account  of  the  first  temporal  work  of  the  church. 
The  Congregational  Society  of  Columbus  having  been  incorporated  in  September,  1850,  Lewis 
Ludington,  proprietor  of  the  original  village  plat  of  Columbus,  deeded  to  the  said  society  that 
year  the  land  at  the  corner  of  W\\\  street  and  Broadway,  upon  which  a  house  of  worship  was 
erected.  The  certificate  of  organization  was  signed  by  James  Campbell  and  William  E.  Led- 
yard.  H.  S.  Haskell,  James  Campbell  and  B.  M.  Benedict  were  elected  Trustees  at  the  first 
meeting. 

The  house  erected  at  that  early  day  was  sufficiently  large  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  place 
at  that  time,  but  as  the  village  grew  in  size  and  the  country  around  became  settled,  better 
accommodations  became  necessary.  The  deficiency  was  provided  for  in  1864,  when  an  addition 
of  twenty  feet  was  built  to  the  rear  of  the  original  edifice,  and  other  important  repairs  were 
made.     The  structure  was  being  occupied  in  1866,  when  the  division  occurred. 

Recourse  was  then  had  to  necessary  legal  measures,  and  the  seceding  fold  at  once  organ- 
ized themselves  into  a  separate  society.  A  place  of  worship  and  supplies  for  the  pulpit  were 
secured  without  delay.  A  Sabbath  school  was  gathered,  and  afternoon  services  were  held  in  the 
Baptist  Church.  Among  those  who  served  as  supplies  were  the  Revs.  B.  G.  Riley,  Mr.  Post 
and  Mr.  Southwart.  In  July,  1866,  the  Rev.  E.  F.  Fish  became  the  stated  supply,  and  the 
regular  sessions  were  resumed.  In  the  mean  time,  a  lot  was  purchased  on  Broadway,  and 
materials  gathered  for  the  erection  of  a  church  edifice.  The  society  continued  to  accept  the 
favors  of  the  Baptists  until  September,  1867,  when  their  new  church  was  finished  and  dedicated 
to  the  cause.  The  structure  cost  about  $5,000,  and  holds  an  important  place  among  the  many 
handsome  buildings  of  that  character  in  Columbus.  Mr.  Fish  served  as  Pastor  for  two  years. 
After  his  retirement,  the  pulpit  was  supplied  for  a  time  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Patten,  the  venerable 
Kanouse,  and  others.  The  Rev.  W.  A.  Hendrickson  commenced  his  labors  with  the  church  in 
June,  1869,  and  remained  until  1876. 


HISTOKV   OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY.  679 

In  the  mean  time,  the  Congregationalists  were  "pursuing  the  even  tenor  of  their  way." 
The  record  of  this  church  shows  the  names  of  the  following  Pastors :  Rev.  C.  E.  Rosenkrans, 
ten  years;  the  Rev.  T.  C.  Melvin,  four  years;  the  Rev.  L.  M.  Gates,  one  year;  the  Rev.  A.  L. 
P.  Loomis,  one  year ;  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Salmon,  eighteen  months  ;  the  Rev.  M.  W.  Reed,  eighteen 
months ;  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Schaeffer,  nine  months ;  the  Rev.  H.  A.  Miner,  two  years  and  four 
months.  This  brings  the  history  of  the  church  down  to  1874,  when  we  find  a  proposition  from 
the  Presbyterians,  dated  early  in  September  of  that  year,  looking  toward  a  re-union  of  the  two 
churches.  The  proposition  is  couched  in  becominfl;  and  Christian-like  language,  as  follows  : 
"  The  undersigned,  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  society  of  Columbus,  believing 
there  are  now  too  many  separate  church  organizations  within  the  limits  of  this  city,  in  view 
whereof  those  who  agree  as  to  such  things  are  essential,  ought  to  make  an  effort  to  consolidate 
their  organizations,  and,  believing  that  the  time  has  come  to  make  such  effort,  do  cordially  con- 
sent to  the  following  as  a  basis  for  consolidation  of  the  said  Presbyterian  with  the  Congregational 
Church  of  the  same  place :  When  each  of  said  churches  shall  have  assumed  and  taken  the  name 
of  the  Olivet  Church  of  Columbus,  and  shall  have  formally  assented  to  a  proposition  for  consoli- 
dation with  the  other,  the  two  churches  shall  thereupon  become  united  and  consolidated  into  one 
church,  to  be  thenceforward  known  and  designated  as  the  Olivet  Church  of  Columbus,  and  shall 
be  ecclesiastically  connected  with  the  Presbyterian  and  Congregational  General  Convention  of 
Wisconsin.  It  was  signed  on  the  part  of  the  Presbyterians  by  the  following  persons  :  F.  G. 
Randall,  E.  G.  Stitt,  E.  D.  Kanouse,  Jay  Jennings,  D.  C.  Davies,  Dora  Davies,  G.  W.  Hazel- 
ton,  F.  Huggins,  0.  Anderson,  T.  H:  McConnell,  H.  D.  James,  Mrs.  Jane  Silsbee,  J.  F.  Shad- 
duck,  S.  Hutchinson,  A.  S.  Bath,  I.  G.  McCaff'erty,  Mrs.  Adam  McConnell,  Rebecca  H.  Mettler, 
Emma  J.  McConnell,  M.  L.  Hazelton,  Delia  L.  Square,  Mary  C.  Manning,  Fannie  Randall, 
Caroline  Stitt,  Mattie  Stitt,  Mrs.  0.  Anderson,  Ida  M.  Jennings,  Mrs.  E.  Bissell,  Katie  Bissell, 
Mrs.  H.  L.  Rosenkrans,  Mercy  I.  Hazelton,  Harriett  T.  Hazelton,  James  H.  Rosenkrans, 
Hellen  Rosenkrans,  Sarah  Kanouse,  H.  C.  Randall  and  A.  Randall. 

A  similar  paper  was  circulated  and  generally  signed  by  the  Congregational  Church  and 
society  as  follows  :  Alfred  Topliff,  J.  Q.  Adams,  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  E.  E.  Chapin,  Milford 
Loomis,  James  Webster,  W.  A.  Policy,  M.  L.  Policy,  Catherine  E.  Chadbourn,  Sarah  Ches- 
brough,  Fannie  E.  Dean,  Eunice  Dean,  Martha  Dean,  Grace  Dean,  Mrs.  G.  C.  Butterfield, 
Mrs.  E.  B.  Chapin,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Newcomb,  F.  W.  Hart,  H.  Loomis,  C.  A.  Loomis,  M.  Loomis, 
R.  W.  Earll,  Charles  H.  Hall,  B.  F.  Cooper,  Theron  Dodd,  Mrs.  L.  I.  Adams,  S.  W.  Chadbourn, 
Mrs.  S.  W.  Chadbourn,  Lucius  Randall,  C.  Baker,  Mrs.  P.  B.  Richmond,  Mrs.  C.  M.  Smith, 
Mary  Benedict,  Mrs.  M.  H.  Parker,  M.  Smith,  Mrs.  J.  D.  Waterhouse,  P.  B.  Richmond,  L.  G. 
Crosswell  and  Martha  McConnell. 

Resolutions  were  subsequently  adopted  by  both  denominations  accepting  the  terms  set  forth 
in  the  basis  of  the  proposed  re-union,  and  on  September  17,  1874,  the  two  bodies  held  a  joint 
meeting  and  perfected  their  organization  by  electing  the  following  officers :  For  Deacons,  E.  G. 
Stitt,  James  Webster,  J.  A.  Bowen,  J.  Q.  Adams,  Dr.  E.  D.  Kanouse  and  Milford  Loomis ;  for 
Church  Clerk,  H.  Loomis  ;  for  Church  Treasurer,  F.  G.  Randall.  On  the  5th  of  October,  the 
Olivet  society  was  organized  according  to  law,  and  the  following  persons  elected  as  Trustees : 
E.  D.  Kanouse,  L.  Fuller,  F.  G.  Randall,  James  Webster,  Nelson  Sawyer  and  E.  G.  Stitt. 

The  Congregationalists  disposed  of  their  church  property  to  W.  A.  Thompson,  and  the  old 
edifice  is  now  in  use  as  an  agricultural  warehouse.  A  lease,  signed  by  G.  W.  Hazleton,  E.  G. 
Stitt,  F.  G.  Randall,  Jacob  Smith,  J.  S.  Manning  and  J.  M.  G.  Price,  was  then  drawn,  setting 
forth  that  "  In  consideration  of  the  premises  and  of  one  dollar  to  us  in  hand  paid,  the  receipt  of 
which  is  confessed,  we  do  hereby  let  and  lease  to  the  Olivet  Church  society  of  Columbus  the 
church  edifice  and  premises  on  which  the  same  stands,  heretofore  known  and  designated  as  the 
Presbyterian  church  property,  located  on  Broadway,  in  the  city  of  Columbus,  county  of  Colum- 
bia, for  the  terra  of  one  year  from  the  1st  day  of  May,  1876,  necessary  repairs  to  be  made,  if 
any  are  required,  by  the  said  Olivet  Church  society."  In  pursuance  with  the  foregoing,  E.  G. 
Stitt,  G.   W.  Hazelton,  J.  S.  Manning,  Jacob  Smith  and  J.  M.  G.  Price,  Trustees  of  the 


680  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Presbyterian  Church  society,  made  application  to  the  court  for  an  order  to  convey  the  Presbyterian 
Church  property  to  Olivet  society.  To  this  a  remonstrance  was  presented,  signed  by  A.  S. 
Eckert,  C.  S.  McFadyen,  D.  J.  Evans,  Elizabeth  Evans,  Ann  Evans,  Frank  Evans,  Frank 
Johnson,  J.  E.  Nelson,  Mrs.  0.  Anderson,  Mrs.  L.  G.  McCaflerty,  Lurenda  Drake,  B.  A.  Car- 
penter, W.  W.  Drake  and  Helen  Drake.  Owing  to  the  remonstrance,  the  court  declined  to 
issue  the  order  applied  for. 

On  July  15,  notice  was  served  on  the  Trustees  of  Olivet  Church  to  the  effect  that  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  society  had  by  unanimous  vote  resumed  the  entire  control  of  their  church 
edifice  and  other  property  belonging  to  said  Presbyterian  Church  society,  and  would  exercise  the 
same  from  and  after  that  date.  This  notice  was  dated  July  8,  1876,  and  signed  by  B.  A.  Car- 
penter, F.  G.  Randall,  C.  S.  McFayden  and  W.  W.  Drake,  Trustees.  On  Friday,  July  21, 
the  Olivet  society  was  locked  out  of  the  church  building,  and  since  that  date  the  two  societies 
have  worshiped  in  separate  quarters.  The  Presbyterians  continued  to  occupy  the  church 
whose  doors  had  been  closed  against  their  Congregational  brethren.  Mr.  Hendrickson  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Clisbee,  wlio  supplied  the  pulpit  about  nine  months.  In  November, 
1876,  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Andrews  took  charge  end  remained  one  year,  being  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
E.  Smith  Barnes,  who  occupied  the  pulpit  until  November,  1879.  Since  then  it  has  been  sup- 
plied by  E.  D.  Kanouse  and  others.  The  present  Elders  of  the  church  are  Jacob  Smith,  A.  S. 
Eckert  and  E.  D.  Kanouse  ;  Trustees,  W.  W.  Drake,  Erastus  Bowen  and  Messrs.  Kanouse, 
Smith  and  Eckert.     The  membership  is  given  at  forty-two. 

Olivet  society  (the  Congregationalists)  immediately  proceeded  to  erect  a  church  edifice. 
Three  lots  were  purchased  at  the  corner  of  Spring  and  Prairie  streets,  and  by  the  24th  of 
December,  1876,  the  work  had  so  far  advanced  that  services  were  held  in  the  basement,  the 
present  lecture-room.  The  entire  cost  was  $8,800.  The  structure  was  completed  early  in  1877. 
It  is  a  fine  building — a  credit  to  Columbus,  and  a  substantial  monument  to  the  enterprise  of  its 
founders.  The  Rev.  Moritz  E.  Eversz,  the  present  Pastor,  came  to  Columbus  in  July,  1876,  a 
short  time  before  the  memorable  division  between  the  Congregationalists  and  the  Presbyterians. 
The  present  officers  of  the  church  are  :  Trustees — Lucius  Fuller,  J.  Q.  Adams,  James  Webster, 
P.  B.  Richmond,  Milford  Loomis  and  D.  C.  Davies  ;  Deacons — J.  Q.  Adams,  Milford  Loomis, 
B.  F.  Cooper,  James  Webster,  H.  Loomis  and  P.  B.  Richmond.  The  membership  is  given  at 
ninety. 

The  Rev.  M.  Rosencrans,  the  founder  of  the  Congregational  Church  in  Columbus,  and  the 
first  permanent  minister  in  the  place,  died  in  1860.  He  came  hither  as  a  missionary,  and  was 
widely  respected  for  his  many  excellencies  of  character.  For  years  he  was  the  leading  spirit 
in  educational  and  religious  interests,  and  he  filled  the  Congregational  pulpit  until  1858,  when, 
his  health  failing,  he  resigned.  The  regard  his  congregation,  and  the  people  of  Columbus  gen- 
erally, had  for  him,  was  exhibited  in  a  series  of  touching  resolutions,  adopted  by  them  October 
11,  1858,  on  the  occasion  of  his  resignation,  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  it  is  witli  unmiiigled  feelings  of  regret  we  accept  liia  decision  to  resign  the  charge  of  pnstor'ovei" 
lliis  church  and  society  ;  that  by  this  act  we  have  lost  in  him  a  man  of  great  piety,  a  supporter  of  good  works,  a 
zealous  laborer  in  His  service,  a  true  and  faithful  minister— one  who  has  brought  light  out  of  darkness  in  building 
up  this  church,  which,  while  it  redounds  to  the  glory  of  Him  who  rules  and  masters  all,  is  a  lasting  monument  to 
his  usefulness  in  the  village  of  Columbus. 

Resolved,  That  he  has  our  heartfelt  thanks  for  the  great  good  he  has  done  in  this  place,  and  that  he  has  the 
united  prayer  of  all,  that  his  health  may  soon  be  so  improved  that  he  may  go  on  in  the  good  work  in  the  vineyard  n\ 
the  Lord,  until  a  ripe  old  age  shall  close  his  ministerial  labors. 

The  English  Methodists. — The  first  Methodist  meetings  in  the  vicinity  of  Columbus,  and 
doubtless  in  Columbia  County,  were  held  in  1845  at  what  is  now  Fountain  Prairie,  which  was 
included  in  a  circuit  comprising  Waterloo,  Aztalan  and  possibly  Watertown.  The  Revs.  Gallop 
and  Wood,  the  latter  as  assistant,  were  in  charge.  Their  successors  were  the  Revs.  Jones  and 
Martin,  who  were  the  first  to  preach  in  Columbus,  meetings  being  held  in  a  wagon-shop.  Then 
came  the  Rev.  N.  S.  Green,  with  a  Mr.  Randall  as  assistant,  and  they,  it  is  said,  organized  the 
society  in  Columbus.     Their  successors  were  the  Revs.  Mr.  Brown  and  Mr.  Fancher,  and  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  681 

Revs.  Mr.  Lewis  and  Mr.  Stevens.  About  this  date,  the  Columbus  society  was  separated  from 
the  other  points  on  the  circuit.  Since  then,  the  following  ministers  have  filled  the  pulpit : 
Revs.  Chester,  Palmer,  Ford,  Drew,  Grumley,  Sims,  Blackburn,  Bosworth,  Reynolds,  Car- 
penter, Sewell,  Jones,  Evans  and  the  incumbent,  R.  W.  Bosworth,  who  is  here  for  the 
second  time.  The  first  church  edifice  was  built  in  1858-59,  and  was  dedicated  in  February  of 
the  latter  year  by  the  Rev.  H.  C.  Tilton.  It  stood  near  the  present  site  of  the  foundry,  and 
was  purchased  in  1872  or  1873,  and  has  since  been  converted  into  a  hall  for  theatrical  repre- 
sentations. In  the  Spring  of  1872,  work  was  commenced  on  the  new  church  and  it  was 
completed  that  fall  under  the  supervision  of  J.  P.  Miller  and  L.  W.  Chase.  The  dedicatory 
sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev.  C.  H.  Fowler,  that  event  taking  place  October  26,  1873. 
The  cost  of  the  building  was  $18,906.10.  There  is  now  a  debt  upon  it  of  some  $2,000.  The 
present  Trustees  of  the  church  are  J.  P.  Miller,  H.  Waterhouse,  J.  W.  Leffingwell,  A.  Trow- 
bridge, J.  Whiting,  D.  D.  Kelsey,  B.  Yule,  E.  Federly,  R.  P.  Williams.  The  membership  ia 
a'bout  one  hundred. 

The  Welsh  Methodists. — In  1845,  half  a  dozen  Welsh  families,  just  from  Wales,  settled 
in  the  town  of  Elba,  in  Dodge  County.  There,  on  the  first  Sunday  after  their  arrival,  they 
planted  the  seeds  of  Calvinism  in  the  then  sparsely  populated  wilderness,  holding  religious  ser- 
vices in  a  wagon-box.  Accessions  to  the  little  colony  were  made  from  time  to  time,  and  the 
Rev.  Hugh  Jones  was  among  those  who  came  in  1845.  A  log  church  was  erected  during  the 
following  winter,  and  Mr.  Jones  presided  over  the  congregation  until  his  death,  in  1854.  In 
1866,  J.  J.  Roberts,  a  young  divine  who  had  assisted  Mr.  Jones  since  1846,  and,  upon  the 
latter's  death,  became  his  successor,  took  spiritual  charge  of  a  meager  congregation  of  his  Welsh 
brethren  in  Columbus.  Meetings  were  held  over  the  store  of  Uriah  Davies,  on  Broadway.  In 
1868,  a  frame  church  edifice  was  erected,  at  the  corner  of  Church  and  Mill  streets,  at  a  cost  of 
$2,200,  including  the  building  lot.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Roberts  has  supplied  the  pulpit  ever  since 
the  organization.  He  preaches,  also,  in  Salem  Church,  town  of  Calamus,  and  Bethel  Church, 
in  the  town  of  Elba,  Dodge  County.  The  present  oflicers  of  the  Columbus  society  are :  Dea- 
cons— Benjamin  Hughes,  John  Davies,  R.  R.  Roberts  and  Uriah  Davies;  Trustees — R.  R. 
Roberts,  William  E.  Williams  and  William  J.  Edwards.  There  are  forty-five  members  in  the 
society,  which  is  free  from  debt  and  in  a  prosperous  condition.  The  collections  in  the  three 
folds  under  Mr.  Roberts'  charge  amount  to  about  $600  per  annum,  $400  of  which  is  applied  to 
the  salary  of  the  minister,  the  remainder  being  about  equally  divided  for  the  support  of  home 
missions  and  the  Bible  Society.  It  is  a  notable  fact  the  Welsh  Methodists  frequently  contribute 
larger  sums,  annually,  to  the  support  of  the  Bible  Society  than  all  other  denominations  in  the 
State  together. 

German  Methodists. — In  1852,  the  Rev.  Charles  Kluckkorn  came  to  Columbus,  then  a 
missionary  point,  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  the  German  tongue,  from  a  Methodist  standpoint. 
He  held  occasional  services  for  one  year,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  J.  Schaefer,  who 
remained  about  the  same  length  of  time.  In  1855,  the  Rev.  John  Westerfield  took  charge, 
and  during  his  incumbency  the  Columbus  German  Methodists  were  separated  from  their  Bara- 
boo  brethren  for  church  purposes,  and  an  independent  society  was  organized.  During  that  year, 
$213  was  raised  for  ministerial  support.  The  first  Trustees  of  the  new  society  were  Louis 
Kenzel,  John  Miller,  J.  Battels,  J.  Fuhrman  and  Fr.  Topp.  In  1866,  a  church  edifice  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,185.96,  and  in  1874,  a  new  house  of  worship  was  erected,  which  cost 
$5,312.22.  Mr.  Westerfield's  successors  have  been  the  Revs.  Jacob  Haas,  Charles  Buehner, 
R.  Brueck,  F.  Conrad  (who  died  here),  H.  Wegner,  H.  Eberhardt,  J.  Binder,  Christian  Wenz, 
with  George  Achenback  as  assistant,  F.  Gotschalk,  Christian  Wenz  again,  J.  Schaefer,  F. 
Kluckkorn,  brother  of  Charles,  and  E.  Fitzner,  the  present  incumbent.  The  value  of  church 
property,  including  parsonage,  is  given  at  $8,400.  The  Trustees  are  George  Link,  Charles 
Link,  Christian  Link,  F.  Wendt,  John  Lange,  John  Miller,  William  Thiede  and  Christian  Moll ; 
Stewards — Charles  Colonius,  C.Moll,  L.  Pietzner,  F.  Fuhrman  and  E.  Meyer.  The  member- 
ship is  244. 


682  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

The  Baptist  Church. — Preliminary  steps  were  first  taken  to  organize  a  Baptist  Church  on 
the  28th  of  May,  1853,  and  at  a  council  which  convened  on  the  21st  of  September  following, 
fourteen  names  were  recorded,  as  follows ;  Rev.  D.  D.  Reed,  W.  S.  Read,  Morgan  Evans, 
Lucius  Warner,  Calvin  Read,  L.  B.  Read  and  sisters  Emily  Read.  M.  C.  Read,  Sarah  A. 
Warner,  M.  A.  White,  Ann  Evans,  Mary  Read,  Caroline  Read  and  Eliza  Borden.  Rev.  D. 
D.  Read  was  chosen  Pastor  at  the  same  meeting.  Covenant  m.eetings  were  held  in  private  houses 
and  public  services  in  a  hall  over  Cooper's  store.  In  March,  1863,  the  first  steps  were  taken  toward 
building  a  church  edifice,  Messrs.  A.  Sawyer,  William  Lewis,  L.  Warner,  H.  Vincent,  A.  B.  Good- 
rich and  H.  Seftens  being  appointed  as  a  building  committee.  The  structure — an  imposing  brick 
at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Harrison  streets,  costing  something  over  $4,000 — was  completed 
in  the  fall  of  1864,  and  dedicated  the  following  spring.  The  whole  number  of  names  on  the  church 
book  is  165.  Forty-two  persons  have  been  baptized  since  the  church  was  organized.  Of  this 
number  of  baptisms  the  Rev.  L.  Bath  performed  twenty-five.  The  Pastors  since  the  time  of 
Mr.  Drake  have  been  the  Revs.  Mr.  Coffin,  Mr.  Wade,  S.  Jones,  L.  Bath,  Mr.  Eldridge,  J.  V. 
Stratton,  R.  J.  Langridge,  W.  A.  Cain  and  S.  Gorman.  At  the  close  of  Mr.  Eldridge's  pas- 
torate, the  church  was  supplied  during  a  few  months  by  the  Rev.  P.  McLeod.  During  a 
vacancy  which  occurred  after  his  departure,  services  were  conducted  by  L.  Bath,  E.  Butterfield 
and  A.  B.  Goodrich.  Rev.  J.  McDonald  served  the  church  as  supply  for  several  months. 
The  principal  Deacons  have  been  Brethren  Hoppin,  Starks,  A.  Sawyer  and  Comstock  ;  Clerks, 
Brethren  D.  D.  Reed,  Starks,  Seifens  and  M.  W.  Sawyer,  the  latter  being  the  present  Clerk. 
The  present  officers  of  the  church  and  society  are:  Trustees — E.  P.  Waldo,  I.  Merriam,  M. 
Starkweather,  V.  Irjns  and  W.  H.  Myers;  Deacon — M.  D.  Comstock  ;  Treasurer — M.  W.  Saw- 
yer.    The  membership  is  thirty-five. 

German  Lutheran  Church. — Over  a  (juarter  of  a  century  ago,  emigration  from  the  "  old 
home  in  Germany  "  found  its  way  to  Wisconsin  and  to  the  vicinity  of  Columbus,  then  only  a 
small  village.  Several  German  families  had  settled  here,  including  notably  various  former  res- 
idents of  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Mecklenburg.  The  desire  to  enjoy  religious  privileges  similar 
to  those  in  Germany  led  a  number  of  them  to  form  a  religious  society  in  Columbus  in  1865. 
The  first  ministrations  were  by  a  clergyman  from  Watertown,  whose  name  is  not  now  of  record 
or  in  remembrance.  The  first  regular  minister  was  Mr.  Oswald,  who  came  in  1855,  and  who, 
at  first,  preached  in  a  private  house,  and  subsequently  in  the  old  schoolhouse.  Among  the 
first  members  were  Joachim  and  Christian  Boelte,  Henry  Lange,  Christian  Westen,  John  Mauth, 
Joachim  Herman  and  John  and  Christian  Schwiesow,  who  are  yet  all  members  of  the  society. 
The  following  early  members  of  the  society  are  dead  or  have  removed :  John  C.  Lang,  Charles 
Boldt,  Christian  5liller,  Fred  Spechdt,  Fred  Kuhl,  Charles  Linck.  Henry  Niemeyer,  Sr.,  and 
John  Topp,  Sr.  The  congregation  increased  hy  new  arrivals  from  Germany  and  by  local 
accessions  until  the  necessity  for  a  church  edifice  became  apparent.  February  14,  1857,  J.  T. 
Lewis  donated  Lot  9,  Block  10,  West  Columbus,  as  a  site,  and  on  May  3,  1858,  while  the  Rev. 
Renter  was  in  pastoral  charge,  articles  of  agreement  were  signed,  by  which  was  formed  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Zion  congregation  of  Columbus.  The  first  Board  of  Trustees  were  John 
Prien,  Christian  Mueller,  Julius  Fuchs,  Carl  Boldt,  Fred  Spechdt  and  John  Lang.  The 
building  of  a  church  was  commenced  on  the  donated  site,  but  a  majority  of  the  congre- 
gation deemed  another  location  more  desirable,  and  the  lot  given  by  Mr.  Lewis  was  sold, 
and  Lot  1,  Block  13,  of  Birdsey's  Addition  was  selected.  This  lot  was  also  a  donation 
for  the  same  purpose,  by  A.  P.  Birdsey,  and  was  given  on  the  2d  of  December,  1858. 
The  first  church  was  built  during  the  ministry  of  Rev.  H.  P.  Duborg,  in  1859.  He  was 
succeeded,  in  1860,  by  the  Rev.  Braun.  On  the  24th  of  August,  1864,  the  congregation 
extended  a  call  to  the  Rev.  Meyer,  and  he  sustained  the  ministerial  relation  until  the  close 
of  1865. 

On  the  8th  of  January,  1866,  it  was  resolved  to  purchase  from  Smith  Haines  Lot  12,  Block 
8,  of  Birdsey's  Addition,  and  to  use  the  house  thereon  as  a  parsonage.  The  sale  was  per- 
fected on  the  27th  of  that  month.     On  the  11th  of  March  following,  Rev.  A.  Liefeldt  became 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  683 

the  Pastor,  Prof.  Moldehucke,  of  Watertown,  having  preached  several  times  during  the  interval. 
The  growth  of  the  congregation  was  steady  and  rapid,  and  an  enlargement  of  the  church  soon 
became  necessary.  It  was  finally  resolved,  at  a  meeting  held  on  the  28th  of  April,  1868,  that 
the  Board  of  Trustees  be  empowered  to  purchase  from  A.  C.  Olds  Lots  6  and  7,  and  the  south- 
west half  of  Lot  8,  in  Block  16,  and  to  sell  the  society's  other  real  estate.  On  the  4>th  of  July, 
1868,  it  was  resolved  to  remove  the  church  edifice  to  its  present  site,  and  on  that  plan  the  build- 
ing should  be  enlarged.  The  sale  of  the  other  property  was  made  to  C.  Zarz,  September  30, 
1868,  and  on  the  following  day  the  deed  for  the  new  site  was  executed.  During  this  period,  the 
Rev.  A.  Liefeldt  had  resigned  and  the  Bev.  C.  Oppen  had  assumed  pastoral  relations.  On  the 
3d  of  May,  1869,  the  enlargement  of  the  church  was  decided  upon,  and  Messrs.  John  Prion 
and  Joachim  Herman  were  appointed  a  committee  to  procure  the  plan  and  engage  an  architect 
to  take  charge  of  the  construction.  The  addition  was  completed  in  1869.  In  April,  1876, 
Rev.  Mr.  Oppen  resigned.  Rev.  Aug.  F.  Ernst,  of  the  Northwestern  University  at  Watertown, 
ofiBciated  until  the  21st  of  May,  1876,  when  Rev.  Henry  Vogel  became  the  minister.  Again 
the  congregation  increased  beyond  the  limits  of  the  church,  and  in  the  first  part  of  July,  1877, 
a  new  building  was  ordered.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Julius  Vogt,  Chris.  Boelte, 
Henry  Boelte,  Fred  Messow  and  E.  V.  Briesen,  was  appointed  to  make  plans  and  estimates  for 
another  new  edifice.  The  plan  proposed  a  building  70  feet  long  and  40  feet  wide,  with  a  belfry 
125  feet  high,  and  was  accepted  as  to  its  general  features  September  2,  1877.  The  estimated 
cost  was  $5,000.  A  few  changes  were  ordered,  and  E.  T.  Mix,  of  Milwaukee,  was  directed  to 
perfect  a  plan,  which  he  did.  In  the  mean  time,  the  subscription  showed  $-1,800  to  be  in  readi- 
ness, and  on  the  9th  of  December,  1877,  the  erection  of  the  new  church  was  voted,  the  plan  of 
Mr.  Mix  being  adopted.  John  Prien,  Julius  Krueger,  E.  V.  Briesen,  Christian  Boelte  and 
Aug.  Reddemann  were  named  as  the  building  committee,  who,  with  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
were  empowered  to  make  necessary  contracts,  and  to  superintend  the  work,  E.  V.  Briesen  to  be 
chairman  of  the  committee,  Julius  Krueger,  secretary,  and  H.  A.  Lueders,  treasurer.  Con- 
tracts were  let  to  Henry  Bolte  for  the  stone,  brick  and  plaster  work,  for  $1,500,  and  to  R.  D. 
Vanakin  for  the  carpenter  and  joiner  work  and  the  painting,  for  $8,800.  The  organ  used  in 
the  old  church  was  bought,  in  1873,  of  the  Lutheran  congregation  of  Sheboygan.  On  the  2d 
day  of  June,  1878,  on  the  Sunday  called  Exandi,  the  corner-stone  of  the  building  was  laid  with 
appropriate  ceremonies,  and  on  the  3d  of  November  following  the  church  was  dedicated,  the 
Rev.  Deninger,  of  Waterloo,  preaching  the  dedicatory  sermon  in  presence  of  a  large  assem- 
blage, composed  of  representatives  from  Beaver  Dam,  Lowell,  Waterloo  and  Portage.  The 
1,600-pound  bell  in  this  church- has  something  of  a  history.  The  metal  from  which  it  is  made 
was  presented  to  the  society,  in  1873,  by  the  Emperor  of  Germany.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1876 
(the  centennial  anniversary  of  America's  independence),  there  arrived  at  New  York  from  Berlin 
one  six-pounder  brass  cannon  and  four  pieces  of  other  cannon,  consigned  to  the  Lutheran  con- 
gregation of  Columbus.  These  strange  implements  of  warfare  were  of  French  pattern  and 
were  a  part  of  the  fruits  of  the  conquest  of  Alsace  and  Lorraine.  They  reached  Columbus  on 
the  2d  of  February,  1877,  and  in  April,  1878,  were  reshipped  to  Baltimore,  where  they  were 
recast  into  a  bell  bearing  the  following  inscription:  "  I  call  the  living  ones,  I  mourn  the  dead 
ones,  I  break  the  lightning."  The  Lutheran  Church  is  a  splendid  piece  of  architecture,  built  of 
cream  brick  and  trimmed  with  red  brick.  The  entire  structure,  including  the  bell  and  organ, 
cost  $7,000.  The  present  officers  of  the  church  are  M.  Blievernicht,  Aug.  Reddemann, 
Christoph  Boelte,  Hy.  A.  Lueders  (Secretary),  John  Topp  (Treasurer),  Charles  Ulm. 

jS'if.  Jerome  s  Ohurch. — There  is  no  record  or  remembrance  of  earlier  Christian  effort  in 
Columbus,  according  to  Romish  tenets,  than  that  embracing  the  ministrations  of  that  pioneer 
apostle,  the  Rev.  Martin  Kundig,  whose  footprints  we  encounter  in  the  early  church  history  of 
almost  every  city  or  village  of  note  in  Central  and  Southeastern  Wisconsin.  He  bore  the  cross 
into  Columbus  in  the  winter  of  1856,  and  planted  it  in  the  midst  of  a  small  flock 'of  the  faithful, 
who  hailed  it  with  all  the  reverence  begotten  of  earnest  belief.  The  rude  homes  in  which  the 
members  of  the  primitive  parish  lived  were  dedicated  to  the  cause  of  the  church,  and  their  doors 


684  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

thrown  open  to  receive  the  reverend  father.  Masses  were  said  in  the  log  cabins  of  the  parish- 
ioners with  all  the  profound  impressiveness  that  now  characterizes  the  more  attractive  service 
from  gilt  and  draped  altars,  which  echo  back  the  notes  of  solemn-toned  organs.  A  common  tin 
pan  then  served  as  a  baptismal  font,  and  a  gourd  of  water  from  the  Crawfish  River,  properly 
blessed,  removed  the  stain  of  sin  from  the  finger-tips  of  devout  believers.  Early  in  the  spring 
of  1856,  work  was  commenced  upon  the  foundation  of  a  church  edifice,  on  a  lot  donated  for  the 
purpose  by  A.  P.  Birdsey,  and  in  June  of  that  year  the  corner-stone  was  laid.  For  want  of 
sufficient  means,  no  further  progress  was  made  till  1864,  when  work  was  resumed,  and,  in  1866, 
during  the  pastorate  and  under  the  supervision  of  the  Rev.  E.  McGuirk,  the  present  substantial 
house  of  worship  was  completed.  In  the  mean  time,  a  temporary  wooden  structure  had  been 
built  and  occupied.  Father  Kundig's  successors  and  McGuirk's  predecessors  were  the  Revs. 
Downey  and  Purcell.  The  first  resident  Pastor  was  the  Rev.  James  O'Keefe,  who  succeeded  to 
the  charge  in  September,  1868.  In  that  year,  the  red  brick  parsonage  was  purchased  for  ^1,400. 
Father  O'Keefe  remained  until  May,  1870,  being  followed  by  Father  McGuirk,  who  found  both 
the  affairs  of  the  church  and  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  parishioners  much  more  satisfactory 
than  when  he  had  previously  visited  the  place  as  a  missionary.  The  fruits  of  his  earlier  labors 
were  fast  ripening.  His  stay  was  brief,  however,  being  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  E.  Gray,  who, 
in  December,  1872,  retired  in  favor  of  the  Rev.  Henry  Roche,  the  present  incumbent.  A  much- 
needed  addition  was  made  to  the  church  in  1879,  making  the  total  cost  of  the  building  about 
$5,000.     The  size  of  the  parish  is  given  at  eighty  families. 

The  Universalists. — The  Rev.  Dudley  Tyng  will  be  remembered  by  the  people  of  Columbus 
as  having  presided  over  a  society  of  Universalists  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  This  society  went 
out  of  existence,  and  in  February,  1866,  a  new  one  was  organized  from  the  fragments  of  the 
former  society,  by  the  Rev.  M.  G.  Todd.  The  church  was  organized  in- September,  1869,  and 
a  church  edifice  erected  that  year  at  a  cost  of  $7,000.  Mr.  Todd  continued  as  Pastor  until 
November,  1878,  when  he  resigned  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Edgar  Leavitt,  the 
incumbent.  The  first  officers  of  the  present  society  were :  John  Hasey,  President  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees ;  A.  Chapman,  Treasurer ;  Deacons,  Rev.  Dudley  Tyng  and  L.  H.  Bingham.  The 
present  officers  are  the  same,  with  the  exception  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tyng,  who  is  now  deceased. 

The  Episcopalians. — Luther  Gregory  was  the  first  Rector,  and  the  parish  was  organized 
over  twenty  years  ago.  The  church  edifice  was  built  in  1871,  at  a  cost  of  $3,000.  S.  S. 
Burleson  is  the  present  Rector.  His  circuit  includes  Beaver  Dam,  Fox  Lake,  Juneau,  Doylestown 
and  Columbus. 

MANUFACTURING   INTERESTS. 

The  first  piece  of  machinery  put  in  motion  in  Columbus  was  the  rude  attachment  to  Maj. 
Dickason's  "up-and-down"  saw.  This  earliest  of  all  early  Columbus  pioneers  built  the 
first  dam  on  the  Crawfish  River.  It  was  he  who  first  taught  the  stream  to  leap  forth  in 
the  morning  to  its  toil,  and  to  glide  away  at  evening  to  its  rest.  The  Major  put  in  a 
run  of  stones  soon  after  getting  his  saw  into  operation,  and  thus  he  became  the  only 
miller  for  many  miles  around.  In  1843,  he  was  compelled  to  turn  over  the  mill  to  Jere- 
miah Drake,  who  came  as  the  agent  and  manager  of  Lewis  Ludington.  The  grinding  of  grain 
was  then  made  the  leading  feature.  Another  run  of  stones  was  added,  but  even  this  increase  of 
facilities  could  not  cope  with  the  accumulating  grists.  People  came  from  Madison,  Stevens 
Point  and  other  remote  settlements  to  the  Columbus  mill.  The  various  grists  were  numbered 
and  had  to  "  take  their  turn,"  many  of  them  lying  over  for  two  weeks  at  a  time.  This  was  a 
serious  condition  of  things  when  bread  was  short.  One  of  the  pioneers  of  Columbus  relates  with 
apparent  amusement,  having  gone  to  the  mill  with  a  few  bags  of  wheat  at  a  time  when  there 
"  wasn't  a  crust  in  the  house."  He  found  so  many  ahead  of  him  that,  had  he  taken  his  place 
in  the  hungry'procession,  he  could  not  have  i-eached  home  until  late  on  the  following  day.  The 
lamentable  condition  in  which  he  had  left  his  family  urged  him  to  use  a  little  strategy ;  so,  the 
miller's  back  being  turned  about  the  time  the  hopper  became  empty,  he  quietly  turned  his  grist 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  687 

therein,  but  the  miller  made  the  discovery  too  late  to  remedy  the  matter ;  the  hopper  was  full, 
and  the  only  way  to  empty  it  was  to  keep  the  wheels  turning  and  grind  it  out.  In  August', 
1849,  thirty-one  years  ago,  J.  S.  Manning  purchased  the  property.  He  has  made  many  im- 
provements about  the  old  place,  putting  in  an  entirely  new  outfit  of  machinery.  In  1858,  a 
new  stone  dam  was  built,  but  a  portion  of  it  has  since  washed  away.  The  main  dam  is  now 
constructed  of  wood.  In  1876,  a  sixty-horse  power  engine  was  added  to  the  other  improvements. 
Since  then,  water  has  been  universally  abundant.  There  are  now  four  runs  of  stones  in  the  mill, 
and  it  has  a  capacity  of  about  one  hundred  bushels  per  day 

The  Foundry.— In  1869,  or  perhaps  a  year  earlier.  Hall  &  Caswell  established  a  factory 
in  Columbus,  where  they  turned  out  wagons,  corn-plows,  etc.  Mr.  Caswell  soon  retired  from 
the  business,  selling  his  interest  to  a  son  of  Mr.  Hall,  the  firm  becoming  S.  C.  Hall  &  Son.  In 
September,  1879,  Bolte  &  Eckofi"  purchased  the  property.  They  have  added  largely  to  the  ma- 
chinery and  now  manufacture  the  "Eureka"  windmill,  upon  which  Mr.  Bolte  has  a  patent,  it 
being  his  own  invention.  They  also  manufacture  the  "  Economist  "  churn.  Connected  with  the 
institution  is  a  foundry  in  which  are  used  all  the  modern  appliances,  and  one  run  of  stones  upon 
which  feed  is  ground,  the  whole  being  operated  by  a  large  and  powerful  engine. 

The  Elevator. — Built  in  1865,  by  Farnham  &  Allen,  now  managed  under  the  firm  name  of 
Farnham,  Allen  &  Co.  The  elevator  building  proper  is  40x40  feet,  and  has  a  capacity  of  30,- 
000  bushels  of  grain.  Besides  the  usual  machinery  attached  to  elevators,  there  are  two  runs  of 
stones  for  grinding  feed,  the  whole  being  operated  by  a  twenty-horse  power  engine.  Adjoining 
the  elevator  is  a  warehouse  60x40  feet,  built  in  1856. 

Near  by  is  the  extensive  storehouse  of  Messrs.  Churchill  &  Sexton,  built  in  the  spring  of 
1877.  It  IS  130  feet  long  and  36  feet  wide,  and  has  an  area  of  floor  capable  of  holding  20,1)00 
bushels  of  grain. 

Columbus  Marble  TTorfe.— Established  by  Wilson  &  Cramm  in  1867,  near  the  Fox  House 
on  James  street.  In  1869,  G.  L.  Graham  purchased  the  works  of  Mr.  Wilson,  the  latter 
having  previously  bought  out  his  partner,  Mr.  Cramm,  and  removed  it  to  the  present  site  of 
Lender  &  Krouse's  store,  and  later,  to  the  present  site  of  Henderson's  Opera  House.  J.  P. 
Miller  then  became  a  partner  and  remained  three  years.  A  partnership  was  then  formed  with 
W.  T.  Turner.  In  1872,  the  concern  was  moved  to  its  present  site.  In  1878,  H.  M.  Blumen- 
thal  took  a  third  interest,  and  a  year  later,  Mr.  Turner  retired  in  favor  of  his  son,  W.  R.  Turner. 
In  January,  1880,  Mr.  Graham  disposed  of  his  interest  to  his  partners,  and  the  firm  is  now 
Turner  &  Blumenthal.  From  four  to  six  hands  are  employed,  and  the  result  of  their  labor 
finds  ready  sale  within  a  radius  of  forty  miles. 

Machine  Shop,  etc.— In  1870,  S.  Hutchinson  established  in  Columbus  as  an  agricultural 
implement  dealer.  In  March,  1875,  J.  G.  Kanouse  took  a  half  interest  with  him,  and  the  firm 
commenced  the  manufacture  of  pumps  on  a  small  scale,  and  also  repaired  machinery.  A  ten- 
horse  power  engine  is  employed  in  the  business.  Attached  to  the  shop  are  a  turning  lathe  and 
a  planing  machine.  On  the  3d  of  April,  1880,  Mr.  Kanouse  went  out,  leaving  Mr.  Hutchinson 
sole  proprietor. 

Joiner  and  Builder— Among  the  institutions  of  Columbus,  none  have  borne  a  more  im- 
portant part  in  the  growth  of  the  place  than  the  estabishment  of  R.  D.  Vanaken.  Twenty-five 
years  ago,  he  commenced  in  Columbus  as  a  builder,  manufacturing  his  own  windows,  doors,  sash, 
etc.,  and  has  since  erected  nearly  two  hundred  houses  in  and  around  the  city.  Many  of  the 
handsome  stores,  dwellings  and  churches  in  Columbus  are  of  his  workmanship. 

Breiveries.— Jacob  Jussen  was  the  pioneer  brewer  of  Columbus.  He  built  a  small  house 
on  the  west  bank  of  the  Crawfish,  as  early  as  1848.  The  old  Gambrinian  temple  still  stands, 
though  its  beams  are  bent  with  the  burden  of  time,  and  the  walls  within  are  odorous  with  age 
and  the  fumes  of  beer.  Louis  Brauchle  purchased  the  establishment  in  1849,  and  though  he  has 
repaired  and  rebuilt  and  made  additions  to  it,  the  general  decay  that  pervades  the  premises  must 
ultimately  triumph  in  their  destruction.  The  old  maltster  long  since  passed  the  meridian  of  life, 
and  soon  both  he  and  his  brewery  must  take  places  among  the  things  that  were. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTT. 

In  1859,  Henry  Kurth  came  to  Columbus  with  his  family  and  a  four-barrel  brewer's  boiler. 
He  located  in  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  then  village,  and  commenced  the  manufacture  of 
the  "creamy,  dreamy  beer."  It  must  have  been  a  profitable  business,  for,  in  1865,  ho  built  a 
large  brick  brewery,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  ^^-4,000,  and  a  year  later  put  in  a  large  boiler  and  added 
other  improved  appliances.  His  establishment  has  now  a  capacity  of  about  sixty  barrels  a  week, 
though  the  demand  only  reaches  from  two  hundred  to  three  hundred  barrels  per  year. 

In  1869,  Stephen  Fleck  built  the  Farmers'  Brewery.     Its  custom  is  entirely  local. 

BANKS. 

Isaiah  Robinson  carried  on  the  first  money  exchange  business  in  Columbus.  His  opera- 
tions were  necessarily  the  reverse  of  extensive,  but  were  in  keeping  with  the  "  small  things  " 
of  the  early  fifties.  R.  W.  Chadbourn  engaged  in  the  same  branch  of  business  in  1853, 
making  insurance  and  real  estate  two  of  the  three  specialties.  Money,  however,  seemed  to  be 
most  largely  in  demand,  and  Mr.  Chadbourn  turned  his  attention  almost  entirely  to  this  branch 
of  his  business. 

Bank  of  Columbus. — In  December,  1856,  W.  L.  Lewis  started  the  first  bank  of  issue  in 
Columbus.  In  it  were  interested  C.  C.  Barnes  and  James  Barnes,  the  latter  being  Cashier. 
Mr.  Lewis  was  the  President.  About  1859,  the  institution  became  the  property  of  Willard 
Scott  and  Vosburg  Sprague,  under  whose  management  it  ceased  to  exist  in  1861. 

On  the  7th  of  September  of  that  year,  R.  W.  Chadbourn  opened  a  private  banking  insti- 
tution, in  the  same  building  vacated  by  Messrs.  Scott  &  Sprague,  and  in  1863,  it  was  organized 
under  the  National  Banking  Law,  as  the  First  National  Bank  of  Columbus,  with  a  paid-up 
capital  of  $50,000.  Its  number  (178)  indicates  it  as  having  been  among  the  first  institutions 
of  the  kind.  The  officers  under  this  organization  were  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  President ;  S.  W. 
Chadbourn,  Cashier ;  Directors — R.  W.  Chadbourn,  S.  W.  Chadbourn,  William  M.  Gris- 
wold,  George  Griswold  and  F.  F.  Farnham.  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Farnham,  in  1877,  C.  L. 
Waldo  became  a  Director.     Otherwise  the  management  has  remained  unchanged. 

Union  Bank. — In  September,  1861,  John  R.  Wheeler  opened  a  private  bank  in  A.  G. 
Cook's  building,  and  soon  afterward  organized  under  the  State  Banking  Law,  in  connection 
with  Marshall  Ilsley,  of  Milwaukee  banking  fame.  Mr.  Wheeler  was  the  President,  and  A.  G. 
Cook,  Cashier.  The  capital  stock  was  $100,000.  In  1872,  Mr.  Wheeler  having  retired  the 
circulation  and  discontinued  the  organization  of  the  bank,  it  was  transferred  to  L.  R.  Rockwell, 
who  has  continued  it  to  the  present  time  as  a  private  bank.  The  Union  Bank  building,  one  of 
the  architectural  ornaments  of  the  city,  was  erected  in  1865. 

COLUMBUS    LIBRARY    ASSOCIATION. 

The  intelligence  of  a  community  is  usually  gauged  by  the  literary  patronage  of  its  citizens. 
The  support  the  people  of  Columbus  have  given  to  the  Public  Library  is  excellent  testimony  of 
this.  On  the  20th  of  January,  1877,  a  meeting  of  prominent  citizens  was  held  at  the  Opera 
House,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  library  association.  The  necessary  preliminary  steps 
taken,  an  adjournment  was  had  until  the  27th  of  the  same  month,  at  which  time  the  organiza- 
tion was  completed  by  the  election  of  the  following  officers  :  President,  Matthew  Lowth  ;  Vice 
President,  E.  S.  Griswold  ;  Secretary,  C.  L.  Dering ;  Treasurer,  L.  R.  Rockwell.  Directors, 
for  one  year — R.  W.  Chadbourn,  John  Topp  and  William  M.  Griswold ;  for  two  years — J.  Q. 
Adams,  D.  S.  Fuller  and  Edward  Bowen ;  for  three  years — R.  W.  Earll,  D.  C.  Davies  and  E. 
E.  Chapin.  At  the  same  meeting  ex-Gov.  Lewis  donated  fifty-four  volumes  of  books.  Another 
meeting  was  held  on  the  30th  of  January,  at  which  committees  were  appointed  as  follows : 
Library  Committee — W.  M.  Griswold,  D.  C.  Davies  and  E.  E.  Chapin ;  Committee  on  Rooms — 
J.  Q.  Adams,  D.  S.  Fuller  and  Edward  Bowen ;  Finance — R.  W.  Chadbourn,  J.  Topp  and 
R.  W.  Earll.  E.  S.  Griswold  tendered  the  use  of  two  rooms  in  his  brick  block,  which  were 
accepted,  and  thanks  voted.     Miss  Mattie  Walsh  was  appointed  Librarian. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  689 

The  officers  for  1878  were  the  same  as  in  1877,  Messrs.  Chadbourn,  Topp  and  W.  M.  Gris- 
wold  being  elected  Directors  for  three  years.  On  the  29th  of  April,  1878,  an  executive  com- 
mittee was  appointed,  consisting  of  E.  S.  Griswold,  J.  Topp  and  W.  M.  Griswold. 

In  1879,  M.  Lowth,  E.  S.  Griswold  and  L.  R.  Rockwell  were  re-elected  President,  Vice 
President  and  Treasurer,  respectively,  Mic  Adams  succeeding  C.  L.  Dering  as  Secretary. 
The  Directors  were  J.  Q.  Adams,  D.  S.  Fuller  and  Edward  Bowen.  The  same  executive  com- 
mittee chosen  in  1878  were  re-appointed,  and  Flora  Walsh  succeeded  to  the  position  of  Librarian, 
holding  it  till  November,  1879,  when  Helen  Walsh  was  appointed. 

In  1880,  the  only  change  in  officers  was  the  election  of  R.  W.  Earll,  D.  C.  Davies  and  E. 
E.  Chapin  as  Directors,  and  the  appointment  of  M.  Adams,  D.  S.  Fuller  and  J.  Topp  as  the 
executive  committee. 

The  first  pui'chase  of  books  was  made  in  March,  1877,  of  Jansen,  McClurg  &  Co.,  to  the 
amount  of  $550.  Various  purchases  have  been  made  since  then,  the  total  amount  expended  to 
the  present  time  being  $830.  In  1878,  the  young  ladies  of  Columbus  presented  the  association 
with  $59  in  cash,  the  proceeds  of  a  concert  given  by  them  for  that  pui-pose.  Quite  a  number 
of  donations  of  books  have  been  made. 

The  association  is  composed  of  seventy-five  life  members,  each  of  whom  paid  $10.  One  of 
the  rules  of  the  association  provides  for  the  admission  of  annual  members  at  $1.50  each  for  the 
first  year,  and  $1  for  each  subsequent  year  they  remain  as  such.  The  annual  membership  has 
grown  to  important  proportions.  There  are  1,000  volumes  in  the  collection.  Nearly  one-fourth 
of  this  number  is  continuously  in  the  hands  of  patrons. 

HOTELS. 

When  the  village  of  Columbus  was  platted  by  Lewis  Ludington,  it  presented  a  promising 
picture — on  paper.  Passing  through  the  eastern  limits,  the  rippling  Crawfish  marked  its  wind- 
ing course.  Leading  away  to  the  southwest  from  the  river's  oak-fringed  banks  to  the  borders  of 
clustering  groves  in  the  distance  were  broad  avenues  with  other  avenues  crossing  them  at  right 
angles.  Near  the  river's  edge  was  an  entire  block  marked  "public  square,"  and  not  far  away 
a  "park,"  "  schoolhouse,"  "church,"  "hotel,"  etc. — all  donations  from  the  proprietor  of  the 
village.  H.  A.  Whitney  was  the  lucky  possessor  of  that  portion  of  the  plat  indicated  as  the 
"hotel,"  corner  of  James  and  Ludington  streets,  and  in  the  summer  of  184-4,  he  secured  abso- 
lute title  to  it  by  building  a  hotel  upon  it.  It  was  a  one-and-ahalf-story  frame.  Most  of  the 
lumber  of  which  it  was  built  was  hauled  from  Aztalan.  In  the  lower  portion,  Mr.  Whitney 
kept  a  small  stock  of  goods.  About  1848,  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  a  man  named  Thomas, 
who  devoted  the  entire  establishment  to  the  accommodation  of  the  public.  A.  P.  Birdsey  pur- 
chased from  Mr.  Thomas.  He  built  an  addition  to  it  and  conducted  it  for  a  number  of  years. 
Whitney  &  McCafferty  were  the  next  landlords.  At  the  end  of  a  year  and  a  half,  they  retired 
from  the  business,  and  the  concern  was  then  rented.  On  the  8th  of  October,  1857,  it  was  com- 
pletely destroyed  by  fire.  The  work  of  rebuilding  commenced  at  once.  Winter  was  approach- 
ing and  Columbus  was  without  a  hotel.  There  are  few  instances  to  record  where  so  much  energy 
is  displayed  as  was  the  case  in  the  construction  of  the  present  Fox  House.  Within  eighteen 
days  from  the  time  the  first  shovel  of  earth  was  removed  in  excavating  for  the  foundations,  a 
substantial  four-story  brick  had  been  erected,  and  workmen  were  engaged  putting  on  the  roof. 
Mr.  Whitney  surprised  himself  as  well  as  his  friends.  The  following  spring,  it  was  rented  to  a 
Mr.  Gardiner,  and  not  long  afterward  Mr.  Whitney  took  the  management  upon  himself.  At 
the  end  of  four  years,  he  sold  out  to  G.  Fuller,  but  was  compelled  to  take  it  back.  Soon  after- 
ward, an  old  ex-sea-captain  piloted  his  bark  into  Columbus,  and,  purchasing  the  Whitney  House, 
anchored  for  a  brief  time.  But  the  winds  were  unfavorable,  and  the  old  salt  turned  the  house 
over  to  Mr.  Whitney.  Enoch  Pulver  then  became  the  purchaser.  A  man  named  Graves  bought 
of  Pulver,  and  Julius  Fox,  the  present  owner,  purchased  of  Mr.  Graves. 

One  of  the  early  institutions  of  Columbus  was  the  old  Mountain  House,  which  stood  on  the 
high  ground  not  far  from  J.  T.  Lewis'  residence.  Its  career  as  a  hotel  was  brief,  though  how 
brilliant  is  not  known. 


690  HISTOKY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

COLUMBUS    OPERA    HOUSE. 

In  1872,  the  old  Methodist  church  buikling  was  purchased  by  J.  T.  Henderson.  It  was 
then  located  near  the  present  site  of  the  foundry.  From  there  it  was  removed  to  Broadway 
and  converted  into  a  public  hall,  and,  in  1877,  it  was  "made  over"  into  an  opera  house.  It  was 
thought  to  be  a  fine  edifice  in  its  day.  The  voice  of  prayer  has  often  been  heard  within  its 
walls,  and  it  has  echoed  to  much  pulpit  eloquence  of  all  sorts.  In  it  Mrs.  Van  Cott  made  her 
series  of  public  appeals  and  won  sinners  by  her  personal  magnetism.  When  it  had  been 
decided  to  convert  it  into  an  opera  house,  a  structure  16x35  was  added  for  stage  purposes.  On 
the  first  floor  are  two  rooms  for  rehearsals,  etc.,  and  the  second  floor  is  used  entirely  as  a  stage. 
Mr.  A.  Leibig,  of  Mayville,  Dodge  County,  who  was  a  scenic  painter  before  he  left  Germany, 
e.xecuted  the  stage  decorations.  The  total  cost  of  the  stage  improvements  is  $1,200,  of  which 
$500  is  for  scenery.     The  hall  will  seat  nearly  four  hundred. 

THE   FIRE    DEPARTMENT. 

Among  other  important  clauses  in  the  original  city  charter  of  Columbus  was  one  providing 
for  the  establisliment  of  a  fire  department.  Accordingly,  on  the  26th  of  December,  1877, 
the  City  Council  entered  into  a  contract  with  the  Babcock  Manufacturing  Company,  of  Chi- 
cago, for  two  of  their  extinguishers  and  one  hook  and  ladder  truck,  for  $1,800.  At  the  same 
meeting  of  the  Council,  authority  was  granted  for  the  formation  of  three  fire  companies.  On 
the  19th  of  October  previous,  the  Germania  Fire  Company  was  organized  by  the  election  of 
Fred.  Hanneman,  Foreman  ;  John  Topp,  First  Assistant ;  H.  A.  Lueders,  Second  Assistant ; 
Fred.  Wirth,  Treasurer ;  E.  Von  Briesen,  Secretary,  and  V.  Batz,  Marshal.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  company  were  D.  Stark,  G.  Link,  J.  Lemcke,  C.  Topp,  C.  Ulm,  C.  Mirow,  J.  Engel, 
M.  Rueth,  F.  F.  Wilske  and  A.  Miller.  The  present  ofiicers  are :  H.  A.  Lueders,  Foreman  ; 
John  Topp  and  G.  Link,  Assistants ;  G.  Woehlert,  Treasurer ;  E.  Von  Briesen,  Secret  ary,  and 
W.  Hanneman,  Marshal. 

On  the  6th  of  December,  1877,  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  No.  1  was  organized  with  the 
following  ofiicers :  E.  Blasius,  Foreman ;  J.  McCabe,  First  Assistant ;  W.  Vanaken,  Second 
Assistant ;  T.  Robinson,  Secretary,  and  T.  Morris,  Treasurer.  The  other  first  members  were 
M.  Houghton,  J.  Mettler,  T.  Clatworthy,  T.  Nix,  G.  Mohring,  C.  Kellar,  J.  Cagney,  A. 
Hirscher,  S.  Harding,  S.  McConnell,-  G.  H.  ColviUe,  S.  F.  Strehmel,  0.  Schmidt,  J.  C.  Hutch- 
inson and  J.  A.  Welton.  The  present  officers  are:  M.  J.  Durkan,  Foreman;  J.  A.  Welton 
and  J.  Dreyer,  Assistants ;  J.  Schaeffer,  Secretary ;  G.  H.  Colville,  Treasurer ;  J.  B.  Barney, 
Marshal. 

Columbia  Fire  Company  was  organized  December  10,  1877.  Officers  and  members :  W. 
G.  Bresee,  Foreman ;  J.  Jackson  and  R.  Cunningham,  Assistants ;  C.  E.  Fowler,  Secretary  ; 
T.  F.  Sweeney,  Treasurer ;  Charles  Mohring,  E.  J.  Davis,  C.  Randall,  E.  Kendall,  J.  Kendall, 
H.  Annis,  C.  Cooper,  D.  McLarty,  D.  Griffiths,  S.  B.  Kendall,  L.  Zick  and  J.  Richards.  This 
company  was  disbanded  on  the  9th  of  April,  1880. 

On  the  13th  of  November,  L.  J.  Sawyer  was  elected  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Fire  Depart- 
ment, by  the  Common  Council,  but  did  not  qualify.  J.  Cagney  was  chosen  Assistant  Chief, 
and  the  City  Clerk  and  City  Treasurer  appointed  to  act  as  ex  officio  Clerk  and  Treasurer. 
The  present  Assistant  Engineer  is  Andrew  Hirscher. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  department,  there  have  been  three  fires  in  Columbus.  March 
19,  1878,  the  calaboose  was  destroyed ;  March  27,  the  same  year,  J.  J.  Sutton's  dwelling  and 
barn,  a  somewhat  memorable  fire  in  the  annals  of  Columbus ;  September  27,  1S78,  J.  Kuhl's 
dwelling. 

LODGES   AND    SOCIETIES. 

The  common  tendency  of  civilized  people  to  form  themselves  into  societies  for  mutual 
advancement  developed  itself  at  a  very  early  day  in  Columbus.  From  records  still  in  existence, 
we  find  that  a  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows  was  founded  here,  in  1849.     It  was  called  Columbus  Lodge, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  691 

No.  40,  and  was  organized  on  the  12th  of  September,  with  D.  F.  Newcomb,  Andrew  Higley, 
Benj.  F.  Hart,  F.  A.  Fowler,  J.  J.  Guppey,  H.  S.  Haskell  and  Jerome  B.  Fargo  as  charter 
members.     It  prospered  and  grew  in  numbers  until  1872,  when  it  suspended  operations. 

In  1869,  Benjamin  Kelsey,  J.  R.  Jones,  A.  H.  Vanvoorhes,  C.  H.  Townley,  T.  C. 
Charles,  E.  Richards  and  A.  Miller  applied  for  and  received  a  charter  for  Ridgley  Lodge,  No. 
165,  but  upon  discovery  that  there  already  existed  a  lodge  by  that  name  (No.  82),  it  became 
necessary  to  adopt  a  new  title  for  the  new  lodge,  and  on  the  8th  of  May  (the  charter  bears  date 
of  April  24,  1869)  the  word  Gem,  was  substituted  for  Ridgley.  The  present  officers  of  Gem 
Lodge  are :  F.  Wirth,  N.  G.:  Samuel  McLarty,  V.  G.;  W.-  G.  Bresee,  Sec;  L.  Williams,  P. 
S.;  Robert  Griffiths,  Treas.     The  lodge  has  sixty-one  members. 

Mizpah  Encampment,  No.  61. — Organized  May  6,  1875,  with  C.  L.  Bering  as  C.  P.; 
Robert  Griffiths,  H.  P.;  F.  W.  Hart,  Treas.;  L.Williams,  S.  W.;  C.  S.  McFadyen,  J.  W.;  and 
L.  E.  Everson,  Scribe.  The  present  officers  are  :  W.  K.  Hosken,  C.  P.;  C.  S.  McFadyen,  H. 
P.;  R.  Griffiths,  S.  W.;  Benjamin  Kelsey,  J.  W.;  F.  Wirth,  Treas.;  W.  G.  Bresee,  Scribe. 
Number  of  members,  twenty-three. 

Irene  {Rebecca)  Lodge,  No.  59. — Chartered  November  25,  1879,  with  the  following  signa- 
tory members  :  W.  A.  Thompson,  T.  B.  Elmore,  C.  Thiese,  W.  J.  Edwards,  W.  K.  Hosken,  J. 
F.  Buschke,  S.  McLarty,  W.  G.  Bresee,  A.  D.  Brewer,  R.  Griffiths,  H.  Annis,  L.  F.  Owen,  J.  R. 
Jones,  J.  R.  Decker,  L.  E.  Everson,  G.  Mclntyre,  C.  S.  McFadyen,  M.  G.  Todd,  F.  Wirth, 
and  sisters  Hosken,  Griffiths,  Bresee,  Annis,  Todd,  Jones,  Brewer,  Thiese,  Elmore  and  Decker. 
The  present  officers  are :  Samuel  McLarty,  N.  G.;  Mrs.  H.  M.  Todd,  V.  G.;  W.  G.  Bresee, 
Sec;  Mrs.  W.  K.  Hosken,  Treas.  Thirty-two  members.  Meetings  are  held  by  the  various 
lodges  over  Bassett  &  Davis'  store. 

The  Masons — Columbus  Lodge,  No.  75. — Organized  June  12,  1856,  with  the  following 
charter  members  :  F.  Macauley  Black,  Edward  Jussen,  Silas  Axtell,  Peter  Wentz,  S.  C.  Higby, 
A.  P.  Birdsey,  J.  S.  Manning,  Benjamin  Campbell,  J.  A.  Elliott,  B.  F.  Hart,  J.  J.  Smith,  E. 
E.  Chapin,  B.  Chase,  Robert  Mills  and  J.  H.  Valentine.  Messrs.  Black,  Jussen  and  A.xtell 
were  the  first  officers.  The  present  are  M.  Adams,  W.  M.;  N.  Sawyer,  S.  W.;  E.  Churchill,  J. 
W.;  J.  A.  Erhart,  Treas.;  B.  E.  Johnson,  Sec;  0.  E.  Cornwell,  S.  D.;  L.  A.  Randall,  J.  D.; 
D.  D.  Kelsey,  Tiler.  Meetings  are  held  over  Griswold's  store,  where  the  lodge  has  a  well- 
appointed  hall. 

The  Good  Templars. — As  early  as  1850,  an  organization  known  as  the  Sons  of  Temperance 
was  effected  in  Columbus,  and  the  work  of  reformation  in  this  direction  has  gone  steadily  for- 
ward with  slight  variations  of  success.  Among  those  who  were  prominently  connected  with  the 
various  temperance  movements  of  early  times,  may  be  mentioned  Chester  W.  Dean.*  W.  W. 
Drake,  John  H.  Valentine,  William  McCracken,*  R.  W.  Chadbourn,  Samuel  McLarty,  H. 
Loomis,  A.  D.  Williams,  Milford  Loomis,  D.  F.  Newcomb,*  and  others.  Meetings  were  then 
held  over  Swarthout's  drug  store,  where  Hayden  Brothers'  place  now  is.  The  ladies  of  the 
village  took  an  active  part,  and  the  society  succeeded  in  gathering  quite  an  extensive  library. 
On  one  occasion  the,  lady  members  were  allowed  to  vote  on  an  important  question,  and  this 
being  a  violation  of  the  then  existing  condition  of  things,  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Sons  of 
Temperance  threatened  a  revocation  of  their  charter  and  a  confiscation  of  the  property  belong- 
ing to  the  liberal-minded  cold-water  champions  of  Columbus.  In  order  that  they  might  save 
their  library,  the  lodge  surrendered  their  charter  to  the  Grand  Lodge  and  went  over  to  the 
Good  Templars  in  a  body.  About  1855,  a  grand  temperance  sleigh-ride  was  gotten  up.  Three 
or  four  "  bobs  "  were  lashed  together  with  ropes,  and  eight  horses  hitched  to  the  concern. 
Fifty-six  persons  took  passage  for  Beaver  Dam  in  it.  An  hour  and  a  half's  drive  brought  the 
party  to  their  destination,  where  a  temperance  dinner  awaited  them. 

On  the  6th  of  February,  1874.  Columbus  Lodge,  No.  46,  I.  0.  G.  T.,  was  organized  with 
the  following  charter  members :  E.  D.  Kanouse,  E.  G.  Stitt,  Rev.  W.  A.  Cain,  L.  Williams 
and  wife,   R.  Griffiths  and  wife,  Walter   Stitt,   T.  H.  McConnell,  Mrs.  A.  McConnell,  Annie 


692  .  •  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA  COUNTY. 

M.  McConnell,  C.  E.  McConnell,  Joel  Winch,  Mollie  Campbell,  H.  D.  James,  Alice  Randall, 
F.  L.  Jones,  Willie  Loomis,  J.  F.  Shadduck,  F.  W.  lint.  Thsrpn  Dodd,  D.  J.  Kelsey,  J.  W. 
Campbell  and  wife,  Eugene  Everson,  J.  W.  Quain,  W.  E  B  ith,  Hattie  Tjng  Griswold,  Lorinda 
M.  Drake,  George  Drake,  Ettie  Lee,  George  Spencer,  T.  D.  Stultz,  J.  Roberts.  W.  G.  Bresee 
and  M.  G.  St.  John.  The  present  officers  of  the  society  are:  T.  Sanderson.  W.  C.  T.  ;  Nellie 
McLarty,  W.  V.  T. ;  J.  Harris,  W.  S. ;  R.  Griffiths,  W.  F.  R.  ;  May  Harris,  W.  T.  ;  Anna 
Loomis,  W.  C.  ;  R.  Turner,  Marshal;  J.  Birdsey,  L  G.  ;  H.  W.  Meyers,  0.  G.  Meetings  are 
held  over  R.  Griffiths'  furniture  store. 

Columbus  Temple,  N'o.  19,  T.  of  5^.— Ini?tituted  April  23,  1875.  Charter  members, 
Rev.  H.  Sewell,  E.  D.  Kanouse,  B.  F.  Hart,  M.  G.  St.  John,  Jay  Jennings,  E.  E.  Jones, 
J.  R.  Jones,  William  Cole,  R.  T.  Williams,  R.  Griffiths,  P.  J.  Umbrite,  H  Annis,  G.  Tollard, 
T.  H.  McConnell,  A.  Whitney,  T.  L.  Jones,  L.  Wiiliami,  J.  W.  Qaain,  F.  W.  Hart,  J.  Jack- 
son, M.  W.  Sawyer,  E.  Federly  and  Samuel  Hutchinson.  Tliere  are  now  seventy-five  members 
in  the  temple;  following  are  the  officers:  R.  Griffiths,  W.  C.  T.  ;  D.  McLarty,  W.  V.  T. ; 
S.  McLarty,  P.  W.  C.  T. ;  M.  W.  Sawyer.  Rec.  Sec  ;  H.  Annis,  Asst.  Sec. ;  W.  Thompson, 
Fin.  Sec. ;  S.  Nelson,  Treas. ;  A.  W.  Fuller,  U.  ;  F.  Heise,  D.  U. ;  John  Leith,  W.  S.  ;  J. 
McConnell,  W.  G.     Meetings  are  held  over  R.  Griffiths'  furniture  store. 

Turnverein  G-ermania. — The  "Columbus  Turnverein  Society"  was  the  title  of  an 
organization  which  existed  from  about  1865  to  1869.  Through  a  lack  of  proper  interest  it  dis- 
banded, and,  in  1874,  a  new  organization  was  effected  with  the  same  laudable  objects  which  had 
animated  the  leaders  of  the  one  defunct.  A  permanent  organization  was  reached  October  14. 
the  books  showing  the  following  charter  members :  J.  Engel,  0.  Vogl,  M.  Alft.  F.  Wirth,  H. 
F.  Vogl,  G.  Morrisse,  Antone  Winter,  J.  G.  Stahl,  J.  Siepp,  C.  Mohring,  J.  Kurth,  J.  Alts- 
schwager,  G.  Knaak,  L.  Knaak,  C.  Roth  and  G.  Sproesser.  The  first  officers  were:  Otto 
Vogl,  President;  0.  Mohring,  Vice  President;  F.  Wirth,  Treasurer;  J.  Engel,  Secretary. 
The  present  are:  John  Topp,  President;  J.  A.  Erhart,  Vice  President;  F.  Wirth,  Treasurer; 
J.  Engel,  Secretary  ;  M.  Ehrmann  and  H.  A.  Leaders,  Wardens.  The  Turnverein  is  com- 
posed of  about  forty-five  members,  and  is  located  in  Henderson's  Opera  House. 

St.  Jerome's  Temperance  Society. — Organized  January  1,  1876,  by  the  election  of  the  fol- 
lowing officers:  President,  Terrence  Flannagan  ;  Vice  President,  M.  V.  Cunningham;  Secre- 
tary, B.  Conlin ;  Treasurer,  John  Crook  ;  Spiritual  Director,  Rev.  H.  J.  Roche.  In  May, 
1880,  a  library  association  was  formed  by  the  members  of  this  society,  and  they  now  have  100 
volumes  of  choice  books.  The  present  officers  of  the  society  are :  President,  Stephen  Tobin  ; 
Vice  President,  T.  Conlin ;  Secretary,  R.  S.  Cunningham.  Mr.  Roche  is  a  strong  advocate  of 
temperance  principles,  and  is  meeting  with  considerable  success  in  his  work. 

CEMETERIES. 

When  Lewis  Ludington  platted  the  village  of  Columbus  in  1844,  he  donated  to  the  use  of 
the  citizens  of  both  town  and  village  for  burial  purposes  the  most  appropriate  spot  within  the 
boundaries  of  the  plat — the  rise  of  ground  now  lying  in  the  northeastern  portion  of  the  city. 
The  first  burial  made  there  was  that  of  the  body  of  Hiram  Allen,  an  early  settler,  who  died  in 
1845.  The  cemetery  question  has  entered  quite  largely  into  local  political  contests.  When  the 
city  was  incorporated,  it  was  stipulated  that  there  should  be  no  change  in  the  existing  arrange- 
ments between  the  village  and  town.  The  matter  has  since  been  regulated  by  the  Legislature, 
as  follows :  "  Whenever  any  town  cemetery  shall  become  embraced  within  the  limits  of  any 
city  the  duties  and  powers  of  the  town  board  relating  thereto  shall  be  exercisedby  the  Common 
Council." 

Catholic  Cemetery. — In  1868,  St.  Jerome's  Parish  purchased  of  A.  G.  Cook  suitable 
grounds  for  cemetery  purposes  just  north  of  the  public  burying-ground.  The  first  interment 
made  therein  was  in  the  spring  of  1869,  the  body  of  Maurice  Cunningham,  who  died  the  win- 
ter previous  and  was  buried  temporarily  in  the  churchyard,  being  transferred  to  the  new  plat. 
The  grounds  have   been  appropriately  laid  out  and  beautified,  and  the  little  groves  of  crosses 


HISTOEY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  693 

that  mingle  with  the  growing  shrubbery  bear  ample  evidence  that  the  hand  of  Death  has  not 
been  idle. 

LOCAL    REMINISCENCES. 

There  are  many  good  stories  of  early  times  in  Columbus,  but  they  are  mostly  of  the  char 
acter  of  the  majority  of  good  stories — they  lose  their  best  qualities  when  told  in  print ;  press 
a  rose  between  "  morocco  "  or  "  sheep  "  and  its  fragrance  will  vanish.  The  knowledge-box  of 
the  average  "early  settler"  teems  with  pioneer  reminiscences,  ludicrous  and  pathetic;  but  it 
takes  the  "  average  early  settler  "  to  relate  them.  It  is  beyond  the  pen  of  the  historian  to  por- 
tray, with  any  depth  of  interest,  the  incidents  in  John  Swarthout's  first  pilgrimage  to  Colum- 
bus. It  is  an  easy  matter  to  say,  in  bare  words,  that  John  was  the  captain  of  a  "  prairie 
schooner"  propelled  by  several  yoke  of  oxen,  and  that  he  found  himself  "unequal  to  the 
occasion  "  whenever  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  "  talk  ox" — for  John  had  been  reared  a 
city  boy  and  knew  more  of  the  efficacy  of  pills  and  squills  than  he  did  of  the  language  usually 
applied  to  beasts  of  burden  of  the  bovine  species.  Stripped  of  the  intonations  and  gestures  of 
the  narrator,  the  story  loses  its  charm. 

It  would  also  be  a  difficult  matter  for  any  one  besides  Uriah  Davies  to  describe  the  appear- 
ance of  Mr.  Swarthout  when  he  came  to  Columbus  the  second  time,  dressed  in  new  "  store 
clothes,"  his  young  and  tender  brow  shaded  from  the  torrid  rays  of  the  sun  by  a  genteel,  and 
at  that  date  very  stylish,  white  soft  hat.  Quite  a  difference  of  opinion  existed  among  the  set- 
tlers as  to  the  nature  of  the  stranger's  calling ;  some  insisted  that  he  was  a  minister,  while 
others  declared  this  view  to  be  a  libel  upon  the  church.  It  was  some  days  before  the  new-comer 
found  favor  in  their  sight. 

Nor  can  a  correct  history  be  written  of  the  "Codfish  Society,"  so  long  ago  has  it  been 
since  their  martial  tread  was  heard  in  the  streets  of  Columbus.  They  were  wont  to  rouse  "the 
boys  "  from  their  slumbers  and  "  press  them  in  "  at  all  hours  of  the  night.  This  once  famous 
quasi-military  society  acquired  its  name  from  the  alacrity  with  which  its  members  could  sur- 
round and  annihilate  a  salt  codfish.  Its  eminent  commander  saw  actual  service  during  the 
rebellion,  leading  the  gallant  Twenty-third  through  the  domain  of  King  Cotton.  Codfish 
was  then  a  luxury. 

There  were  initiations  by  that  immortal  brotherhood,  the  A.  0.  0.  T.  0  (Ancient  Order  of 
One  Thousand  and  One),  which,  in  point  of  thoroughness,  rivaled  all  other  initiations  ever  heard 
of.  Patent-medicine  men,  patent-right  sharps  and  such  like  adventurers,  willing  to  sacrifice  a 
little  principle  to  gain  "business  prestige,"  fell  easy  victims.  Occasionally  a  resident  candidate 
took  the  "  degree  "  and  became  honored  with  membership.  But  the  order  is  no  more.  It  has 
passed  away,  with  many  another  institution,  whose  existence  was  in  accordance  with  the  con- 
ditions of  society. 

It  has  been  deemed  proper  to  preserve  a  few  incidents  of  early  times,  as  illustrating  what 
those  conditions  of  society  were.  One  of  the  first  settlers  in  Columbiis,  who  is  still  living,  says 
the  first  winter  he  spent  in  the  place  he  boarded  at  the  hotel.  If  there  is  one  thing  about  that 
hotel  he  remembers  more  distinctly  than  another,  it  was  the  landlady,  who  was  a  large,  masculine- 
looking  woman,  well  proportioned  (though  rather  too  corpulent  to  be  considered  a  good  figure),  and 
withal  a  woman  of  great  strength.  She  sometimes  displayed  her  physical  powers  in  leading 
unprofitable  customers  out  by  the  ears,  and  was,  at  times,  something  of  a  terror  to  the  boarders 
generally.  Our  pioneer  informant  recollects  on  one  occasion  hearing  an  unusual  noise  in  the 
kitchen  of  the  ancient  hostelry,  and  upon  going  to  see  what  wonderful  thing  had  happened,  found 
one  of  the  male  boarders  being  used  as  a  rolling-pin  by  the  female  Samson.  The  unfortunate 
man  had  in  some  way  interfered  with  the  landlady's  prerogative.  She  was  engaged  at  the  time 
rolling  out  biscuit  on  a  large  table,  and  had  taken  the  offending  boarder,  and,  sprinkling  him  well 
with  flour,  forcibly  laid  him  across  the  table,  and  was  rolling  him  back  and  forward  over  the  dough, 
in  place  of  the  wooden  instrument  commonly  used  for  that  purpose.  The  astonished  observer  of  the 
proceeding  thought  it  best  not  to  interfere.  But  the  old  lady  soon  after  came  to  grief  at  the 
hands  of  her  victim.     It  was  in  this   wise  :   She  very  frequently  put  in   an   appearance  when 


694  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

anything  interesting  was  going  on,  and  seemed  anxious  to  know  all  about  it,  sometimes  taking 
part  in  the  fun.  One  afternoon,  quite  a  number  of  men  had  collected  in  front  of  the  hotel,  and 
were  engaged  in  shooting  a  rifle.  The  female  giant  came  to  the  door  and  said  she  wasn't  afraid 
to  shoot  a  gun,  and  would  like  to  try  what  she  could  do.  The  gentleman  who  had,  but  a  short 
time  previous,  been  made  to  serve  as  a  rolling-pin  was  present ;  his  time  had  come  to  square 
accounts  with  his  tormentor.  There  was  an  old  musket  setting  in  the  bar-room,  which,  when 
heavily  loaded,  was  wonderfully  given  to  kicking.  Indeed  it  was  difiicult  to  tell  which  was  the 
safer  end  of  the  gun  to  stand  in  front  of  when  it  was  discharged.  The  old  "  fusee  "  was  brought 
out  and  given  to  the  landlady,  who  knew  nothing  of  the  old  musket's  history,  and  was  equally 
ignorant  of  the  handling  of  fire-arms  of  any  caliber.  Seizing  the  weapon,  she  placed  the  silent 
end  against  her  stomach  (not  her  shoulder,  as  most  people  do),  and  pulled  the  trigger.  The 
reverberating  report  of  the  musket  was  followed  by  a  heavy  thud  upon  the  ground.  The  old 
lady  and  the  gun  had  suddenly  parted  company.  The  target  was  untouched,  but  the  earth  in 
front  of  the  hotel  looked  as  if  it  had  stopped  a  meteor.  Dr.  A.xtell  happened  to  be  present,  and 
by  the  free  use  of  camphor,  the  old  lady  was  restored,  but  she  was  never  again  known  to  engage 
in  artillery  practice. 

It  is  related  that  the  first  attempt  to  hold  a  religious  meeting  in  Columbus  occurred  in  1846. 
A  well-groomed  young  man  put  in  an  appearance  one  Saturday  afternoon  and  exposed  written 
notices  on  the  four  corners,  announcing  that  on  the  day  following  he  would  conduct  divine  service 
in  the  schoolhouse,  which  was  then  regarded  as  an  imposing  structure.  Something  of  a  congre- 
gation of  both  sexes  duly  occupied  the  benches.  The  prayer  was  made  fluently  enough, 
and  the  reading  of  the  sacred  poetry  was  accomplished  without  any  perceptible  violence  to  the 
sentences.  Then  the  divine  plunged  glibly  into  the  delivery  of  his  discourse,  but,  after  rolling 
out  a  single  paragraph,  he  hesitated,  and  at  once  fell  over  the  fragments  of  a  sentence  and  finally 
went  back  to  his  beginning  again.  This  provoked  a  ripple  of  merriment,  which  was  quickly 
subdued,  when,  after  a  little  "scoring,"  his  sermon  got  under  headway  again.  He  broke  down 
a  second  time  at  the  same  place,  and  when  he  again  went  back  to  the  commencement  to  re-form, 
it  was  amid  something  like  a  general  laugh.  He  went  on  once  more  briskly  enough  till  he  readied 
the  old  pitfall,  and  there  he  floundered  hopelessly  for  the  third  time.  The  laugh  was  general 
and  hearty  now.  In  a  pause  of  it  the  speaker  proceeded  to  say  :  "  I  have  always  believed  that 
I  could  preach,  and,  being  among  strangers,  I  thought  I  would  take  advantage  of  the  opportunity. 
It's  the  first  time  I  ever  tried  it,  and,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  I  haven't  done  near  as  well  as  I 
expected."  Thereupon  he  fished  up  his  hat,  and,  quickly  vanishing,  was  never  again  recog- 
nized in  these  parts. 

In  1846,  Elder  Winchell,  a  clergyman  of  the  Baptist  style  of  doing  things,  arranged  for  a 
meeting  in  the  village  and  secured  for  the  occasion  an  apartment  in  the  old  hotel  that  then  occu- 
pied the  present  site  of  the  Fox  House,  and  which  ofi'ered  about  the  only  feasible  place  in  the 
settlement  for  the  public  breaking  of  the  bread  of  life.  A  few  of  the  villagers  gathered  in  to 
refresh  their  recollection  of  meeting  as  they  had  been  accustomed  to  it  before  their  removal  to 
the  frontier ;  but  the  audience  must  have  been  very  small  indeed,  as  the  residents  of  the  entire 
hamlet  then  would  not  have  made  a  corporal's  guard.  The  minister  made  fair  sailing  with  the 
preliminary  exercises,  and  had  just  started  in  his  discourse  with  some  show  even  of  listening  on 
the  part  of  his  little  congregation.  All  at  once,  however,  their  attention  seemed  diverted  toward 
some  object  in  the  street  and  momentarily  became  more  engaged.  Presently  one  of  the  little 
company  went  softly  out  on  tiptoe ;  then  another,  and  another,  after  which  the  balance  of  the 
flock  stood  not  on  the  order  of  their  going  but  went  noiselessly  out  in  a  body,  leaving  the  sur- 
prised minister  entirely  alone,  and  not  yet  advanced  to  the  middle  of  his  sermon*  Bassett  & 
Arnold  had  recently  built  a  little  store,  which  stood  somewhere  near  the  present  location  of 
Lenders  &  Krause's  new  block,  and  Bassett,  who  had  been  East  for  a  stock  of  goods,  had  arrived 
that  Sunday  forenoon  with  a  load  of  mixed  merchandise,  and  his  appearance  with  it  in  the  streets 
was  80  great  an  event  that  it  caused  the  stampede  mentioned,  and  undoubtedly  gave  the  preacher 
an  experience  entirely  new  in  his  ministry. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  695 

There  is  "a  good  one"  told  of  J.  T.  Lewis,  and  it  is  worth  preserving  for  posterity. 
Not  long  after  his  arrival  in  Columbus,  the  now  ex-Governor  was  met  near  the  place  where  he 
now  resides,  by  E.  Thayer  and  H.  Cady.  They  had  just  wounded  a  deer,  and  the  animal  was 
over  the  hill  using  his  best  endeavors  to  escape.  They  were  on  foot  and  Mr.  Lewis  was 
mounted  on  his  Indian  pony,  and  they  requested  him  to  give  pursuit  and  secure  their  venison. 
Now,  it  may  be  premised  that  he  knew  as  little  about  the  cervine  quadruped  as  any  man  in  these 
parts,  but  he  gave  chase.  The  difference  in  the  speed  of  the  pony  and  that  of  the  wounded  buck 
was  hardly  discernible,  but  the  former  gained  slowly,  and  after  a  sharp  run  came  alongside. 
The  rider  was  at  the  moment  perfectly  guiltless  of  any  weapons  of  offense  or  defense,  and 
the  buck  had  ugly  antlers,  a  circumstance  before  unthought  of,  but  Mr.  Lewis  unhesitatingly 
flung  that  physique  which  was  subsequently  to  embellish  the  gubernatorial  chair  of  Wisconsin, 
pronely  upon  the  back  of  the  running  deer.  It  was  a  seat  even  more  uncertain  than  the  seat  of 
power,  and  his  future  Excellency  was  precipitated  several  yards  into  the  snow.  He  shook  him- 
self from  his  descent,  and,  bethinking  himself  of  his  pocket  knife,  followed  on  foot  the  now 
almost  exhausted  animal,  and,  after  one  or  two  ineffectual  attempts,  succeeded  in  dispatching 
the  deer  by  stabbing  him  in  the  neck,  and  was  himself  completely  covered  with  blood. 

The  national  anniversary  of  our  independence  was  first  commemorated  in  Columbus  in 
1846.  Most  of  the  settlers  for  miles  around  were  convened  and  expressed  their  patriotism  with- 
out any  reference  to  the  conventionalities  that  came  in  later  years.  The  country  tavern  which 
then  stood  on  the  present  site  of  the  Fox  House,  had  been  transferred  by  Mr.  Whitney  to  a  Mr. 
L.  Thomas,  and  here  the  dance,  indispensable  at  such  a  time,  was  held.  In  those  days  most  of 
the  settlers  were  young  or  unmarried  men,  and  the  gentler  sex  did  not  exist  in  the  proportion 
in  which  they  are  now  to  be  found.  Partners  were  in  demand,  and  all  the  wearers  of  petti- 
coats were  impressed  into  the  service.  Many  of  those  who  were  noted  for  their  grave  and  dig- 
nified deportment  that  year  passed  the  night  of  the  '2d  decorating  the  hall,  danced  all  night  on 
the  3d,  and  spent  the  night  of  the  4th  in  genera!  jollification.  The  portico  of  J.  T.  Lewis' 
little  law  office  was  the  rostrum  for  the  orator  of  the  day,  who  was  Mr.  Lewis  himself,  and  Dr. 
Axtell  read  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  The  ordnance  consisted  of  a  couple  of  anvils,  the 
one  inverted  on  the  other,  and  the  martial  music  to  stir  the  patriotic  breast  of  the  early  resi- 
dents included  a  fife  and  drum,  the  latter  manipulated  by  A.  P.  Birdsey. 

The  first  court  ever  held  in  Columbus  was  when  the  old  district  system  obtained,  and  was 
presided  over  by  Judge  Alexander  W.  Stowe  in  the  old  schoolhouse.  Judge  C.  H.  Larrabee 
was  elected  for  this  district,  but  at  the  time  had  made  an  exchange.  Judge  Stowe  was  an  old 
bachelor  of  rather  an  harmonious  turn  of  mind,  and  several  dry  jokes  are  related  concerning  him. 
During  the  first  term  of  the  court,  T.  Clark  Smith  was  Sheriff  and  H.  A.  Whitney  was  Deputy.  In 
the  first  case  that  was  tried  the  jury  went  out  under  the  direction  of  the  Deputy  to  a  room  in 
the  Whitney  House  to  make  up  their  verdict.  The  deliberation  extended  into  the  night,  and  the 
jurors,  becoming  convinced  they  could  not  agree,  suddenly  dispersed  through  the  window,  des- 
pite all  the  efforts  of  the  deputy. 

It  was  at  this  same  term  of  court  that  Judge  Stowe  fined  a  petit  juror  for  contempt,  to 
which  judicial  visitation  the  party  punished  replied  promptly  and  cheerfully,  "Fine  and  be 
d — d,"  whereupon  the  court  "went  and  saw  him"  in  a  second  mulct,  which  satisfied  him. 

The  first  proceedings  in  the  Justice  Court  in  Columbus  was  an  action  of  assault  and  bat- 
tery, wherein  one  Joseph  Brown  did  do  Bob  Mills  bodily  harm  contrary  to  law.  He  was  tried 
before  Squire  Allen. 

Josiah  Arnold,  now  Mayor  of  Portage,  was  a  Columbus  pioneer.  He  was  a  Massa- 
chusetts boy,  and  his  birthplace  was  among  the  hills  of  Berkshire.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
the  spring  of  1843,  and  located  at  Janesville,  then  a  small  settlement.  In  1845,  Arnold  and 
D.  E.  Bassett,  another  Columbus  pioneer,  started  business  together  at  Janesville,  and  conducted 
it  there  for  about  a  year.  Thinking  the  demands  of  trade  too  fully  met  in  Janesville,  Arnold 
started  northward  on  horseback,  in  August,  1845,  to  find  a  new  location.  He  came  by  way  of  Lake 
Mills  and  Waterloo,  and  night  overtook  him  about  six  miles  south  of  the  hamlet  of  Columbus. 


696  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

He  inquired  at  the  double  log  house,  which  was  then  occupied  by  a  man  named  Paddock, 
and  which  is  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Cyrus  Montgomery,  if  he  could  find  accommodations 
for  the  night.  The  lady  of  the  rude  mansion,  which  was  kept  as  a  sort  of  hostelry,  told  him 
that  he  could,  if  he  would  take  care  of  his  own  horse.  He  accordingly  mowed  the  animal  some 
feed  from  the  lu.xuriant  meadow  of  nature  which  grew  close  by  the  premises,  and  stabled  him  in 
the  log  barn,  which  was  well  built  enough  for  those  times,  except  that  it  was  roofless  and  without 
doors.  There  was  no  intimation  of  supper  that  evening,  but  as  Arnold  had  eaten  late  in  the 
afternoon,  he  did  not  suffer  in  consequence  of  that  omission.  Stopping  at  the  house  at  that 
time,  was  a  bridal  party  which  added  to  the  interest  of  Arnold's  first  night  in  this  part  of  Wis- 
consin. Mayor  Fisk  had  recently  been  married  to  a  daughter  of  Zenas  Robbins,  and  as  the 
course  of  true  love  was  running  very  rough  in  his  case,  he  had  found  it  expedient  to  put  some 
distance  between  him  and  his  irretrievable  father-in-law.  He  was  a  devotee  of  the  violin,  and 
he  fiddled  away  the  hours  of  his  honeymoon  there  in  the  wilderness  in  careless  happiness,  as  if 
he  was  the  possessor  of  millions,  instead  of  being  penniless.  Arnold  at  length  grew  drowsy 
under  the  influence  of  this  indifferent  execution  of  "  Old  Zip  Coon,"  "  The  Arkansas  Traveler," 
and  other  harmonies  of  that  ilk,  mixed  with  much  billing  and  cooing,  and  was  shown  to  bed 
without  any  light.  During  the  night.  Paddock  returned  home  from  Columbus  in  a  condition 
the  reverse  of  sober.  The  second  floor  was  thin  and  full  of  cracks,  and  Arnold  had  the  com- 
plete benefit)of  the  rough  eloquence  with  which  Mrs.  Paddock  assailed  her  lord  for  an  hour  or  more 
on  the  enormity  of  going  to  Columbus  and  getting  drunk,  with  a  stranger  in  the  house,  the 
cows  not  come  up,  and  not  a  mouthful  for  anybody  to  eat.  When  Arnold  awoke  the  next 
morning,  the  light  was  shining  full  in  his  face  through  the  rents  in  the  roof,  and  a  line  of  chickens 
were  roosting  calmly  on  a  pole  stretching  across  the  room  at  right  angles  with  his  bed.  The 
breakfast  of  which  Arnold  and  the  happy  bride  and  groom  partook  that  morning  consisted  of 
tea  without  milk  or  sugar,  dry  bread  and  Stewed  tomatoes. 

Arnold  came  into  Columbus  that  day,  and  purchased  the  lot  opposite  the  Fox  House.  150 
feet  front,  for  $30  ;  Bassett  and  Arnold  built  a  store  that  fall,  and  went  into  business,  though 
they  did  not  remove  all  their  goods  from  Janesville  until  the  following  spring.  Arnold  con- 
tinued a  resident  of  Columbus  until  the  fall  of  1851,  when,  having  been  elected  Register  of 
Deeds,  he  removed  to  Portage,  where  in  1853  he  and  "Bony  "  Fargo  established  themselves  in 
the  hardware  business  in  what  was  known  as  the  old  Verandah  Block.  Fargo  subsequently  went 
to  California,  and  is  now  one  of  the  leading  wholesale  liquor  dealers  in  San  Francisco. 

TRAVEL    NOW    AND    THKN. 
KY  H.  D.  BATH. 

One  of  our  business  men  has  pressing  business  in  Milwaukee,  and  while  yet  the  nocturnal 
darkness  shadows  his  sleeping  neighbors,  he  shakes  himself  from  his  slumbers  and  reaches  the 
railroad  depot.  The  quiet  of  that  gloomy  period  that  precedes  daybreak  by  a  couple  of  hours 
rests  in  all  the  surroundings,  which  look  as  if  life  or  animation  never  fell  upon  or  entwined 
them.  It  is  the  period  when  animal  life  is  at  its  lowest  ebb ;  when  the  powers  of  darkness  and 
of  radiance  are  beginning  a  combat,  the  result  of  which  will  be  a  new  day.  He  feels  the 
depressing  influence  of  the  time,  and  half  regrets  the  precipitancy  that  led  to  his  taking  an 
early  train.  But  he  waits  drowsily  for  the  coming  conveyance,  and  perhaps,  in  the  mean  time 
draws  a  practical  comparison  as  to  the  yielding  of  slumber  between  the  hard  benches  of  the  wait- 
ing room  and  his  own  comfortable  bed.  There  is  a  languor  upon  him  that  speaks  of  nature 
violated  and  the  diminution  of  her  sweet  restorer,  and  he  fi^lls  into  a  troubled  nap.  Amid  the 
dreams  that  flit  across  it,  the  carpet  bag  under  his  head  seems  gradually  to  assume  Alpine  alti- 
tude and  ruggedness,  and  to  produce  a  proportionate  strain  on  the  back  of  the  neck.  Presently, 
he  catches  an  approaching  rumble  which  suggests  to  his  bewildered  faculties  the  opening  of  an 
overture.  Only  half  awakened,  he  reaches  the  platform  and  is  in  the  midst  of  the  glare  of  the 
great  fiery  eye  of  the  advancing  locomotive.   Though  expecting  it,  he  cannot  repress  the  momentary 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


697 


impression  that  it  is  a  colossal  living  monster,  glaring  with  accumulated  life,  as  in  passing 
its  hot  breath  steams  into  his  face.  Amid  the  clanging  of  the  warning  bell,  the  shriekins;  of 
the  whistle,  the  grinding  of  the  brakes,  the  multiplied  rattle  of  wheels,  the  voices  of  the  con- 
ductor, baggage-man  and  brakeman,  the  din  of  the  gradual  annihilation  of  trunks,  words  of 
good  bye,  the  thud  of  the  fuel  falling  into  the  tender  to  replenish  the  red-hot  man  of  the  engine, 
he  takes  his  seat  in  the  cushioned  car  and  is  soon  wrapped  in  comfortable  unconsciousness,  and 
is  passively  gliding,  at  the  rate  of  twenty-five  miles  an  hour,  toward  the  coming  morning  and 
his  place  of  destination.  And  who  can  indicate  the  magnificence  of  those  unlockings  of  the 
eastern  portals  from  the  first  purple  flash  that  steals  through  the  orient  gate,  when  it  is  but  half 
ajar  to  the  full  glory  of  the  perfect  day  as  it  streams  forth  regardless  of  any  barrier.  Seen 
from  a  car  platform  with  the  pure  fresh  breeze  rushing  against  the  cheek,  youth  and  health  find 
an  ecstacy  in  the  situation  that  words  do  not  express.  Our  traveler  arrives  in  Milwaukee  just 
as  the  first  murmur  of  business  has  begun  to  rise  from  the  busy  metropolis.  He  breakfasts  lib- 
erally and  has  a  full  half-day  to  attend  to  business  before  the  next  return  train,  taking  which 
he  is  home  again  the  same  day  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

This  is  the  manner  in  which  the  people  in  Columbus  now  reach  the  chief  city  of  the  State; 
but  some  of  our  residents  remember  when  travel  was  a  thing  far  different.  It  was  quite  another 
afiair  in  1844,  when  a  visit  to  the  county  seat,  then  at  Plover,  was  a  hoi'seback  pilgrimage  of 
many  days'  duration,  on  which  the  solitary  traveler  guided  his  course  through  the  wilderness  ''by 
the  blaze."  We  meet  on  our  streets  every  day  comparatively  young  men  who  went  to  Mil- 
waukee from  this  (then)  village  with  trams  when  the  trip  was  a  campaign  of  fourteen  days  through 
mud  and  rain  and  swamp  and  wood.  The  main  route  was  by  what  is  known  as  the  old  Govern- 
ment road,  by  the  way  of  Lake  Mills,  Aztalan,  and  the  junction  of  the  Watertown  and  Aztalan 
roads,  twelve  miles  east  of  Watertown,  at  which  junction  stood  an  old  tavern  that  many  have 
good  reason  for  remembering  well.  Thence  the  road  was  to  Summit,  to  within  two  miles  of 
Oconomowoc,  when  the  Watertown  plank-road  was  reached.  In  particularly  bad  weather  it  was 
necessary  to  go  around  by  the  way  of  Whitewater,  Palmyra  and  Waukesha.  Men  who  were 
on  the  road  in  those  days  tell  us  of  being  stuck  in  the  mud,  and,  after  ineffectually  laboring 
until  nearly  night  to  extricate  their  wagons,  mounting  a  horse  and  going  for  assistance  and  being 
all  the  next  day  in  getting  back  to  them.  Subsequently,  travel  went  by  way  of  Lowell,  and  not 
unfrequently  it  was  a  day's  hard  work  to  transport  a  load  to  that  point.  Gliding  so  easily 
across  the  country  in  these  times,  we  do  not  realize  how  arduous  was  the  travel  in  those  days  of 
the  pioneers. 


698  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Town  of  Arlington— Village  of  Arlington— Town  of  Caledonia— Town  of  Columbu.'*— 
Town  of  Courtland— Village  of  Cambri.\— Village  of  Randolph— Town  of  Deeorra 
—Village  of  Dekorra— Village  of  Poynette— Town  of  Fort  Winnebago. 

town    of   ARLINGTON. 

The  first  permanent  settlement  in  Arlington  was  made  by  Clark  M.  Young,  on  Section  1, 
in  the  spring  of  1838.  For  six  years,  he  was  "monarch  of  all  he  surveyed  "  in  this  town,  there 
being  no  other  settler  to  dispute  his  claim.  J.  Pratt  came  in  1844;  and  during  that  year  and 
the  six  following,  came  a  large  number,  including  N.  Van  Winter,  Nathan  Hazen,  William  A. 
Mcintosh,  Fred  Starr,  Hugh  McFarlane,  Jeremy  Bradley,  Mark  Meadowcraft,  John  Franklin, 
Usual  Youngs,  George  Bradley,  A.  P.  Smith,  Isaac  N.  Brown,  H.  N.  Joy,  Thomas  Rassou, 
Mr.  Jackson,  Samuel  D.  Drake,  Ambrose  Powers  and  Henry  Hill. 

Upon  the  organization  of  the  county,  the  east  half  of  Township  10,  Range  9,  was  included 
in  the  Lowville  Precinct,  and  the  west  half  was,  with  other  territory  on  the  west,  known  as  the 
Pleasant  Valley  Precinct.  In  1849,  the  east  half  of  this  township,  together  with  Township  10, 
Range  10,  and  the  south  half  of  Township  11,  Range  10,  was  organized  into  a  town  to  be 
known  as  Lowville ;  the  west  half,  together  with  Township  10,  Range  8,  and  the  fractional  part 
of  Township  10,  Range  7,  was  the  same  time  organized  under  the  name  of  Lodi.  In  1850,  the 
east  half,  with  Township  10,  Range  10,  was  organized  under  the  name  of  Kossuth ;  the  west 
half  remaining  as  before.  In  1855,  all  of  this  township,  except  Sections  6,  7,  18,  19,  30  and 
31,  was  organized  into  a  town,  under  the  name  of  Arlington.  For  many  years,  the  effort  was 
made  to  have  restored  to  the  town  these  sections.  The  courts  were  appealed  to,  but  could  give 
no  redress  ;  the  Legislature  was  also  asked  to  pass  a  special  act  for  this  purpose.  This  was 
refused,  but  an  act  was  passed  authorizing  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors  to  attend  to  the 
matter.  In  1871,  the  Board  passed  a  resolution  permitting  the  change,  provided  the  town  would 
assume  the  proportionate  amount  of  the  debt  of  the  town  of  Lodi,  which  would  be  collected  from 
the  owners  of  the  sections  named.  This  was  accordingly  done,  and  these  sections  became  part 
of  the  town  of  Arlington,  thus  made  to  comprise  the  entire  township.  The  debt  assumed 
amounted  to  $4,376. 

Thomas  Rassou  and  Tirza  Jackson  were  united  in  marriage  in  1846,  being  the  first  couple 
married  in  the  town. 

James  H.,  son  of  Clark  M.,  and  Jeannet  Young,  was  born  May  6,  1846,  being  the  first 
birth  in  the  town. 

The  first  death  was  Charles  W.,  son  of  Clark  M.,and  Jeannet  Young,  who  died  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1849. 

At  the  house  of  Usual  Youngs  was  taught  the  first  school  in  the  town  in  the  summer  of 
1847.  In  the  spring  of  1848,  a  log  schoolhouse  was  built  on  Section  1,  and  in  the  following 
fall.  Miss  Sarah  Richardson  taught  the  first  term  of  school  therein.  The  first  school  in  the  cen- 
tral part  of  the  town  was  on  Section  22,  and  was  taught  by  Miss  Caroline  A.  Foster,  in  1854. 
In  the  spring  of  1880,  there  were  in  the  town  six  whole  and  three  joint  districts,  with  six  school- 
houses  valued  at  $2,000.       Number  of  pupils,  425. 

Rev.  Henry  Maynard,  an  itinerant  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  preached  the  first 
sermon  in  this  town  at  the  house  of  Clark  M.  Young  in  the  summer  of  1845.  For  several  years 
he  visited  the  town  from  time  to  time,  but  no  class  was  formed.  In  1854,  Rev.  T.  Lewis,  of 
Lodi,  a  Presbyterian  minister,  preached  at  the  house  of  A.  P.  Smith,  and  shortly  after  a  con- 
gregation was  formed,  but  no  church  building  was  erected. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  699 

When  Clark  M.  Young  settled  on  Section  1,  in  1838,  there  was  not  a  house  between  there 
and  Columbus ;  only  one  until  Portage,  then  Fort  Winnebago,  was  reached  — that  of  Wallace 
Rowan,  of  which  mention  is  made  in  the  history  of  the  town  of  Dekorra ;  and  but  one  between 
there  and  Madison. 

The  town  of  Arlington  is  almost  altogether  upon  the  top  of  the  watershed,  having  a  sur- 
face of  rolling  prairie,  and  a  general  altitude  of  450  to  570  feet.  In  the  northern  row  of  sec- 
tions, this  high  ground  breaks  down  abruptly  200  feet  toward  the  headwaters  of  Okee  Creek.  The 
Madison  &  Portage  Railroad  was  built  through  the  town  in  1870,  passing  through  Sections  2, 
11,  14,  13,  24,  25  and  36.  A  station  was  located  on  Section  13,  to  afford  farmers  in  the 
vicinity  facilities  for  the  shipment  of  grain  and  stock.  The  town  is  an  exclusively  agricult- 
ural one,  and  said  by  the  State  geologist  to  be  one  of  the  best  in  the  State. 

In  the  spring  of  1875,  a  stock  company  was  organized  under  the  name  of  the  Arlington 
Cheese  Manufacturing  Company,  with  a  paid-up  capital  of  $2,000.  A.  W.  Vaughan  was  elected 
President ;  George  Clark,  Secretary ;  Levi  Clapp,  Treasurer.  The  manufactory  was  put  in 
operation  that  season,  and  40,000  pounds  of  cheese  were  manufactured.  The  amount  has  been 
increased  year  by  year,  in  1878,  it  being  97,000  pounds. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  from  the  organization  of  Arlington  to  the  present 
time : 

1855 — Nathan  Hazen,  Chairman  ;  H.  N.  Joy,  James  H.  Foster,  Supervisors  ;  Julius 
Austin,  Clerk ;  Clark  M.  Young,  Treasurer ;  Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor ;  Ambrose  Powers, 
School  Superintendent. 

1856 — A.  P.  Smith,  Chairman ;  Phineas  Watson,  Isaac  N.  Brown,  Supervisors ;  Julius 
Austin,  Clerk  ;  John  C.  Dunning,  Treasurer,  Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor ;  Ambrose  Powers, 
School  Superintendent. 

1857 — Julius  Austin,  Chairman  ;  Lewis  Newton,  H.  N.  Joy,  Supervisors  ;  W.  BuUen, 
Clerk  ;  C.  C.  Knapin,  Treasurer  ;  T.  Matteson,  Assessor  ;  L.  H.  Smith,  School  Superintendent. 

1858 — J.  Austin,  Chairman;  J.  T.  Hillyer,  Mark  Meadowcraft,  Supervisors;  W. 
Bullen,  B.  Look,  Treasurers ;  Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor ;  A.  Powers,  School  Superintendent. 

1859— J.  T.  Hillyer,  Chairman ;  H.  N.  Joy,  T.  T.  Dunning,  Supervisors ;  A.  0.  Dole, 
Clerk ;  Joseph  Mcintosh,  Treasurer ;  Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor ;  Ambrose  Powers,  School 
Superintendent. 

1860 — J.  T.  Hillyer,  Chairman  ;  H.  N.  Joy,  J.  H.  Foster,  Supervisors ;  D.  Drown,  Treas- 
urer; A.  0.  Dole,  Clerk ;  Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor;  A.  G.  Dunning,  School  Superintendent. 

1861 — H.  J.  Sill,  Chairman ;  Thomas  Mair,  Dan.  W.  Burlison,  Supervisors ;  Andrew  J. 
McFarlane,  Clerk  ;  Ambrose  Powers,  Treasurer ;  Jeremy  Bradley,  Assessor  ;  A.  G.  Dunning, 
School  Superintendent. 

1862 — H.  J.  Sill,  Chairman ;  A.  Powers,  L.  Clapp,  Supervisors  ;  Andrew  J.  McFarlane, 
Clerk  ;  E.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer  ;   Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor. 

1863 — J.  T.  Hillyer,  Chairman ;  G.  A.  Clark,  A.  Powers,  Supervisors ;  A.  G.  Dunning, 
Clerk ;  E.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer ;   Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor. 

1864 — J.  T.  Hillyer,  Chairman ;  A.  Powers,  G.  A.  Clark,  Supervisors ;  L.  H.  Smith, 
Clerk  ;  E.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer  ;  Solomon  Matteson,  Assessor. 

1865 — Winslow  Bullen,  Chairman  ;  William  Caldwell,  Ingle  Spoonan,  Supervisors  ;  L. 
H.  Smith,  Clerk ;  Adam  Gulden,  Treasurer ;  T.  S.  Phillips,  Assessor. 

1866 — Winslow  Bullen,  Chairman ;  G.  A.  Clark,  William  Caldwell,  Supervisors ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk ;  Adam  Culdon,  Treasurer ;  T.  S.  Phillips,  Assessor. 

1867 — W.  Bullen,  Chairman ;  A.  Powers,  William  Caldwell,  Supervisors ;  L.  H.  Smith, 
Clerk  ;  J.  J.  Hunt,  Treasurer ;  T.  S.  Phillips,  Assessor. 

1868 — Winslow  Bullen,  Chairman ;  L.  Lintner,  J.  Witters,  Supervisors ;  L.  H.  Smith, 
Clerk  ;  Judson  J.  Hunt,  Treasurer ;  Joseph  Axon,  Assessor. 

1869 — W.  Bullen,  Chairman ;  L.  Lintner,  William  Currie,  Supervisors ;  L.  H.  Smith, 
Clerk ;  0.  S.  Bartlett,  Treasurer ;  Joseph  Axon,  Assessor. 


700  HISTORY"  OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

1870 — Hugh  McFarlane,  Chairman;  Ingle  Spoonan,  C.  M.  Young,  Supervisors;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk ;   0.  S.  Bartlett,  Treasurer  ;  Judson  J.  Hunt,  Assessor. 

1871 — Hugh  McFarlane,  Chairman  ;  Ingle  E.  Spoonan,  Louis  Lintner,  Supervisors;  L. 
H.  Smith,  Clerk  ;   Charles  Mair,  Treasurer  ;  William  Stevenson,  Assessor. 

1872 — Hugh  McFarlane  Chairman;  Robert  Wilson,  David  BuUen,  Supervisors;  George 
C.  Clark,  Clerk ;   Charles  Mair,  Treasurer  ;  William  Stevenson,  Assessor. 

1873 — Hugh  McFarlane,  Chairman;  0.  S.  Bartlett,  John  Caldwell,  Supervisors ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk ;  Allen  Bogue,  Treasurer ;  B.  E.  Jones,  Assessor. 

1874 — Hugh  McFarlane,  Chairman  ;  John  Caldwell,  0.  S.  Bartlett,  Supervisors  ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk  ;   Allen  Bogue,  Treasurer ;  B.  E.  Jones,  Assessor. 

1875 — Allen  Bogue,  Chairman ;  William  McCulley,  0.  S.  Bartlett,  Supervisors  ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk,  George  McMillan,  Treasurer ;  E.  B.  Jones,  Assessor. 

1876 — A.  Bogue,  Chairman;  0.  S.  Bartlett,  William  Stevenson,  ^Supervisors  ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk  ;  George  McMillan,  Treasurer ;  John  Caldwell,  Assessor. 

1877 — A.  Bogue,  Chairman;  0.  S.  Bartlett,  William  Stevenson,  Supervisors;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk  ;  George  McMillan,  Treasurer ;  John  Campbell,  Assessor. 

1878 — A.  Bogue,  Chairman  ;  0.  S.  Bartlett,  William  Stevenson,  Supervisors  ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk  ;  George  McMillan,  Treasurer;  John  Caldwell,  Assessor. 

1879 — A.  Bogue,  Chairman  ;  William  Stevenson,  William  Bartlett,  Supervisors ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk;  George  McMillen,  Treasurer;  William  Dunlap,  Assessor. 

1880 — Adam  Bogue,  Chairman  ;  Thomas  Mair,  August  Gundlach,  Supervisors  ;  L.  H. 
Smith,  Clerk  ;    David  Bullen,  Treasurer ;  William  Dunlap,  Assessor. 

VILLAGE    OF    ARLINGTON. 

The  village  of  Arlington,  located  upon  Section  13,  of  the  town  of  Arlington,  was  platted 
in  1871,  by  Mrs.  Sarah  Pierce  and  David  Bullen,  the  former  owning  the  land  upon  the  north 
side  of  the  main  street,and  the  latter  the  land  upon  the  south  side. 

The  first  house  was  built  by  Winslow  Bullen,  in  the  same  summer,  the  lower  story  of  which 
was  used  as  a  store,  by  George  McMillan,  he  being  the  first  to  engage  in  the  mercantile  trade, 
and  the  upper  part  was  rented  for  a  dwelling. 

The  first  house  used  exclusively  as  a  dwelling  house  was  erected  by  Charles  Ginther. 

Charles  and  George  Ginther  were  the  first  blacksmiths,  and  opened  in  1875.  Their  run 
of  work  rapidly  increased,  and  soon  the  business  of  wagon  and  carriage  making  was  added,  and 
in  the  spring  of  1880,  the  firm,  then  being  Ginther  &  Seller,  were  doing  a  lucrative  business. 

The  Arlington  Hotel  was  erected  in  1871,  by  John  McMillan,  and  has  been  run  by  him 
up  to  the  present  time.     It  is  a  two-story  frame,  and  will  accommodate  fifteen  or  twenty  guests. 

The  second  person  to  engage  in  mercantile  trade  was  H.  W.  Hall,  who  sold  goods  about 
two  years ;  the  third  was  Winslow  Bullen,  who  in  the  summer  of  1877,  opened  a  stock  of 
general  merchandise,  in  the  building  erected  originally  for  that  purpose,  in  1871. 

George  Ginther  and  Miss  Nellie  Shanks  were  the  first  couple  united  in  marriage  in  the 
village  limits,  which  event  occurred  in  December,  1876. 

The  first  birth  was  .Jessie,  daughter  of  George  and  Ann  McMillan,  in  the  summer  of  1875. 

The  Madison  &  Portage,  now  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul,  Railroad,  was  completed 
through  the  village  in  the  summer  of  1871,  a  depot  erected,  and  Edward  Watkinson  appointed 
agent.  D.  C.  Moak,  F.  R.  Morris,  Charles  Morris,  A.  D.  Goodrich  and  William  Caldow,  have, 
in  the  order  named,  been  agents  since  that  date.  A  large  amount  of  grain  is  shipped  from  this 
station. 

A  post  office  was  established  here  in  1871,  with  Mrs.  Adeline  C.  Paine  as  Postmistress. 
George  McMillan,  H.  W.  Hall,  and  again  George  McMillan,  have  since  then  been  Postmasters. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  701 

TOWN    OF    CALEDONIA. 

This  town  is  the  largest  in  territory  in  the  county,  being  situated  on  its  western  boundary 
line,  by  which  it  is  separated  from  the  towns  of  Greenfield  and  Merrimack,  in  Sauk  County.  It 
consists  of  that  part  of  Township  11,  Range  8,  lying  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  that  part 
of  Township  12,  Ranges  8  and  9,  lying  south  and  west  of  the  same  river,  making  54  full  and 
14  fractional  sections  of  land.  It  is  watered  by  the  Baraboo  River,  which  enters  the  town  in 
the  northwestern  part,  at  Section  18,  Township  12,  Range  8,  and  flows  southeasterly  into  the 
Wisconsin  River,  at  Section  2y,  of  the  same  township  and  range.  There  are  two  small  streams 
in  the  southern  part,  that  flow  into  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  one  into  the  Baraboo.  The  lands 
in  this  town  are  undulating,  with  numerous  bluifs  and  high  hills,  which  are  found  in  different 
parts  of  the  town,  and  particularly  on  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  are  covered  mostly  by  oak 
openings.  On  the  Baraboo  River  are  numerous  marshes  or  meadow  lands,  and  some  prairie  in 
the  northern  part.  In  this  town  the  country  is  generally  much  lower  than  the  quartzite  range, 
but  in  parts  quite  broken  and  hilly.  Its  general  altitude  runs  from  200  to  300  feet,  whilst 
outlying  bluffs  in  Sections  9,  10,  15,  16  and  21  reach  altitudes  from  450  to  540  feet.  Some 
of  these  rise  abruptly  from  the  north  bank  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  have  directly  opposite  to  them 
on  the  south  bank  of  the  river,  the  similar  bluffs  of  Dekorra,  causing  for  a  short  distance  an 
unusually  narrow  bottom. 

The  first  settlement  made  in  this  town  was  by  Alexander  McDonald,  who  built  a  claim 
shanty  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  2,  Township  11,  Range  8,  June,  1840.  Madam 
Pauquette  was  then  living  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  on  the  west  side,  within  the  present  limits 
of  the  city  of  Portage,  trading  with  the  Indians  ;  also  a  half-breed  named  Leambro,  on  the  bluff 
on  Section  27,  Township  12,  Range  8,  who  was  farming  on  some  old  Indian  fields,  and  was  also 
trading  with  the  Indians.  In  June,  1841,  Thomas  ("  Daddy  ")  Robinson  came  on  a  claim  nearly 
opposite  Dekorra  Village.  He  boarded  at  La  Fayette  Hill's,  in  what  was  then  called  "  Kentucky 
City,"  afterward  Dekorra.  Some  others  made  claims  that  year,  but  did  not  move  on  to  them 
until  the  next  year,  when  James  Wilson  and  John  Pate  settled  on  Section  36,  immediately 
opposite  the  village  of  Dekorra  ;  also  Henry  Lewis,  an  old  soldier  at  Fort  Winnebago,  on  the 
bluff  in  Township  12,  Range  8.  The  family  of  Mr.  Robinson  came  with  Pate  and  Wilson,  from 
Scotland,  and  moved  into  the  house  prepared  for  them  the  year  previous. 

In  1843,  Allan  Johnson  settled  in  Township  12,  Range  8.  Other  early  settlers  were 
Frank  Nichols,  Harrison  Jerrison,  Hugh  Muir,  Aaron  Chalfant,  William  King,  J.  Allen,  Henry 
Kingsbury,  John  Owens,  David  Owens,  John  Rowley,  George  and  Charles  Temple,  Charles 
Ginther,  Anton  Jerrison,  Messrs.  Prentice,  Freeman,  Reuben  and  Sterling. 

A  log  schoolhouse  was  erected  on  Section  6,  Township  12,  Range  9  east,  in  the  summer 
of  1846,  and  Mr.  Bailey  taught  therein  the  first  school  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 

James  Wilson  was  a  man  that,  was  extremely  cautious,  and  seldom  ventured  in  debt.  On 
one  occasion  he  had  a  debt  of  $12,  which  he  was  owing  Clark  Young,  and  which  troubled  him 
greatly.  When  he  paid  it,  he  remarked  to  Young  :  "  Well,  that  is  the  last  cent  I  owe  in  this 
world."  "  That  shows  you  are  doing  a  damned  small  business,"  was  the  reply,  and  all  the  con- 
solation he  received. 

A  writer  thus  makes  mention  of  "Daddy"  Robinson:  "  He  was  born  in  Ayerston,  Scotland,  A. 
D.  1800,  died  in  Caledonia,  November  7,  1872,  aged  seventy-two  years.  The  funeral  was  attended 
at  his  late  residence  Monday,  November  11 ;  sermon  by  the  Rev.  Hugh  Brown,  text,  Ecclesias- 
tes,  twelfth  chapter  and  seventh  verse — '  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth,  as  it  was,  and  the 
spirit  shall  return  to  God  who  gave  it.'  Mr.  Robinson  emigrated  to  this  country  A.  D.  1840, 
settling  at  the  north  of  the  Baraboo  River.  He  was  one  of  the  first  Scotch  settlers  in  this 
country,  A.  and  W.  McDonald  and  a  few  at  the  garrison  being  the  only  exceptions.  The 
writer  of  this  called  on  him  in  1850,  enjoyed  his  generous  cheer,  and  made  the  note  that  the  Old 
Daddy  was  a  man  of  keen  perception  and  universal  observation.  Five  children  emigrated  from 
Scotland  with  him,  and  two  were  born  here.    He  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  both 


702  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

here  and  in  Scotland,  and  efficient  in  its  first  organization  in  Caledonia.  He  was  for  a  number 
of  years  chairman  of  the  town  of  Caledonia,  and  served  as  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  his  own 
town,  but  was  better  known  as  jovial,  companionable  old  Daddy,  and  so  long  as  his  vigorous 
health  lasted,  he  was  the  center  of  attraction  wherever  he  happened  to  be.  His  sallies  of  wit 
were  electrical,  and  so  good-natured  and  pointed  were  his  hits,  that  his  victim  laughed  as  heartily 
as  the  rest.  He  was  a  genius  peculiar  to  Scotland,  and  of  that  class  which  have  no  duplicates. 
No  man  living  in  Caledonia  will  be  more  missed,  and  a  void  will  not  only  be  felt  in  that  town, 
but  also  in  Portage  and  Dekorra,  where  his  presence   has  so  often,  like  magic,  driven  dull  care 

away. 

'  To  Scotia  send  this  greeting,  then, 
Please  spare  us  more  of  just  such  men.'  " 

The  first  farm  opened  up  in  the  town  of  Caledonia  was  by  Peter  Pauquette  for  the  Indians. 
The  first  American  farming  done  in  the  town  was  by  Gideon  Low,  on  the  place  that  used  to 
be  called  Black  Earth,  now  known  as  the  "Indian  Farm,"  in  the  town  of  Caledonia.  But  Low 
held  the  land  only  as  a  ''claim  "  at  the  time,  employing  another  person  to  farm  it.  He  pur- 
'chased  the  land  when  it  came  into  market,  it  is  true,  but,  admitting  that  his  farm  was  the  first 
one  regularly  tilled  for  an  American,  it  would  not  entitle  him  to  be  called  the  first  settler  in  the 
town,  as  he  did  not  reside  upon  his  "  claim,"  and  was  engaged  in  other  business.  The  work  of 
the  farm  was  done  by  Leon  Braux.  The  third  farm  opened  up  was  by  John  T.  De  La  Ronde, 
in  1838.  De  La  Ronde  was  born  at  Barbeaux,  in  France,  February  25,  1802,  his  ancestors 
were  men  of  note  in  the  military  and  marine  service  in  his  native  country.  His  father,  Louis 
Denys,  Chevalier  De  La  Ronde,  was  born  at  Detroit,  Mich.,  while  the  grandfather,  an  officer  in 
the  French  service,  was  stationed  at  Detroit,  previous  to  the  final  surrender  of  the  Canadas  by 
the  French  to  the  English,  in  1760.  This  same  grandfather,  Louis  Denys  De  La  Ronde,  was  at 
one  time  in  command  at  Chequamegon,  on  Lake  Superior.  The  father  of  John,  remained  in 
France  till  the  battle  of  Waterloo,  when,  not  wishing  to  live  under  the  rule  of  Louis  XVIII,  he 
came  to  Canada  with  all  his  family,  and  became  a  partner  in  the  Northwest  Company.  He  died 
at  Montreal  in  1818.  The  son  received  a  good  education  in  French  and  English  ;  he  seems  to 
have  been  in  the  College  of  Montreal  at  a  very  early  age,  and  to  have  studied  medicine  under 
Dr.  Robert  Nelson  V.  Smith,  but  never  practiced  it  as  a  profession.  In  1819,  he  became  a 
clerk  in  the  Northwest  Company,  with  which  he  remained  seven  years,  during  which  time  he 
went  to  London,  England,  as  a  witness  in  a  dispute  between  his  company  and  the  Hudson  Bay 
Company.  A  settlement  having  been  efi'ected  between  these  companies,  he  was  transferred  to 
the  Hudson  Bay  Company,  with  which  company  he  remained  till  1828,  at  which  time  he  came 
to  Fort  Winnebago,  now  Portage.  This  was  the  year  in  which  Old  Fort  Winnebago  was  built. 
Here  Mr.  De  La  Ronde  engaged  as  clerk  of  the  American  Fur  Company,  under  the  noted  Peter 
Pauquette,  who  was  then,  and  for  some  time  thereafter,  agent  of  that  company.  Here  Mr.  De 
La  Ronde  married  an  Indian  woman  of  the  De  Kau-ry  tribe  of  Winnebagoes,  but  who  had  been 
brought  up  mainly  among  the  whites,  and  had  never  worn  a  blanket.  To  him  was  born  from 
this  wife  one  child,  a  daughter,  who  was  left  motherless  at  the  age  of  two  years,  and  who  was 
married  at  the  age  of  sixteen  to  Antoine  Grignon,  a  decendant  of  the  Grignon  who  formerly 
lived  at  Portage,  and  later  about  Green  Bay.  Mr.  De  La  Ronde  brought  up  this  child  with 
great  care,  sending  her  to  Prairie  du  Chien  and  other  places  for  school  privileges. 

Her  husband  was  a  well-educated  farmer,  and  she  is  an  accomplished  woman.  They  have 
long  resided  at  Trempealeau,  in  this  State.  When  this  daughter  was  five  years  of  age,  her 
father  married  another  Indian  woman  of  the  De  Kaury  band,  who  survives  him  at  his  late  resi- 
dence in  Caledonia,  near  Portage.  She  is  now  totally  blind.  He  also  leaves  one  son  and  two 
daughters,  who  are  now  grown  and  live  with  their  mother.  Mr.  La  Ronde,  from  the  time  he 
came  to  Portage,  spent  his  time  trading  with  the  Indians,  assisting  and  accompanying  them  on 
their  journeys  to  their  reservations,  to  Washington,  and  wherever  they  needed  his  services  as 
interpreter.  He  acquired  their  language  thoroughly,  and  at  one  time  spent  considerable  labor 
on  a  dictionary  and  grammar  of  it,  but  he  never  completed  the   work.     His  business  and  his 


HARTMAN 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  705 

domestic  relations  brought  him  almost  constantly  in  contact  with  the  Winnebagoes,  and  he 
became  much  like  them  in  his  ways  of  life  and  in  his  principles.  He  had  a  very  strong  sympa- 
thy with  them  and  looked  on  their  side  of  the  question.  He  was  a  soldier  under  Col.  Dodge 
in  the  Sauk  war.  He  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence ;  loved  reading  of  every 
kind,  especially  history  and  accounts  of  travel.  He  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  in 
the  town  of  Caledonia  at  one  time.  He  died  on  the  2d  day  of  March,  1879,  at  his  resi- 
dence in  the  town  of  Caledonia,  and  was  buried  in  the  Catholic  Cemetery  in  Portage. 

One  of  the  oldest  residents  of  the  town  of  Caledonia  was  John  Pate,  who  died  on  the  19th 
of  December,  1879.  He  was  one  of  those  pioneers  who  buffeted  the  hardships  of  a  new 
country  in  the  day  when  a  man  had  to  sacrifice  all  the  comforts  of  civilization  in  order  to  start 
a  home  in  the  Far  West.  Mr.  Pate  was  born  Feb.  17,  1802,  at  Browncastle  Parish,  East  Cal- 
bride,  Lanarkshire,  Scotland  ;  was  married  to  Agnes  Stewart,  April  29,  1839,  and  emigrated  to 
this  country  April  26,  1842  ;  sailing  from  Glasgow  in  the  ship  Perthshire,  Capt.  Simpson, 
being  seven  weeks  in  making  the  voyage  across  the  Atlantic  to  New  York.  Thence  he  took 
steamboat  to  Albany  and  canal  boat  to  Buffalo,  and  again  steamboat  to  Chicago ;  for,  in  those 
days,  there  were  no  boats  landing  regularly  at  Milwaukee  for  want  of  suitable  harbor  and  pier. 
From  Chicago  the  remainder  of  the  journey  was  made  to  Dekorra,  the  most  important  point  in 
this  region,  by  team,  reaching  there  July  14,  1842.  Those  were  not  the  days  of  fast  travel 
and  conveniences.  As  compagnons  du  voyage  were  the  families  of  Thomas  Robertson  and 
James  Wilson  both  lately  deceased.  Their  first  settlements  were  made  in  the  now  Caledonia, 
formerly  Portage  County,  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  on  unsurveyed  lands ;  roads  and  bridges  were 
then  unknown,  and  ferries  were  few  and  far  between.  In  order  to  get  a  grist  to  mill  they  had 
to  go  to  Sugar  River,  ten  miles  west  of  Madison ;  later  to  Columbus  or  Beaver  Dam,  when 
Dekorra  mills  were  out  of  repair.  The  market  for  farm  produce  was  at  Milwaukee,  or  in  the 
pineries,  but  all  transportation  was  carried  on  by  means  of  teams.  Little  produce  was  raised 
except  so  much  as  would  satisfy  their  immediate  wants,  which  were  few  and  frugal,  and  supply 
also  the  needs  of  new  comers. 

Splitting  fence  rails  and  making  hay  were  the  chief  occupations ;  but  it  is  the  concurrent 
testimony  of  all  that  those  were  happier  days  than  now.  When  the  town  of  Caledonia  was 
organized  from  Dekorra,  Mr.  Pate  was  its  first  Chairman  and  represented  the  town  in  the 
County  Board  of  Supervisors  in  the  year  1852 ;  afterward,  he  was  elected  Assessor,  Town 
Clerk,  and  to  many  other  offices  of  trust  in  the  town  and  community.  On  the  same  farm  of 
200  acres  he  lived  since  1845,  and  his  generous  and  open  hospitality  made  his  house  a  synonym 
of  kindness  and  welcome  to  all.  He  took  an  especial  delight  in  music,  and  was  never  more 
himself  than  in  singing  or  playing  on  the  violin.  Deeply  religious  in  his  nature,  he  loved  to  dis- 
cuss religious  topics,  and  sing  the  sacred  tunes  of  the  old  psalmody.  For  entertainment  or 
edification  might  be  heard,  at  any  time,  ''  Dundee's  wild  warbling  measures  rise,  or  plaintive 
Martyrs,  worthy  of  the  name." 

There  are  many  original  pieces  of  his  own  composing  still  extant,  one  of  which,  entitled 
"  Caledonia,"  is  worthy  of  mention,  as  it  is  frequently  sung  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Caledonia.  Aside  from  musical  and  religious  subjects,  he  was  much  interested  in  the 
scientific  progress  of  the  day  ;  and  being  a  great  reader  and  deep  thinker,  he  always  had 
sensible  and  liberal  views  on  such  subjects  as  he  gave  his  attention  to.  His  latch  string  was 
always  out,  night  and  day,  and  everybody  was  welcome  and  enjoyed  a  "  crack  wi'  auld  John 
Pate." 

His  time  since  coming  to  this  country  was  mainly  occupied  in  managing  his  farm  ;  but 
since  his  family  grew  up,  the  cares  devolved  upon  them,  and  he  gave  his  time  to  reading  and 
music  which  he  enjoyed  so  much.  For  the  last  six  or  seven  years  of  his  life  he  was  afflicted 
with  erysipelas  or  an  irritation  of  the  blood  which  finally  resulted  in  a  cancer  of  the  face  and 
was  the  cause  of  his  death.  Throughout  his  long  suffering  he  was  always  hopeful  and  con- 
tented, enduring  his  trials  with  Christian  fortitude. 


706  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

He  left  a  family  of  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  all  of  whom  were  present  at  his  funeral. 
He  was  buried  in  Crawford  Cemetery,  Caledonia,  beside  the  remains  of  his  son  Andrew,  the 
only  son  of  his  family  who  preceded  him  to  the  grave. 

"  Let  not  Ambition  mock  their  useful  toil, 
Their  homely  joys  and  destiny  obscure  ; 
Nor  Grandeur  hear  with  a  disdainful  smile 
The  short  and  simple  annals  of  the  poor." 

The  only  children  of  the  somewhat  famous  Peter  Pauquette  are  residents  of  this  town. 
Theresa  Pauquette  was  born  in  1826  at  the  old  agency  near  Fort  Winnebago.  She  has  been 
twice  married  ;  first,  to  M.  J.  Brisbois,  in  1849,  wlio  died  some  years  later  in  California  ;  sec- 
ond, to  Mr.  Prescott,  of  Caledonia,  Columbia  County.  Mrs.  Prescott  received  a  thorough  edu- 
cation in  English  and  French  in  a  convent  in  St.  Louis.  Moses  Pauquette  was  born  at  the 
agency  in  1828. 

A  post  office  was  established  near  the  central  part  of  the  town  in  1863,  to  which  was  given 
the  name  of  Alloa.  James  Stewart  was  the  first  Postmaster.  It  has  been  suspended  once,  but 
was  re-established  in  1879. 

The  first  couple  married  in  the  town  was  a  soldier  from  the  fort,  named  Powers,  and  a 
daughter  of  Henry  Lewis.  The  second  was  Clark  M.  Young  and  Miss  Jeanette  Wilson,  who 
were  married  in  1844. 

The  first  death  was  Aaron,  son  of  Absalom  Chalfant. 

There  is  no  village  in  the  town  of  Caledonia,  it  being  an  exclusively  agricultural  town. 
Three  nationalities  are  pretty  equally  divided — Scotch,  Welsh  and  Germans.  Very  few  Amer- 
ican-born have  ever  settled  here. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  ofiBcers  from  the  organization  of  the  town  to  the  present 
time: 

1851 — John  Pate  (Chairman),  John  Turner,  Oscar  T.  Wagoner,  Supervisors ;  Alexander 
Prentice,  Clerk. 

1852 — John  Pate  (Chairman),  Oscar  T.  Wagoner,  William  H.  Hill,  Supervisors  ;  Quintin 
Smith,  Clerk ;  Robert  Howey,  Assessor ;  Alexander  Prentice,  Treasurer ;  John  Tibbits,  Super- 
intendent of  Schools. 

1853 — John  S.  Richmond  (Chairman),  David  Owen,  John  Jones,  No.  4,  Supervisors ; 
Quintin  Smith,  Clerk ;  William  Stevenson,  Assessor ;  Alexander  Prentice,  Treasurer :  John 
Jones,  No.  4,  School  Superintendent. 

1854 — John  S.  Richmond  (Chairman),  John  Jones,  No.  4,  Charles  W.  Gunther,  Super- 
visors ;  John  Turner,  Clerk ;  John  Pate,  Assessor ;  Alexander  Prentice,  Treasurer ;  Thomas 
Phillips,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1855 — Thomas  Robertson  (Chairman),  David  Owen,  John  Tibbets,  Supervisors ;  John 
Turner,  Clerk  ;  John  Pate,  Assessor ;  William  Stevenson,  Treasurer ;  Thomas  Phillips,  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools. 

1856 — Thomas  Robertson  (Chairman),  Michael  Cochran,  Richard  Jones,  Supervisors ; 
John  Pate,  Clerk ;  John  Pate,  Assessor ;  David  Owen,  Treasurer ;  N.  T.  Jennings,  Superintend- 
ent of  Schools. 

1857 — Alexander  McDonald  (Chairman),  Michael  Cochran,  Owen  F.  Owens,  Supervisors  ; 
Milton  Jennings,  Clerk;  John  Capner,  Assessor;  David  Owen,  Treasurer;  Charles  McLeish, 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1858 — Thomas  Robertson  (Chairman),  William  McLeish,  John  Jones,  No.  4,  Supervisors ; 
Thomas  H.  Spencer,  Clerk ;  Andrew  Robertson  and  Alexander  Prentice,  Assessors ;  Hugh 
Muir,  Treasurer ;  William  Stevenson,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1859 — Thomas  Robertson  (Chairman),  John  G.  Staudenmayer,  Thomas  Morris,  Supervi- 
sors;  Thomas  H.  Spencer,  Clerk;  William  Ireland,  Assessor;  Hugh  Muir,  Treasurer;  N.  T. 
Jennings,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  707 

1860 — William  Stevenson  (Chairman),  James  Wilson,  Owen  F.  Owens,  Supervisors ;  John 
G.  Staudenmayer,  Clerk :  James  Baird,  Assessor ;  Alexander  Prentice,  Treasurer ;  Thomas 
H.  Spencer,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1861 — William  Stevenson  (Chairman),  Owen  F.  Owens,  James  Wilson,  Supervisors;  John 
G.  Staudenmayer,  Clerk;  William  Black,  Assessor;  Alexander  Prentice,  Treasurer;  Peter 
Longwell.  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1862 — James  Wilson  (Chairman),  James  Baird,  David  J.  Williams,  Supervisors ;  John  G. 
Staudenmayer,  Clerk  ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor  ;  Alexander  Prentice,  Treasurer. 

1863 — James  Wilson*  (Chairman),  John  Lockhart,  Thomas  Walker,  Supervisors;  John  G. 
Staudenmayer,  Clerk;  James  Robertson,  Assessor;  Allen  Bogue,  Treasurer. 

1864 — William  Stevenson  (Chairman),  John  Lockhart,  Thomas  Walker,  Supervisors; 
John  G.  Staudenmayer,  Clerk  ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor  and  Treasurer. 

1865 — Michael  Cochrane  (Chairman),  John  Gibson,  David  Owen,  Supervisors;  John  G. 
Staudenmayer,  Clerk  ;  James  Robertson,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1866 — Michael  Cochrane  (Chairman),  John  (iribson,  David  Owen,  Supervisors  ;  John  G. 
Staudenmayer,  Clerk ;  James  Robertson,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1867 — John  S.  Richmond  (Chairman),  John  O'Shaughnessy,  Charles  McLeish,  Supervi- 
sors :  John  G.  Staudenmayer,  Clerk  ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor  and  Treasurer. 

1868 — William  Caldow  (Chairman),  F.  T.  Ruman,  Owen  F.  Owens,  Supervisors;  Griffith 
J.  Owen,  Clerk ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor  and  Treasurer. 

1869 — William  Caldow  (Chairman),  F.  T.  Ruman,  Owen  F.  Owens,  Supervisors;  Griffith 
J.  Owen,  Clerk ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor  and  Treasurer. 

1870 — Alexander  Prentice  (Chairman),  James  Baird,  Owen  F.  Owens,  Supervisors ;  G.  J. 
Owens,  Clerk  ;  David  Owen,  Assessor ;  James  Robertson,  Treasurer. 

1871 — John  G.  Staudenmayer  (Chairman),  Hugh  Roberts,  James  Stewart,  Supervisors ; 
G.  J.  Owens,  Clerk ;  James  Robertson,  Treasurer ;  David  Owen,  Assessor. 

1872 — John  G.  Staudenmayer  (Chairman),  Hugh  Roberts,  Henry  Hamilton,  Supervisors ; 
William  Black,  Clerk  ;  James  Robertson,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1873 — John  G.  Staudenmayer  (Chairman),  Henry  Hamilton,  Thomas  Walker,  Supervi- 
sors ;  William  Black,  Clerk  ;  David  Owen,  Assessor ;  James  Robertson,  Treasurer. 

1874 — John  G.  Staudenmeyer  (Chairman),  Owen  F.  Owens,  William  M.  Shanks,  Super- 
visors ;  Robert  S.  Marshall,  Clerk  ;  F.  T.  Ruman,  Treasurer ;  John  Towers,  Assessor. 

1875 — John  G.  Staudenmayer  (Chairman),  Hugh  Roberts,  W.  M.  Shanks,  Supervisors ; 
Robert  S.  Marshall,  Clerk  ;  F.  T.  Ruman,  Treasurer ;  John  Towers,  Assessor. 

1876 — William  Black  (Chairman),  Henry  Hamilton,  W.  W.  Owens,  Supervisors ;  R.  S. 
Marshall,  Clerk  ;  F.  T.  Ruman,  Treasurer ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor. 

1877 — Charles  McLeish  (Chairman),  Henry  Racek,  George  Geyman,  Supervisors;  C.  F. 
Mohr,  Clerk  ;  F.  T.  Ruman,  Treasurer ;  John  Towers,  Assessor. 

1878 — Robert  Whitelaw  (Chairman),  Hugh  Roberts,  John  Staudenmayer,  Supervisors  ;  C. 
F.  Mohr,  Clerk  ;  John  Towers,  D.  J.  Williams,  Assessors  ;  Thomas  Robertson,  Treasurer. 

1879 — R.  Whitelaw  (Chairman),  W.  W.  Owen,  John  Dunigan,  Supervisors ;  F.  T.  Ruman, 
Clerk;  James  Robertson,  Assessor;  Samuel  J.  Pate,  Treasurer. 

1880 — C.  F.  Mohr  (Chairman),  John  Lockhart,  John  Dunigan,  Supervisors;  J.  B.  Mar- 
shall, Clerk  ;  James  Robertson,  Assessor ;  S^  J.  Pate,  Treasurer. 

TOWN    OP   COLUMBUS. 

The  incipient  steps  toward  the  formation  of  a  town,  to  be  called  Columbus,  were  taken  by 
the  County  Commissioners  on  the  16th  day  of  July,  1846,  when  they  oi'ganized  a  voting  pre- 
cinct by  that  name  out  of  Townships  10  and  11,  in  Range  12  east.  This  precinct  remained 
the  same  at  the  revision  of  voting  precincts,  April  3, 1848,  but  the  territory  afterward  became  the 

*  In  this  year,  Jam^a  Wilson  resigned  the  office  of  Chairman,  and  the  Board  appointed  William  StevenBon  to  serve  the  rest  of  the  term, 
from  November  3  until  April  5, 1864. 


708  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

towns  of  Columbus  and  Fountain  Prairie.  On  the  9th  of  January,  1849,  the  Board  of  County 
Commissioners  organized  Township  10,  in  Range  12  east,  into  a  town,  to  which  they  gave  the 
name  of  Columbus,  and  the  house  of  A.  P.  Birdsey  was  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the 
first  election. 

The  town  of  Columbus  is  mostly  low  and  level,  lying  farther  down  the  Rock  River  slope 
than  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie.  A  little  prairie  extepds  into  the  northwestern  sections, 
and  marsh  belts  occur  along  the  streams  in  the  northern  half  of  the  town,  where  the  general 
altitude  is  from  two  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  and  eighty  feet.  The  southern  and  south- 
western parts  of  the  county  lie  higher,  reaching  from  three  hundred  to  four  hundred  feet.  Four 
small,  northeast-trending  branches  of  Crawfish  River  cross  the  town. 

The  first  lands  entered  in  this  town  was  on  the  18th  day  of  February,  1839,  by  Lewis 
Ludington  and  John  Hustis,  as  follows  : 

The  west  half  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  12,  eighty  acres;  east  half  of  the  south- 
east quarter  of  Section  12,  eighty  acres,  Lewis  Ludington. 

West  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  12,  eighty  acres ;  east  half  of  the  south- 
west quarter  of  Section  12,  eighty  acres,  John  Hustis. 

East  half  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  1-3,  eighty  acres  ;  west  half  of  the  northeast 
quarter  of  Section  13,  eighty  acres,  Lewis  Ludington. 

West  half  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  13,  eighty  acres;  east  half  of  the  north- 
west quarter  of  Section  13,  eighty  acres,  Lewis  Ludington. 

East  half  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  24,  eighty  acres  ;  west  half  of  the  northeast 
quarter  of  Section  24,  eighty  acres  ;  west  half  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  24,  eighty 
acres;  east  half  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  24,  eighty  acres,  Lewis  Ludington. 

The  whole  number  of  acres  entered  was  960,  making  three  half-sections — the  north  half 
of  Section  18,  the  south  half  of  Section  12  and  the  east  half  of  Section  24. 

In  the  summer  of  1843,  T.  C.  Smith's  cabin  was  the  only  house  northwest  of  what  was 
then  the  in.cipient  village  of  Columbus,  until  Fort  Winnebago  was  reached.  Mr.  Bushnell, 
however,  was  living  in  a  shanty  in  a  grove  outside  of  what  is  now  the  city  of  Columbus. 

W.  B.  Dyer  built  a  small  log  house  on  the  Baker  farm,  which  was  the  first  house  ever 
built  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie.  He  lived  in  the  building  until  May,  1844, 
when  he  sold  out  to  E.  J.  Smith  his  pre-emption  claim  of  160  acres,  and  moved  to  where  the 
village  of  Otsego  now  sits,  on  the  creek. 

Among  those  who  were  residents  of  the  town  of  Columbus  in  1845  and  1846,  the  follow- . 
ing  are  remembered : 

T.  C.  Smith,  J.  Smith,  J.  C.  Axtell,  J.  T.  Lewis,  H.  A.  Whitney,  D.  E.  Bassett,  Josiah 
Arnold,  M.  G.  St.  John,  H.  W.  McCaff"erty,  S.  Corbin,  Jesse  Rowell,  J.  Swarthout,  R.  Mills,  B. 
F.  Hart,  S.  Wright,  U.  Davies,  A.  Silsbee,  E.  Silsbee,  Erastus  Silsbee,  W.  Thompson,  John 
Adler,  James  McConnell,  W.  Clark,  J.  Brown,  W.  W.  Drake,  J.  Drake,  0.  R.  Luey,  Noah 
Dickason,  W.  H.  Hamilton,  T.  Swarthout,  R.  Lamed,  E.  Thayer,  H.  Cady,  E.  Lyons,  S.  St. 
John,  Warren  Loomis,  John  McConnell,  J.  P.  Atwood,  J.  Barrows,  T.  Barrows,  T.  Jones,  H. 
Swift,  Jacob  Swarthout,  G.  Aldrich,  David  Langdon,  N.  Richards,  A.  P.  Birdsey,  George  Rob- 
inson, A.  Lashier,  J.  Edwards,  Andrew  McConnell,  A.  E.  Houghton,  L.  Smith,  Z.  Robbins,  T. 
Bendure,  D.  Blanchard,  /Joseph  Mathews,  J.  Miller,  W.  Haight,  F.  F.  Farnham,  W.  Mc- 
Intyre. 

A.  P.  Birdsey  was  among  the  pioneers  of  Columbus,  and  more  than  a  mere  passing  men- 
tion is  due  him.  He  was  born  at  MiJdlefield,  Middlesex  Co.,  Conn.,  May  7,  1813,  where 
he  remained  until  1831,  and  where  he  married  his  wife,  whose  native  place  was  only  five  miles 
from  his  own.  There  was  a  trifle  of  romance  associated  with  his  marriage  ;  and  it  is  a  fact  not 
generally  known,  even  among  the  more  intimate  friends  of  the  deceased,  that  he  was  twice  mar- 
ried. His  first  wife  was  Jenette  Bell.  He  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  her  when  he  was  but 
eighteen  years  of  age.  Within  a  year,  she  became  the  mother  of  a  child  and  immediately  after 
died.     Her  o8"spring  survived  her  only  three  months.     On  the  1st  of  December,  1832,  Mr. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  709 

Birdsey  was  again  married.  He  had  known  his  second  wife  since  she  was  twelve  years  of  age. 
His  oldest  boy,  Walter,  was  born  before  his  father's  twenty-first  birthday. 

In  1837,  Mr.  Birdsey  removed  to  Leyden,  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  cleared  a  new 
farm  with  his  own  hands.  In  1839,  he  removed  to  Boonsville,  a  town  five  miles  distant,  where 
he  assumed  the  management  of  a  hotel,  where  he  remained  until  May,  1840.  He  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  the  spring  of  1840,  and  went  first  to  live  at  Prairieviile,  now  known  as  Waukesha, 
having  previously  made  a  rapid  tour  of  observation  through  the  State. 

On  the  4th  of  July,  1840,  Mr.  Birdsey  removed  to  the  town  of  Jefferson,  and  purchased 
forty  acres  of  land,  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  village,  on  which  was  erected  a  small  log 
house,  and  where  only  three  acres  had  been  broken.  He  worked  steadily  and  energetically  in 
putting  more  land  under  the  plow,  and  as  rapidly  as  any  money  wis  accumulated,  invested  it  in 
moi'e  acres,  until  he  was  the  owner  of  eight  forties. 

He  built  what  everybody  knew  in  those  days  as  the  old  yellow  tavern,  and  most  old  resi- 
dents remember  the  entertainments  that  were  given  there,  to  the  life  and  enjoyment  of  which 
the  landlord  contributed  greatly.  In  the  spring  of  1844,  he  sold  his  ftirm  and  moved  to  the 
town  of  Columbus. 

About  that  time  he  went  South  and  purchased  fifty  head  of  cows,  which  were  all  sold  before 
the  following  spring.  This  was  his  first  speculation  in  Columbus.  In  184-5,  he  sold  his  farm 
and  moved  to  the  village  of  Columbus,  buying  the  hotel  of  Mr.  Thomas,  which  had  formerly 
been  managed  by  Mr.  Whitney.  This  was  the  building,  a  portion  of  which  was  afterward 
removed  across  the  street;  it  was  subsequently  burned.  At  that  time,  Mr.  Birdsey  erected  the 
old  square  hotel,  known  as  the  Columbus  Exchange,  which  was  afterward  sold  to  Mr.  Ingalsbee. 
He  purchased  what  is  known  as  the  corner  store,  with  its  stock,  but  soon  sold  it.  He  then 
bought  a  farm,  and  there  erected  the  tavern  known  as  the  Mountain  House.  This  farm  was 
afterward  sold  to  Michael  Cromer,  Hawley  and  others,  for  upward  of  $23,000.  Immediately 
after  this  he  built  the  Birdsey  House.  This  tavern  he  conducted  for  two  years,  and  then 
exchanged  it  for  a  farm  in  Fountain  Prairie,  where  he  erected  a  residence  and  made  many 
improvements.  In  the  fall  of  1860,  he  returned  to  the  hotel,  and  was  its  landlord  until  the 
spring  of  1861,  when  he  again  returned  to  his  farm,  and  lived  upon  it  until  1865.  He  then 
removed  to  Iowa,  near  McGregor,  where  he  was  engaged  in  farming  until  his  death.  He  died 
on  Friday  evening,  August  6,  1869,  and  was  brought  to  Columbus,  where  he  was  buried  with 
Masonic  honors.  His  life  was  a  varied  one ;  impetuous  and  erratic  in  his  nature,  he  was  full  of 
generous  impulses,  and  the  history  of  his  life  would  include  a  record  of  many  good  and  not  a  few 
noble  actions. 

TOWN    OF    COURTLAND. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  County  Commissioners,  held  at  the  house  of  Elbert  Dickason,  on  the 
16th  day  of  July,  1846,  Township  12,  Range  12,  together  with  much  other  territory,  was  made 
a  voting  precinct,  under  the  name  of  Leroy  Precinct,  and  Nathan  Griffin,  James  Buoy  and 
Erwin  McCall  were  appointed  Judges  of  Election,  and  the  house  of  Oliver  Langdon  designated 
as  the  place  for  holding  elections.  On  the  organization  of  the  county  into  towns,  in  1849, 
Township  12,  Range  12,  was  organized  into  a  town,  and  the  name  of  Portage  Prairie  given  to 
it.  The  house  of  Horace  Rust  was  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election.  By 
resolution  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  November  19,  1852,  the  name  of  the  town  was  changed 
to  Courtland. 

Patrick  Chestnut  emigrated  from  Ireland  when  about  thirty  years  of  age  ;  settled  in  Penn- 
sylvania, from  which  State  he  emigrated  to  Wisconsin,  and  on  the  29th  day  of  July,  1844, 
entered  the  county  and  located  his  claim  upon  Section  3,  Township  12,  Range  12,  being  the 
first  to  settle  in  the  town.  Mr.  Chestnut  soon  had  erected  a  comfortable  house,  and  here  spent 
the  remainder  of  his  days,  departing  this  life,  November,  1878,  in  his  ninetieth  year.  He  was  a 
type  of  the  old-style  gentleman,  being  held  in  respect  by  all  with  whom  he  was  acquainted. 
When  Mr.  Chestnut  came  to  this  country,  he  was  ignorant  of  backwoods  life,  and  had  never  seen  a 
tree  felled.     Desiring  one  day  to  cut  down  a  tree,  he  shouldered  his  ax  and  proceeded  to  the 


710  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

timber.  He  began  his  work,  cutting  completely  around  the  tree  an  equal  distance,  but  was 
afraid  to  push  it  over  for  fear  of  accident,  and  did  not  understand  that  if  he  cut  enough  upon 
one  side  it  would  fall  by  its  own  weight.  Cautioning  his  son,  who  was  with  him,  to  leave  the 
tree  alone,  he  went  two  miles  to  a  neighbor  to  come  and  fell  the  tree.  The  neighbor  came,  and, 
with  a  few  well-directed  blows  with  the  ax,  the  tree  lay  upon  the  ground. 

In  the  fall  of  ^844,  J.  Jess  and  Mr.  Hooker  came  in,  and  in  the  summer  of  1845,  William 
Bump,  James  Buoy,  Nathaniel  Wilkins,  Jonathan  Moulton,  Horace  Rust  and  William  Toby 
made  a  settlement  here.  From  this  time  on,  for  a  number  of  years,  the  land  was  rapidly  taken 
up  by  actual  settlers. 

In  the  summer  of  1847,  William  Bump  and  Sarah  Griffith  were  united  in  marriage,  by  M. 
W.  Patton,  Esq.,  this  being  the  first  ceremony  of  the  kind  performed  in  the  town. 

The  event  took  place  about  one  mile  south  of  Cambria.  This  was  the  first  appearance  of 
the  Squire  in  official  duty.  He  then  lived  in  Centerville,  about  three  miles  northwest  of  Cam- 
bria, but  at  that  time  there  was  no  Cambria,  nor  houses  betweenhis  place  and  tiie  house  of  the 
bride,  but  he  passed  a  piece  of  fencing  divided  by  a  small  gap.  Mr.  Patton  could  get  no  form 
for  marriage,  but  his  legal  knowledge  came  to  his  rescue,  and  after  considerable  hard  study  he 
drafted  a  service  that  he  was  confident  would  survive  the  wreck  of  time  and  hold  them  "  for 
better  or  for  worse."  It  was  a  legal  document,  interlarded  with  quotations  from  Holy  Writ  and 
some  poetry.  Armed  with  this  document  which  he  had  committed  to  moraory,  he  started  out  on 
his  holy  mission  to  make  "  two  hearts  beat  as  one."  Halting  at  the  gap  in  the  fence  referred  to, 
he  united  the  two  detachments  of  fence  by  repeating  his  marriage  service,  without  a  skip  or 
blunder,  and  then  pursued  his  way  on  foot.  When  he  arrived  there,  he  found  the  party  waiting 
for  him,  and  as  a  casual  guest  T.  Clark  Smith,  of  Columbus,  was  present.  The  bridal  party 
were  duly  arranged  on  the  floor  and  the  Squire  proceeded  with  the  ceremony.  But  alas !  for 
human  weakness!  He  forgot  his  oration;  "his  tongue  clave  to  the  roof  of  his  mouth."  In 
vain  he  straightened  up  his  spinal  column,  "smote  his  knees  together,  gnashed  his  teeth,  ' 
rolled  his  eyes,  brushed  back  his  front  hair  and  mopped  up  the  perspiration  on  his  face,  his 
tongue  refused  to  give  utterance  to  the  chaos  that  raged  in  his  brain.  Smith  grinned  and  the 
bridal  party  blushed,  while  other  members  looked  on  with  pity.  The  Squire  had  completely  for- 
gotten himself,  but  his  mind  at  length  wandered  back  to  the  rail  fence,  and  then  the  floodgates 
of  memory  were  thrown  open,  and  he  went  on  with  the  ceremony  and  clinched  it  with  an  elo- 
quent quotation  from  Scripture,  "  What  God  has  joined  together  let  no  man  put  asunder  :  "  received 
a  five-franc  piece  for  his  fee,  and  with  a  light  heart  bent  his  steps  homeward. 

Marshall,  son  of  Nathan  and  Harriet  Swain,  was  the  first  child  born  in  the  town  of  Court- 
land,  his  birth  dating  in  the  fall  of  1846. 

Death  claimed  its  first  victim  in  the  person  of  Patrick  Grifiith,  who  died  in  the  fall  of  1846. 
He  was  buried  a  short  distance  east  of  Cambria. 

The  first  school  was  taught  by  William  S.  Chestnut  in  an  upper  room  of  the  dwelling  of 
Jonathan  Moulton  in  the  spring  of  1847.     About  twelve  scholars  were  in  attendance. 

The  first  mill  built  in  the  town  was  by  Daniel  Langdon,  an  account  of  which  is  given  in 
the  sketch  of  the  village  of  Cambria. 

The  first  public  dance  was  at  the  house  of  Daniel  Langdon  in  1846,  the  same  house  men- 
tioned in  the  history  of  Cambria  as  the  first  built  in  the  village,  and  which  in  1879  was  used  by 
the  owners  of  the  Cambria  mill  as  a  stable. 

A  family  named  Hagadorn,  consisting  of  father  and  mother,  three  sons,  Henry,  Jacob  and 
Adam  and  a  daughter,  moved  there  in  184-5.  If  reports  are  true,  this  family  did  not  contribute 
materially  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  that  community,  but  on  the  contrary  kept  the  neighbor- 
hood in  a  chronic  uneasiness,  but  it  was  believed  after  all  by  many,  that  the  reputation  of  the 
old  man  and  his  boys  was  often  used  to  cover  up  the  crookedness  of  others.  Various  and  numer- 
ous were  the  irregularities  that  were  charged  to  this  family,  and  often  were  the  officers  of  the  law 
armed  with  the  necessary  papers  to  bring  the  old  man  to  judgment,  and  vindicate  the  peace  and 
dignity  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin.     William  S.  Chestnut,  then  a  young  man,  conscientious  in 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  711 

the  discharge  of  his  duties  generally,  came  in  contact  with  Hagadorn  frequently  in  an  oflScial 
way.  At  one  time,  Hagadorn  made  one  of  a  party  of  several  of  the  Courtlanders  who  started 
to  Milwaukee  with  ox  teams.  They  camped  the  first  night  a  few  miles  east  of  Fox  Lake,  and 
the  teamsters  made  free  with  a  settler's  corn-field  close  at  hand  to  bait  their  oxen.  The  owner 
had  the  party  arrested  for  stealing,  and  they  swore  the  theft  on  to  Hagadorn,  who  admitted  that 
he  appropriated  a  little  corn,  but  insisted  that  the  whole  party  was  also  guilty.  But  the  old  man's 
bad  reputation  let  them  off. 

Later  still,  a  warrant  was  issued  by  a  Justice  named  Toby  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  Chest- 
nut for  service.  Chestnut  mounted  his  horse  and  pounced  upon  his  victim,  Hagadorn,  while 
the  old  man  was  quietly  partaking  of  his  noontide  meal.  The  lawless  Hagadorn  donned  a 
swallow-tailed  coat  that,  in  the  days  of  antiquity,  had  made  its  way  in  society,  and  meekly 
walked  alongside  the  mounted  officer  of  the  law  toward  the  residence  and  office  of  Squire 
Toby.  While  silently  marching  along  a  bridle  path  in  a  thicket  of  timber,  Chestnut  casually 
remarked  to  his  prisoner  that,  "  this  would  be  a  good  place  to  run  away."  The  prisoner  looked 
up  into  the  stern  face  of  his  captor,  which  seemed  to  relax  a  trifle.  The  next  moment  that 
swallow-tailed  coat  represented  an  angle  of  forty-five  degrees  as  its  proprietor  was  scudding 
through  the  woods  only  as  a  man  can  scud  when  he  is  in  a  great  hurry.  In  vain  did  the  constable 
jump  from  his  horse  and  pursue  the  fugitive  and  yell  after  him  to  "come  back."  The  pursuit 
was  abandoned,  but  he  picked  up  Hagadoru's  hat  that  had  parted  company  with  its  owner,  and 
hung  it  on  a  twig  near  the  path.  Mr.  Chestnut  returned  the  warrant  marked,  "  served  and 
prisoner  escaped,"  remarking  that  he  "  didn't  think  he  was  guilty  anyway."  That  was  the  end 
of  the  case.  Hagadorn  was  not  entirely  destitute  of  honor,  evidently,  for  some  time  after  that, 
while  Chestnut  was  passing  his  house,  he  was  called,  when  the  former  told  him  that  he  wanted 
to  pay  him  for  his  trouble  on  that  occasion.  "  All  right,"  said  Chestnut.  "  There,"  continued 
he,  pointing  to  an  overgrown,  lank  and  dingy-looking  pup  that  was  dozing  under  the  soporific  in- 
fluence of  a  hot  kitchen  fire,  "  is  a  splendid  pup  ;  I'll  give  you  that  pup  to  call  it  square."  "  A 
bargain,"  said  Chestnut,  and  he  proudly  bore  off  the  fee  at  the  end  of  a  string,  meditating  on  the 
great  future  that  the  pup  might  develop.  The  pup  was  taken  to  his  new  home,  for  which  he 
soon  formed  a  warm  attachment.  He  grew  and  waxed  strong  and  soon  proved  an  adept  in  hunt- 
ing eggs,  which  he  sucked  with  pleasure.  William  says  there  is  no  telling  what  faculties  that 
pup  might  have  developed,  had  his  early  training  not  been  neglected  and  had  not  one  of  the  boys 
in  a  fit  of  anger  "cut  him  down  in  the  morning  of  life." 

About  the  time  Mr.  Chestnut  came  to  town,  a  number  of  young  men  from  Illinois,  Indiana 
and  other  States,  inaugurated  here  a  new  enterprise.  They  would  select  some  pretty  good  land, 
enter  the  same,  build  thereon  a  small  house,  and  sell  out  the  same  the  first  opportunity,  and 
then  take  up  another  claim.  They  would  thus  keep  in  advance  of  the  actual  settlers,  and  com- 
pel them  to  submit  to  their  unjust  claims.  To  resist  one  of  the  number  would  bring  the  whole 
body  upon  the  offender. 

The  first  election  in  the  town  was  the  occasion  of  a  great  deal  of  fun  in  the  way  of  "  big 
drunks."  Whisky  was  free,  and  everybody  partook,  but,  as  in  the  days  of  the  Apostles,  the 
good  wine  was  set  out  first,  and  after  that  the  worse.  As  the  barrel  was  being  emptied  of  its 
first  contents,  it  was  replenished  with  water,  the  greater  number  of  the  men  being  so  drunk  they 
did  not  know  the  difference  between  water  and  whisky. 

The  town  lies  immediately  south  of  Randolph.  The  prairie  of  the  latter  town  extends  into 
Courtland,  occupying  the  northeastern  section,  and  then,  extending  in  a  narrow  belt  southwest- 
ward  across  the  town,  widens  out  again  on  the  west  side.  In  the  southeast  sections,  narrow  and 
marshy  belts  with  the  same  southwest  trend  are  observed.  The  surface  is  generally  quite  level, 
running  for  the  most  part  from  350  to  400  feet  in  altitude.  In  the  northeast  corner,  however, 
the  ravines  about  the  head  of  Duck  Creek  cut  down  to  an  altitude  of  260  feet.  The  highest 
points  probably  are  on  Sections  17, 18,  20  and  19.  Most  of  the  town  lies  on  the  divide  between 
the  systems  of  the  Rock  and  Wisconsin,  so  that  the  streams  heading  on  either  side  are  but  small, 
the  main  branch  of  Duck  Creek,  at  Cambria,  being  the  principal  one. 


712  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

The  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway  traverses  the  town  from  east  to  west,  entering 
on  Section  1,  and  passing  through  Sections  2,  3,  4,  .5,  and  into  Springvale  from  Section  6. 

The  first  entry  of  land  was  made  June  .5,  1844,  by  Peter  Goulden,  and  patented  Septem- 
tember  1,  1846,  and  comprised  the  east  half  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  10. 

Of  Horace  Rust,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this  town,  the  Columbus  Democrat  of  April 
12,  1879,  says: 

'■  It  was  mentioned  in  the  Democrat  of  last  week  that  Mr.  Horace  Rust,  of  Courtland,  had 
been  upon  his  death-bed  for  several  days,  and  that  he  had  probably  passed  away  before  that 
writing,  but  he  lingered  in  an  unconscious  condition  for  several  days  more,  and  breathed  his  last 
at  3:30  A.  M.,  on  Monday.  The  funeral  occurred  on  Wednesday,  and  was  largely  attended. 
He  was  born  in  Rochester,  Vt.,  in  1798,  and  his  life,  thus  prolonged  far  beyond  the  exist- 
ence of  an  ordinary  man,  was  full  of  incident.  Several  of  his  earlier  years  were  passed  in 
Maine,  where  he  was  a  contractor  for  the  construction  of  a  canal.  In  1823,  he  was  married  at 
Stockbridge,  near  the  place  of  his  birth,  to  Miss  Roxana  Mills.  In  1843,  he  came  to  Walworth 
County,  Wis.,  and  for  about  two  years  resided  with  his  brother-in-law.  Dr.  Mills,  who  was  then 
Territorial  Senator.  In  1845,  he  moved  to  what  is  now  Courtland,  and  selected  the  beautiful 
location  which  embraces  the  fine  farm  where  he  died.  His  son  Henry  has  resided  with  him 
during  most  of  these  years,  and  during  the  greater  part  of  the  time  has  managed  the  farm.  As 
he  advanced  in  years,  having  acquired  a  competence,  the  elder  Mr.  Rust  relinquished  active 
life,  and,  relieved  from  all  care  and  oppression  of  want,  enjoyed  a  pleasant  and  comfortable 
home  with  his  son.  The  estate,  though  not  large,  is  valuable  and  forms  one  of  the  coziest  and 
pleasantest  homes  anywhere  in  that  region.  The  deceased  was  full  of  reminiscence  con- 
cerning early  life  on  this  frontier,  when  he  was  in  the  mood  ;  and  many  interesting  recol- 
lections of  that  character  have  died  with  him.  In  1845,  with  his  two  sons,  Henry  and  Mills, 
and  a  yoke  of  cattle,  he  entered  Courtland,  and  built  a  log  house  into  which  he  removed  his 
family  in  the  succeeding  year.  He  related  that  after  finishing  this  house,  he  and  his  sons 
started  on  the  return  to  Walworth.  At  that  time,  the  old  road  to  Columbus  and  Watertown 
made  an  extensive  detour  to  the  west,  and  went  to  Otsego  to  avoid  impassable  swamps.  The 
pilgrims  took  an  early  breakfast  that  morning,  and  the  ox-line  did  not  bring  them  to  Otsego 
until  late  in  the  afternoon.  Mr.  Rust  always  spoke  of  his  substantial  dinner  that  day  at  W. 
B.  Dyer's  log  tavern  in  Otsego,  as  the  best  meal  he  ever  ate  in  his  life.  At  an  early  day,  he  and 
Squire  Topliff,  still  of  this  city,  were  engaged  for  some  time  in  surveying,  and  they  laid  out  the 
road  between  Columbus  and  Cambria.  Under  President  Polk's  administration,  Mr.  Rust  was 
appointed  Postmaster,  the  office  being  at  his  house,  and  being  known  as  the  Portage  Prairie 
Post  OflBce.  It  is  said  to  have  been  on  the  route  following  the  old  military  road  from  Green  Bay  to 
Prairie  du  Chien,  and  the  mail  probably  arrived  about  once  a  week.  Under  President  Taylor, 
however,  the  office  was  removed  to  Centerville,  two  miles  north  of  Cambria,  and  the  •  High 
Court  of  Centerville '  appointed  the  Postmaster.  Mr.  Rust  was  a  member  of  the  commission 
which  laid  out  the  road  from  Columbus  to  Princeton.  During  the  first  years  of  the  county,  he 
was  elected  Treasurer,  but  by  some  manipulation  or  other,  S.  C.  Higbie  obtained  possession. 
He  was  twice  Postmaster  at  Cambria,  and  held  that  oflSce  in  Rochester,  Vt.,  uhder  Presi- 
dent Jackson.  From  the  organization  of  the  party  to  his  death,  he  was  an  ardent  Republican. 
A  correspondent  says  of  him  and  his  class  :  '  The  early  settlers  in  this  vicinity  were  fine  speci- 
mens of  manhood,  and,  perhaps,  on  the  whole,  the  advancing  step  of  civilization  has  not 
improved  the  character  of  our  citizenship.  We  often  sigh  for  the  strong  bonds  of  brotherhood 
which  elevated  the  first  settlers  to  a  great  extent  above  the  petty  jealousies  and  social  and  polit- 
ical strivings  that  now  seem  to  permeate  society.  Then  life  was  primitive;  then  the  duties  and 
details  of  existence,  and  its  social  relations,  were  truer  and  more  genuine. 

"  '  There  was  a  general  sympathy  and  all  rejoiced  sincerely  in  the  success  of  a  neighbor. 
We  all  feel  deep  and  real  sorrow  at  seeing  one  after  another  passing  away,  and  to  reflect  that 
these  golden  links  binding  eras  of  life,  will  soon  all  be  broken  beyond  restoration  by  any  cun- 
ning hand.'      The  old  age  of  Mr.  Rust  was  genial  and  pleasant.      Care  sat  lightly  upon  him 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  713 

and  he  never  sought  the  jagged  edges  of  life.  Up  to  within  a  week  of  his  demise,  he  was  appar- 
ently in  full  possession  of  his  mental  faculties,  and  his  health  was  always  remarkably  good  until 
within  a  short  time  of  his  death.  However,  it  had  been  evident  of  late  that  his  was  the  common  lot 
of  humanity.  The  correspondent  above  quoted  remarks  :  '  It  is  many  years  since  he  gave  up 
active  labor  and  business,  but  he  preserved  in  an  eminent  degree  his  remarkable  social  powers. 
It  seemed  as  though  by  almost  superhuman  energy  that,  while  the  physical  man  was  gradually 
wearing  away,  the  mind  would  not  surrender  its  scepter  until  its  tabernacle  crumbled  entirely  away. 
There  is  a  moral  sublimity  in  the  close  of  a  symmetrical  life  ;  in  the  blending  of  earthly  and  spirit- 
ual life,  where  there  seems  no  chasm  to  separate  the  present  from  the  great  future.  Manhood  suc- 
ceeds childhood,  and  old  age  follows  close  upon  the  footsteps  of  manhood ;  and  the  hoary  frost 
of  many  winters  crown  the  head  until  he  is  gathered  in  like  golden  grain  fully  ripe  and  ready 
for  the  sickle.'  Mr.  Rust  was  married  but  once,  but  was  a  husband  fifty-six  years,  thirty- 
three  of  which  were  passed  in  Courtland.  His  wife  and  five  of  his  nine  children  survive 
him." 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  from  the  organization  of  the  town  to  the  present 
time: 

1849 — Jeremiah  Williams,  Chairman ;  Horace  Rust,  Milan  G.  Toby,  Supervisors  ;  Ed- 
ward E.  Randall,  Clerk  ;  Jackson  G.  Coil,  Assessor  ;  John  Jess,  Treasurer;  Edward  E.  Randall, 
School  Superintendent. 

1850— Jeremiah  Williams,  Chairman  ;  John  B.  Williams,  Ransom  H.  Mead,  Supervisors  ; 
William  L.  Williams,  Clerk ;  Jackson  G.  Coil,  Assessor ;  Randall  lUsley,  Treasurer ;  Francis 
G.  Randall,  School  Superintendent. 

1851— Ransom  H.  Mead,  Chairman  ;  C.  B.  Williams,  Wilson  G.  Toby,  Supervisors ; 
Jeremiah  Williams,  Clerk;  William  Bump,  Treasurer;  William  B.  Toby,  Alonzo  C.  Knight, 
Evan  Edwards,  Assessors ;  John  M.  Mead,  School  Superintendent. 

1852 — Ransom  H.  Mead,  Chairman;  Roger  Rogers,  Samuel  G.  Whiting,  Supervisors; 
Henry  B.  Galleys,  Clerk  ;  William  Bump,  Treasurer  ;  Robertof  Roberts,  John  M.  Mead, 
Assessors  ;  John  M.  Mead,  School  Superintendent. 

1853 — Ransom  M.  Mead,  Chairman  ;  Robertof  Roberts,  Roger  Rogers,  Supervisors  ;  Henry 
B.  Galleys,  Clerk  ;  William  Bump,  Treasurer ;  F.  G.  Randall,  William  0.  Jones,  Assessors  ; 
Samuel  G.  Whiting,  School  Superintendent. 

1854 — R.  H.  Mead,  Chairman;  Roger  Rogers,  Seth  H.  Higgins,  Supervisors;  John  M. 
Mead,  Clerk ;  Wolcott  Watson,  Treasurer ;  William  Bump,  Assessor ;  Samuel  G.  Whiting, 
School  Superintendent. 

1855 — Nathan  Griffin,  Chairman ;  John  ap  Jones,  Lewis  Brown,  Supervisors  ;  Charles 
Rust,  Clerk ;  Jesse  G.  Southwell,  Treasurer ;  Edwin  B.  GriflBn,  Assessor ;  S.  D.  Hambleton, 
School  Superintendent. 

1856— F.  G.  Randall,  Chairman  ;  Randall  Illsley,  Roger  Rogers,  Supervisors ;  Charles 
Rust,  Clerk;  Franklin  C.  Toby,  Treasurer;  Horace  Rust,  Assessor ;  S.  D.  Hambleton,  School 
Superintendent. 

1857 — Ransom  H.  Mead,  Chairman  ;  Mills  Rust,  Roger  Rogers,  Supervisors ;  F.  G. 
Randall,  Clerk  ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Treasurer  ;  Horace  Rust,  Assessor  ;  J.  H.  Williams, 
School  Superintendent. 

1858 — Jeremiah  Williams,  Chairman  ;  Walcott  Watson,  L.  Richards,  Supervisors ;  J.  D. 
Jones,  Clerk ;  Evan  Owens,  Treasurer ;  E.  L.  Williams,  Assessor ;  G.  F.  Hunt,  School 
Superintendent. 

1859 — J.  D.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  Richard  McCumber,  Roger  Rogers,  Supervisors ;  Evan 
O.Jones,  Clerk;  Mills  Rust,  Treasurer;  E.  L.  Williams,  Assessor;  Charles  Rust,  School 
Superintendent. 

I860 — John  D.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  Solomon  Harvey,  William  Bump,  Supervisors ;  David 
R.  Evans,  Clerk  ;  R.  H.  Mead,  Treasurer ;  E.  L.  Williams,  Assessor ;  J.  L.  Williams,  School 
Superintendent. 


714  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1861 — Solomon  Harvey,  Chairman ;  Evan  0.  Jones,  William  Bump,  Supervisors ;  D.  R. 
Evans,  Clerk  ;  Robert  H.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor ;  Henry  H. 
Rust,  School  Superintendent. 

1862 — E.  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  William  Bump,  R.  B.  Thomas,  Supervisors  ;  D.  R. 
Evans,  Clerk  ;  Roger  Rogers,  Treasurer  ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor. 

186-3 — E.  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  R.  B.  Thomas,  W.  Griffin,  Supervisors  ;  D.  R.  Evans, 
Clerk;  J.  G.  Southwell,  Treasurer;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor. 

1864 — William  Owen,  Chairman  ;  R.  B.  Thomas,  William  Bump,  Supervisors  ;  R.  T. 
Williams,  Clerk  ;  Jeremiah  Williams,  Treasurer ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor. 

1865 — R.  B.  Thomas,  Chairman ;  D.  R.  Jones,  George  Bennett,  Supervisors ;  G.  0. 
Jones,  Clerk  ;  Jeremiah  Williams,  Treasurer ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor. 

1866 — Henry  B.  Rust,  Chairman  ;  George  M.  Bennett,  William  0.  Jones,  Supervisors ; 
G.  0.  Jones,  Clerk  ;  R.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor. 

1867 — H.  B.  Rust,  Chairman  ;  John  L.  Lloyd,  Supervisor ;  John  B.  Jones,  Clerk  ;  R. 
B.  Thomas,  Treasurer  ;  Edward  L.  Williams,  Assessor. 

1868 — R.  H.  Mead,  Chairman  ;  Roger  Rogers,  William  R.  Williams,  Supervisors  ;  G.  0. 
Jones,  Clerk  ;  R.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer  ;   Mills  Rust,  Richard  G.  Owen,  Evan  Owens,  Assessors. 

1869 — R.  H.  Mead,  Chairman  ;  Evan  Owens,  David  D.  Morris,  Supervisors ;  G.  0. 
Jones,  Clerk  ;  R.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer  ;  Mills  Rust,  Assessor. 

1870 — H.  B.  Rust,  Chairman  ;  D.  D.  Morris,  Evan  Owen,  Supervisors ;  G.  0.  Jones, 
Clerk  ;   R.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer ;   Mills  Rust,  Assessor. 

1871 — George  M.  Bennett,  Chairman  ;  D.  D.  Morris,  William  0.  Jones,  Supervisors  ; 
E.  0.  Jones.  Clerk  ;  R.  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1872 — George  M.  Bennett,  Chairman  ;  D.  D.  Morris,  William  0.  Jones,  Supervisors  ;  E.  0. 
Jones,  Clerk  ;  Robert  J.  Rowland,  Treasurer ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1873 — George  M.  Bennett,  Chairman  ;  William  Hughes,  G.  W.  Townsend,  Supervisors ; 
E.  0.  Jones,  Clerk  ;  R.  J.  Rowland,  Treasurer ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1874 — George  M.  Bennett,  Chairman  ;  William  Hughes,  John  W.  Lee,  Supervisors ;  R. 
J.  Rowlands,  Clerk  ;   Hugh  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer  ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1875 — John  W.  Lee,  Chairman  ;  D.  D.  Mon'is,  D.  T.  Williams,  Supervisors ;  R.  J.  Row- 
lands, Clerk  ;   Hugh  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer  ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1876 — J.  W.  Lee,  Chairman ;  D.  D.  Morris,  D.  T.  Williams,  Supervisors  ;  R.  E.  Jones, 
Clerk  ;   Hugh  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1877 — John  W.  Lee,  Chairman  ;  D.  D.  Morris,  D.  T.  Williams,  Supervisors  ;  R.  E.  Jones, 
Clerk  ;   Hugh  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1878 — John  J.  Lloyd,  Chairman  ;  D.  D.  Morris,  G.  Richards,  Supervisors  ;  R.  E.  Jones, 
Clerk  ;   H.  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  Jonas  Conklin,  Assessor. 

1879 — D.  D.  Morris,  Chairman ;  Maurice  Blodgett,  Owen  Corley,  Supervisors ;  R.  E. 
Jones,  Clerk  ;  H.  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  John   Quinn,  Assessor. 

1880 — D.  D.  Morris,  Chairman  ;  M.  R.  Blodgett,  Owen  Cordy,  Supervisors  ;  R.  E.  Jones, 
Clerk ;   H.  R.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  John  Quinn,  Assessor. 

VILLAGE    OF    CAMBRIA. 

In  1844,  two  brothers,  by  the  name  of  Langdon,  settled  on  the  site  of  the  present  village, 
one  of  them  building  a  saw-mill  on  a  branch  of  Duck  Creek,  the  other  opening  a  small  stock  of 
general  merchandise.  Four  blocks  were  surveyed  and  platted,  and  the  prospective  village  named 
Florence.  The  name,  however,  was  not  readily  accepted  by  the  community  surrounding  it,  and 
was  better  known  as  Langdon's  Mill. 

In  1848,  the  Langdons  put  up  a  frame  for  a  grist-mill,  but  were  unable  to  purchase  the 
necessary  machinery  to  operate  it.  In  the  spring  of  1840,  one  Bell  came  out  and  advanced 
money  for  that  purpose,  taking  a  mortgage  upon  the  whole  of  Langdon's  property  to  secure  the 
debt,  and,  in  consequence  of  non-payment  when  due,  it  all  passed  into  his  hands.     Mr.  Bell  now 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  715 

took  steps  to  enlarge  the  boundaries  of  the  new  village,  having  surveyed  and  platted  quite  a 
large  addition  to  the  original  plat.  In  order  to  perpetuate  his  name,  he  called  the  village  Bell- 
ville.  The  business  of  milling,  as  established  by  the  Langdons,  he  continued  until  18.51,  when 
he  disposed  of  his  entire  interest  in  mill  and  village  to  John  ap  Jones  and  Evan  Edwards. 
Jones  &  Edwards  not  being  practical  millers,  employed  Gabriel  Williams  to  superintend  it,  and 
the  mill  became  more  noted  than  ever  before.  Until  age  made  it  necessary  to  abandon  the  work, 
Mr.  Williams  continued  to  be  identified  with  the  mill  as  Superintendent  or  proprietor. 

The  new  proprietors  of  the  village,  as  well  as  the  few  who  had  settled  here,  were  not  pleased 
with  the  name  of  Bellville,  and  by  them  it  was  changed  to  Cambria.  But  little  growth  was 
attained  until  the  completion  of  the  railroad  through  the  place  in  1857.  At  that  time,  the  pros- 
pect was  good  for  a  large  and  enterprising  village,  but  for  some  cause  its  growth  was  checked. 
Unlike  many  villages,  it  cannot  be  said  it  ever  was  ahead  of  the  country  tributary  to  it. 

As  might  be  inferred,  the  first  building  in  the  village  was  erected  by  the  Langdons,  and 
was  situated  near  the  mill.  This  house  was  still  standing  in  1880,  but  no  longer  used  as  the 
abode  of  man.  For  a  number  of  years  previous,  the  owners  of  the  mill  into  whose  hands  it  fell 
used  it  for  stabling  purposes. 

The  first  hotel  in  Cambria  was  built  by  Griffith  &  Evans  in  the  summer  of  1856.  It 
remained  in  their  possession  but  a  short  time,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  Gibbs  &  Halsey, 
who  in  turn  transferred  it  to  John  0.  Jones,  it  afterward  passing  successively  into  the  hands  of 
H.  Dunham,  Murdoch  &  Smith  and  Chatwood  &  Son,  and  was  burned  in  1872. 

In  the  fall  of  1852,  L.  Richards  came  to  the  village  and  opened  a  small  store.  At  this 
time,  there  was  no  post  ofiice  here,  and  Mr.  Richards,  as  well  as  others,  was  put  to  a  great  deal 
of  inconvenience  in  receiving  mail,  being  under  the  necessity  of  going  some  three  miles  to  the 
nearest  post  office.  Mr.  Richards  began  to  urge  the  department  to  establish  an  office  here,  and 
it  was  mainly  through  his  instrumentality  the  work  was  accomplished.  The  country  being  thinly 
settled,  and  two  post  offices  within  three  miles,  the  department  felt  unwilling  to  do  anything 
unless  one  of  the  two  should  be  suspended,  and  the  mail  contractor  willing  to  change  the  route. 
But,  in  the  spring  of  1854,  the  necessary  arrangements  were  made  for  an  office,  and  William 
Post  received  the  appointment  of  Postmaster,  and  served  as  such  until  the  spring  of  1856.  At 
this  time,  James  Kelley  came  to  the  village  looking  for  a  location,  and,  being  favorably 
impressed,  he  purchased  the  stock  of  merchandise  of  Mr.  Post,  and  the  latter  resigned  in  his 
favor.  Mr.  Kelley  performed  the  duties  of  the  office  until  1868,  whed  he  resigned  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Horace  Rust.  Going  East,  Mr.  Kelley  embarked  in  oil  and  other  speculations,  which 
not  proving  remunerative,  he  returned  to  Cambria,  and  receiving  the  appointment,  he  again  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  Postmaster,  and  continued  until  January,  1879,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  Peter  Williams.  The  office  was  made  a  money-order  office  in  1869.  The  first  order  was 
issued  July  14,  1869,  to  Griffith  0.  Jones,  in  favor  of  C.  H.  Mariner,  New  Lisbon,  Ohio,  for 
the  sum  of  $35.  The  second  order  was  also  issued  to  Mr.  Jones.  During  the  year  1879,  there 
were  issued  1,045  orders,  calling  for  the  sum  of  $15,075.53. 

In  addition  to  the  hotel  of  Chatwood  &  Sons,  which,  as  has  already  been  stated,  was  burned 
in  1872,  two  others  have  been  erected  in  the  village — the  Peterman  House  and  Cambria  Hotel. 
The  former  was  a  large  stone  structure,  erected  in  1874,  and  burned  April  26,  1879.  The  lat- 
ter was  opened  in  1872,  after  the  first  was  destroyed,  by  Isaac  Parry. 

A  fire  visited  the  village  in  1874,  which  is  thus  described  by  a  local  writer :  "  On  Sunday 
afternoon,  December  20,  1874,  occurred  the  most  destructive  fire  ever  witnessed  in  our  village, 
destroying  the  principal  stores,  and  laying  desolate  the  greater  part  of  the  north  side  of  Water 
street.  At  about  3:-30  P.  M.,  the  alarm  of  fire  was  raised,  and  smoke  was  seen  issuing  from  the 
building  of  B.  W.  Roberts,  the  lower  part  of  which  was  occupied  by  J.  B.  Smith,  who  had  lately 
opened  a  branch  of  his  Fox  Lake  store,  under  the  care  of  David  Williams.  On  forcing  open 
the  doors,  the  ceiling  was  discovered  to  be  ablaze,  and  the  fire  under  full  headway.  A  large 
crowd  soon  gathered  and  many  of  the  goods  were  saved.  To  the  west  was  a  large  wooden  build- 
ing, the  main  part  of  which  was  used  as  a  warehouse  by  Isaac  Parry,  the  rest  of  which  was 


716  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

occupied  by  Squire  Patton  as  a  dwelling.  This  was  soon  in  flames.  The  next  building  was  A.dam 
Schlussmann's  shoe-shop,  which  was  soon  torn  down  to  prevent  further  spread  of  the  fire  to  the 
west.  If  there  had  been  any  wind  from  the  north,  the  wliole  town  would  have  been  burned.  As 
it  was,  the  greatest  care  was  necessary  to  prevent  the  buildings  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street 
from  taking  fire;  they  were  scorched  and  blistered,  and  every  pane  of  glass  in  front  of  Peter- 
man's  new  hotel  was  cracked  by  the  intense  heat.  East  of  Smith's  store  was  D.  D.  Jones' 
dry-goods  store,  which  was  soon  in  flames.  It  was  now  evident  that  the  whole  street  would  go, 
and  the  greater  part  of  the  goods  in  the  remaining  buildings  were  speedily  removed.  The  next 
building  demolished  was  occupied  by  D.  Roberts  as  a  dwelling-house  and  tailor-shop  ;  ne.xt  came 
E.  R.  Williams'  harness-shop  ;  then  as  fast  as  the  flames  could  devour  them,  George  Buck's 
barber-shop,  John  Davies'  shoe-shop,  and  finally  Thomas  Lewis'  harness-shop.  Here  the  fire 
stopped,  there  not  being  wind  enough  to  carry  the  flames  across  Madison  street  to  Purnell's  hard- 
ware store.  The  entire  loss  is  estimated  at  from  $18,000  to  $20,000  ;  insurance  about  $2,000. 
The  principal  losers  are  J.  B.  Smith  and  D.  D.  Jones;  Smith's  goods  were  insured,  and  he  will 
lose  about  $3,000 ;  Mr.  Jones  had  no  insurance,  and  loses  about  $6,000.  None  of  the  build- 
ings were  insured.  Dr.  M.  A.  Shaw,  whose  oflice  was  over  Smith's  store,  lost  his  medical 
library,  which  was  insured  for  $50.  This  is  a  hard  blow  for  Cambria,  but  the  burned  district 
will  probably  be  rebuilt,  and  the  appearance  of  the  village  improved.  It  is  not  known  how  the 
fire  originated." 

The  school  district  of  Cambria  was  organized  in  1847,  and  a  house  was  built  the  same  year 
on  land  given  by  Samuel  Langdon.  In  size  it  was  20x24,  built  of  oak  lumber  from  Langdon's 
mill.  The  first  winter  term  of  school  was  taught  by  Betsy  GriflSn,  in  1848-49.  The  first  and 
second  summer  terms  were  taught  by  S.  S.  Torbet ;  the  third  by  Miss  Butterfield;  the  fourth  by 
Miss  Carhart ;  the  fifth  by  Mr.  Knight;  the  fourth  winter  term  by  William  Hollinshead. 
Teachers  then  received  $1.50  per  week,  boarding  around,  and  for  the  winter  term  $20  to  $25 
per  month.  Mr.  Edwards  taught  during  the  school  year  of  1855-56  ;  John  J.  Williams,  the  sum- 
mer of  1856;  Miss  Mary  Rust,  the  summer  term  of  1857;  and  Charles  Rust,  the  winter  of 
1857-58.  The  house  then  became  inadequate  to  accommodate  the  pupils,  there  being  seventy- 
five  to  crowd  in  a  room  20x24.  It  was  then  abandoned  and  a  room  hired  in  a  building  then  owned 
by  Evan  Morris.  The  new  schoolhouse  was  built  in  1861 — Hugh  Roberts,  builder — at  a  cost 
of  $1,600.  Number  of  scholars  at  that  time,  313.  The  school  was  now  graded,  and  the  first 
teachers  under  the  graded  system  were  Harvey  Rust,  S.  A.  Van  Middleworth  and  Amelia 
Kelly,  and  the  wages  received  were  $50,  $32  and  $20  per  month.  In  1868,  the  schoolhouse 
was  moved  to  a  more  favorable  location  on  Tower  street,  and  an  addition  was  built  for  the 
primary  department,  at  a  cost  of  $600.  John  J.  Lloyd,  S.  A.  "Van  Middleworth  and  Nellie 
Roberts  were  teaching  that  year  at  a  salary  of  $66,  $32  and  $24,  respectively.  Number  of 
scholars  enrolled,  332.  In  1879-80,  Ladoc  Merrill,  Lizzie  Williams  and  Lizzie  Hughes  were 
teachers,  receiving,  respectively,  a  salary  of  $56,  $26  and  $20.  Number  of  pupils  enrolleil, 
254.  Miss  S.  A.  Van  Middleworth  taught  the  intermediate  department  eight  years  in  suc- 
cession. The  highest  wages  that  have  been  paid  a  male  teacher,  were  $66,  and  the  lowest,  $50, 
per  month. 

Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church. — This  church  was  organized  in  1858,  by  Rev.  Will- 
iam Jones,  with  twenty-five  members.  Rev.  John  ap  Jones,  a  local  preacher,  ministered  to  the 
congregation  from  its  organization  until  June,  1857,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Reece 
Evans,  who  "labored  in  word  and  in  doctrine"  until  June,  1879.  The  first  services  were  held 
in  the  schoolhouse  in  the  village,  continuing  therein  until  the  erection  of  their  church  edifice  in 
1857.  The  church  house  cost  $3,000.  It  is  40x50  feet,  and  will  seat  350  persons.  The  mem- 
bership of  the  church  was  108.  A  Sunday-school  was  organized  by  the  congregation  in  1853. 
In  1879.  its  average  attendance  was  140.     Henry  Williams  was  their  Superintendent. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — In  1850,  Rev.  Henry  Roberts  organized  a  class  in 
a  schoolhouse  about  one  mile  south  of  the  village  of  Cambria,  composed  of  about 
fifteen    members,    among    whom    were    H.     0.    Evans    and    wife,    Griffith    W.    Jones,    wife, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  717 

son  and  daughter;  William  Davis  and  wife,  William  Lloyd  and  wife,  Ann  Jones,  John 
H.  Roberts,  Rowland  Jones  and  wife,  John  T.  Jones  and  wife.  The  congregation  con- 
tinued to  worship  in  the  schoolhouse  where  it  was  organized  until  18.56,  when  a  church 
house  was  built  in  Cambria.  To  this  place  they  then  came.  In  the  spring  of  1873,  the 
house  was  moved  to  a  more  favorable  location  and  services  held  in  the  English  language. 
Previous  to  this  time,  the  Welsh  tongue  was  used.  The  Welsh  pastors  of  the  church  were  Revs. 
Henry  Roberts,  William  Owens,  Robert  Price,  William  R.  Jones  and  John  Jones.  The 
English  Pastors  were  Revs.  Bronsoii,  Shepherd,  Teel,  Averill  and  Safiron.  The  first  oflB- 
cers  were  John  T.  Jones  and  John  H.  Roberts,  Class  Leaders  ;  H.  0.  Jones,  G.  W.  Jones 
and  John  H.  Roberts,  Stewards.  In  1849,  Samuel  Davis  was  Class  Leader  and  Thomas  Morris, 
Steward.  Membership,  twelve.  A  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  1873,  which  ceased  to  exist 
in  1878. 

Welsh  Oongregationalist  Ohurch. — This  church  was  organized  in  1856,  by  Rev.  John 
Parry,  and  a  small  frame  house  erected,  which  they  designated  as  their  "  Tabernacle,"  wherein 
they  met  to  worship  until  the  completion  of  a  church  edifice  in  1858.  Their  new  house  of 
worship  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,400,  and  was  located  on  State  street,  Roberts'  Addition  to 
the  village.  Rev.  John  Parry  was  the  first  Pastor  of  the  congregation,  followed  in  order  by 
Revs.  G.  Jones,  D.  D.  Jones,  M.  Morris  and  J.  V.  Evans.  Among  the  number  composing  its 
organization  were  W.  R.  Lloyd,  Dr.  J.  H.  Williams,  David  Richards,  L.  Richards,  H. 
Hughes,  P.  Griffiths  and  Rev.  G.  Jones.  In  1879,  the  church  had  a  membership  of  fifty,  with 
Roger  Rogers,  Deacon ;  J.  R.  Jones,  Treasurer ;  Thomas  Davis  and  John  Owens,  Ti'ustees ;  L. 
Richards,  Secretary.  In  1879,  the  Sunday  school  connected  with  the  congregation  had  had  a 
continuous  existence  of  twenty-six  years,  and  had  on  its  roll  about  sixty  scholars.  L.  Rich- 
ards, Superintendent. 

Presbyterian  Ghureh. — The  society  was  organized  in  1859,  and  a  church  building  erected 
in  1860-61.  The  first  Elder  was  John  Peabody,  and  its  constituent  members  were  Mrs.  Pea- 
body,  Miss  Peabody,  John  Van  Middleworth  and  wife,  Sarah  Van  Middleworth,  Mrs.  John  D. 
Jones,  Robert  Currie.  The  Pastors  have  been  Revs.  Andrew  Hardy,  John  Densmore,  John 
Kelley,  J.  H.  Richey.  C.  H.  Spencer,  David  James,  Morris  Davis,  Robert  Roberts.  Its  present 
membership  is  40.     Elders — David  Glass,  John   ap  Jones,  H.  W.  Thomas  and  G.  D.  Myers. 

The  various  temperance  and  benevolent  organizations  have  not  been  without  representation 
in  the  village,  being  represented  by  the  Masons,  United  Workmen,  Good  Templars  and  Juvenile 
Templars. 

Good  Templars. — A  lodge  of  Good  Templars  was  instituted  March  28,  1874,  by  B.  F. 
Parker,  G.  W.  S.,  assisted  by  Theodore  D.  Kanouse,  G.  W.  C.  Its  first  officers  and  charter 
members  were:  K.  Scott,  W.  C.  T. ;  Nellie  Evans,  W.  V.  T. ;  Rev.  W.  Teal,  W.  Chap. ;  H. 
C.  Glendening,  W.  S. ;  R.  G.  Humphrey,  W.  A.  S. ;  Louisa  Hughes,  W.  T. ;  Richard  Jones, 
W.  M. ;  Perrie  Williams,  W.  D.  M. ;  Laura  Humphrey,  W.  I.  G. ;  J.  Ridgeway,  W.  0.  G. ; 
Mrs.  Scott,  R.  H.  S. ;  Peter  Williams,  L.  D. ;  M.  J.  Teal,  Jennie  Williams,  Rev.  Reese  Evans, 
NeJ  Evans,  Mrs.  H.  C.  Glendening,  Mrs.  B.  Owen,  Sarah  Perry,  Maggie  Owens,  M.  J.  Rach, 
Annie  Williams,  M.  J.  Owens,  M.  E.  Williams,  Sarah  Humphrey,  J.  Bartholomew,  Mrs.  J. 
Bartholomew,  Thomas  Owens,  Annie  Morris,  David  Williams,  Mrs.  E.  Evans,  Mrs.  A. 
Humphrey,  Mrs.  R.  Williams,  Richard  Jones,  Louisa  Hughes,  Rev.  M.  E.  Davis,  A.  C. 
Humphrey,  John  Williams,  Samuel  Davis,  Catharine  Davis.  In  January,  1880,  the  officers 
were:  George  Beyers,  W.  C.  T. ;  Jennie  Williams,  W.  V.  T. ;  John  Davis,  P.  W.  C.  T.  ;  R. 
G.  Humphrey.  W.  Chap. ;  John  V.  M.  Davis,  W.  S. ;  Jennie  Owens,  W.  A.  S. ;  William  E. 
Williams,  W.  F.  S. ;  Nellie  Edwards,  W.  T. ;  John  Edwards,  W.  M. ;  Lizza  A.  Jones,  W.  A. 
M.;  Hattie  Hughes,  W.  I.  G. ;  William  Beyers,  W.  0.  G. ;  Eliza  Williams,  R.  H.  S. ;  Louisa 
Hughes,  L.  H.  S. ;  Robert  E.  Jones,  L.  D.  Membership,  55.  Night  of  meetings,  Friday,  in 
Edwards'  Hall. 

Camhria  Lodge,  No.  61,  A.  0.  U.  W. — This  lodge  was  organized  April  24,  1879,  by  A. 
H.  Casey,  with  the  following-named  officers  and  charter  members :     M.  A.  Shaw,  P.  M.  W. ; 


718  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Peter  Williams,  M.  W. ;  Fred.  Miller,  M.  ;  William  Peterman,  0. ;  Edmund  Evans.  R. ;  J.  J. 
Edwards,  F. ;  H.  AV.  Thomas,  Receiver ;  Henry  Williams,  G.  ;  Edwin  Davis,  I.  W.  ;  A. 
Schlissman,  0.  W.  ;  Samuel  Davis,  William  H.  Sanders,  Fred.  Seeman  and  D.  D.  Jones.  The 
lodge  adopted  as  regular  nights  of  meeting  the  second  and  fourth  Wednesday  in  each  month. 
At  its  first  meeting  in  January,  1880,  were  elected  and  installed,  Fred.  Miller,  M.  W. ;  H.  R. 
Williams,  G.  F. :  William  Sanders,  0. ;  William  Peterman,  0.  ;  M.  A.  Shaw,  G. ;  A.  Schleiss- 
man,  I.  W. ;  William  Seeman,  0.  W.  ;  J.  J.  Edwards,  F. ;  H.  W.  Thomas,  Rec. ;  Peter 
Williams,  P.  M.  W.     Trustees :   D.  D.  Jones,  J.  J.  Edwards,  and  Henry  Williams. 

Cambria  Lodge,  No.  152,  A.,  F.  A.  M.,  was  organized  July  26,  1865,  by  S.  H- 
Marquissee.  Its  charter  members  and  first  officers  were  G.  0.  Jones,  W  .M. ;  D.  C.  Davis, 
S.  W.  ;  H.  B.  Rust,  J.  W. ;  Horace  Rust,  Treasurer;  R.  J.  Rowland,  Sec;  W.  Meacher, 
S.  D.  ;  J.  B.  Smith,  J.  D.  ;  S.  G.  Winters,  Tiler.  Up  to  January,  1880,  five  members  had 
died,  as  follows :  Mr.  Blodgett,  Jacob  Jackson,  Robert  J.  Rowlands,  George  Farcy,  D.  H. 
Ennis.  At  the  annual  election,  January,  1880,  were  elected  and  installed,  Peter  Williams,  W. 
M. ;  E.  Tripp,  S.  W. ;  John  Houston,  J.  W.  ;  P.  Beckelhaupt,  Treas. ;  Z.  Merrill,  Sec. ; 
John  Davis,  S.  D. ;  H.  H.  Jones,  J.  D. ;  D.  A.  Roberts,  Tiler.  Regular  night  of  meeting, 
first  and  third  Thursday,  in  each  month. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Fires. — As  has  been  stated,  in  1872  the  hotel  of  Chatwood  &  Son  was  destroyed  by  fire. 
In  1874,  seven  buildings  on  the  north  side  of  Water  street  were  destroyed,  the  loss  amounting 
to  $10,000.  April  26,  1879,  four  buildings  on  the  south  side  of  Water  street  met  a  similar 
fate,  inflicting  a  loss  of  $-35,000. 

The  grist-mill  has  frequently  changed  hands.  Its  first  proprietors  were  the  Langdons, 
then  Bell,  Jones  <&  Edwards,  John  ap  Jones,  Jones  &  Williams,  Williams  &  Evans,  Gabriel 
Williams,  and  Williams  cS:  Jones,  who  in  1880,  were  its  proprietors.  The  old  frame  long  since 
passeil  away  and  in  its  stead  was  erected,  in  1871,  a  large  and  handsome  stone  structure  costing 
$40,000,  and  having  placed  in  it  nothing  but  the  latest  and  most  approved  machinery. 

Since  the  original  plat  was  recorded,  several  additions  have  been  made  to  the  village,  and 
are  known  as  J.  D.  Jones',  Roberts',  Sarah  ap  Roberts',  Williams',  Jones'  and  Kelly's  Additions 
to  Cambria.  The  greater  part  of  the  place  lies  within  the  town  of  Courtland,  while  the 
remainder  is  in  the  town  of  Randolph.  Cambria  was  under  town  government  until  1866,  the 
Legislature  of  that  year  passing  an  act  of  incorporation,  and  in  April,  1866,  the  first  charter 
election  was  held.  By  the  act  of  incorporation,  the  government  was  to  consist  of  a  President 
and  five  Trustees,  a  Clerk,  Treasurer,  Police  Justice  and  Constable,  who  should  be  an  ex  oflScio 
Marshal,  and  such  other  officers  as  the  Trustees  should  ordain.  The  President  and  Trustees 
and  the  Police  Justice  were  to  be  elected  annually,  on  the  second  Monday  in  April,  the  other 
officers  to  be  appointed  by  the  President  and  Trustees,  to  hold  their  offices  for  one  year,  or  until 
their  successors  were  duly  appointed  and  qualified.  The  Police  Justice  was  given  all  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  was  entitled  to  the  same  fees  as  received  by  them. 
Power  was  given  to  the  President  and  Trustees  to  grant  licenses  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating, 
alcoholic,  vinous,  fermented,  malt  or  mixed  liquors,  wine,  beer  or  cider,  and  for  passing  and 
enforcing  all  laws  necessary  for  the  government  of  houses  thereby  licensed  ;  for  organizing  fire 
companies,  restraining  drunkards,  establish  pounds,  and  the  licensing  and  controlling  of  other 
matters  that  might  be  necessary  for  good  government. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  village  officers  for  the  several  years  since  the  organization  of  the 
village  up  to  and  including  1879  : 

1866 — E.  0.  Jones,  President ;  Jacob  Jackson,  Nicholas  Jones,  R.  J.  Lloyd,  Willard 
Smith,  E.  R.  Williams,  Trustees ;  D.  C.  Davies,  Police  Justice ;  R.  T.  Williams,  Clerk  ;  R.  J. 
Rowland,  Treasurer,  S.  G.  Winters,  Marshal ;  M.  W.  Patton,  Street  Commissioner. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  719 

1867 — E.  0.  Jones,  President;  Willard  D.  Smith,  John  De  Witt  Jones,  Nicholas  Jones, 
Elias  R.  Williams,  Jacob  Emter,  Trustees  ;  Calvin  M.  Bush,  Police  Justice  ;  G.  0.  Jones, 
Clerk  ;  R.  J.  Rowland,  Treasurer ;  John  L.  Owens,  Marshal. 

1868 — E.  0.  Jones,  President;  John  D.  Jones,  Peter  Bickelhaupt,  J.  W.  Kelley,  0.  E. 
Jones,  G.  D.  Myers,  Trustees ;  R.  J.  Rowland,  Police  Justice ;  G.  0.  Jones,  Clerk  ;  Isaac 
Perry,  Marshal ;  William  H.  Patton,  Street  Commissioner ;  Elias  R.  Williams,  Treasurer. 

1869 — E.  0.  Jones,  President;  John  D.  Jones,  G.  D.  Myers.  D.  D.  Owens,  Nicholas 
Jones,  H.  J.  Roberts,  Trustees ;  R.  J.  Rowland,  Police  Justice ;  G.  0.  Jones,  Clerk ;  0.  E. 
Jones,  Street  Commissioner ;   Herman  Mode,  Marshal ;  John  D.  Jones,  Treasurer. 

1870 — E.  0.  Jones,  President ;  C.  D.  Myers,  Peter  Bickelhaupt,  H.  J.  Roberts,  Nicholas 
Jones,  Hugh  W.  Thomas,  Trustees;  Griff  0.  Jones,  Police  Justice;  E.  P.  Jones,  Supervisor; 
GrifF  0.  Jones,  Clerk  ;  John  D.  Jones,  Treasurer ;  0.  E.  Jones,  Street  Commissioner. 

1871 — G.  D.  Myers,  President ;  Isaac  Parry,  Nicholas  Jones,  Thomas  Lewis,  Robert 
King,  E.  R.  Williams,  Trustees ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Police  Justice ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Clerk ;  H.  J. 
Roberts,  Treasurer ;  H.  Moede,  Marshal ;  John  B.  Williams,  Street  Commissioner. 

1872 — G.  D.  Myers,  President;  Peter  Bickelhaupt,  Thomas  Lewis,  Evan  W.  Lloyd, 
Gershom  Jones,  Elias  R.  Williams,  Trustees ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Police  Justice  and  Clerk  ;  H.  J. 
Roberts,  Treasurer;  Nicholas  Jones,  Street  Commissioner;   H.  Moedi,  Marshal. 

1873— G.  D.  Myers,  President ;  George  Forey,  H.  W.  Thomas,  D.  D.  .Jones,  E.  Pur- 
nell,  H.  F.  Miller,  Trustees ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Police  Justice  and  Clerk ;  E.  W.  Lloyd,  Treasurer ; 
0.  E.  Jones,  Marshal  ;  Nicholas  Jones,  Street  Commissioner. 

1874— G.  D.  Myers,  President;  H.  F.  Miller,  H.  W.  Thomas,  John  L.  Owens,  John 
Davis,  M.  A.  Shaw,  Trustees  ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Police  Justice  and  Clerk  ;  D.  D.  Jones,  Treasurer; 
R.  G.  Humphreys,  Marshal ;  John  W.  Williams,  Street  Commissioner. 

1875 — M.  A.  Shaw,  President ;  Thomas  Morris,  John  L.  Owens,  Thomas  Lewis,  George 
Forey,  E.  Purnell,  Trustees ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Police  Justice  and  Clerk ;  D.  D.  Jones,  Treasurer ; 
0.  E.  Jones,  Marshal ;  John  W.  Williams,  Street  Commissioner. 

1876 — John  Davies,  President ;  Thomas  Morris,  Enoch  Evans,  G.  Williams,  Jacob  Emter, 
J.  W.  Kelly,  Trustees ;  G.  D.  Myers,  Police  Justice ;  J.  W.  Kelly,  Treasurer ;  Nicholas  Jones, 
Street  Commissioner ;  Isaac  Parry,  Marshal ;  M.  A.  Shaw,  Clerk. 

1877 — Elias  R.  Williams,  President ;  Hugh  W.  Thomas,  Robert  G.  Humphrey,  John  D. 
Owens,  E.  Purnell,  Peter  Williams,  Trustees  ;  M.  W.  Patton,  Police  Justice  ;  John  Davis,  Clerk  ; 
E.  W.  Lloyd,  Treasurer ;  Thomas  Lewis,  Street  Commissioner ;  Edward  N.  Jones,  Marshal. 

1878— G.  D.  Myers,  President ;  D.  G.  Williams,  E.  W.  Lloyd,  E.  R.  Williams,  J.  J. 
Edwards,  T.  A.  Davis,  Trustees;  Peter  Williams,  Police  Justice;  Thomas  Lewis,  Street  Com- 
missioner ;  E.  0.  Jones,  Clerk  ;  Peter  Bickelhaupt,  Treasurer ;  Isaac  Parry,  Marshal. 

1879 — D.  G.  Williams,  President ;  H.  W.  Thomas,  Thomas  A.  Davis,  Peter  Bickelhaupt, 
G.  D.  Jones,  William  A.  Jones,  Trustees ;  Peter  Williams,  Police  Justice ;  M.  A.  Shaw,  Clerk ; 
Isaac  Parry,  Marshal;  Henry  Jackson,  Street  Commissioner;  D.  D.  Jones,  Treasurer. 

The  general  business  of  the  village  has  always  been  good,  and  is  now  represented  by  four 
general  stores,  one  exclusive  grocery  store,  one  hardware,  one  jewelry,  two  drug  and  groceries, 
one  furniture,  one  book,  one  restaurant,  three  saloons,  one  photograph  gallery,  two  harness- 
shops,  three  shoe-shops,  three  wagon  and  blacksmith  shops,  one  machine-shop,  two  tailor-shops, 
two  paint-shops,  one  pump-shop,  three  millinery  stores,  three  dressmakers,  three  physicians, 
three  grain  and  stock  dealers,  one  express  agent,  two  insurance  agents,  two  lumber-yards,  one 
hotel,  one  grist-mill,  two  sewing-machine  agencies  and  three  agricultural  machinery  agencies. 

VILLAGE    OF   RANDOLPH. 

Following  the  building  of  a  railroad,  will  be  found  villages  springing  up  here  and  there, 
some  of  which  are  of  mushroom  growth,  while  others  are  the  work  of  years,  and  show  to  the 
most  casual  observer  an  air  of  stability.     Among  the  latter  is  the  beautiful  little  village  of 


720  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Randolph,  the  west  ward  of  which  is  situated  on  Section  1,  in  the  town  of  Courtland, 
the  remainder  being  in  the  town  of  Westford,  Dodge  County.  On  the  completion  of  the 
Milwaukee  &  La  Crosse  Railroad,  now  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul,  the  citizens  living 
near  the  present  village,  for  their  own  convenience,  desired  that  a  station  should  be  located  here. 
The  company  proposed  to  erect  a  good  depot  building  and  tlie  necessary  side  tracks,  provided 
ground  should  be  donated  to  them  for  that  purpose.  In  the  person  of  Abiel  Stark  was  found  one 
with  sufficient  public  spirit  to  furnish  the  required  land;  and,  on  the  3d  day  of  March,  1857, 
he  executed  to  the  company  the  following  deed: 

This  Iniienture.  Made  this  3d  day  «f  March,  in  the  year  i>f  our  Lurd,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty- 
seven,  between  Abiel  Stark  and  .lane  A.,  his  wife,  nf  F.>x  Lake,  party  (if  the  first  part,  and  the  La  Cmsse  &  Milwau- 
kee Railriiad  Cumpany,  party  of  the  second  part,  all  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  WUnesseth,  that  the  said  party  of  the 
first  part,  for  and  iu  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  dollar,  to  tliem  in  hand  paid,  by  the  said  party  of  the  second 
part,  the  receipt  whereof  is  hereby  confessed  and  acknowledged,  have  given,  granted,  bargained,  sold,  remised, 
released,  aliened,  conveyed  and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  do  give,  grant,  bargain,  sell,  remise,  release,  alien, 
convey  and  confirm  unto  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  for  a  depot  for  said  com- 
pany, a  certain  piece  or  parcel  of  land,  situate  in  the  county  of  Dodge,  and  described  as  follows,  to  wit:  Commenc- 
ing at  the  southeast  corner  of  a  strip  of  land,  north  of  right  of  way,  on  southwest  quarter  of  Section  six  (G),  Town- 
ship thirteen  (l.'S)  north,  of  Range  thirteen  |13|;  thence  running  north  on  the  highway,  from  right  of  way,  two  hun- 
dred and  sixteen  feet ;  thence  west  nine  hundred  feet;  thence  south  one  hundred  and  sixty-six  feet;  thence  west 
four  hundred  and  fifty-three  feet,  to  county  line  ;  thence  south  fifty  feet  to  the  said  right  of  way,  containing  five  acres 
of  land,  more  or  less,  together  with  all  and  singular  the  hereditaments  and  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging,  or  in 
any  wise  appertaining;  and  all  the  estate,  right,  title,  interest,  claim,  or  demand  whatsoever  of  the  said  party  of  the 
first  part,  either  in  law  or  erjuity,  or  in  possession  or  expectancy  of,  in  and  to  the  above  bargained  premises  and  their 
hereditaments  and  appurtenances,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  said  premises  above  described,  with  the  hereditaments 
and  appurtenances,  unto  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  and  to  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever. 

And  the  said  Abiel  Stark,  for  himself,  his  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  does  covenant,  grant,  bargain 
and  agree  to  and  with  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  that  at  the  time  of  the  ensealing  and 
delivery  of  said  presents,  were  well  seized  of  the  premises,  above  described,  as  of  a  good,  sure,  perfect,  absolute  and 
indefeasible  state  of  inheritance,  in  the  law,  in  fee  simple,  and  that  the  same  are  free  and  clear  from  all  incum- 
brances whatever,  and  that  the  above  bargained  premises,  in  the  quiet  and  peaceable  possession  of  the  said  party  of 
the  seconil  part,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  against  all  and  every  person  or  persons,  lawfully  claiming  the  whole  or  any 
part  thereof,  he  will  forever  warrant  and  defend. 

fn  witness  whereof.  The  said  party  of  the  first  part  hereunto  set  their  bands  and  seals  the  day  and  year  first 
above  written.  Abiel  Stark,         [l.  s.] 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of  J-^ne  A.  Stark,     [l.  s.] 

Francis  Wans, 
.ToHN  Converse. 

STATE  OF  WISCONSIN,  1 

CotNTV  OF  CoMIMBIA.        ) 

Be  it  remembered,  that  on  the  3d  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1857,  personally  came  before  me  the  above-named  Abiel 
Stark,  and  .Jane  S.,  his  wife,  to  me  known  to  be  the  said  persons  who  executed  the  said  deed,  and  acknowledged  the 
same  to  be  their  free  act  and  deed,  for  the  uses  and  purposes  therein  mentioned. 

John  Converse,  Notary  Pvblic. 

The  above  deed  was  received  for  record  at  the  office  of  the  Register  of  Deeds,  at  11:45 
A.  M.,  April  30,  1857. 

A  temporary  depot  was  erected  the  same  month  in  which  the  deed  was  made,  and  used  until 
the  completion  of  the  present  building,  in  August  following. 

The  fir.st  plat  of  the  village  was  made  December  2,  1857,  principally  on  the  farm  of  Abiel 
Stark,  together  with  five  acres  held  jointly  by  Abiel  Stark  and  John  Converse.  In  May  (1858) 
following,  Dickinson's  addition  was  surveyed,  followed  by  an  addition  in  June,  1859,  by  Abiel 
Stark,  and  one  in  October,  the  same  year,  by  Mr.  Hollinshead,  this  last  being  within  Columbia 
County. 

In  April,  1857,  John  Converse  finished  the  first  building  erected  on  the  present  site  of 
the  village,  and  used  the  same  as  a  dwelling.  Others  were  soon  afterward  in  the  course  of 
erection  ;  and  before  long  a  thriving  little  village  sprung  up,  which  has  had  a  steady  growth  to  the 
present,  not  increasing  rapidly  in  numbers,  but  adding  to  its  population  year  by  year,  and  also 
increasing  steadily  in  material  wealth. 

The  first  store  building  was  erected  in  the  year  1857  by  H.  B.  Converse;  the  first  ware- 
house by  S.  Merrill. 


'W.  ■■  J^^gSf', 


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£:fe^^^£^ 


CAMBRIA. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  723 

The  village  now  presents  a  very  neat  appearance,  with  a  large  number  of  excellent 
dwelling-houses  and  stores,  the  latter  doing  a  first-class  business.  The  population  is  about  five 
hundred.  Few  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  place  now  remain,  some  having  moved  away,  while 
others  have  died.  Abiel  Stark,  the  real  founder  of  the  place,  departed  this  life  in  August,  1869, 
enjoying  the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  who  knew  him.  He  was  a  consistent  member  of  the 
Baptist  Church,  and  died  in  the  faith.  Mr.  John  Converse  died  in  August,  1879,  surviving  Mr. 
Stark  some  ten  years. 

It  is  well  to  state  here  that  the  village  was  first  given  the  name  of  Converseville,  from  Mr. 
John  Converse ;  it  was  afterward  changed  to  Westford,  and,  finally,  to  Randolph.  For  the  first 
thirteen  years,  it  was  attached  to  the  town  of  Westford  ;  but,  in  the  winter  of  1869-70,  the  Leg- 
islature of  the  State  passed  an  act  incorporating  Randolph  as  a  village,  and,  on  the  8th  day  of 
March,  1870,  the  first  charter  election  was  held. 

GOVERNMENT. 

The  charter  contains  a  provision  that  the  President  of  the  Board  shall  always  be  a  resi- 
dent of  the  East  Ward,  or  that  part  lying  within  the  limits  of  Dodge  County.  The  following 
village  officers  have  been  elected  since  the  act  of  incorporation : 

1870 — President,  Dr.  William  Meacher.  Trustees,  East  AVard — R.  C.  Penney  and  A. 
Jones;  West  Ward — G.  C.  Foster  and  J.  Binny.  Assessor,  R.  D  Calkins;  Treasurer,  R. 
Illsley  ;  Constable,  Morris  Taylor.  Justices,  East  Ward — D.  Kenyon  ;  West  Ward — S.  M. 
Smith;  Clerk,  S.  M.  Smith.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — John  E.  Root;  West  Ward— S.  M. 
Smith. 

1871 — President,  Alvarado  Jones.  Trustees,  East  Ward — N.  Rasmusson  and  G.  C.  Fos- 
ter ;  West  Ward — R.  Arms  and  J.  Binny.  Assessor,  M.  Wilson  ;  Treasurer,  R.  C.  Penney. 
Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root;  West  Ward — S.  M.  Smith.  Constable,  Walter  Hinch- 
liffe ;  Clerk,  S.  M.  Smith. 

1872 — President,  James  Knowles.  Trustees,  East  Ward — Martin  Allen  and  I.  S.  Butter- 
field  ;  West  Ward — J.  Stalker  and  G.  C.  Foster.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root ;  West 
Ward — S.  M.  Smith.  Treasurer,  R.  D.  Evans.  Justices,  East  Ward — H.  B.  Converse;  West 
Ward — J.  Stalker.     Constable,  Walter  Hinchliffe ;   Clerk,  H.  B.  Converse. 

1873 — President,  J.  J.  Stocks,  elected,  but  resigned,  and  James  Knowles  appointed  by  the 
Board  to  fill  vacancy.  Trustees,  East  Ward — James  Knowles  and  J.  G.  Stark  ;  West  Wai-d — 
R.  S.  Richmond  and  R.  Arms.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root;  West  Ward — J.  Stalker. 
Treasurer,  R.  D.  Evans ;  Assessor,  A.  Jones.  Justices,  West  Ward — R.  S.  Richmond ;  East 
Ward — H.  B.  Converse.     Constable,  M.  G.  Toby ;   Clerk,  H.  B.  Converse. 

1874 — President,  R.  D.  Calkins.  Trustees,  East  Ward — M.  Wilson  and  N.  Rasmusson  ; 
West  Ward — G.  C.  Foster  and  J.  Stalker.  Treasurer,  R.  D.  Calkins  ;  Assessor,  A.  Jones  ; 
Supervisors,  East  Ward — H.  B.  Converse  ;  W^est  Ward — W.  T.  Whirry.  Justices,  East  Ward 
— H.  B.  Converse ;  West  Ward— W.  T.  Whirry.  Constable,  J.  A.  Townsend  ;  Clerk,  H.  B. 
Converse. 

1875 — President,  James  Knowles.  Trustees,  East  Ward — J.  G.  Stark  and  C.  0.  Bige- 
low ;  West  Ward — R.  S.  Richmond  and  J.  Stalker.  Treasurer,  R.  D.  Evans ;  Assessor,  C.  J. 
Coleman.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root ;  West  Ward — J.  Stalker.  Justices,  East 
Ward— H.  B.  Converse;  West  Ward— W.  T.  Whirry.  Constable,  J.  A.  Townsend;  Clerk,  J. 
E.  Root. 

1876 — President,  R.  D.  Calkins.  Trustees,  East  Ward — R.  N.  Rasmusson  and  C.  0. 
Bigelow ;  West  Ward — R.  S.  Richmond  and  Richard  Arms.  Treasurer,  R.  D.  Evans  ;  Asses- 
sor, C.  J.  Coleman.  Justices,  East  Ward — R.  D.  Calkins  ;  West  Ward — Roger  Williams. 
Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root ;  West  Ward — J.  Stalker.  Constable,  J.  A.  Townsend  ; 
Clerk,  R.  G.  Roberts. 

1877 — President,  James  Knowles.  Trustees,  East  Ward — J.  G.  Stark  and  M.  Wilson  ; 
West  Ward — J.  Roberts  and  R.  S.  Richmond.      Assessor,  C.  J.  Coleman  ;  Treasurer,  R.  D. 


724  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY 

Evans.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root ;  West  Ward — J.  Stalker.  Justices,  East  Ward 
— R.  D.  Calkins ;  West  Ward — Roger  Williams.  Constable,  J.  A.  Townsend ;  Clerk,  J.  E. 
Hughes. 

1878 — President,  W.  S.  Johnson.  Trustees,  East  Ward — H.  W.  Owen  and  N.  Rasmus- 
son  ;  West  Ward — G.  C.  Foster  and  R.  V.  Roberts.     Assessor,  C.  J.  Coleman  ;  Treasurer,  R. 

D.  Evans.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root ;  West  Ward — G.  C.  Foster.  Justices,  East 
Ward— R.  D.  Calkins ;  West  Ward— Roger  Williams.     Clerk,  R.  G.  Roberts. 

1879 — President,  C.  J.  Coleman.  Trustees,  East  Ward — C.  0.  Bigelowand  E.  P.  Jones  ; 
West  Ward — R.  S.  Richmond  and  Roger  Williams.  Assessor,  M.  Wilson  ;  Treasurer,  R.  D. 
Evans.  Supervisors,  East  Ward — J.  E.  Root ;  West  Ward — G.  C.  Foster.  Constable,  M.  D. 
French  ;  Clerk,  J.  G.  Stark. 

1880 — President,  C.  J.  Coleman.  Trustees,  East  Ward — C.  H.  Smith,  E.  P.  Jones  ;  West 
Ward — R.  S.  Richmond,  Roger  Williams.  Treasurer,  R.  D.  Evans  ;  Assessor,  M.  Wilson  ; 
Constable,  M.  L.  French  ;  Supervisors,  East  Ward,  John  E.  Root;  West  Ward — G.  C.  Foster; 
Justices,  East  Ward,  R.  D.  Calkins ;  West  Ward,  Roger  Williams. 

FIRST   THINGS. 

The  first  settler  where  the  village  now  stands  was  John  Hopper,  who  owned  forty  acres  of 
land  on  what  is  now  known  as  Dickinson's  Addition  to  the  village. 

The  first  child  born  in  the  village  was  Jessie  R.  Converse. 

The  first  school  was  taught  by  Lura  L.  Stark,  daughter  of  Abiel  and  Jane  Stark,  in 
1858-59. 

The  first  lawyer  was  M.  M.  Fowler,  who  located  here  in  1859. 

The  first  load  of  wheat  sold  in  the  place  was  in  August,  1857,  by  C.  N.  Ashley  to  G.  W. 
Goldsmith. 

The  village,  like  the  country  surrounding,  was  first  settled  by  emigrants  from  the  East ;  but, 
of  late  years,  a  large  number  of  Welsh  have  made  their  homes  here,  and  to-day  this  people 
comprise  nearly  half  of  the  population.  They  are  an  industrious  and  thrifty  class,  and  make 
good  citizens  and  neighbors.     They  have  two  flourishing  churches. 

POST    OFFICE. 

The  first  Postmaster  in  the  village  was  John  Converse,  then  James  Knowles,  and  last,  John 

E.  Root,  who  received  his  appointment  in  1873,  the  first  year  of  Grant's  second  term.  Mr. 
Root  came  to  the  village  in  1861,  and  has  resided  here  ever  since.  The  ofiice  was  made  a  money- 
order  office  in  1872,  the  first  order  drawn  being  in  favor  of  the  Andes  Insurance  Company,  of 
Cincinnati,  by  S.  M.  Smith,  for  the  sum  of  $29.50.  The  amount  of  the  business  now  being 
done  yearly  is  about  $20,000. 

MANUF.AOTORIES,    ETC. 

Two  mills  have  been  built,  the  first  in  1859,  by  Converse  &  Stevely,  which  was  burned  in 
1861.  Another  was  erected  some  twelve  years  after,  by  Fred  Zollner,  assisted  by  the  farmers 
of  the  neighborhood,  who  contributed  some  $2,000  for  that  purpose.  This,  too,  was  burned  to 
the  ground  in  May,  1879. 

Three  large  elevators  are  here,  each  handling  a  large  amount  of  grain,  and  owned  and  con- 
trolled by  James  Knowles  &  Co. 

The  State  of  Wisconsin  has  obtained  an  enviable  reputation  for  the  quantity  and  quality 
of  its  cheese,  and  in  no  place  is  this  article  better  made  than  in  the  village  of  Randolph.  In  the 
year  1872,  R.  D.  Calkins  commenced  its  manufacture,  and,  during  the  season  of  1879,  he  used 
the  milk  of  about  two  hundred  cows,  and  manufactured  about  thirty  thousand  pounds, 
which,  estimating  the  average  price  per  pound  at  10  cents,  will  net  the  snug  little  sum  of 
$3,000.  Mr.  Calkins  buys  his  milk  of  the  neighboring  farmers,  paying  therefor  about  90  cents 
per  hundred  pounds. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  '  725 

The  mercantile  trade  of  the  place  is  rather  above  the  average,  there  being  about  twenty 
stores  of  all  kinds,  including  dry  goods,  groceries,  hardware,  millinery,  drug,  book,  boot  and 
shoe  stores. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

Randolph,  like  many  other  similar  villages,  has  had  its  newspaper.  On  the  1st  day  of  Jan- 
uary, 1873,  the  first  number  of  the  Randolph  Enti'rprise  made  its  appearance,  J.  S.  Lightner, 
publisher;  Dr.  Hacston,  editor.  For  two  years  the  Doctor  continued  its  editor,  when  Mr.  Light- 
ner, its  publisher,  donned  the  editorial  harness  and  remained  in  charge  for  about  one  year,  dur- 
ing which  time  it  attained  its  greatest  circulation.  At  the  expiration  of  this  time,  he  sold  the 
material  and  good  will  of  the  office  to  E.  W.  Stevens,  who  continued  it  for  another  year,  then 
selling  to  Messrs.  Brown  &  Foster,  who  changed  its  name  to  Lively  Times,  which,  if  report 
be  true,  was  less  lively  than  any  of  its  predecessors.  Before  the  expiration  of  the  year,  they 
suspended  the  paper  and  moved  the  material  of  the  office  to  another  part  of  the  State,  since 
which  time  no  effort  has  been  made  to  fill  its  place. 

SCHOOLS. 

One  of  the  best  criterions  by  which  to  judge  a  village  or  city  is  the  condition  of  its  public 
schools,  and  it  may  be  said  that  Randolph  will  not  suffer  by  comparison.  In  1867,  it  was  dis- 
covered that  the  old  schoolhouse  was  entirely  unsuited  to  the  wants  of  athriving  village,  and  steps 
were  at  once  taken  for  the  erection  of  a  better  building.  A  site  was  chosen  by  a  committee 
appointed  for  that  purpose,  and,  the  following  year,  the  contract  was  let  for  the  building  of  a 
house  34x50  feet,  two  stories  in  height,  for  the  sum  of  $4,000.  J.  Roberts,  N.  Rasmusson  and 
R.  D.  Calkins  are  the  present  Directors,  with  William  Keeley,  Principal,  and  Miss  Jennie  Mar- 
vin, assistant,  in  charge  of  the  school. 

EXPORTS. 

The  amount  of  shipments  of  the  place  in  the  year  1879,  was  as  follows:  Wheat,  5,574,000 
pounds ;  barley,  365,840  pounds ;  potatoes,  66,780  pounds ;  cattle,  772,000  pounds ;  hogs, 
852,000  pounds;  butter,  57,475  pounds;  wool,  86,000  pounds.  If  reduced  to  cars,  we  have, 
of  wheat,  279;  of  barley,  1  ;  potatoes,  4 ;  cattle,  65 ;  hogs,  71 ;  butter,  3 ;  wool,  7  ;  a  total  of 
438  cars  for  the  year. 

CHURCHES. 

There  are  in  the  place  four  churches,  Baptist,  Methodist,  Episcopal,  Welsh  Methodist 
Episcopal  and  Welsh  Congregational,  each  with  large,  comfortable  church  buildings. 

Baptist. — This  church  was  organized  in  February,  1867,  with  twenty-seven  members, 
Elder  Moore  being  its  first  Pastor.  The  erection  of  a  suitable  place  of  worship  was  at  once 
taken  in  hand,  and,  in  March.  1868,  the  present  building  was  completed,  at  a  cost  of  $5,000. 
The  membership  of  the  church  increased  rapidly  until  it  numbered  at  one  time  nearly  one  hun- 
dred, but  of  late  years  it  has  been  decreased  by  removals  and  deaths  until  their  number  has 
become  so  small  they  are  not  able  to  have  regular  services.  They  also  have  disbanded  their 
Sunday  school  and  stopped  their  weekly  meetings  for  prayer.  The  following  named  have  served 
as  Pastors  of  the  church  since  its  organization  :  Elders  Saxton,  First,  Heagle,  McLeod  and 
Sweet.     The  present  Trustees  are  D.  D.  Ashley,  Lewis  Brown  and  R.  D.  Calkins. 

Methodist  Upisc'opal — The  Dodge  County  Directory,  published  in  1872,  gives  the  date  of 
erection  of  their  church  building  as  1859.  The  church  is  now  in  a  very  flourishing  con- 
dition, having  a  membership  of  about  one  hundred,  and  an  average  attendance  in  their  Sun- 
day school  of  eighty.  Their  church  building  is  a  large  frame,  with  basement.  The  following 
have  served  as  Pastors :  B.  R.  Shephard,  C.  C.  Lathrop,  D.  Brown,  F.  T.  Allen,  Mr.  Window, 
J.  B.  Cooper,  Mr.  Olmstead,  Mr.  Woodhead,  U.  H.  Thompson  and  A.  Reed,  the  present  Pastor. 

Welsh  Methodist  Upiscopal. — This  society  was  organized  in  1868  with  thirty-two  members. 
It  first  worshiped  in  a  schoolhouse  purchased  at  a  cost  of  |)248.  In  1876,  their  present  sub- 
stantial building  was  erected  at   a  cost  of  $3,000.     Its   size   is  32x46.     The  church  is  in   a 


726  •  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

flourishing  condition  and  the  members  are  working  together  harmoniously.  They  employ  no 
regular  Pastor.  Rev.  Thomas  Faulk  and  Rev.  Thomas  R.  Jones  are  the  resident  local  preachers. 
Present  membership  of  church,  eighty-seven  ;   Sunday  school,  seventy-five. 

Welsh  Congregational  Church. — Organized  in  July,  1876,  with  the  following  named  mem- 
bers :  John  Lewis,  James  Thomas,  H.  C.  Ellis,  William  E.  Roberts,  John  W.  Davis,  J.  D. 
Jones,  William  R.  Roberts,  Peter  Thomas,  Griffith  R.  Jones.  The  congregation  is  in  good  con- 
dition, with  a  membership  of  forty-five.  They  have  only  had  one  Pastor  since  their  organiza- 
tion— Rev.  J.  P.  Evans.  The  church  building  was  erected  in  1877  at  a  cost,  including  site,  of 
$8,100.  James  Thomas  and  John  W.  Davis  are  Deacons ;  Griffith  R.  Jones,  Treasurer ;  R. 
Griffith,  Secretary  ;  H.  C.  Ellis,  0.  W.  Lloyd,  William  J.  Davis,  Trustees.  The  average  attend- 
ance of  Sunday  school  is  forty-four. 

SOCIETIES. 

ijut  one  benevolent  or  temperance  organization  was  in  the  place  in  1879,  that  of  the  Temple 
of  Honor,  No.  33,  organized  in  January,  1876,  by  Col.  Watrous,  G.  W^  T.,  with  sixty-four  mem- 
bers. The  Temple  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  meets  every  Tuesday  evening  at  Temple  Hall 
(Baptist  Church). 

The  following  named  comprise  the  charter  members :  C.  0.  Bigelow,  W.  S.  Johnson,  R. 
D.  Evans,  J.  W.  Olrastead,  C.  J.  Coleman,  R.  G.  Roberts,  F.  0.  Bolles,  W.  H.  Albright,  J.  M. 
Albright,  Hans  Johnson,  J.  A.  Lightner,  M.  H.  Epley,  J.  M.  Allen,  John  G.  Griffin,  M.  F. 
Arms,  H.  Gilraore,  J.  H.  Rockfellow,  John  E.  Hughes,  W.  F.  Root,  James  Lockhart,  0.  C. 
Dibble,  R.  N.  Rasmusson,  H.  C.  Dunham,  W.  Byron,  J.  W.  Townsend,  John  D.  Davis,  H.  AV. 
Owen,  Charles  Heyer,  F.  D.  Taylor,  W.  W.  Alward,  H.  Phelps,  David  L.  Hughes,  D.  S.  John- 
son, John  H.  Owens,  George  G.  Roberts,  H.  C.  Williams,  William  E.  Owens,  D.  Ilsley,  0.  F. 
Lloyd,  Milton  Jones,  Thomas  R.  Jones,  0.  D.  Scofield,  John  Jess,  Charles  W.  Hinchliffe,  W. 
Chapman,  Thomas  C.  Williams,  John  Lloyd,  N.  Rasmusson,  G.  C.  Foster,  Frank  Dibble,  Junius 
Marvin,  F.  Yoaker,  J.  H.  Phelps,  R.  H.  Mead,  William  Lyke,  E.  H.  Holmes,  James  Hanson, 
Thomas  Alrinds,  J.  H.  Holmes,  H.  Hutchinson,  S.  J.  Butterfield,  W.  L.  Price,  E.  Bryant,  M. 
Neilson. 

The  first  officers  were  C.  0.  Bigelow,  W.  C.  T. ;  W.  S.  Johnson,  W.  V.  T. ;  R.  D.  Evans, 
P.  W.  C.  T. ;  C.  J.  Coleman,  W.  R. ;  R.  G.  Roberts,  W.  A.  R.  ;  M.  Arms,  W.  F.  R. ;  H. 
Dunham,  W.  T. :  Charles  Hinchliff'e,  W.  M. ;  W.  Chapman,  W.  G. ;  E.  Holmes,  W.  S. ;  G.  C. 
Foster,  W.  T.  D. 

Present  officers :  R.  D.  Calkins,  W.  C.  T. ;  H.  Harmer,  W.  V.  T. ;  W.  W.  Lloyd,  W.  R. ;  C. 
Hutchinson,  W.  A.  R. ;  Dr.  C.  M.  Willis,  W.  F.  R. ;  N.  Rasmusson,  W.  T.  ;  James  Marvin, 
M.  U. ;  Hans  Larson,  W.  D.  U. ;  John  Eggleston,  W.  G. ;  W.  S.  Johnson,  W.  S. ;  W.  C. 
Foster,  P.  W.  C.  T. ;  John  Lloyd,  W.  T.  D. 

HOTELS. 

Clement  House. — This  house  was  erected  immediately  after  the  laying-out  of  the  village,  by 
H.  H.  Russell,  and  kept  by  him  for  a  short  time,  when  it  was  disposed  of  to  Edward  Clement. 
Mr.  Clement  has  leased  the  house  from  time  to  time  to  various  parties,  E.  L.  Hoy'',  taking  pos- 
session January,  1880. 

Russell  Uoihse. — Was  built  by  John  Converse,  who  kept  it  for  several  years,  disposing  of 
it  to  H.  H.  Russell.     In  the  spring  of  1880,  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  Roger  Williams. 

TOWN    OF    DEKORRA. 

In  1846,  this  town,  with  much  other  territory,  was  formed  into  an  election  precinct,  to  be 
known  as  Dekorra  Precinct.  Elections  were  ordered  held  at  the  house  of  La  Fayette  Hill,  and 
Joshua  W.  Rhodes,  John  Springer  and  Tiiomas  Swearingen  were  appointed  judges  of  election. 
In  1849,  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners  ordained  that  all  that  portion  of  Columbia  County 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  727 

lying  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  south  of  the  Baraboo  River,  and  the  fractional  part  of 
Township  11,  Range  9,  and  the  fractional  part  of  Township  11,  Range  8,  and  that  part  of  the 
south  half  of  Township  12,  Range  9,  lying  east  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  should  be  organized 
into  a  town,  to  which  was  given  the  name  Dekorra,  and  the  house  of  Bishop  Johnson  designated 
as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election.  Subsequently,  the  town  was  made  to  embrace  only 
Township  11,  Range  9,  except  a  part  of  Section  6,  lying  west  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  all 
of  Township  11,  Range  8,  lying  east  of  the  Wisconsin  River. 

The  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  34,  Township  11,  Range  9,  was 
the  first  land  entered  in  this  town.  It  was  entered,  as  mentioned  in  a  previous  article,  bv  Wal- 
lace Rowan  on  the  6th  day  of  June,  1836.  The  remaining  three  forties  of  this  quarter  were 
entered  by  J.  D.  Doty  on   the  8th  day  of  February,   1837. 

Lots  2  and  3,  on  Section  .5,  Township  11,  Range  9,  were  also  entered  by  J.  D.  Doty  on 
the  29th  of  July,  1836.  All  of  Section  7,  Township  11,  Range  9,  was  entered  October  10  of 
the  same  year,   and  ail   of  Section  8,  Township  11,  Range  9,  was  entered  the  following  day. 

Upon  the  land  entered  by  Wallace  Rowan,  the  first  hotel  in  the  town  Avas  built,  and  for  a 
considerable  time  kept  by  him.  Many  of  the  earlier  settlers  of  the  State  have  partaken  of  the 
hospitalities  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rowan,  and  many  a  singular  anecdote  is  told  of  the  manner  in 
which  the  nights  were  spent  at  that  place.  The  house  was  small  and  not  calculated  to  accom- 
modate a  great  number  of  guests,  and  hotels  in  those  days  being  few  and  far  between,  there 
were  times  when  the  number  of  guests  were  much  greater  than  the  lodging  capacity  of  the 
house  would  accommodate. 

The  oldest  records  of  the  town  show  that  on  the  3d  day  of  April,  1849,  there  was  an 
election  held  at  the  village  of  Dekorra,  and  that  William  W.  Drake  was  elected  Chairman  of 
the  Board  of  Supervisors,  and  Charles  W.  Kingsbury  and  Christopher  Randall  were  his  asso- 
ciates; Quintin  Smith  was  elected  Town  Clerk;  Joshua  W.  Rhodes,  Assessor;  William  Owen, 
Superintendent  of  Schools ;  William  P.  Barber,  Hugh  Mair  and  Thomas  Robertson,  Justices 
of  the  Peace ;  Joel  C.  Doolittle  and  Robert  Wilson,  Constables.  It  appears,  however,  that 
some  of  the  officers  elected  failed  to  qualify  for  on  the  26th  day  of  May  of  the  same  year, 
another  election  was  held  and  Lafayette  Hill  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace ;  Joel  C.  Doolit- 
tle, Town  Treasurer,  and  John  S.  Richmond,  Superintendent  of  Schools.  It  again  appears 
that  John  S.  Richmond  and  Joel  C.  Doolittle  failed  to  qualify,  and  that  on  the  28th  day  of 
November,  James  R.  McMillan  was  appointed  Town  Treasurer  and  John  Pate,  Superintendent 
of  Schools.  On  the  3d  day  of  September,  1849,  another  election  was  held  for  county  officers, 
at  which  there  were  forty  ballots  deposited.  Those  voting  at  that  election  were  David  McMur- 
phy,  William  B.  McQuewen,  W.  P.  Barber,  Noah  Dunham,  Cyrus  M.  McMurphy,  Lewis  But- 
terfield,  Thomas  Greene,  Henry  W.  Kingsbury,  Nathan  Palmer,  Hezekiah  Kingsbury,  William 
G.  Greene,  Thomas  Robertson,  Lewis  From,  William  Butterfield,  C.  Kingsbury,  Isaac  Griends, 
Henry  York,  W.  B.  Streeter,  Solomon  Cook,  William  W.  Drake,  J.  C.  Doolittle,  John  Pate, 
James  Robertson,  Quintin  Smith,  David  Brewer,  Thomas  B.  Scott,  John  Hutchinson,  Pardon 
Davis,  Joshua  Dayton,  Alexander  McDonald,  John  T.  De  La  Ronde,  Simeon  Lecuyer,  Min- 
grove  Bennett,  James  McMurphy,  Rufus  McMurphy,  J.  B.  Miller,  Samuel  Williams,  Bishop 
Johnson,  Hugh  Muir,  J.  H.  Warren.  Of  the  above  number,  in  1879  not  one  was  then  living  in 
the  town.  Some  four  or  five  were  in  Caledonia,  some  have  moved  to  parts  unknown,  and  some 
have  died.  On  the  6th  day  of  November,  of  the  same  year,  an  election  was  held  for  State 
officers,  at  which  forty-seven  votes  were  cast,  only  one  of  which,  in  1879,  was  of  the  town,  that 
being  William  McDonald.     Some  six  or  seven  were  then  residents  of  Caledonia. 

The  pioneer  mill  in  this  part  of  Wisconsin  is  situated  on  Rocky  Run  Creek,  about  a  hun- 
dred rods  from  the  Wisconsin  River,  in  the  town  of  Dekorra,  seven  miles  from  Portage,  and  is 
known  as  the  Dekorra  Mills.  It  was  erected  in  1843,  at  which  time  there  was  no  grist-mill  at 
Madison,  Baraboo,  Portage,  Wyocena,  Kingston  or  at  Columbus,  and  in  the  first  years  of  oper- 
ating the  mill,  grists  were  brought  from  all  these  points  and  from  a  distance  thirty  or  forty 
miles  north  of  Portage.     The  mill  was  built  by  a  company  of  men  from   Ohio  who   had   large 


728  HISTORY    OF    COLUMHIA    COUNTY. 

landed  interests  in  Wisconsin,  and  who  were  the  platters  of  the  ancient  and  obsolete  village  of 
Dekorra.  The  first  grist,  which  was  of  corn,  was  ground  for  Thomas  Robinson,  of  Caledonia, 
better  known  as  "Daddy"  Robinson,  now  deceased.  In  1847,  the  mill  was  leased  for  three 
years  to  Joshua  Rhodes  and  .John  Springer,  both  of  whom  have  since  died,  the  consideration 
being  the  building  of  a  new  dam  and  the  making  of  some  other  improvements.  The  ne.xt  ten- 
ant of  the  mill  was  I.  I.  Ege,  who  died  at  Dekorra  two  or  three  years  ago,  and  who  managed  it 
a  year.  In  1852,  S.  M.  Carr  traded  his  farm  in  Ohio  for  this  property  without  ever  seeing  it, 
and  at  once  removed  to  Dekorra.  He  made  considerable  improvements  in  the  mill  and  operated 
it  until  April,  1868,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  John  McKenzie,  who  has  managed  it 
ever  since.  He  purchased  the  mill  for  a  consideration  of  .§9,000.  The  cost  of  the  repairs  and 
improvements  which  he  has  since  made  on  this  property  amounts  to  almost  as  much  as  the  orig- 
inal price  of  the  mill.  During  the  first  summer,  he  entirely  overhauled  it  and  put  in  a  new 
water  wheel  at  an  expense  of  $2,300.  In  1870,  he  expended  $900  more  for  an  additional 
water  wheel,  and  in  1877  the  mill  was  stopped  for  repairs  from  June  to  August.  In  that  sea- 
son, the  race  was  widened  and  deepened,  and  considerable  masonry  was  laid  under  and  about 
the  mill,  new  timbers  placed  beneath  it  and  new  flumes  constructed,  the  whole  disbursement 
amounting  to  $2, .500.  The  latter,  as  a  rule,  have  to  be  renewed  every  ten  years,  the  line  of 
decay  being  at  the  point  where  air  and  water  meet.  That  submerged  lumber  does  not  rot  is 
well  illustrated  by  the  fact  that  some  of  the  white  pine  lumber,  which  has  been  under  the 
water  here  for  thirty-five  years,  is  still  as  sound  as  when  hewn,  and  harder.  Except  a  portion 
of  the  frame,  very  little  of  the  old  mill  now  remains,  and  it  has  been  gradually  and  constantly 
improved  until  it  is  now  one  of  the  most  convenient  and  easily  operated  in  the  country. 

Among  his  improvements  is  the  erection  of  a  store  building  for  flour,  14x36  feet,  with 
basement  underneath,  used  as  a  hitching  place  for  the  horses  of  his  patrons.  He  has  also  con- 
structed a  very  tasty  and  well-built  barn  30x42  feet,  with  a  basement  under  all.  A  notable 
feature  about  the  building  is  the  attempt  which  has  been  made  to  render  it  rat-proof  The  floor 
and  walls  have  been  made  the  same  as  the  solid  rock,  the  grout  and  rock  on  the  bottom  being 
seven  inches  thick,  with  a  plank  floor  over  that.  The  carpenter  work  was  done  by  G.  M.  Odie, 
a  former  resident  of  Portage,  and  the  masonry  by  Henry  Loos  and  Thomas  Arnott,  both  of 
Portage. 

Before  the  supplying  of  the  flour  for  Portage  was  divided  up  among  so  many  mills,  the 
monthly  sales  from  that  at  Dekorra  was  sometimes  as  high  as  two  hundred  and  fifty  barrels,  but 
now  the  monthly  shipments  here  are  scarcely  a  hundred.  Gristing  is  done  for  patrons  in  Arling- 
ton, Caledoniii,  Dekorra,  Lowville,  Leeds,  Pacific  and  Wyocena.  This  inclucles  the  operation 
of  the  mills  except  that  during  the  winter  a  considerable  quantity  of  breadstuffs  are  ground 
and  shipped  to  the  pineries,  and  his  shipments,  in  the  winter  of  1879,  were  twenty-one  car 
loads.  * 

The  first  schoolhouse  (a  board  shanty)  was  erected  in  the  spring  of  1850,  on  the  northwest 
quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  26,  Townsiiip  11,  Range  9,  and  the  first  school 
was  taught  therein  by  Miss  Sarah  Richardson.  The  following  spring,  a  more  substantial  log 
building  was  erected  a  short  distance  from  where  the  board  shanty  stood.  This  house  served  as 
a  schoolhouse,  church  and  rostrum,  for  a  number  of  years.  The  first  frame  schoolhouse  built 
in  the  town  was  built  in  the  fall  of  1850,  near  the  village  of  Dekorra. 

Among  the  early  settlers  of  this  town  were  Thomas  C.  Nelson,  Joshua  W.  Rhoads,  Lafay- 
ette Hill,  \Villiam  Hartman,  William  McDonald,  .James  R.  McMillan,  Peter  McKenzie,  Alex- 
ander Stevenson,  Williain  Wilbur,  Mr.  Fish,  Mr.  Hutchinson,  M.  R.  Rowan,  Samuel  B.  Pin- 
ney,  John /Thomas,  S.  B.  Thomas,  John  Sims,  Mr.  Ensminger,  Hubbard  Johnson,  Hugh 
Jamieson. 

In  the  summer  of  1877,  the  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  living  in  the 
northeast  part  of  the  town,  assisted  by  those  liberally  inclined,  erected  a  neat  church  edifice, 
26x40  feet,  at  a  cost  of  $1,600.  They  also  furnished  it  with  patent  iron  seats  at  an  expense  of 
^200.     In  the  winter  of  1876-77,  Rev  J.  Warren,  a  local  preacher  living  in  the  neighborhood. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  729 

began  a  protracted  meeting,  which  was  continued  some  weeks,  resulting  in  the  conversion  of 
forty  souls.  A  class  was  organized,  but  no  church  formed,  those  holding  out  faithfully  uniting 
with  the  church  at  Portage.  A  Sunday-school  had  been  held  in  the  neighborhood  for  twenty 
years  previous,  the  meeting  being  the  result  of  the  interest  awakened  in  the  school.  The  church 
building  was  the  result  of  the  meeting. 

Allen  Johnson  and  Mary  Chalfant  were  the  first  couple  united  in  marriage  in  the  town, 
and  the  event  occurred  in  1843. 

Death  claimed  his  first  victim  in  the  person  of  Washington  Van  Winter,  who  died  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1845.  The  second  death  was  that  of  Mr.  Osborne,  who  died  the  following  spring  at  the 
house  of  A.  Johnson. 

The  surface  of  this  is  generally  wooded  with  the  ordinary  small  oaks,  showing  only  one 
small  patch  of  prairie  in  the  southeast  corner  of  Township  11,  Range  8.  Along  Okee  Creek, 
in  the  southern  part,  and  along  Rocky  Run,  in  the  northern  part,  are  marsh  belts  about  a  mile 
in  width.  Near  the  Wisconsin  River,  the  altitude  is  generally  190  to  200  feet ;  away  from  it, 
250  to  300  feet.  The  higher  limestone  country  skirts  it  along  its  southern  and  western  sides, 
sending  into  it  a  few  projecting  points.  A  number  of  isolated  bluffs  also  dot  its  surface,  rising 
100  to  200  feet  above  the  general  level,  the  highest  ones  reaching  the  horizon  of  the  Lower 
Magnesian. 

In  the  fall  of  1870,  the  Madison  &  Portage,  now  the  Madison  Branch  of  the  Chicago  Mil- 
waukee Railroad,  was  completed  through  the  town,  passing  from  north  to  south  through  Sections 
3,  10,  15,  22,  27.  26  and  35.  The  company  made  two  stations  in  the  town — at  Poynette  and 
Hartman's.  At  the  latter,  there  being  no  village,  trains  do  not  stop  unless  flagged,  or  to  permit 
a  passenger  to  get  ofi"  the  train. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  from  1849  to  1880  inclusive : 

1849— William  Drake,  Chairman  ;  Charles  W.  Kingsbury,  Christopher- Randall,  Super- 
visors; Quinton  Smith,  Clerk ;  Joel  C.  Doolittle,  Treasurer;  Joshua  W.  Rboads,  Assessor; 
William  Owen,  School  Superintendent. 

1850 — Bishop  Johnson,  Chairman ;  John  S.  Richmond,  Danforth  Pratt,  Supervisors ; 
Quinton  Smith,  Clerk  ;  James  McMillan,  Treasurer ;  Robert  H.  Miller,  Assessor ;  John  Pate, 
School  Superintendent. 

1851 — Joshua  W.  Rhoads,  Chairman  ;  William  Shanks,  Matthew  L.  Kenyon,  Supervisors  ; 
Quinton  Smith,  Clerk  ;  Thomas  McMillan,  Treasurer ;  Alexander  Prentiss,  Assessor ;  John 
Pate,  School  Superintendent. 

1852 — Daniel  White,  Chairman  ;  James  Wilson,  John  Hutchinson,  Supervisors ;  Josiah 
Mitchell,  Clerk ;  Samuel  B.  Thomas,  Treasurer;  Joseph  Hartman,  Assessor  ;  John  Thomas, 
School  Superintendent. 

1853 — Daniel  White,  Chairman;  James  Wilson,  John' Hutchinson,  Supervisors;  James  B. 
Boylan,  Clerk  ;  George  Ege,  Treasurer ;  Samuel  B.  Thomas,  Assessor;  James  B.  Boy  Ian, 
School  Superintendent. 

1854 — Daniel  White,  Chairman ;  James  Wilson,  John  Hutchinson,  Supervisors  ;  Charles 
Martin,  Clerk;  M.  M.  Ege,  Treasurer;  Robert  Shortly,  Assessor;  Harver  Curtis,  School 
Superintendent. 

1855 — Joshua  W.  Rhoads,  Chairman  ;  Solomon  Cook,  George  C.  Hopkins,  Supervisors  ; 
Charles  Martin,  Clerk  ;  Josiah  Mitchell,  Treasurer ;  William  H.  Wilbur,  Assessor ;  James 
Irons,  School  Superintendent. 

1856 — Daniel  White,  Chairman  ;  Alexander  Stephens,  Robert  Wilson,  Supervisors ; 
George  L.  Francis,  Clerk  ;  Josiah  Mitchell,  Treasurer  ;  John  Sims,  John  McKenzie,  Assess- 
ors ;  James  Irons,  School  Superintendent. 

1857-^Daniel  White,  Chairman ;  Alexander  Stephens,  John  Hutchinson,  Supervisors ; 
George  L.  Francis,  Clerk  ;  Joseph  Wood,  Treasurer;  Archibald  Hastie,  Assessor;  James 
Irons,  School  Superintendent. 


730  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1858 — Daniel  White,  Chairman  ;  Alexander  Stephens,  John  Hutchinson,  Supervisors  ; 
George  L.  Francis,  Clerk ;  Joseph  Wood,  Treasurer ;  Archibald  Hastie,  Assessor ;  James 
Irons,  Superintendent. 

1859 — William  Waugh,  Chairman ;  L.  N.  Wilkins,  Samuel  Fish,  Supervisors  ;  William 
Bonstel,  Clerk ;  Neenian  Thompson,  Treasurer :  James  Mccolean,  Assessor ;  James  Irons, 
School  Superintendent. 

1860 — Daniel  White,  Chairman;  Samuel  Fish,  Horace  Hutchinson,  Supervisors;  George 
L.  Francis,  Clerk  ;  B.  S.  Buck,  Treasurer ;  Ralph  Tomlinson,  Assessor ;  Nelson  Whitman, 
School  Superintendent. 

1861 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  Oliver  Luther,  William  Buckley,  Supervisors  ;  George 
L.  Francis,  Clerk;  Alexander  Freeland,  Treasurer;  John  McKenzie,  Assessor;  James  L. 
Sims,  School  Superintendent. 

1862 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  0.  C.  Luther,  William  Buckley,  Supervisors  ;  George 
L.  Francis,  Clerk  ;  Alexander  Freeland,  Treasurer ;  John  McKenzie,  Assessor. 

1863 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  James  Wilson,  0.  C.  Luther,  Supervisors  ;  William 
C.  Bonstel,  Clerk  ;  Archibald  Hastie,  Treasurer ;  John  McKenzie,  Assessor. 

1864 — B.  S.  Buck,  Chairman;  James  Wilson,  Elijah  Hinkson,  Supervisors ;.  E.  F.  Rus- 
sell, Clerk  ;   Frank  Wilkins,  Treasurer ;  Joseph  Hartman,  Assessor. 

1865 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  Robert  Wilson,  Elijah  Hinkson,  Supervisors  ;  E.  F. 
Russell,  Clerk ;  Silas  J.  Packard,  Treasurer ;  William  C.  Bonstel,  Assessor. 

1866 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  Elijah  Hinkson,  Archibald  Hastie,  Supervisoi's  ;  E.  F. 
Russell,  Clerk  :   Silas  J.  Packard,  Treasurer ;   Charles  Early,  Assessor. 

1867 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  Elijah  Hinkson,  A.  Hastie,  Supervisors  ;  E.  F.  Rus- 
sell, Clerk  ;   T.  Hartman,  Treasurer  ;  Alexander  Freeland,  Assessor. 

1868 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman ;  AVilliam  C.  Bonstel,  Charles  Early,  Supervisors  ; 
William  Hastie,  Clerk;  Joseph  Hartman,  Treasurer;  Alexander  Freeland,  Assessor. 

1869 — John  McKenzie,  Chairman  ;  Elijah  Hinkson,  William  Buckley,  Supervisors  ;  Will- 
iam Hastie,  Clerk  ;  William  Laughlin,  Treasui-er ;   Alexander  Freeland,  Assessor. 

1870 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman ;  Neenian  Thompson,  Thomas  Cutsforth,  Supervisors ; 
William  Hastie,  Clerk;   W.  B.  Laughlin,  Treasurer;   George  McMillan,  Jr.,  Assessor. 

1871 — John  McKenzie,  Chairman;  H.  S.  Reedal,  James  Luther,  Supervisors;  AVilliam 
Hastie,  Clerk  ;  William  Dunlap,  Treasurer ;  George  McMillan,  Jr.,  Assessor. 

1872 — John  McKenzie,  Chairman  ;  H.  S.  Reedal,  James  Luther,  Supervisors ;  James 
Hastie,  Clerk ;   William  Dunlap,  Treasurer  ;   0.  P.  Stevens,  Assessor. 

1873 — John  McKenzie,  Chairman  ;  H,  S.  Reedal,  James  Luther,  Supervisors ;  Edward 
Waugh,  Clerk ;    William  Reedal,  Treasurer  ;   James  Cordiner,  Assessor. 

1874 — John  McKenzie,  Chairman  ;  H.  S.  Reedal,  James  Luther,  Supervisors  ;  Edward 
Waugh,  Clerk  ;   William  Reedal,  Treasurer ;    0.  P.  Stephens,  Assessor. 

1875 — Hugh  Jamieson,  Chairman  ;  W.  B.  Laughlin,  William  Dunlap,  Superviors  ;  S.  L. 
Scofield,  Clerk  ;  N.  C.  Fish,  Treasurer  ;   A.  Hastie,  Assessor. 

1876 — Archibald  Hastie,  Chairman ;  William  Dunlap,  Thomas  Cutsforth,  Supervisors ; 
S.  L.  Scofield,  Clerk  ;    Frank  E.  Smith,  Treasurer  ;   James  Cordiner,  Assessor. 

1877 — Archibald  Hastie,  Chairman;  Alexander  Freeland,  Newton  Davis,  Supervisors  ;  S. 
L.  Scofield,  Clerk ;    Frank  E.  Smith,  Treasurer ;  William  Dunlap,  Assessor. 

1878 — Archibald  Hastie,  Chairman  ;  Alexander  Freeland,  Newton  Davis,  Supervisors ; 
S.  L.  Scofield,  Clerk;    Frank  E.  Smith,  Treasurer;   Thomas  Cutsforth,  Assessor. 

1879 — James  R.  Hastie,  Chairman;  Alexander  Freeland,  William  Reedal,  Supervisors; 
S.  L.  Scofield,  Clerk  ;    M.  B.  Scofield,  Treasurer ;   Joseph  Wood,  Assessor. 

1880 — J.  R.  Hastie,  Chairman ;  Newton  Davis,  William  Reedal,  Supervisors ;  S.  L. 
Scofield,  Clerk;    M.  B.  Scofield,  Treasurer;   Joseph  Wood,  Assessor. 

In  the  spring  of  1837,  Thompson,  Trimble  and  Morton  platted  a  village  on  Section  5,  t& 
which  was   given  the  high-sounding  name  of  "  Kentucky  City,"  so  named  in  honor  of  Mr. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  731 

Morton,  who  was  from  the  State  of  Kentucky.  LaFajette  Hill  was  induced  to  settle  here, 
and  in  August,  1837,  he  built  the  first  and  only  house  erected  in  the  "  city."  In  vain  was  the 
call  made  for  other  settlers ;  neither  the  name,  location,  or  inducements  held  out  by  the  proprie- 
tors of  the  place,  attracted  those  in  search  of  a  home.  The  plat  was  vacated  in  due  time,  and 
"  Kentucky  City  "  was  a  thing  of  the  past. 

VILLAGE    OF    DKKORRA. 

In  the  fall  of  1842,  Thompson  &  Trimble,  who  became  s6le  owners  of  the  greater  part  of 
Sections  5,  6,  7  and  8,  Township  11,  Range  9  east,  including  the  site  of  the  former  village  of 
Kentucky  City,  sent  out  J.  W.  Rhoads  and  Thomas  C.  Nelson,  with  instructions  to  build  a  mill, 
lay  out  a  village  and  establish  a  store  at  this  point.  The  mill  was  built  according  to  instruc- 
tions, a  complete  account  of  which  is  given  in  the  history  of  the  town  of  Dekorra,  it  being  outside 
the  limits  of  the  village  as  platted.  The  village  was  laid  out,  the  plat  made  and  recorded  Janu- 
ary 7,  1843.  The  site  was  that  upon  which  the  former  village  of  Kentucky  City  was  located, 
and  was  selected  on  account  of  the  facilities  as  a  landing  on  the  river  at  that  place,  and  for  years 
it  was  a  great  distributing  point  for  lumber,  and  a  large  area  of  country,  extending  as  far  north 
as  Madison,  was  supplied  thence.  Quite  a  village  gradually  sprang  up  around  the  landing,  and 
there  is  a  tradition  that  Dekorra  narrowly  escaped  being  selected  as  the  site  for  the  State 
capital ;  but  the  building  of  railroads  cut  off  its  trade,  and  it  languished  and  dwindled  until  it 
now  consists  of  only  a  store,  run  by  James  McMillan,  who  is  also  Postmaster  ;  a  blacksmith 
shop,  and  the  best  ferry  on  that  part  of  the  river. 

In  1856,  Peter  Taylor  and  Mr.  Ege  built  a  saw-mill  at  Dekorra,  which  was  subsequently 
transformed  into  a  steam  grist-mill.  The  enterprise  proving  a  failure,  the  machinery  was  sold 
and  transferred  to  Blue  Mounds. 

The  first  store  was  opened  in  1843,  by  Rhoads  &  Nelson,  agents  of  Thompson  &  Trimble  ; 
the  second,  by  J.  B.  Miller ;  third,  by  James  McMillan  ;  fourth,  by  George  Ege ;  fifth,  a 
grocery  store,  by  Thomas  McMillan. 

John  Springer  started  a  blacksmith-shop  in  the  village  this  same  year. 
A  post  ofiice  was  established  here  in  the  spring  of  1843,  with  Thomas  C.  Nelson  as  Post- 
master. 

La  Fayette  Hill,  whose  house  was  built  while  the  place  was  known  as  Kentucky  City,  kept 
the  first  hotel,  and  Hill's  tavern  was  always  well  patronized. 

Death  claimed  its  first  victim  in  a  child  of  John  Springer,  in  1844. 

No  church  building  was  ever  erected  in  the  village,  but  a  congregation  of  Presbyterians  was 
organized  here  October  24,  1854,  under  the  name  of  "Presbyterian  Church  of  Dekorra  and 
Caledonia."  The  Presbytery  of  Winnebago  at  this  time  sent  Revs.  H.  R.  Robertson,  W.  W. 
McNair  and  Elder  Reed  to  organize  if  the  way  was  clear.  After  the  usual  services,  Michael 
Cochrane,  Robert  Sample,  William  Sample,  John  Brown,  Margaret  Brown,  John  Marshall, 
James  Stevenson  and  wife  and  Peter  Shaw  signed  the  articles  of  covenant  and  were  consti- 
tuted a  Presbyterian  Church  as  above  named.  John  Brown  was  elected  and  ordained  as  Elder, 
and  John  Marshall,  Deacon.  Rev.  John  McNulty  was  chosen  as  Pastor  and  served  until  his 
death  in  1861.  On  the  3d  day  of  September,  1862,  the  congregation  was  formally  disbanded. 
On  the  9th  day  of  April,  1863,  a  United  Presbyterian  Church  was  organized  by  Rev.  J. 
W.  Collins.  Peter  McKenzie  and  Thomas  Allan  were  chosen  as  Elders.  Those  composing  the 
organization,  in  addition  to  the  Elders  named,  were  David  Aitken,  Margaret  Aitken,  Samuel 
Edwards,  Elizabeth  J.  Hastie,  Jane  McCulloch,  Jane  McMillen,  Christina  McKenzie,  John 
McKenzie,  Isabella  Robertson,  Electa  M.  Smith,  Mary  Wilson,  Sr.,  Elizabeth  Wilson,  James 
Burns.  Those  serving  the  church  as  Pastors  were  Revs.  J.  A.  Morrow,  G.  W.  Torrence, 
Thomas  S.  Parks,  J.  R.  Harris,  Mr.  Brown,  W.  Wright,  Mr.  Smith,  M.  B.  Williams  and  Hugh 
Brown.  Mr.  Brown  served  a  longer  time  than  any  other  Pastor,  his  labors  ceasing  only  when 
called  away  by  death.  May   15,  1876.     Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Brown,  the  church  has  not 


732  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

flourished,  and  it  has  now  but  seven  or  eight  members,  with  Peter  McKenzie  and  John  Brown 
as  Elders.     A  good  Sunday  school  is  kept  in  operation. 

In  1846,  William  McDonald  laid  out  a  village  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  14. 
Township  11,  Range  1»  east,  and  gave  it  the  name  of  "  Inch."  The  place  has  never  belied  its 
name,  its  rank  among  the  villages  of  the  county  being  such  as  to  properly  bring  it  within  the 
meaning  of  that  appellation.  No  lots  were  ever  sold,  stores  opened  or  houses  built,  and  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  1880,  people  living  in  the  neighborhood  speak  of  it  as  "once  being  called 
Inch,  but  now  it  is  not  even  half  an  '  Inch.'  " 

La  Fayette  Hill,  in  1848,  purchased  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  10,  and  laid  out  the 
village  of  Oshaukuta.  Like  many  other  villages,  it  never  attained  a  very  remarkable  growth. 
Mr.  Hill  himself  erected  a  public  house,  known  as  Hill's  tavern,  which  always  maintained  a 
good  reputation,  and  was  open  to  the  public  until  his  death,  in  1853.  Several  lots  were  given 
away  and  a  half-dozen  houses  erected,  including  a  store  and  blacksmith-shop.  A  post  office  was 
also  established  here,  but  has  long  since  been  discontinued. 

VILLAGE    OF    POYNETTE. 

Upon  the  8th  day  of  February,  1837,  J.  D.  Doty  entered  120  acres  of  land  of  the  south- 
east quarter  of  Section  34,  Township  11,  Range  9,  and  caused  to  be  laid  out  the  village  of 
Pauquette,  the  plat  of  which  was  recorded  on  the  15th  day  of  March  of  the  same  year.  Tha 
plat,  however,  was  subsequently  vacated.  About  the  year  1850,  application  was  made  by  peti- 
tion to  the  Post  Office  Department,  through  Doty,  to  have  a  post  office  established  at  this  point, 
and  the  petitioners  desired  the  name  given  the  office  to  be  Pauquette,  the  same  as  that  given  by 
him  to  the  village  he  had  laid  out.  Through  a  clerical  error,  it  was  called  Poynette.  No  effort 
was  ever  made  to  change  the  name,  and  when  the  village  was  again  laid  out  it  was  called 
Poynette,  after  the  name  of  the  post  office. 

The  first  plat  of  the  village  was  made  in  1851,  by  Samuel  B.  Pinney,  and  comprised  the 
northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  34.  Mr.  Pinney,  shortly  after  platting, 
transferred  it  to  John  Thomas.  Since  this  time,  various  additions  have  been  made,  one  made  by 
Brayton  ct  Tomlinson,  and  recorded  September  25,  18G3 ;  one  by  Mary  A.  Jackson,  recorded 
November  16,  1865 ;  one  by  Tomlinson  &  Hudson,  recorded  July  14,  1871.  The  Poynette 
House  and  American  House,  and  nearly  all  that  part  of  the  village  west  of  Main  street,  on  the 
north  side,  and  part  of  that  on  the  south  side,  of  the  creek,  are  on  Jamieson's  Addition. 
Other  additions  were  made,  but  prior  to  1879  had  been  vacated. 

"  There  were  about  a  dozen  inhabitants  in  the  village  of  Poynette  twenty-five  years  ago, 
and  four  dwelling-houses,  including  the  public  house  kept  by  Hugh  Jamieson.  S.  B.  Thomas, 
who  kept  the  post  office  (John  Thomas  was  the  Postmaster),  Hubbard  Johnson  and  Hugh 
Jamieson — the  latter  just  married  and  occupying  one  apartment  of  a  double  log  house,  while 
the  other  served  as  a  schoolroom.  It  was  Poynette's  first  school.  The  inhabitants  contemplated 
building  a  schoolhouse,  and  in  order  to  draw  the  public  money  they  had  to  have  a  school ;  so 
they  taxed  the  inhabitants  to  raise  money  to  pay  a  teacher,  for  which  services  they  paid  $6.00 
per  month.  For  something  to  eat  the  teacher  walked  home  with  her  scholars,  sometimes  two 
or  three  miles  out  in  the  country  ;  for  Poynette  was  a  village  (why  not?)  with  hotel,  post  office, 
and  blacksmith  shop.  I  used  to  hear  people  say  Poynette  would  be  as  large  as  Portage  City 
some  day.  The  school  numbered  twenty-four  scholars,  but  twelve  or  fifteen  was  the  usual 
attendance.  An  old  bachelor  refused  to  pay  his  tax  for  the  reason  he  had  no  children  to  send 
to  school.  Another  (not  an  old  bachelor)  withheld  a  portion  of  his  tax,  claiming  that  a  certain 
young  man  who  was  paying  his  addresses  to  the  teacher  owed  him,  and  he  was  holding  on  to 
see  how  matters  progressed,  and  if  they  married  he  was  going  to  turn  it,  and  if  not  he  would 
pay  the  teacher  sometime.  Of  the  scholars  only  two  are  now  residents  of  Poynette — Courtland 
Brown  and  John  Wilson.  Of  the  rest,  some  have  died,  some  are  in  Iowa,  some  in  Minnesota, 
some  in  Missouri,  and  one  in  New  York,  now  a  Methodist  minister.  I  remembera  snow  storm 
the  11th  day  of  June.     As  I  was  on  my  way  to  school,  I  saw  a  man  in  the  field  near  the  roadside 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  733 

flanting  corn  over  with  overcoat  and  mittens  on.  The  same  was  Hugh  Jamieson.  When 
arrived  at  the  schoolhoiise,  the  scholars  were  there  ;  and  as  most  of  them  were  barefooted,  and 
no  fire  in  the  schoolroom,  they  had  to  go  home  and  wait  for  fair  weather.  The  house  was  built 
by  Wallace  Rowan  ;  and,  since  vacated,  has  served  for  the  purposes  of  a  dry-goods  store, 
post  office,  schoolhouse  and  meeting-house.  A  Mr.  Cornell,  a  Baptist  minister,  used  to  come 
to  Poynette.  He  usually  sent  an  appointment  to  preach  on  the  Sabbath.  Of  the  dozen 
inhabitants,  no  two  held  the  same  faith  and  belonged  to  the  same  order.  Mrs.  Johnson 
was  the  only  Methodist.  Pierce  Jamieson  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  the  village 
of  Poynette.  Mr.  Thomas  was  Postmaster,  and  the  mail  matter  was  kept  in  an  old  tool 
chest  in  one  corner  of  the  kitchen.  It  is  a  difficult  matter  for  the  youth  of  the  present  day  to 
understand  that  at  the  time  of  which  I  write,  the  fleet-footed  deer  and  wily  prairie  wolf  might 
occasionally  be  seen  Avhere  the  iron  horse  now  plunges  along,  heavily  laden  with  the  products  of 
a  country  which  then  scarcely  furnished  more  than  the  inhabitants  required  for  imme- 
diate use,  for  scarcely  a  foot  of  land  on  the  prairie  south  of  our  now  prosperous  and 
flourishing  village  was  under  cultivation,  except  a  very  few  pieces  adjoining  the  timber.  If, 
however,  they  had  a  few  bushels  of  grain  to  spare  which  they  wished  to  convert  into  cash,  they 
hauled  it  to  Milwaukee,  a  distance  of  upward  of  a  hundred  miles.  This  journey  was  usually 
performed  with  oxen,  taking  from  eight  to  twelve  and  sometimes  fifteen  days  to  make  the  round 
trip.  They  usually  camped  out  and  carried  their  provisions  with  them.  Such  journeys  were 
frequently  performed,  and  some  of  our  most  wealthy  and  respectable  citizens  still  live  to  remem- 
ber the  dreary,  dus'ty  and  sometimes  disagreeable  time  they  had  in  making  the  trip.  In 
those  days,  men  had  many  disagreeable  duties  to  perform,  and,  knowing  this,  they  nerved  them- 
selves to  the  task  and  went  at  it  with  a  will  and  determination  to  succeed." 

The  growth  of  the  village  until  the  completion  of  the  railroad  was  quite  slow.  At  that 
time,  there  was  not  to  exceed  one  hundred  and  fifty  inhabitants,  and  its  business  was  all  upon 
the  south  side  of  Rowan  Creek,  with  the  exception  of  Jamieson's  Hotel.  The  first  house  erected 
after  platting  the  village  was  by  S.  B.  Thomas,  and  the  first  store  kept  was  by  Thomas  & 
Finney.     H.  P.  Jamieson,  son  of  Hugh  Jamieson,  was  the  first  white  child  born  here. 

Hotels. — Four  years  before  the  platting  of  the  village  of  Poynette,  by  Gov.  Doty,  Wallace 
Rowan  built  a  house  on  the  south  side  of  the  creek,  which,  for  several  years,  was  a  noted 
public  house,  entertaining  many  of  the  earlier  and  most  prominent  men  of  the  State.  Rowan 
sold  the  house  in  the  course  of  time  to  Samuel  Woodworth,  who  leased  the  same  to  Mrs.  Ens- 
minger,  who  continued  in  possession  until  1852,  when  Mr.  Woodworth  sold  it  to  Hugh  Jameison. 
About  two  years  before  it  came  into  the  possession  of  Mr.  Jamieson,  a  new  structure  had  been 
erected  on  the  south  side  of  Rowan  Creek,  which  he  occupied  until  February,  1858,  save  for  a 
period  of  one  year,  when  he  leased  it  to  Samuel  Wilkins,  and  made  an  extended  visit  to  his 
native  country,  Scotland. 

Poynette  House. — In  1856,  Hugh  Jameison  began  the  erection  of  this  house,  which  was 
not  completed  until  February,  1858.  For  ten  years,  Mr.  Jamieson  continued  in  possession.  On 
one  occasion,  a  traveler  put  up  with  him  for  the  night,  and  a  Norwegian  man-of-all-work  was 
instructed  to  show  him  to  his  room,  wait  till  he  retired,  and  then  bring  back  the  light.  The  man, 
being  a  devout  Catholic,  after  disrobing  knelt  by  the  bedside  to  perform  his  evening  devotions. 
In  making  the  sign  of  the  cross,  and  other  motions  peculiar  to  those  professing  that  faith,  he 
aroused  the  suspicions  of  the  Norwegian,  who,  setting  down  the  candle,  took  the  man  up  in  his 
arms  and  threw  him  on  the  bed,  with  the  exclamation,  "  You  been  taking  a  little  too  much,  to- 
night." In  May,  1868,  Mr.  Jamieson  disposed  of  the  house  to  Tomlinson  k  Hudson,  who 
have  since  served  the  weary  traveler. 

American  House. — This  house  was  erected  by  James  Oleson  in  1859,  who  sold  it  to  H. 
Jamieson,  who  sold  the  same  to  C.  Conger,  he  disposing  of  it  to  B.  Van  Vleet.  He  disposed  of 
it  to  George  T.  Morrison,  who,  in  turn,  sold  the  same  to  E.  F.  Tillotson,  April,  1877.  Various 
changes  and  improvements  were  made  from  time  to  time,  adding  to  the  comfort  and  convenience 
of  the  traveling  public. 


734  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Poynette  Upper  Mill. — This  mill  was  erected  in  1860,  by  Mr.  Fish.  It  has,  from  that 
time,  to  January,  1878,  been  the  property  of  L.  Stevens,  Mr.  Aiken,  Robert  Robertson  and 
Kenry  Kuntz. 

Poynette  Loiver  Mills  were  built  in  the  summer  of  18.58,  by  A.  P.  Smith.  J.  Bridge,  of 
Wyocena,  was  the  superintending  millwright.  The  carpenter  work  was  done  by  H.  J.  Sill,  the 
stone  work  by  Melancthon  Smith  and  James  Hunt.  The  size  of  the  main  building  was  36.x40, 
three  stories,  containing  two  run  of  three  feet  ten  inch  buhrs  and  necessary  machinery,  all 
driven  by  a  13xl4-foot  overshot  wheel.  The  iron  work  and  buhrs  were  furnished  by  Decker  & 
Seville,  of  Milwaukee.  The  mill,  at  that  time,  was  considered  the  best  mill  in  the  county.  The 
first  miller  was  James  Ashley.  It  was  run  by  various  parties  until  the  spring  of  1867,  when  it  was 
purchased  by  A.  0.  Dole.  It  was  run  without  any  material  changes  in  the  machinery  until  June, 
1878,  when  it  was  entirely  remodeled  by  its  present  proprietor,  F.  A.  Dole.  The  overshot  wheel, 
with  its  cumbrous  gearing,  was  replaced  by  three  Elmer  wheels — two  17-inch,  and  one  12-inch, 
manufactured  by  Davis  &  Pugh,  Berlin,  Wis. ;  an  entirely  new  flume  and  headrace  replaced  the  old 
one.  The  old  wheelhouse  was  torn  down  and  replaced  by  a  new  one  16x38,  requiring  thirty 
cords  of  stone  for  the  basement.  The  bolts  were  remodeled,  a  power  corn  sheller  added,  and  a 
full  line  of  new  process  machinery  for  making  patent  flour.  The  cost  of  the  improvements 
amounted  to  $2,500.  The  mill  is  fitted  up  for  both  ciston  and  merchant  work.  Its  principal 
brand.s  of  flour  are  Dole's  Straight  and  Doles  Pride.  The  mill  has  a  large  local  flour  trade, 
and  is  well  patronized  by  the  farming  community.  • 

The  Madison  .&  Portage  Railroad  was  completed  to  this  place  in  October,  1870.  E.  F. 
Russell  was  appointed  its  first  agent.  He  only  filled  the  position  three  months,  having  accepted 
the  appointment  with  the  understanding  he  was  to  be  relieved  as  soon  as  another  could  be  had 
to  fill  his  place.  S.  F.  Hill  then  came  and  remained  one  year.  He  was  succeeded  by  W. 
Gleason,  who  attended  to  the  duties  of  the  oSice  for  eight  years,  when  W.  H.  Whitcomb  was 
appointed. 

Surrounded  by  a  good  farming  country,  Poynette  has  been  considered  an  excellent  point 
for  grain.  On  the  completion  of  the  railroad,  R.  B.  Wentworth  &  Co.,  of  Portage,  built  a 
small  warehouse,  and  for  two  seasons  purchased  grain.  Hugh  Jamieson,  in  the  summer  of  1871, 
erected  a  large  elevator,  with  a  storage  capacity  of  12,000  bushels,  and  entered  on  the  business 
of  buying  and  shipping.  For  seven  years,  Mr.  Jamieson  continued  in  the  trade,  withdrawing 
in  1878,  in  favor  of  his  son,  H.  P.  Jameison  and  H.  C.  Gould.  The  annual  shipments  from 
1870  to  187U  inclusive  have  ranged  from  150  to  200  cars. 

Poynette  was  early  made  a  missionary  field.  The  Methodists  and  Baptists  were  the  first 
to  move  in  the  matter. 

MetJiodist  Episcopal  Church. — Poynette  was,  in  1844,  embraced  in  Madison  Circuit,  under 
the  supervision  of  Elder  Eliliu  Springer.  R.  J.  Harvey,  a  reverend  and  a  lawyer,  was  sent  to 
travel  this  circuit,  but  never  reached  Poynette.  The  next  year,  Lodi  and  Poynette  were  set  off" 
from  Madison  Circuit,  and  Rev.  Adams  was  appointed  to  the  charge.  Mr.  Adams  continued 
on  the  circuit  three  months,  but  never  reached  Poynette.  He  was  then  succeeded  by  Rev.  H. 
Maynard.  Before  the  close  of  the  year.  Father  Maynard  was  called  to  attend  the  funeral  serv- 
ices, at  the  house  of  A.  Johnson,  of  a  deceased  friend  of  Mr.  Johnson.  On  this  occasion  was 
the  first  Gospel  sermon  ever  heard  in  Poynette,  at  least  by  a  Methodist  Episcopal  minister. 
Afterward  Mr.  Maynard  had  regular  preaching  at  the  house  of  Clark  M.  Young,  a  short  distance 
from  the  village.  Father  Maynard  was  followed  by  Revs.  Waldron,  Holmes,  Woodlcy  and 
Bunce.  In  1853,  Revs.  Butler  and  Kidder  came,  during  whose  stay  of  one  year  (1853-54) 
Poynette  was  separated  from  Lodi.  Rev.  Waterbury  came  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  remained 
one  year.  During  the  next  two  years,  the  parsonage  at  Dekorra  was  sold  and  one  built  in  this 
village.  Mr.  Waterbury  reported  at  the  end  of  his  labors  100  members  and  5  probationers. 
In  the  fall  of  1857,  Rev.  Levi  M.  Cochrane  was  appointed  to  the  charge,  but  at  the  end  of  six 
months,  finding  the  work  was  too  hard  for  him.  Rev.  H.  D.  Jencks  was  employed  to  assist  him. 
In  1858,  Rev.  Whiteman  was  sent  to  fill  out  the  term  of  Mr.  Cochrane,  and  at  the  end  of  the 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  735 

year  he  reported  113  members  and  115  probationers.  In  1859,  Rev.  Lester  Perkins  was 
appointed  to  the  charge  and  continued  until  1860,  reporting,  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of 
labor,  180  members  and  20  probationers.  Rev.  Ransom  Gould  was  appointed  in  the  fall  of 
1860.  During  Mr.  Gould's  stay,  the  church  was  forbidden  the  use  of  the  schoolhouse,  which 
resulted  in  the  building  of  a  neat  and  commodious  house  of  worship,  at  a  cost  of  $2,500. 
From  the  fall  of  1862,  till  the  summer  of  1863,  Rev.  John  M.  Springer  filled  the  pulpit.  He 
was  an  eloquent,  earnest,  patriotic.  Christian  man.  He  was  drafted  and  appointed  Chaplain  of 
his  regiment,  which  position  he  filled  till  in  battle  at  Resaca,  the  Captain,  First  and  Second 
Lieutenants  of  his  company  fell,  when  he  seized  a  musket  and  led  on  the  charge,  was  struck  in 
a  mortal  part  and  carried  from  the  field.  In  his  last  moments,  he  said  to  Charles  Early,  a  com- 
rade, "  I  have  lived  what  I  preached  in  our  Northern  home,  and  die  in  the  favor  of  God."  In 
the  fall  of  1863,  Rev.  H.  Chadsayne  was  appointed  to  this  church,  and  was  succeeded,  in  the  fall 
of  1864,  by  Rev.  R.  Fancher,  who  remained  two  years.  At  thit^time,  there  were  132  members 
and  12  probationers.  In  1866,  Rev.  William  Harvey  was  called  and  labored  for  a  year 
and  a  half,  when  Rev.  0.  D.  Teal  was  appointed  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term.  In  1868, 
Rev.  H.  D.  Jencks  took  charge  of  the  circuit  and  remained  one  year.  An  extensive  revival 
occurred  this  year.  In  1869,  Rev.  S.  S.  Benedict  filled  rhe  pulpit  and  continued  in  charge 
until  the  fall  of  1871,  when  Rev.  James  T.  Pryor  was  sent  to  the  work.  He  remained  until  the 
fall  of  1874,  when  Rev.  J.  J.  Clifton  took  his  place  and  remained  two  years.  During  his 
administration,  the  church  building  was  removed  to  a  more  central  location,  and  fitted  up  at  an 
additional  expense  of  $1,500.  In  the  fall  of  1876,  Rev.  Edward  McGinley  was  by  the  Confer- 
ence sent  to  this  field  and  remained  two  years,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Matthew  Dins- 
dale,  who  labored  for  twelve  months.  In  the  fall  of  1879,  Rev.  Richard  Pengilly  became  Pas- 
tor of  the  church,  entering  with  spirit  upon  his  work.  For  some  weeks  succeeding  the  week  of 
prayer,  in  January,  1880,  Mr.  Pengilly  continued  in  a  protracted  effort,  in  which  the  church 
was  greatly  strengthened,  and  twelve  added  to  it.  At  that  time,  the  membership  was  ' 
eighty-four.  Stewards — Adam  Hall,  S.  L.  Scofield,  S.  M.  Owen,  Christopher  Wilson,  Charles 
Early,  A.  D.  Rose,  F.  E.  Smith,  Ella  J.  Cave.  Trustees — Adam  Hall,  John  Palmer,  John 
S.  Wolstone,  John  Lale,  S.  L.  Scofield,  S.  M.  Owen,  Lewis  Newton.  ClassLeader — John 
Lake. 

First  Presbyterian  Church. — On  the  24th  of  April,  a  committee  appointed  by  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Columbus,  consisting  of  Revs.  Warren  Mays  and  James  A.  Lowrie  and  Elder  John 
B.  Dwinnell,  visited  this  place  in  company  with  Rev.  B.  G.  Riley,  District  Secretary  of  the 
Home  Missions,  and  Rev.  A.  G.  Dunning,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  church.  After  the 
usual  services,  Augustus  P.  Smith,  Caroline  A.  Smith,  Augustus  0.  Dole,  Sarah  E.  Dole, 
Harvey  J.  Sill,  Maranda  M.  Sill,  Adeline  Youmans,  John  Watson,  Elizabeth  Watson,  John 
Forsythe,  Margaret  Forsythe,  Mrs.  Jeannet  Campbell,  Mrs.  Agnes  Campbell,  after  hearing  the 
articles  of  covenant  read  and  consenting  thereto,  were  declared  a  body  corporate  to  be  known  as 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Poynette.  Augustus  P.  Smith,  Augustus  0.  Dole  and  John 
Forsythe  were  elected  Elders,  and  A.  0.  Dole,  Clerk.  In  April,  1874,  the  church  adopted  the 
plan  of  electing  their  eldership  for  a  stated  period.  A.  0.  Dole  was  elected  for  five  years  ; 
John  Forsythe,  four  years  ;  Eli  Norton,  three  years ;  E.  F.  Russell,  two  years  ;  Thomas  Mair, 
one  year.  In  1880,  the  eldership  consisted  of  Thomas  Mair,  I.  C.  Sargent,  Eli  Norton  and  E. 
F.  Russell.  In  1874,  a  church  edifice  was  erected  32x52  feet,  at  a  cost  of  $4000.  It  was 
dedicated  January  27,  1875,  by  Rev.  L.  Y.  Hays,  of  Madison,  Wis.  Rev.  J.  A.  Lowrie  was 
the  first  Pastor,  and  was  succeeded  in  order  named  by  Revs.  D.  B.  Gordon,  George  A.  Hutch- 
ison, H.  H.  Bushnell,  E.  Smith  Barns  and  Frederick  Wall.  The  membership,  January,  1880, 
was  sixty-one.  A  flourishing  Sunday  school  at  that  time  had  been  in  existence  from  the  organ- 
ization of  the  church. 

Masonic  Lodge. — Poynette  Lodge,  No.  173,  was  instituted  June  10,  1868.  Its  first  offi- 
cers and  charter  members  were :  Louis  Low,  W.  M. ;  E.  F.  Russell,  S.  W.  ;  David  Bullen,  J. 
W. ;  L.  A.  Squire,  Sec. ;  George  W.  Webb,  Treas.  ;  B.  M.  Low,  S.  D. ;  AV.  H.  Young,  J.  D.; 


736  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

John  Campbell,  Tiler.  The  second  and  fourth  Saturday  evenings  of  each  month  were  chosen  as  the 
times  of  meeting.  During  twelve  years  of  its  existence,  it  was  called  upon  to  deposit  within  the 
tomb  three  of  its  members,  all  at  the  time  of  death  occupying  official  positions — Louis 
Low,  W.  M. ;  A.  Powers,  S.  W.  ;  S.  M.  Wallace,  J.  W.  At  their  annual  election  for  officers 
for  1880,  L.  A.  Squire  was  elected  W.  M.;  Eli  Norton,  S.  W.  ;  A.  J.  Brown,  J.  W.  ;  B.  S. 
Buck,  Treas. ;  Andrew  Semple,  Sec.  ;  G.  W.  Webb,  S.  D. ;  James  R.  Hastie,  J.  D. ;  Hugh 
Bowie  and  Allen  Bogue,  Stewards ;  John  Campbell,  Tiler.     Membership,  thirty-seven. 

Odd  Felloios  Lodge. — Poynette  Lod^e,  No.  240,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  was  instituted  October  15, 
1874,  by  W.  G.  Bunker,  District  Deputy.  Its  first  officers  and  charter  members  were:  Joseph 
Hartraan,  N.  G. ;  A.  L.  Wood,  V.  G.  ;  W.  G.  Robinson,  R.  Sec. ;  John  Binnie,  Treas. ;  S.  M. 
Owens,  Henry  Sloggy.  The  officers  during  the  first  term  in  1880  were:  J.  F.  Bohling,  N.  G. ; 
John  Hogan,  V.  G.  ;  W.  C.  Gault,  Treas. ;  James  Thompson,  P.  S.  ;  W.  G.  Robinson,  R.  S.  ; 
Frank  Smith,  P.  N.  G.     Menftership,  thirty-four. 

Good  Templars. — In  1865,  a  lodge  of  Good  Templars  was  instituted  here,  which  continued 
to  exist  some  two  years.  On  the  4th  day  of  October,  a  number  of  interested  persons  met  at 
the  house  of  Isaac  C.  Sargent  and  re-organized  under  the  name  of  Poynette  Lodge,  No.  288, 
I.  0.  G.  T.,  with  D.  C.  Strong,  Jane  Strong,  Debbie  Brayton,  A.  L.  Wood,  Judson  Packard, 
I.  C.  Sargent,  Warren  Turner,  A.  Fancher,  A.  0.  Dole,  E.  J.  Sargent,  J.  D.  Thompson,  A. 
J.  Townsend,  Stephen  Brayton,  Julia  B.  Sargent,  John  Watson  ami  N.  Miller  as  charter  mem- 
bers. For  about  one  month,  the  lodge  held  its  meetings  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Sargent,  when  the 
Methodist  Church  was  secured  for  that  purpose.  Another  removal  was  made  some  six  months 
after  to  the  schoolhouse,  and  then  to  Wood's  Hall.  Here  the  lodge  enjoyed  a  season  of  pros- 
perity, purchasing  an  organ  and  otherwise  improving  their  hall.  In  1876,  in  consequence  of  a 
change  in  their  place  of  meeting,  some  of  the  members  became  disaffected,  withdrew  and  insti- 
tuted another  lodge,  whicli  was  given  the  name  of  Centennial  Lodge.  For  a  few  months,  both 
lodges  seemed  to  prosper,  but  finally  the  Centennial  surrendered  its  charter  after  a  few  months' 
existence.  Poynette  Lodge  has  had  several  seasons  of  prosperity  and  of  adversity.  In  Feb- 
ruary, 1880,  its  membership  was  reported  at  forty-five,  with  C.  J.  Harris,  \V.  C.  T.;  Mrs.  C. 
J.  Harris.  W.  V.  T.;  John  Thomas,  W.  S.:  Mrs.  H.  C.  Butler.  W.  F.  S.;  H.  C.  Butler,  AV. 
T.;  E.  E.  Hinkson,  P.  W.  C.  T.;  Richard  Pengilly,  Chaplain  ;  John  Jameison,  W.  M.; 
Charles  Butler,  W.  0.  G.;  Harry  Russell,  W.  I.  G.;  Jennie  Powers,  R.  H.  S.;  Eliza  Lake,  L. 
H,  S.;  Wiliiim  Hopkins,  W.  A.  S.;  Alida  Luther,  W.  D.  M.;  E.  F.  Russell,  L.  D. 

Poynette  Temple,  No.  95,  is  a  juvenile  Temperance  Lodge,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  I.  0.  G.  T.,  and  was  instituted  August  1,  1879,  by  Miss  Emma  Sprague,  of 
Watertown,  Wis.  Its  first  officers  and  charter  members  were  Charles  Turner,  C.  T.; 
Mally  Squire,  P.  C.  T.;  Jennie  Gleason,  V.  T.;  Esther  Montford,  F.  S.;  Harry  Russell,  R. 
S.;  Bertie  Norton.  T.  For  its  first  quarter  in  1880,  the  officers  were  Samuel  Jameison,  C.  T.; 
Kittie  Wheeler,  V.  T.;  Harry  Russell,  R.  S.;  Henry  Butler,  T.;  Esther  Montford,  F.  S.; 
Louis  Brown,  M.;  Mally  Squire,  C;   Charles  Butler,  I.  G.;  Josie  Montford,  0.  G. 

Post  Office. — A  petition  was  forwarded  to  the  Post  Office  Department,  in  care  of  J.  A. 
Doty,  the  founder  of  the  village  of  Pauquette,  then  a  member  of  Congress,  in  the  winter  of 
1850-51,  for  the  establishment  of  an  office  at  this  point.  It  was  the  desire  of  the  citizens  that 
it  be  called  Pauquette,  but  the  department  read  the  name  as  if  it  was  Poynette,  and  so  named 
it.  The  name  was  accepted  by  the  citizens,  and  no  efi'ort  was  made  to  have  it  changed.  John 
Thomas  was  the  first  Postmaster,  and  received  his  appointment  in  the  spring  of  1851,  since 
which  time  Stephen  Brayton,  Ira  S.  Allen,  Abram  Padly,  Willard  Knight,  E.  Fred  Russell, 
Ambrose  Powers,  Harlow  J.  Youmans  and  Isaac  C.  Sargent  have  occupied  the  office.  It  was 
made  a  money-order  office  July  1,  1877.  J.  F.  Bohling  &  Co.  drew  the  first  order  in  favor  of 
Calvin  Chesney,  for  $7.50.  During  1879,  the  amount  drawn  was  $12,000.  Amount  paid, 
$2,500. 

Schools. — In  1852,  a  school  district  was  formed  comprising  Sections  34  and  35,  in  the  town 
of  Dekorra,  and  Sections  2  and  3,  and  north  half  of  10  and  11,  in  the  town  of  Arlington,  and 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  737 

called  Joint  District  No.  4  of  the  towns  of  Dekorra  and  Arlington.  A  schoolhouse  was  built 
one-half  mile  south  of  the  village  of  Poynette.  It  was  a  one-story  frame,  18x28,  and  was  used 
until  1867,  though  for  several  years  previous  it  had  become  too  small  to  accommodate  the  pupils 
of  the  district.  A  room  was  rented  in  the  village  for  the  higher  department,  the  primary  alone 
occupying  the  school-room.  In  1865,  the  question  of  a  new  school  building  was  agitated,  cul- 
minating in  the  erection  of  a  large  two-story  house,  which  was  first  occupied  in  the  fall  of  1867. 
R.  M.  Bashford  was  the  first  Principal  in  the  new  building.  He  was  followed  by  H.  A.  Thomas, 
S.  M.  Wallace,  D.  W.  Gilfillan,  Kennedy  Scott,  J.  K.  Hastie,  Nora  C.  Waters,  J.  M.  Bush- 
nell,  Sylvanus  Ames  and  J.  H.  Hamilton.  In  the  Primary  Department,  Laura  Copeland,  Ada 
Maxwell,  Laura  A.  Downs,  Briggetta  A.  Waters  and  Mary  Ellen  Axon  have  served — Miss 
Waters  occupying  the  position  from  1870  to  1878.  The  district  has  usually  paid  from  $60  to 
$75  per  month,  more  generally  the  latter  sum,  for  principals,  and  $30  to  $35  for  assistants. 

Cemetery  Association. — On  the  4th  day  of  December,  1865,  an  association  was  formed 
under  the  general  law,  and  a  board  of  trustees  elected,  consisting  of  Hugh  Jamieson,  Phinneas 
Watson,  Isaac  C.  Sargent,  H.  J.  Sill  and  Stephen  Brayton.  Seven  acres  off  the  southeast 
quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  35,  Township  11,  Range  9,  was  purchased  of  Bray- 
ton &  Tomlinson  for  the  sum  of  $50  per  acre,  which  was  surveyed  and  platted  for  burial  pur- 
poses.    A  child  of  Rev.  Rufus  Fancher  was  the  first  buried  therein. 

Cheese  Manufactory. — Articles  of  incorporation  were  filed  in  the  oflSce  of  the  Secretary  of 
State,  February  3,  1876,  by  E.  Fred  Russell,  W.  C.  Gault,  William  Forrest,  John  Collins  and 
Hugh  Jamieson,  under  the  name  of  Poynette  Cheese  Manufacturing  Company.  Hugh  Jamie- 
son  was  elected  President ;  James  Mack,  Secretary ;  E.  F.  Russell,  Treasurer.  The  capital 
stock  of  the  association  was  placed  at  $2,500.  During  the  spring,  a  large  two-story  building  was 
erected  and  30,000  pounds  of  cheese  made  during  the  season.  J.  Noyes  was  Superintendent  of 
the  manufactory  during  the  first  season  ;  E.  0.  Madison,  the  second,  and  C.  J.  Harrison  assumed 
the  management.  In  1879,  the  entire  stock  passed  into  the  hands  of  Hugh  Jamieson,  who  con- 
tinued the  business  as  a  private  enterprise. 

TOWN    OF    FORT    WINNEBAGO. 

On  the  9th  day  of  Januai-y,  1849,  all  of  Township  13,  in  Range  9,  lying  east  of  Fox  River, 
with  much  other  territory,  was  organized  into  the  town  of  Winnebago  Portage,  by  the  County 
Commissioners,  the  balance  of  the  township  being  Menomonee  lands,  and  of  course  not  then 
surveyed  by  the  United  States.  On  the  8th  of  January,  1850,  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors 
organized  this  township  into  a  town  by  itself,  and  named  it  Port  Hope,  all  west  of  the  river 
being  still  unsur^eyed.  The  house  of  A.  T.  Spicer  was  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the 
first  town  meeting.  July  19,  1850,  Section  33  was  taken  from  the  town  and  attached  to  Fort 
Winnebago,  then  composed  of  the  greater  part  of  Township  12,  Range  9,  and  other  territory. 
December  15,  1852,  the  section  was  restored  to  the  town.  A  change  having  been  made  in  the 
organization  and  name  of  the  town  on  the  south,  the  name  of  Port  Hope  was  changed  at  a  meet- 
ing of  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  held  November  18,  1853,  to  Fort  Winnebago,  the  latter  name 
being  thought  to  be  appropriate,  on  account  of  the  old  fort  being  in  the  territory  comprising  the 
town.  March  23,  1858,  a  portion  beginning  at  a  point  in  the  center  of  Fox  River,  where  the 
east  and  west  quarter  line  of  Section  33  intersects  the  center  of  said  river,  running  thence  west 
along  tlie  quarter  line  through  Sections  33,  32  and  31,  was  taken  from  the  town  and  annexed 
to  the  city  of  Portage. 

The  first  permanent  settlement  of  the  town  was  made  in  1848.  Previous  to  this  time,  a 
number  of  persons  had,  for  a  short  season,  lived  here  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  old  fort,  none 
of  whom  could  be  reckoned  as  permanent  inhabitants  of  the  town.  In  May,  1848,  Jonathan 
Whitney  came  from  Green  Lake  County,  and,  looking  over  the  ground,  selected  the  southwest 
quarter  of  Section  3  as  the  place  of  his  future  home.  Charles  Baker  came  shortly  after,  and 
settled  on  Section  2,  while  John  W.  French,  Lyman  J.  Barrows,  J.  M.  Hatch  and  Mr.  Green 


738  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

followed ;  French,  Green  and  Hatch  locating  their  claims  on  Section  1.  August  Putsch  came 
in  the  fall  and  settled  upon  Section  10.  In  1849,  quite  a  number  settled  in  the  town,  among 
whom  were  Asa  Baldwin,  Avery  T.  and  Henry  Spicer,  who  also  settled  upon  Section  10  ; 
'*  Bachelor"  Brown,  on  Section  13 ;  Isaac  Pasco,  Daniel  M.  Brown,  Robert  B.  Willis,  Augustus 
Rood,  Jr.,  Calvin  Eastman,  Aaron  Chesebro,  Jacob  Lorenzo  Wood,  Michael  Keegan,  John 
Sweeney,  Edmund  Swift,  Alexander  Gamble,  James  Gamble.  Sr.,  James  Gamble,  Jr.,  Dominic 
Moran,  Patrick  Leeman,  John  Hogan,  John  Hogan,  Michael  Hogan,  Matthew  Fitzharris,  Walter 
Kelly,  Patrick  Lovell,  Patrick  Canall,  William  Kelley,  Michael  Coughlin,  Thomas  Coughlin, 
James  Casey,  James  Roach,  Dennis  Cushing,  John  Gushing,  William  Cushing,  M.  O'Hare, 
William  Geary,  Paul  Duffey,  John  O'Keefe,  James  Meany,  M.  Joyce,  Daniel  Breen.  In  1850, 
came  Abraham  Grier,  Joseph   Spain,  Robert  Grier.     These  men  were  mostly  from  Ireland. 

In  1849,  a  colony  of  English  came  in,  a  portion  of  whom  settled  in  the  northeast 
part  of  this  town,  but  the  greater  number  located  over  the  line  in  Marquette  County.  They 
established  a  ferry  across  the  Fox  River,  on  Section  4,  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of 
Emancipation  Ferry,  for  the  reason  that  they  felt  themselves  emancipated  from  the  virtual  position 
of  serfs  in  the  mother  country  and  here  were  made  freemen. 

In  the  fall  of  1848,  Mr.  French  built  a  saw-mill  on  Fox  River,  which  was  kept  running 
for  several  years,  but  was  torn  down  in  1855,  and  a  grist-mill  erected  in  its  place,  by  two 
brothers  named  Chapman,  who  afterward  disposed  of  it  to  Dates  Brothers,  at  Portage.  At  this 
place  it  was  proposed  to  establish  a  village  to  be  called  Milford,  but  beyond  naming  it  nothing 
was  ever  done.  Jonathan  Whitney  kept  a  stock  of  groceries  here  in  the  fall  and  winter  of  1848, 
selling  out  the  same  in  the  spring  of  1849  to  Mr.  Barrows. 

Early  in  the  year  1849,  a  petition  was  circulated  and  numerously  signed,  asking  the  Depart- 
ment to  establish  a  post  office  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  town,  for  the  convenience  of  the  large 
settlement  there  formed.  The  request  was  granted,  and  Jonathan  Whitney  was  appointed  Post- 
master. The  name  given  to  the  office  was  Port  Hope,  so  called  from  the  hope  to  establish  here 
upon  Fox  River  a  port,  which  would  be  the  commencement  of  a  new  village.  In  1880,  Mr. 
Whitney  was  Postmaster,  having  served  from  his  first  appointment  till  that  time,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  years  1857,  1858  and  1859.  The  town  on  its  formation  in  1850  was  called  Port 
Hope  from  the  post  office. 

The  first  birth  in  the  town  was  Edmund,  son  of  Charles  Baker.  The  second  was  Almeron 
W.,  son  of  Jonathan  Whitney,  who  was  born  February  19,  1849,  and  was  killed  in  the  battle 
before  Petersburg,  June  18,  1864,  aged  fifteen  years  and  four  months. 

The  first  couple  united  in  marriage  were  Milton  French  and  Miss  Pearce,  in  1849. 

The  first  school  was  organized  in  the  summer  of  1849,  a  room  being  rented  of  Asa  Baldwin  for 
school  purposes.  Miss  Charlotte  Baldwin  was  the  first  teacher.  In  1850,  a  log  house  was  erected 
on  Section  10,  for  School  District  No.  2,  the  first  schoolhouse  in  the  town.  The  house  was  built  on 
the  volunteer  plan,  all  the  men  of  the  neighborhood  turning  out  to  assist  in  the  work.  In  1880, 
the  town  had  seven  school  districts,  with  a  like  number  of  good  substantial  school  edifices. 

Fort  Winnebago,  west  of  Fox  River,  was  surveyed  into  sections  and  quarter-sections  in 
July,  1851.  There  were  at  that  time  one  house  on  Section  4  ;  two  on  Section  5 ;  one  on  Sec- 
tion 7  ;  two  on  Section  8  ;  one  on  Section  9  ;  one  on  Section  16  ;  one  on  Section  17  ;  one  on 
18 ;  two  on  Section  19 ;  two  on  Section  20  ;  one  on  Section  21 ;  two  on  Section  29  ;  two  on 
Section  30 ;  one  on  Section  31,  and  one  on  Section  33 — in  all  twenty-one  houses. 

The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  town  aside  from  any  that  might  have  been  preached  at,  or 
in  the  vicinity  of,  the  fort,  was  at  the  house  of  Asa  Baldwin  by  a  preacher  belonging  to  the  Primi- 
tive Methodist  Church.  This  was  in  the  fall  of  1849.  One  Saturday  evening,  the  reverend 
gentleman  rode  up  to  Mr.  Baldwin's  place,  and  inquired  of  him  if  they  had  ever  had  preaching 
in  that  neighborhood.  Mr.  Baldwin,  who  was  one  of  those  bluff,  yet  kind-hearted  men,  curtly 
replied,  "  No,  sir,  we  never  had."     "  Would  you  like  to  have  a  sermon  preached  here,  then  'i  " 

asked  the  preacher.   "  Yes,  by  ,  if  it  is  the  right  kind."   "  Can  you  get  me  a  room  in  which 

to  preach  'i  "     "  You  can  have  my  house."     "  Can  you  give  notice  so  I  can  have  a  hearing  V  " 


/r 


eAie^u^ 


FALL   RIVER 


8 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  741 

"  I  will  send  my  boy  around  to  tell  the  neighbors,  and  I  guess  it  will  be  all  right."  Mr.  Bald- 
win then  asked  the  minister  to  stop  with  him,  which  invitation  was  accepted.  Before  the  hour 
arrived  for  the  sermon,  the  preacher  had  learned  that  the  neighborhood  was  made  up  of  those  hold- 
ing various  religious  opinions,  while  some  had  no  opinion  on  religion  at  all.  It  being  his  first  visit  in 
this  vicinity,  he  thought  he  would  preach  so  as  to  hurt  the  feelings  of  no  one.  When  the  hour 
arrived,  a  respectable  congregation  had  assembled  and  services  were  begun.  The  preacher,  in  his 
remarks,  which  were  of  a  general  nature,  stated  that  all  denominations  were  working  for  one 
end,  and  that  it  did  not  matter  what  party  label  one  wore,  if  his  conduct  was  all  right ;  heaven 
was  the  object  of  all — for  which  place  all  had  embarked.  Notwithstanding  different  roads 
had  been  taken,  it  would  not  matter  when  they  reached  the  heavenly  region  by  which  route  they 
had  come.  In  illustration  of  this  thought  he  said  that  the  general  course  from  England  by  which 
Wisconsin  was  reached,  was  to  take  a  steamer  at  Liverpool,  come  to  New  York,  and  there  take 
the  cars  for  this  State.  Now  he  came  from  England  to  New  Orleans,  thence  by  the  Mississippi 
River  to  the  State,  but  he  was  here  all  the  same,  and  he  supposed  he  was  all  right ;  and  it  was 
just  as  satisfactory  as  though  he  had  come  by  way  of  New  York.  While  this  thought  was  very 
consoling  and  satisfactory  to  some,  one  old  gentleman,  a  member  of  the  Regular  or  "  Hard- 
shell"  Baptist  Church,  jumped  to  his  feet,  started  out,  and,  slamming  the  door  behind  him, 
remarked  :  "A  man  that  will  preach  such  stuff  as  that  ought  to  be  locked  up  I  "  The  subject 
was  discussed  pro  and  con  by  the  whole  neighborhood  for  years,  and  old  settlers  say  the  effect 
of  that  sermon  was  still  felt  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-nine. 

Fort  Winnebago  is  traversed  centrally  from  south  to  north  by  the  Fox  River,  along  which 
are  considerable  marshes,  as  also  along  French  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Fox,  in  the  northeastern 
sections.  The  Fox  River  marsh  has  an  altitude  of  about  two  hundred  feet,  the  rest  of  the  town 
generally  not  over  250  feet.  In  the  middle  and  western  portions,  and  again  in  the  southeast 
corner  are  issolated  sandstone  bluffs  rising  350  to  400  feet. 

The  early  settlers  of  this  town  had  to  endure  the  same  privations  as  experienced  by  others, 
but  not  for  so  long  a  time,  as  Portage  soon  began  to  be  quite  a  business  place,  with  a  market 
sufficient  to  supply  all  their  wants;  but  during  the  first  few  years,  grain  was  hauled  by  teams  to 
to   Milwaukee,    the    teamsters    returning  with  merchandise  for  the  tradesmen  in  this  vicinity. 

On  the  11th  day  of  August,  1836,  Robert  McPherson  entered  the  first  piece  of  land,  being 
the  west  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  25.  He  also  entered  the  southwest  quarter 
of  Section  27,  receiving  his  patent  for  both  November  7,  1837. 

The  first  town  meeting  was  held  the  first  Monday  in  April,  1850,  at  the  house  of  A.  T. 
Spicer.  Annual  meetings  have  since  been  held ;  a  list  of  the  principal  officers  elected  each 
year,  up  to  and  including  1879,  we  give  below. 

A  noted  character  in  an  early  day  in  Wisconsin  was  "  Count"  Haraszthy,  a  Hungarian 
refugee.  He  settled  at  what  is  now  Sauk  City,  but  occupied  for  awhile  the  island  on  Section 
27  in  this  town,  and  furnished  the  fort  with  wood.  Agoston  Haraszthy  was  born  in  the  year 
1812,  in  the  Coraitat  of  Bacska,  Hungary.  His  family  was  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  influen- 
tial of  the  old  nobility — the  name  appearing  frequently  in  the  history  of  that  country  over  a 
period  of  760  years.  He  was  educated  to  the  law,  as  was  the  custom  there.  At  the  age  of  eighteen 
he  was  a  member  of  the  body  guard  of  the  Emperor  Ferdinand,  which  was  composed  of  nobles. 
Then  he  was  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  his  State.  He  then  became  the  Private  Secretary  of 
the  Viceroy  of  Hungary. 

When  the  Liberal  movement  began  in  1839  and  1840,  he  at  once  took  tlie  lead  of  that 
party  in  his  State,  but  was  afterward,  upon  the  failure  of  that  movement,  compelled  to  leave 
his  country.  He  came  at  once  to  New  York,  and,  after  traveling  over  the  United  States,  he 
wrote  and  published  a  book  upon  their  resources.  The  work  was  designed  to  invite  emigration 
from  Hungary,  and  was  the  first  work  upon  that  subject  ever  printed  in  the  Hungarian 
language. 

Soon  after,  in  1849  and  1841,  he  made  the  State  of  Wisconsin  his  home,  purchased  large 
tracts  of  land,  founded  several  settlements,  built  bridges,  constructed  roads  and  established  ferries. 

T 


742  HISTOBY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Having  in  his  possession  valuable  State  papers,  the  Austrian  Government  opened  negotia- 
tions for  their  surrender.  The  question  was  referred  to  Lewis  Cass,  who  succeeded  in  gaining 
permission  for  Haraszthy  to  return  to  Hungary  and  remain  for  one  year.  This  he  did, 
settling  up  his  affairs ;  and  although  his  landed  estates  were  confiscated,  he  succeeded  in  saving 
$150,000,  which  he  brought  with  him  to  this  country,  together  with  his  family,  and  a  large 
portion  of  the  family  plate  and  paintings. 

Returning  to  Wisconsin,  he  engaged,  in  1842  and  1843,  in  mercantile  pursuits ;  built  and 
owned  steamboats,  filled  large  contracts  with  the  Government  for  supplying  Fort  Winnebago  with 
wood,  living  at  one  time  on  the  island  in  Fox  River,  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago, 
Columbia  County.  He  was  also  engaged  extensively  in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  was  the 
first  to  plant  the  hop  in  the  State,  and  encourage  its  cultivation.  The  Commissioner  of  Agri- 
culture reports  that  the  product  of  this  crop  in  the  county  where  it  was  then  introduced,  for 
the  year  1866,  amounted  to  over  $2,000,000. 

He  was  at  this  time  also  at  the  head  of  the   Emigrant  Association   of  Wisconsin,  which 
brought  over  large  colonies  of  English,  German  and  Swiss  emigrants,  and  settled  them  upon  the 
fertile  lands  of  this  State.     He  gave  to  the  Catholic  Church  a  tract  of  640  acres  of  land,  upon  ' 
which  has  since  been  erected  an  extensive  monastery. 

When  news  came  of  the  revolution  in  Hungary  in  1848,  he  was  the  leader  of  those  who 
gathered  arms  and  ammunition,  and  sent  them  to  his  countrymen  ;  also  expending  large  sums 
from  his  own  private  purse  for  the  same  object. 

Concerning  his  career  in  Wisconsin,  a  writer  in  1874  gives  this  graphic  description  :  "  In 
1842,  a  wealthy  Hungarian  nobleman  named  Haraszthy,  with  a  company  of  attendants  and 
servants,  numbering  about  twenty,  came  to  the  United  States,  intending  to  settle  in  the  territory 
of  Wisconsin,  and  form  a  colony.  His  arrival  in  Milwaukee,  at  that  time  a  frontier  village  of 
not  less  than  3,000  inhabitants,  was  hailed  as  an  important  event.  Of  course,  a  gentleman  trav- 
eling all  the  way  from  Europe  with  such  a  large  retinue,  and  paying  promptly  in  gold  for  every- 
thing he  purchased,  was  notably  presumed  to  be  possessed  of  fabulous  wealth,  and  his  coming 
to  that  far-ofl"  territory  was  hailed  as  a  harbinger  of  great  prosperity. 

In  the  early  summer  of  1842,  he  set  out  from  Milwaukee  with  six  of  his  party,  leaving  the 
rest  to  await  his  return,  on  a  prospecting  tour  in  the  western  and  central  portions  of  the  State. 
On  the  shores  of  a  beautiful  lake,  not  many  miles  from  Madison,  he  selected  a  plot  of  4,000 
acres,  staked  off  the  boundaries  of  the  tract  by  the  surveyors's  mark  which  he  found  cut  in  trees, 
and  built  a  couple  of  huts  on  the  lake  shore,  to  fix  his  right  of  possession.  With  an  attendant 
he  returned  to  Milwaukee,  where  the  United  States  Land  Office  was,  to  pay  for  his  land.  Here  he 
found  only  the  Register,  the  Receiver  having  gone  to  Washington  to  settle  his  accounts.  This  last 
mentioned  official  was  the  only  one  entitled  to  receive  money  for  land,  and  he  would  not  return  in 
less  than  a  month's  time.  Haraszthy  would  not  wait  so  long,  and  the  Register  proposed  to 
accommodate  him,  take  his  money,  enter  the  proposed  purchase  on  the  books  and  send  him  the 
proper  vouchers  by  a  special  messenger,  after  the  Receiver's  return.  This  was  agreed  to,  and 
the  nobleman  paid  $.5,000  in  gold,  taking  an  informal  receipt.  He  departed  the  next  day  with 
the  remainder  of  his  party,  and  reaching  the  land,  he  at  once  set  to  work  to  build  houses,  naming 
his  colony  Good  Hope. 

Two  months  elapsed,  but  no  messenger  came  from  Milwaukee.  Haraszthy  was  not  alarmed, 
believing  that  in  dealing  with  a  Government  official,  he  was  all  right.  Before  the  end  of  three 
months,  however,  a  cadaverous  individual  made  his  appearance  on  horseback  at  the  colony,  claiming 
to  own  the  identical  tract  of  4,000  acres,  having  purchased  and  paid  for  it  immediately  after  the 
Receiver's  return,  aud  oft'ered  to  sell  it  to  the  nobleman  at  an  advance  of  100  per  cent. 
Haraszthy  hastened  to  Milwaukee  to  find  that  the  land  grabber  had  really  paid  for  the  land, 
but  with  the  identical  gold  which,  three  months  before,  the  nobleman  had  left  with  the  Register 
to  secure  the  same  purchase  for  himself,  while  that  officer  had  since  resigned  and  left  the  plaJe. 
The  Hungarian  was  exasperated  at  the  swindle  ;  went  back  to  his  colony  ;  burnt  every  house  and 
shanty  he  had  erected,  broke  up  camp   and   started   west,  where   he   located   on    the    Wisconsin 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  743 

River,  purchasing  over  six  thousand  acres  of  land,  three  miles  below  an  old  settlement  known 
as  Prairie  du  Sauk. 

He  called  his  new  colony  by  his  own  name,  ami  had  it  incorporated.  It  soon  grew  to  be 
a  flourishing  village,  through  Haraszthy's  enterprise.  He  started  a  horse-ferry  across  the  river, 
made  excellent  roads,  established  flouring-mills,  lumber-mills,  stores,  and  subsequently  ran  a 
small  steamboat  down  the  Wisconsin  River  as  far  as  St.  Louis.  But  yearly  recurring  prairie 
fires  destroyed  his  crops  and  many  of  his  buildings;  and  besides,  the  commercial  crisis  of  1847 
crippled  him  severely.  His  family  had  joined  him  in  1844,  and  in  1846,  he  succeeded  in  having 
his  place  selected  as  the  county  seat,  building  a  court  house  at  his  own  expense.  Still,  the 
many  losses  between  that  year  and  1849  told  heavily  on  his  finances,  and,  with  a  long  train  of 
over  fifty  associates,  he  started  overland  to  California. 

He  settled  at  San  Diego,  was  elected  Sheriff  of  the  county,  and  rendered  valuable  aid  in 
suppressing  the  Indian  war  of  that  period.  He  laid  out  what  is  known  as  "  Middle  San  Diego," 
and,  in  1852,  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Legislature.  Being  a  working  member,  he  had  a 
place  on  the  principal  committees,  and  distinguished  himself  by  his  opposition  to  all  schemes  of 
fraud  and  monopoly. 

In  ]85'2,  he  removed  to  San  Francisco,  and  devoted  himself  to  agriculture  and  horticulture 
upon  his  property  at  Crystal  Springs,  in  San  Mateo  County.  He  was  appointed  by  President 
Pierce  as  Assayer  in  the  United  States  Branch  Mint,  and  at  a  later  period  was  made  melter  and 
refiner.  After  his  resignation  of  these  positions,  serious  charges  were  made  against  him,  but 
upon  a  thorough  investigation  they  were  proven  to  be  wholly  without  foundation,  and  he  was 
honorably  acquitted.  During  this  time,  he  built  the  present  metallurgical  works,  which  have 
rendered  such  importanlj service,  and  also  he  received  patents  for  improved  processes  for  the 
refining  of  gold. 

In  1856,  he  removed  to  Sonoma,  and  devoted  his  whole  attention  to  viniculture.  He 
founded  a  horticultural  society,  and  began  importing  vines  from  abroad.  He  was  the  first  to 
advocate  the  raising  of  vines  without  irrigation,  planted  the  most  extensive  vineyards,  and  at 
once  put  himself  at  the  head  of  the  wine  interest.  He  may  with  propriety  be  called  the  father 
of  viniculture  in  California. 

In  1858,  he  wrote  a  treatise  on  the  culture  of  the  vine  and  the  manufacture  of  wine,  which 
was  published  by  the  State  of  California  for  gratuitous  distribution.  This  publication  gave  the 
first  impulse  to  this  interest,  and  from  that  time  California  became  the  wine  State  of  the 
Western  Continent.  He  was  the  first  to  employ  Chinese  labor  in  his  vineyards,  and  the  first  to 
adapt  the  redwood  timber  to  the  making  of  casks  for  wine. 

In  1861,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Governor  of  California  as  a  Commissioner  to  visit  the 
wine  countries  of  Europe,  which  resulted  in  the  importation  of  400  different  named  varieties  of 
grape  vines,  which  have  now  been  planted  quite  extensively  in  most  of  the  vineyards  in  the 
State,  from  which  are  made  the  most  valuable  wines  now  produced  there. 

The  book  written  by  Haraszthy,  entitled  "  Grape  Culture,  Wine  and  Wine-Making,"  is 
is  conceded  to  be  the  best  yet  written.  Upon  his  return  from  Europe  in  1862,  he  was  chosen 
President  of  the  California  Stat.3  Agricultural  Society,  having  been  Vice  President  for  three 
terms  prior  thereto.  In  1868,  he  organized  the  Buena  Vista  Vinicultural  Society,  to  which 
society  he  conveyed  his  400  acres  of  vines  in  Sonoma. 

In  1868,  Haraszthy  went  to  Nicaragua,  with  the  intention  of  engaging  in  trade ;  but 
his  active  mind  and  talent  for  improvement  would  not  let  him  rest.  He  became  interested  in 
an  extensive  sugar  plantation,  and  began  clearing  new  lands  and  planting  more  canes.  Having 
procured  from  the  government  of  Nicaragua  valuable  privileges  for  distilling,  he  erected  an 
extensive  distillery  for  the  manufacture  of  spirits  for  exportation.  He  also  turned  his  attention 
to  the  textile  fibers  of  the  country,  and  was  waiting  patents  for  improved  machinery  for  their 
cleansing  and  preparation  for  market. 

In  the  winter  of  1869-70,  he  returned  to  California  to  purchase  machinery,  and  to  charter 
a  vessel  with  which  to  open  the  trade  between  San  Francisco  and  the  ports  of  Nicaraugua.     It 


744  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

was  his  desire  to  make  the  rich  products  of  that  country  tributary  to  the  wealth  and  material 
progress  of  California. 

Agoston  Haraszthy,  or,  as  he  was  usually  called  in  Wisconsin,  Count  Haraszthy,  met 
his  death  on  the  6th  of  July,  1870,  in  Nicaragua,  on  the  Hacienda  San  Antonio,  near  the  Port 
of  Corinto.  This  hacienda,  consisting  of  one  of  the  largest  sugar  plantations  in  Central 
America,  and  comprising  outside  of  it  100,000  acres  of  land,  was,  at  the  time,  owned  by 
Agoston  Haraszthy,  Gaza  Haraszthy,  his  eldest  son,  and  Dr.  Theodore  Wassmer.  The 
business  they  were  engaged  in  was  the  production  of  sugar,  the  distillation  of  rum  and  the  sale 
of  timber  from  their  hacienda. 

It  appears  that  on  the  forenoon  of  the  6th  of  July,  Haraszthy  left  his  dwelling  to  go  to  a 
new  landing,  where  they  were  putting  up  a  saw-mill,  to  meet  a  Mr.  Lewis,  who  had  the  con- 
tract. Not  finding  the  latter,  he  spoke  to  the  workmen,  saying  the  mill  was  too  far  from  the 
river,  and  would  have  been  better  on  the  other  side.  He  then  rode  toward  the  bank  of  the 
river  to  a  point,  some  few  hundred  yards  away,  where  there  was  a  crossing.  Here,  in  the  bushes, 
he  tied  his  mule,  and,  spreading  his  oilcloth  cloak  upon  the  ground,  must  have  laid  on  it  for  a 
time.  Thence  his  footsteps,  two  days  afterward,  were  traced  to  a  large  tree,  whose  limbs 
touched  the  other  bank,  and  which,  in  the  rainy  season,  was  used  as  a  sort  of  natural  bridge  to 
pass  to  the  other  side  of  the  stream.  About  half-way  over,  a  large  limb  was  found  to  be  freshly 
broken,  and  it  is  supposed  that  in  attempting  to  cross,  Haraszthy  lost  his  balance,  fell  into  the 
swollen  stream  and  was  drowned.  An  Indian  boy,  passing,  saw  him  go  to  the  tree,  but  as  it 
was  a  usual  occurrence  paid  no  further  attention,  and  that  was  the  last  ever  seen  of  him.  His 
body  was  not  recovered,  nor  was  there  ever  found  any  trace  of  it  or  of  his  clothing,  but  as  the 
stream  emptied  itself  but  a  few  miles  below  into  the  ocean,  it  may  have  been  swept  out  and 
devoured  by  the  man-eating  shark,  so  abundant  in  those  waters. 

At  the  time  of  his  death,  Haraszthy  left  to  mourn  his  loss  four  sons   and  two  daughters. 

Haraszthy  was  a  man  whose  whole  aim  was  to  introduce  new  elements  of  wealth,  to 
search  out  new  fields  of  industry,  and  thus  to  lead  the  way  to  a  wider  field  of  material  progress, 
in  whatever  country  he  lived.  He  was  a  man  of  good  and  generous  impulses.  He  was  hospi- 
table and  liberal  almost  to  a  fault.  His  hand  was  ever  ready  to  help  those  who  stood  in  need. 
He  was  full  of  ambition,  but  only  in  the  line  of  being  useful  to  his  fellows.  Those  who  knew 
him  intimately  loved  and  admired  him,  and  all  acknowledged  a  charm  in  his  presence  which 
they  felt,  but  could  not  explain. 

During  1842  and  the  year  following,  Haraszthy  brought  with  him,  from  Hiingary,  his 
mother,  who  died  at  Grand  Gulf,  Miss.  ;  his  father,  Charles  Haraszthy,  who  died  at  sea,  on  his 
return  from  Corinio  to  San  Francisco,  July  22,  1870  ;  his  wife,  Eleonora  Dodinsky,  who  died 
at  Leon,  Nicaragua,  July  15,  1869 ;  his  son,  Gaza  Haraszthy,  who  died  near  Corinto,  in  Nica- 
ragua, December  17,  1878 ;  his  son,  Attila  F.  Haraszthy ;  and  another  son,  Arpad.  His 
daughter  Ida  was  born  in  Peoria,  111. ;  his  son,  Bela,  in  Sauk  City,  Wis.;  and  his  daughter, 
Otelia,  at  Madison,  in  the  same  State. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  from  the  organization  of  Fort  AVinnebago  to  the 
present  time : 

1850 — Jonathan  Whitney,  Chairman;  Robert  B.  Willis,  Augustus  Rood,  Supervisors; 
August  Putsch,  Town  Clerk  ;  Henry  Merrell,  Treasurer ;  James  M.  Hatch,  Augustus  Rood, 
James  Hinman  ;  Lyman  A.  Bliss,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1851 — Jonathan  Whitney,  Chairman  ;  James  Devine,  J.  L.  Heath,  Supervisors ;  August 
Putsch,  Clerk  ;  Alexander  Gamble,  John  Devlin,  Aaron  Chesebro,  Assessors  ;  William  H. 
Whitney,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1852 — James  M.  Forrest.  Chairman  ;  William  Geary,  John  Scott,  Supervisors  ;  George 
Michael,  Clerk  ;  Edward.  C.  Degrusti,  Treasurer ;  T.  M.  Hatch,  J.  L.  Heath,  Dennis  Cushing, 
Assessors;  Andrew  Sweemey,  Superintendent  of  Schools.  . 

1853 — Abram  Dates,  Chairman  ;  John  Scott,  Shubael  Spicer,  Supervisors  ;  George  Mitch- 
ell, Clerk ;  Daniel  G.  Brown,  Treasurer ;  Patrick  Lennan,  Martin  Carey,  Thomas  Joyce, 
Assessors:   A.  J.  Rounds,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 


HISTORY    OP    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  745 

1854 — John  Hagan,  Chairman;  Thomas  Joyce,  Samuel  Williams,  Supervisors;  George 
Mitchell,  Clerk  ;  Isaac  Smith,  Treasurer ;  Martin  M.  Carey,  Assessor ;  James  M.  Forrest, 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1855 — John  Hagan,  Chairman ;  Maximilian  Averbeck,  Samuel  F.  Williams,  Supervisors  ; 
Andrew  Sweeney,  Clerk ;  Patrick  Lennan,  Treasurer ;  Abram  Dates,  Michael  Coughlin,  Joseph 
Brentnall,  Assessors  ;  James  M.  Forrest,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1856 — John  Devlin,  Chairman ;  Abram  Dates,  S.  F.  Williams,  Supervisors ;  D.  C.  Berry, 
Clerk ;  Patrick  Lennan,  Treasurer ;  George  Mitchell,  Abraham  Dates,  Assessors ;  August 
Putsch,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1857 — Andrew  Sweeney,  J.  M.  French,  William  Geary,  Supervisors ;  Charles  Baker,  Clerk  ; 
Patrick  Lennan,  Treasurer  ;  George  Mitchell,  William  Malcomb,  John  Scott,  Assessors  ;  Charles 
Sweeney,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1858 — Andrew  Sweeney,  William  Geary,  Michael  Coughlin,  Supervisors;  Charles  Baker, 
Clerk ;  Thomas  Joyce,  Treasurer ;  John  Hagan,  M.  M.  Cary,  Jacob  Davis,  Assessors ;  Charles 
Sweeney,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1859 — Laurence  Sweeney,  Chairman,  M.  McLaughlin,  Dixi  C.  Hall,  Supervisors  ;  George 
Mitchell,  Clerk ;  Thomas  Joyce,  Treasurer ;  Jamea  Wilson,  Bradley  S.  Sanborn,  Assessors  ; 
James  M.  Forrest,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1860 — 0.  S.  Smith,  Chairman ;  James  Hume,  Dixi  C.  Hall,  Supervisors;  J.B.Wood, 
Clerk ;  D.  B.  Peck,  Treasurer  ;  G.  M.  Chase,  Assessor ;  James  M.  Forrest,  Superintendent  of 
Schools. 

1861 — 0.  S.  Smith,  Chairman  ;  H.  M.  Chapman,  James  Wilson,  Supervisors  ;  William  H. 
Whitney,  Clerk  ;  Warren  Oooley,  Treasurer ;  A.  T.  Spicer,  John  Gushing,  Assessors ;  J.  B. 
Wood,  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1862 — D.  C.  Hall,  Chairman  ;  H.  M.  Chapman,  William  Geary,  Supervisors  ;  J.  B, 
Wood,  Clerk  ;   Warren  Cooley,  Treasurer ;   Abram  Dates,  Assessor. 

1863 — D.  C.  Hall,  Chairman ;  William  Geary,  M.  Coughlin.  Supervisors ;  Joseph  Spain, 
Clerk  ;  Warren  Cooley,  Treasurer ;  A.  Dates,  Assessor. 

1864 — Abraham  Dates,  Chairman  ;  Daniel  Brown,  Kneeland  B.  Cook,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk ;  Thomas  Coughlin,  Treasurer  ;  Charles  Baker,  Henry  Bartels,  James  Heath, 
Assessors. 

1865 — John  M.  French,  Chairman  ;  Daniel  Breen,  Henry  Bartels,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk  ;   Charles  Baker,  Treasurer ;   W.  H.  Whitney,  Assessor. 

1866 — Philemon  Van  Brant,  Chairman  ;  Henry  Bartels,  James  Clithero,  Supervisors ;  R. 
0.  Nelson,  Clerk  ;   Charles  Baker,  Treasurer  ;   H.  B.  Cook,  Assessor. 

1867 — Charles  Baker,  Chairman ;  Abram  Dates,  James  Clithero,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk ;  P.  Van  Brant,  James  Sweeney,  D.  C.  Hall,  Assessors  ;  Thomas  O'Hare,  Treas- 
urer. 

1868 — Charles  Baker,  Chairman  ;  Henry  Bartels,  Daniel  Breen,  Supervisors ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk  ;   Maurice  Coughlin,  Treasurer  ;  James  Wiem,  Assessor. 

1869 — Charles  Baker,  Chairman ;  A.  J.  Spain,  Daniel  Breen,  Supervisors ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk  ;  James  Wiem,  Treasurer  ;   D.  C.  Hall,  Assessor. 

1870 — Abram  Dates,  Chairman  ;  George  G.  Shaw,  William  Annacker,  Supervisors  ; 
Kneeland  B.  Cook,  Clerk;  Bartholomey  Hanley,  Treasurer;  Joseph  Spain,  Assessor. 

1871 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman  ;  S.  D.  Merrill,  Moses  W.  Prescott,  Supervisors  ;  P. 
F.  Casey.  Clerk  ;   Charles  Baker,  Assessor. 

1872 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman  ;  Benjamin  J.  Emerton,  William  Annacker,  Supervi- 
sors ;  Joseph  Spain,  Clerk  ;  B.  Hanley,  Treasurer ;  John  R.  Dee,  Assessor. 

1873 — Abram  Dates,  Chairman  ;  John  Cushing,  George  Bain,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph  Spain, 
Clerk  ;   B.  Hanley,  Treasurer  ;   Thomas  Graham,  Assessor. 

1874 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman  ;  Daniel  Breen,  James  Hume,  Supervisors ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk  ;  Thomas  Coughlin,  Treasurer ;  John  Cushing,  Assessor. 


r4t) 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COl'NTY. 


1875 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman  ;  Patrick  Lennan,  James  Hume,  Supervisors  ;  John  R. 
Dee,  Clerk ;  John  Cashing,  Treasurer ;  James  M.  Winn,  Assessor. 

1876 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman  ;  Patrick  Lennan,  John  Wilcox,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk  ;  John  Cushing,  Treasurer ;   B.  Hanley,  Assessor. 

1877 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman ;  Mat.  Sinnott,  John  McKanna,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk  ;  Patrick  Lennan,  Treasurer ;  James  Winn,  Assessor. 

1878 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman ;  William  Myers,  Matthew  Sinnott,  Supervisors  ; 
Joseph  Spain,  Clerk  ;   Patrick  Lennan,  Treasurer ;  John  T.  Jones,  Assessor. 

1879 — Charles  Sweeney,  Chairman  ;  William  Myers,  B.  Hanley,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph 
Spain,  Clerk;  Patrick   Lennan,  Treasurer;  James  Winn,  Assessor. 

The  Wisconsin  Central  Railroad  enters  the  town  from  the  city  of  Portage,  on  Section  33, 
passes  through  Sections  28,  21,  16,  9  and  5  into  Marquette  County.  A  small  station  is  located 
on  Section  9,  called  Corning  Station. 


HISTQRY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  747 


OH  AFTER    XIII. 

Town  of  Fountain  Prairie— Village  of  Fall  River— Town  of  Hampden— Town  of  Leeds 
— Town  of  Lewiston— Town  of  Lodi— Village  of  Lodi— Village  of  Okee. 

town  of  fountain  prairie. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  County  Commissioners,  held  in  1846,  all  of  Township  11,  Range  12, 
together  with  other  territory  adjacent  on  the  south,  was  made  a  voting  precinct,  and  elections 
ordered  held  at  the  house  of  A.  P.  Birdsey  ;  and  Asa  Proctor,  J.  T.  Lewis  and  Jeremiah  Drake 
were  appointed  Judges  of  Election.  At  a  further  meeting  of  the  board,  held  in  January,  1849, 
the  township  was  set  oiF  to  itself  and  given  the  name  of  Fountain  Prairie.  The  house  of  A.  A. 
Brayton  was  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election. 

Chester  Bushnell  was  the  first  actual  settler  of  the  town.  He  arrived  here  in  the  spring 
of  1843,  and  erected  a  board  shanty  on  Section  33.  Wayne  B.  Dyer  came  in  September  of 
the  same  year,  and  erected  the  first  log  house.  John  Brown  and  Benjamin  Sage  came  also  the 
same  fall  and  selected  land,  Mr.  Brown  remaining  here  and  Mr.  Sage  returning  to  Vermont 
after  his  family.  Mr.  Brown  built  a  log  house  upon  the  land  he  had  selected  (the  east  half  of  the 
northeast  quarter  of  Section  34).  In  July,  1844,  Mr.  Sage  came  back,  bringing  with  him  his 
family.  He  erected  a  house  upon  the  west  half  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  34,  being 
the  fourth  built  in  the  town.  During  that  summer  and  for  two  or  three  years,  a  number 
of  settlers  came  in,  among  whom  were  Asa  Proctor,  John  Boutwell,  L.  Pearson,  Julius  Higbe, 
John  Q.  Adams,  Enos  Grout,  Alison  Horton,  E.  J.  Smith,  A.  A.  Brayton,  S.  M.  Smith,  John 
O'Brien,  J.  D.  Bullis,  Isaac  Bennett,  Phinneas  Underwood,  Edward  Tripp,  James  Ketchum, 
John  Swarthout,  Nelson  Swarthout,  Jacob  Swarthout  and  James  C.  Carr. 

In  addition  to  those  already  mentioned  as  settling  in  the  town  in  1843,  H.  W.  McCafierty 
made  a  claim,  as  it  was  called,  which  consisted  in  selecting  a  section  for  a  farm  and  designating 
such  selection  by  plowing  a  few  furrows  upon  it,  or  making  some  slight  preparations  for  building 
a  cabin,  or  oftener  by  blazing  a  few  trees  in  the  timber,  or  setting  a  stake  or  two  on  the  prairie, 
and  placing  one's  initials  upon  them.  These  slight  indications  of  intention  to  settlement  were 
generally  regarded  as  sacred  by  the  early  settlers,  so  that  a  claim  was  seldom  jumped.  McCaf- 
ferty's  claim  was  on  Section  21  and  the  adjoining  sections.  Mac  had  an  eye  to  a  ranch  of  mag- 
nificent proportions.  He  plowed  a  few  acres  and  sowed  it  to  winter  wheat  in  the  fall  of  1843; 
a  very  fair  crop  was  harvested,  although  somewhat  injured  by  the  deer  feeding  upon  it.  The 
California  gold  fever  breaking  out  soon  after  this,  McCafferty  was  swept  along  with  it ;  when  he 
returned,  part  of  his  claim  had  been  taken  up  by  others  and  the  remainder  had  been  despoiled 
of  its  timber,  so  he  abandoned  it,  yet  his  name  adheres  to  the  place,  as  the  high  ridge  of  land 
running  through  Sections  21  and  15  is.  known  as  McCaS'erty's  Ridge. 

July  15,  1843,  is  the  date  of  the  first  entry  of  land  in  the  town.  This  was  made  by  James 
C.  Carr.  The  railway  station  at  Fall  River  is  upon  it.  Carr  came  from  the  State  of  New 
York  and  settled  upon  this  land  June,  1844.  He  filled  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  for 
many  years,  and  was  several  times  elected  Chairman  of  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors.  He 
removed  to  Missouri.  Wayne  B.  Dyer  came  from  Ohio  in  August,  1843,  located  on  Sec- 
tion 34,  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Kelly.  October  5,  1843,  Dyer  entered  the  north- 
east quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  26,  the  timber  land  northeast  of  the 
cemetery,  on  the  road  to  Lost  Lake ;  this  was  the  second  entry  of  land  in  town.  The 
following  May,  Dyer  sold  his  claim  and  improvements  to  E.  J.  Smith,  and,  anticipating 
Greeley's  advice  to  young  men,  "  went  west"  and  located  in  the  present  town  of  Otsego,  where 
he  was  the  first  settler  and  built  the  first  house  in  town.     Two  of  his  daughters,  Mrs.  Capt.  M. 


748  HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

C.  Hobart  and  Mrs.  J.  E.  Grout,  reside  in  Fountain  Prairie.  The  next  entries  of  land  were 
made  October  18,  1848,  by  Benjamin  Sage  and  John  Brown,  heretofore  mentioned,  on  the  farm 
now  owned  by  Enos  Grout.  When  one  considers  that  there  were  not  a  dozen  farms  then  located 
in  the  eastern  half  of  the  county,  he  is  just  a  little  surprised  at  Mr.  Brown's  choice.  Their  lands 
selected,  they  set  out  on  foot  from  Fountain  Prairie  to  Green  Bay,  the  land  oflSce  being  located 
there.  This  was  no  small  undertaking  at  that  time,  a  few  blazed  trees  marked  the  way  to 
Beaver  Dam,  at  Waupun  a  solitary  log  house,  a  few  cabins  at  Fond  du  Lae,  and  from  there  on 
the  east  side  of  Lake  Winnebago  to  Green  Bay,  most  of  the  country  was  owned  by  the  Indians. 
Northeast  of  Stockbridge  was  one  stretch  of  twenty  miles  with  only  one  settled  cabin  to  cheer 
the  tired  and  lonely  traveler  as  he  plodded  on  through  the  dense  forest,  but  the  goal  was  reached, 
the  land  purchased.  Sage  returned  immediately  to  Vermont.  Brown  came  back,  built  a  log 
house,  spent  the  winter  alone,  and  was  enabled,  he  says,  to  enter  into  the  feelings  of  Alexander 
Selkirk,  when  he  sang  : 

■'  I  am  monarch  of  .ill  I  survey, 

My  right  there  is  none  to  dispute, 
From  center  all  round  to  the  sea, 

I  am  lord  of  the  fowl  and  the  brute." 

Dyer  and  Bushnell  were  the  only  other  settlers  in  town  at  this  time,  and  not  so  much  as  a 
cabin  on  the  west  until  Fort  Winnebago  was  reached. 

There  were  "  marrying  and  giving  in  marriage  "  in  the  early  day  in  Fountain  Prairie,  as 
well  as  other  portions  of  the  civilized  world.  The  first  in  the  town  to  take  upon  themselves  the 
vows  to  be  one  "  until  death  should  part  them,"  were  Clark  Heflfron  and  Jane  Boutwell,  in  1846. 

In  August,  1845,  the  wife  of  James  C.  Carr  died,  being  the  first  death. 

Martha,  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Margaret  Sage,  was  born  September  2,  1844  ; 
the  first  birth  in  the  town. 

Quite  a  settlement  was  effected  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  town  as  early  as  1845, 
and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  a  schoolhouse  was  erected  on  Section  23  and  Mr.  Babcock  was 
engaged  to  teach  school  therein,  during  the  following  winter.  The  house  was  also  used  for 
religious  services,  being  free  to  any  denomination  that  desired  its  use.  Here  Rev.  Stephen 
Jones,  N.  S.  Green,  E.  J.  Smith  and  other  pioneer  preachers  labored  in  word  and  doctrine, 
and  exhorted  sinners  to  repent.  School  was  held  in  this  house  summer  and  winter  until  the 
organization  of  the  town  into  school  districts  in  1849.  In  that  year,  a  better  building  was 
commenced  and  completed  the  following  year ;  the  district  being  known  aa  No.  1.  In  1879, 
there  were  five  whole  and  five  joint  districts  in  the  town. 

Benjamin  Sage  and  John  Brown  made  the  next  entries,  October  15,  1843.  To  make 
these  entries.  Sage  and  Brown  walked  the  entire  distance  to  and  from  Green  Bay,  where  the 
land  oflSce  was  located. 

J.  C.  Carr,  heretofore  spoken  of,  was  a  skeptic  in  religion,  while  Mr.  Sage  was  a  zealous 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  The  former  cared  nothing  for  the  Sabbath, 
while  the  latter  believed  in  the  sacredness  of  the  day.  While  building  his  house,  forgetting 
himself  one  Sabbath  day,  Mr.  Sage  took  his  spade  and  began  work  in  his  cellar.  As  it  hap- 
pened, Mr.  Carr  came  along,  and  taking  in  the  situation,  he  hid  behind  a  tree  and  in  a  deep 
tone  of  voice  cried  out,  "  Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy  I  "  Mr.  Sage  stopped 
his  work,  got  upon  a  rock  lying  in  the  cellar,  looked  all  around,  but  could  see  no  one.  He 
then  returned  to  his  work.  Again  the  voice  cried  out  as  before.  A  second  time  Mr.  Sage 
looked  around  to  see  whence  came  the  voice.  But  no  one  was  in  sight,  and  he  resumed 
his  work.  A  third  time  the  voice  called  on  him  to  remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy. 
Firmly  impressed  with  the  idea  that  an  angel  from  Heaven  had  spoken  to  him,  Mr.  Sage 
cleaned  off  his  spade  and  started  away,  when  Mr.  Carr  stepped  from  behind  the  tree,  laughing 
heartily  at  the  result  of  his  work. 

There  were  frequently  strifes  among  the  early  settlers  for  possession  of  choice  pieces  of 
land.  On  one  occasion,  E.  J.  Smith  and  Jacob  Swarthout  desired  a  certain  tract,  so,  one  morn- 
ing, unbeknown,  as  he  thought,  to  any  one,  Mr.  Smith  started  ofl'  to  Green  Bay  to  secure  the 


HISTORY    OF    COI-UMBIA    COUNTY.  749 

prize.  Mr.  Swarthout  was  informed  of  the  fact  during  the  day,  and  just  before  night  he 
mounted  an  Indian  pony  and  started  for  the  same  place.  When  about  half-way,  he  made  a 
temporary  exchange  with  an  Indian  for  his  pony  and  continued  his  journey  without  stopping 
to  rest.  He  arrived  at  his  destination  about  six  hours  ahead  of  Mr.  Smith,  and  so  secured  the 
land. 

Coon-hunting  was  an  amusement  occasionally  indulged  in.  Wayne  B.  Dyer,  Lewis  Smith 
and  Jacob  Swarthout  went  out  once,  and,  treeing  a  coon,  Mr.  Smith  climbed  the  tree  for  the 
purpose  of  bringing  him  down.  The  coon  had  taken  refuge  in  the  hollow  of  the  tree  and  Mr. 
Smith  put  in  his  hand  to  draw  him  out.  The  coon  seized  it  and  the  hand  was  drawn  out  sud^ 
denly  and  with  it  the  coon,  who  was  thrown,  by  a  violent  jerk  of  Mr.  Smith,  some  two  or  three 
rods  away.  Now  the  sight  of  blood  always  caused  the  gentleman  to  faint ;  knowing  this  fact 
and  pretending  great  anger,  Mr.  Swarthout  began  to  curse  him  at  a  fearful  rate,  telling  him  he 
threw  the  coon  away  purposely  ;  that  it  was  a  mean,  shabby  trick,  and  drawing  his  gun  on 
him  threatened  to  shoot  him  if  he  did  not  at  once  come  down  out  of  that  tree.  The  ruse  was 
successful ;  the  mind  of  Mr.  Smith  being  thus  diverted  from  his  maimed  hand,  he  safely 
descended  the  tree.     Explanations  were  made  and  a  hearty  laugh  enjoyed. 

During  the  first  ten  years  of  the  town,  it  was  settled  by  many  first-class  farmers,  among 
whom  might  be  mentioned  John  Brown,  Henry  C.  Brace,  William  H.  Proctor,  Stephen  FielcJ, 
T.  J.  Smith,  Jacob  Swarthout,  Oliver  W.  Field,  Henry  C.  Field,  Victor  Brossard,  John  Q. 
Adams  and  others. 

Fountain  Prairie  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Courtland,  on  the  south  by  Columbus,  on 
the  west  by  Otsego,  and  on  the  east  by  Dodge  County.  Its  area  is  six  miles  square,  the  prin- 
cipal portion  being  prairie  land.  The  name.  Fountain  Prairie,  was  given  to  it  from  the  fact 
that  there  was  a  spring  or  stream  of  living  water  on  every  section  of  land  save  three.  The 
north  branch  of  the  Crawfish  River  enters  the  town  on  Section  18,  passes  through  into  17,  8, 
9,  10,  16,  where  it  unites  with  the  main  stream ;  the  south  branch  enters  on  Section  30,  runs 
through  31,  29,  20,  21,  and  on  16  joins  the  main  branch,  which  courses  through  Sections  15, 
14,  13.  23,  26,  27,  34,  35,  and  passes  out  from  Section  36.  The  town  is  well  adapted  for 
grazing  purposes. 

In  1864,  the  La  Crosse  Division  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad  was 
built  through  the  town,  entering  on  Section  34,  crossing  in  a  northwesterly  direction  through 
Sections  27,  28,  29,  20,  19,  and  into  Otsego  from  18.  In  consequence  of  the  lay  of  the  land 
not  being  favorable,  the  road  was  built  about  one  mile  southwest  of  the  village  of  Fall  River, 
but  for  the  convenience  of  the  citizens  a  depot  was  erected  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  the 
northwest  quarter  of  Section  34,  on  land  then  owned  by  S.  L.  Batchelder.  A  small  portion 
of  his  land  was  platted  by  Mr.  Batchelder,  and  was  called  Batchelder's  Addition  to  Fall  River. 

The  first  town  meeting  was  held. April  3,  1849,  at  the  store  of  A.  A.  Brayton.  Enos 
Grout  was  chosen  Moderator;  Jonathan  Chase,  Assistant  Inspector,  and  N.  S.  Green  and  J.  C. 
Carr,  Clerks.  Sixty-two  names  are  on  the  poll  list,  as  follows:  A.  A.  Brayton,  George  Wel- 
ker,  Calvin  Bell,  Horace  O'Brien,  Jonathan  Eggelston,  William  Grout,  James  S.  Hart,  Francis 
Meadway,  Benjamin  Sage,  Yule  Borden,  Silas  M.  Smith,  Jacob  Swarthout,  John  O'Brien,  H. 
D.  Manville,  John  D.  Bullis,  George  Brown,  Isaac  Bennett,  Oliver  W.  Field,  E.  T.  Kearney, 
Henry  C.  Field,  Joel -Williams,  Christopher  Brown,  Phineas  LTnderwood,  Marvin  Sturges,  Hiram 
S.  Hastings,  William  Hare,  John  Brown,  William  Rue,  Henry  C.  Brace,  Josiah  Loomis,  F. 
Justin,  Nelson  S.  Green,  Orson  Snow,  Charles  Chase,  Aaron  Lashier,  F.  A.  Martin,  William  R. 
Sperling,  Edward  Wipp,  J.  Lyman,  Jr.,  William  H.  Proctor,  J.  W.  Townsend,  John  D.  Hunt, 
Brooks  Fuller,  S.  R.  Dix,  John  Hicks,  Thomas  J.  Smith,  Calvin  Martin,  Lorenzo  Bennett, 
Stephen  Fields,  J.  C.  Carr,  Smith  Horton,  Richard  Blake,  Jr.,  J.  C.  Heflron,  Enos  Grout, 
Abel  Pierce,  Jonathan  Chase,  Victor  Brossard,  Orin  Bliss,  Edward  J.  Smith,  William  0.  Maine. 

The  town  officers  elected  were:  Alfred  A.  Brayton,  Chairman;  Supervisors — Stillman  R. 
Dix,  Calvin  Martin;  Town  Clerk,  Silas  M.  Smith;  Assessor,  Benjamin  Sage;  Superintendent 
of  Schools,  John  Q.  Adams;  Treasurer,  Nelson  S.  Green;  Justices  of  the  Peace,  Nelson  S. 


750  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Green,  Henry  C.  Fields,  Moses  R.  Cobb,  Calvin  R.  Martin ;  Constables,  E.  T.  Kearney,  John 
Hicks  and  Lorenzo  Bennett.  Smith  Horton  was  elected  Road  Supervisor  in  the  western  road 
district,  and  Enos  Grout  in  the  eastern  district.  The  meeting  voted  to  raise  $125  for  current 
expenses,  about  enough  to  pay  a  town  clerk  in  a  small  town  in  1876 ;  $175  for  school  purposes, 
and  $30  for  bridge  plank. 

In  addition  to  the  foregoing,  those  assembled  at  this  town  meeting  took  upon  themselves  the 
law-making  power,  and  voted  that  four  and  one-half  feet  in  height  shall  constitute  a  lawful  fence ; 
that  fence  viewers  shall  determine  whether  a  fence  is  lawful,  provided  it  is  four  and  one-half  feet 
high ;  that  any  male  swine  running  at  large  shall  be  forfeited ;  that  hogs  shall  not  be  free  com- 
moners except  in  the  months  of  October,  November  and  December ;  to  allow  orderly  horses, 
cattle  and  sheep  to  run  at  large,  except  stallion  horses  and  buck  sheep ;  that  a  fine  of  $5  be 
imposed  on  any  person  violating  the  foregoing  by-laws. 

A  few  years  later,  this  by-law  was  put  upon  the  record  :  "  Moved  and  carried  that  hogs  run- 
ning at  large  shall  not  be  considered  as  property,  but  shall  become  the  property  of  any  man 
who  will  take  them  up  and  keep  them  confined." 

The  first  highway  located  in  the  town  was  a  Territorial  road  from  Fort  Winnebago  to  Jef- 
ferson, by  way  of  Columbus  and  Waterloo.  This  was  in  1844.  The  route  selected  was  sub- 
stantially over  the  present  traveled  road  from  Columbus  to  Otsego. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Benjamin  Sage,  after  purchasing  his  land,  went  back  to  Ver- 
mont. He  returned  in  the  spring  of  1844  with  his  family,  and  put  up  a  shanty  with  a  hay-roof 
with  a  stove  pipe  running  up  through  it.  He  was  soon  burned  out.  This  was  the  first  fire  in 
town ;  no  insurance. 

Sage  died  in  August,  1871.     Says  the  Columbus  Democrat  of  August  25,  1871  : 

"Benjamin  Sage  died  at  his  residence  in  Fountain  Prairie  on  Tuesday  last  of  apoplexy. 
He  was  sixty-seven  years  old  and  was  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Columbia  f)ounty.  Twenty- 
eight  years  ago  this  autumn  he  came  to  this  county  and  selected  his  farm  and  future  home. 
There  was  only  one  family  living  in  the  present  township  of  Fountain  Prairie.  It  was  neces- 
sary at  that  time  to  go  to  Green  Bay  to  purchase,  as  the  land  office  was  then  situated  there. 
This  journey  he  made  on  foot.  The  intervening  country  was  then  inhabited  by  Indians  only. 
Roads  and  hotels  at  that  period  were  of  course  not  among  the  conveniences  found  by  travelers. 
John  Brown  had  selected  an  eighty  adjoining  the  prospective  farm  of  the  Captain.  With  a 
single  exception,  these  claims  were  the  first  two  made  in  that  township.  These  two  pioneers 
made  the  journey  to  Green  Bay  together.  The  friendship  formed  during  that  trip  was  as  last- 
ing as  life.  Either  could  have  adopted  as  his  own  the  words  of  David  lamenting  for  Jonathan, 
'Very  pleasant  hast  thou  been  unto  me;  thy  love  to  me  was  wonderful,  passing  that  of  woman.' 
In  the  spring  of  1847,  Capt.  Sage  brought  his  family  to  Fountain  Prairie  and  built  a  cabin. 
He  has  resided  at  the  same  location  ever  since.  He  was  a  good  citizen,  order-loving,  public 
spirited  and  a  Democrat  of  the  old  school. 

In  1845,  A.  A.  Brayton  entered  the  land  for  the  mill-site  and  village  of  Fall  River,  where 
he  built  a  saw-mill  in  1846,  which  furnished  all  the  sawed  lumber  that  was  used  in  the  con- 
struction of  hundreds  of  log  houses  in  this  region.  White  oak  boards  were  considered  good 
finishing  lumber  in  1846.  Brayton  opened  the  first  store  in  town  in  the  fall  of  1846,  using  a 
slab  shanty  for  his  store. ,  This  year,  1846,  was  known  to  the  early  settlers  as  the  sickly  season. 
Fever  and  ague  and  chills  and  fever  were  very  prevalent.  In  many  neighborhoods  there  were 
not  well  ones  enough  to  care  for  the  sick,  and  some  left  the  country  because  of  its  unhealthiness. 
This  town  lying  in  the  forks  of  the  Crawfish,  which  is  skirted  with  timber,  was  a  favorite  hunt- 
ing and  fishing  ground  for  the  Indian.  Then  it  was  right  in  his  pathway  from  the  Rock  River 
to  the  portage  between  the  Fox  and  the  Wisconsin,  and  deep  trails  were  worn  across  the  prairie 
where  for  many  a  long  year  the  savage  had  led  his  squaw  and  his  pony.  For  several  years 
after  the  first  settlement,  the  Indian  was  wont  to  visit  these  old  hunting  and  fishing  grounds ; 
but  he  was  not  the  Indian  of  song  and  story,  but  a  miserable,  thieving,  begging,  cowardly 
specimen  of  humanity.     Deer  and  the  prairie  hen  were  the  principal  game  that  the  early  settler 


HISTORY    OF   COLlfMBIA   COUNTY.  751 

found,  and  they  were  very  abundant.  Many  a  family  subsisted  almost  entirely  for  weeks 
together  upon  food  obtained  by  hunting  and  fishing. 

The  town  of  Fountain  Prairie  lies  directly  south  of  Courtland,  but  is  considerably  lower 
than  the  latter  town,  the  dividing  ridge  having  passed  off  to  the  westward.  Prairie  occurs  in  the 
southwestern  sections  only.  Narrow  marshy  belts  ai-e  seen  in  the  northern  portion  and  middle 
sections.  The  Crawfish  River  traverses  the  southeastern  portions,  and  near  the  middle  of  the 
town  divides  into  two  main  branches,  the  one  heading  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  town,  the 
other  and  more  northern  one  heading  in  the  town  of  Otsego,  on  the  west.  Both  streams  and 
marsh  belts  show  the  same  southwest-northeast  direction  as  observed  in  the  town  of  Courtland. 
The  largest  part  of  the  town  lies  at  an  altitude  of  300  to  350  feet,  the  extremes  being  about  250 
feet  along  the  Crawfish  in  the  southeast  part  of  the  town,  and  points  in  the  northwest,  reach 
380  to  400  feet.     The  streams  run  in  shallow  but  well-defined  valleys. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  from  1849  to  1880,  inclusive: 

1849 — Alfred  A.  Brayton,  Chairman  ;  Stillman  R.  Dix,  Calvin  Martin,  Supervisors  ; 
Silas  M.  Smith,  Clerk  ;  Nelson  S.  Green,  Treasurer ;  Benjamin  Sage,  Assessor ;  John  Q. 
Adams,  School  Superintendent. 

1850 — Alfred  A.  Brayton,  Chairman  ;  Benjamin  Sage,  H.  C.  Field,  Supervisors ;  Silas 
M.  Smith,  Clerk  ;  Nelson  S.  Green,  Treasurer ;  James  C.  Carr,  Assessor ;  John  Q.  Adams, 
School  Superintendent. 

1851 — John  Q.  Adams,  Chairman;  J.  S.  Field.  Samuel  Lashier,  Supervisors;  Silas  M. 
Smith,  Clerk;  John  Swarthout,  Treasurer;  James  C.  Carr,  Assessor;  A.  A.  Brayton,  School 
Superintendent. 

1852 — John  Q.  Adams,  Chairman;  Aaron  Backus,  Jacob  Swarthout,  Supervisors;  Silas 
M.  Smith,  Clerk  ;  A.  A.  Brayton,  Treasurer ;  John  S.  Field,  Assessor ;  James  C.  Carr,  School 
Superintendent. 

1853 — James  C.  Carr,  Chairman;  William  P.  Bliss,  Joel  Dudley,  Supervisors;  S.  C. 
Higbie,  Clerk;  H.  T.  Henton,  Treasui-er;  A.  A.  Brayton,  Assessor;  J.  Q.  Adams,  School 
Superintendent. 

1854 — James  C.  Carr,  Chairman;  William  P.  Bliss,  H.  C.  Field,  Supervisors;  S.  M. 
Smith,  Clerk ;  H.  T.  Henton,  Treasurer ;  E.  H.  Wood,  Assessor ;  John  Q.  Adams,  School 
Superintendent. 

1855 — John  Walton,  Chairman  ;  John  G.  Chase,  E.  H.  Wood,  Supervisors  ;  S.  C.  Higbie, 
Clerk ;  John  B.  Stickney,  Treasurer ;  Jacob  Swarthout,  Assessor ;  James  C.  Carr,  School 
Superintendent. 

1856 — James  C.  Carr,  Chairman;  S.  M.  Smith,  E.  H.  Wood,  Supervisors;  S.  C.  Higbie, 
Clerk ;  F.  W.  Stiles,  Treasurer  ;  J.  S.  Hobart,  Assessor ;  Eli  S.  Grout,  School  Superintendent. 

1857 — S.  M.  Smith,  Chairman  ;  E.  H.  Wood,  W.  H.  Proctor,  Supervisors;  M.  C.  Ingalls, 
Clerk;  F.  W.  Stiles,  Treasurer;  H.  S.  Hastings,  Assessor;  A.  A.  Brayton,  School  Super- 
intendent. 

1858 — J.  C.  Carr,  Chairman;  Samuel  Lashier,  John  S.  Hobart,  Supervisors;  M.  Ingalls, 
Clerk  ;  F.  W.  Stiles,  Treasurer  ;  John  Q.  Adams,  Ezra  H.  Wood,  Assessors  ;  George  E.  Talbert, 
School  Superintendent. 

1859 — J.  C.  Carr,  Chairman;  L.  B.  Reed,  William  Grout,  Supervisors;  M.  Ingalls, 
Clerk;  F.  W.  Stiles,  Treasurer;  John  Q.  Adams,  E.  H.  Wood,  Assessors;  M.  Ingalls,  School 
Superintendent. 

1860 — John  Q.  Adams,  Chairman  ;  H.  C.  Field,  M.  C.  Hobart,  Supervisors  ;  Benjamin 
Sage,  Jr.,  Clerk;  F.  W.  Stiles,  Treasurer;  James  C.  Carr,  James  H.  Huntington,  Assessors; 
A.  A.  Brayton,  School  Superintendent. 

1861— E.  H.  Wood,  Chairman  ;  H.  C.  Field,  H.  C.  Brace,  Supervisors ;  F.  W.  Stiles, 
Clerk ;  S.  C.  Higbie,  Treasurer ;  James  C.  Carr,  John  Q.  Adams,  Assessors ;  John  E.  Grout, 
School  Superintendent. 

1862 — James  C.  Carr,  Chairman ;  John  E.  Grout,  H.  C.  Brace,  Supervisors  ;  F.  W. 
Stiles,  Clerk  ;   Samuel  Lashier,  Treasurer ;  John  Q.  Adams,  Assessor. 


752  HISTOBY    OF    COLUMIUA    COUNTY. 

1863— H.  C.  Brace,  Chairman ;  H.  C.  Field,  E.  H.  Wood,  Supervisors ;  F.  W.  Stiles, 
Clerk ;  John  G.  Chase,  Treasurer  ;  John  Q.  Adams,  James  C.  Carr,  Assessors. 

1864— George  E.  Talbert,  Chairman:  W.  H.  Proctor,  J.  S.  Hobart,  Supervisors;  F.  W. 
Stiles,  Clerk ;  Samuel  Lashier,  Treasurer  :  John  Q.  Adams,  Assessor. 

1865 — John  Q.  Adams,  Chairman  ;  W.  H.  Proctor,  Eli  L.  Grout,  Supervisors  ;  Benjamin 
Sage,  Jr.,  Clerk  ;  J.  C.  Backus,  Treasurer  ;  John  <,>.  Adams,  Assessor. 

1866 — John  Q.  Adams,  Chairman ;  0.  W.  Field,  Orson  Snow,  Supervisors ;  Spencer  H. 
Bronson,  Clerk  ;  Zebulon  Russell,  Treasurer ;   Calvin  Baker,  Assessor. 

1867 — Samuel  Lashier,  Chairman  ;  Oliver  W.  Field,  Martin  C.  Hobart,  Supervisors  ; 
Benjamin  Sage,  Jr.,  Clerk  ;  Zebulon  B.  Russell,  Treasurer ;  J.  E.  Grout,  Henry  C.  Brace, 
Assessors. 

1868 — Henry  C.  Brace,  Chairman  ;  John  Brown,  Aaron  Backus,  Supervisors ;  Benjamin 
Sage.,  Jr.,  Clerk ;  Z.  B.  Russell,  Treasurer ;  John  E.  Grout,  Samuel  King,  John  Hicks, 
Assessors. 

1869 — William  H.  Proctor,  Chairman;  Calvin  Baker,  S.  B.  Reed,  Supervisors;  Benjamin 
Sage,  Jr.,  Clerk  ;   Z.  B.  Russell,  Treasurer ;  John  Foster,  Assessor. 

1870 — W.  H.  Proctor,  Chairman ;  Horace  O'Brien,  F.  L.  Jones,  Supervisors ;  Benjamin 
Sage,  Jr.,  Clerk  ;   Z.  B.  Russell,  Treasurer ;  J.  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

1871 — H.  C.  Field,  Chairman ;  0.  W.  Field,  Peter  Secor,  Supervisors ;  Benjamin  Sage, 
Jr.,  Clerk ;  S.  B.  Sage,  Treasurer ;  Jacob  Swarthout,  Assessor. 

1872 — H.  C.  Field,  Chairman ;  0.  W.  Field,  John  Foster,  Supervisors  ;  B.  A.  Sage. 
Clerk ;   Z.  B.  Russell,  Treasurer ;   George  D.  Rice,  Assessor. 

1873 — H.  C.  Field,  Chairman;  0.  W.  Field,  John  Foster,  Supervisors;  B.  A.  Sage, 
Clerk  ;   Z.  B.  Russell,  Treasurer ;  J.  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

1874 — H.  C.  Field,  Chairman  ;  William  Walker,  J.  S.  Babcock,  Supervisors  ;  B.  A.  Sage, 
Clerk;  James  H.  Haskin,  Treasurer;  J.  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

1875 — W.  H.  Proctor,  Chairman  ;  William  Walker,  Peter  Secor,  Supervisors  ;  B.  A.  Sage, 
Clerk  ;  J.  H.  Haskin,  Treasurer ;  J.  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

1876 — 0.  W.  Field,  Chairman  ;  William  Walker,  John  W.  Kehoe,  Supervisors  ;  B.  A.  Sage, 
Clerk;   S.  Lashier,  Treasurer;  John  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

1877 — William  H.  Proctor,  Chairman  ;  John  Foster,  Peter  Secor,  Supervisors ;  H.  A. 
Sage,  Clerk ;   Samuel  Lashier,  Treasurer ;  J.  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

1878— M.  C.  Hobart,  Chairman  ;  William  E.  Field,  J.  E.  McMahon,  Supervisors;  B.  A. 
Sage,  Clerk  ;  Samuel  Lashier,  Treasurer ;  J.  S.  Babcock,  Assessor. 

1879 — M.  C.  Hobart,  Chairman  ;  J.  Swarthout,  J.  R.  Nashold,  Supervisors ;  B.  A.  Sage, 
Clerk;  S.  Lashier,  Treasurer;  J.  E.  Grout,  Assessor 

1880 — Spencer  Randall,  Chairman  ;  Jacob  Swarthout,  John  M.  Kehoe,  Supervisors  ;  B. 
A.  Sage,  Clerk  ;  Samuel  Lashier,  Treasurer ;  John  E.  Grout,  Assessor. 

VILLAGE    OP    FALL    RIVER. 

The  village  of  Fall  River  was  founded  by  A.  A.  Brayton  in  1846.  Brayton  moved  with 
his  father's  family  to  Wisconsin  in  18-37,  and,  in  1888,  settled  at  Aztalan,  where,  the  following 
year,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Grout.  At  this  place,  he  kept  a  small 
variety  store.  In  1846,  he  purchased  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  26,  Township  11, 
Range  12,  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie.  He  drew  up  a  plan  of  the  village 
and  proceeded  to  erect  a  saw-mill.  .  He  also  opened  a  variety  store.  The  saw-mill  he  con- 
tinued to  operate  for  six  years.  In  1850,  he  erected  a  large  grist-mill,  which  was  well 
patronized  by  the  farmers  in  the  immediate  neighborhood.  In  a  short  time,  he  sold  a  half- 
interest  to  A.  W.  Kellogg,  and,  afterward,  the  remainder  to  Mr.  Kenney.  Kellogg  &  Kenney, 
in  the  spring  of  1860,  disposed  of  it  to  Mortimer  &  Curtis.  Up  to  March,  1880,  it  had  suc- 
cessively passed  into  the  hands  of  C.  D.  Cotton,  Prime  &  Jones,  E.  T.  Jones  &  Bro.,  and 
William  R.  Hughes.  ' 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  753 

To  the  original  plat  of  the  village,  made  by  Mr.  Bray  ton  in  1856,  Eli  Grout  made  a  small 
addition.  On  the  completion  of  the  railroad  in  1864,  S.  L.  Batchelder  also  made  an  addition 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  depot.  Previous  to  1880,  many  streets  and  blocks  of  land  had  been 
vacated,  reducing  materially  the  original  plat. 

The  first  house  was  erected  by  Alfred  A.  Bray  ton,  who  likewise  opened  the  first  store. 
Martha,  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Margaret  Sage,  was  the  first  born  in  the  village  as  well  as 
town. 

On  the  13th  of  August,  1853,  a  cemetery  association  was  formed  with  S.  C.  Higbie,  S. 
M.  Smith,  Samuel  Lashier,  J.  D.  Bullis,  E.  T.  Kearney,  Christopher  Brown,  Thomas  Benner, 
S  B.  Hancock  and  Elisha  Roberts  as  Trustees.  Three  acres  of  ground  were  purchased  of  C. 
Brown,  off  the  southeast  corner  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  26.  The  first  burial 
therein  was  a  son  of  Christopher  Brown. 

Dr.  Hanson  Hurd  in  1856  started  a  match  manufactory  in  the  place,  which  he  ran  for  two 
years,  when  he  sold  out  to  M.  &  E.  H.  Bronson,  who  successfully  continued  the  business  until 
1860,  when  they  disposed  of  it  to  Prime  &  Randall,  who  continued  it  until  1862,  when  it 
passed  into  the  hands  of  Folsom  &  Grout.  The  latter  firm,  in  consequence  of  the  hard  times 
during  that  period,  suspended.     For  a  time,  the  factory  employed  from  ten  to  twenty  hands. 

Cigar  Manuf actor jj . — C.  Palmer  started,  in  1860,  the  manufacture  of  cigars,  but  con- 
tinued the  business  but  a  short  time,  disposing  of  it  to  D.  Bobbins,  who  soon  after  suspended. 
In  1872,  Charles  A.  Taylor  commenced  to  manufacture,  continuing  for  about  one  year,  when 
Z.  B.  Russell  engaged  in  the  work.  The  latter  has  had  fair  success  in  building  up  a  trade.  In 
1879,  he  employed  one  hand  and  worked  at  the  bench  himself. 

Cheese  Manufactory. — In  1873,  0.  B.  Prime  commenced  the  manufacture  of  cheese  in  the 
village,  making,  the  first  year,  about  eighty  thousand  pounds.  The  quantity  was  increased  each 
year  until  1878,  when  it  reached  166,000  pounds.  In  1879,  a  less  amount  was  made  on  account 
of  the  scarcity  of  milk.  An  average  of  $12,000  per  year,  from  1873  to  1879,  inclusive,  was 
distributed  among  the  farmers  in  the  neighborhood  from  this  one  industry  alone. 

Fall  River  House. — In  1849,  S.  C.  Higbie  erected  the  Fall  River  House,  opening  it  to 
the  public  the  same  year.  In  1860,  he  disposed  of  it  to  George  Sickles.  From  1860  to  1880, 
it  has  passed  successively  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Miller,  John  Fields,  John  Young,  Richard 
Blake,  S.  L.  Batchelder,  C.  Palmer,  Lewis  Norton  and  John  Hicks.  The  house  was  built  so  as 
to  accommodate  twenty  guests. 

Post  Office. — One  of  the  first  things  attended  to  by  A.  A.  Brayton,  on  his  removal  to  this 
place,  was  to  petition  the  Post  Office  Department  to  establish  an  office  at  this  point,  which  was 
accordingly  done  early  in  1847,  and  Mr.  Brayton  was  made  the  first  Postmaster.  He  was 
succeeded  by  S.  C.  Higbie,  and  in  turn  by   F.  W.  Stiles,  and  F.  W.  Stiles  by  S.  H.  Bronson. 

Railroad  Station. — On  the  completion  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad 
to  this  point,  Mr.  Hildreth  was  appointed  Station  Agent.  Between  the  years  1864  and  1880, 
Mr.  Hildreth.  J.  W.  Taylor,  E.  W.  Williams  and  H.  Newnham  had  been  in  the  employ  of  the 
company.  As  Express  Agents,  E.  W.  Williams,  H.  Newnham,  H.  D.  Cotton,  S.  H.  Bronson, 
George  D.  Rice,  W.  E.  Batchelder  and  J.  A.  Smith  had  served. 

Sohoolhouses. — In  1850,  a  schoolhouse  was  built  in  the  village,  the  district  being  designated 
as  No.  1.  The  house,  in  1856,  was  found  too  small  to  accommodate  the  number  of  scholars 
living  in  the  district,  so  another  was  added  in  that  year.  The  primary  scholars  attend  one,  and 
the  higher  grades  the  other. 

Methodist  JEpiscopal  Church. — This  society  was  organized  in  the  log  house  of  Clark  Smith, 
by  Rev.  Stephen  Jones,  in  1844,  the  locality  at  the  time  being  connected  with  the  old  Aztalan 
circuit.  The  members  were  Rev.  E.  J.  Smith,  Martha  Smith,  Clark  Smith,  Sarah  Smith,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Aaron  E.  Houghton.  E.  J.  Smith  was  appointed  leader.  A  log  schoolhouse  was 
erected  soon  after,  and  the  meetings  transferred  to  it.  As  the  population  of  the  village  increased, 
in  due  time  the  society  was  removed  here.  In  1855,  a  church  edifice  was  built,  at  a  cost  of 
$2,000.     It  was  rebuilt  and  enlarged  in  1875,  at  a  cost  of  $1,200.     Revs.  Stephen  Jones,  N. 


754  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

S.  Green,  C.  G.  Lathrop,  Mr.  Marshall,  J.  M.  S.  Maxon,  Ezra  Tucker,  James  Lamson,  R. 
Franchen,  William  Averill,  S.  L.  Brown,  William  Stevens,  D.  Lewis,  E.  W.  Stevens,  J.  C. 
Aspinwall,  A.  Hitchcock,  J.  Searles,  W.  Sturgess,  S.  V.  R.  Shepherd,  C.  L.  Shepherd,  A. 
Hamilton,  J.  S.  Bolton,  J.  E.  Grant,  A.  J.  Brill,  W.  E.  Randolph,  C.  D.  Cook  and  C.  A.  Stock- 
well  have  served  the  church  as  Pastors.  In  March,  1880,  the  membership  of  the  church  was 
ninety-five,  with  S.  H.  Bronson,  Rec.  Steward;  John  Fardell,  H.  S.  O'Brion,  J.  S.  Babcock 
and  George  Kirk,  Stewards ;  J.  H.  Haskin,  H.  S.  O'Brion,  H.  C.  Glendenning,  A.  Horton.  J. 
S.  Babcock  and  B.  Babcock,  Trustees. 

First  Regular  Baptist  Church  and  Society. — The  first  preaching  by  a  minister  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  this  vicinity,  was  in  1847,  Elders  Green  and  Reed  being  the  pioneer  preacliers. 
A  church  was  also  organized  about  this  time.  A  legal  organization  was  effected  March  18, 
1867,  under  the  name,  "  First  Regular  Baptist  Church  and  Society."  The  first  Trustees  were 
H.  C.  Brace.  J.  A.  Franklin,  L.  B.  Reed.  Loyal  Morton,  Deacon ;  H.  C.  Brace,  Clerk.  In 
1869,  a  house  of  worship,  38x60  feet,  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $.5,000.  Those  serving  the 
church  as  Pastors  from  1847  to  1880,  were  Elders  Green,  Reed,  Wade,  Jones,  Jeffreys,  Mere- 
dith, Chapin,  Langridge,  Gorman  and  Pickering.  In  1877,  H.  C.  Brace  and  A.  M.  Hastings 
were  elected  Trustees,  and  in  1879,  James  Randolph,  F.  C.  Thomas,  M.  A.  Franklin  and  E. 
Oliver  were  added  to  the  number.     M.  H.  Bender,  Deacon  and  Clerk. 

TOWN    OF    HAMPDEN. 

^,  The  first  settler  in  the  town  of  Hampden  was  Alfred  Toplifi",  who  located  there  May  1, 
1844.  Lewis  and  Landy  Sowards,  with  their  families,  arrived  there  some  four  or  five  weeks 
later.  J.  E.  Haight  and  family  arrived  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year.  What  is  now  the 
county  of  Columbia  was,  in  that  year,  mostly  an  uninhabited  wild.  Fort  Winnebago,  Dekorra, 
and  some  eight  or  ten  families  in  Columbus  and  Fountain  Prairie,  then  constituted  nearly  the 
entire  populaticn  of  the  county.  The  first  settlers  of  Hampden  had  to  go  to  Aztalan  Post 
OflSce,  a  distance  of  thirty  miles,  for  their  letters  and  papers.  Most  articles  of  provisions  were 
procured  at  Milwaukee,  a  distance  of  seventy  miles.  The  road  then  traveled  to  Milwaukee  was 
by  way  of  Aztalan,  and  thence  through  the  dense  and  nearly  uninhabited  forest  of  Rock  River 
woods  for  eighteen  miles,  over  a  track  that  was  hardly  passable,  requiring  five  or  six  days  to 
make  the  journey  to  Milwaukee  and  return.  The  country  in  all  directions  was  without  roads 
(excepting  the  Indian  trails)  and  all  rivers  and  brooks  without  bridges,  in  this  or  adjacent  towns. 
The  traveler  had  to  search  in  all  directions  to  find  a  place  where  he  could  possibly  cross  the 
streams  and  marshes  and  then  to  find  himself  in  a  situation  from  which,  with  the  utmost  diffi- 
culty he  could  extricate  himself  and  reach  the  opposite  shore.  This  difiiculty  was  much  in- 
creased by  the  rains  which  were  of  such  frequent  occurrence  during  the  summer  and  September 
of  that  year.  The  marshes  which  were  the  dependence  of  the  settlers  for  hay  to  winter  their 
stock,  were  so  filled  with  water  that  hay  could  not  be  procured  from  them  until  October,  when 
the  grass  was  so  injured  by  frosts  as  to  make  the  hay  of  diminished  value,  and  a  consequence 
was  that  quite  a  proportion  of  the  cattle  died  during  the  winter  following  for  want  of  suitable 
food  to  sustain  them. 

The  year  1845  aflTorded  some  additions  to  the  population,  but  they  were  mostly  transient 
settlers  who  have  long  left  for  other  localities. 

In  1846,  the  brothers,  Elijah  and  Perry  Lee,  with  their  families,  and  Mrs.  Roys  and  her 
son.  Clarendon  Roys  and  brothers,  and  Messrs.  Henry  Clark,  Thomas  Smith  and  Benjamin 
Chase,  arrived  and  located  in  the  town.  A  settlement  of  Norwegians  was  also  made  in  the 
southwest  quarter,  and  a  settlement  of  Germans  in  the  southeast  quarter  of  the  town. 

The  town  of  Hampden  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Columbus,  on  the  west  by  Leeds,  on  the 
north  by  Otsego,  and  on  the  south  by  Dane  County.  Before  the  organization  of  the  county 
into  towns  it  was  in  the  third  election  precinct  composed  of  Townships  10  and  11,  Range  11, 
the  place  of  voting  being  at  the  house  of  Landy  Sowards,  the  Judges  of  Election  being  Jonathan 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  755 

E.  Haight,  Landy  Sowards  and  Henry  Pellet.  The  precinct  was  known  as  Dyersburg,  so- 
called  in  honor  of  Wayne  B.  Dyer,  the  first  settler  of  Otsego,  and  first  Clerk  of  the  Board  of 
County  Commissioners.  In  1849,  Township  10,  Range  11,  was  organized  into  a  town  to  which 
was  given  the  name  of  Hampden,  and  the  house  belonging  to  Cornwall  Esmond,  situated  on  the 
northwest  corner  of  Section  15,  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election. 

Among  other  early  settlers  of  the  town  were  Daniel  Soward,  Clarendon  Roys,  Benjamin 
Chase,  Mr.  Tillotson,  Henry  R.  Clark,  Clark  Hazard,  James  Montgomery,  Jonathan  E.  Haight, 
William  K.  Custer,  John  A.  Franklin,  Lyman  Morse  and  John  Derr. 

Alfred  Topliif  taught  the  first  school  in  the  town  on  Section  11,  in  1847. 

Rev.  Reuben  Bates,  a  pioneer  Methodist  preacher,  was  the  first  to  proclaim  the  Gospel  here, 
though  previously  Rev.  Edward  Smith  preached  the  funeral  sermon  of  Mr.  Douglas  in  June, 
1845.     In  1846,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Morris,  he  delivered  his  first  discourse. 

[n  1857,  the  Town  Board  purchased  of  Samuel  Smith  a  fraction  over  two  acres  off  Section 
16,  for  a  place  for  the  burial  of  the  dead. 

The  town  in  1865  erected  a  comfortable  town  hall,  26x36  feet  in  size.  Here  town  meet- 
ings are  held,  and  the  hall  has  also  been  used  for  religious  and  educational  purposes. 

A  post  ofiice  was  established  near  the  center  of  the  town  in  1847,  and  A.  Topliff  made 
Postmaster.  He  was  succeeded  by  Benjamin  Chase,  Lloyd  Newcomb  and  William  Bradley. 
About  1865,  the  office  was  discontinued,  but  re-established  in  1877,  and  Halver  Halverson  made 
Postmaster. 

Among  the  principal  farmers  prior  to  1856,  might  be  mentioned  Clarendon  Roys,  Henry 
R.  Clark,  Clark  Hazard,  Eli  Sowards,  Daniel  Sowards,  C.  C.  Tillotson,  T.  S  .Roys,  James 
Montgomery,  E.  Fairbanks,  James  H.  Sutton,  John  Derr,  Peter  Hanson,  0.  J.  Oleson  and  E. 
Knudson. 

About  the  year  1868,  E.  Fairbanks  began  to  give  special  attention  to  the  improvement  of 
cattle  and  sheep.  His  herds  of  Durham  cattle  and  merino  sheep,  between  the  years  1868  and 
1880,  have  been  exhibited  at  county,  district  and  State  Fairs,  with  results  highly  satisfactory 
to  their  owner.  The  example  of  Mr.  Fairbanks  has  been  imitated  by  other  farmers  in  the 
town.  Several  fine  horses  were  imported  from  France,  in  1875,  by  an  association  formed  in  the 
town. 

The  town  of  Hampden  is  largely  rolling  prairie  in  the  western  and  central  portions,  the 
prairie  connecting  by  a  narrow  strip  with  that  of  Fountain  Prairie  and  Columbus.  In  the 
southwest  there  are  small  tamarack  marshes.  The  town  lies  upon  the  eastern  slope  of  the  divid- 
ing ridge,  and  thus  rises  rapidly  from  east  to  west.  In  the  lower  portions  on  the  east  line,  the 
altitude  is  320  to  350  feet ;  whilst  on  the  west  side,  it  is  400  to  500  feet.  In  the  southeast  is 
high  ground,  continuous  with  that  in  southwest  Columbus.  The  town  lies  on  the  southern 
boundary  of  the  county,  in  the  southeastern  part,  by  which  it  is  separated  from  the  town  of 
Bristol,  in  the  county  of  Dane.  It  is  about  twenty  miles  southeast  of  the  city  of  Portage,  and 
is  known  as  Township  10  north,  of  Range  11  east.  The  town  is  watered  by  a  small  stream  that 
flows  through  it  from  west  to  east — an  afiluent  of  the  Crawfish  River. 

The  first  entry  of  land  was  made  by  Alfred  Topliff  June  28,  1844,  consisting  of  the  south- 
west (juarter  of  the  northeast  quarter  and  the  southeast  quarter  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Sec- 
tion 11. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  ofiicers  from  the  organization  of  the  town  to  the  present 
time : 

1849 — William  K.  Custer,  Chairman;  Nelson  B.  Lloyd,  George  D.  Mead,  Supervisors 
John  A.  Franklin,  Clerk;  Lyman  Morse,  Treasurer;  Enoch  Pulver,  Assessor. 

1850 — Elijah  Lee,  Chairman  ;  James  Montgomery,  Cephas  Tillotson,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas 
B.  Haslam,  Clerk  ;  Albert  Pease,  Treasurer  ;  Jonathan  E.  Haight,  James  H.  Sutton,  Albert 
Wilkins,  Assessors. 

1851 — Elijah  Lee,  Chairman  ;  Henry  R.  Clark,  James  Montgomery,  Supervisors ; 
Thomas  B.  Haslam,  Clerk  ;  Albert  Pease,  Treasurer  ;  Ezra  Mead,  Assessor. 


756  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1852 — Elijah  Lee,  Chairman  ;  James  Montgomery,  John  Derr,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas  B. 
Haslam,  Clerk  ;   William  K.  Custer,  Treasurer ;  Ezra  Mead,  Assessor. 

185.3 — Elijah   Lee.  Chairman  :  Zalmon   McDougal,   John  Derr,  Supervisors  ;   Thomas  B. 
Haslam,  Clerk ;  James  H.  Sutton,  Treasurer  ;  James  Montgomery,  Assessor. 

1854 — Elijah  Lee,  Chairman  ;  Nels  Mikelson,  John  Derr,  Supervisors;  Thomas  B.  Has- 
lam, Clerk  ;  James  H.  Sutton,  Treasurer ;  James  Montgomery.  John  Oleson,  Assessors. 

1855 — James  Montgomery,  Chairman  ;  George  Tillotson,  John  Derr,  Supervisors  ;  Marshal 
R.  Keeler,  Clerk :  James  H.  Sutton,  Treasurer  ;   Hiram  R.  Tripp,  John  Oleson,  Assessors. 

1856 — E.  Fairbank.s,  Chairman  ;  John  Derr,  Benjamin   Chase,   Supervisors ;   George  Til- 
lotson, Clerk  ;  James  Montgomery,  Treasurer ;   H.  R.  Tripp,  John  Oleson,  Assessors. 

1857 — E.  Fairbanks,  Chairman  ;   C.  C.  Tillotson,  Henry  Lull,  Supervisors ;  L.  D.  Parker, 
Clerk  ;  James  Montgomery.  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1858 — Henry   Lull,    Chairman;  Clark    Hazard,    Nels    Mickelson,   Supervisors;  William 
E.  Newcomb,  Clerk  ;  William  K.  Custer,  Treasurer  ;  Ira  Ford,  Assessor. 

1859 — William  K.  Custer,  Chairman  ;  Clark  Hazard,  Samuel  Smith,  Supervisors  ;   George 
Tillotson,  Clerk  ;  John  Oleson,  Treasurer ;  Ira  Ford,  Assessor. 

1860 — Edward  Fairbanks,  Chairman  ;  John   Logeman,  Thomas   Sanderson,  Supervisors  ; 
L.  D.  Tasker,  Clerk  ;   Clarendon  Roys,  Treasurer ;  John  J.  Sutton,  Assessor. 

1861 — James  H.  Sutton,  Chairman  ;   C.  C.  Tillotson,  John  D.  Logeman,  Supervisors  ;  T. 
S.  Roys,  Clerk  ;   Samuel  Smith,  Treasurer;  James  Montgomery,  Assessor. 

1862 — Edward  Fairbanks,  Chairman  ;   Clai-endon    Roys,  Samuel   Smith,  Supervisors  ;   T. 
S.  Roys,  Clerk ;  James  Montgomery,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1863 — James  H.   Sutton,  Chairman ;   Samuel   Smith,  John    Oleson,   Supervisors ;   T.    S. 
Roys,  Clerk  ;  Thomas  Sanderson,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1864 — James  H.  Sutton,  Chairman  ;   H.  R.  Clark,  Aad    Henderson,  Supervisors  ;   G.  W. 
Putnam,  Clerk  :  J.  E.  Perkins,  Treasurer ;   H.  R.  Tripp,  Assessor. 

1865 — Edward   Fairbanks,  Chairman  ;  Benjamin  Fuller,  Horace  Morse,  Supervisors  ;  A. 
Sanderson,  Clerk  ;   Halver  Halverson,  Treasurer  ;  James  Montgomery,  Assessor. 

1866 — H.  R.  Clark,  Chairman;  G.  S.  Armitage,  William  Bradley,  Supervisors;  A.  San- 
derson, Clerk  ;   Ole  J.  Oleson,  Treasurer ;  James  Montgomery,  Assessor. 

1867 — H.  R.  Clark,  Chairman;  C.  Tillotson,  John   Oleson,  Supervisors;  A.  Sanderson, 
Clerk  ;   Ole  J.  Oleson,  Treasurer. 

1868 — James  Montgomery,  Chairman  ;  John  Derr,  Ira  H.  Ford,  Supervisors;  A.  Sander- 
son, Clerk;   Charles  Conrad,  Treasurer;   A.  L.  Sutton,  Assessor. 

1869 — C.  Roys,  Chairman  ;   Samuel  Hasey,  Ingelbret  Everson,  Supervisors  ;   C.  S.  Tomp- 
kins, Clerk  ;  William  McBurnie,  Treasurer ;   Galen  Hall,  Assessor. 

1870 — C.  Roys,  Chairman  ;   Samuel  Hasey,  Ingelbert  Everson.  Supervisors ;  C.  S.  Tomp- 
kins, Clerk;   E.  J.  Morse,  Treasurer;  James  Montgomery.  Assessor. 

1871 — Samuel    Hasey,  Chairman;   Ole   L.  Clave,   Ingelbert   Everson,  Supervisors;   C.  S. 
Tompkins,  Clerk  ;   T.  S.  Roys,  Treasurer ;   Thomas  Sanderson,  Assessor. 

1872 — Charles   Tompkins,    Chairman;    Ingelbert  Everson,    Samuel    Smith,    Supervisors; 
S.  C.  Bell,  Clerk  ;   William  McBurnie,  Treasurer  ;  James  Montgomery,  Assessor. 

1873 — Samuel  Hasey,  Chairman  ;   Peter  Hansen,  John  Derr,  Supervisors ;  A.  Sanderson, 
Clerk  ;   Henry  Bock,  Treasurer ;   Thomas  Sanderson,  Assessor. 

1874 — John    Derr,    Chairman  ;   Halver   Halverson,    Eli   Morse,    Supervisors  ;  S.  C.  Bell, 
Clerk;   Henry  Bock,  Treasurer;  Thomas  Sanderson,  Assessor. 

1875 — John  Derr.  Chairman  ;  E.  J.  Morse,  H.  Halverson,  Supervisors  ;  S.  C.  Bell,  Clerk  : 
A.  Sanderson,  Treasurer ;  James  Montgomery,  Assessor. 

1876 — John  Derr,  Chairman  ;   Halver  Halverson,  E.  J.  Morse,  Supervisors ;   William  Mc- 
Burnie, Clerk;  A.  Sanderson,  Treasurer:   Thomas  Sanderson,  Assessor. 

1877 — Thomas  Sanderson,  Chairman  ;  Albert  Scheidler,  Samuel  Smith,  Supervisors  ;  S.  C. 
Bell,  Clerk  ;   Henry  Bock,  Treasurer. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  759 

1878 — James  Montgomery,  Chairman  ;  E.  J.  Morse,  Halver  Halverson,  Supervisors  ;  S. 
C.  Bell,  Clerk  ;   Henry  Bock,  Treasurer  ;  I.  Everson,  Assessor. 

1879 — Edward  Fairbanks,  Chairman  ;  Peter  Hanson,  Adolph  Schultz,  Supervisors ;  Will- 
iam McBurnie,  Clerk  ;  A.  Sanderson,  Treasurer  ;   S.  C.  Bell,  Assessor. 

1880 — H.  R.  Clark.  Chairman  ;  Adolph  Schutz,  Halver  Halverson,  Supervisors  ;  A, 
Sanderson,  Clerk  ;  Nicholas  Ziegler,  Treasurer  :   Thomas  Sanderson,  Assessor. 

TOWN    OF    LEEDS. 

The  town  of  Leeds  is  almost  altogether  upon  the  top  of  the  watershed,  having  a  surface  of 
rolling  prairie,  and  a  general  altitude  of  450  to  570  feet.  In  the  northwest  corner,  this  high 
ground  breaks  down  abruptly  200  feet  towai'd  the  head-fcaters  of  Okee  Creek.  The  State 
Geologist,  in  one  of  his  reports,  remarked  that  there  were  some  of  the  finest  lands  here  that 
were  to  be  found  in  the  State.  The  first  entry  of  land  was  made  October  3,  1844,  by  Johii 
Dalziel,  consisting  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter,  and  the  southwest  quarter 
of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  26.  Prior  to  this,  La  Fayette  Hill  made  claim  on  Section 
14.  He  erected  a  log  house  which,  in  his  absence,  was  burned  by  the  Indians  in  the  winter 
of  1843-44.  In  the  spring  of  1844,  one  Johnson  came  in,  and  Mr.  Hill,  for  a  small  considera- 
tion, surrendered  to  him  his  claim  and  removed  into  the  town  of  Dekorra.  Mr.  Johnson  con- 
veyed in  June  following  a  portion  of  this  tract  to  Oliver  G.  Chilson.  William  Young  came  in 
in  1844,  but  remained  only  a  short  time,  when  he  removed  his  house  just  across  the  line  in  the 
town  of  Lowville.  In  the  fall  of  1844  came  William  Bradley,  Thomas  Dalziel,  and  Mr.  Hin- 
man.  Soon  after  this  came  Stephen  Bray  ton,  Charles  B.  ThompsoQ,  Sylvester  Button,  0.  C. 
Howe,  A.  Klienert,  F.  Rennebohm,  Jacob  Townsend,  Smith  Scott,  Charles  Brown,  Norman 
Ives,  Fred  Lubins  and  others. 

The  town  of  Leeds  is  an  agricultural  town.  No  effort  has  ever  been  made  to  locate  a 
village  within  its  boundaries,  but  now  its  inhabitants  are  well  supplied  with  mail  facilities, 
there  then  being  four  post  offices  in  the  town — Leeds,  North  Leeds,  Leeds  Center,  and  Keyser. 

Leeds  Post  Office  was  established  on  Section  32  in  1854,  with  William  P.  Bradley  as  the 
first  Postmaster.  Mr.  Bradley  was  succeeded  by  George  Durkee,  and  Mr.  Durkee  by  Anson 
Engel. 

Leeds  Center  was  established  in  1856,  chiefly  through  the  instrumentality  of  Dr.  R.  A. 
Squires,  who  was  made  its  first  Postmaster.  He  was  succeeded  by  Norman  Ives,  who  continued 
but  a  short  time  when  G.  E.  Fox  was  appointed,  after  which  it  again  passed  under  control  of 
Dr.  Squire,  who  was  succeeded  in  1857  by  A.  S.  Packard. 

Humphrey  McKinney  was  the  first  Postmaster  of  North  Leeds,  the  office  being  established 
in  1858.      William  Dieruf  was  Mr.  McKinney's  successor. 

In  1876,  an  office  was  established  in  the  southeast  part  of  the  town,  with  Benjamin  Brae- 
son  as  Postmaster. 

The  first  school,,  in  the  town  was  held  at  Leeds  Center  on  the  corner  of  the  northwest 
quarter  of  the  southwest  corner  of  Section  14,  in  1848.  In  1850,  a  substantial  log  school- 
house  was  erected  which  burned  down  the  first  winter.  In  1851,  a  stone  house  was  erected 
which  served  the  district  (No.  1)  until  June,  1878,  when  a  good  frame  house  was  erected  and 
well  furnished  at  a  cost  of  $1,600. 

It  has  been  stated  there  had  never  been  an  effort  to  locate  a  village  in  the  town,  but  not- 
withstanding this  fact,  around  Leeds  Center  Post  Office  quite  a  little  village  sprang  up  in  1850- 
57,  there  being  there  at  that  time  two  stores,  a  blacksmith-shop,  post  office  and  a  tavern,  the 
latter  being  erected  by  John  T.  Baker,  and  continued  by  him  about  four  years.  Leeds  Center 
was  then  on  the  line  of  the  stage  route  from  Beaver  Dam  to  Lodi  and  also  from  Madison  to 
Portage. 

From  the  organization  of  Leeds,  town-meetings  have  been  held  at  Leeds  Center.  Election 
days  have  generally  been  considered  as  holidays  and  the  average  voter  expected  to  have  some 


760  HISTORY    OF    roH'MBIA    COUNTY. 

fun.  There  formerly  lived  here  a  genius  who  would  occ;»sionally  imbibe  too  freely  of  the  juice 
of  the  corn.  He  was  an  ardent  Republican  and  never  got  so  drunk  but, he  knew  the  difference 
between  a  Republican  and  Democratic  ticket.  On  one  occasion  on  election  day,  he  was  so  drunk 
a  leading  Democratic  politician  thought  he  would  get  him  to  vote  the  Democratic  ticket,  and  to 
accomplish  his  aim  was  very  affectionate  toward  the  old  man.  Taking  him  by  the  arm  and 
placing  a  Democratic  ticket  in  his  hand,  he  led  him  up  to  the  polls.  The  Republicans  were  of 
course  watching  every  movement.  When  the  old  man  arrived  at  the  voting-place,  he  turned  to 
a  leading  Republican  and  said,  '' Give  me  a  ticket,  John."  "  Why,"  responded  John,  "I 
thought  you  were  going  to  vote  the  Democratic  ticket?  "  "  You  think  (hie)  because  I've  got 
the  (hie)  symptoms,  I've  turned  Democrat,  (hie)  do  you':*"  John  furnished  him  with  the 
ticket  of  his  choice. 

Horse-trading  has  been  classed  as  a  high  art  in  Leeds,  and  the  people  of  that  town  have 
become  proverbial  as  horse-traders.  Woe  be  to  the  man  who  considers  himself  the  better  judge 
of  horseflesh,  and  the  more  experienced  in  a  trade.  Orin  Powers  was  a  good-hearted,  honest 
citizen  of  Lowville,  and  was  possessed  of  a  horse  valued  by  good  judges  at  $125.  One  day,  he 
made  up  his  mind  that  he  would  take  that  horse  over  to  Leeds,  and  make  a  little  by  trading  him 
to  some  one.  He  was  advised  by  a  friend  not  to  go,  but  the  advice  he  considered  an  insult. 
The  idea  of  his  being  taken  in  by  those  Leeds  men  !  He  would  show  them  he  knew  what  he 
was  about  in  a  horse  trade.  So  over  to  Leeds  he  went.  Along  about  sunset,  he  was  seen 
returning  to  the  point  from  which  he  started,  on  foot,  with  a  bridle  in  his  hand.  "  Why,  Orin, 
what's  the  matter?"  said  the  friend  of  the  morning.  "  Oh,  Doctor,"  he  replied,  "  they've  used 
me  up."  "  Why,  how  is  that?"  "  Well,  you  see,  1  went  over  there,  made  two  or  three  trades, 
and  on  the  last  one  I  got  a  horse  and  two  cows.  I  thought  I  had  done  well.  The  horse  was  a 
fine-looking  animal,  and  I  got  on  him  to  ride  him  home,  and  coming  along,  the  blasted  thing  had 
a  fit,  fell  down  and  nearly  killed  me.  I  took  off  the  bridle  and  left  him  to  die,  and  here  I  am 
with  two  cows,  worth  not  over  $25.     I  wish  I'd  taken  your  advice.'' 

The  town  of  Leeds  is  situated  in  the  south  part  of  the  county,  on  the  county  line,  which 
sejiarates  it  from  the  town  of  Windsor,  in  Dane  County.  It  is  about  fifteen  miles  southeast  of 
the  city  of  Portage,  and  is  in  Township  10,  Range  10  east.  Nearly  one-half  of  the  township 
is  prairie  land :  the  other  half  is  oak  openings,  which  are  in  the  northern  and  southeastern 
parts.  The  town  is  scantily  supplied  with  brooks  or  streams,  there  being  only  a  small  rivulet 
in  the  southeast  portion,  which  has  an  outlet  in  a  lake  situated  on  parts  of  Sections  23,  24  and 
26.  A  large  number  of  the  settlers  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  town  are  Norwegians,  and 
that  nationality,  with  the  Germans,  largely  predominate.  The  town  is  well  improved  and  under 
excellent  cultivation. 

Lutheran  Church. — On  the  27th  day  of  March,  1847,  the  first  Norwegian  Evangelical 
Lutheran  congregation  in  Columbia  County  was  organized,  by  Rev.  I.  W.  C.  Dietrickson,  as 
"  Spring  Prairie  Congregation."  It  consisted  of  settlers  re.siding  in  the  towns  of  Leeds, 
Hampden,  Otsego,  Lowville,  and  later  Arlington  and  Dekorra,  in  Columbia  County,  and  Bris- 
tol, Windsor  and  Vienna,  Dane  County.  The  first  Norwegian  services  were  held  at  the  house 
of  Sjur  Reque,  some  time  previous.  Among  the  first  members  of  the  congregation  were  John 
0.  Fosmark,  Nels  0.  Fosraark,  Lars  Johannesen  Moen,  Aad  Johnson  Himle,  John  Langeteig, 
Peter  Ilalvorsen,  Augund  Aames,  Eivind  Thorstensen.  On  the  15th  day  of  October,  184'J, 
Spring  Prairie  congregation  was  divided  into  three  congregations — Spring  Prairie  and  Bonnet 
Prairie,  Columbia  County,  and  Norway  Grove,  Dane  County.  These  three  congregations 
resolved  to  constitute  one  parish,  where,  somewhat  later,  was  joined  Lodi  congregation,  in  the 
towns  of  Lodi,  Arlington  and  Dekorra,  in  Columbia  County.  Rev.  I.  W.  C.  Dietrickson  had 
charge  of  these  congregations,  and  served  as  their  minister  up  to  the  10th  of  April,  1850  ;  Rev. 
A.  C.  Preus  from  May,  1850,  till  August,  1851.  Rev.  H.  A.  Preus  took  charge  of  them 
August  10,  1851,  and  has  served  as  their  minister  till  the  present  time.  As  the  latter  gentle- 
man has  had  to  attend  to  a  very  extensive  missionary  work  among  Norwegians  in  the  northern 
and   middle  part  of  Wisconsin,  and  has  also,  since  1862,  acted  as  President  of  the  Norwegian 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COl'NTT.  761 

Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  in  America,  the  following  named  have  served  as  assistants :  Rev. 
C.  Magelssen,  from  September,  1866,  to  October,  1867  ;  Rev.  B.  Hovde,  from  January,  1869, 
to  April,  1872;  Rev.  A.  Vinnor,  from  May,  1872,  to  May,  1873;  Rev.  A.  Bredeson,  from 
May,  1873,  to  August,  1876;  Rev.  Chr.  K.  Preus,  from  August  13,  1876,  to  the  present  time. 
The  first  Norwegian  church  edifice  was  a  small  log  one,  in  the  town  of  ( )tsego,  built  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1853.  On  the  25th  day  of  June,  1853,  the  corner-stone  of  the  church  in  the  town  of 
Leeds  was  laid.  It  is  50x85  feet,  has  a  fine  steeple,  and,  when  erected,  cost  $2,500.  The 
Bonnet  Prairie  congregation,  Otsego,  built  a  stone  church  in  1866,  54x35  feet,  which  cost 
$7,000.  The  Lodi  congregation  was  the  next  to  build,  in  1871.  Their  church  edifice  is  of 
brick,  54x28  feet,  with  a  steeple  70  feet  high  ;  is  located  in  the  town  of  Arlington,  and 
cost  $3,600.  There  are  280  families  in  the  various  congregations  connected  with  this  parish. 
Trustees  of  Spring  Prairie  congregation — John  0.  Fosmark,  John  Hermundsen,  Hans  Bjorti- 
sen  ;  of  the  Bonnet  Prairie  Congregation — Andves  Loseln,  Halvor  Anderson,  J.  B.  Berquam  ; 
of  Lodi — Ives  Larsen,  G.  Pedersen  and  A.  Oramundsen. 

The  town  of  Leeds  was  organized  in  1850,  and  comprised  all  of  Township  10,  Range  10, 
and  the  east  half  of  Township  10,  Range  9.  In  1855,  the  latter  portion  of  the  town  was  set  off 
to  Arlington,  leaving  the  town  of  Leeds  one  full  township. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  town  ofiicers  since  its  organization  to  the  present  time : 

1850 — Thomas  Dalziel,  Chairman  ;  Charles  B.  Thompson,  Nathan  Hazen,  Supervisors  ; 
David  M.  Hatch,  Clerk  ;  Oliver  G.  Chilson,  Treasurer  ;  William  T.  Bradley,  Superintendent 
of  Schools  ;   Henry  Waterhouse,  Clark  M.  Young,  Assessors. 

1851 — Thomas  Dalziel,  Chairman;  Sylvester  Dutton,  William  Young,  Supervisors;  James 
M.  Robinson,  Clerk  ;  Clark  M.  Young,  Thomas  Green,  John  Oleson,  Assessors  ;  William  T. 
Bradley,  School  Superintendent. 

1852 — Chester  S.  Chapin,  Chairman ;  Sylvester  Dutton,  Lars  Johnson,  Supervisors ; 
David  M.  Hatch,  Clerk  ;  Henry  Waterhouse,  Treasurer ;  John  Oleson,  C.  M.  Young,  Thomas 
Green,  Charles  Brown,  Assessors;  William  T.  Bradley,  School  Superintendent. 

1853 — William  H.  Young,  Chairman  ;  Sylvester  Dutton,  Amond  Christophersen,  Super- 
visors;  J.  W.  Robinson,  Clerk;  Thomas  Dalziel,  Treasurer;  C.  M.  Young,  Neils  Knudson, 
Assessors ;  Isaac  C.  Sargent,  School  Superintendent. 

1854 — William  H.  Young,  Chairman  ;  Sylvester  Dutton,  Nelse  K.  Garvinde,  Supervisors  ; 
J.  W.  Robinson,  Clerk;  0.  G.  Chilson,  Treasurer;  Stephen  Brayton,  Assessor;  D.  C.  Strong, 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1855 — Isaac  C.  Sargent,  Chairman;  Charles  Brown,  Anton  Nelson,  Supervisors;  F.  W. 
Cady,  Clerk  ;   Thomas  Dalziel,  Treasurer  ;  J.  W.  Robinson,  Assessor  and  School  Superintendent. 

1856 — Sylvester  Dutton,  Chairman  ;  Thomas  Dalziel,  Amond  Christophers.  Supervisors  ; 
M.  J.  Waterhouse.  Clerk;  William  T.  Bradley,  Treasurer  and  Assessor;  L.  A.  Squire,  School 
Superintendent. 

1857 — William  T.  Bradley,  Chairman ;  C.  L.  Brown,  Ender  Knudson,  Supervisors ;  H. 
P.  Estabrook,  Clerk;  Halver  Halverson,  Treasurer;  William  T.  Bradley,  Assessor;  I.  C.  Sar- 
gent, School  Superintendent. 

1858 — William  T.  Bradley,  Chairman  ;  C.  B.  Thompson,  Amond  Christophers,  Super- 
visors;  Abel  Alden,  Clerk;  Halver  Halverson,  Treasurer;  William  Young,  Assessor;  L.  A. 
Squire,  School  Superintendent. 

1859 — Charles  L.  Brown,  Chairman;  B.  F.  Everett,  A.  Christophers,  Supervisors;  Abel 
Allen,  Clerk  ;  Halver  Halverson,  Treasurer ;  William  T.  Bradley,  Assessor ;  L.  A.  Squire, 
School  Superintendent. 

1860 — C.  L.  Brown,  Chairman ;  A.  Christophers,  R.  Helfritz,  Supervisors ;  E.  F.  Russell, 
Clerk  i  H.  Lubins,  Treasurer ;   B.  F.  Everett,  Assessor  ;    L.  A.  Squire,  School  Superintendent. 

1861 — L.  A.  Squire,  Chairman ;  Chri-stian  Munson,  R.  Helfritz,  Supervisors ;  C.  L. 
Brown,  Clerk;  Henry  Lubins,  Treasurer;  William  T.  Bradley,  Assessor;  Benjamin  F.  McKin- 
ney,  School  Superintendent. 


762  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1862 — L.  A.  Sijuire,  Chairman ;  C.  Munson,  William  T.  Kleinert,  Supervisors  ;  C.  L. 
Brown,  Clerk;  Lars  J.  Lee,  Treasurer;   William  T.  Bradley,  Assessor. 

1868 — L.  A.  Squire,  Chairman  ;  C.  Munson,  William  T.  Kleinert,  Supervisors ;  Abel 
Allen,  Clerk  ;   Lars  J.  Lee,  Treasurer ;  William  T.  Bradley,  Assessor. 

1864 — Thomas  Sanderson,  Chairman  ;  E.  C.  Lubins,  Benjamin  Johnson,  Supervisors  ; 
Abel  Allen,  Clerk ;  J.  B.  Hagaboom,  Treasurer  ;  C.  M.  Smith,  Assessor. 

1865 — AVilliam  T.  Bradley,  Chairman;  D.  C.  Lubins,  Peter  Oleson,  Supervisors;  Abel 
Allen,  Clerk  ;   Robert  Dalziel,  Treasurer ;   Smith  J.  Scott,  Assessor. 

1866 — A.  H.  Quackenbush,  Chairman  ;  Peter  Oleson,  Thomas  Pashaw,  Supervisors  ; 
Abel  Allen,  Clerk  ;   Robert  Dalziel,  Treasurer ;   S.  J.  Scott,  Assessor. 

1867. — L.  A.  Squire,  Chairman;  Lars  J.  Lee,  Conrad  Selle,  Supervisors;  Abel  Allen, 
Clerk  ;  J.  V.  Mixer,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1868. — L.  A.  Squire,  Chairman;  Lars  J.  Lee,  Conrad  Selle,  Supervisors;  Abel  Allen, 
Clerk  ;  William  Dieruf,  Treasurer  ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

186!'. — L.  A.  S(iuire,  Chairman  ;  Lars  J.  Lee,  Conrad  Selle,  Supervisors;  J.  E.  Butler, 
Clerk  ;  William  Dieruf,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1870. — L.  A.  Squire,  Chairman ;  Lars  J.  Lee,  Conrad  Selle,  Supervisors  ;  William 
Dieruf,  Clerk  ;  William  T.  Kleinert,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1871. — L.  A.  Squire,  Chairman;  G.  A.  Kleinert,  Anson  Nelson,  Supervisors;  William 
Dieruf,  Clerk;  William  C.  Kleinert,  Treasurer;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1872. — L.  A.  St|uire,  Chairman;  G.  A.  Kleinert,  Anson  Nelson,  Supervisors;  William 
Dieruf,  Clerk  ;  AVilliam  C.  Kleinert,  Treasurer  ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1873. — William  C.  Kleinert,  Chairman  ;  Abram  Page,  John  Peterson,  Supervisors ;  L.  L. 
Phinney,  Clerk  ;  Fred  Reembohm,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1874. — William  C.  Kleinert,  Chairman;  Abram  Page,  John  Peterson,  Supervisors;  L.  L. 
Phinney,  Clerk ;  Charles  Steltner,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1875. — William  C.  Kleinert,  Chairman  ;  F.  B.  Scott,  Andrew  A.  Erickson,  Supervisors; 
L.  L.  Phinney,  Clerk  ;  Joseph  L.  Lee,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1876. — William  C.  Kleinert,  Chairman  ;  Andrew  A.  Erickson,  Abram  Page,  Supervisors ; 
L.  L.  Phinney,  Clerk  :  Joseph  L.  Lee,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1877. — William  C.  Kleinert,  Chairman:  Andrew  A.  Erickson,  Abram  Page,  Supervisors; 
L.  L.  Phinney,  Clerk:   L.  N.  Lee,  Treasurer;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1878. — L.  L.  Phinney,  Chairman  ;  Conrad  Selle,  John  Peterson,  Supervisors ;  Joseph 
Faerber,  Clerk:  L.  N.  Lee,  Treasurer:  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1879. — L.  L  Phinney,  Chairman;  Conrad  Selle,  John  Peterson,  Supervisors;  Joseph 
Faerber,  Clerk  :   L.  N.  Lee,  Treasurer ;  Norman  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

1880 — W.  C.  Kleinert,  Chairman  :  L.  M.  Lee,  George  Wylie,  Supervisors ;  Joseph  Faerber, 
Clerk;  C.  N.  Ransom,  Treasurer;  N.  M.  Ives,  Assessor. 

TOWN    OF    LEM'ISTON. 

The  town  of  Lewiston  includes  the  whole  of  Township  lo  north,  in  Range  8  east,  except 
the  southeast  ([uarter  of  Section  36,  which  lies  within  the  city  limits  of  Portage ;  also  all  of  the 
north  tier  of  sections  in  Township  12  north,  in  the  same  range,  lying  north  of  the  Wisconsin 
River,  except  the  east  half  of  Section  1,  which  is  a  part  of  the  city  of  Portage  ;  also,  so  much  of 
the  east  half  of  Township  13  north,  in  Range  7  east,  as  lies  north  of  the  Wisconsin.  It  con- 
tains, therefore,  about  one  township  and  a  half  of  land.  It  i.s  bounded  on  the  north  by  Adams 
and  Marquette  Counties  ;  on  the  east,  by  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago  and  the  city  of  Portage : 
on  the  south,  by  the  city  of  Portage  and  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  on  the  west  by  the  Wisconsin 
River  and  the  town  of  Newport. 

On  the  18th  day  of  November,  1852,  "  Range  (8)  eight  and  the  east  half  of  Range  (7) 
seven,  in  Town  [ship]  thirteen,'  were  "formed  into  a  new  town,  under  the  name  of  Lewiston." 
Afterward,  so  much  of  Township  12,  in  Range  8,  as  lies  north  of  the  Wisconsin  River  was 


HISTOKY   OF    COLUMBIA    (  OUNTY.  763 

added  to  Lewiston,  this  fraction  and  Township  13,  in  the  same  range,  being  diminished  a  little 
over  three-fourths  of  a  section  when  the  city  of  Portage  was  incorporated.  When  the  selection 
of  a  name  became  necessary,  that  of  Beaver  Creek  was  suggested,  and  was  so  incorporated  in 
the  petition  for  the  organization  of  the  town  ;  but  the  Board  of  Supervisors  changed  it  to 
Lewiston,  in  honor  of  E.  F.  Lewis,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers. 

The  southwest  portion  of  the  town,  along  the  Wisconsin  River,  is  quite  level,  and,  in  high 
water,  it  has  overflowed  and  run  through  the  town,  thence  to  Fox  River,  by  the  way  of  a 
stream  known  as  the  Grand  or  Big  Slough.  There  are  several  small  streams  of  water  in 
the  town,  mostly  emptying  into  the  Fox  River.  There  are  also  three  lakes,  situated  in 
the  northwest  corner  of  the  town,  known  as  Lake  Whiting,  Lake  Loomis  and  Lake  Corning. 
Lake  Whiting  has  a  small  stream  running  into  it  on  the  northwest  part,  passing  out  on 
the  south  and  running  down  the  west  side  of  this  town  and  east  side  of  the  town  Newport, 
the  Wisconsin  River ;  thence  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  From  the  same  lake  there  has  been 
a  ditch  dug,  running  in  an  easterly  direction,  a  distance  of  about  a  mile  and  a  ((uarter,  with 
a  fall  of  twenty-one  feet,  and  thence  through  the  Fox  River  to  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence. 
The  Big  Slough  forms  on  Section  33,  near  the  Wisconsin  River ;  crosses  Sections  34,  26,  23, 
22,  21,  16,  9  and  4,  entering  Neenah  Creek,  or  North  Branch  of  Fox  River,  on  Section  3. 
Though  the  name  of  "  slough  "  is  given  it,  it  can  hardly  be  said  to  be  appropriate,  as  it  is  a 
stream  of  living  water,  and,  though  narrow  and  shallow  in  places,  occasionally  are  to  be  found 
holes  ranging  in  depth  from  twelve  to  twenty  feet,  and  increasing  in  length  and  widtii  as  it 
approaches  its  mouth.  From  the  bottom  of  these  deep  holes  springs  of  cold  water  are  forced 
upward.  Bass  and  pickerel  abound  in  the  stream.  Neenah  Creek,  where  connecting  with  the 
Big  Slough,  crosses  Sections  3,  2  and  1,  passing  into  Marquette  County  on  the  northeast  corner 
of  Section  1,  and  returns  into  this  county  on  Section  5,  Town  of  Fort  Winnebago. 

The  first  white  settlement  in  the  town  was  made  by  Daniel  Brown,  in  February,  1849,  on 
the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  12,  Township  13,  Range  7,  and  Thomas  Fletcher  soon  after 
settled  on  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  17,  Town  13,  Range  8,  which  was  all  the  setde- 
ment  in  the  town  until  the  8th  of  June  following,  when  E.  F.  Lewis  settled  on  the  northwest 
quarter  of  Section  21,  Township  13,  Range  8.  On  the  same  day,  there  was  a  load  of  lumber 
left  on  the  west  half  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  2.5,  Township  13,  Range  8,  by  Samuel 
and  Jacob  Reader,  to  secure  a  claim  made  there  by  them.  Also,  at  the  same  time,  L-a  Young 
made  a  claim  on  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  17,  Township  13,  Range  8.  James  Sloan 
and  William  Finnegan  made  claims  on  Section  20,  Township  13,  Range  8.  About  the  20th  of 
June,  Peter  Thompson  and  Mons.  Johnson  made  claims  on  the  east  half  of  Section  21,  Town- 
ship 13,  Range  8,  which  was  the  first  settlement  by  the  Scandinavians  in  the  town.  Amplias 
Chamberlain  and  John  Huxley  made  a  settlement  on  Section  6,  Township  13,  Range  8,  in 
July,  and  Jonathan  Butterfield  and  Aaron  Toun  made  claims,  in  the  spring  of  1842,  where 
Briggsville  now  stands,  and  gave  the  claim  to  A.  E.  Briggs,  in  1851,  on  condition  that  he 
would  improve  the  water-power  thereon.  Mr.  Briggs  built  a  saw-mill  at  once,  which  was  the 
first  start  of  the  village  of  Briggsville.  Solomon  Clark  and  Daniel  Burlison  made  a  claim  on 
Section  26,  Township  13,  Range  8,  and  Jacob  Jacobia  also  settled  on  the  same  section  in  the 
fall  of  1849.  Several  settlers  came  in  during  the  months  of  July  and  August  of  that  year,  among 
whom  were  Robert  Shortly  and  a  man  of  the  name  of  Parks,  who  settled  on  Section  1,  and 
Robert  Thompson,  who  settled  on  Section  4,  Township  13,  Range  8.  About  this  time,  the 
Germans  began  to  settle  in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  along  the  Wisconsin  River,  among 
whom  were  Fred  Bach,  on  Section  32 ;  William  and  Harry  Lintz,  and  Christian  Pfieler,  on 
Section  4,  Township  12,  Range  8.  The  first  settlers  in  the  east  part  of  the  town  were  the 
Devine  brothers  and  Patrick  Shea,  who  settled  on  Sections  18  and  14,  Township  13,  Range  8, 
and  the  Ryan  brothers,  on  Section  24.  William,  James  and  Robert  Clark  settled  in  the  north- 
east corner  of  the  town,  on  Sections  3  and  10,  and  from  that  time  on  the  settlement  became 
general  throughout  the  town. 

When  Mr.  Lewis  settled  on  his  claim,  he  lived  three  weeks  in  his  wagon  box.  He  then 
erected  a  log  house  22x52  feet,  a  story  and  a  half  high,  for  hotel  purposes,  christening  his  house 


764  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

the  "  Pinery  Exeliiuige."  Being  on  the  old  pinery  ro;id,  on  which  there  was  considerable  travel, 
the  hotel  flourished  until  tiie  buiklinij  of  railroads  diverted  emigration.  Other  hotels  along  the 
line  of  the  road  through  tlii-;  county  were  erecteil,  each  receiving  fair  patronage.  Jacob  Jacobia 
built  on  Section  liG,  in  the  fall  of  184'.i,  and  E.  N.  Storms  in  18.'>1.  When  the  new  pinery 
road  was  opened  in  1852,  E.  B.  Craig  erected  a  hotel  where  it  crosses  the  Big  Slough,  naming 
it  the  "Menominee  House." 

In  1849,  a  claim  society  was  organized,  composi'd  of  settlers  in  the  towns  of  Newport, 
and  Lewiston,  Columbia  County,  and  the  counties  of  Ailams  and  Marquette.  The  object  of  the 
society  was  to  protect  the  first  settlers  in  their  claims.  The  land,  not  then  being  in  market,  was 
not  subject  to  entry,  but  many  men  locating  and  improving  binds  selected,  with  the  intention  of 
securing  their  claim  as  soon  as  thrown  in  the  market.  It  was  feared  that  there  would  be  those 
who,  observing  improvements  made,  would  hasten  to  file  claims  before  the  original  settler  could 
do  so,  thus  defrauding  them  out  of  their  just  rights.  A  number  of  cases  of  disputed  claims 
came  before  the  society,  which  they  attempted  to  settle  in  their  own  way.  In  the  spring  of 
1852,  James  Litchfield  located  upon  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  1,  Township  18,  Range 
7,  erected  a  small  frame  dwelling  and  cleared  about  five  acres  of  land.  He  received  notice  from 
the  society  to  vacate,  as  another  party  had  a  prior  claim.  Consulting  with  neighbors,  he  was 
satisfied  that  Mr.  Norris,  the  other  claimant,  had  selected  another  quarter,  and  was,  therefore, 
entitled  to  no  more.  For  this  reason  he  refused  to  go.  One  Saturday,  in  the  month  of  May, 
18;")2,  near  midnight,  some  ten  or  twelve  masked  men  came  here,  and  calling  up  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Litchfield,  ordered  them  from  the  house,  set  it  on  fire,  burning  it  to  the  ground.  The  unfortu- 
nate couple  went  to  the  house  of  John  Brickwell,  where  they  remained  a  few  days,  and  from 
there  to  Mr.  Briggs',  where  they  stayed  until  a  new  house  could  be  built  for  them  by  the  sym- 
pathizing neighbors.  Five  of  the  masked  men  were  recognized  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Litchfield, 
warrants  were  sworn  out,  and  they  were  arrested  and  bound  over  for  trial  in  the  Circuit  Court 
for  the  crime  of  arson.  The  first  terra,  after  indictment,  the  defendants  got  a  continuance  of 
the  case,  and  at  the  time  of  the  second  term  Mrs.  Litchfield  was  too  ill  to  attend  the  trial. 
The  matter  was  then  compromised  and  the  case  stricken  from  the  docket. 

The  first  school  in  the  town  was  taught  by  Mrs.  Brickwell,  in  the  summer  of  18.53,  on 
Section  12,  School  District  No.  1. 

The  first  white  child  born  in  the  town  was  a  daughter  of  Frederick  Back,  on  Section  32, 
Township  13,  Range  8,  in  the  summer  of  1849.  This  child  died  the  following  winter  from 
being  scalded  in  a  tub  of  hot  water. 

The  first  death  was  at  the  house  of  E.  F.  Lewis,  in  September,  1849.  Elisha  Parmenter, 
with  his  family,  came  from  the  State  of  New  York,  and  stopped  with  Mr.  Lewis.  There  he  left 
his  family,  and  with  his  team  returned  to  Milwaukee  for  his  goods.  Returning  with  them,  he 
was  taken  sick  and  lived  but  a  few  days.  He  was  buried  in  the  military  burying  ground  at  Fort 
Winnebago. 

The  whole  number  of  acres  assessed  on  the  first  assessment  roll  was  13,747.73,  valued  at 
§40,420.     The  value  of  personal  property  on  the  same  roll  was  ^1,150.     Total,  S!47,870. 

The  first  election  was  at  the  house  of  E.  F.  Lewis,  on  the  5th  of  April,  1853,  at  which 
Kiley  Woodford,  Almon  Hay  and  John  Brickwell  acted  as  Inspectors  and  L.  C.  Jacobs  as  Clerk. 
Those  voting  at  this  election  were  John  Brickwell,  Riley  Woodford,  E.  F.  Lewis,  Almon  Hay, 
Robert  Thompson,  M.  B.  Eastings.  Charles  S.  Mason,  George  W.  Bird,  Moses  Johnson,  Peter 
Thompson,  Filing  Mahl,  Hans  0.  Mensen.  Jacob  Jacobia,  John  Fitch,  Orrin  Hay,  Hans  Han- 
son, Jr.,  Lewis  Hanson,  Hans  Hanson,  Sr.,  Thomas  Robinson,  Hans  Thompson,  M.  H.  Dahl, 
Warren  Hay,  T.  E.  Bendi.xon,  John  A.  Gund,  Joseph  Wagner,  Jacob  Poagle,  Robert  Thomp- 
son, Allen  Vincent,  George  Winders,  Nek  Paterson,  Albert  Oleson,  Peter  Hees,  Hans  LoUiger, 
Lewis  Sader,  Frederick  C.  Martin,  Stephen  CoUenson,  Solomon  Clark,  Henry  Jertson,  Hans 
Jertson,  Lars  Isaacson.  Joseph  Mathias,  Isaac  Andrews,  Sven  Johnson,  Ole  Johnson,  Ole  Ole- 
son, John  O'Mare.  William  McDonald,  Edmund  Beaz,  S.  A.  Reader,  Riley  A.  Woodford,  Fred 
Bach,  Claus  Hilderbrand,  Frederick  Guildner,  Mortz  Kuhl,  Andrew  Languard,  Robert  Clark, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  765 

James  Clark,  Andrew  McFarlane,  T.  Fletcher,  Holly  Warden,  John  Isaacson,  Joseph  Blume. 
C.  W.  Gay.  L.  C.  Jacobs,  G.  M.  W.  Carey,  Sven  Anderson,  E.  N.  Storms,  Ole  Erickson,  Dan- 
iel Oleson,  George  W.  Green,  Talbot  Askinson.  Clark  Vincent,  James  Devine,  John  Ryan,  Den- 
nis Callajhan,  William  Messer.  Christian  Tilder,  John  Hickitkere,  Robert  Dovle,  Michael 
McCormick,  Edmund  dishing,  John  Kline.  Dennis  Harrigan,  Jeremiali  Devine.  Daniel  Gush- 
ing, Nelson  Van  Wil,  Michael  R.  Devine,  Richard  Bagnall,  Andrew  Baarnaman,  George  K. 
Kindness,  Francis  Dane,  John  Devine,  Frederick  Severt,  William  Clark,  Jacob  Reader,  John 
Ewing,  Jacob  Mickelaon,  W.  Finnegan,  Peter  McCormick,  Charles  Seavert,  Lewis  Vake,  James 
Sloan  and  John  Guilder — a  total  of  104,  of  which  number,  in  1880,  about  twenty-five  were 
residents  of  the  town. 

The  town  was  divided  into  school  districts  May  19,  1853,  by  John  Brickwell,  who  was  then 
Superintendent  of  Schools  of  the  town.  In  1871),  there  were  ten  districts  in  the  town,  all  of 
which  had  good  schoolhouses.  A  good  deal  of  interest  has  generally  been  manifested  in  the 
schools. 

The  town  has  had  to  be  at  considerable  expense  in  building  roads  and  bridges,  and  also  in 
the  construction  of  a  levee  on  the  bank  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  to  prevent  it,  in  stages  of  high 
water,  overflowing  and  so  passing  over  a  portion  of  the  town,  to  Fox  River,  thereby  keeping 
the  land  too  wet  for  cultivation. 

The  land  was  generally  surveyed  by  the  General  Government  in  1850  and  1851,  the  town- 
ship lines  being  run  in  1850  and  subdivision  lines  in  1851,  after  which,  and  before  the  land  was 
brought  into  market,  the  settlers  had  a  chance  to  take  out  pre-emption  papers  on  their  claims, 
and  prove  them  up,  without  interference  of  the  land  speculators. 

The  first  piece  of  land  entered  in  the  town  was  August  11,  1852,  by  Jacob  Jacobia,  the 
east  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  26,  Township  13,  Range  8  ;  the  next  was  on 
August  28,  by  William  McDonald,  the  southwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section 
23  ;  the  third  entry  was  by  Henry  Lintz,  on  August  29,  the  south  half  of  the  southeast  quar- 
ter of  Section  33  ;  the  fourth  was  by  Jerry  Devine,  on  the  30th  of  August,  the  north  half  of 
the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  24,  and  all  in  Township  13,  Range  8. 

I^or.wegian  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  by  Portage. — This  church  was  organized  in  1851, 
by  Rev.  H.  A.  Preus,  with  about  fifteen  families.  Mr.  Preus  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  and 
served  until  1865,  when  Rev.  Sh.  S.  Regue  was  chosen,  serving  until  1872,  when  Rev.  B. 
Hovde  took  charge  of  the  work,  remaining  until  1879 ;  Rev.  E.  J.  Petersen  was  then  called. 
A  small  church  was  erected  in  1873,  on  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  20.  In  1879,  there  were 
twenty  families  connected  with  the  congregation. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — A  class  was  organized  in  the  schoolhouse  of  District  No.  2, 
in  1853,  and  a  Sunday  school  shortly  after.  Meetings  of  the  class  and  occasional  preaching 
by  ministers  in  charge  of  the  circuit  have  since  been  held  at  the  same  place. 

German  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — On  Section  26,  Township  13,  Range  7,  a  German 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  in  1858.  A  church  house  was  erected  in  1860,  at 
a  cost  of  $800.     Regular  services  have  since  been  held,  and  a  large  congregation  formed. 

German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church. — The  Germans  living  in  the  west  part  of  town 
erected  a  log  house  for  religious  purposes,  in  1853,  when  a  congregation  was  formed,  bearing 
the  above  name. 

In  1851,  a  post  office  was  established,  which  was  given  the  name  of  Beaver  Creek,  with  E. 
F.  Lewis  as  the  first  Postmaster.  Mr.  Lewis  continued  to  serve  until  elected  Sheriff  in  the  fall 
of  1856,  when  he  resigned  in  fiivor  of  Nelson  Farrar.  Mr.  Farrar  served  as  such  two  years, 
but,  failjfhg  to  forward  his  bond  to  the  Post  Ofl5ce  Department  for  approval,  and  failing,  also,  to 
account  for  government  property  in  his  possession,  the  office  was  discontinued.  In  1868,  it  was 
re-established  under  the  name  of  Lewiston,  and  E.  F.  Lewis  was  again  placed  in  charge. 

The  old  pinery  road  strikes  the  town  on  Section  36,  Township  13,  Range  8,  leaving  on 
the  line  between  Sections  2  and  3,  Township  13,  Range  7.  The  new  pinery  road  strikes  the 
town  on  Section  24,  Township  13,  Range  8,  and  leaves  it  on  Section  5.     For  many  yejirs,  the 


766  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

old  pinery  road  was  the  only  thoroughfare  between   Fort  AVinnebago  and  the  pineries  at  Grand 
Rapids. 

In  1857,  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee,  now  the  La  Crosse  Division,  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
&  St.  Paul  Railroad,  was  built  through  the  town,  entering  on  Section  1,  Township  12,  Range 
8,  taking  a  northwesterly  direction,  passing  out  on  Section  22,  Township  13,  Range  7.  A 
station  was  located  on  Section  27,  which  was  given  the  name  Lewiston,  and  a  post  office  estab- 
lished thereby  the  name  of  Colburn. 

E.  F.  Lewis,  in  1872,  commenced  at  his  home  in  Lewiston  the  manufacture  of  ladies' 
and  gents'  underwear,  an  article  which  has  given  universal  satisfaction,  his  trade  yearly 
increasing.  The  goods,  instead  of  being  woven,  are  knit,  and  knit  the  double  rib  stitches, 
making  them  very  elastic,  and  conforming  closely  to  the  form  of  the  body  and  limbs.  There  is 
no  shrinking  or  stretching,  from  wearing  or  washing,  and  fitting  closely  to  the  body,  they  admit 
of  no  currents  of  air  next  to  the  skin,  thus  preventing  the  chill  one  experiences  on  going  out 
doors,  or  passing  from  a  warm  into  a  cold  or  damp  room.  In  the  winter  of  1879,  to  this  indus- 
try, Mr.  Lewis  added  that  of  knitting  socks  by  hand,  thus  furnishing  employment  to  many 
deserving  poor  of  his  neighborhood.  From  using  about  one  hundred  pounds  the  first  year,  the 
amount  was  increased  to  over  two  thousand  pounds  in  1879. 

In  Township  13,  Range  8,  the  general  altitude  is  about  two  hundred  and  thirty  to  two 
hundred  and  fifty  feet,  but  on  the  eastern  and  northern  sides  are  sandstone  bluffs,  running 
up  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  feet  higher.  This  town  is  watered  entirely  by  the  branches  of 
a  tributary  of  the  Fox,  Neenah  Creek,  or  the  "Big  Slough,"  which  trends  within  half  a  mile  of 
the  Wisconsin,  on  Section  33.  Beginning  in  Township  13,  Range  6  (town  of  Newport), 
and  Township  13,  Range  7,  the  ground  rises  rapidly  toward  the  north  and  west.  On  the  west 
side  of  this  town,  and  extending  into  Newport  (Township  13,  Range  7),  is  a  tamarack  marsh, 
four  miles  across  from  north  to  south,  and  three  from  east  to  west. 

There  are  no  villages  in  the  town,  but  two  post  offices — Lewiston  and   Colburn.     The  last 
is  at  Lewiston  station,  on  Section  27,  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  <&  St.  Paul  Railroad. 
The  following  comprises  the  town  officers  from  18-53  to  the  present  time  : 
1853 — Samuel   A.   Reader,   Chairman  ;    William    Clark,   Frederick  Martin,   Supervisors  ; 
L.  C.  Jacobs,  Clerk ;   Riley  Woodford,  Treasurer  :   William  Finnegan,  Assessor. 

1854 — E.  F.  Lewis,  Chairman  :  A.  Barmore,  James  Devine,  Supervisors :  Peter  O'Meara, 
Clerk  :  Riley  A.  Woodford,  Treasurer  ;  (.t.  C.  Snider,  Josepli  Hess,  Assessors.  Peter  O'Meara 
resigned.     G.  M.  W.  Carey  appointed  November  8,  18.5-4. 

1855 — Jacob  Jacobia,  Chairman  :  John  A.  Gund,  Francis  Dane,  Supervisors :  William 
Finnegan,  Clerk:  M.  B.  Easting,  Treasurer:  James  Devine,  Assessor.  William  Finnegan 
resigned.     James  Devine  appointed  November  8,  1855. 

1856 — John  Ewing,  Chairman  :  Mons  Johnson,  Alfred  West,  Supervisors  ;  E.  F.  Lewis, 
Clerk  :  L.  Y.  Rich,  Treasurer :  0.  P.  Johnson,  Assessor.  E.  F.  Lewis  resigned  November  4, 
1856.     L.  C.  Jacobs  appointed. 

1857 — Samuel  A.  Reader,  Chairman  :  Lars  Isaacson,  A.  A.  West,  Supervisors ;  L.  C. 
Jacobs,  Clerk  :   Riley  A.  Woodford,  Treasurer :  E.  Corning,  Assessor. 

1858 — Peleg  Thomas,  Chairman:  John  A.  Gund,  Michael  Colman,  Supervisors;  James 
Devine,  Clerk;   Oscar  F.  Robins,  Treasurer;  E.  B.  Craig,  Assessor. 

1859 — James  Devine,  Chairman  ;  Andrew  ifertson,  A.  A.  West,  Supervisors:  William  K. 
Harvey,  Treasurer  ;  S.  V.  Hanft,  Tiionias  Norton,  Assessors. 

1860 — James  Devine,  Chairman  :  Alfred  A.  West,  Lars  Isaacson,  Supervisors  ;  W.  K. 
Harvey,  Treasurer ;  S.  V.  Hanfc,  Clerk  :  Joseph  Bannister,  Assessor. 

1861 — L.  D.  Dean,  Chairman  :  A.  A.  West,  Albert  Scliarf,  Supervisors ;  William  Mc- 
Donald, Treasurer:  G.  M.  W.  Carey,  Clerk  :  J.  W.  Treadway,  Assessor. 

1862 — James  Devine,  Chairman:  Andrew  Jertson,  Theodore  Eickholt,  Supervisors: 
Joseph  Clark,  Clerk  :  E.  B.  Craig,  Treasurer  :  S.  V.  Hanft,  Assessor.  S.  V.  Hanft  resigned. 
James  .  Devine   appointed    August   10,    1862.      Joseph    Clark   resigned   January    27,   1863. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT T.  767 

Andrew  Peterson  appointed  February  2,  1863 ;  resigned  February  28,  1863,  and  Joseph 
Murphy  appointed  Clerk. 

1863 — James  Devine,  Chairman :  Theodore  Eicliholt,  Andrew  Jertson,  Supervisors  ;  G. 
M.  W.  Carey,  Clerk  ;  E.  B.  Craig,  Treasurer :   Albert  Scharf,  Assessor. 

1864 — E.  B.  Craig,  Chairman  ;  Andrew  Jertson,  Fred  Klein,  Supervisors ;  Albert  Scharf, 
Clerk ;  James  Devine,  Treasurer :  Theodore  Eickholt,  Assessor.  Albert  Scharf  resigned. 
Thomas  McFarlane  appointed  April  21,  186-!:.  G.  M.  W.  Carey  appointed  Clerk,  September 
7,  1864,  in  place  of  Thomas  McFarlane,  gone  to  the  war.  Thomas  Norton  appointed  Side 
Supervisor,  in  place  of  Andrew  Jertson,  October  5,  1854,  gone  to  the  war.  B.  11.  Wilmsen 
appointed  Treasurer,  December  28,  1864,  in  place  of  James  Devine,  having  removed  from  town. 

186.5 — E.  B.  Craig,  Chairman  ;  Lars  Isaacson,  Thomas  Norton,  Supervisors  ;  G.  M.  W. 
Carey,  Clerk ;  B.  H.  Wilmsen,  Treasurer  ;  Fred  Klein,  Assessor.  Fred  Klein  did  not  qualify. 
G.  M.  W.  Carey  appointed  May  29,  1865,  in  place  of  Fred  Klein. 

1866 — E.  Corning,  Chairman  :  S.  Cushman,  Lars  Isaacson,  Supervisors ;  F.  0.  Barney, 
Clerk;  M.  W.  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  William  McDonald,  Assessor.  F.  0.  Barney  did  not  qualify. 
E.  F.  Lewis  appointed  Clerk,  April  11,  1866.  E.  Corning  resigned  January  7,  1867,  B.  B. 
Utter  appointed  in  his  place.  E.  F.  Lewis  being  absent  from  town,  G.  M.  W.  Carey  appointed 
to  fill  vacancy  January  11,  1867. 

1867 — M.  W.  Smith,  Chairman  ;  William  McDonald,  Hilarius  Ehr,  Supervisors  :  Jacob 
Thielen,  Clerk ;  Herman  Brane,  Treasurer ;  B.  H.  Wilmsen,  Assessor.  B.  H.  Wilmsen 
refused  to  accept  the  oflSce  as  Assessor.     E.  Corning  appointed  Assessor. 

1868 — M.  W.  Smith,  Chairman  ;  Fred  Siewert,  Andrew  Jertson,  Supervisors  ;  Jacob 
Thielen,  Clerk  ;  Herman  Brane,  Treasurer  ;  Albert  Scharf,  Assessor.  M.  W.  Smith  resigned 
October  3,  1868;  E.  F.  Lewis,  appointed.  E.  F.  Lewis  resigned  January  29,  18u9 ;  .John 
Ewing  appointed  Chairman. 

1869 — William  McDonald,  Chairman ;  Fred  Siewert,  Andrew  Isaacson,  Supervisors  ; 
G.  M.  W.  Carey,  Clerk  ;  John  Ewing,  Treasurer ;  Jacob  Thielen,  Assessor. 

1870 — E.  F.  Lewis,  Chairman :  Andrew  Isaacson,  Mathia^  Wagner,  Supervisors  ;  B.  H. 
Wilmsen,  Clerk  ;  Albert  Scharf.  Treasurer ;  Herman  Brane,  Assessor. 

1871 — E.  B.  Craig,  Chairman;  August  Kaufmann,  E.  R.  Brown,  Supervisors;  B.  H. 
Wilmsen,  Clerk;   Hermann  Brane,  Treasurer;  Albert  Scharf,  Assessor. 

1872 — Albert  Scharf,  Chairman  ;  Ole  M.  Bendixson,  Pierce  Joyce,  Supervisors ;  E.  F. 
Lewis,  Clerk  ;  Sven  Isaacson,  Treasurer  ;   Hermann  Brane,  Assessor. 

1873 — Albert  Scharf,  Chairman  :  Ole  M.  Bendixson,  James  Clark,  Supervisors  ;  E.  F. 
Lewis,  Clerk;   Peter  Tennesson,  Treasurer:   Hermann  Brine,  Assessor. 

1874 — Albert  Scharf,  Chairman ;  Fred  Malish,  Pierce  Joyce,  Supervisors ;  B.  F. 
Wilmsen,  Clerk  ;   Peter  Tennesson,  Treasurer ;   Hermann  Brane,  Assessor. 

1875 — Albert  Scharf,  Chairman ;  Pierce  Joyce,  Fred  Malish,  Supervisors ;  B.  H. 
Wilmsen.  (Uerk;  Patrick  H.  McMahon,  Treasurer:  Joseph  Murphy.  Assessor. 

1876 — Peter  Tennesson,  Chairman  :  H.  Ehr.  Volney  P.  Dean,  Supervisors ;  E.  F.  Lewis, 
Clerk;   Ludwig  Wagner,  Treasurer;   Gottlieb  Windus,  Assessor. 

1877 — Albert  Scharf,  Chairman;  volney  P.  Dean,  Ludwig  Wagner,  Supervisors;  Dennis 
Leary,  Clerk  :  Fred    Malish,  Treasurer :  E.  B.  Craig,  Assessor. 

1878 — John  H.  Clark,  Chairman :  Sievert  Christian,  William  Mews,  Supervisors  ;  B.  H. 
Wilmsen,  Clerk  ;  Andrew  Jertson,  Treasurer :  E.  B.  Craig,  Assessor. 

1879 — John  H.  Clark,  Chairman  ;  Pierce  Joyce,  Andrew  Isaacson,  Supervisors  ;  B.  H. 
Wilmsen.  Clerk  ;   Ole  M.  Bendixson,  Treasurer :   Valney  P.  Dean,  Assessor. 

1880 — John  H.  Clark,  Chairman :  Andrew  Isaacson,  August  Kaufmann,  Supervisors  ;  B. 
H.  Wilmsen,  Clerk  ;   Ole  M.  Bendixson,  Treasurer  ;   Frederick  Malish,  Assessor. 


768  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    C0U^^T1'. 


TnWN    OF    LKllI. 

In  the  spring  of  1844,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  then  a  citizen  of  Illinois,  being  advised  by 
his  physician  to  seek  a  better  climate  than  that  State  afforded,  visited  Lodi  Valley  and  deter- 
mined that  either  here  or  in  Portage  Prairie  he  would  in  the  future  reside.  Returning  to  Illi- 
nois, his  description  of  Lodi  Valley  so  charmed  his  brother,  Marston  C.  Bartholomew,  that  the 
latter  determined  also  to  emigrate;  therefore  in  the  early  spring  of  1845,  he  bade  farewell  to  his 
family  and  sought  out  the  "land  of  promise."  He  arrived  here  in  March,  located  a  claim  and 
erected,  with  the  aid  of  a  friendly  Indian,  his  cabin  upon  the  east  half  of  the  southwest  quarter 
of  Section  22.  George  M.,  the  brother,  came  back  in  April,  1845,  and  selected  the  southeast 
quarter  of  Section  22.  In  May  of  the  same  year  came  Rev.  H.  Maynard,  who  settled  upon 
Section  21.  Mr.  Maynard  brought  with  him  his  family,  his  wife  being  the  first  white  woman 
in  the  valley.  In  September,  the  two  Bartholomews  brought  their  families  out,  and  in  Decem- 
ber following,  James  McCloud  came  and  settled  upon  Section  27.  These  four  were  all  the  sel- 
lers in  this  town  during  that  year. 

In  the  spring  of  1846  came  Isaac  H.  Palmer,  with  the  intention  of  locating  a  new  village. 
He,  too,  settled  upon  Section  27,  and  in  April  of  that  year  erected  a  saw-mill,  the  first  in  the 
town.  During  that  year  there  also  settled  here  Adam  and  Nathan  Bowman,  .Joseph  Brown, 
Jacob  Hurley,  Amos  and  Jehu  Stroud,  Aaron  Chalfant,  William  G.  Simons.  G.  T.  Simons, 
Johnson  Sowards,  John  Chance  and  Simeon  Ryder.  In  1847  came  T.  S.  Wells,  John  Foote, 
H.  M.  Ayer,  Ira  Polley,  Alonzo  Waterbury  and  Peter  Froland. 

When  the  first  settlers  came,  in  184-"),  they  found  about  two  hundred  Indians  encamped  on 
the  creek,  near  where  the  village  of  Lodi  was  afterward  located.  These  were  mostly  Winneba- 
goes  :  a  few  were  Brothertowns.  During  that  season,  they  were  peaceable  and  friendly,  and  in 
the  fall  they  all  disappeared.  In  1847,  they  came  back  to  the  numberof  about  eighty,  with  their 
chief,  and  encamped  on  the  creek  below  where  the  Bartholomew's  had  settled.  They  soon  began 
to  show  their  natural  propensities,  and  the  property  of  the  settlers  occasionally  disappeared. 
One  of  the  settlers,  G.  M.  Bartholomew,' returned  to  his  home,  after  an  absence  of  a  few  days, 
and  found  the  Indians  had  stolen  a  part  of  his  hogs.  He  went  to  the  chief  and  complained. 
The  chief  denied,  but  the  complainant  insisted,  and  resolutely  told  Mr.  Chief  that  he  could 
have  till  the  next  morning  when  the  sun  was  "so  high,"  telling  him  how  high  by  pointing,  to 
be  oflF.  The  chief  promised  to  be  off  at  once  and  to  go  to  the  "  Milwaukee  woods."  Thereupon, 
Bartholomew  roused  the  settlers  to  the  number  of  about  twenty-five,  and  the  next  morning,  when 
the  sun  was  "  so  high,"  they  appeared  at  the  spot  "  with  horse  and  gun,"  but  the  Indians  had 
left.  Fearing  they  might  again  camp  near  enough  to  continue  their  depredations,  our  cavalry 
followed  their  trail,  and  found  them  just  striking  their  tents  on  Rowan's  Creek,  in  the  town  of 
Dekorra.  As  the  settlers  approached  the  camping  ground,  they  were  discovered  by  two  hunters. 
who  were  apparently  going  out  to  bring  in  some  game,  who,  seeing  the  fearful  array  and  fearing 
more  to  follow,  turned  their  ponies  and  rapidly  returned.  The  pursuers  halted  and  Bartholo- 
mew went  forward  to  the  camping  ground  and  inquired  if  this  were  "  Milwaukee  woods."  The 
chief  answered  "  No :"  whereupon  he  was  informed  he  could  have  just  five  minutes  in  which  to 
make  his  departure.  At  the  expiration  of  the  time  nameil,  the  redskins  were  on  the  move.  The 
pursuers  followed  at  a  respectful  and  effective  distance,  as  far  as  Poynette,  or  where  the  village 
was  subsequently  located,  and  then  returned  to  their  homes.  The  Indians  never  reappeared  to 
make  further  trouble. 

Notwithstanding  no  more  trouble  was  experienced,  the  settlers  were  continually  on  the  alert, 
and  on  one  occasion  were  considerably  frightened  by  the  report  that  a  large  body  of  Indians 
were  marching  on  the  settlement.  It  appears  that  one  evening  as  one  of  the  early  settlers  was 
busy  doing  up  his  chores,  his  strong  frame  was  made  to  tremble  at  the  sight  of  several  hundred 
redskins,  who  had  made  their  appearance  on  the  prairie  not  half  a  mile  distant.  He  could 
plainly  see  they  were  marching  in  solid  ranks  on  the  beautiful  village  of  Lodi.  and  that  some- 
thing must  be  done  at  once,  or  every  settler  in  the  vicinity  would  fall  a  victim  to  the  merciless 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  769 

sons  of  the  forest.  Accordingly  he  quickly  loaded  his  family  into  a  wagon  and  hastened  to  the 
village  and  spread  the  news,  then  there  was  hurrying  to  and  fro,  and  every  man's  team  was 
brought  into  requisition  to  convey  the  women  and  children  to  places  of  safety,  while  the  stronger 
sex,  save  those  with  the  teams,  were  armed  with  muskets,  riHes,  shotguns,  pistols  and  bowie- 
knives,  and  forming  into  ranks  marched  to  the  brow  of  the  hill,  on  the  south  side  of  the  village 
for  the  purpose  of  meeting  the  enemy  in  open  engagement.  The  brow  of  the  hill  was  reached, 
and  it  was  discovered  that  the  Indians  had  halted  and  turned  their  ponies  loose  to  graze  on  the 
prairies.  Then  a  little  reconnoitering  was  done,  and  it  was  ascertained  the  savages  had  sud- 
denly been  transformed  into  a  herd  of  cattle ! 

In  the  summer  of  1S46  the  first  marriage  occurred,  being  that  of  H.  W.  Kingsbury  and 
Miss  Nancy  Chalfant.     They  were  married  by  Henry  Carpenter,  Esq.,  of  Portage  City. 

The  first  sad  affair  that  cast  a  gloom  of  sorrow  over  the  settlers  of  Lodi  Valley,  and  called 
them  together  in  mourning,  was  the  announcement  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Chalfant's  son,  aged 
about  two  years,  who  died  in  November,  1846. 

The  first  white  person  born  in  the  town  was  Josephine,  daughter  of  G.  M.  and  Catherine 
Bartholomew.  April  80,  1846.  She  grew  to  womanhood  in  the  vicinity  and  within  the  village 
of  Lodi,  and  was  married  to  William  H.  Chapin,  October  29,  1866. 

On  the  organization  of  the  countv  in  1846,  the  County  Commissioners  ordained  that  the 
west  half  of  Township  10,  Range  9,  Township  10,  Range  8,  and  the  Fractional  Township  10, 
Range  7,  should  comprise  a  precinct  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  Pleasant  Valley  Precinct. 
Marston  C.  Bartholomew,  Aaron  Chalfant  and  H.  Maynard  were  appointed  Judges  of  Elections, 
which  were  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Marston  C.  Bartholomew.  The  same  boundary  lines 
were  retained  on  the  organization  of  the  town.  January,  1849. 

The  first  election  for  town  ofl5cers  was  held  at  the  log  schoolhouse,  about  one-fourth  mile 
northeast  of  the  village  of  Lodi,  April  3,  1849.  The  legal  voters  assembled  at  the  schoolhouse 
at  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  were  called  to  order  by  Isaac  H.  Palmer.  On  motion  of  Mr.  Palmer. 
George  M.  Bartholomew  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  James  0.  Eaton,  Clerk.  The  hotel  of 
Freedom  Simons,  in  the  village  of  Lodi,  was  chosen  as  the  place  for  holding  the  next  annual 
meeting,  and  one  hundred  dollars  was  voted  to  be  raised  by  taxation  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
the  town  for  the  year.  Marston  C.  Bartholomew  was  elected  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Super- 
visors :  William  H.  Mcintosh  and  Ira  Polly,  Supervisors ;  James  0.  Eaton,  Clerk  ;  William  G. 
Simons,  Assessor ;  Timothy  S.  Wells,  Treasurer ;  John  Foote,  Superintendent  of  Schools  : 
James  McCloud,  Horace  M.  Ayer,  Lester  Ray,  Constables ;  John  Slown,  Aaron  Chalfant, 
Simeon  Ryder,  James  Thomas,  Justices  of  the  Peace.  Those  voting  at  this  election  were 
Isaac  H.  Palmer,  Robert  Hopkins,  Samuel  B.  Farrington,  Lewis  Baldwin,  Lester  Ray,  James 
Thomas,  0.  A.  Kilburn,  George  Lyman,  W.  E.  Cathcart,  Joseph  B.  Hopkins,  James  Thomas, 
Jr.,  Leander  Drew,  Timothy  S.  Wells,  Jacob  Dawson,  William  G.  Simons,  Simeon  Ryder,  John 
Foote,  Reuben  Ring,  Nathan  Bowman,  Samuel  Ring,  Jacob  Hurley,  G.  M  Bartholomew,  J.  0. 
Eaton,  John  Slown,  H.  M.  Ayer,  Johnson  Soward,  James  McCloud,  Joseph  Brown,  M.  C.  Bar- 
tholomew, Moses  Chase,  Freedom  Simons,  William  H.  Mcintosh,  J.  B.  Tabor,  Aaron  Chalfant, 
William  B.  Partridge,  Silas  Ryder,  Joseph  Stretch.  Total,  37.  Of  these  there  were  still 
living  in  the  town,  in  March,  1880,  Isaac  H.  Palmer,  Timothy  S.  Wells,  William  G.  Simons, 
John  Foote,  G-  M.  Bartholomew,  J.  0.  Eaton,  H.  M.  Ayer,  James  McCloud,  Joseph  Brown. 
M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Freedom  Simons,  William  H.  Mcintosh  and  J.  B.  Tabor.     Total.  13. 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  a  house  erected  in  1846,  on  Section  27.  The  building  was 
a  small  log  house,  and  the  school  was  taught  in  the  summer  of  that  year  by  Miss  Mary  Yockey. 
The  next  schoolhouse  was  a  frame  building,  erected  in  1851,  also  on  Section  27.  Mrs.  S.  J. 
Andrews  in  the  Lodi  Journal,  July  21,  1872,  thus  speaks  of  the  old  log  schoolhouse:  "That 
primitive  institution  of  learning,  which  contained  no  desk  but  a  board  fastened  at  a  convenient 
height,  for  the  purpose,  against  the  wall,  or  rather  logs,  seats  of  the  plainest  kind,  with  no  backs, 
and  a  floor  through  the  crevices  of  which  snakes  and  mice  often  emerged  to  our  delight,  was 
situated  upon  the  rise  of  ground,  then  shaded   "oy  lofty   wide-spreading  oaks,  near  where  Mrs. 


770  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Bower's  house  now  stands.  And  the  boiling,  bubbling  springs  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  the  leafy 
coverts  so  admirably  arranged  for  miniature  housekeeping — and  other  considerations,  drew  the 
round-eyed,  wriggling  pupils,  full  many  a  time,  from  the  sight  of  the  not  too  vigilant  school- 
mistress, under  cover  of  the  weak  subterfuge  of  studying  in  the  shade.  I  think  I  see  them  now, 
gay  gamboliers  in  verdant  summer  bowers,  their  rippling  laughs  and  gleeful  shouts  sounding 
strangely  far  off  and  echo-like  adown  the  corridors  of  time.  Play  on,  blindfolded  children, 
types  of  innocency  and  thoughtlessness,  for  just  before  you  on  life's  journey  are  tears  and  open 
graves,  thorns  that  will  tear  your  tender  feet,  and  icy-wind  storms  that  may  blast,  or  cover  with 
perpetual  snow,  the  fraj^ile  buds  of  promise  in  the  gardens  of  your  hearts.  Or,  if  your  steps 
grow  laggard  from  weariness,  go  in  to  your  indulgent  teacher  and  con  your  right-soon  forgotten 
tasks.  There  are  lessons  for  you  in  the  future  of  distrust  and  indifference,  which  contact  witli  a 
world  without  a  heart  must  teach.  They  will  be  bitter  ofttimes,  and  you  cannot  forget  them, 
though  you  would." 

The  first  entry  of  land  was  the  northwest  quarter  of  Section  20.  E.  Hale  purchased  and 
patented  June  21,  1836.  I.  H.  Palmer  made  three  of  the  first  entries  by  an  actual  settler, 
being  a  portion  of  Section  27.  on  which  he  laid  out  the  village  of  Lodi. 

The  town  of  Lodi  is  skirted  on  the  south  and  east  by  the  edges  of  the  high  limestone 
country.  North  and  west  of  this  edge,  which  is  ragged,  sending  out  irregular  projecting  points, 
the  general  surface  is  200  to  300  feet  lower,  but  this  lowland  includes  a  number  of  limestone- 
capped  outliers,  some  of  which  have  an  area  of  several  square  miles,  and  reach  as  great  altitudes 
as  attained  by  the  limestone  country  to  the  south  and  east — that  is,  500  to  600  feet.  Consid- 
erable areas  of  prairie  occur  in  southern  and  eastern  Lodi.  The  principal  stream  is  Spring 
Creek,  which,  heading  in  the  towns  to  the  southward,  traverses  Lodi  from  south  to  north  with  a 
fall  of  some  si.xty  feet.  Along  its  valley  the  county,  though  well  down  in  the  sandstone,  shows 
a  rich  alluvial  soil.     A  little  marsh  occurs  along  Spring  Creek. 

The  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  was  built  through  the  town  in  1871,  passing  through 
Sections  8,  17,  16,  21,  27  and  34.  .  Two  villages  have  been  laid  out,  Lodi  on  Section  27,  ami 
Okee  on  Section  8. 

During  the  four  years'  struggle  for  national  existence,  the  part  performed  by  Lodi  was  such 
as  will  illustrate  the  character  and  patriotism  of  her  people.  The  call  was  no  sooner  made  by 
the  President  than  many  of  her  brave  sons  responded.  Company  H  of  the  Second  Regiment, 
Capt.  Randolph  (the  first  company  entering  the  Unitei^  States  service),  was  largely  made  up 
from  this  town. 

From  June,  1861,  to  November,  1863,  there  went  out  120  men  represented  in  seventeen 
regiments.  Of  these  were  G.  H.  Irwin,  Company  G,  Second  Wisconsin  Volunteers;  William 
L.  Black.  J.  R.  Bryan,  T.  D.  Bahn,  F.  J.  Burnett,  D.  C.  Edwards,  Stephen  Fauss,  Jehu  Grover. 
G.  M.  Humi)hrey,  0.  S.  Hawkins.  D.  C.  Holdridge.  Thomas  Knutesen,  Jonathan  Kirk.  Edward 
Louie,  William  McLitosh,  Thomas  Murphy,  Charles  W.  Moon,  B.  F.  Stahl,  W.  F.  Turner.  H.  H. 
Titus,  Sidney  Wells,  J.  G.  D.  Wall,  Charles  Ericksen,  James  Osborn,  J.  D.  Lyman.  Alfred 
Armor.  Fifth  Regiment ;  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Joseph  M.  Bartholomew,  John  Bartholomew, 
Samuel  Bachman. 

Company  A,  Seventh  Regiment  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry  (second  company  raised), 
Capt.  George  Bill — Henry  Barney,  T.  J.  Buchanan,  Michael  Burke,  William  Chalfant,  Edward 
Chalfant,  Ebin  B.  Dunlap,  John  Grant,  Alexander  Hall,  E.  B.  Hines,  John  Jorgesen,  Samuel 
J.  Osborne,  Lucius  Phinney,  Philander  Phinney,  George  D.  Phinney,  .John  Quinn,  .John  Small. 
Thomas  Twett,  Henry  T.  Turner,  .Tames  Morrison,  Joseph  M.  Ring,  S.  J.  Morrow,  Stephen 
D.  Duel  William  D.  H.  Rood,  Silas  C.  Casper,  Horace  A.  Foster,  Ole  Aufresen,  Marcus  John- 
son, Henry  Nolf  Stephen  II.  Ward,  M.  Landers,  Daniel  Leitch,  Hiram  Brown,  Joseph  Brown. 

Company  H,  Twenty-third  Regiment  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry  (third  company 
raised),  Capt.  E.  Howard  Irwin — Samuel  Holdridge,  Thomas  C.  Armor,  Joseph  M.  Bartho- 
lomew, A.  W.  Baker,  J.  Cornelius  Brown,  Henry  A.  Bates,  H.  L.  Bancraft,  A.  S.  Burlin- 
game,    Charles    L.    Brown,    Thomas    Bunker,     Simon    Cleland,  John    Cavanaugh,  Joseph    R. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  771 

Collin,  Joseph  Church,  Cornelius  Dever,  Thomas  J.  Dowden,  Joseph  R.  Eells,  F.  A.  G. 
Eaton,  Thomas  Farber,  E.  Howard  Irwin,  G.  W.  Kingsley,  A.  J.  Kyle,  H.  C.  Lockwood, 
John  Lawrence,  James  Pettit,  George  Phinney,  Anthony  Phillips,  James  Quinn,  Leroy 
Riddle,  William  Ring,  Ransom  P.  Ray,  G.  E.  Reynolds,  J.  F.  Stahl,  C.  F.  Stacker. 
John  Sweet,  John  R.  Scott,  Seth  B.  Tannhill,  Thomas  Townsend,  L.  F.  Warner,  Lean- 
der  Wells,  Thomas  Yule,  George  Van  Lone,  W.  W.  Hurd,  Robert  Travis,  William  Travis. 
Thoms  Anfreson,  Ed.  Moore,  J.  C.  Stahl,  T.  R.  Cross,  G.  W.  Barney,  W.  H.  Dowden,-  G.  T. 
Hill,  J.  B.  Rogers,  Isaiah  Van  Brocklin,  Trueman  Piper,  Edwin  Chapman.  Of  this  number, 
November,  1863,  seventeen  had  died  in  the  service  of  their  country — eight  were  killed  in  battle 
and  nine  died  of  disease.  Twenty-two  others  had  been  wounded,  and  twenty-five  discharged  in 
consequence  of  wounds  or  disease.  At  this  time  Lodi  had  furnished  one  in  eleven  and  a  half  of 
her  entire  population.  The  quota  of  the  town  under  all  calls  was  eighty-four,  therefore  an 
excess  of  thirty-six  had  gone  out  to  battle.  Says  a  writer  in  a  local  paper  at  that  time  :  '•  Had 
we  been  able  to  have  procured  credit  for  our  excess,  we  would  not  only  have  been  clear  of  the 
late  draft,  but  we  would  also  have  had  more  than  enough  to  clear  us  from  the  next  300,000. 
Had  the  whole  State  done  as  well  as  we  have  here,  she  would  have  sent  67,650  men  to  the  war. 
Had  New  York  done  as  well  she  would  have  sent  340,000.  Had  the  loyal  States  all  done  as 
well,  counting  only  50  per  cent  of  the  population  of  the  border  States,  we  could  have  had  an 
array  all  told,  of  1,900,000  men  ;  and  we  would  have  in  the  field,  to-day,  an  army  of  1.235,000 
effective  men.  Lodi  has  had  her  representatives  on  many  of  the  most  fiercely  contested  battle- 
fields of  the  war.  The  first  Bull  Run  was  witness  to  the  valor  of  her  sons,  and  Gettysburg  was 
the  crowning  glory  of  many  noble  deeds.  It  is  no  slight  honor  that  fifty  of  our  townsmen  are, 
or  have  been,  connected  with  the  Old  Iron  Brigade.  Not  at  the  East  alone,  have  our  brethren 
displayed  their  heroism.  Nothing  could  have  required  greater  self-denial  than  what  our  boys 
were  obliged  to  endure  before  and  during  the  siege  of  Vicksburg.  But  without  a  murmur  they 
bore  it  all  for  the  good  of  the  cause." 

While  the  soldier  boys  were  in  the  field,  the  loyal  men  a*nd  women  at  home  were  not  idle. 
A  large  Union  League  Club  was  formed  in  the  village  of  Lodi  March  7,  18(;3,  for  the  purpose 
of  aiding  and  assisting  the  Government  in  its  efforts  to  crush  out  treason  and  rebellion.  Also 
at  Okee,  on  the  evening  of  March  17,  1863,  a  similar  club  was  organized.  The  call  of  the 
Government  the  latter  part  of  1863  became  very  urgent,  and  to  encourage  enlistments  a  large 
fund  was  raised,  by  private  subscription,  to  pay  each  volunteer  from  the  town  the  sum  of  $200. 
In  response  to  the  call  then  made,  J.  G.  Knappen,  Frederick  Richard,  Charles  F.  Greenman, 
John  F.  Hair,  Lucius  A.  Crosier,  Norman  Cutler,  Cyrus  Casper,  Joseph  Charles,  George 
Phinney,  George  Donaldson,  George  Evans,  Henry  O'Connor,  Francis  Cole  and  Henry 
Dunning  were  sworn  into  the  service. 

At  a  town  meeting,  held  Tuesday,  August  2,  1864,  a  tax  of  $4,000  was  voted  to  procure 
volunteers.  On  Friday,  August  19,  another  meeting  was  held,  and  it  was  voted  to  pay  each 
volunteer  $200  each,  and  an  additional  tax  of  $3,500  was  levied.  About  this  time,  G.  M. 
Humphrey  began  to  raise  a  company,  which  was  soon  completed,  consisting  of  84  men.  This 
was  the  fourth  company  raised  and  was  known  as  Company  C,  Forty-second  Regiment  Wiscon- 
sin Volunteer  Infantry,  Captain,  G.  M.  Humphrey:  First  Lieutenant,  Robert  Steele;  Second 
Lieutenant,  C.  M.  Bush.  Sergeants — Lewis  Lyman,  Thomas  Baltuff,  Charles  Early,  Charles 
Pigg,  H.  A.  Shaw.  Corporals — Frank  Church,  W.  Ryder,  J.  Chase,  G.  Keebaugh,  A.  Chrisler, 
P.  V.  M.  Pools,  M.  Cooper,  E.  Riley.  Musicians — ^'E.  Richmond,  J.  B.  Quiggle,  H.  Barnes, 
H.  S.  Northrop,  D.  L.  Richmond,  G.  Davis.  Privates — J.  Avery,  R.  H.  Brown,  A.  Bitney, 
L.  J.  Burlingame,  R.  A.  Burlingarae,  J.  Burrows,  H.  D.  Crosby,  J.  W.  Chrisler,  W.  E.  Curtis, 
S.  Clements,  J.  Cole,  J.  Donalds,  M.  Donahue,  N.  C.  Densmore,  J.  Evans,  W.  Edwards, 
H.  A.  Foster,  W.  D.  S.  Gardner,  H.  D.  Gamsby,  E.  Gardner,  W.  M.  Groton,  B.  Haskins, 
L.  I.  Hinds,  W.  H.  Hartson,  S.  K.  Hovey,  J.  Johnson,  H.  J.  Jenkins.  J.  Jermore,  H.  Koch, 
D.  Koch,  W.  Keebaugh,  .J.  Kuster,  J.  Lewis,  S.  M.  Lewis,  E.  Luse,  W.  Lyman,  H.  S.  Lamb, 
William  Lang,   L.   Mclntyre,   G.  Mortor,  J.  McFarland,  J.  Pagler,  P.   Proper,   C.  T.  Potter, 


772  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

C.  Ring,  J.  R.  Scott,  0.  P.  Stephens,  A.  E.  Stephens,  S.  L.  Scofield,  J.  Starkson,  J.  P. 
Staring.  F.  Shultz,  N.  D.  Sperv,  C.  L.  Stodard,  G.  T.  Thompson,  H.  L.  Turner,  H.  J. 
Wall,  J.  Woodley,   S.  C.  Washburn,   0.  P.  Williams.   W.  S.  West.  D.  York. 

The  ladies  of  the  village  of  Lodi  and  vicinity  formed  a  Soldiers'  Aid  Society,  November 
2,  18C4,  and  Mrs.  W.  M.  Bartholomew  was  elected  President :  Mrs.  E.  B.  Wait,  Vice- 
President  ;  Miss  M.  A.  Lewis,  Secretary ;  Miss  M.  A.  Palmer,  Treasurer ;  Mrs.  D.  Hinds, 
Mrs.  Humphrey.  Miss  M.  Farrell,  Mrs.  H.  Cass,  Mrs.  J.  N.  Lewis,  Directors.  The  society 
rendered  much  aid  to  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers. 

In  1864,  the  fifth  com])any  was  raised  ;  this  was  known  as  Company  C,  Fiftieth  Regiment 
Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry.  Capt.  Philander  Phinney.  In  this  company,  there  were  from 
Lodi  Frank  E.  Austin,  Joseph  M.  Bartholomew,  John  Buchanan,  William  Cross,  Henry 
Daws,  Lewis  E.  Harris,  Anthony  Kibbe,  John  R.  Knoles.  Charles  W.  Narracong,  Philander 
Phinney,  James  W.  Rathbun.   Henry  Schlosser,  Edward  Beynow  and  Ira  A.  Sodders. 

OLD    settlers'    AS.SOCIATION. 

Pursuant  to  call  the  old  settlers  of  Lodi  and  vicinity  met  at  Eaton's  Hall  on  Monday 
evening,  March  22,  1880,  for  tiie  purpose  of  organizing  an  "  Old  Settlers'  Society."  G.  M. 
Bartholomew  was  chosen  Chairman  and  John  Foote,  Secretary.  On  behalf  of  a  committee 
appointed  at  a  previous  meeting,  J.  0.  Eaton  presented  a  draft  of  a  constitution  for  such  a 
society,  which  was  read,  and,  on  motion,  adopted  and  signed  by  most  of  the  early  settlers 
present.  The  following  persons  were  then  chosen  permanent  oiEcers  of  the  society  :  President, 
G.  M.  Bartholomew ;  Vice  Presidents,  James  Wilson  and  J.  <  >.  Eaton  ;  Secretary,  John 
Foote;   Treasurer,  J.  B.  Dwinnell. 

CONSTITUTION. 

Whereas,  It  has  become  customary  in  all  well-regulated  communities,  to  form  associations 
of  the  early  settlers,  therefore,  the  undersigned,  residents  of  Lodi  and  vicinity,  do  hereby 
unite  in  such  an  organization  and  adopt  the  following  constitution  : 

Article  I. — This  Association  shall  be  known  as  the  Old  Settlers'  Club  of  Lodi,  Wis- 
consin. 

Art.  II. — Its  object  shall  be  to  encourage  friendship,  by  holding  a  social  meeting  at  least 
once  in  each  year,  and  to  place  on  record  incidents  that  heretofore  have,  or  hereafter  may  occur, 
which  will  be  of  interest  to  future  generations. 

Art.  III. — The  officers  of  this  Club  shall  consist  of  a  President,  Two  Vice  Presidents, 
a  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  for  one  vear  and  until  their  successors 
are  chosen. 

Art.  IV. — The  officers  of  the  Club  shall  be  chosen  by  ballot. 

Art.  V. — The  officers  of  this  Club  shall  perform  the  duties  usually  appertaining  to  their 
respective  offices,  to  call  all  meetings  of  the  Club,  and  the  Secretary,  in  addition  to  the  usual 
duties  of  his  office,  shall  record  any  incident  worthy  of  record,  that  may  be  related  by  any 
member  of  the  Club,  at  a  regular  meeting  thereof. 

Art.  V.I — Any  person  who,  at  the  time  of  signing,  has  resided  in  the  vicinity  of  Lodi. 
Wisconsin,  for  the  term  of  twenty  years,  may  become  a  member  of  this  Club  on  the  payment 
of  twenty-five  cents  and  signing  this  constitution. 

Art.  VII. — This  constitution  may  be  amended  at  any  regular  meeting  of  the  Club,  by  a 
vote  of  a  majority  of  the  members  present. 

At  the  first  meeting,  the  constitution  was  signed,  with  the  date  of  their  arrival  in  the 
vicinity  of  Lodi,  by  G.  M.  Bartholomew.  April,  1845 :  W.  G.  Simons,  July,  1847  ;  Freedom 
Simons,  October,  1842  ;  James  Wilson,  July  14,  1842 ;  Robert  Wilson,  July  14,  1842  ;  James 
Crowder,  January,  184.");  Robert  N.  Bartholomew,  June,  184-3;  John  Foote,  June,  1846  ; 
W.  Dunlap.  1846:  James  H.  Strangewav,  1848:  John  B.  Tabor,  1847;  Edgar  Richmond, 
1856:  Henry  W.  Clugston,   1858:  W.  "M.   Bartholomew.  1849:  J.  0.  Eaton,  1848;  J.   B. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  773 

Dwinnell,  1850 :  William  Goldspohn,  1850 ;  George  F.  Cleraans,  1852:  George  T.  Simons, 
1846. 

The  following  comprises  the  town  officers  from  the  organization  of  the  town  to  the  present 
time : 

1849 — Marston  C.  Bartholomew,  Chairman;  William  H.  Mcintosh,  Ira  Policy,  Super- 
visors ;  James  0.  Eaton,  Clerk  :  Timothy  S.  Wells,  Treasurer :  William  G.  Simons,  Assessor  ; 
John  Foote,  School  Superintendent. 

1850 — Marston  C.  Bartholomew,  Chairman ;  William  H.  Mcintosh,  William  G.  Simons, 
Supervisors:  Earl  C.  Tuller,  Clerk:  William  M.  Bartholomew,  Treasurer;  George  M. 
Bartholomew,  Assessor ;   William  M.  Bartholomew,  School  Superintendent. 

1851 — George  M.  Bartholomew,  Chairman ;  James  McCloud,  William  B.  Partridge, 
Supervisors :  John  Foote,  Clerk  :  L.  D.  Barnes,  Treasurer ;  Robert  Hopkins,  Assessor :  Will- 
iam M.  Bartholomew,  School  Superintendent. 

1852 — G.  M.  Bartholomew,  Chairman :  W.  G.  Simons,  William  Rogers,  Supervisors  ; 
John  Foote,  Clerk:  T.  S.  Wells,  Treasurer:  William  H.  Mcintosh,  Assessor;  Jeremy 
Bradley,  School  Superintendent. 

1853 — W.  G.  Simons,  Chairman :  Jacob  Herley,  Herman  Veeder,  Supervisors ;  James 
Barnes,  Clerk  :  John  Foote,  Treasurer  :  Nathaniel  Goodall,  Assessor;  John  B.  Dwinnell,  School 
Superintendent. 

1854 — William  H.  Mcintosh,  Chairman  :  Jacob  Herley,  Robert  Hopkins,  Supervisors : 
George  Frissell,  Clerk;  John  Foote,  Treasurer;  G.  T.  Long,  Nathaniel  Goodall,  Assessors ; 
J.  B.  Dwinnell,  School  Superintendent. 

1855 — M.  C.  Bartholomew.  Chairman  :  William  H.  Mcintosh,  Robert  Hopkins,  Super- 
visors :  George  Frissell,  Clerk  :  W.  G.  Simons,  Treasurer :  N.  Goodall,  James  Barnes,  Assess- 
ors :  John  Foote,  School  Superintendent. 

1856 — John  B.  Dwinnell,  Chairman  ;  Stephen  Lewis,  Aratus  Bailey,  Supervisors ;  G.  C. 
Cleghorn,  Clerk  ;  William  Dunlap,  Treasurer ;  Edward  Nichols,  Assessor ;  John  A.  Young, 
School  Superintendent. 

1857 — W.  G.  Simons,  Chairman  ;  Adam  Shoneberger,  W.  H.  Mcintosh,  Supervisors  ;  G. 
C.  Cleghorn,  Clerk;  W.  B.  Partridge,  Treasurer;  W.  L.  Wells,  Assessor;  Edward  Nichols, 
School  Superintendent. 

1858 — John  B.  Dwinnell,  Chairman  ;  S.  B.  Thomas,  W.  H.  Mcintosh,  Supervisors ;  Alpheus 
W.  Baker,  Clerk  ;  W.  B.  Partridge,  Treasurer:  John  Foote,  Assessor  ;  Edward  Nichols,  School 
Superintendent. 

1859 — W.  N.  Baker,  Chairman  :  Darius  Kingsley,  Sylvester  Reynolds,  Supervisors : 
Alpheus  W.  Baker,  Clerk:  William  B.  Partridge,  Treasurer:  John  Foote,  Wil'iam  L.  Wells, 
Assessors  :  John  A.  Young,  School  Superintendent. 

1860 — W.  N.  Baker,  Chairman;  Darius  Kingsley, Sylvester  Reynolds,  Supervisors  ;  Edward 
Nichols,  Clerk  ;  William  B.  Partridge,  Treasurer :  John  Foote,  William  L.  Wells,  Assessors  ; 
■lohn  A.  Young,  School  Superintendent. 

1861 — W.  N.  Baker,  Chairman  ;  A.  Burlingame,  Danford  Pratt,  Supervisors  :  Edward 
Nichols,  Clerk  ;  William  B.  Partridge,  Treasurer ;  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Assessor  :  Miles  G. 
Todd,  School  Superintendent. 

1862 — William  Dunlap,  Chairman  ;  D.  Pratt,  Thomas  Albiston,  Supervisors  :  A.  W.  Baker, 
Clerk  ;  William  B    Partridge.  Treasurer  ;  Joel  Pruyn.  Assessor. 

1863 — John  B.  Dwinell,  Chairman ;  Pliny  H.  Gunnison,  Job  Collin,  Supervisors ; 
Henry  L.  Bancroft,  Clerk  :  Thomas  Yule,  Treasurer  :  Sylvester  Reynolds.  Edward  Nichols, 
Assessors. 

1864 — Jonas  Narracong,  Chairman  ;  Joel  Pruyn,  Danford  Pratt,  Supervisors  ;  H.  L.  Ban- 
roft.  Clerk;   Thomas  Yule,  Treasurer;   W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

1865 — William  Dunlap,  Chairman  ;  J.  C.  Mosher,  Danford  Pratt,  Supervisors  :  H.  L. 
Bancroft,  Clerk;   Thomas  Yule,  Treasurer:  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  E.  Nichols,  Assessors. 


774  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1^866 — J.  Narracong,  Chairman  ;  Danford  Pratt,  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Supervisors  ;  Edward 
Nichols,  Clerk ;  Thomas  Yule,  Treasurer ;  W.  L.  Wells,  Assessor. 

1867 — William  M.  Bartholomew,  Chairman :  W.  G.  Simons,  William  Dunlap,  Supervi- 
sors: T.  D.  Bahn,  Clerk:   Robert  Travis,  Treasurer;  J.  B.  Dwinell,  J.  C.  Mosher,  Assessors. 

1868 — Joel  Pruyn,  Chairman :  James  Wilson,  Aaron  Burlingame,  Supervisors :  Theodore 
D.  Bahn,  Clerk  :  R.  S.  Travis,  Treasurer :  W.  L.  Wells,  H.  N.  Cowen,  William  H.  Mcintosh. 
Assessors. 

1869 — Joel  Pruyn,  Chairman  :  William  H.  Mcintosh,  Daniel  Rickelson,  Supervisors  ;  T. 
D.  Bahn,  Clerk ;   H.  Burroughs,  Treasurer  :   W.  L.  Wells,  Assessor. 

18 1 0 — Joel  Pruyn,  Chairman  ;  James  Wilson,  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Supervisors;  H.  L. 
Bancroft,  Clerk ;   Hiram  Burroughs,  Treasurer;  W.  L.  Wells,  Assessor. 

1871 — Joel  Pruyn,  (Chairman  ;  James  Wilson,  Samuel  Stahl,  Supervisors;  E.  W.  Gardner, 
Clerk;  Hiram  Burroughs,  Treasurer;   W.  L.  Wells,  Assessor. 

1872 — Addison  Eaton,  Chairman  ;  James  Wilson,  John  B.  Dwinnell,  Supervisors  ;  Horace 
M.  Ayer,  Clerk  ;   Henry  L.  Bancroft,  Treasurer;  John  Foote,  Assessor. 

187-5 — Addison  Eaton,  Chairman  ;  James  Wilson,  William  L.  Wells,  Supervisors  ;  J.  M. 
Bartholomew,   Clerk ;    H.  L.  Bancroft,  Treasurer ;   John  B.  Dwinnell,  H.  M.  Ayer,  Assessors. 

1874 — Addison  Eaton,  Chairman  ;  P.  S.  Kingsley,  Charles  Goodall,  Supervisors;  H.  M. 
.Vyer,  Clerk  ;   Henry  L.   Bancroft,  Treasurer ;  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

187.5 — James  Wilson,  Jr.,  Chairman  ;  Charles  Goodall,  Aaron  Burlingame,  Supervisors; 
H.  M.  Ayer,  (_'lerk  :  John  Yule,  Treasurer;   W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

1876 — James  Wilson,  Jr.,  Chairman  ;  Charles  Goodall,  Aaron  Burlingame,  Supervisors  ; 
H.  M.  Ayer.  Clerk  ;  John  Yule,  Treasurer;  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

1877 — James  Wilson,  Jr.,  Chairman ;  Charles  Goodall,  Danford  Pratt,  Supervisors  ;  J.  M. 
Bartholomew,  Clerk  ;  Orrin  Rice,  Treasurer  ;  W.  M.   Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

1878 — Charles  Goodall,  Chairman;  Danford  Pratt,  Sylvester  Reynolds,  Supervisors;  J. 
M.  Bartholomew,  Clerk  ;    R.  W.  Mills,  Treasurer  ;  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

1879 — Charles  Goodall,  Chairman  ;  Danford  Pratt,  John  Brownrigg,  Supervisors;  J.  M. 
Bartholomew,  Clerk  ;  John  Yule,  Treasurer ;  John  Foote,  Assessor. 

1880 — James  Wilson,  Chairman  ;  Danford  Pratt,  John  Brownrigg,  Supervisors  ;  J.  M. 
Bartholomew.  Clerk;   E.  W.  Gardner,  Treasurer;    W.  M.  Bartholomew,  Assessor. 

VILLAGE    OF    LODI. 

In  the  summer  of  1845,  Isaac  H.  Palmer  made  a  trip  through  the  southwest  portion  of 
Columbia  County  in  search  of  a  suitable  place  on  which  to  locate,  and  where  he  could,  in  time, 
be  surrounded  by  a  thriving  village.  He  found  the  greater  part  of  the  choice  Government  land 
had  been  taken  up  by  speculators,  but  Section  27,  Township  10,  Range  8,  was  yet  subject  to 
entry,  and  there  being  a  fine  water-power,  he  determined  here  to  set  his  stakes.  On  the  6th 
day  of  February,  1846,  at  the  land  office  in  Mineral  Point,  he  entered  the  southwest  quarter 
of  the  southeast  quarter  of  this  section,  and  on  the  17th  day  of  March,  1846,  he  entered  the 
southeast  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter.  On  the  2d  day  of  April,  1846,  he  entered,  in  tiie 
name  of  G.  D.  Palmer,  the  northeast  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter.  He  also  entered  the 
northwest  quarter  of  the  southeast  quarter,  August  12,  1847,  which  he  transferred  to  James 
McCloud,  who  had  built  a  house  upon  the  same  some  time  previous.  Again,  on  the  14th  day 
of  February,  1848,  he  entered  the  southeast  quarter  of  the  northeast  quarter,  making  a  total  of 
five  quarters,  four  of  which  he  retained  for  his  own  use,  and  upon  a  portion  of  which  he  after- 
ward laid  out  the  village. 

About  the  1st  of  April,  1846,  Mr.  Palmer  came  and  at  once  commenced  getting  out  timber 
for  a  saw-mill,  and  preparing  to  erect  a  log  house  for  his  family.  The  saw-mill  was  completed 
and  in  running  order  by  fall ;  the  house  was  ready  for  occupancy,  and  his  family  moved  in 
June  of  the  same  year,  being  the  first  actual  settler  within  what  was  afterward  made  the 
village  limits. 


POYNETTE. 


HISTUEY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  '  777 

In  the  year  1847,  Mr.  Palmer,  ambitiously  intent  on  developing  the  resources  of  the  place, 
and  informing  the  outside  world  of  its  existence,  applied  to  the  Government  for  an  established 
mail  route  through  here,  and  also  submitted  to  the  Legislature  a  memorial  praying  for  ferry 
accommodations  on  the  Wisconsin  River.  Both  petitions  were  granted.  A  charter  was 
obtained  for  Chester  Matson  for  a  ferry  on  Section  1.  This  was  indispensable,  on  account  of 
a  much-needed  road  from  Madison  to  Baraboo,  by  way  of  Lodi. 

The  post  oiBce  was  established,  and  I.  H.  Palmer  appointed  Postmaster,  his  commission 
dating  April  17,  1848,  the  office  being  opened  in  July  following.  Until  he  obtained  a  mail- 
bag,  Mr.  Palmer  carried  the  mail  from  Clark's  Corners  in  his  hat,  delivering  the  same  at  the 
residence  of  those  for  whom  it  was  intended.  The  second  quarter,  E.  C.  Tuller  was  employed 
to  carry  the  mail,  Mr.  Palmer  agreeing  to  make  up  the  amount  of  his  wages  over  postage 
received  during  the  time  he  was  employed.  The  total  receipts  of  the  office  for  the  first  quarter 
was  $1.62 ;  second  quarter,  $3,24  ;  third  quarter,  $6.59.  In  April,  1849,  Mr.  Palmer  resigned 
the  office,  and  James  0.  Eaton  appointed,  and  held  the  office  until  1853,  when  H.  M.  Ayer  was 
appointed,  and  held  the  office  during  the  administrations  of  Pierce  and  Buchanan.  On  the 
election  of  Abraham  Lincoln  for  the  first  term,  a  meeting  was  called  by  the  Republican  Town 
Committee  of  Lodi,  to  be  held  January  26,  1861,  to  express  their  choice  for  Postmaster.  The 
meeting  was  accordingly  held,  and,  on  the  first  formal  ballot,  James  0.  Eaton  received  seventy- 
nine  votes  and  William  Merryman  forty-eight.  Mr.  Eaton  was  accordingly  recommended  and 
duly  commissioned.  He  held  the  office  until  1867,  and,  having  received  an  appointment  in 
another  and  more  lucrative  position,  he  could  not  attend  to  the  business  of  the  office,  and  Robert 
Travis  succeeded  him,  and  continued  till  January,  1875,  when  H.  R.  Eaton  was  appointed.  In 
1868,  the  office  was  made  a  money-order  office.  The  first  order  drawn  was  October  28,  1868, 
Duke  W.  Rogers,  of  Okee,  remitter,  and  Joshua  W.  Rogers,  payee,  of  Williamsport,  for  the 
sum  of  $50.  Mr.  Rogers  also  drew  the  second  order,  in  favor  of  the  same  party,  and  for  the 
sum  of  $45.  The  first  order  paid  was  December  21,  1868,  to  John  B.  Dwinnell,  and  drawn 
by  Simeon  Wood,  Tomah,  Wis.  From  October  28,  1868,  to  October  28,  1869,  were  issued  618 
orders,  amounting  to  $16,135.28,  for  which  fees  were  paid  amounting  to  $101.80.  Amount  of 
orders  paid  for  the  same  period.  $2,124.40.  In  1879,  were  issued  2,661  orders,  amounting  to 
$35,175.74,  on  which  fees  were  paid  of  $295.92.  Number  of  order  paid  during  the  same  time, 
308,  amounting  to  $5,016.92. 

On  the  25th  day  of  June,  1848,  the  first  plat  of  the  village  of  Lodi  was  recorded  in  the  office 
of  the  Register  of  Deeds,  at  Portage  City,  by  T.  H.  Palmer,  consisting  of  a  part  of  the  south- 
east quarter  of  Section  27.  Various  additions  were  afterward  made,  consisting  of  two  by  Mr. 
Palmer,  three  by  James  McCloud  and  one  by  John  Foote.  Inducements  were  held  out  by  the 
original  owner  of  the  village  plat  to  secure  the  settlement  now  of  representatives  of  the  various 
trades.  A  building  was  commenced  by  him  in  the  fall  designed  for  a  store,  and  in  November 
of  that  year,  James  0.  Eaton  came  out,  looked  at  the  location,  and  an  offer  was  made  to  him  to 
open  a  stock  of  general  merchandise  in  the  building  then  being  erected.  Mr.  Eaton  told  the 
proprietor  that  he  would  let  him  know  within  two  weeks  whether  he  would  accept  his  offer.  The 
time  having  expired  without  his  receiving  any  information  from  Eaton,  the  building  was  let 
to  Thomas  &  Pinney,  a  couple  of  young  men  then  doing  business  at  Hanchetville,  Dane  County. 
It  was  the  fault  of  the  mails  that  Palmer  did  not  hear  from  Eaton,  as  the  latter  had  sent  a  letter 
notifying  him  that  he  accepted  his  offer  and  would  be  there  in  a  few  days  with  a  stock  of  goods. 
In  coming  to  this  place,  Eaton  passed  through  Hanchetville  and  there  learned  that  Thomas  & 
Pinney  expected  to  occupy  the  building  he  supposed  was  intended  for  him.  Mr,  Pinney,  learn- 
ing Eaton's  intention,  a  race  was  improvised  by  the  two  for  Lodi,  but  the  old  proverb  was  here 
exemplified,  "  The  more  haste  the  less  speed,"  and  both  got  lost  on  a  snow-covered  prairie  and 
were  compelled  to  hire  a  cutter  and  ride  into  the  village  together.  On  referring  the  matter  to 
Palmer,  he  decided  the  last  contract  was  binding ;  that  Thomas  &  Pinney  were  entitled  to  the 
house.  As  an  inducement  to  Eaton  to  locate  he  offered  him  a  choice  of  any  unoccupied  lot, 
which  offer  was  accepted,  and  on  Monday  morning  (it  being  Saturday  night  when  they  arrived), 


778  illSTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

the  building  was  commenced,  and  by  Saturday  night  following  it  was  completed  and  occupied 
by  the  owner.  The  formal  opening  of  the  store  occurred  Monday,  December  18,  1848,  but 
goods  were  sold  the  Saturday  previous. 

It  must  not  be  thought  that  Lodi  could  thrive  without  its  village  blacksmith-shop,  there- 
fore on  Main  street,  on  land  given  for  that  purpose,  Reuben  Ring  built  his  shop  in  1848.  This 
Ring  was  a  bachelor,  and  it  would  appear  from  tradition  was  an  object  of  some  solicitude  from 
the  fair  matrons  and  maidens  in  the  vicinity.  Says  an  early  writer:  ''  The  Smith  with  an  end- 
less name,  although  he  had  outgrown  the  verdancy  of  youth,  failed  to  profit  by  the  lessons  of 
wisdom  years  should  have  taught  him.  He  stole — stole  the  heart  of,  alas(s)  I — Sophronia 
Bunker,  and  we  suppose  she  stole  likewise,  for  the  two  were  fettered  in  the  bonds  of  matrimony, 
being  the  first  couple  united  in  the  village,  thereby  establishing  a  precedent  which  others  were 
not  slow  to  follow,  for  you  know  '  One  sheep  goes  over  the  pasture  wall,  and  others  follow  after.' 
They  got  married.  Yea,  and  they  were  serenaded  also.  But  how  shall  we  describe  that 
'  charivari ' — that  majestic  inauguration  of  holiday  occasions — where  the  combination  of  musi- 
cal instruments  displayed  an  uniqueness  of  design  inimitable  by  ancient  or  modern  Jubal ; 
where  swine,  upon  a  slight  pinch,  gave  protracting  squeals,  long,  deep  and  dire,  evincing  a  total 
lack  of  sympathy  in  the  joyousness  of  the  occasion  ;  while  poultry,  cats,  cow-bells,  and  rustic 
fiddles  came  on  in  the  double  chorus  with  a  stupendous  volume  of  sound,  worthy  to  be  a 
prelude  to  the  Boston  jubilee.  Here  I  will  say  it  was  not  at  the  wedding  just  referred  to  that  • 
the  bridegroom  treated  the  guests  to  small  pieces  of  stick  cinnamon  each,  though  such  an  exhibi- 
tion of  generosity  did  actually  once  occur  at  a  bridal  scene.  Ah,  well,  that  was  the  day  of 
small  things,  which  we  are  recommended  not  to  despise.  And,  doubtless,  the  delicate  bark 
from  that  tree,  whose  aroma  lades  the  breeze  that  blows  soft  o'er  Ceylon's  isle,  was  more  accept- 
able to  the  uneducated  tastes  of  that  company  than  to  '  Measure  their  cups  of  ale,  draining  the 
oaken  pail.'  " 

The  first  "  Knight  of  the  Awl "  to  open  his  shop  in  the  place  was  Mandras  Randall,  who, 
in  1848,  made  known  to  all  the  people  around,  that  he  would  attend  to  their  soles,  or,  in  other 
words,  he  would  manufacture,  of  as  good  leather  as  could  be  obtained,  boots  and  shoes  for  all  who 
would  give  him  their  order.  He  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  O'Hara,  who  was  drowned  in  the  mill- 
pond  in  the  village.  Having  no  friend  or  rela,tive  in  the  vicinity,  he  was  buried  by  the  authori- 
ties here. 

W.  E.  Carthari  was  the  first  M.  D.  to  advertise  his  ability  ''to  cure  all  the  ills  that  flesh 
is  heir  to,"  but  it  appears,  from  the  records  of  that  early  day,  the  people  were  too  perverse  to 
get  sick  for  the  purpose  of  aifording  employment  to  a  doctor,  however  great  his  skill.  With 
hope  deferred,  he  waited  till  his  heart  grew  sick,  and  he  left  for  more  unhealthy  parts.  Says 
the  writer  already  quoted  :  "  In  his  wake,  at  brief  intervals,  one  by  one,  came  a  whole  faculty 
of  medical  men — Ingalls,  Warren,  Lake,  Heath  and  others,  men  whose  pill  boxes,  we'll  venture, 
contained  no  atomized,  homoeopathic  dose,  to  tickle  the  epicurean  taste,  but  the  concentrated, 
double-refined  extract  of  marah,  under  the  effects  of  which,  the  repentent  patient  assents 
unqualified  to  the  theological  dogma,  '  In  the  gall  of  bitterness  and  bonds  of  iniquity,'  for  you 
remember  the  fogyish,  foregone  conclusion,  almost  invariably  acted  upon  in  those  days,  '  I  think 
the  patient  will  do  well  to  take  a  dose  of  calomel.'  However,  the  grateful  survived,  with  a  few 
exceptions,  the  visits  of  these  wandering  stars ;  these  Israelites  in  the  wilderness,  longing  for 
the  flesh-pots  of  Egypt." 

"It  is  appointed  unto  man  once  to  die,"  and  death  is  ever  nigh,  ready  to  snatch  a  victim 
here  and  there.  On  the  17th  day  of  July,  1849,  Herbert  Edward,  son  of  J.  0.  and  M.  M. 
Eaton,  was  called  away,  and  he  was  laid  in  the  cold  and  silent  tomb — the  first  death  in  the  village. 

The  first  celebration  of  Independence  Day  was  held  Saturday,  July  3,  1852 ;  the  Fourth 
occurring  upon  Sunday.  The  day  was  ushered  in  by  the  firing  of  cannon.  The  oflicers  of  the 
day  were  Isaac  H.  Palmer,  President ;  G.  M.  Bartholemew  and  John  Sloan,  Vice  Presidents  ; 
John  Ingalls,  Marshal ;  E.  D.  Steel,  Reader  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence ;  Rev.  I.  N. 
Lewis,  Orator;  Rev.  E.  S.  Bunce,  Chaplain.    "At  1  o'clock,  a  dinner  was  served  by  J.  0.  Eaton, 


IIISTOHY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  779 

near  his  hotel.  Everything  passed  off  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner,  without  an  accident  to 
mar  the  occasion;  but  not  so  on  the  4th  of  July  following.  Albert  Eells,  son  of  Joseph  Eells, 
had   charge  of  the  cannon,  which  exploding,  he  was  struck  by  a  fragment  and  instantly  killed. 

The  first  lawyer  in  the  village  was  L.  A.  Ellis,  who,  in  1854,  came  and  remained  two  years. 
He  was  succeeded  by  R.  Lindsay,  who  came  to  the  village  in  1858.  For  twenty-two  years, 
Mr.  Lindsay  has  occupied  the  same  premises  for  an  office,  the  same  first  occupied  by  Mr.  Ellis. 

Lodi  in  185^2. — Rev.  J.  N.  Lewis,  a  pioneer  missionary  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  who 
located  here  in  the  spring  of  1852,  thus  speaks  of  Lodi  and  vicinity  :  "  Here  are  groves  of  all 
sizes,  free  of  bushes,  bearing  a  striking  resemblance  to  orchards,  and,  in  spite  of  our  knowledge 
to  the  contrary,  deluding  us,  for  the  moment,  that  they  are  really  such,  are  scattered  everywhere 
in  the  valleys,  on  the  hillsides  and  on  the  summits.  The  admirer  of  nature  will  here  find  that 
she  has  arrayed  herself  in  superlative  attractions,  as  on  some  bright,  summer  day,  he  looks  over 
this  landscape  from  the  hills,  or  rides  through  these  valleys — not  a  line  or  course  in  all  the 
bounding  surface  is  jagged,  while  the  waving  grain  and  flowery  hues  of  the  prairies,  and  the 
herds  of  cattle  grazing  thereon,  remind  him  of  the  happy  valley  of  Rasselas.  The  town  of 
Lodi  lies  principally  in  this  basin,  and  embosomed  among  the  hills  at  the  intersection  of 
the  main  valleys,  on  a  small  stream,  is  the  recent  and  thriving  little  village  of  the  same  name — 
a  retired  spot,  and  but  little  known,  because  the  thoroughfare  from  the  capital  westward  at 
present,  pass  north  and  south  of  it.  We  could  wish,  on  many  accounts,  that  it  might  remain 
so  (though  we  are  threatened  with  a  railroad  soon),  since  the  beauty  of  its  location,  the  abun- 
dance of  water  power,  and  the  fertility  of  the  surrounding  country,  will  command  a  growth 
sufficiently  rapid  for  its  moral  healthfulness,  and  let  it  be  forever  small,  rather  than  be  crowded 
with  such  a  population  as  the  rapidly  growing  villages  of  the  West  are  often  composed  of.  Better 
it  is  for  a  place  to  start  with  a  good  moral  influence,  and  to  secure  a  good  moral  reputation,  than 
to  have  a  reputation  for  mere  business  and  money-making.  We  can  afford  to  spare  the  loose 
and  low  population,  which  might  otherwise  be  crowded  in  here,  and  we  hope  soon  that  the  sight 
of  church  steeples,  and  the  sound  of  the  Sabbath  bell,  which  summon  the  good  to  the  temple  of 
God,  will  warn  and  scare  away  whatever  of  moral  trash  which  has  found  its  way  to  this  quiet 
retreat.  A  period  of  four  years  has,  despite  of  its  retired  situation,  built  up  a  cluster  of  about 
thirty  dwelling-houses,  several  stores,  a  tavern,  two  good  flouring-mills,  which  are  crowded 
beyond  their  capacity  with  custom  work  from  the  vicinity,  a  saw-mill  and  mechanics  of  all  kinds. 
Much  water-power  remains  still  unemployed.  We  have  three  organized  churches — Presbyte- 
rian, Baptist  and  Methodist,  and  preaching  every  Sabbath  in  a  large  and  convenient  place  of 
worship,  by  clergymen  of  each  of  these  denominations,  an  excellent  school,  a  temperance 
organization,  which  now,  indeed,  needs  resuscitation,  and  more  energy,  though  its  friends  are 
numerous.  We  hope  that,  without  any  feelings  of  selfishness,  or  any  bias  from  any  self-interest, 
we  may  recommend  this  place  to  persons  who  are  intending  to  remove  to  this  State.  The 
population  is  mostly  free  from  the  foreign  element  found  in  almost  every  town  else- 
where— the  country  is  so  much  settled  by  native-born  Americans,  that  doubtless  this  will 
always  be  its  character.  Society  is  of  the  Eastern  tone,  and  we  trust  we  have  among  us  enough 
of  the  salt  of  the  earth,  to  give  controlling  influence  to  it,  and  shape  it  to  permanent  morality. 
As  to  secular  advantages,  they  are  not  lacking.  Cultivated  farms  can  be  purchased  at  $8  or  $6 
per  acre.  A  large  (juantity  of  land  in  the  hands  of  speculators,  eager  to  get  rid  of  it,  supplied 
well  with  wood  and  water,  can  be  bought  for  $4  or  $5  per  acre,  farms  well  adapted  for  raising 
grain  or  stock.  We  are  well  situated  in  respect  to  markets,  having  always,  in  fact,  the  choice  of 
four  or  five.  Being  near  the  Wisconsin  River,  we  can  send  our  produce  to  the  pineries  on  the 
same  stream  at  the  north,  or  by  the  Mississippi  to  Minnesota,  or  to  Galena  and  St.  Louis  on  the 
south,  or  by  way  of  Portage,  through  the  canal  to  Green  Bay ;  or  by  railroad,  nearly  completed, 
both  from  Milwaukee  and  Chicago  to  Madison  ;  we  can  have  intercourse  summer  and  winter 
with  the  seaboard.  During  the  past  winter,  the  Rock  River  Railroad  Company  have  surveyed  a 
route  from  Janesville,  through  Madison  and  this  place,  to  Baraboo,  beyond  the  Wisconsin  River, 
with  the  intention  of  extending  it  to  Minnesota.'.' 


780  HISTORY    OF    COLTTMBIA    COITNTY 

As  the  village  grew  in  size  and  importance,  the  necessity  for  its  incorporation  under  the 
general  laws  of  the  State  became  apparent,  in  order  that  such  improvements  might  be  made  as 
would  best  advance  its  interests,  improvements  that  the  town  would  not  consider.  A  prelim- 
inary meeting,  to  take  into  consideration  the  subject  of  incorporation,  was  held  at  Eaton's  Hall, 
Saturday,  April  13,  1872.  Addison  Eaton  was  made  Chairman  of  the  meeting,  and  H.  M. 
Ayer,  Secretary.  It  was  voted  that  a  charter  be  applied  for  under  Chapter  188,  of  the  General 
Laws  of  1872,  and  that  all  of  Section  27  be  embraced  in  the  limits  of  the  village.  H.  M. 
Ayer  and  C.  Bacon  were  appointed  a  committee  to  take  the  census  of  the  section,  and  E. 
W.  Gardner,  R.  Lindsay,  and  J.  M.  Bartholomew,  to  draft  the  application  and  present 
it  to  the  court,  and  also  to  made  a  map  of  the  area  embraced  in  the  application.  L.  F. 
Wanner  was  appointed  to  see  to  the  printing  of  the  proper  notices,  and  that  the  census  returns 
and  map  be  filed  in  the  office  of  the  Town  Clerk  for  inspection.  As  the  result  of  the  census,  it 
was  found  there  were  G47  inhabitants  residing  on  the  section  mentioned. 

The  application  of  the  citizens  of  the  village  was  favorably  considered  by  the  court,  and  on 
the  20th  day  of  July.  1872,  the  first  election  was  held,  resulting  in  the  choice  of  Horatio  N. 
Cowen,  President ;  E.  Andrews,  Alexander  Woods,  James  McCloud,  H.  C.  Bradley,  William 
Dunlap  and  Leonard  F.  Wanner,  Trustees  ;  Carlos  Bacon,  Clerk  ;  J.  M.  Pruyn,  Treasurer  ; 
H.  M.  Ayer.  Police  Justice.     Other  elections  have  annuallv  been  held,  resulting  as  follows  : 

1873— E.  W.  Gardner,  President;  E.  Andrews,  William  Dunlap,  I.  V.  N.  Walker,  Will- 
iam Goldspohn,  Thomas  Albiston,  Frederick  Hanson,  Trustees;  H.  M.  Ayer,  Clerk;  J.  M. 
Pruyn,  Treasurer;  H.  M.  Ayer,  Assessor;  John  Foote,  School  Superintendent;  A.  Woods, 
Police  Justice. 

1874— E.  W.  Gardner,  President;  E.  Andrews,  William  Dunlap,  L  V.  N.  Walker,  Will- 
iam Goldspohn,  Thomas  Albiston,  Frederick  Hanson,  Trustees  ;  H.  M.  Ayer,  Clerk  ;  H.  L. 
Bancroft,  Treasurer  ;  John  Foote,  School  Superintendent ;  G.  T.  Simons,  Constable  ;  G.  M. 
Bartholomew,  Justice  of  the  Peace ;  James  Seville,  Police  Justice. 

1875— E.  W.  Gardner,  President ;  E.  Andrews,  William  Dunlap,  L  V.  N.  Walker,  Will- 
iam Goldspohn,  Thomas  Albiston,  Frederick  Hanson,  Trustees ;  H.  M.  Ayer,  Clerk  ;  John 
Yule,  Treasurer ;  John  Foote,  School  Superintendent ;  G.  T.  Simons,  Constable ;  G.  M.  Bar- 
tholomew, Justice  of  the  Peace ;   H.  M.  Ayer,  Police  Justice. 

1876— E.  W.  Gardner,  President ;  E.  Andrews,  J.  0.  Eaton,  G.  E.  McKeebe,  William 
Goldspohn,  Thomas  Albiston,  Peter  Kehl,  Trustees ;  J.  M.  Bartholomew.  Clerk  ;  John  Yule, 
Treasurer;  Addison  Eaton,  School  Superintendent;  Alfred  Clemens,  Constable;  S.  S.  Dun- 
ning, Justice  of  tlie  Peace  ;   H.  M.  Ayer,  Police  Justice. 

1877 — Thomas  Albiston,  President ;  E.  Knutsen,  E.  Andrews,  Peter  Kehl,  W.  M.  Bar- 
tholomew, Henry  B.  Bancroft,  J.  0.  Eaton,  Trustees;  J.  M.  Bartholomew.  Clerk;  Orin  Rice, 
Treasurer ;  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  Police  Justice ;  E.  W.  Gardner,  Justice  of  the  Peace  ;  J.  U. 
Ray,  Constable. 

1878 — G.  M.  Bartholomew,  President;  S.  M.  Blake,  William  Goldspohn,  S.  H.  Watson, 
W.  M.  Bartholomew,  H.  L.  Bancroft,  William  Dunlap,  Trustees  ;  J.  M.  Bartholomew,  Clerk  ; 
R.  W.  Mills,  Treasurer ;  E.  W.  Gardner,  Police  Justice  ;  Alfred  Clemens,  Constable. 

1879 — Edward  Andrews,  President;  S.  H.  Watson.  H.  L.  Bancroft,  J.  U.  Eaton,  E.  B. 
Wait,  William  Goldspohn,  Jacob  C.  Wrisler,  Trustees  ;  J.  M.  Bartholomew,  Clerk  ;  John  Yule, 
Treasurer;  G.  W.  Fenno,  Marshal;  H.  M.  Ayer.  Police  Justice;  E.  W.  Gardner,  Justice  of 
the  Peace. 

CHURCHE.S. 

The  religious  and  moral  influences  of  the  village  have  always  kept  pace  with  its  growth. 
The  Methodists  were  the  pioneer  laborers  in  the  field,  followed  closely  by  the  Baptists  and 
Presbyterians.     The  Universalists  were  the  last  to  form  an  organization. 

Methodist  Episcopal. — Rev.  L.  Harvey  had  in  1845  a  conference  appointment  to  travel, 
west,  southwest  and  northwest  of  Madison,  about  thirty  miles  out,  and  seeing,  in  the  post  office 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  781 

of  that  city,  some  Methodist  church  papers  directed  to  Rev.  H.  Maynard  and  the  Bartholo- 
mews, he  inquired  where  they  could  be  found.  The  Postmaster  told  him  the  course  to  take 
as  best  he  could,  and  the  missionary  started  to  hunt  them  up,  and,  as  remarked  by  Father  May- 
nard, he  found  them  waiting  for  him.  This  was  late  in  the  fall  of  that  year.  A  class  was 
immediately  formed,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  consisting  of  G. 
M.  Bartholomew,  Leader  ;  Catherine  Bartholomew,  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  Mary  Bartholomew, 
Christiana  Bartholomew,  Henry  Maynard,  Catherine  Maynard,  Harriet  E.  Maynard  ;  in  all 
eight.  Preaching  was  had  once  in  two  weeks  in  the  log  cabins  of  the  Bartholomews,  or  Mr. 
Maynard,  until  the  log  schoolhouse  was  built  on  Section  27  in  the  spring  of  1846,  which 
became  their  regular  place  of  worship.  Says  the  Rev.  H.  Maynard,  in  a  local  paper  in  1879  : 
•*  These  meetings  were  generally  attended  with  the  Divine  presence,  spiritual  and  profitable, 
with  some  revivals  and  additions  to  the  church.  As  others  came  and  settled  in  the  valley,  they 
came  and  worshiped  with  us,  in  the  little  log  schoolhouse,  with  one  heart  and  one  mind.  Mrs. 
J.  N.  Lewis  says  the  first  time  she  attended  service  in  this  valley  she  rode  on  an  ox  sled,  with  a 
family,  to  that  little  log  house.  Every  church  in  Lodi  to-day  may  thank  God  for  the  influence 
that  went  out  from  that  little  log  house.  There  was  an  unusual  proportion  of  the  settlers  that 
were  church-going  people,  hence  the  influence  of  Christianity  prevailed  over  opposing  influen- 
ces. The  ministers  that  have  been  appointed  to  labor  for  the  Methodist  Church  in  this  place 
from  1845  to  1880  inclusive  are  :  Rev.  L.  Harvey,  about  ten  months  ;  W.  Smith,  one  year  ;  S. 
Tasker,  one  year ;  assistant  preacher,  Mr.  Adams,  six  months  when  he  sickened  and  died, 
when  H.  Maynard  finished  the  year  ;  S.  P.  Walden,  one  year  ;  James  Holmes,  six  months 
M.  Wooley,  finishing  the  year  ;  E.  Bunco,  two  years  ;  Nelson  Butler,  two  years;  James  Wells, 
one  year  ;  Mr.  Cochran,  two  years  ;  S.  Dodge,  two  years  ;  J.  B.  Bachman,  two  years  ;  S.  De- 
lap,  one  year  ;  J.  S.  Hurd,  two  years  ;  J.  D.  Searles,  two  years  ;  B.  C.  Hammond,  one  year  ; 
J.  B.  Bachman,  one  year  ;  J.  T.  Prior,  two  years  ;  E.  Tasker,  two  years  ;  F.  M.  Fullerton,. 
one  year;  W.-H.  Kellogg,  two  years ;  J.  C.  Aspinwall,  two  years  ;  R.  Burnip,  two  years  ;  J. 
D.  Brothers,  who  received  his  appointment  in  the  fall  of  1879.  The  most  of  these  ministers 
are  yet  in  the  regular  work,  a  few  of  them  are  worn  out  by  long,  hard  service,  and  are  waiting 
with  holy  patience  the  Master's  call  to  come  up  higher.  A  few  of  them  have  gone  from  labor 
to  their  reward ;  they  fought  a  good  fight,  received  their  discharge,  and  have  gone  to  enjoy  the 
faithful  soldier's  reward.  Rev.  Mr.  Adams  was  a  young  preacher  of  good  talents,  deep  piety, 
much  zeal,  and  a  good  prospect  for  future  usefulness  in  the  church.  He  traveled  this  circuit 
some  four  months,  sickened  and  died  at  Clark's  Corners.  He  left  a  wife  and  two  children.  I 
was  with  him  in  his  last  sickness,  preached  his  funeral  sermon,  and  then  we  laid  his  remains 
beneath  the  sod  to  sleep  until  the  resurrection  morn."  As  the  population  increased  and  the 
log  schoolhouse  became  too  small,  a  house  was  obtained  in  the  village  of  Lodi,  which  was  of 
suflBcient  size  for  some  time. 

In  the  year  18.55,  the  society  built  a  large  stone  church  at  a  cost  of  $4,500,  which  was 
dedicated  June,  1857,  N.  E.  Cobleigh,  President  of  Appleton  University  preaching  the  dedica- 
tory sermon. 

In  March,  1880,  there  were  146  members  of  the  church.  Its  ofiicers  at  that  time  were 
Rev.  Joseph  D.  Brothers,  Pastor ;  L.  F.  Wanner,  R.  Steele,  A.  S.  Bowman,  G.  M.  Bartholo- 
mew, John  Wilkins,  M.  Cain,  C.  Goodall,  N.  G.  Burlingame,  Stewards ;  J.  M.  Bartholomew, 
Recording  Steward  ;  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  C.  Goodall,  L.  F.  Wanner,  W.  M.  Bartholomew,  H. 
Phinney,  L.  J.  Burlingame,  M.  Cain,  A.  S.  Bowman,  E.  B.  Wait,  Trustees  ;  H.  Phinney,  L. 
J.  Burlingame,  Class  Leaders. 

Baptist. — A  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  H.  M.  Ayer,  April  23,  1852,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  into  consideration  the  organization  of  a  Baptist  church.  Elder  Joseph  Bowman 
was  chosen  Moderator  and  H.  M.  Ayer,  Clerk.  It  was  resolved  to  organize,  and  Peter  Van 
Ness,  William  G.  Simons  and  Cyrus  Hill  was  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  articles  of 
faith  and  covenant,  and  present  a  name  for  the  church  when  recognized.  On  Saturday,  the  22d 
of  May,  those  interested  again  assembled  to  hear  the  report  of  the  committee,  which  report  was 


782  HISTORY    OF    COLUAIBIA    COIXTY. 

adopted  and  the  articles  signed  by  Peter  Van  Ness,  Cyrus  Hill.  William  G.  Simons,  H.  M. 
Aver,  Freedom  Simons,  William  Wait,  Matthias  Warner,  Ira  Polly,  Emma  ^'an  Ness,  Caroline 
L.  Simons.  Alraira  Simons.  Lucy  Warner,  Caroline  Wait,  Catherine  Polly,  James  Cross,  Laura 
Durkee,  Betsy  Hill.  Peter  Van  Ness  was  elected  Deacon.  On  Wednesday,  the  '26t\i  of  May, 
the  Council,  consisting  of  Elders  Moses  Rowley,  Joseph  Bowman.  Peter  Conrad  and  Charles 
Perry,  convened  at  the  appointed  place  and  voted  unanimously  to  extend  to  the  brethren  and 
sisters  the  liand  of  fellowship  as  a  regular  Baptist  Church.  Eider  Conrad  preached,  and  Elder 
Rowley  extended  the  hand.  On  Thursday,  June  3,  1852,  the  church  was  received  into  the 
Dane  Association,  then  convened  at  Fall  River.  In  January,  18o3,  the  church  inviteil  Elder 
Joseph  Bowman  to  become  its  Pastor,  which  invitation  he  accepted,  and  the  relation  continued 
till  December  28,  1861.  During  this  time  the  church  had  no  stated  place  of  meeting  of  its 
own,  but  assembled  in  schoolhouses  in  the  village  and  out  districts.  Its  membership,  too, 
was  scattered  over  quite  an  extendeil  territory,  rendeiing  it  impracticable  to  keep  up  regular 
social  and  prayer  meetings.  Under  the  labors  of  Elder  Bowman  twenty  were  added  by  bap- 
tism ;  by  experience  and  letter,  thirty-eight.  After  Mr.  Bowman  closed  his  work  the  church 
was  without  a  pastor  for  two  years  and  a  half,  in  which  time  three  were  added  by  letter,  three 
dismissed  in  the  same  way,  and  two  died.  Elder  0.  0.  Stearns  was  then  called  to  the  pastorate, 
in  which  relation  he  continued  for  ten  years,  or  until  July,  1874.  In  February,  1863,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  by  the  church  to  see  how  much  could  be  raised  for  budding  a  house  of  wor- 
ship. In  January,  1865,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  select  a  site.  In  September  the  church 
voted  to  build,  and  appointed  Deacons  Van  Ness  ami  King  and  William  Simons  a  building  com- 
mittee. The  enterprise  was  prosecuted  vigorously  till  the  house  was  erected  and  inclosed; 
when  that  was  done,  it  was  found  the  fund  was  about  exhausted,  and  additional  subscriptions 
had  to  be  obtained.  On  the  13th  of  March,  1867,  it  was  completed,  furnished,  and  duly  dedi- 
cated to  the  service  of  the  living  God.  The  entire  cost  of  the  building  and  furniture  was 
^4,500.  Rev.  H.  C.  Fuller  was  called  to  the  pastorate  December  13,  1874,  and  continued  for 
two  years,  when  the  church  was  without  a  pastor  until  April,  1877.  When  Elder  N.  E.  Cha- 
pin  accepted  a  call  and  entered  upon  the  work.  A  Sunday  school  was  organized  when  the  con- 
gregation took  possession  of  their  house  of  worship,  and  has  been  a  great  help  to  the  church,  a 
number  of  its  scholars  becoming  members.  The  constituent  members  of  the  church  were  17, 
and  up  to  March,  1880,  there  have  been  added  by  bapti.«m,  i>5;  by  letter,  43:  experience,  20;  a  total 
of  175.  The  dismissions  by  letter,  death  and  exclusion  have  been  'JO ;  leaving  a  membership  of 
76.  At  this  time,  its  oflScers  are  Rev.  N.  E.  Chapin,  Pastor  ;  Peter  Van  Ness,  Freedom 
Simon.s,  Deacons ;  E.  W.  Gardner,  Clerk  ;  E.  Richmond,  Treasurer  ;  F.  Simons,  Isaac  ^'an 
Ness,  E.  W.  Gardner,  Trustees. 

Presbyterian. — In  June,  1852,  a  small  band  of  Christian  men  and  women  gathered  in  a 
small  room  on  Columbus  street,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  Presbyterian  or  Congregational 
church,  according  to  the  voice  of  the  majority,  whichever  way  it  might  be.  As  a  majority 
were  Presbyterians,  it  was  thought  best  to  have  the  church  of  the  same  form,  the  Congregation- 
alists  cordially  acquiescing  and  supporting  the  organization.  It  was  put  in  connection  with  the 
Wisconsin  Convention,  a  union  of  the  Congregationalists  and  Presbyterian  Church  for  united 
work,  in  which  connection  it  continued  six  years,  when  it  was  transferred  to  the  Presbytery  of 
Columbus,  since  which  time  its  relation  has  been  with  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  The  organization  was  consummated  by  signing  the  articles  of  covenant,  ten  persons 
affixing  their  names  :  James  0.  Eaton  and  wife.  A.  P.  Smith  and  wife,  Robert  Mann  and  wife, 
Mrs.  Partridge,  Mrs.  Strangeway,  Mrs.  J.  N.  Lewis  and  Miss  Eliza  Steele.  At  the  first  com- 
munion, Mrs.  I.  H.  Palmer  was  received  on  profession,  and  at  the  next  Mrs.  Crowley,  by  letter. 
A.  P.  Smith  and  Robert  Mann  were  chosen  Elders.  The  Rev.  J.  N.  Lewis,  in  a  quarter-cen- 
tennial sermon,  delivered  in  June,  1877,  remarked  that  "  there  seemed  to  have  been  a  marked 
Providence  in  the  commencement  of  this  church,  as  indeed  its  whole  history  to  this  hour  reveals 
the  faithful  hand  of  God  in  blessing  and  guiding  us.  With  much  reluctance,  and  after  much 
urging  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Home  Missionary  Society,  the  first   Presbyterian  minister  to 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  783 

Lodi  consented  to  take  a  letter  of  introduction  to  James  0.  Eaton,  residing  here.  From  descrip- 
tions given,  the  place  was  pictured  in  his  mind  as  a  gloomy  hamlet,  where  two  cross-roads  met,  with 
merely  a  tavern  on  one  side  and  ahlacksmith-shop  on  the  other,  in  a  dingy  dell,  with  a  soil  of  the  hard- 
est white  clay,  covered  with  the  scrubbiest  of  scrub-oaks,  much  like  Petroleum  V.  Nasby's  'Con- 
federit  Corners,'  abating  the  whisky  and  politics  of  Deacon  Pogram.  But  what  a  surprise  to 
behold,  instead,  the  most  enchanting  landscape,  these  broad  valleys  of  the  greenest  prairie,  these 
bold  bluffs,  these  symmetrically  rounded  hills,  with  groves  in  groups  scattered  on  their  tops  and 
sloping  sides,  the  music  of  the  mills  and  the  crystal  streams,  all  presenting  a  view  more  lovely 
then,  even  in  its  wild  state,  than  since  the  hand  of  civilization  has  despoiled  it  of  half  its  original 
beauty." 

The  first  Presbyterian  sermon  was  preached  here  on  the  19th  of  October,  1851.  There 
was  no  church  or  society  to  decide  about  accepting  or  rejecting  the  service  of  the  preacher,  no 
trustees  to  pledge  adequate  support.  The  only  support  that  could  be  relied  on  was  the  pledge 
of  a  small  sum  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Home  Missionary  Society.  In  December  following, 
the  missionary,  the  Rev.  J.  N.  Lewis,  arrived  with  his  family.  Says  Mr.  Lewis,  in  the  ser- 
mon referred  to :  "  The  next  day  after  our  arrival,  while  moving  the  goods  to  the  new  home,  what 
gloomy  thoughts — more  gloomy  than  the  gloomiest  of  winter  days.  What  was  he  doing  here? 
"Was  this  faith  or  folly,  prudence  or  presumption,  to  engage  in  such  an  undertaking  ?  Where  was 
the  food  to  come  from,  unless,  like  Elijah's,  it  was  brought  by  the  ravens  ?  With  such  forebod- 
ings, the  table  was  spread  and  occupied  for  the  evening  meal,  when  there  was  a  knock  at  the  door, 
when  a  present  for  the  frying-pan  next  morning  was  handed  in,  from  good  mother  Eells  over  the 
way.  Soon  another  knock,  and  a  bundle  of  clothing  from  Brother  Rosenkrans,  of  Columbus, 
desiring  to  divide  the  contents  of  a  missionary -box  he  had  just  received.  Truly,  it  was  felt  at 
the  table  that  the  ravens  were  already  on  the  wing.  The  next  day  the  message  had  gone  before- 
hand to  Judge  Palmer's  miller,  '  take  no  toll  from  the  missionary  ;  '  and  soon  from  another, 
'  come  for  a  bag  of  oats.'  From  that  day,  all  anxiety  in  regard  to  support  was  dismissed.  In 
the  course  of  six  years,  the  feeble  band  of  ten  was  increased  to  thirty-nine,  subsequently  six 
more  were  added." 

Early  in  August,  1857,  the  Rev.  G.  B.  Riley,  from  Horseheads,  N.  Y.,  commenced  his 
labors  in  the  place.  Not  having  a  church  edifice,  and  being  able  to  obtain  the  schoolhouse  for 
only  a  portion  of  the  time,  he  preached  much  in  the  school  districts  adjoining.  A  church  build- 
ing was  commenced,  and  the  basement  finished  for  occupancy.  Mr.  Riley  labored  with  the  con- 
gregation six  years,  during  which  time  seventy-six  communicants  were  received.  After  an  inter- 
regnum of  nearly  a  year,  the  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Bassett,  from  Illinois,  was  invited,  and  began 
services  in  August,  1864.  He  was  a  man  devoted  to  his  work,  a  good  preacher,  and  during  his 
two  years'  stay  there  were  two  interesting  revivals,  and  forty-six  members  were  received.  The 
next  Pastor  was  the  Rev.  Warren  Mayo,  from  Danby,  N.  Y.,  a  man  of  the  stature  and  stateli- 
ness  of  Saul,  King  of  Israel.  In  his  ministry  continual  additions  were  made  to  the  church,  in 
all  seventy-five.  He  was  succeeded,  in  1872,  by  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Knott,  who  had  a  very  success- 
ful pastorate  of  seven  years,  during  which  time  large  additions  were  made  to  the  church,  112 
being  added  at  one  time,  the  result  of  an  extensive  revival.  Mr.  Knott  was  succeeded,  in 
October,  1879,  by  the  Rev.  H.  L.  Brown.  The  church  very  early  adopted  the  plan  of  a  rotary 
eldership.  In  March,  1880,  its  Elders  were  William  Dunlap,  J.  B.  Dwinnell,  Addison  Eaton, 
P.  H.  Gunnison  and  E.  H.  Irwin.  Its  Trustees  at  the  same  time  were  J.  0.  Eaton,  Danford 
Pratt,  A.  Arries,  Thomas  Albiston  and  E.  Andrews. 

Universalist. — A  parish  was  organized  December  8,  1872,  H.  C.  Bradley  and  H.  L.  Ban- 
croft, Trustees  ;  H.  C.  Bradley,  Treasurer;  R.  N.  Bartholomew,  Clerk.  Its  constituent  mem- 
bers were  John  Foote,  R.  N.  Bartholomew,  H.  C.  Bradley,  H.  L.  Bancroft,  S.  M.  Blake,  D. 
Hesselgrave,  Laura  Foote,  Ann  M.  Bancroft.  Julia  A.  Bradley,  S.  A.  Dearborn,  Mary  J.  Bots- 
ford,  Sophia  Hidden,  Hannah  Hesselgrave,  Jane  Lovering,  Jane  Perry,  Philander  Mosher,  John 
W.  Foote,  John  C.  Dearborn,  John  T.  Hidden,  Albert  Lovering,  William  B.  Chrisler,  Jacob 
Chrisler,  Elizabeth  Chrisler,  M.   H.    Chrisler,   George  T.    Cawthorne,    Jonas   Narracong,  Seth 


"84  HISTORY    OF    COLUMHIA    COUNTY. 

Andrews.  A  church,  in  connection  with  the  parish,  was  organized  September  2,  1875,  with  the 
following  membership :  David  Hesselgrave,  Hannah  Hesselgrave,  Frank  Terrill,  Frederick 
Perry,  .John  Foote,  William  B.  Chrisler,  Elizabeth  Chrisler,  J.  A.  Wieting,  R.  N.  Bartholomew, 
H.  L.  Bancroft,  C.  A.  Martin,  Mrs.  C.  A.  Martin,  Mr.  Curtiss  and  wife,  Abbie  Curtiss,  Mary 
S.  Bradley,  Jane  A.  Perry,  Albert  Lovering,  Jane  Lovering,  Julia  A.  Bradley,  John  W.  Foote, 
Laura  R.  Foote,  Emily  B.  Foote,  Florence  M.  Foote,  A.  Terrill,  Jacob  Chrisler,  Mary  H. 
Chrisler,  Josephine  Cawthorn,  Carlton  Cawthorn,  Emma  Cawthorn,  Mattie  E.  Bartholomew. 
The  first  minister  to  preach  Universalism  in  Lodi  was  Rev.  M.  G.  Todd,  through  whose  instru- 
mentality a  good  work  was  wrought.  He  was  succeeded  by  Kev.  B.  F.  Rogers,  in  1872, 
during  whose  pastorate  the  parish  was  organized.  For  the  year  1873,  the  parish  had  no  min- 
ister, but  in  1874,  Rev.  Mr.  Todd  once  jmore  became  its  minister,  and  by  him  the  church  was 
instituted.  The  church  edifice  is  of  brick,  and  is  finished  in  handsome  style.  Its  erection  was 
commenced  April  -3,  1873,  and  dedicated  January  15,  1878,  the  sermon  of  dedication  being 
preached  by  Rev.  M.  G.  Todd.  The  cost  of  the  building  was  .$4,000.  A  successful  Sunday 
school,  of  fifty  members,  has  been  in  operation  for  some  years.  Rev.  A.  C.  Barry,  D.  D.,  was 
the  successor  of  Mr.  Todd  and  has  met  with  fair  success  in  his  labors. 

Schools. — The  first  settlement  in  the  village  of  Lodi  was  made  in  the  spring  of  1846,  and 
in  the  summer  a  log  house  was  erected  on  Section  27,  and  school  taught  therein  by  Miss  Mary 
Yockey.  This  house  served  until  1851,  when  a  frame  building  was  erected  on  the  same  section, 
the  district  being  No.  1.  John  Foote  taught  the  first  winter  term  in  1848-49.  The  school 
districts  of  the  town  remained  as  organized  by  the  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools  until  18l34. 
On  the  17th  day  of  September  of  that  year,  the  Supervisors  of  the  town,  by  order,  attached  the 
territory  of  Districts  Nos.  2  and  6  to  District  No.  1.  On  the  8th  day  of  October,  1864,  by 
order  of  the  Board,  District  No.  7  was  also  attached.  On  the  5th  day  of  November,  1877,  the 
portion  of  Joint  District  No.  3,  lying  within  the  town  of  Lodi,  was  attached,  making  tlie  Union 
District  composed  of  Nos.  1,  2,  6,  7,  and  a  part  of  No.  3.  The  first  school  meeting  of  the 
consolidated  districts  was  held  September  26,  1864.  At  this  meeting,  H.  M.  Ayer  was  elected 
Director  for  three  years;  John  B.  Dwinnell,  Treasurer,  for  two  years;  W.  M.  Bartholomew, 
Clerk,  for  one  year.  A  special  school  meeting  was  held  October  8,  1864,  when  the  District 
Board  was  authorized  to  move  one  or  more  of  the  schoolhouses  in  the  district  as  will  best  sub- 
serve the  interest  of  the  whole  district.  The  object  of  uniting  these  school  districts  was  to  form 
a  union  school  of  high  grade.  Previous  to  this  time.  Prof.  A.  G.  Riley  had  been  teaching  a 
select  high  school  in  the  village,  and  had  awakened  considerable  interest  in  a  higher  education 
than  was  then  being  taught  by  the  common  schools  of  the  town.  At  the  same  time  the  State 
Superintendent  of  Public  Schools,  in  his  annual  report,  had  placed  the  village  in  rather  an  un- 
enviable light  in  comparison  with  Kilbourn  City,  Pardeeville,  Wyocena,  Cambria,  Fall  River, 
and  Poynette,  which  aroused  the  pride  of  the  citizens  of  Lodi,  and  steps  were  at  once  taken  to 
remedy  the  matter.  On  the  suggestion  of  the  Superintendent  the  consolidation  was  effected. 
Prof  Riley  expressed  himself  ready  to  abandon  his  school  if  the  change  was  made.  He  was 
chosen  the  first  Principal  of  the  Union  School,  which  was  opened  Mondav,  November  14, 
1864. 

At  the  annual  meeting,  August  28, 1865,  the  sum  of  $375  was  appropriated  and  the  Board 
instructed  to  purchase  for  a  new  school  building,  and  to  sell  all  real  estate  not  then  used  for 
school  purposes.  At  the  annual  meeting,  August  27,  1866,  it  was  voted  to  raise  $60,  to  pay 
rent  for  the  basement  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  which  was  being  used  for  the  high 
school.  It  was  also  voted  to  purchase  a  lot  of  E.  B.  Wait  for  $150 ;  one  of  J.  B.  Dwinnell 
for  $127 ;  and  two  of  William  Dunlap  for  $275.  These  purchases  were  authorized  and  made  with 
a  view  of  erecting  a  new  school  building.  In  furtherance  of  this  idea,  at  the  annual  meeting, 
held  August  26,  1807,  there  was  appropriated  $50,  to  pay  for  plan  and  specifications  of  the  new 
house.  A  committee  was  also  appointed  to  secure  the  passage  of  a  private  law  to  enable  the 
district  to  issue  its  bonds  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  the  building.  The  Legislature  acceded  to 
the  request  of  the  will  of  the  district,  as  expressed  in  their  meeting,  and  passed  an  enabling  act. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  785 

At  the  annual  meeting,  held  July  13,  1868,  the  district  resolved  that  a  new  schoolhouse 
was  needed,  and  voted  to  issue  district  bonds  for  $10,000,  according  to  the  special  act  of  the 
Legislature,  to  apply  on  the  building.  The  District  Board,  at  the  same  time,  were  appointed  a 
building  committee. 

On  the  1st  day  of  March,  1869,  the  contract  for  the  new  schoolhouse  was  awarded  to  James 
McCloud,  of  Lodi,  for  $9,475,  and  the  district  bonds  for  that  amount  were  sold  to  Mr.  Mc- 
Cloud  at  their  par  value.  The  house  was  finished  and  occupied  for  the  term  commencing  in 
November,  1869.  It  was  arranged  for  four  departments  on  the  first  floor,  and  one  on  the  sec- 
ond floor,  with  two  recitation-rooms.  Its  seating  capacity  was  340.  About  2  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  March  29,  1878,  an  alarm  of  fire  was  raised,  and  it  was  discovered  the  schoolhouse 
was  in  flames.  In  the  absence  of  water  and  a  machine  with  which  to  throw  it,  it  was  evident 
nothing  could  be  done  to  save  the  building,  and  it  was  with  feelings  of  sadness  that  teachers, 
pupils  and  citizens  had  to  witness  its  destruction.  It  was  insured  for  $7,000,  which  amount  was 
paid  in  due  time  by  the  insurance  companies. 

On  the  25th  of  May,  1878,  the  District  Board  was  authorized  to  contract  for  a  new  school- 
house  with  the  lowest  responsible  resident  bidder,  at  a  cost  not  to  exceed  $6,800,  exclusive  of 
furnishing.  The  same  day,  a  contract  wiis  made  with  James  McCloud,  the  contractor  of  the  old 
building,  for  the  sum  mentioned.  The  plans  and  specifications  for  the  new  house  were  furnished 
by  D.  R.  Jones,  architect,  of  Madison.  The  house  was  completed  and  occupied  December  12, 
1878.  It  is  a  large  two-story  cream-colored  brick,  with  three  schoolrooms  below  and  three 
above. 

The  first  Principal,  employed  November,  1864,  was  A.  G.  Riley,  who  remained  four  years, 
the  second  was  E.  B.  Everdell,  one  year;  third,  J.  C.  Yocum,  five  years;  fourth,  A.  A.  Miller, 
two  years ;  D.  0.  Hibbard,  one  year  ;  W.  E.  Todd,  three  years.  The  assistants,  in  the  various 
departments,  from  1864  to  1879  inclusive,  have  been  Elraira  Duncan,  Martha  Lewis,  Sarah 
Bartholomew,  Carrie  R.  Tabor,  Julia  Bartholomew,  Martha  Van  Ness,  Leora  M.  Evans, 
Miss  Wright,  F.  Johnson,  Jennie  E.  Little,  Tillie  M.  Riddle,  Jennie  Sprague,  M.  C.  Buchanan, 
Sarah  Dunlap,  Laura  Luse,  Mr.  Aldrich,  Alice  Welch,  Emma  Curtis,  Michael  Clinton,  Minnie 
Waldo,  Maggie  Ferguson,  M.  J.  Owen,  Annie  Blachley,  Ada  Simons,  Mr.  E.  H.  Phillips, 
Misses  Fanny  Pettit,  Hattie  A.  Salisbury,  Ida  Merryman,  Libbie  Batty,  Mr.  Webber,  E.  M.  Gun^ 
nison,  Alice  Randall,  Rose  Newell,  Emma  Salisbury,  Tillie  Knutesen,  Hattie  C.  Hall,  Mary  L. 
Aspinwall,  Elsina  Wiswall,  Rose  Knutesen,  M.  A.  Owen,  A.  R.  Luse,  Emma  Foote,  Minnie 
Ayer,  Alice  Coapman,  Mattie  Buchanan,  Lizzie  Dwinnell,  Lottie  Lattimer  and  Marion  Miles. 

Graduates  of  the  High  School. — Since  the  organization  of  the  graded-school  system,  up 
to-and  including  the  year  1879,  there  have  graduated  twenty-nine  young  gentlemen  and  ladies, 
as  follows  :  Annie  Irwin,  Minnie  L.  Ayer.  Eva  Bartholomew,  Florence  M.  Foote,  Ida  Merry- 
man,  Millie  Maynard,  Rose  M.  Knuteson,  Lewis  E.  Walker,  James  I.  Bartholomew,  Lizzie  I. 
Dwinnell,  Tillie  J.  Knuteson,  Herbert  Goodall,  James  P.  Wilson,  Eva  Goodall,  Adell  Bartholomew, 
Henry  Early,  Silas  Overton,  Harry  Irwin,  Bert  Palmer,  Miles  Fenno,  D.  W.  Simons,  Nora 
Knuteson,  Elma  Simons,  Mary  L.  Overton,  George  B.  Gardner,  Ben  Wait,  Frank  'E  oote,  Robert 
Wilson,  George  Dwinnell. 

TEMPERANCE. 

The  principles  of  temperance,  as  held  and  taught  in  early  days,  found  a  genial  soil  whereon 
to  take  deep  root,  among  the  settlers  of  Lodi.  Among  its  advocates  were  the  names  of  John 
Slown,  Aaron  Chalfant,  I.  B.  Tabor,  the  Bartholomews,  Simonses,  Maynards,  J.  0.  Eaton, 
I.  H.  Palmer,  E.  C.  Tuller,  Dr.  John  Ingals,  John  Foote,  with  their  families.  In  the  sum- 
mer or  fall  of  1849,  an  organization  was  formed,  called  the  Lodi  Temperance  Society.  The 
first  meetings  were  held  in  the  old  log  schoolhouse,  afterward  in  the  hall  of  Lodi  Hotel.  J. 
0.  Eaton  was  chosen  Secretary,  John  Slown  or  G.  M.Bartholomew,  President.  The  obligation 
bound  its  members  to  abstain  from  the  use  of,  or  trafiic  in,  alcoholic  liquors,  except  for 
medicinal,  mechanical  or  sacramental  purposes.  It  was  similar  to  the  obligation  of  the  Wash'^ 
ingtonian  Society,  at  that  time  quite  popular  in  some  parts  of  the  country. 


786  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Perseverance  Lodge,  No.  ^72,  I.  0.  G.  T. — This  lodge  was  organized  May  10,  1865,  by 
Miss  M.  Emery,  State  Organizer,  with  about  twenty  charter  members.  Its  first  officers  were : 
J.  O.  Eaton,  W.  C.  T. ;  Mrs.  E.  S.  Lewis,  W.  V.  T. :  E.  B.  Meeteer,  W.  S. ;  Mary  E.  Eaton, 
W.  A.  S. ;  James  Chapin,  W.  F.  S. ;  Minnie  Chapin,  W.  T. ;  Oscar  Dunlap,  W.  M.  ;  Mattie 
Luse,  W.  D.  M. ;  Mrs.  H.  L.  Meeteer,  W.  1.  G. ;  George  Eaton,  W.  0.  G. ;  Mrs.  Schemmer- 
horn,  R.  H.  S.  ;  Mrs.  Lindsay,  L.  H.  S.  The  first  year,  ending  May,  1865,  there  were  185 
initiated,  including  the  charter  members.  The  second  year,  78  ;  third  year,  21  :  fourth  year, 
27  ;  fifth  year,  15.  The  sixth  year  was  a  very  dark  one  for  the  lodge,  there  being  no  meetings 
held  between  May  24  and  September  6,  1870.  On  the  evening  of  the  6th,  a  meeting  was 
held  and  officers  elected.  Mattie  Lewis  was  elected  W.  C.  T.  ;  Sarah  Luse,  W.  V.  T. ;  Laura 
Foote,  W.  S.;  Carrie  Tabor,  W.  F.  S. ;  Maggie  Wells,  W.  M.;  Frank  Luse,  W.  T.  ;  M. 
Blachley,  I.  G.  ;  John  W.  Foote,  0.  G. :  Warren  Mayo,  Chap.  During  the  remainder  of  the 
quarter,  the  meetings  were  very  poorly  attended,  and  it  was  a  question  whether  to  strive  longer 
to  keep  up  the  lodge  or  surrender  the  charter  ;  but  a  few  determined  ones  resolved  they  would 
never  surrender,  but  would  adopt  for  their  motto  ''  Perseverance,"  the  name  of  the  lodge,  and 
press  forward.  The  lodge  accordingly  elected  Frank  Luse,  W.  C.  T. ;  Sarah  Dunlap,  \V.  V. 
T. ;  Maggie  Wells,  W.  S. ;  Mattie  Tabor,  T.  :  S.  K.  Luse,  W.  F.  S. ;  L.  E.  Walker,  W.  M.'; 
M.  Blachley,  I.  G. ;  Sarah  Luse,  0.  G.  ;  Mrs.  Adeline  Chalfant,  Chap.  The  officers  were  not 
installed  and  regular  meetings  were  held  only  once  in  two  weeks,  using  the  old  pass-word,  until 
December  6,  when  the  G.  W.  C.  T.  sent  R.  B.  Rowland,  a  Grand  Lodge  Deputy,  to  visit  and 
re-organize.  After  a  few  words  of  cheer,  followed  by  remarks  from  Frank  Luse,  W.  M.  Dun- 
lap, H.  M.  Ayer,  Laura  Foote,  Sarah  Dunlap,  Delia  Luse  and  others,  the  members  were  re-ob- 
ligated, and  the  lodge  declared  re-oi'ganized.  Weekly  meetings  were  again  commenced,  and 
twelve  initiated  during  the  remaining  part  of  the  year,  and  a  number  re-instated.  The  seventh 
year,  ending  May,  1872,  there  were  fifteen  initiated,  but  the  lodge  was  in  rather  a  weak  con- 
dition, and  attendance  small. 

The  eighth  year,  ending  May,  1873,  the  lodge  seemed  to  take  a  new  start;  the  hall  of  E. 
Knuteson  was  rented,  fitted  up,  and  fifty-two  members  initiated,  and  many  old  ones  re-instated. 
The  attendance  was  good,  and  a  general  interest  manifested  in  the  cause.  The  ninth  year,  the 
lodge  was  in  a  flourishing  condition,  though  some  trouble  was  experienced  in  dealing  with  mem- 
bers violating  their  pledge ;  forty-five  initiated  during  the  year.  The  tenth  year  prosperity 
continued  with  the  lodge  ;  nineteen  initiated.  Eleventh  year,  thirteen  initiations  ;  attendance 
not  quite  so  good  on  account  of  the  organization  of  a  division  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance, 
which  was  quite  prosperous  that  year.  Twelfth  year,  only  nine  initiations ;  thirteenth  year, 
thirty-six  ;  fourteenth  year,  twenty-six.  For  the  fourteen  years,  ending  May,  1879,  the  total 
initiations  were  55o,  some  of  whom  were  initiated  twice,  but  probably  500  different  persons 
were  connected  with  the  order  during  that  time.  For  initiations  and  dues,  over  $2,500  were 
received,  the  greater  part  of  which  was  paid  out  for  the  incidental  expenses  of  the  lodge,  but 
about  $500  went  to  the  Grand  Lodge.  Quite  an  amount  was  spent  to  further  the  cause  of  tem- 
perance in  other  ways  than  through  the  lodge,  such  as  in  the  purchase  and  distribution  of 
tracts  and  in  aiding  weak  lodges.  Those  that  have  held  the  position  of  Lodge  Deputy  were  J. 
0.  Eaton,  H.  W.  Cass,  Charles  E.  Eaton,  H.  M.  Ayer,  L.  P.  Hindes,  John  W.  Foote,  L.  R. 
Luse,  W.  M.  Dunlap,  W.  H.  Slightman.  At  the  first  meeting  in  February,  1880,  were  installed 
Morgan  L.  Boyce,  W.  C.  T. ;  E.  A.  Cannon,  W.  V.  T.  ;  Douglas  Ayer,  W.  R.  S.  ;  Mollie 
Woods,  W.  A.  S.  ;  Fayette  Cannon.  W.  F.S.  :  Miss  Early,  W.  T. ;  H.  M.  Ayer,  W.  C. ; 
William  H.  Slightman,  W.  M. :  Josie  Brothers,  W.  A.  M. ;  Eva  Moran,  W.  I.  G.  ;  Chris. 
O'Degard,  W.  S. 

Lodi  Temple  of  Honor,  No.  154,  ^^as  organized  August  22,  1877,  by  Dr.  Wilder,  G.  T. 
D.,  of  Rio.  Its  first  officers  and  charter  members  were  J.  M.  Pruyn,  W.  C.  T. ;  L.  E.  Harris, 
P.  W.  C.  T. ;  John  Foote,  W.  V.  T. ;  G.  W.  Fenno,  W.  R. ;  Charles  Goodall,  W.  F.  R. ;  W. 
M.  Bartholomew,  W.  T.  ;  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  W.  U. :  William  Dunlap,  W.  D.  U.  ;  P.  Rich- 
ards, W.  G. ;  E.   Knutesen,  W.  S. ;  L.  F.  AVariner,  G.  D. ;  H.  M.  Ayer,  F.  W.  Chandler,  J. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  787 

M.  Bartholomew,  W.  M.  Dunlap  and  Morris  M.  Mitchell.  Trustees,  Goodall,  Dunlap  and 
Knutesen.  During  two  years,  fortv-six  persons  had  been  initiated  into  the  order.  For  the 
first  term  in  1880,  its  officers  were  J.  Christler,  W.  C.  T.  ;  P.  H.  Gunnison,  W.  V.  T. ;  J.  M. 
Bartholomew,  W.  R. ;  J.  F.  Collins,  W.  F.  R.  ;  E.  Richards,  VV.  T. ;  G.  M.  Bartholomew,  W. 
U. ;  W.  B.  Hook,  W.  D.  U. ;  Ira  A.  Soddars,  W.  G.  ;  F.  W.  Chandler,  W.  S. 

Osseo  Council.  No.  ^4,  Ancient  Order  of  Mendotas,  was  organized  May  1,  1878.  Its 
first  officers  and  charter  members  were  W.  A.  Bartholomew,  Sachem  ;  Eva  Bartholomew, 
Queen  ;  E.  Seville,  Prophet;  Mrs.  J.  W.  Watson,  Priestess;  W.  H.  F.  Barnes,  Writer;  Mrs. 
W.  A.  Bartholomew,  Treasurer,  M.  D.  Fenno,  Guide ;  Rose  Knutesen,  0.  Henricks,  Queen's 
Guard ;  Anna  Watson,  Temptress  ;  L.  F.  Twitchell,  White  Eao;le ;  P.  Hanson,  E.  Knutesen, 
W.  M.  Bartholomew,  W.  H.  Buchanan,  R.  Burnip,  E.  Sloggy,  S.  Stewart,  J.  W.  Watson, 
David  Anderson,  J.  F.  Crouk,  J.  M.  Bartholomew,  J.  S.  Bartholomew,  Emma  Seville,  Neddie 
Crouk,  Victoria  Babcock,  Dell  Bartholomew,  Mrs.  P.  Kehl,  Edward  Lindsay,  W.  P.  Van  Ness, 
Mrs.  P.  Watson,  Ada  Knutesen.  The  council  has  had  a  prosperous  existence,  meeting  every 
Friday  night,  in  the  hall  over  the  store  of  E.  Knutesen.  The  membership  has  steadily  increased, 
until  in  April,  1880,  it  had  a  membership  of  100,  its  officers  being  at  that  time,  W.  H.  F. 
Barnes,  Sachem;  Eva  Bartholomew.  Queen;  H.  H.  Harris,  Prophet;  Ida  Springer,  Priestess; 
H.  C.  Lindsay,  Writer:  Hattie  Gardner,  Treasurer;  Emma  Knapp,  Financial  Writer;  Samuel 
J.  Wilson,  Guide:  Alida  Buchanan,  Guard  of  Tent;  Sylvester  Brown,  Queen's  Guard;  Dell 
Bartholomew,  Temptress ;   David  Anderson,  White  Eagle ;  J.  F.  Bartholomew,  Lodge  Deputy. 

BENEVOLENT  ORDERS. 

Lodi  Valley  Lodge,  No  99,  A.,  F.  tf-  A.  M. — This  lodge  was  organized  under  dispensa- 
tion June  3,  1857,  with  Rufus  W.  Reed,  W.  M.  ;  William  N.  Baker,  S.  W.  ;  John  W.  Fisher, 
J.  W.  ;  A.  G.  Hadder,  Secretary  ;  Darius  Kingsley,  Treasurer  :  E.  W.  Kingsley,  S.  D. ;  A. 
Hartson,  J.  D. ;  W.  B.  Partridge,  Tiler.  On  the  expiration  of  the  year,  a  charter  was  granted, 
bearing  date  June  9,  A.  D.  1858,  and  of  Masonry  5,858.  The  first  place  of  meeting  was  in 
Partridge's  hall,  where  they  met  for  six  years,  when  the  place  was  changed  to  Way's  hall,  which 
Was  occupied  until  January  11,  1867.  At  this  date,  they  moved  into  their  new  hall,  erected  for 
their  use  by  J.  0.  Eaton.  A  public  installation  was  held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a 
supper  prepared  at  the  hall,  by  the  ladies  of  the  members  of  the  order.  In  January,  1880,  the 
membership  of  the  lodge  was  sixty-two,  at  which  time  were  elected  and  installed  E.  Andrews, 
W.  M. ;  J.  E.  Park,  S.  W. ;  J.  G.  Patterson,  J.  W.  ;  A.  Eaton,  Treasurer ;  J.  S.  Gardner, 
Secretary ;  W.  B.  Pratt,  S.  D.  ;  William  Cross,  J.  D. ;  John  Collins  and  Jacob  Chrisler, 
Stewards;  J.  E.  Mandeville,  Tiler.  Trustees— P.  Perry,  W.  L.  Wells,  J.  E.  Parke.  In 
twenty-three  years,  157  persons  were  initiated  into  the  lodge. 

CEMETERY. 

In  June,  1855,  James  0.  Eaton  purchased  of  James  McCloud  one  and  a  half  acres  of  ground 
lying  southwest  of  the  village,  and  had  it  surveyed  and  platted  and  gave  it  the  name  of  Mount 
Pleasant  Cemetery.  The  first  laid  to  rest  therein  was  a  young  man  named  George  Palmer,  and 
the  next  was  his  sister,  Mrs.  Reuel  Noyes.  The  ground  was  consecrated  for  burial  purposes  in 
August,  1856.  In  September,  186':5,  Mr.  Eaton  purchased  another  acre  and  a  half,  which  he  like- 
wise had  laid  out  in  lots,  which  were  speedily  disposed  of.  J.  T.  Hidden,  June,  1871,  also  made 
an  addition  thereto,  his  plat  conforming  to  that  of  Mr.  Eaton.  In  twenty-five  years  this  "city  of 
the  dead"  has  gradually  increased  its  numbers,  each  year  adding  one  or  more.  Beautiful  head- 
stones and  monuments  mark  the  spot  where  the  loved  ones  lie.  Among  the  most  attractive  stones 
within  this  hallowed  spot,  is  that  of  the  soldiers'  monument  erected  in  1868,  and  commemorating 
the  death  of  the  sons  of  Lodi,  who  fell  in  battle  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion.  The  inscrip- 
tion placed  upon  it  is  as  follows  :  "  To  the  memory  of  our  brave  volunteers,  who  gave  their 
lives  in  defense  of  the  Union,  in  the  great  rebellion  of  1861.     Dulce  et  decorum  est  pro  p atria 


788  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

mori.*     Erected  and  dedicated  by  the  town  of  Lodi,  A.  D.  1868."     Twenty-three  names  are 
inscribed  upon  the  monument. 

Fires. — The  village  has  never  experienced  any  very  extensive  conflagrations,  but  from  time 
to  time  a  small  fire  has  broken  out,  entailing  individual  loss.  The  most  extensive  fire  was  that  of 
the  schoolhouse,  March  28,  1878  (an  account  of  which  has  already  been  given)  incurring  a  loss 
of  $12,000.  The  first  fire  was  the  dwelling-house  of  A.  Hartson,  February,  1857  ;  loss  $150. 
Other  fires  are  summed  up  as  follows :  J.  0.  Eaton,  store  building,  March,  1859  ;  loss,  $1,000 ; 
Richard  Lindsay,  dwelling,  August,  1869,  $700 ;  Dr.  N.  P.  Bunnell,  dwelling,  October,  1873, 
$1,000;  J.  M.  Bartholomew,  dwelling,  April  30,  1875,  $500  ;  S.  M.  Goodall,  dwelling,  1876, 
$600 ;  John  Gavin,  dwelling,  1877,  $150 :  school  building,  March  28,  1878,  $12,000  ;  R.  R. 
Lloyd,  dwelling,  1879,  $600;  .J.  R.  Collins,  April  12,  1880,  $300.  The  last  was  one  long  to 
be  remembered,  resulting  in  the  death  of  three  prominent  men  in  the  village.  About  4  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  of  the  day  mentioned,  an  alarm  of  fire  startled  the  people  of  the  village,  who 
soon  saw  flames  issuing  from  a  small  frame  building  a  story  and  a  half  high,  owned  by  Joseph 
R.  Collins,  and  situated  near  the  railroad.  The  fire  was  first  discovered  by  a  little  girl  of  ten  or 
twelve  years  of  age,  who  was  alone  in  the  house  at  the  time.  She  promptly  gave  an  alarm,  and 
the  village  bell  was  rung,  arousing  the  inhabitants  to  an  intense  pitch  of  excitement,  as  a  high 
wind  was  blowing  at  the  time.  There  being  no  fire  department  in  the  village,  the  people  could 
do  nothing  to  check  the  flames,  and  devoted  their  energies  to  getting  out  the  furniture  and  house- 
hold goods,  nearly  all  of  which  were  removed  before  the  building  appeared  to  be  in  a  dangerous 
condition.  The  bottom  part  of  a  bookcase  remained  in  the  house,  however,  and  John  T.  Hid- 
den, John  Rathbun  and  Henry  Harris  rushed  in  after  it,  in  spite  of  the  protestations  of  their 
friends  and  neighbors,  who  all  expressed  fears  that  the  building  would  fall,  and  tried  hard  to 
dissuade  the  men  from  the  rash  attempt. 

They  had  hardly  disappeared  through  the  door  of  the  burning  building,  when  to  the  horror 
of  the  crowd,  the  chimney  toppled  and  fell,  carrying  the  roof  and  ceiling  down  with  it  on  the 
heads  of  the  devoted  men  inside.  After  a  few  moments  of  thrilling  suspense,  which  seemed  like 
hours  to  the  almost  crazed  people  outside,  Mr.  Hidden  was  seen,  crawling  out  of  the  building 
on  his  hands  and  knees,  with  his  hair  and  clothing  nearly  all  burned  ofi",  and  his  face  and  body 
so  badly  charred  that  he  was  almost  unrecognizable.  He  stood  erect  when  free  from  the  build- 
ing, and  called  aloud  for  the  people  to  throw  water  on  him.  A  wagon  was  procured,  and,  aided 
by  kind  hands,  the  unfortunate  man  was  conveyed  to  his  home,  and  medical  aid  summoned.  Drs. 
McKibbe  and  Irving  were  promptly  on  hand,  and  did  everything  possible  to  alleviate  his  suf- 
ferings. 

As  soon  as  the  fire  had  burned  down  -suflSciently  to  allow  one  to  approach  it,  measures 
were  taken  to  rescue  the  bodies  of  the  other  two  victims  of  the  fire  fiend.  Persistent  effort 
was  rewarded  by  the  discovery  of  flie  remains  of  Rathburn  and  Harris,  so  badly  charred 
that  they  were  unrecognizable,  except  by  trinkets  about  them  and  articles  found  in  the  remnants 
of  their  clothing. 

The  bodies  were  removed  to  Eaton's  Hall,  where  Justice  H.  M.  Ayer  summoned  a  jury 
and  held  an  inquest — a  verdict  of  "  accidental  death  "  being  returned. 

The  building  was  totally  consumed,  but  most  of  the  furniture  and  valuables  were  saved  by 
the  efforts  of  the  people. 

Mr.  Harris  was  buried  on  Wednesday  morning,  at  10  o'clock,  by  Osseo  Council  of  the 
Ancient  Order  of  Mendotas,  of  which  he  was  a  member.  The  members  of  the  council  met  at 
their  hall,  whence,  most  of  them  attired  in  black,  and  all  wearing  a  white  arrow  with  a  black 
crape  bow  across  the  middle,  led  by  the  Sachem  and  Queen  carrying  arrows  uplifted  and  crossed 
above  their  heads  in  front.  These  were  followed  by  the  Prophet  and  Priestess,  the  former  of  the 
two  being  appointed  for  the  occasion,  the  rightful  incumbent  of  that  office  being  the  occupant  of 
the  coffin  and  the  hearse.  The  Prophet's  arrow  was  draped  entirely  in  black  crape,  while  the 
others,  and   the  spear  also,  carried  by  the  White   Eagle,   were  only  partially  draped.      The 

*It  ie  sweet  and  Jiuiutrable  to  die  for  one's  country. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  789 

procession  proceeded  to  the  Methodist  Church,  where  the  services  were  conducted  by  Rev. 
Messrs   Chapin  and  Brothers,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Barry,  Mr.  Brothers  preaching  the  sermon. 

At  the  grave  the  ceremonies  were  few  and  simple,  yet  beautiful  and  expressive. 

The  burial  service  of  the  M.  E.  Church  was  read,  and  the  members  of  the  Council  passed 
around  the  grave,  each  depositing  a  sprig  of  evergreen  therein. 

Mr.  Rathbun's  funeral  was  conducted  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  under  the  auspices  of  Lodi  Val- 
ley Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  which  he  was  a  member.  The  services  were  held  at  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  and  were  conducted  by  the  same  ministers  as  in  the  morning  at  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  Dr.  Barry  preaching  the  sermon. 

Both  the  victims  of  this  fire  were  men  of  steady,  exemplary  habits,  and  had  acquired  and 
retained  the  respect  and  good  will  of  the  people  in  a  great  degree,  having  long  been  residents  of 
the  village.  Both  leave  widows  to  mourn  their  loss,  and  Mr.  Rathbun  leaves  also  a  little  girl 
fatherless. 

Mr.  Hidden  lingered  on  until  Wednesday  evening  about  8  o'clock,  when  he.  too,  passed 
away.  His  death  was  hard  and  his  struggles  great.  His  strength  was  such  it  seemed  he  could 
not  die,  and  the  death  agonies  were  long  and  protracted.  He  was  surrounded  at  the  last  by  his 
family  and  Masonic  friends,  who  ministered  tenderly  to  his  wants,  and  did  all  that  could  be  done 
for  his  comfort  with  full  hearts  and  willing  hands. 

Mr.  Hidden  was  a  man  of  great  energy,  promptness  and  decision  of  character.  With  him 
to  think  was  to  act,  and  whatever  he  believed  right  and  expedient  he  was  not  backward  in  doing. 
He  was  honest  and  plain-spoken  to  all.  If,  like  all  men,  he  had  his  faults,  they  were  largely 
overbalanced  by  the  promptings  and  kind  impulses  of  a  large  and  generous  heart.  His  sym- 
pathies were  easily  touched  by  a  tale  of  woe,  and  many  a  poor,  homeless  wanderer  has 
been  indebted  to  his  kindness  for  shelter  and  food,  and  "  the  blessings  of  him  who  was  ready 
to  perish  "  have  frequently  been  due  to  him,  whether  given  or  not.  In  short,  he  was  a 
large-hearted,  generous,  whole-souled  man,  and  as  such  he  will  be  mourned  by  this  entire  com- 
munity. 

The  funeral  took  place  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  'on  Thursday,  when,  for  the  third  time  since  the 
Sunday  morning  previous,  the  Masonic  Fraternity  of  Lodi  were  called  out  to  perform  the  burial 
rites  for  brother  Masons. 

The  services  were  conducted  by  the  same  clergymen  as  were  Rathbun's,  the  day  before,  the 
Rev.  M.  G.  Todd,  of  Columbus,  who  had  arrived  in  town  that  morning,  also  taking  a  part  in  the 
sad  ceremony. 

The  Masonic  sei'vices  were  conducted  at  the  grave  in  the  usual  impressive  manner,  and  were 
participated  in  by  quite  a  large  number  of  Masons  from  Baraboo,  and  other  towns  in  this  and 
adjoining  counties.  The  funeral  procession  was  one  of  the  largest  and  most  imposing  ever  seen 
in  Lodi. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Briggs  House — When  Judge  Palmer  laid  out  the  village  of  Lodi,  he  began  to  consider  the 
propriety  of  having  a  hotel  started,  as  an  inducement  to  travelers  to  call  and  view  the  fine 
location  of  the  place  and  its  vicinity.  By  the  offer  of  a  couple  of  lots,  he  induced  Freedom 
Simons  to  undertake  the  work.  In  the  winter  of  1848,  Mr.  Simons  commenced  the  building  of 
what  he  intended  as  the  L  part,  which  was  a  story  and  a  half,  16x24,  and  a  leanto,  12x24,  one 
story  high.  This  he  partially  finished  in  time  to  occupy  it,  January,  1849.  In  the  spring  and 
summer,  he  put  up  a  two-story  front,  24x38,  but  left  it  in  an  unfinished  condition  and  in  the  fall 
of  that  year  sold  to  Samuel  Ring,  who  at  once  rented  it  to  William  B.  Partridge.  In  the  sum- 
mer of  1850,  James  O.  Eaton  rented  the  house  for  two  years,  from  the  1st  of  September.  The 
house  was  yet  unfinished,  but  was  completed  by  Mr.  Eaton,  who  erected  a  handsome  sign,  in  the 
shape  of  a  triangle,  a  form  used  by  the  Sons  of  Temperance  for  their  badges  and  seal.  The  sign 
bore  the  inscription,  "  Lodi  Hotel — J.O.Eaton."  The  house  was  well  furnished  for  the  times, 
and  enjoyed  a  good  reputation.     On  the  expiration  of  Mr.  Eaton's  lease,  the  house  was  purchased 


790  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTW 

by  L.  D.  Barnes,  who  took  possession  and  began  the  duties  of  host.  The  house  next  passed  into  the 
hands  of  George  W.  Lay,  who  was  succeeded  in  order  by  Sydney  Burlingame,  Benjamin  Colton, 
Daniel  Mills,  Daniel  O'Herron  and  Stephen  Lyon.  The  last  named,  probably  to  perpetuate  his 
own  name,  changed  the  name  to  the  "  Lyon  House,"  which  name  it  bore  while  occupied  by  his 
successor,  George  T.  Simons,  who  purchased  the  house,  October,  1865,  and  who  continued 
its  proprietorship  and  management  for  four  years,  when  it  was  sold  to  William  Williams,  the 
name,  "Lyon  House,"  still  being  retained.  Mr.  Williams,  in  a  short  time,  sold  to  Alexander 
Woods,  who  moved  back  the  entire  house,  and  erected  in  front  a  large  three-story  building, 
which  was  certainly  a  credit  to  the  place.  The  business  not  proving  satisfactory  to  him,  he 
sold  to  Mrs.  Briggs,  of  Chicago.  During  his  administration  the  house  was  known  as  the 
"Woods  House."  When  Mrs.  Briggs  came  into  possession,  she  changed  its  name  to  , the 
"Briggs  House,"  which  name  it  still  retained  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  George  T. 
Simons,  for  the  second  time,  in  the  fall  of  1878.  When  Mr.  Simons  took  possession,  the  upper 
part  of  the  house  was  in  an  unfinished  condition.  He  at  once  proceeded  to  finish  the  building, 
and  furnished  it  in  a  style  equal  to  any  first-class  house  in  the  State.  With  well-furnished 
rooms,  an  excellent  table,  and  the  wants  of  every  patron  being  fully  met,  the  "  Briggs  House  " 
soon  obtained  an  excellent  reputation,  and  has  been  a  haven  of  rest  to  commercial  and  other 
travelers. 

Northwestern  Hotel. — This  house  is  located  on  Main  Street,  near  the  creek.  The  first 
part  of  the  house  was  built  at  an  early  day,  for  the  purpose  of  a  woolen  factory,  but  the  out- 
look not  being  favorable,  at  that  time,  it  was  never  put  to  the  use  for  which  it  was  intended. 
Its  lower  part  was  long  used  as  a  furniture-room,  and  its  upper  for  the  meetings  of  the  Masonic 
Lodge,  dances,  etc.  It  finally  passed  into  the  hands  of  J.  T.  Hidden,  who,  in  the  fall  of 
1870,  fitted  it  up  for  a  hotel,  after  making  very  important  additions  thereto,  enlarging  it  to 
more  than  double  its  original  size.  The  house  was  well  finished  and  has  enjoyed  a  fair  run  of 
custom. 

Excelsior  Mill. — This  was  the  first  grist-mill  erected  in  the  village  as  well  as  in  the  town. 
Its  erection  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1848,  by  Samuel  Ring,  just  below  the  junction  of 
the  two  branches  of  Spring  Creek,  on  Section  27.  It  has  since  been  owned  by  Freedom  Simons, 
James  (>.  Eaton,  Adam  Schoneberger,  James  H.  Hill,  Otto  Heinrichs  and  Peter  Kehl.  The 
mill  has  always  borne  an  excellent  reputation,  the  quality  of  the  flour  manufactured  being  equal 
to  any  in  the  State.     The  general  run  of  the  mill  has  been  on  custom  work. 

Lodi  Mill. — This  mill  was  erected  in  1850,  by  Isaac  H.  Palmer.  As  first  built,  it  had 
only  one  run  of  stone,  another  being  added  in  1857,  at  which  time  the  mill  was  leased  by  Mr. 
Palmer,  to  A.  Ambler,  who  ran  it  for  five  years,  when  Kibbey  &  Andrews  rented  and  contin- 
ued the  business  for  eighteen  months,  when  E.  Andrews  alone  leased  it.  In  March,  1870, 
Mr.  Andrews  purchased  the\mill  from  Mr.  Palmer,  and  in  1872,  rebuilt  and  made  same  valua- 
ble improvements.  In  1878,  farther  improvements  were  made,  another  run  of  stone  added 
for  the  manufacture  of  the  patent  flour,  and  an  elevator  built.  This  mill  has  usually  been 
crowded  to  its  utmost  capacity  with  custom  work,  its  trade  extending  for  many  miles  in  every 
direction  from  Lodi. 

Lodi  Okeese  Factory. — In  February,  1873,  John  B.  Dwinnell,  John  Foote  and  JH.  C. 
Bradley  had  incorporated,  under  the  general  law,  the  Lodi  Cheese  Manufacturing  Association, 
with  capital  stock  of  $2,000  divided  into  eighty  shares  of  $25  each  ;  one-half  only  of  which  were 
issued  and  taken  by  about  thirty  persons.  It  was  late  in  the  season  before  the  association  was 
ready  for  work,  but  they  made  30,000  pounds  that  year.  J.  B.  Dwinnell  was  elected  President; 
L.  F.  Warner,  Secretary  ;  Thomas  Albiston,  Treasurer  ;  James  A.  Weiting,  Superintendent 
of  the  manufactory.  Average  price  realized  for  the  season  was  12i  cents  per  pound.  During 
the  next  six  years,  up  to  and  including  1879,  were  made  respectively,  70,000,  86,000,  114,000, 
106,000,  132,000,  and  96,000  pounds  per  year.  For  two  years  the  association  rented,  but  in 
1875,  it  purchased  necessary  buildings,  which  they  fitted  up  for  their  use  with  the  best  machin- 
ery to  be  obtained.     The   cheese  has  always  brought  the  highest  price  in  the  market,  bringing 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  791 

from  one  to  two  cents  a  pound  more  than  market  quotations  at  time  of  sale.  In  1878,  at  the 
international  fair,  in  New  York,  all  the  cheese  placed  on  exhibition  was  sold  at  auction  and 
the  Lodi  cheese  brought  a  cent  and  a  half  per  pound  more  than  any  other.  The  association 
make  none  but  full  cream  cheese.  For  several  years,  the  great  bulk  of  their  sales  were  made 
for  shipment  to  Liverpool.  Its  officers  elected  for  1880  were  Job  Mills,  President  and 
Secretary  ;  Thomas  Albiston,  Treasurer. 

Mineral  Springs. — Lying  within  the  village  is  a  spring,  the  existence  of  which  was  well 
known  at  an  early  day,  attention  having  been  called  to  it  because  of  the  ferruginous  deposits 
along  the  line  of  its  flow,  and  also  because  of  its  strong  styptic  taste.  Here  all  thought  of  it 
ended,  and  no  attempt  was  made  to  ascertain  its  true  character,  or  whether  it  was  of  medicinal 
value.  Then  Judge  Palmer  built  his  mill  over  it,  and  for  many  years  it  was  hid  from  view.  In 
the  summer  of  1878,  while  repairs  were  being  made  by  the  proprietor,  Mr.  Andrews,  into  whose 
hands  it  had  passed,  the  effect  of  the  water  upon  the  workmen  using  it,  led  to  an  investiga- 
tion. With  a  view  of  ascertaining  what  were  the  mineral  contents  of  the  spring,  the  services  of 
Dr.  Barry,  of  the  village,  were  secured,  who  reported,  as  a  partial  analysis,  that  the  constituents 
of  the  water  were  carbonic  acid  gas,  oxide  of  iron,  carbonate  of  magnesia,  chloride  of  lime, 
and  chloride  of  sodium ;  the  iron  especially  being  present  in  large  per  cent.  Quite  a  number 
of  persons  in  the  village  began  using  the  water,  with  marked  effect.  S.  M.  Blake,  M.  D.,  of 
the  village,  in  a  communication  in  the  Lodi  Valley  News,  under  date  of  January  29,  1879, 
wrote  as  follows :  "  In  the  short  time  that  I  have  had  the  opportunity  to  observe  the  effects 
upon  the  system,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  state  that  its  effects  are  more  immediately  perceptible  than 
any  other  with  which  I  am  personally  acquainted,  being  diuretic,  laxative,  and,  in  many  cases, 
positively  cathartic.  As  a  remedial  agent  in  diseases  of  the  kidney  and  bladder,  of  an  inflam- 
matory character,  and  in  all  cases  of  torpor  of  the  portal  circulation,  or  of  liver  complaint,  I 
believe  it  to  be  a  very  efBcient  remedy.  This  opinion  is  based  upon  the  disinterested  statements 
of  those  who  have  used  it  for  the  last  few  weeks,  as  well  as  upon  the  chemical  analysis  of  Dr.  A. 
C.  Barry.  We  would  also  be  led  to  look  for  decidedly  tonic  influences  from  its  chalybeate  char- 
acter, but  more  extensive  observation  is  needed  to  speak  positively  as  to  this  effect.*"  Of  well- 
known  citizens  who  have  used  this  water,  I  may  be  allowed  to  mention  the  names  of  Hon.  Joel 
Pruyn  and  Rev.  Father  Maynard.  For  the  last  five  years,  he  has  been  afllicted  with  chronic 
diseases  of  the  kidney  and  bladder,  compelled  many  times  to  seek  aid  from  several  different  ' 
physicians,  myself  among  the  rest.  He  has  also  used  the  Bethesda  water  of  Waukesha;  but  his 
present  convictions  are  that  the  water  from  Andrews'  spring  '  beats  us  all  '  in  giving  relief. 
Father  Maynard,  who  is  using  it  for  the  relief  of  coativeness  and  nervous  debility,  certifies  to 
positively  beneficial  results."  One  gallon  of  the  water  was  sent  to  Gustavus  Bode,  analytical 
chemist,    of  Milwaukee,  for  analysis,  and  he  returned  the  following  result : 

Chloride  of  sodium '. 0.3748  grains. 

Sulphate  of  soda 0.1843  " 

Bicarbonate  of  lime 10.7620  " 

Bicarbonate  of  magnesia 7.8643  " 

Bicarbonate  of  iron 0.6787  " 

.ilumina 0.24-57  " 

Silica 1.5360  " 

Organic  mattM- 0.1536  " 

Mr.  Bode  reported,  also,  the  water  contained  almost  all  the  salts  as  bicarbonates,  and  was 
in  this  respect,  as  well  as  the  small  sulphates  contained  therein,  similar  to  the  Waukesha  waters. 
In  comparing  the  analysis  of  these  waters  with  that  of  Bethesda  Springs,  of  Waukesha,  it  is 
found  they  contain  sixteen  times  as  much  bicarbonate  of  iron,  and  nearly  two  grains  less 
organic  matter.  Other  chemists  have  analysed  the  water  with  like  results.  John  H.  Tesh  & 
Co.,  of  Milwaukee,  writing  to  Mr.  Andrews,  said:  "I  think  you  can  safely  recommend  your 
spring  water  for  any  and  all  things  that  the  Waukesha  waters  are  recommended  for,  for  the 
analysis  proves  them  identical." 


792  HISTORY   OF     COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Since  the  above  was  put  in  type  the  spring  has  been  opened  to  its  fountain  head,  and  the 
following  analysis  made : 

Potassium   sulphate 0.0234 

.Sodium   chloride 0.1983 

Sodium    sulphate 0.6007 

Sodium    bicarbonate 0..5338 

Sodium  pho9]>hale trace. 

Ciilciuni   bicarbonate 15.0757 

Magnesium  bicarbonate ...  8.4447 

Iron  bicarbonate 0.6059 

Aluminum  oxide 0.0699 

Silica   (silicon  dioxide) 0.3091 

Total  grains  of  solids  in  a  gallon  (231  cubic  inches) 25.8616 

Perils  of  the  Ice. — Under  date  of  December  2,  1876,  the  Columbus  Democrat  relates  the 
following:  "At  noon  on  Friday  of  last  week,  the  children  at  the  district  school,  three  miles 
north  of  the  village  of  Lodi,  while  at  play,  went  upon  the  newly  formed  ice  upon  the  pond  near 
the  school  premises.  The  ice  gave  way,  and  five  of  them  fell  into  water  seven  feet  deep,  beneath 
which  was  a  bottom  of  mud.  The  cry  of  alarm  was  raised,  and  fell  upon  the  ears  of  Mr.  John 
McCarton,  the  teacher,  who  proved  to  be  a  noble  young  man,  as  our  correspondent  declares  him. 
He  sprang  to  the  rescue,  pulled  off  his  coat  and  leaped  in.  He  was  the  fortunate  instrument 
of  saving  two  lives,  one  of  the  recovered  being  a  little  daughter  of  James  Wilson,  and  the  other 
a  child  of  James  Collins.  The  other  three  children  clung  so  close  to  him  in  their  wild  afright 
that  he  was  drawn  under  the  water  himself.  Indeed,  his  own  chance  of  escape  was  now  very 
small,  for  he  had  become  so  nearly  lifeless  that  he  could  not  cling  with  his  hands  to  the  rope, 
which  had,  by  this  time,  been  cast  to  him,  they  had  become  so  chilled ;  but  by  seizing  the  rope 
with  his  teeth,  his  grasp  was  at  length  so  tenacious  that  he  was  finally  pulled  out  by  that 
means.  He  was  at  once  taken  to  the  house  of  James  Wilson,  where  he  received  every  care,  and 
has  since  recovered.  Three  children  were  drowned.  One  of  them  was  a  daughter  of  Mr. 
Dennis  Maloney,  and  her  age  was  thirteen.  The  other  two  were  children  of  Mr.  C.  Flint,  a 
a  boy,  aged  eleven,  and  a  daughter,  aged  fourteen.  It  is  related  that  the  brother  gjt  out  once, 
and  would  have  made  good  his  escape  but  for  his  endeavors  to  rescue  his  sister.  In  so  doing, 
he  was  pulled  in  again,  and  thus  lost  his  own  life  in  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  save  hers.  The 
bodies  of  the  drowned  were  dragged  from  the  water  on  Friday  evening,  and  taken  to  their 
homes  for  the  last  time.  The  funeral  of  Mr.  Flint's  son  and  daughter  occurred  at  the  Baptist 
Church,  in  Lodi,  the  Sunday  following,  and  was  very  largely  attended.  The  remains  of  Mr. 
Maloney's  daughter  were  borne  to  the  Catholic  Church,  at  Rocky  Run,  on  the  same  day,  and 
Were  also  followed  by  a  large  procession." 

VILLAGE     OF     OKEE. 
BY   AKETAS   BAILEY. 

The  first  settler  at  Okee  was  Samuel  Ring,  who  came  and  built  the  saw-mill  in  1847.  The 
mill  passed  through  the  hands  of  Z.  Kipp,  Blachley  k  Mathers,  Blachley  &  Bailey,  Bailey  &  Wells 
and  T.  S  Wells.  In  1858,  T.  S.  Wells  erected  the  present  saw-mill  on  the  east  side  of  the 
creek  and  put  in  a  planing-raill  and  circular  saws  in  addition,  devoting  the  .old  mill  to  a  mill 
for  grinding  feed.  In  1869,  Wells  sold  the  mill  power  to  John  Brownrigg,  uie  present  owner, 
who  erected  the  present  commodious  grist-mill  in  1875.  Seth  Bailey  settled  in  Okee  in  1854,  be- 
coming joint  owner  in  the  saw-mill  with  Dr.  Miller  Blachley,  and  platted  the  village  of  Okee  in 
1858.  Mrs.  T.  S.  Wells  built  the  first  house  after  the  village  was  platted.  James  R.  Wells  and 
Rebecca  Harmon  were  the  first  wedded  couple;  and  a  little  child  of  this  couple  was  the  first  to 
die.  The  first  school  taught  was  in  the  year  1849,  by  Miss  Eunice  Kirk,  in  a  room  of  Reuben 
Ring's  house,  who  received  for  the  three  months'  service  the  sum  of  $6. 

The  first  Postmaster  appointed  was  Gideon  Clark,  April,  1858,  E.  W.  Horton  acting  as 
Deputy;   Gideon  Clark  not  residing  in  the  village.     The  following  year,  Isaac  P.  Cole  started 


'y 


ROCKY    RUN, 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  795 

the  first  store  and  acted  as  Deputy  Postmaster  for  nearly  three  years,  when  he  sold  his  place 
and  removed.  John  Durant,  then  keeping  a  few  groceries  and  notions,  was  appointed  Deputy 
Postmaster  under  Clark  until  January,  1862,  when  he  received  the  appointment  of  Postmaster. 
The  following  year,  he  removed  from  the  village,  Aretas  Bailey  then  took  the  office  as  Deputy 
Postmaster  under  John  Durant  until  March,  1866,  when  he  received  the  appointment  as  Post- 
master, and  is  still  the  incumbent. 

The  first  and  only  schoolhouse  was  built  in  1853.  School  was  taught  in  that  house  the 
winter  of  1853-54,  by  Miss  Kate  Bell,  who  received  $12  for  three  months'  service. 

There  were  eight  dwelling-houses  when  the  village  plat  was  made. 

I.  P.  Cole  started  the  first  store,  continued  in  business  about  three  years.  John  Durant 
followed  for  two  years  with  rather  a  limited  stock.  Samuel  Woodley  erected  quite  a  large  store- 
room adapted  to  general  merchandise,  but  occupied  it  only  as  a  grocery  store  for  a  period  of  five 
or  si.x  years. 

Miss  C.  M.  Bailey  commenced  as  a  grocer  in  October,  1874,  added  dry  goods  in  1877,  and  is 
still  in  business.     W.  S.  Stahl  commenced  business  as  a  grocer  in  1878,  and  is  still  in  business. 

The  lumber  business  has  been  the  leading  business  of  Okee.  As  late  as  1856,  the  saw- 
mill had  orders  for  long  lumber  from  places  as  distant  as  Sun  Prairie.  The  place  has  neVer 
had  any  saloons.  In  1859,  J.  N.  Fellows  (in  the  height  of  the  lumber  trade)  established  a  hotel, 
connecting  a  whisky  bar,  under  a  license  from  the  Town  Board  of  Lodi.  A  two  years'  trial 
compelled  him  to  seek  something  diff'erent  for  a  livelihood.  A  young  man  by  the  name  of  Ober 
shortly  after  came  to  the  place  with  a  keg  of  beer  and  opened  to  sell  lunch  and  beer  to  those 
coming  for  lumber.  Himself  and  wife  drank  the  beer,  and  had  not  money  enough  to  buy  a 
second  keg,  so  the  business  failed. 

The  fire  record  of  the  place  is  rather  remarkable  ;  one  dwelling,  that  of  J.  J.  Ross,  and  an 
outhouse  of  Mrs.  C.  Scott,  are  the  only  losses  sustained  since  the  first  settlement  of  the  place. 

The  war  record  of  Okee  is  remarkable.  The  village  and  a  circuit  of  two  miles  fur- 
nished nineteen  men  for  the  army ;  of  these,  two  were  killed  in  battle,  two  died  from  disease  con- 
tracted in  the  service,  and  one,  a  starved  prisoner,  died  of  disease  contracted  before  he  reached 
his  home  after  the  close  of  the  war.  The  remaining  number  all  returned  without  serious  mis- 
haps, although  most  bear  some  marks  of  their  devotion  to  their  country. 

The  first  child  born  in  the  village  was  H.  H.  Rogers',  son  of  D.  W.  Rogers. 


BB 


796  HISTORY    OF    COLUMP.IA    COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Town  of  Lowville— Town  of  Marcellon— Town  of  Xewpout— Village  of  Xewport— Vil- 
lage OF  KlLBOL'RN  CiTY. 

TOWN    OF    LOWVILLE. 

On  the  organization  of  the  county,  in  1846,  the  north  half  of  Township  11,  Range  10. 
together  with  Townsliijis  13  and  12,  same  range,  was  made  an  election  precinct  and  named 
Wyocena,  while  the  south  half  of  Township  11.  Range  10,  together  with  Township  10,  Range 
10.  and  east  half  of  Township  10.  Range  9.  waS  formed  into  another  precinct  under  the  name 
of  Lowville,  after  Jacob  Low.  The  name  was  afterward  given  to  the  town.  At  a  meeting  of 
the  Board  of  County  Commissioners,  held  in  January,  1849,  Townships  10  and  11,  Range- 10, 
and  the  east  half  of  Township  10,  Range  9,  was  formed  into  a  town  and  the  name  of  Lowrille 
given  to  it.  The  house  of  Jacob  Low  was  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election. 
At  a  meeting  of  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors,  held  January  8,  1850,  the  town  of  Lowville 
was  made  to  comprise  only  all  of  Township  11,  Range  10, 

The  first  settlement  made  in  this  town  was  in  1843.  During  that  and  the  following  year, 
Jacob  Stone.  Jacob  Low.  Edward  Clark  and  Jonathan  Gilbert  selected  and  built  upon  their 
claims.  In  1845,  Silas  W.  Herring.  Henry  Herring,  John  Barmore,  Orin  Rogers,  S.  J.  Scott 
and  Jefferson  Waters  came  in.  S.  P.  Webb,  Claudius  Evarts,  Justice  Worden  and  Joseph  Snell 
came  in  1846. 

Thomas  McDonough  Richards  and  Julia  A.  Webb  were  united  in  marriage  on  the  15th  day 
of  July,  1847.  being  the  first  couple  married  in  the  town. 

Emma,  daughter  of  Claudius  and  Betsy  Evarts,  was  born  in  May,  1847 — the  first  vhite  child 
born  in  the  town. 

The  first  death  was  that  of  Joseph  Snell,  who  died  July  30,  1848. 

In  the  summer  of  1848,  Julia  Stevens  taught  a  three-months  term  of  school  in  a  frame 
shanty,  near  the  house  of  Jacob  Low,  on  Section  32.  At  the  same  time.  B.  M.  Webb  taught  a 
term  on  Section  5.  These  were  the  first  schools  in  the  town.  In  the  fall  of  1879,  there  were 
eight  good  schoolhouses,  four  of  which  were  owned  by  the  town  and  the  remainder  were  held  by 
joint  districts  with  other  towns. 

Elder  William  Cornell,  in  1848,  began  the  proclamation  of  the  Word,  his  first  discourse 
being  at  the  house  of  Theodore  Northrup,  on  Section  8.  In  September,  1849,  he  organized  a 
Baptist  Church,  near  where  he  first  preached,  with  sixteen  members.  The  first  meetings  were 
held  in  private  houses,  and,  on  completion  of  a  schoolhouse  on  Section  5,  the  services  were  there 
held.  For  more  than  twenty  years,  the  society  met  in  this  schoolhouse,  when  the  place  of  meet- 
ing was  chansred  to  Edmister's  Schoolhouse,  on  Section  17.  Elder  Cornell  was  the  first  Pastor 
of  the  church,  followed  by  Elder  Evan  Meredith,  who  for  twenty  years  broke  the  bread  of  life 
to  the  congregation.  Mr.  Meredith  was  succeeded  by  Elder  Enoch  Pickering.  About  1855, 
the  Presbyterians  began  services  in  the  town,  meeting  in  different  schoolhouses  until  1862,  when 
they  erected  a  small  but  neat  church  edifice  on  Section  32.  The  society  has  been  ministered  to 
from  time  to  time  bv  Revs.  Lewis  Strong,  Lawrie,  Gates,  Gordon,  Hutchinson,  Bushnell,  Barnes 
and  Wall. 

In  1846,  a  post  office  was  established  on  Section  32,  Avith  Jacob  Low  as  first  Postmaster. 
Mr.  Low  was  succeeded,  in  order  named,  by  Stephen  Brayton,  De  Witt  C.  Strong,  James  Hall 
and  William  Ridgeway.  The  first  mail  route  by  which  this  office  was  sup]died  was  from  Madi- 
son to  Portage.  Prior  to  the  completion  of  the  Northern  Division  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  & 
St.  Paul  Railroad,  this  route  was  extensively  patronized  by  traveling  men.  Jacob  Low  con- 
verted his  house  into  a  hotel  in  1846,  continuing  the  same  until  1853.     Stephen  Brayton,  who 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  797 

lived  but  a  short  distance  from  Mr.  Low  and  who  succeeded  him  as  Postmaster,  then  entertained 
man  and  beast  until  1856,  when  the  stage  line  was  discontinued  and  travel  thus  cut  oif.  In 
1852,  a  store  was  started  at  the  corners,  near  the  post  office,  by  Dr.  C.  Strong,  and  it  was 
thought  a  village  would  here  eventually  grow  up.  But  the  bright  anticipations  of  the  Doctor  and 
land-holders  thereabouts  had  not  been  realized,  up  to  March,  1880. 

The  early  settlers  were  occasionally  troubled  with  claim  jumpers,  and  the  Claim  Club  was 
brought  into  requisition  more  than  once.  At  a  very  early  day,  one  Devendorf  made  a  claim  to 
a  certain  quarter,  remained  on  it  for  a  time,  and  then  left,  no  one  knew  where.  Being  gone  a 
considerable  length  of  time  it  was  considered  he  had  abandoned  his  claim,  and  it  was  taken  by 
another  party.  In  the  course  of  time  Mr.  Devendorf  returned,  erected  a  shanty  on  the  claim 
and  proceeded  to  make  himself  at  home.  He  was  ordered  off  by  the  Club,  but  refused  to  go  ; 
therefore  one  night  he  received  a  visit  from  a  dozen  men,  and  was  taken  out  to  the  marsh  in  a 
state  almost  similar  to  that  in  which  he  came  into  the  world,  and  as  the  night  was  quite  cool  he 
soon  agreed  to  do  the  bidding  of  the  Club. 

There  are  two  post  offices  in  the  town — Lowville  and  Rocky  Run.  This  last  office  was 
established  in  1851,  with  J.  F.  Hand  as  Postmaster.  He  was  succeeded  by  Ella  C.  Curtiss,  who 
is  the  present  incumbent. 

The  following  comprise  the  town  officers  from  1849  to  1880  inclusive : 

1849 — Stephen  Brayton,  Chairman;  S.  P.  Webb,  James  Hinraan,  Supervisors;  Lemuel 
Page,  Clerk ;  Clark  M.  Young,  Treasurer ;  Jonathan  Hibbard,  Assessor ;  William  T.  Bradley, 
School  Superintendent. 

1850 — Oliver  C.  Howe,  Chairman;  John  A.  Bannon,  John  J.  Lewis,  Supervisors;  J. 
F.  Hand,  Clerk  ;  Silas  W.  Herring,  Treasurer ;  Jacob  Townsend,  Assessor ;  Walter  A.  North- 
rup,  School  Superintendent. 

1851 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman  ;  J.  A.  Bannon,  Henry  Lane,  Supervisors  ;  J.  C.  Jay, 
Clerk  ;  Samuel  Dunn,  Treasurer;  0.  C.  Howe,  Assessor;  C.  M.  Curtis,  School  Superintendent. 

1852 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman  ;  J.  Brady,  S.  P.  Webb,  Supervisors ;  P.  L.  Carman, 
Clerk ;  J.  Gilbert,  Treasurer ;  J.  Townsend,  Assessor ;  William  C.  Bonstel,  School  Superin- 
tendent. 

1853 — J.  F.  Hand,  Chairman  ;  Giles  Easton,  L.  G.  Folsom,  Supervisors ;  Samuel  Dunn, 
Clerk  ;  L.  G.  Folsom,  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor ;  William  C.  Bonstel,  School  Super- 
intendent. 

1854 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman  ;  Orin  Rogers,  Birdsell  Wheeler,  Supervisors ;  Samuel 
Dunn,  Clerk;  Samuel  Wheeler,  Treasurer;  William  C.  Bonstel,  Assessor;  VVilliam  C.  Bonstel, 
School  Superintendent. 

1855 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman  ;  Birdsell  Wheeler,  0.  F.  Rogers,  Supervisors ;  Samuel 
Dunn,  Clerk  ;  William  C.  Bonstel,  Assessor  and  School  Superintendent. 

1856 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman  ;  Michael  Gallagher,  Delos  Bundy,  Supervisors  ;  William 
C.  Bonstel,  Clerk  ;  N.  W.  Bennett,  Treasurer ;  J.  W.  Curtis,  Assessor ;  J.  F.  Hand,  School 
Superintendent. 

1857 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman;  H.  M.  Delaney,  R.  Johnson,  Supervisors;  F.  S.  Henry, 
Clerk  ;  N.  W.  Bennett,  Treasurer;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor;  J.  F.  Hand,  School  Superintendent. 

1858 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman;  Delos  Bundy,  H.  M.  Delaney,  Supervisors  ;  F.  S.  Henry, 
Clerk  ;   S.  R.  Lane,  Treasurer;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor;  J.  F.  Hand,  School  Superintendent. 

1859 — J.  F.  Hand,  Chairman ;  Ole  Wilson,  Birdsell  Wheeler,  Supervisors ;  Samuel  Dunn, 
Clerk;   H.  Lane,  Treasurer;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Asse-^sor;  F.  L.  Henry,  School  Superintendent. 

1860 — Delos  Bundy,  Chairman ;  William  H.  Young,  Nelson  Wilson,  Supervisors  ;  D.  C. 
Strong,  Clerk ;  W.  W.  Curtis,  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor ;  F.  L.  Henry,  School  Super- 
intendent. 

1861 — Delos  Bundy,  Chairman ;  H.  Lane,  0.  C.  Scovell,  Supervisors ;  D.  C.  Strong, 
Clerk ;  W.  W.  Curtis,  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor ;  M.  T.  Alverson,  School  Superin- 
tendent. 


798  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUXTY. 

1862 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman;  S.  W.  Herring,  Henry  Lane,  Supervisors;  M.  T. 
Alverson,  Clerk ;   W.  W.  Curtis,  Treasurer  ;   S.  P.  Webb,  Assessor. 

1863 — William  H.  Young.  Chairman  ;  Adam  Hall,  Matthew  Trout,  Supervisors  ;  Samuel 
Dunn,  Clerk ;  W.  \V.  Curtis,  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1864 — William  H.  Young,  Chairman;  Warren  Gilbert,  John  Halpin,  Supervisors;  Sam- 
uel Dunn,  Clerk  ;   W.  W.  Curtis,  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1865 — William  H.  Young,  Chairman  :  Adam  Hale,  John  Halpin,  Supervisors  ;  Samuel 
Dunn,  Clerk  ;  W.  W.  Curtis,  Treasurer;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Arsessor. 

1866 — I.  N.  Brown,  Chairman  ;  John  Budd,  Lewis  Edmister,  Supervisors ;  Samuel  Dunn, 
Clerk  ;  John  Halpin.  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1867 — J.  W.  Henry,  Chairman  ;  Elbridge  Curtis,  John  Halpin,  Supervisors  ;  Samuel 
Dunn,  Clerk  ;  W.  W.  Curtis.  Treasurer ;   F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1868 — S.  W.  Herring,  Chairman  ;  Elbridge  Curtis,  Matthew  Trout,  Supervisors ;  Sam- 
uel Dunn,  Clerk  ;   William  W.  Curtis,  Treasurer ;   F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1869 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman  ;  Matthias  Trout,  James  Price,  Supervisors ;  Samuel 
Dunn,  Clerk  ;  Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer ;   VV.  W.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1870 — William  F.  Young,  Chairman ;  Matthew  Trout,  Charles  Woodford,  Supervisors ; 
Samuel  Dunn,  Clerk:  Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1871 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman;  F.  M.  Delaney,  Eli  Rosabaugh,  Supervisors;  James 
Price,  Clerk  ;   Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer;   F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1872 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman ;  William  McNerney,  Eli  Rosabaugh,  Supervisors  ; 
James  Price,  Clerk  ;   Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer ;   F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1873 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman  ;  Eli  Rosabaugh,  Daniel  Scofield,  Supervisors ;  James 
Price,  Clerk  ;   Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer ;  F.  C.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1874 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman  ;  John  Kearney,  Daniel  Scofield,  Supervisors ;  James 
■Price,  Clerk  ;   Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer ;   S.  W.  Herring,  Assessor. 

1875 — Samuel  Dunn,  Chairman  ;  M.  Trout,  Isaac  Rosabaugh,  Supervisors  ;  James  Price, 
Clerk ;  Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer ;  S.  W.  Herring,  Assessor. 

1876 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairman ;  M.  Trout,  L.  C.  Brown,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph  Townsend, 
Clerk  ;  Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer ;  E.  Curtis,  Assessor. 

1877 — F.  C.  Curtis,  ( 'hairman ;  M.  Trout,  Nels.  Wilson,  Supervisors  ;  Samuel  Dunn, 
Clerk  ;  Joseph  Edmister,  Treasurer ;   William  Young,  Assessor. 

1878 — F.  C.  Curtis,  Chairmaiv;  M.  Trout,  John  Kearney,  Supervisors;  Samuel  Dunn, 
Clerk  ;   Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer  ;   William  H.  Young,  Assessor. 

1879 — John  Palmer,  Chairman ;  I.  L.  Curtis,  Thomas  Austin,  Supervisors ;  Joseph 
Townsend,  Clerk  ;  Joseph  Edmister,  Treasurer  ;   William  Evart,  Assessor. 

1880 — James  Price,  Chairman  ;  Matthias  Trout,  Nils  Wilson,  Supervisors  ;  Samuel  Dunn, 
Clerk  ;  Thomas  Smith,  Treasurer. 

TOWN    OF    MARCELLON. 

On  the  9th  day  of  January,  1849,  all  of  Township  13,  Ranges  10  and  11,  was  organized 
into  a  town,  and  the  name  of  Marcellon  given  to  it,  and  McDonald's  Hotel  designated  as  the 
place  for  holding  the  first  election.  At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  in 
December  following,  Township  13,  Range  11,  was  taken  from  the  town  leaving,  as  the  territory 
of  Marcellon,  all  of  Township  13,  Range  10. 

The  first  settler  in  the  town  was  Francis  B.  Langdon,  who  located  on  Section  24,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1845.  Case  and  Powell  came  soon  after.  P.  Peckham  came  in  March,  in  1846,  and  E. 
Herod,  William  J.  Ensign,  Gilman  H.  Hoyt,  came  that  same  year,  while,  previous  to  1849,  quite 
a  large  number  made  here  their  homes,  among  wiiom  were  Samuel  Seavy,  John  Seavy,  Thomas 
D.  Wallace,  William  H.  Cahoon,  George  Brinkerhoff,  William  Bonny,  Lawrence  Van  Duesan 
and  Hiram  Albee. 

The  first  marriage  in  the  town  was  that  of  P.  Peckham  and  Miss  Austin,  in  October,  1847. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUjSTTT.  799 

Death  claimed  the  first  victim  in  the  person  of  Harriet  Ensign.  She  was  the  daughter 
of  William  J.  Ensign.  Her  remains  were  deposited  on  the  farm  and  afterward  removed  to  the 
cemetery  at  Marcellon,  being  the  first  burial  therein. 

The  first  school  in  the  town  was  taught  by  Leona  Ensign  in  the  summer  of  1847,  on  Section 
36.  In  1879,  there  were  four  whole  and  eight  joint  districts,  with  seven  school  buildings,  valued 
at  $1,835,  with  accommodations  for  367  pupils.  The  number  in  attendance  during  that  year 
was  362,  and  the  total  amount  paid  in  the  districts,  where  there  are  school  buildings,  for  the  same 
peripd,  was  $1,148. 

The  first  religious  services  in  the  town  were  held  on  Section  1,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Powell  in 
June,  1846.  Elder  Wedge,  a  Baptist  minister,  was  the  pioneer  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  and 
addressed  the  audience  on  this  occasion. 

The  first  church  organized  was  the  Protestant  Methodist  at  Marcellon  Post  Office,  in  1849. 
Rev.  Mr.  Cassell  was  the  organizer,  and  meetings  were  held  in  the  schoolhouse.  No  church  edi- 
fice was  ever  erected.  The  congregation  disbanded  in  a  short  time,  the  greater  portion  of  the 
members  afterward  uniting  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Churcli  at  Pardeeville. 

In  1879,  there  were  two  churches  in  the  town,  the  Methodist  Episcopal  brethren  having 
one  on  Section  7,  and  the  Baptists  one  on  Section  5. 

The  first  winter  Francis  B.  Langdon  was  here  he  lived  in  a  small  log  house  in  which  there 
was  no  window,  and  but  one  door.  To  obtain  flour  and  meal  for  the  use  of  the  family,  he  had  to 
go  either  to  Beaver  Dam,  Columbus  or  Waupun,  it  requiring  several  days  to  make  the  journey, 
and,  when  arriving  at  his  destination,  there  was  no  certainty  of  obtaining  a  supply. 

On  the  20th  day  of  November,  1850,  was  organized  the  Marcellon  Cemetery  Association, 
with  Nathan  Beach,  George  Babcock,  James  D.  Carr,  Gilman  H.  Hoyt,  A.  L.  Crippin  and 
William  J.  Ensign,  Trustees.  The  association  purchased  of  Thomas  D.  Wallace  two  acres  off 
the  southwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  36,  for  cemetery  purposes.  In  1872, 
another  acre  was  added  to  the  original  plat.  The  daughter  of  William  J.  Ensign,  whose 
death  has  been  previously  mentioned,  was  the  first  here  buried. 

Marcellon  Post  Office  was  located  on  Section  36,  on  the  main  thoroughfare  between  Mil- 
waukee and  Portage,  and  around  the  office  grew  up,  between  the  years  1849  and  1857,  quite  a 
little  village,  the  greater  part  of  which  was  located  on  the  lands  of  William  J.  Ensign  and 
Andrew  Lipe.  During  this  time  there  were  here  three  general  stores,  with  other  kinds  of  busi- 
ness sufficiently  represented  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  community.  On  the  completion  of  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad,  which  was  run  three  miles  south,  the  place  ceased  to 
exist.  The  first  house  built  in  the  village  was  by  Gilman  Hoyt,  fhe  second  by  William  J. 
Ensign,  the  third  by  S.  G.  McDowell.  A.  P.  Lipe  built  the  first  hotel,  und  provided  "entertain- 
ment for  man  and  beast,"  for  a  number  of  years.  The  post  office  was  established  in  1849,  with 
William  Wallace  as  the  first  Postmaster.  Mr.  Wallace  was  succeeded  successively  by  William 
Greens,  George  Janes,  A.  P.  Lipe,  T.  Wade,  J.  W.  Campbell,  G.  Hoyt,  P.  C.  Heath,  William 
Herreman  and  Mrs.  M.  I.  Lock  wood  ;  the  latter  of  whom  was  in  possession  of  the  office  in 
February,  1880,  at  which  time  mail  was  received  twice  a  week  from  Pardeeville. 

Marcellon  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Scott,  on  the  west  bj'  Fort  Winnebago,  on  the  south 
by  Wyocena,  and  on  the  north  by  Marquette  County. 

The  town  has  a  rolling  surface,  is  in  some  parts  very  heavily  drift-covered,  is  almost  with- 
out marsh  or  prairie,  and,  lying  almost  wholly  within  the  area  of  the  Potsdam  sandstone,  presents 
a  generally  low  and  sandy  soil.  The  Fox  River  crosses  the  southeast  corner  of  the  town, 
and  two  small  head-streams  of  French  Creek,  a  tributary  of  the  Fox,  traverse  the  western 
section. 

Bellefountain  Post  Office  was  established  in  1850,  some  two  miles  north  of  its  present  loca- 
tion, on  Section  14,  with  James  H.  Bonney  as  Postmaster.  Between  1850  and  1859,  the  office 
was  moved  three  times,  with  Horace  Carpenter  and  Mr.  Kelly  as  Postmasters.  In  1859,  James 
Aldrich  was  appointed,  and  the  office  was  removed  within  a 'half-mile  of  its  present  location.  In 
1863,  Henry  Neef  succeeded  Mr.  Aldrich,  and,  in  turn,  was  succeeded  by  E.  C.  West  in  1869. 


800  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

On  tlie  18th  ilay  of  Fcbru:u-y,  1859,  Rev.  D.  C.  Miller  organized  the  Scott  and  Marcellon 
Free-Will  Baptist  Church.  Services  have  been  held  alternately  in  the  Barden  Schoolhouse,  in 
the  town  of  Scott,  and  Comstock  Schoolhouse,  in  this  town.  In  the  spring  of  1880,  a  church 
house  was  erected  on  the  line  dividing  the  two  towns,  but  in  the  town  of  Scott. 

Midland  Post  Office  is  located  upon  Section  3,  and  was  established  in  1847,  with  Robert 
McKay  as  Postmaster.  William  Meacher  was  appointed  in  1867,  and  is  the  present  Post- 
master. 

The  first  entry  of  land  was  by  L.  Foote  and  Charles  McDougal  October  11,  1836;  patent 
issued  November  7,  18.37,  for  the  southwest  ijuarter  of  Section  31,  containing  144  acres. 

In  1864,  a  Methodist  Episcopal  class  was  formed  at  the  stone  schoolhouse,  on  Section  5, 
but  the  first  preaching  by  a  minister  of  that  denomination  was  by  Rev.  Joseph  Bolton,  at  a 
schoolhouse  on  Section  18.  Mr.  Bolton  organized  the  class  mentioned,  and  ministered  unto 
them  during  his  stay  on  the  circuit.  He  was  succeeded,  in  the  order  named,  by  Revs.  T.  M. 
Ross,  M.  Peck,  Edward  Bronson,  Jabez  B.  Cole,  0.  B.  Clark,  William  Jones,  William  Cook, 
John  A' arty  and  W.  F.  Stright.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  on  Section  7,  known  as  the 
Goodman  Church,  was  built  in  1869.  The  building  committee  were  Farnsworth,  Morrison, 
Dunbar,  Goodman  and  D.  S.  Woodworth.  The  Baptists  have  a  church  on  the  southwest  quarter 
of  Section  5,  which  was  built  in  1869.  Mitchell,  Rounds,  Cocker,  Loomer,  Dates  and  Wood- 
worth  were  active  in  its  construction. 

Hiram  Albee,  of  whom  mention  has  been  made  as  an  early  settler,  died  on  the  8th  day  of 
May,  1878.  The  Portage  Jiegistei- thus  speaks  of  him  :  "  The  late  Hiram  Albee  was  one  of 
Marcellon's  oldest  and  most  valued  citizens.  He  was  born  at  Wardsboro,  Windham  Co.  Yt., 
February  13,  1812 ;  although  he  was  one  of  ten  children  and  his  parents  were  very  poor,  he  man- 
aged by  means  of  his  natural  abilities  and  industry  to  acquire  considerable  education,  as  is 
shown  by  his  teaching  during  his  life  twenty  terms  of  district  school  ;  a  large  number  of  men  and 
women  can  testify  to  his  faithfulness  and  efficacy  as  a  teacher.  In  1828,  he  emigrated  to  New 
York  and  then  married  May  J.  Barrett,  of  Broad  Albion,  in  that  State. 

"  He  remained  in  New  York  until  1846,  when  he  removed  to  Wisconsin,  and  in  1847,  he 
settled  at  Marcellon,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  was  identified  with  the 
organization  of  this  town  and  was  its  second  town  Superintendent,  which  office  he  held  for  three 
terms.  He  was  also  Deputy  Provost  Marshal  during  the  late  war,  and  was  Justice  of  the  Peace 
for  more  than  twelve  years.  He  died  as  he  had  lived  for  many  years,  a  member  in  good  and 
regular  standing  of  the  Close  Communion  Baptist  Church,  and  to  this  church,  as  well  as  to 
the  community  and  his  sosrowing  family  his  death  is  a  great  loss.  He  leaves  an  aged  wife  and 
eight  children  :  W.  C.  Albee,  of  Marcellon  ;  Emily  A.  Ross,  wife  of  Henry  Ross,  Barron  County  ; 
Euretta  McDonald,  wife  of  Marion  McDonald,  Furnass  County,  Neb.;  George  W.  Albee,  of  Ben- 
ton County,  Iowa  ;  Morette  Dean,  wife  of  Charles  Dean,  Barron  County,  Wis.;  D.  J.  Albee,  Port- 
age, Wis.;  Gurdetta  Ilerreman,  wife  of  Ivin  Herreman,  of  Marcellon,  and  Fagette  Albee,  ofMar- 
cellon.  The  funeral  was  held  at  the  late  residence  of  deceased  in  Marcellon,  and  was  conducted 
by  Elder  Thomas  Yule  of  this  city,  and  the  singing  was  led  by  David  G.  Muir,  in  pursuance  of 
a  request  of  Mr.  Albee  previous  to  his  death." 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  from  the  organization  of  the  town  to  the  present 
time : 

1849 — Mathew  W.  Patton,  Chairman  ;  John  Meddaugh,  Samuel  Seavey,  Supervisors ; 
Thomas  D.  Wallace,  Clerk ;  Oilman  H.  Hoyt,  Assessor ;  John  Seavy,  Treasurer ;  James  M. 
Hoyt.  School  Superintendent. 

1850 — John  Seavy,  Chairman  ;  Thomas  D.  "Wallace,  William  H.  Cahoon.  Supervisors ; 
George  BrinkerhofT,  Clerk;  William  Bonny,  Treasurer;  Lawrence  Van  Dueson,  Assessor; 
Hiram  Albee,  School  Superintendent. 

1851 — Moses  F.  Case,  Chairman:  Samuel  Hovey,  James  M.  Hoyt,  Supervisors  ;  William 
H.  Cahoon,  Clerk;  Martin  M.  Williams,  Treasurer;  James  D.  Cann,  E.  A.  McDowell, 
Assessors  ;  0.  D.  Coleman,  School  Superintendent. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.        '  801 

1852 — Jacob  Rood,  Chairman;  Elmon  Barker,  Gilinan  H.  Hoyt,  Supervisors;  S.  G. 
McDowell,  Clerk  ;  James  D.  Carr,  Treasurer ;  Nathan  Beach,  Assessor ;  0.  D.  Coleman, 
School  Superintendent. 

18-53 — Ebenezer  Williams,  Chairman  ;  David  Wyman,  E.  A.  McDowell,  Supervisors ; 
Morris  S.  Williams,  Clerk  ;  E.  A.  McDowell,  Jacob  Rood,  Assessors;  John  Seavy,  Treasurer: 
P.  C.  Heath,  School  Superintendent. 

1854 — E.  A.  McDowell,  Chairman ;  Darius  Pierce,  Ovid  French,  Supervisors ;  S.  A. 
Knapp,  Clerk ;  Ovid  French,  J.  S.  Blodgett,  Elmon  Barker,  Assessors  ;  Elam  McDowell, 
Treasurer ;   0.  D.  Coleman,  School  Superintendent. 

1855 — John  Seavy,  Chairman  ;  Simon  Hoyt,  H.  J.  Prescott,  Supervisors ;  B.  A.  Knapp, 
Clerk  ;  William  Meacher,  Nathan  Beach,  Assessors  ;  E.  McDowell,  Treasurer ;  J.  M.  Hoyt, 
School  Superintendent. 

1856 — ^M.  F.  Cass,  Chairman;  E.  G.  Chase,  H.  J.  Prescott,  Supervisors;  S.  A.  Knapp, 
Clerk  ;  William  Meacher,  Nathan  Beach,  Assessors ;  E.  M.  McDowell,  Treasurer  :  0.  D.  Cole- 
man, School  Superintendent. 

1857 — James  H.  Bonney,  Chairman  ;  Martin  M.  Williams,  Edwai-d  Leighton,  Supervisors  : 
Rufus  Comstock,  Clerk  ;  Elam  McDowell,  Treasurer  ;  Josiah  Pierce,  S.  A.  Knapp,  Assessors  ; 
J.  C.  Blodgett,  School  Superintendent. 

1858 — James  H.  Bonney,  Chairman  :  James  H.  Blodgett,  P.  C.  Heath,  Supervisors : 
Rufus  Comstock,  Clerk  ;  Martin  M.  Williams,  Treasurer ;  William  Meacher,  Merrell  H.  Smith, 
Assessors ;  J.  C.  Blodgett,  School  Superintendent. 

1859 — M.  M.  Williams,  Chairman  ;  Edward  Leighton,  W.  W.  Comstock,  Supervisors ;  C. 
C.  Chappie,  Clerk ;  F.  B.  Langdon,  Treasurer ;  M.  F.  Cass,  Assessor  ;  Hiram  Allen,  School 
Superintendent. 

I860 — S.  A.  Knapp,  Chairman;  N.  Beech,  R.  D.  Tasker,  Supervisors;  F.  McGuire, 
Clerk;   A.  Smith,  Treasurer;   William  Meacher,  School  Superintendent. 

1861 — S.  A.  Knapp,  Chairman  ;  R.  D.  Tasker,  G.  W.  Allen,  Supervisors ;  E.  G.  Chase, 
Clerk;   S.Herreman,  Treasurer  ;  M.  H.  Smith,  Assessor;   Hiram  Albee,  School  Superintendent. 

1862 — Nathan  Beach,  Chairman ;  William  Meacher,  G.  C.  Hopkins,  Supervisors  ;  M.  S. 
Williams,  Clerk ;   S.  A.  Knapp,  Treasurer ;  William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1863 — James  M.  Hoyt,  Chairman  ;  W.  W.  Comstock,  H.  H.  Chapman,  Supervisors ;  E. 
G.  Chase,  Clerk  ;   Samuel  Herriman,  Treasurer  ;  P.  C.  Heath,  Assessor. 

1864 — Phillip  Loomis,  Chairman  ;  0.  S.  Ensign,  W.  W.  Comstock,  Supervisors ;  E.  G. 
Chase,  Clerk  ;  Jackson  Kohler,  Treasurer ;   Hiram  Albee,  Assessor. 

186.5 — William  Meacher,  Chairman;  G.  H.  Hoyt,  James  C.  Morrison,  Supervisors;  H. 
Albee,  Clerk  ;  William  Woodford,  Treasurer  ;   William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1866 — L.  A.  Bliss.  Chairman;  L.  H.  Cass,  G.  W.  Allen,  Supervisors;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk ;   Edward  Leighton,  Treasurer ;   Henry  Preston,  Assessor. 

1867 — L.  A.  Bliss,  Chairman :  R.  D.  Tasker,  G.  W.  Allen,  Supervisors ;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk  ;  Rufus  Comstock,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1868 — C.  W.  Beach,  Chairman;  G.  S.  Dunbar,  W.  W.  Comstock,  Supervisors;  Henry 
Neef,  Clerk  ;  L.  A.  Bliss,  Treasurer  and  Assessor. 

1869 — George  S.  Dunbar,  Chairman :  W.  W.  Comstock,  R.  D.  Tasker,  Supervisors ; 
Henry  Neef,  Clerk  ;   H.  H.  Preston,  Treasurer  ;  M.  H.  Smith,  Assessor. 

1870 — Hiram  Albee,  Chairman ;  E.  C.  West,  Frank  Fuller,  Supervisors  ;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk  ;   William  Herriman,  Treasurer :  William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1871 — Hiram  Albee,  Chairman  ;  John  Moran,  Frank  Fuller,  Supervisors ;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk;  William  Herriman,  Treasurer;  William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1872 — Hiram  Albee,  (^'hairman ;  John  Moran,  D.  B.  Herreman,  Supervisors  ;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk  ;  William  Herriman,  Treasurer ;   William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1873 — Hiram  Albee,  Chairman  ;  John  Moran,  D.  B.  Herreman,  Supervisors  ;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk  ;  Asa  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  William  Meacher,  Assessor. 


802  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1874 — Hiram  Albee,  Chairman  ;  John  Moran,  D.  B.  Herreman,  Supervisors ;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk:  William  Herreman,  Treasurer;   William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1875 — Hiram  Albee,  Chairman;  John  Moran,  D.  B.  Herreman,  Supervisors;  Henry  Neef, 
Clerk;  William  Herreman.  Treasurer;  William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1876 — 0.  D.  Coleman,  Chairman;  Isaac  Beach,  Zadoc  Waite,  Supervisors;  Henry  Neef. 
Clerk ;  Asa  Smith,  Treasurer ;   William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

1877 — 0.  D.  Coleman,  Chairman:  C.  Cole,  Z.  Waite,  Supervisors  ;  Amos  Cannon,  Clerk  ; 
Asa  Smith,  Treasurer :  Stephen  Woodard,  Assessor. 

1878. — Asa  Smith,  Chairman:  Levi  Reeves,  John  Moran,  Supervisors;  A.  A.  Cannon, 
Clerk  ;   Christopher  Cole,  Treasurer ;  Elon  Woodard.  Assessor. 

1879 — Asa  Smith,  Chairman ;  William  Barry,  John  Moi-an,  Supervisors  ;  A.  A.  Cannon, 
Clerk  ;   H.  M.  Preston,  Treasurer ;  AVilliam  Meacher.  Assessor. 

1880 — Asa  Smith,  Chairman;  William  Carry,  Henry  Cuff,  Supervisors;  A.  A.  Cannon,^ 
Clerk ;  Christopher  Cole,  Treasurer :  William  Meacher,  Assessor. 

TOWN    OF   NEWPORT. 

This  town  includes  all  of  the  west  half  of  Township  13  north,  of  Range  7  east,  lying 
north  of  the  Wisconsin,  and  so  much  of  the  east  half  of  Township  13  north,  of  Range  6  east, 
as  lies  north  and  east  of  that  river. 

The  first  settler  was  Alonzo  B.  Stearns,  who  came  here  in  March,  184'J,  and  located  on 
Section  17.  Mr.  Stearns  erected  a  small  log  cabin,  and  commenced  to  clear  the  land  for  a  farm. 
The  second  person  to  settle  in  the  town  was  Marvin  Mason,  followed  by  E.  A.  Toles,  E.  A. 
Toles.  Jr.,  and  Mr.  Abbott.     These  all  came  in  the  spring  of  1849. 

The  first  child  born  in  the  town  was  Lena  Oleson,  daughter  of  Mary  and  Ole  Arenson, 
December  26,  1849,  at  the  house  of  J.  Thompson. 

The  first  marriage  was  that  of  "Big  "  Swain  Tollison  and  Tony  Gunder.  The  happy  couple 
were  poor  in  this  world's  goods,  and  there  being  no  one  in  the  neighborhood  authorized  to 
perform  the  marriage  ceremony,  they  went  on  foot  in  search  of  a  priest.  Crossing  the 
river,  where  the  village  of  Newport  was  afterward  located,  the  lady  was  left  in  the  care  of 
Mr.  Gilson  and  family,  and  the  gentleman  proceeded  to  Delton  and  secured  the  services  of  Elder 
Topping  to  unite  them  in  wedlock.  Not  having  any  money  to  satisfy  the  Elder,  Mr.  Tollison 
agreed  to  pay  him  in  hay  some  time  during  the  next  season  :  but  it  required  a  gentle  reminder 
from  the  good  man  before  he  secured  his  dues. 

The  town  did  not  fill  up  very  rapidly  with  settlers,  and  it  was  not  until  the  winter  of  1853—54 
that  a  schoolhouse  was  built.  In  the  spring  of  1854,  Miss  Frances  M.  Howard  taught  the  first 
school,  at  a  salary  of  §2.25  per  week.     The  schoolhouse  was  located  on  Section  7. 

The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  town  was  at  the  house  of  A.  B.  Stearns,  July  5,  1852, 
the  occasion  being  the  death  of  L.  W.  Stearns.  Elder  Dickens,  a  Wesleyan  Methodist,  was  the 
officiating  clergyman.  The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  English  language,  where  people  assem- 
bled for  religious  purposes,  was  at  the  house  of  E.  A.  Toles,  Jr.,  in  March,  1853,  and  was  deliv- 
ered by  Elder  Anderson,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

Hospitality  was  a  distinguishing  trait  of  almost  every  early  settler.  Marvin  Mason,  with 
his  wife,  two  children,  and  a  brother  of  Mrs.  Mason,  William  Pixley,  lived  together  in  a  cabin 
14x16  feet.  A.  B.  Stearns  and  Mr.  Abbott  boarded  with  them,  and  when  E.  A.  Toles  and 
wife,  E.  A.  Toles,  Jr.,  wife  and  two  children,  came  out,  they  also  stopped  with  Mr.  Mason,  and  all 
lodged  in  that  cabin  until  the  Toles'  could  erect  themselves  a  house. 

There  were  several  Norwegians  who  were  early  settlers  of  this  town.  Some  of  them  located 
there  in  the  fall  of  1849,  among  whom  were  Peter  Juleson  and  family,  Swain  Tollison,  J. 
Thompson,  Paul  Anderson,  Swain  Thompson,  Iver  Inglebretson,  Hans  Peterson,  George  Peter- 
son, Kittle  Kittleson  and  Osman  Jensen.  They  are  a  thrifty  class  of  people,  and  are  generally 
held  in  high  esteem  by  their  American  neighbors.     The  first  religious  services  in  the  town  were 


HISTORY    OF    COLIMBIA    COUNTY.  803 

held  by  them  in  1852.  At  this  time  they  organized  a  society,  to  which  was  given  the  name  of 
Norwegian  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church.  In  April,  18.57,  a  lot  was  selected  on  the  northwest 
quarter  of  Section  20,  and  the  erection  of  a  church  was  begun,  and  soon  after  completed  and 
opened  for  worship.  The  entire  work  was  accomplished  by  volunteer  labor.  Rev.  H.  A.  Preus 
was  the  first  Pastor,  and  labored  with  the  congregation  for  fifteen  years.  The  Rev.  E.  J.  Peter- 
son has  served  since  December,  1879. 

Newport  was  taken  from  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago,  and  organized  as  a  new  town,  on  the 
loth  of  November,  18.52,  by  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors.  At  the  time  the  town  was  set 
off,  the  Wisconsin  River  was  quite  high,  and  occasionally  boats  would  run  up  and  effect  a  land- 
ing on  the  site  of  the  village  that  was  then  being  surveyed,  and  the  old  settlers  were  asked  to 
select  a  name.  The  name  of  Newport  was  suggested,  as  here  a  new  port  was  being  made  by  the 
boatmen.     The  name  was  accepted,  and  the  village  and  town  were  called  by  it. 

The  first  election  was  held  at  the  house  of  James  Christie,  the  first  Monday  in  April,  1853. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  officers  elected  since  the  organization  of  the  town  : 

1853 — James  Christie,  Chairman  ;  Andrew  Washburn,  Perry  Woodworth,  Supervisors  ; 
Joseph  Bailey,  Town  Clerk  ;  E.  W.  Bradley,'  Treasurer  ;   Charles  Bowen,  Assessor. 

1854 — Edward  A.  Tolls,  Jr.,  Chairman  ;  John  Cone,  Herman  Bradway,  Supervisors  ; 
Thomas  Laffan,  Town  Clerk;   Alonzo  B.  Stearns,  Treasurer:   H.   H.  Beardsley,  Assessor. 

1855 — Samuel  H.  Baker,'-  Chairman  ;  Peter  Rafferty,  David  Cone,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas 
Laffan,  Town  Clerk  ;   Isaac  Andrews,^  Treasurer ;  Elbridge  Walker,  Assessor. 

1856 — Edward  Dawes,  Chairman  ;  David  Cone,  Paul  Anderson,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas 
Laffan,  Town  Clerk ;  Alonzo  B.  Stearns,  Treasurer ;   Thomas  Laffan,  Assessor. 

1857 — Edward  Dawes,  Chairman  ;  David  Cone,  Paul  Anderson,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas 
Laffan,  Town  Clerk;   Thomas  Laffan,  Treasurer;  Jacob  Sterenberger,  Assessor. 

1858 — Edward  T.  Hookm-,  Chairman  ;  Stewart  Blood,  John  Stuvell,  Supervisors  ;  J.  H. 
Foote,*  Town  Clerk;  H.  H.  Beardsley,  Treasurer;  H.  McDonald,  Jacob  Frey,  Elbridge 
Walker,  Assessors. 

1859 — Jonathan  Bowman,  Chairman  ;  William  Porter,  David  Stilhvell,  Supervisors  ;  Clin- 
ton D.  Woodruff,  Town  Clerk  ;  H.  H.  Beardsley,  Treasurer ;  Daniel  B.  Kuney,  .Jacob  Steren- 
berger, Stewart  Blood,  Assessors 

1860 — John  W.  King,  Chairman  ;  .John  Tanner,  Osmond  Jenson,  Supervisors  ;  William 
A.  Gardner,'  Town  Clerk  ;   Halvor  Severson,  Treasurer  ;  Emory  W.  Wait,  Assessor. 

1861 — John  W.  King,  Chairman  ;  John  Tanner,  Osmond  Jenson,  Supervisors  ;  J.  Jackson 
Brown,  Town  Clerk  ;  Halvor  Severson,  Treasurer  ;  Jacob  Sterenberger,  Rockwell  M.  Thomp- 
son, Amplius  Chamberlin,  Assessors. 

1862 — ^Robert  Herren,  Chairman;  Nathaniel  Van  Alstine,  Osmond  Jenson,  Supervisors; 
Abram  R.  Dixon,  Town  Clerk ;  Seth  Knowles,  Treasurer ;  Perry  G.  Stroud,  Irving  W.  York, 
Halvor  Severson,  Assessors. 

1863 — Robert  Herren,  Chairman  ;  Hans  Petersen,  Anfend  Nelson,  Supervisors  ;  G.  A. 
Corning,  Town  Clerk  ;  A.  L.  Proescher,  Treasurer;  F.  Heberlein,  Alonzo  B.  Stearns,  Osmond 
Jenson,"  Assessors. 

1864 — George  H.  Daniels,  Chairman ;  Hans  Peterson,  John  Lynch,  Supervisors ;  Edwin 
R.  Herren,  Town  Clerk  ;  A.  L.  Proescher,  Treasurer ;  Henry  M.  Whitney,'  Martin  Nelson, 
George  F.  Noble,  Assessors. 

1865 — Irving  W.  York,  Chairman  ;  Anfend  Nelson,  Charles  Teshner,  Supervisors  :  Char- 
les A.  Noyes,"*  Town  Clerk;  Charles  Mceller,  Treasurer;  Amplias  Chamberlin,  Martin  Nelson, 
Assessors. 


1.  E.  W.  Bradley  failed  to  qualify  and  Charles  K.  Gile  was  duly  appointed  and  qualified. 

2.  Mr.  Bilker  qualified,  and  afterward,  during  hid  term,  removed  from  the  towu,  and  Edward  Oawes  was  duly  elected  to  the   office  in 
his  place. 

3.  Mr.  Andrews  failed  to  qualify  and  Thomas  Laffan  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

4.  C.  D.  Woodruff,  Deputy  Town  Clerk,  appears  to  have  performed  Ilie  duties  of  Town  Clerk,  during  the  term. 
■">.  Mr.  Gardner  acted  as  Clerk  durinj;  part  ot  the  term  ;  J.  Jack.iou  Brown  (appointee)  dunug  the  remainder. 

6.  Mr.  Jenson  failed  to  qualify,  and  D.  B.  Kuney  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

7.  Mr.  Whitney  failed  to  qualify,  and  E.  .\.  King  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

8.  Mr.  Noyea  resigned  December  13, 1S65,  and  Thomas  B.  Coon  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 


804  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY.  ' 

186ij — Irving  W.  York,'  Chairman  ;  Benjamin  D.  Dawes,  Anfend  Nelson,  Supervisors ; 
Thomas  B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk ;  Charles  Mceller,  Treasurer ;  Amplias  Chamberlin,  Alonzo  B. 
Stearns,  Assessors. 

1867 — Robert  Herren.  Chairman  ;  Charles  Teshner,  Osmond  Jenson,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk;  Charles  Mte'ler,  Treasurer;  Amplias  Chamberlin,  Frank  Hill,  Halvor 
Severson,  Assessors. 

1868 — Robert  Herren,  Chairman  ;  Charles  Teshner.  Hans  Peterson,  Supervisors  ;  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  ;  Charles  Mueller,  Treasurer ;  Amplias  Chamberlin,  Alonzo  B.  Stearns, 
Henry  Howard,  Assessors. 

1869-— George  H.  Daniels,  Chairman:  George  Ribenack,  Anfend  Nelson.' Supervisors ; 
Michael  GrifBn,  Town  Clerk  ;   Henry  M.  Whitney,  Treasurer ;  Amplias  Chamberlin,  Assessor. 

1870 — George  Smith,  Chairman ;  George  Ribenack,  Anfend  Nelson,''  Supervisors ; 
Michael  GrifBn,  Town  Clerk;   Henry  M.  Whitney,  Treasurer;  George   H.  Daniels,'  Assessor. 

1871 — George  Smith,  Chairman;  John  N.  Schmitz,  John  Mylrea.  Supervisors;  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  ;   Henry  M.  Whitney,  Treasurer:   William  A.  Ramsey.  Assessor. 

1872 — George  Smith,''  Chairman  :  John  Mylrea,  John  N.  Schmitz,  Supervisors  :  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  ;   Amplias  Chamberlin.  Treasurer :   W;lliam  A.  Ramsey,  Assessor. 

1873 — Irving  W.  York,  Chairman  ;  John  N.  Schmitz.  Anfend  Nelson,  Supervisors ;  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk:  Amplias  Chamberlin,  Treasurer:   William  A.  Ramsey,  Assessor. 

1874 — Amplias  Chamberlin,  Chairman  ;  Anfend  Nelson,  George  Ribenack,  Supervisors  ; 
Thomas  B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  :  John  R.  Snider,  Treasurer :   William  A.  Ramsey,  Assessor. 

1875 — Irving  W.  Y'ork,  Chairman:  George  Ri'^enack,  Anfend  Nelson.  Supervisors; 
Michael  Griffin,  Town  Clerk  ;  John  R.  Snider,  Treasurer ;   William  A.  Ramsey,  Assessor. 

1876 — Irving  W.  Y'ork,  Chairman  :  John  N.  Schmitz,  Martin  Nelson,  Supervisors:  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  :  Marcius  A.  Rublee,  Treasurer;  Frank  Hill,  Halvor  Seversen,'' J.  Henry 
Guyer,'  Assessors. 

1877 — Irving  W.  Y^ork,  Chairman:  John  N.  Schmitz,  Thomas  Hanson,  Supervisors; 
Thomas  B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  :   Marcius  A.  Rublee,  Treasurer :   Frank  Hill,  Assessor. 

1878 — Irving  W.  Y'ork,  Chairman:  John  N.  Schmitz,  Thomas  Hanson,  Supervisors;  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  :   Marcius  A.  Rublee,  Treasurer  :   William  A.  Ramsey,  Assessor. 

1879 — Irving  W.  Y'ork,  Chairman :  John  N.  Schmitz,  Thomas  Hanson,  Supervisors  ; 
Thomas  B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk  ;  Marcius  A.  Rublee,  Treasurer  ;  Frank  Hill,  Assessor. 

1880 — Irving  W.  Y^ork,  Chairman :  Thomas  Hanson,  R.  B.  Rose,  Supervisors ;  Thomas 
B.  Coon,  Town  Clerk:   George  A.  Boyd,  Treasurer:   Frank  Hill,  Assessor. 

From  the  organization  of  the  town  until  1858,  it  was  Democratic  in  politics,  since  which 
time  it  has  gone  Republican  at  every  annual  election. 

The  town  of  Newport,  like  Fort  Winnebago  and  Lewiston,  presents  the  usual  sandy  soil. 
In  Township  13,  Range  6,  and  Township  13,  Range  7,  the  ground  raises  rapidly  towards  the 
north  and  west,  so  that  on  the  north  side  of  the  town  it  attains  elevations  considerably  over  400 
feet,  being  well  upon  the  high  ground  which  encircles  the  plain  of  Adams  and  Juneau  Counties. 
The  eastern  portion  of  the  town,  extending  into  the  town  of  Lewiston,  is  occupied  by  a  large 
tamarack  marsh,  four  miles  across,  from  north  to  south,  and  three  from  east  to  west.  Along 
the  west  side  of  the  town  are  the  walls  of  the  lower  part  of  the  "  Dalles  of  the  Wisconsin." 

VILLAGE    OF   NEWPORT. 

In  1850,  Joseph  Bailey  made  claim  to  a  quarter-section  of  land  on  Section  15,  Township 
13   north,    Range  6   east,  lying   upon   the   east  bank   of  the  Wisconsin    River,  in  the  present 

I.  Mr.  York  faUeU  lo  i)Uiitif,v,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  D.  Dawes.  Supen-iaor,  perfornied  the  duties  of  Chairman  during  the  term. 

*2.  Mr.  Nelson  failed  to  qualify,  and  George  Smith  was  appointed  in  ilia  place. 

U.  Mr.  Nelson  failed  to  iinalifv,  and  John  M.vlrea  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

4.  Mr.  Daniels  fulled  to  qualify,  and  Daniel  B.  Kut<ey  wiu*  api>ointed  in  his  stead. 

5.  Mr.  Smith  removed  from  the  town  during  the  term,  and  Irving  W.  York  wa«  appointed  in  his  stead  March  26, 1873. 

6.  Mr.  Seversen  failed  to  qualify. 

7.  Mr.  Guyer  failed  to  qualify. 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  805 

town  of  Newport.  In  1851,  Jonathan  Bowman,  then  a  young  lawyer,  just  graduated  from  the 
law  school  at  Balston  Springs,  in  company  with  Dr.  George  W.  Jenkins,  who  had  just  received 
his  diploma  from  the  medical  college  at  the  University  of  New  York,  came  to  the  place.  Mr. 
Bowman  suggested  that  here  would  be  a  fine  site  for  a  village.  The  river  would  affoi'd  good 
water-power  for  all  the  mills  that  could  be  erected  upon  its  bank,  and  should  a  railroad  ever  be 
run  between  Milwaukee  and  La  Crosse,  coming  upon  a  direct  line,  it  would  cross  the  river  at 
this  point.  Mr.  Bailey,  at  this  time,  was  a  young  man  with  considerable  energy  but  little 
money,  and  he  proposed  to  Mr.  Bowman  that  if  he  would  advance  the  cash  to  build  a  small 
warehouse,  and  pay  for  the  land  he  had  selected,  when  it  came  into  market  he  should  have  con- 
veyed to  him  the  undivided  half  and  the  two  would  have  it  surveyed  and  platted  for  a  village. 
The  proposition  was  accepted. 

About  the  same  time  that  Mr.  Bailey  located  upon  the  east  side  of  the  river,  Edward 
Norris,  John  Marshall,  Joseph  Kendrick  and  William  Steele,  secured  the  title  of  the  land  upon 
the  west  side,  in  Sauk  County.  The  proposition  of  Mr.  Bowman  was  also  viewed  favorably 
by  these  gentlemen,  and  all  afterward  joined  in  building  up  the  village. 

In  1852,  a  charter  was  obtained  from  the  Legislature,  authorizing  the  construction  here, 
of  a  bridge  across  the  river,  which  was  to  serve  as  a  highway  for  commerce  and  travel.  Durinof 
that  year,  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  (now  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul)  Railroad  was 
chartered.  Byron  Kilbourn  became  its  President.  Steps  were  at  once  taken,  by  the  proprie- 
tors of  the  prospective  village,  to  secure  the  crossing  of  the  road  at  this  place,  and  to  their 
propositions  the  President  gave  a  satisfactory  reply. 

The  Legislature  of  the  State,  in  1853,  passed  an  act  authorizing  John  Marshall,  Joseph 
Bailey,  Edward  Norris,  Jonathan  Bowman,  Joseph  Kendrick,  Charles  Bowen  and  James  Chris- 
tie to  construct  a  dam  across  the  river  on  the  north  half  of  Sections  15,  Township  1-3,  Range 
6  east.  The  act  further  authorized  them  to  erect  and  use  mills  and  other  machinery ;  to  con- 
struct and  use  wharves  and  other  buildings ;  to  make  and  use  races  and  other  water-courses  on 
such  lands  as  it  might  be  necessary  thus  to  use,  or  in  any  manner  to  make  use  of  the  water  for 
hydraulic  purposes. 

By  entry  and  private  purchase,  Bailey  &  Bowman  had  obtained  400  acres  of  land,  and 
on  the  passage  of  this  act,  they  proceeded  to  survey  and  plat  a  portion  of  it.  They  gave  their 
village  the  name  of  Newport.  Then  the  owners  of  the  land  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  also 
laid  out  a  village  which  they  called  Dell  Creek.  Lots  in  Newport  were  no  sooner  placed  in  mar- 
ket than  purchasers  were  found  at  really  exorbitant  prices,  and  the  summer  of  1854  witnessed 
the  erection  of  a  number  of  dwellings  and  business  houses.  The  population  rapidly  increased 
until  the  summer  of  1855,  when  the  village  contained  about  1,500  inhabitants,  with  thirteen 
large  stores,  three  hotels  and  other  business  houses. 

As  a  further  inducement  to  secure  the  crossing  of  the  railroad  at  this  place,  Bailey  & 
Bowman  agreed  to  make  a  transfer  of  the  undivided  half  of  the  400  acres  owned  by  them  to 
Byron  Kilbourn,  President  of  the  company.  The  incorporators  of  the  dam  also  agreed  to 
assign  to  him  their  charter.  Kilbourn  sent  Garret  Vliet.  to  perfect  this  arrangement  in  the 
name  of  the  latter,  which  was  faithfully  carried  out  on  the  part  of  Bailey  &  Bowman  and  the 
incorporators  of  the  dam,  the  only  consideration  being  that  they  required  Mr.  Vliet  to  give  two 
bonds,  in  the  sum  of  $100,000  each,  providing  thdi,  in  case  the  road  should  not  cross  the  river 
at  this  point,  that  amount  should  be  forfeited  by  him  to  cover  damages  sustained  by  the  parties 
executing  the  deed  and  transfer.  Kilbourn,  through  his  representative,  Mr.  Vliet,  was  also 
bound  to  build  the  dam  as  provided  by  the  charter. 

Bailey,  Bowman  and  Vliet  now  proceeded  to  survey  and  plat  the  remainder  of  the  400 
acres,  extending  the  limits  to  the  village  from  Section  15  to  Section  4,  in  the  present  town  of 
Newport,  a  distance  of  a  mile  and  a  half  along  the  east  bank  of  the  river  and  one  half-mile 
back,  overlapping  a  portion  of  present  village  of  Kilbourn  City. 

When  it  became  known  that  additional  territory  was  being  platted,  it  gave  a  new  impetus 
to  every  kind  of  business,  especially  in  the  sale  of  lots,  which  changed  hands  rapidly  at  advanced 


806  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

rates.  In  some  cases  parties  would  double  their  money  in  twenty-four  hours'  time,  and  holders 
of  lots  did  not  know  whether  or  not  to  dispose  of  them.  The  name  of  Newport  was  considered 
too  tame,  and  it  was  changed  to  Wisconsin  City.  This  it  retained  but  a  short  time,  when,  by 
act  of  the  Legislature,  it  was  changed  back  to  Newport. 

Shortly  after  the  transfers  previously  mentioned,  Vliet,  acting  in  behalf  of  the  parties  in  whose 
interest  it  was  made,  began  the  construction  of  the  dam,  but  accomplished  very  little  in  the  mat- 
ter, as  it  was  thought  best,  in  order  to  avoid  individual  responsibility  for  any  damage  that  might 
arise  from  overflow  or  other  causes,  that  the  work  should  be  done  by  a  company  ;  therefore,  on 
petition,  the  Legislature  passed  an  act  authorizing  Garret  Vliet,  Andrew  Dunn,  Anson  Eldred, 
John  Anderson  and  John  B.  Vliet,  and  all  who  should  become  associated  with  them,  to  become  a 
body  corporate  under  the  name  of  the  "Wisconsin  River  Hydraulic  Company,"  and  as  such  cor- 
poration to  have  perpetual  succession,  to  be  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being 
impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered  unto,  both  in  law  and  ecjuity,  in  all  courts,  and  of 
making  and  entering  into  contracts  with  all  parties  ;  of  purchasing,  holding  and  conveying  real, 
personal  and  mixed  estates  ;  of  having  a  common  seal  and  making  and  changing  the  same  at 
pleasure;  of  appointing  all  such  officers,  agents  and  servants  as  to  them  might  seem  necessary 
and  proper  for  (Conducting  the  business  and  protecting  the  interests  of  the  corporation,  and  pre- 
scribe the  compensation  to  be  paid  for  all  services  rendered  by  the  persons  so  appointed ;  and 
generally  to  do  all  such  acts  and  things  as  might  be  necessary  for  carrying  out  the  objects  of  the 
corporation.  The  company  was  also  authorized  to  erect  a  dam  across  the  Wisconsin  River  on 
Sections  9,  10  and  15,  or  either  of  them,  in  Township  13  north,  Range  6  east,  in  counties  of 
Columbia  and  Sauk,  but  not  so  high  as  to  interfere  with  the  navigation  of  the  river  by  rafts,  logs 
or  lumber,  and  to  erect  and  use  mills,  manufactories  and  other  machinery  of  whatever  kind,  to 
construct  and  use  booms,  wharves,  storehouses  and  other  buildings,  to  make  and  use  races  and 
otlier  water-courses,  and  tomakeuseof  the  water  for  hydraulic  purposes,  and  to  authorize  the  same  to 
be  done  by  other  parties  for  a  consideration  to  be  agreed  on  by  and  between  the  corporation  and 
such  other  parties  as  might  desire  to  be  interested  therein.  To  this  company,  Mr.  Vliet 
conveyed  the  real  estate  secured  from  Bailey  &  Bowman,  as  well  as  the  charter  for  the  building 
of  the  dam,  and  the  company  assumed  in  its  name  the  bonds  given  to  Bailey  &  Bowman  and  the 
originators  of  the  dam. 

A  survey  of  the  new  railroad  was  made  with  Newport  as  a  point  upon  the  line,  and  it  was 
said  that  every  agreement  made  with  Mr.  Vliet  was  to  be  carried  out  in  good  faith,  therefore  vil- 
lage lots  continued  to  advance  in  price.  Holders  of  real  estate  in  proximity  to  the  village  also 
held  the  same  at  high  figures,  and  some,  whose  lands  would  be  overflowed  by  the  construction 
of  the  dam,  gave  notice  they  should  expect  quite  large  sums  for  "flowage."  This  proceeding 
alarmed  the  members  of  the  hydraulic  company,  who  feared  their  profits  would  thus  be  cut  short. 
As  they  were  under  bonds  to  complete  the  dam,  and  also  to  cause  the  railroad  to  cross  the  river 
at  this  place,  they  feared  they  were  at  the  mercy  of  tiiose  who  might  make  claims  for  damages. 
In  this  extremity,  they  proposed  to  those  to  whom  they  had  given  bonds  to  surrender  the  same, 
assuring  them  that  the  railroad  would  undoubtedly  cross  at  this  point,  that  it  was  to  their  interest 
it  should  do  so,  and  that  their  only  reason  for  making  the  request  was  that  they  could  make 
better  terms  with  those  who  should  lay  claim  for  damages  arising  from  the  overflow  of  their 
lands.  If  it  should  be  known  by  these  parties  that  the  hydraulic  company  was  under  no 
pecuniary  obligation  to  have  the  road  constructed  through  the  village,  they  would  not  be  so  ex- 
orbitant in  their  demands.  As  Bailey  &;  Bowman,  together  with  the  incorporators  of  the  dam, 
were  only  desirous  the  road  should  cross  here,  and  believing  the  work  so  far  advanced  that  the 
company  would  not  readily  change  its  plans,  and  having  such  strong  faith  in  their  new  and  en- 
terprising village  that  the  railroad  company  could  not  ignore  its  claims,  they  consented  to  the 
request,  and  the  bonds  were  surrendered.  While  these  operations  were  taking  place,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  hydraulic  company  were  engaged  in  a  trade  for  other  land.  They  purchased  the 
tract  upon  which  Kilbourn  City  was  afterward  located. 

During  the  summer  of  1855,  the  citizens  of  Newport  began  to  fear  there  was  yet  some 
danger  of  losing  the  road,  and  when  it  became  known  that,  in  the   month  of  August,  a  survey 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  807 

of  another  line  had  been  made,  with  the  object  of  crossing  the  river  about  two  miles  above, 
their  fears  and  anger  were  unbounded.  The  further  growth  of  the  village  was  at  once 
checked. 

While  it  was  said  by  those  in  authority  that  the  road  would,  in  all  probability,  cross  at 
Newport,  all  confidence  in  their  assurances  was  lost.  Communication  was  entered  into  between 
the  citizens  and  the  railroad  company  and  with  the  hydraulic  company,  but  no  satisfaction 
was  given.  The  latter  company  were  asked  to  again  enter  into  bonds  or  to  restore  the  land  and 
dam  privileges,  to  all  of  which  they  turned  a  deaf  ear.  As  will  readily  be  seen,  neither 
the  original  owners  of  the  land,  the  first  incorporators  of  the  dam  or  the  citizens  of  the  village 
who  had  made  investments  therein,  with  the  understanding  that  the  railroad  should  cross  the 
river  here,  had  any  recourse  in  law. 

When  these  facts  were  fully  impressed  upon  the  minds  of  all,  and  when  known  to  a  cei-- 
tainty  that  the  railroad  would  cross  the  river  about  two  miles  above,  on  Section  4,  a  panic 
ensued  among  the  holders  of  real  estate.  Nearly  every  one  wished  to  sell  and  few  desired  to 
buy.  Property  began  to  depreciate  very  rapidly,  and,  in  the  spring  of  1857,  when  the  rail- 
road was  completed  through  the  village  of  Kilbourn  City,  lots  that,  two  years  previous,  were 
held  at  $1,000,  could  readily  be  purchased  for  $100.  Every  day,  there  were  some  leaving  for 
other  and  more  favorable  localities.  Good  dwelling-houses,  on  which  there  were  small  mort- 
gages, were  abandoned  or  willingly  surrendered  to  the  mortgagees.  Notwithstanding  all  this, 
there  were  still  a  few  who  were  determined   not  to  give  up  without  a  further   struggle   for   life. 

In  the  winter  of  1857,  a  petition,  numerously  signed  by  the  citizens  of  Newport,  was  pre- 
sented to  the  railroad  company,  praying  for  the  location  of  a  depot  at  a  point  on  the  road  near- 
est their  village.  As  an  inducement  to  the  company  to  grant  their  request,  the  citizens  obli- 
gated themselves  to  build  and  keep  in  good  order  a  ferry  across  the  river,  and  to  carry  free  all 
freight  intended  for  the  village  of  Delton,  Baraboo  or  other  point  on  the  west  side.  As  the 
Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  was  not  built  at  this  time,  this  would  be  a  favorable  arrange- 
ment for  citizens  of  the  places  mentioned,  as  well  as  for  the  railroad  company.  A  favorable 
response  to  their  appeal  was  made  on  condition  that  Newport  would  erect  a  suitable  station- 
house  and  pay  the  expense  of  such  additional  track  as  might  be  necessary  for  the  convenient 
transaction  of  all  business.     This  the  citizens  willingly  agreed  to  do. 

When  the  depot  was  built  and  an  agent  placed  in  charge,  Newport  held  a  large  mass-meet- 
ing, to  celebrate  its  "resurrection."  Speeches  were  made,  toasts  drank  and  a  general  season  of 
rejoicing  indulged  in.  It  was  now  believed  that  the  village  would  again  become  as  prosperous 
as  formerly,  and  all  their  fond  anticipations  realized. 

A  year  passed,  and  these  bright  visions  faded  away.  It  was  now  clearly  seen  that  they 
were  fighting  against  the  inevitable — the  village  was  doomed  to  die.  At  this  time,  the  popula- 
tion had  lessened  fully  one-half,  and  those  remaining  endeavored  to  make  a  change  as  quickly 
and  quietly  as  possible.  A  number  of  buildings  were  removed  bodily;  others  were  torn  down 
and  the  material  taken  away  for  erection  elsewhere.  Merchants  that  had  been  doing  a  business 
of  $20,000  to  $100,000  a  year  could  not  sell  enough  goods  to  pay  expenses,  and,  one  by  one, 
they  bo.xed  up  their  effects  and  sent  them  to  other  parts,  until,  in  the  summer  of  1860,  but  one 
firm  remained.  In  October  following.  Freeman  Longley  quietly  followed  the  example  of  others, 
and  the  village  of  Newport  was — dead. 

VILLAGE    OF    KILBOURN   CITY. 

It  has  already  been  stated  that  the  Wisconsin  River  Hydraulic  Company,  in  the  summer 
of  1855.  purchased  the  land  on  which  the  village  of  Kilbourn  City  was  afterward  located.  At 
this  point  the  table-land  lies  a.bout  eighty  feet  above  the  Wisconsin  River,  the  perpendicular, 
rocky  banks  of  which  are  occasionally  broken  by  easy  ravines  running  thirty,  forty  or  fifty  rods 
back.  These  table-lands  extend  northeast,  east,  and  southeast,  to  an  indefiuite  extent,  and  to  the 
south  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  where  they  become  more  broken  by  bluffs  and  hills.      Some 


808  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY. 

of  this  land  is  level,  and  some  gently  rolling.  In  a  state  of  nature  it  was  generally  covered  with 
scattering  oaks  of  middling  size,  the  river  and  some  of  the  ravines  being  fringed  with  rich-appear- 
ing yellow  pines.  This  ground  for  nearly  a  mile  in  length  and  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  was,  in 
the  month  of  June,  1856,  laid  out  in  village  lots,  with  two  main  streets,  one  hundred  feet 
wide,  corresponding  with  the  principal  points  of  the  compass,  crossing  at  right  angles  half  a  mile 
from  the  river,  and  all  the  other  streets  running  parallel  with  these  two,  eighty  feet  wide,  and 
dividing  the  whole  plat  into  convenient  squares  and  lots  for  residences  and  business. 

The  first  settler  at  this  place  was  Alanson  Holly,  who  arrived  here  in  November,  1855. 
He  at  once  proceeded  to  the  erection  of  a  dwelling-house,  also  of  an  office  wherein  he  was  to 
print  the  Wisconsin  Mirror.  "When  we  came  here  about  the  20th  of  November,"  writes  Mr. 
Holly,  '•  there  was  scarcely  a  beginning  made  in  the  woods  at  this  point.  Part  of  the  frame  of 
our  office,  and  part  of  the  frame  for  a  dwelling,  were  on  the  ground,  that  was  all.  It  was  cold 
weather,  and  a  dwelling  for  our  family  and  a  printing  office  were  to  be  prepared  in  time  to  open 
our  press  and  materials,  and  issue  the  first  number  of  the  Mirror  on  the  1st  day  of  January. 
By  unavoidable  delays  this  work  of  preparation  was  hardly  commenced  before  the  1st  of  Decem- 
ber. Then  we  had  but  four  weeks  to  do  all  the  work,  of  which  time  we  needed  three  weeks  to 
open  type,  fit  up  the  inside  of  the  office,  and  set  up  and  print  the  first  number.  On  the  22d  of 
December,  we  had  a  dwelling  so  far  prepared  that  we  moved  into  it,  and  that  night  the  extreme 
cold  weather  commenced.  About  this  time  the  shingling  of  the  office  was  finished,  and  the 
'•  boys  "  commenced  opening  type  before  the  floor  was  completed,  and  while  the  plastering  was 
going  on.  On  the  25th,  the  plastering  was  finished  and  frozen  solid,  but  the  office  was  still 
minus  half  the  windows.  In  this  situation,  with  the  thermometer  ranging  from  ten  to  twenty- 
five  degrees  below  zero,  the  compositors  set  up  the  type  for  the  first  paper — huddling  their  stands 
around  the  stove,  heating  boards  to  stand  upon,  holding  their  fingers  in  warm  water  every  ten 
minutes  to  keep  them  limber,  and  working  until  11  and  12  o'clock  nights  !  But  the  Wisconsin 
Mirror  made  its  appearance  on  the  morning  of  January  1,  1856,  and  we  submit  to  those  who 
saw  it  if  its  appearance  wasn't  respectable  considering  the  circumstances?  And  that  was  the  way 
it  was  done."  As  the  editor  well  remarks,  he  was  doing  what  was  probably  never  done  in  the 
United  States  before — printing  a  paper  in  the  woods  !  Not  a  dwelling  except  his  own  was  within 
half  a  mile,  and  only  one  within  a  mile  ! 

On  the  afternoon  on  which  the  paper  was  to  make  its  appearance,  rather  an  e.xciting  and 
pleasant  affair  transpired  in  the  office.  A  number  of  the  friends  of  the  paper  gathered  in  the 
office  to  witness  the  operation  of  printing  in  the  woods.  Feeling  sentimentally  inclined,  before 
the  press  was  started,  short  speeches  were  made  by  Hon.  S.  H.  Baker,  of  Dane  County,  Jason 
Weaver,  of  Ohio,  Hon.  Jonathan  Bowman,  Dr.  Jenkins,  Gen.  Joseph  Bailey,  Dr.  Hooker,  and 
others,  and  it  was  proposed  that  the  first  copy  struck  from  the  press  should  be  sold  at  auction. 
M.  A.  Holly,  the  editor's  son,  then  struck  off  a  copy,  and  G.  F.  Noble  was  called  upon  to  act  as 
auctioneer.  The  first  bid  received  was  from  Mr.  Bowman,  who  named  §15,  and  from  that  it  ran 
up  rapidly  to  ^40,  $50,  $60,  and,  finally,  $65,  and  passed  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  W^eaver.  The 
second  copy  was  then  sold  to  Abram  Vliet,  for  $10,  and  the  third  to  Joseph  Bailey,  for  $5. 

As  illustrative  of  life  in  the  woods,  and  especially  in  this  embryo  village,  in  the  issue  of  the 
Mirror  for  February  5,  1856,  the  editor  says:  "  We  have  just  moved  into  our  new  house,  which 
has  been  hastily  prepared  within  the  last  few  weeks.  It  is  20x25  feet,  a  story  and  a  half  high,  i 
battened  three-fourths  of  the  way  round  ;  bricked  below  next  to  the  outside  boarding  ;  lathed  on 
a  part  of  the  partitions,  and  carpeted  and  blanketed  on  the  rest ;  a  hole  dug  in  the  ground 
10x14  feet,  and  6  feet  deep,  for  a  cellar;  some  rough  boards,  some  smooth  ones,  and  some  dry- 
goods  boxes,  for  a  buttery ;  beautiful  frost  curtains,  and  two  stoves,  smoking  hot  all  the  time,  to 
keep  the  whole  warm — no  danger  of  burning  the  curtains  though.  We  rise  early  in  the  morn- 
ing— fly  about  awhile  to  make  fir,es.  Mrs.  Helly  and  the  girls  bake  pototoes  and  pancakes, 
which  we  eat  for  breakfast,  and  look  out  of  the  window  at  the  quails  for  meat ;  lug  dry  limbs  on 
our  back  for  wood,  because  green  oak  don't  burn  good;  girls  washing  dishes,  sweeping  and  mak- 
ing beds  ;    boys   working   in   the   office  ;    we   snatching   five  minutes  now  and  then,   between 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  809 

chopping  wood,  bringing  water,  and  calking  house,  to  select  copy  and  write  editorials  ;  cold  pota- 
toes and  pancakes,  and  thoughts  of  deer  for  dinner,  and,  on  special  occasions,  a  talk  about  apples, 
lemons,  etc  ,  for  dessert ;  biscuit  and  a  little  butter,  and  partridge  drumming  for  supper ;  twenty- 
three  degrees  below  zero,  and  baby  crying  for  sleep — all  to  be  repeated  the  next  day,  and  so  on. 
But  our  location  is  beautiful,  and  our  home  will  be  as  neat  as  a  pin  when  we  get  it  fixed.  Four 
oak-trees  hang  their  branches  over  our  house  like  the  arms  of  power  for  our  protection  ;  the 
majestic  Wisconsin,  catching  ten  thousand  sunbeams,  and  throwing  them  joyously  into  our  win- 
dows ;  the  rocks  and  hills  peering  up  in  the  distance,  and  the  thin  covering  of  snow  sparkling  in 
the  sunlight,  like  ten  million  eyes  looking  out  from  the  spirit  world — is  not  such  a  place  pleasant 
for  a  home  ?  Live  in  the  cities  if  you  will,  but  give  us  the  wild,  wild  woods,  the  rocks,  the  hills 
and  the  majestic  river,  with  health  and  loving  friends,  and  we  are  content." 

In  the  winter  of  1855-.56,  the  hydraulic  company  commenced  the  building  of  a  dam  at 
this  place,  their  charter  having  been  so  amended  as  to  authorise  its  construction.  When  com- 
pleted it  was  425  feet  long,  with  a  fall  of  eight  feet.  Considerable  trouble  was  experienced  by 
the  lumbermen  in  running  their  rafts  over,  and  a  large  party  gathered  here  in  the  snring  of  1859 
and  destroyed  it. 

Soon  after  Mr.  Holly  located  here,  J.  B.  Vliet,  John  Anderson,  G.  F.  Noble,  James  Bailey 
and  others  came  in,  and  the  place  began  to  assume  a  business-like  appearance.  A  considerable 
number  of  men  were  employed  in  clearing  away  the  trees  for  the  streets  of  the  village,  and  others 
were  engaged  in  building  houses  and  working  on  the  dam. 

One  of  tiie  rules  of  the  hydraulic  company  was,  that  those  who  purchased  lots  were  to 
build  on  them  within  a  reasonable  time,  or  they  were  to  be  forfeited  to  the  company.  Although 
it  was  not  until  June  10,  185fi,  that  the  plat  of  the  village  was  placed  upon  record,  yet  many 
lots  were  previously  chosen  by  those  who  were  ready  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  sale.  The 
new  village  in  the  woods  was  now  christened  Kilbourn  City,  so  named  in  honor  of  Byron  Kil- 
bourn,  President  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee  Railroad.  With  reference  to  the  selection  of 
this  name,  the  Mirror,  under  date  of  June  17,  1856,  says:  "Under  ordinary  circumstances  we 
should  be  opposed  to  naming  a  town  after  a  person,  but  we  think  the  circumstances  in  this  place 
ai'e  such  as  to  make  it  eminently  proper.  Hon.  Byron  Kilbourn,  of  Milwaukee,  for  public 
enterprise  which  tells  on  the  prosperity  of  the  State,  undoubtedly  stands  first.  This  makes  it 
proper  that  an  important  central  town  should  be  named  after  him.  He  is  one  of  the  early  set- 
tlers of  the  State,  having  come  to  the  metropolis  in  its  infancy,  and  having  been  instrumental 
beyond  any  other  individual  in  its  growth  and  prosperity ;  hence  there  is  a  propriety  in  fixing 
his  name  to  an  enduring  monument.  He  is  the  body  and  soul  of  the  La  Crosse  Railroad.  On 
that  more  than  all  other  enterprises  he  has  staked  his  reputation  as  a  business  man,  to  make  it 
the  great  trunk  line  of  the  State.  The  present  prosperity  of  the  road  shows  that  his  success  is 
almost  certain.  Under  these  circumstances  it  seems  highly  fitting  that  some  place  on  the  line  of 
the  road  should  bear  his  name.  Our  place  is  nearly  central  on  the  road,  at  the  place  where  it 
crosses  the  largest  river  in  the  State,  and  we  expect  it  to  be  the  largest  inland  town  in  the  State. 
Then  what  place  could  be  named  after  the  head  man  of  the  road  with  greater  propriety  than  this  ? 
In  the  name  itself  there  can  be  no  objections.  It  has  but  two  syllables  and  is  euphonious,  conse- 
quently is  easily  spoken  and  agreeable  to  the  ear.  These  reasons  we  think  are  abundantly  suffi- 
cient for  naming  our  place  as  we  have.  And  as  the  place  is  honored  by  the  name,  it  is  expected 
that  the  name  will  be  honored  by  the  place." 

The  first  public  sale  of  lots  was  advertised  to  commence  Monday,  August  18,  1856,  to  be 
continued  through  the  week.  At  the  time  specified  a  large  number  of  persons  from  Milwaukee, 
Madison,  Portage  City,  and  other  points  in  this  State,  together  with  a  few  from  Illinois,  Ohio, 
New  York  and  other  States,  gathered  in  the  "city  "  and  just  before  noon  the  sale  began.  The 
conditions  of  the  sale  were,  one-(iuarter  down,  and  the  balance  in  three  equal  annual  payments, 
at  7  per  cent  interest.  Twenty  per  cent  on  the  price  for  which  the  lots  sold  were  deducted  for 
payment  all  down.  The  stock  of  the  hydraulic  company  was  taken  in  payment  at  par.  The  sale 
was  closed  on  Thursday,  up  to  which  time  lots  were  disposed  of  amounting  to  .'$76,235,  ranging 


810  HISTORY    OF    COLl'MBIA   COUNTY. 

in  value  from  $50  to  $1,450  each,  ten  of  which    brought  upward  of  $1,000  each,  and  many 
others  ranging  from  $500  to  $1,000. 

Just  after  the  sale  was  closed,  and  as  night  drew  on,  a  party  were  standing  in  front  of  the 
Mirror  office,  when  an  Irishman  came  running  up  and  hastily  inquired :  "  And  is  this  Kil- 
bourn  ?  "  Wh«n  answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  replied,  '•  And  glad  I  am,  for  I  could  not  see 
it  all,  for  trees,  till  I  was  just  here,  and  I  was  afraid  it  was  a  great  ways  off  in  the  woods,  and 
it  would  be  dark,  and  the  bears  would  catch  me!  so  I  have  been  running  down  the  strate,  with 
all  me  might,  and  just  see  how  wet  it  is  that  I  am  I  "  and  with  that  he  drew  out  his  shirt  bosom 
dripping  with  sweat.  The  crowd  laughed,  and  reasoned,  though  their  might  be  some  sense  in 
running  from  bears  in  Wall  Street,  New  York,  the  idea  of  being  caught  by  them  on  Broadway, 
Kilbourn  City,  was  ridiculous. 

The  second  public  sale  of  lots  occurred  on  the  14th,  15th  and  16th  days  of  October,  1856. 
and  was  conducted  by  Caleb  .Wall,  of  Milwaukee.  Mr.  Wall  was  very  enthusiastic  in  his 
views  of  Kilbourn,  and  in  an  advertisement  of  a  sale  that  was  to  take  place  at  his  rooms  in 
Milwaukee  he  says :  "  There  is  no  new  city  which  holds  out  such  great  inducements  for  all 
classes  of  mechanics  as  Kilbourn  City ;  and  I  would  call  upon  all  mechanics  who  have  families, 
and  who  want  to  better  their  condition,  and  secure  themselves  home  and  property,  not  to  let 
this  opportunity  slip.  Many  who  are  now  rolling  in  wealth  in  Milwaukee,  and.  otlier  cities  of 
our  State,  owe  it  to  the  rise  of  property  ;  and  the  chances  in  Kilbourn  City  are  as  great  as  in  any 
city  that  has  been  started  in  the  last  ten  years.  I  have  no  doubt  in  my  own  mind,  taking  the 
central  position  of  Kilbourn  City,  that  the  seat  of  Government  of  our  State  will  be  located  there  .' 
A  more  beautiful  site  is  not  to  be  found  for  a  city."  At  this  second  sale,  lots  were  disposed  of 
amounting  to  $34,447.  As  at  the  first  sale,  many  were  in  attendance  from  abroad  and  a 
large  number  of  lots  were  sold  for  speculative  purposes. 

The  first  year's  growth  of  Kilbourn  City  cannot  be  said  to  have  been  very  rapid,  notwith- 
standing a  large  number  of  lots  were  sold.  Still  quite  a  number  of  houses  were  built,  and  its 
population  gradually  increased.  Many  who  doubtless  desired  to  locate  here  were  deterred  from 
the  fear  that  its  future  might  be  similar  to  that  of  the  village  of  Newport.  Still  the  fact  of  its  being 
backed  by  the  President  of  the  railroad  company,  and  that  the  owners  of  the  land  here  were 
identified  with  the  railroad  was  much  in  its  favor.  According  to  the  Mirror  of  this  place,  consid- 
erable jealousy  was  entertained  against  it  bv  citizens  of  neighboring  cities  and  villages.  Savs 
the  Mirror,  under  date  of  December  9,  1856  :  "  Of  all  the  bumpers  that  ever  were  invent'  <1. 
we  will  give  some  of  the  people  of  Newport,  Baraboo  and  Portage  City,  the  credit  of  capping 
the  climax.  Not  a  man  can  get  through  either  place,  headed  toward  Kilbourn  City,  without 
hearing  some  of  the  greatest  yarns  ever  spun.  At  first,  these  wiseacres  of  our  neighborini; 
towns  pretend  to  be  ignorant  that  any  such  place  as  Kilbourn  City  exists  ;  afterward  they  dn 
recollect  that  there  is  a  place  of  some  such  name  up  there  in  the  woods,  but  it  will  never  amount 
to  anything  ;  and  finally  they  come  fully  to  their  recollection,  and  declare  that  though  there 
is  such  a  place,  the  railroad  is  not  located  and  will  never  be  built  there  ;  the  grading  is  all  for 
sham  ;  the  bridge  is  not  let ;  and  the  dam  will  never  be  put  in,  and  a  string  of  similar  falsehoods 
too  lengthy  to  report.  Well,  it  is  and  always  will  be  true,  that  the  best  fruit  trees  may  be 
known  by  the  number  of  clubs  about  them  I  There  are  other  towns  starting  about  here,  but  our 
neighbors  of  the  towns  named  seem  to  haveno  clubs  for  them.  They  are  all  hurled  against  Kil- 
bourn City.  Really,  we  hope  the  poor  souls  who  hurl  them  will  keep  on.  It  gives  the  world 
ocular  demonstration  that  ours  is  the  most  important  town  in  this  part  of  the  State,  and  tiie 
only  one  to  be  feared  by  them  as  an  overshadowing  rival.  Besides,  while  Kilbourn  City  is 
constantly  going  ahead,  and  making  sure  the  foundation  of  her  future  greatness,  these  revilers 
have  nothing  else  to  do  but  to  roll  their  spite  like  a  sweet  morsel  under  their  tongues.  Surely 
we  would  not  deprive  them  of  that  pleasure." 

The  first  citizens  of  Kilbourn  City  appreciated  the  advantages  of  the  public  school,  and 
about  the  1st  of  February.  1856,  appointed  a  building  committee,  who  at  once  selected  a  site 
and  gave  orders  for  the  necessary  material  for  the  house,  which  was  to  be  "  26x36  feet  in  size, 


^ 

<^^ 


^J/uJ:^<^,^ 


KILBOURN  ,CITy. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  '  813 

well  finished  and  conveniently  seated."  In  May  following,  the  building  was  ready  for  occu- 
pancy, and  Miss  Julia  Seville  was  engaged  to  teach  a  three-months'  term,  at  a  salary  of  $10 
per  month.  There  were  twenty-seven'  children  of  school  age  in  the  district,  No.  6,  of  whom 
fourteen  attended  the  school.  Miss  Saville  was  engaged  the  following  fall,  at  an  advanced 
salary  of  $24  per  month.  At  the  expiration  of  three  months.  Miss  Lucy  A.  Swain  took  charge, 
at  a  salary  of  $22  per  month.  At  the  first  annual  meeting,  a  tax  of  $900  was  voted  to  pay  for 
the  schoolhouse,  and,  during  Miss  Seville's  first  term,  a  bell  was  purchased  for  it,  at  a  cost  of 
$12.5.  The  first  to  fill  the  office  of  School  Director  of  the  district  was  Emory  Wall,  with  John 
B.  Vliet,  Treasurer,  and  George  F.  McAlister,  Clerk. 

In  1857,  there  were  eighty-five  persons  of  school  age  in  the  district,  of  whom  fifty 
attended  school.  The  number  of  school  age  was  increased  to  180  in  1858.  In  1861,  Dell 
Prairie  was  united  with  this  district,  and  it  was  then,  and  is  now,  known  as  Joint  District  No. 
t).  On  account  of  the  increase  of  pupils,  it  became  necessary  to  enlarge  the  school  building, 
which  was  accordingly  done,  at  an  expense  of  $400.  But  the  village  of  Kilbourn  continued  to 
grow,  and  a  larger  and  better  building  was  demanded.  At  a  school  meeting  held  in  September, 
1867,  it  was  voted  to  appropriate  $1,450  to  purchase,  of  Thomas  B.  Coons  Block  78  of  the 
village,  on  which  it  was  designed,  in  the  near  future,  to  erect  a  building  that  would  be  suflficiently 
large  to  accommodate  all  the  pupils  of  the  district.  At  this  same  meeting,  a  communication 
was  received  from  Kilbourn  Institute,  proposing  to  furnish  instruction  to  the  pupils  of  the  high 
school  for  the  sum  of  $800  per  year,  which  proposition  was  accepted.  This  arrangement  con- 
tinued for  the  school  year,  when  a  room  was  rented  in  which  the  higher  branches  were  taught 
by  a  teacher  employed  by  the  district,  in  the-  year  1868-69,  and  also  the  following  year,  or 
until  the  completion  of  the  new  building. 

After  the  purchase  of  the  block  of  ground  of  Mr.  Coon,  arrangements  were  at  once  made 
to  build,  and,  in  the  summer  of  1870,  was  completed  the  present  fine  structure,  at  a  cost  of 
$12,287.  The  building  is  of  cream-colored  brick,  40x60  feet,  three  stories  high.  There  are 
five  main  schoolrooms,  three  recitation  and  one  furnace  room.  It  cost  $1,400  to  furnish.  When 
first  occupied,  the  present  graded  system  was  adopted,  and  the  whole  placed  in  charge  of  a 
Principal.  On  account  of  the  incompetency  of  the  Principal,  the  schools  did  not  flourish  for 
awhile,  and  it  was  not  until  1877  that  that  eflSciency  was  attained  that  the  expenditures  war- 
ranted. In  this  year.  Prof.  A.  L.  Burnham  was  employed  by  the  board  as  Pi'incipal,  and  his 
selection  has  been  approved  by  the  people.  A  fine  scholar  and  good  disciplinarian,  the  schools 
have  flourished  under  his  charge.  For  the  session  of  1879-80,  there  were  employed :  A.  L. 
Burnham,  Principal;  Lizzie  M.  Pendleton,  Assistant;  Hester  J.  Teare,  Emma  Darling,  Ada 
Douglass,  Bina  Loughney.  The  Principal  receives  a  salary  of  $1,000  per  year,  his  assistant 
$315,  and  the  others  from  $225  to  $270. 

Kilbourn  Institute. — In  1857,  through  the  liberality  of  A.  Bronson,  of  Prairie  du  Chien, 
an  academy  was  started  at  Point  Bluffs,  some  fourteen  miles  north  of  Kilbourn  City.  For  sev- 
eral years,  the  school  was  continued  with  varying  fortune,  until  1865,  when  it  ceased  to  be  profitable, 
and  was  discontinued.  In  1863,  a  charter  was  secured  from  the  Legislature  incorporating  the 
"Kilbourn  City  Seminary,"  and  when  the  academy  at  Point  Bluffs  was  discontinued,  the 
incorporators  of  the  seminary  proposed  the  school  should  be  removed  to  this  place  and  operated 
under  that  charter.  The  proposition  was  accepted,  the  building  at  the  Bluffs  moved  here,  and 
the  Kilbourn  Institute  opened  to  the  public,  with  Rev.  G.  W.  Case  as  Principal.  Fine  success 
attended  the  efforts  of  those  interested  in  the  school,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1867,  there  were  140 
pupils  enrolled. 

About  1  o'clock,  Sunday,  January  30,  1868,  while  dedicatory  services  were  being  held  in 
the  new  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  the  congregation  was  startled  with  the  announcement  that 
the  institute  was  on  fire.  It  being  some  distance  off,  the  buildino;  was  not  reached  until  the 
fire  had  so  far  advanced  that  it  was  impossible  to  save  it.  A  few  articles  of  furniture  were 
taken  from  the  lower  rooms,  and  all  else  destroyed.     Loss,  about  $5000. 

cc 


814  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

It  does  not  often  occur  that  a  newspaper  has  the  privilege  of  announcing,  at  the  time,  the 
first  birth  in  a  place,  but  the  Wisconsin  Mirror,  under  date  December  2,  1856,  thus  breaks 
forth  :  "  First  Birth  in  Kilbourn  City. — Little  Nettie  Kilbourn  Munger  (daughter  of  C.  D.  & 
M.  E.  Munt'er,  late  of  Warsaw,  N.  Y.).  was  no  doubt  greatly  astonished,  last  Thursday 
morning,  November  28,  on  opening  her  eyes  ami  finding  herself  the  first  child  born  in  Kilbourn 
City — a  matter  she  will  probably  have  occasion  to  speak  of  a  number  of  times  in  the  next  sev- 
enty years."  The  editor's  prediction  was  not  to  be,  as  the  little  babe  lived  only  until  the  next 
August. 

The  first  male  child  was  Victor  Stillwell,  who  was  born  about  two  weeks  later. 

The  first  lawyer  in  Kilbourn  was  named  Perry,  who  came  early  in  1856,  but  did  no  busi- 
ness. Chamberlain  k  Southgate  came  in  the  fall  of  1856,  and  remained  about  twelve  months, 
but  the  business  not  being  remunerative,  they,  too.  departed.  In  the  spring  of  1857,  L.  B. 
Noyes  opened  an  office,  and,  in  the  fall,  he  and  P.  G.  Stroud  formed  a  copartnership,  which 
lasted  until  September,  1859,  Mr.  Stroud  succeeding  to  the  business.  Jonathan  Bowman  came 
up  from  Newport  in  1862. 

The  first  death  in  the  village  was  Morton  A.  Holly,  son  of  Alanson  Holly,  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin Mirror,  the  young  man  who  struck  the  first  paper  from  the  press.  On  the  night  of  March 
13,  1857,  young  Holly  was  disturbed  by  a  cat,  near  his  sleeping  apartment,  and  taking  a  gun 
he  went  out  of  tiie  house  and  shot  it.  The  next  morning  he  arose  early,  went  out,  and  taking 
up  the  animal,  started  to  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  throwing  it  in.  A  slight  snow  was  upon 
the  "round,  which  was  also  very  slippery.  It  appears,  from  the  marks  made,  that  when  he 
arrived  near  the  river,  in  throwing  the  animal  in,  his  feet  slipped  from  under  him  and  he  fell  a 
distance  of  forty  feet,  upon  the  rock  and  ice  below,  meeting  instantaneous  death. 

When  the  dam  was  torn  away  by  the  lumbermen,  in  1859,  the  hydraulic  company  had 
become  hopelessly  involved.  The  building  of  the  dam  had  cost  them  a  very  large  sum  of  money, 
which,  together  with  improvements  made  in  the  village,  had  compelled  them  to  borrow  largely, 
their  heaviest  creditor  being  Hon.  Byron  Kilbourn,  who  had  taken  judgment  notes  for  all  tliat 
he  advanced.  When  the  loss  of  the  dam  occurred,  Mr.  Kilbourn  entered  up  his  judgments,  and 
in  due  course  of  time  the  property  all  passed  into  his  hands. 

No  attempt  was  made  to  repair  the  dam  until  the  year  1866.  In  that  year  was  incorpo- 
rated the  Kilbourn  Manufacturing  Company,  with  John  Tanner,  Edward  T.  Hooker,  M.  Grif- 
fin, Ulmer  F.  Hinds  and  Guido  J.  Hansen  as  incorporators.  This  company  was  organized  for 
the  special  purpose  of  utilizing  ihe  immense  water-power  at  this  place,  and  were  further  author- 
ized to  construct  and  provide  such  shops,  fiictories,  stores  and  other  buildings,  works,  machinery 
and  fixtures,  as  may  be  necessary  and  convenient  for  the  purposes  of  milling  and  manufacturing 
any  and  all  kinds  of  implements  and  fabrics,  whether  composed  of  wood,  iron,  wool,  cotton  or 
other  materials,  and  all  kinds  of  machinery ;  to  construct,  provide  and  use  water,  steam  or  other 
power  to  propel  machinery,  and  to  sell,  lease  or  let  to  any  person  or  persons,  or  body  corporate  and 
politic,  the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  real  estate,  water,  steam  or  other  power,  shops,  factories,  stores 
or  other  buildings,  machinery  or  fixtures,  for  such  price  and  on  such  terms  as  may  be  agreed  on 
by  the  contracting  parties,  and  to  make  and  execute  such  deeds,  leases  and  other  writings  there- 
for as  may  be  necessary  to  protect  the  rights  of  the  respective  parties  thereto.  The  company 
was  also  authorized  to  complete  the  water-power  on  Sections  3,  4,  9  and  10,  in  Township  13 
north,  of  Range  6  east,  in  the  counties  of  Columbia  and  Sauk,  by  raising  the  dam  a  sufficient 
height  for  that  purpose,  not  exceeding  three  feet  above  the  usual  low-water  mark  in  the  Wiscon- 
sin River,  and  so  forming  the  same  that  rafts  of  lumber  can  pass  safely  and  conveniently  with- 
out hindrance  or  delay. 

Pursuant  to  this  act,  the  incorporators  repaired  the  dam  during  the  summer  of  1866,  raising 
it  about  two  feet  above  low-water  mark.  It  should  be  stated  here  that  Kilbourn  assigned  all  his 
right,  title  and  interest  in  the  dam  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  ac([uired  from  purchase  of  the 
Wisconsin  River  Hydraulic  Company,  so  as  to  enable  the  incorporators  of  the  Kilbourn  Manu- 
facturing  Company   to  proceed  with  the  work  witliout   hindrance    or  delay.      A   temporary 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  815 

injunction  was  obtained  restraining  them  in  that  work,  and  suit  was  brought  in  the  United  States 
Court  at  Milwaukee  to  declare  the  dam  a  nuisance.  The  trial  was  liad  before  Judge  Miller,  who 
decided  it  was  not  a  nuisance.  Before  the  judgment  was  obtained,  Byron  Kilbourn  died,  and 
the  company  was  obliged  to  abandon  the  work  for  a  time.  On  the  settlement  of  the  estate  of 
Mr.  Kilbourn.  Byron  H.  Kilbourn,  his  son,  obtained  possession  of  that  portion  of  the  dam  owned 
by  his  father,  as  well  as  the  real  estate  in  Kilbourn  City. 

Before  utilizing  the  water-power  created  by  the  erection  of  the  dam.  the  Kilbourn  Manu- 
facturing Company  thought  best  to  give  the  lumbermen  time  to  test  the  work  in  order  to  ascer- 
tain whether  trouble  or  damage  would  be  done  in  passing  over.  The  test  being  satisfactory,  it  was 
intended  to  embark  in  some  enterprise  that  would  be  satisfactory  to  the  members  of  the  company. 

In  1871,  Byron  H.  Kilbourn,  Harry  B.  Shears,  George  Lintner  and  G.  J.  Hansen,  under 
the  general  law,  secured  a  charter  for  the  formation  of  the  Kilbourn  Mill  Company,  and  obtained 
a  perpetual  lease  from  the  Kilbourn  Manufacturing  Company,  to  use  the  water-power  on  the 
east  side  of  the  river,  at  the  same  time  the  manufacturing  company  binding  itself  to  keep  the 
same  in  good  repair. 

In  1871,  the  company  proceeded  to  the  erection  of  a  large  mill,  which  was  completed  and 
duly  "dedicated"  February  22,  1872,  by  a  number  of  citizens  of  the  place,  who  assembled  at 
the  mill,  witnessed  its  works  put  in  motion,  and  from  the  first  flour  ground,  partook  of  biscuits, 
made  by  Mrs.  Purcell  and  Mrs.  Ramsay.  Toasts  were  given  and  responded  to,  and  Kilbourn 
was  happy. 

In  the  spring  of  1872,  some  damage  was  experienced  by  the  lumbermen  in  taking  their 
rafts  over  the  dam.  Instead  of  appealing  to  the  courts  for  redress,  they  called  upon  the  Legis- 
lature to  repeal  the  charter  of  the  manufacturing  company,  on  the  ground  the  dam  was  danger- 
ous to  their  interests.  This  repeal  was  resisted  by  the  company  and  the  citizens  of  Kilbourn 
City.  The  latter  issued  a  circular,  in  which,  after  quoting  the  charter  of  the  company,  they 
say:  "By  this  charter  the  company  is  authorized  to  construct  such  a  dam  as  that  rafts  of 
lumber  can  pass  safely  and  conveniently,  without  hindrance  or  delay.  If  the  company  have 
done  so,  certainly  no  one  can  complain  ;  and  if  they  have  not,  then  they  are  not  protected  by 
this  charter,  and  are  subject  to  the  same  liability  as  though  they  had  no  charter.  If  the  com- 
pany have  complied  with  the  provisions  of  their  charter,  then  to  repeal  it  would  manifestly  work 
a  great  injustice,  not  only  to  the  company,  but  to  the  people  of  Kilbourn  .City  and  vicinity.  On 
the  other  hand,  if  they  have  not  complied  with  its  provisions,  then  the  charter  affords  them  no 
protection,  and  its  repeal  will  not  in  the  least  aid  those  who  claim  to  have  been  damaged  thereby. 

"  The  company  claim  that  they  have  complied  with  the  charter  ;  those  opposed  to  them  say 
they  have  not.  Who  shall  determine  the  question,  the  Legislature  or  the  courts? — an  impar- 
tial jury,  or  a  committee,  composed,  in  part  at  least,  of  those  who  openly  claim  to  be  the  parties 
interested?  The  company  say,  the  courts  and  jury  ;  the  lumbermen  say,  the  Legislature,  with 
themselves  composing  a  part  of  it. 

"  Which  is  right  ? 

"  The  dam  was  constructed  during  the  summer  of  1871,  in  exact  accordance  with,  and 
fulfillment  of,  the  provisions  of  the  charter;  and  there  was  no  difficulty  in  running  the  dam  in 
the  fall  of  1871.  But  in  the  spring  of  1872,  the  water  cut  away  the  west  bank  of  the  river, 
below  the  dam,  and  thei'eby  an  eddy  was  formed.  This  was  an  unforeseen  difliculty,  and  there 
was  no  practical  way  to  remedy  it  until  winter,  when  work  could  be  done  on  the  ice.  The 
company  immediately  called  to  their  aid  experienced  lumbermen  and  engineers,  to  determine 
the  best  mode  of  remedying  the  difficulty,  and  acting  upon  the  advice  given  them  by  the  latter, 
determined  to  construct  a  gunwale  below  the  dam,  and  during  the  present  winter,  the  company 
have  had  a  large  force  at  work,  at  heavy  expense,  constructing  such  gunwale. 

"The  company  have  acted  in  good  faith.  They  built  their  dam  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions  of  their  charter.  And,  as  soon  as  a  difficulty,  which  no  human  foresight  could  have 
anticipated,  occurs,  and  their  dam  becomes  in  the  least  detrimental  to  any  other  interest,  they 
immediately  go  to  work  to  remove  the  difficulty. 


816  HISTORY   OF    COHMBIA    COUNTY. 

"  And  they  only  ask  reasonable  time,  to  remedy  not  only  the  present,  but  any  future  acci- 
dent, not  happening  through  their  neglect  or  the  want  of  a  proper  regard  for  the  right  of  others. 

"  Shall  they  have  it '!  " 

The  efforts  of  the  lumbermen  to  secure  the  repeal  were  in  vain,  and,  therefore,  they 
appealed  to  the  courts.  In  the  name  of  Bradford,  McCoy  &  Co.,  of  Quincy,  111.,  they  brought 
two  suits  in  the  United  States  Court,  at  Madison — one  against  the  Kilbourn  Manufacturing 
Company  and  G.  J.  Hansen,  H.  B.  Shears,  George  Lintner  and  George  Ribenack  ;  the  other 
against  the  Kilbourn  Mill  ('ompany  and  G.  J.  Hansen,  H.  B.  Shears,  George  Lintner  and 
George  Ribenack.  The  gentlemen  named  composed  the  Kilbourn  Mill  Company,  and  tlie 
object  of  the  lumbermen  in.  making  them  parties  to  the  suit  was  to  prove  their  individual  lia- 
bility for  the  damages  sustained.  At  the  same  time,  suits  were  brought  against  the  same  par- 
ties by  Weston  &  Co.,  in  the  Circuit  Court  of  Sauk  County.  All  these  suits  were  brought 
with  the  avowed  object  of  having  the  dam  abated  as  a  nuisance,  and  to  recover  damages  sus- 
tained in  running  lumber  over  it. 

In  April,  1874.  the  cases  were  called  in  the  United  States  Court,  and  the  verdict  of  the 
jury  was  that  tlie  Kilbourn  Manufacturing  Company  should  pay  damages  amounting  to  $500, 
while  the  mill  company  should  pay  $1,000.  A  special  verdict  was  rendered  in  both  cases  that 
the  dam  was  not  a  nuisance,  and  that  Hansen,  Shears,  Lintner  and  Ribenack  were  not  individ- 
ually liable. 

Under  these  judgments,  the  dam  upon  the  east  side  of  tlie  river  was  sold  June,  1876,  and 
purchased  by  John  T.  Kingston,  representing  the  lumbermen.  In  consequence  of  these  ver- 
dicts in  the  United  States  Court,  the  suits  in  the  State  Courts  were  abandoned. 

From  that  time,  nothing  has  been  done  to  utilize  the  water-power.  The  <lam  remains  as 
constructed,  and,  although  one-half  is  owned  by  the  lumbermen  (Jonathan  Bowman  owning,  by 
purchase  from  Kilbourn,  that  upon  the  west  side  of  the  river),  it  is  well  known  they  have  been 
willing  to  dispose  of  their  interest  or  unite  in  the  erection  of  such  manufactories  as  may  seem 
profitable.  The  mill  from  which  so  much  was  expected,  after  a  two-years  successful  run,  was 
burned  in  the  fall  of  1874. 

Saturday,  November  15.  1856,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  La  Crosse 
&  Milwaukee  Railroad,  held  in  Milwaukee,  the  contract  for  the  bridge  across  the  AVisconsin 
River,  at  this  place,  was  let  to  Stone,  Boomer  &  Boughton,  of  Chicago,  to  be  completed  the 
1st  day  of  Septembei',  1857,  and  by  that  firm  was  completed  by  the  time  specified.  The 
bridge  was  that  of  the  "Howe's  Patent  Truss,"  and  constructed  at  an  expense  of  $100,000. 
It  was  450  feet  long  and  -30  feet  wide,  and  had  an  abutment  of  solid  stone,  60  feet  high  in 
the  water.  Its  height  was  20  feet,  making  a  distance  of  80  feet  between  the  railroad  track  and 
the  river.  Under  this  track  was  a  carriage-way.  The  span  between  the  eastern  shore  and 
the  river  abutment  was  200  feet.  The  bridge  had  three  large  arches,  parallel  to  each  other, 
and  was  well  inclosed,  painted  and  covered  with  tin.  At  that  time,  it  was  the  finest  structure 
of  the  kind  in  the  State. 

In  May,  1866,  just  after  a  train  of  cars  had  passed  over,  it  was  discovered  to  be  on  fire.  A 
large  crowd  of  people  gathered  on  the  river-bank,  but  were  powerless  to  prevent  its  destruction. 

While  the  bridge  was  burning,  a  telegram  was  sent  to  the  firm  that  built  it,  and  one  of  the 
members  arrived  on  the  ground  before  the  fire  had  died  out.  A  contract  was  immediately 
entered  into  for  the  rebuilding,  and,  in  time,  another  bridge  of  the  same  pattern  was  constructed. 
It  consisted  of  four  spans,  two  of  56  feet  each,  one  of  91,  and  one  of  247,  giving  a  total  length 
of  450  feet.  The  height  of  the  track  above  the  water's  surface  was  ninety  feet.  The  bridge  was 
composed  of  2,345  pieces  of  timber,  5,912  pieces  of  wrought,  and  -3,460  pieces  of  cast,  iron,  mak- 
ing a  total  of  10,717  pieces  of  wood  and  iron.  The  lineal  dimensions  of  the  timber  portion  of 
the  structure  amounts  to  29,450  feet,  or  over  five  and  one-half  miles,  and  that  of  iron  15,850 
feet,  or  about  three  miles,  making  a  total  length  of  iron  and  timber  of  45,300,  or  more  than 
eight  and  one-half  miles.  All  the  timber  of  the  main  span,  247  feet  in  length,  was  burnettized, 
or  submitted  to  a  process  by  which  the  natural  sap  was  extracted,  and  certain  kinds  of  liquids 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  817 

infused,  by  which  the  durability  of  the  timber  wa8  increased  nearly  100  per  cent.  The  weight 
and  size  of  the  span  was  not  equaled  by  that  of  any  span  in  any  bridge,  in  proportion  to  its 
length,  in  the  United  States.  Although  not  so  large  and  fine-looking  as  the  first,  it  was  thouglit 
to  be  a  more  powerful  and  durable  structure,  and  the  longest,  finest  and  most  costly  one  in  tlie 
State,  and  even  in  the  West,  except  three  across  the  Mississippi — one  at  St.  Paul,  one  at  Clin- 
ton, and  the  other  at  Rock  Island.  It  was  erected,  as  stated,  by  the  same  firm  that  built  the 
first,  and  under  the  general  superintendency  of  J.  B.  Kupcrs. 

This  second  bridge  did  not  prove  to  be  as  strong  and  durable  as  its  builders  and  the  public 
predicted.  After  a  time,  it  began  to  weaken,  so  much  so  that  the  company  determined  to  replace  it 
with  an  iron  one  of  the  most  improved  pattern.  We  are  indebted  to  Le  Roy  Gates,  of  Kilbourn 
City,  for  the  description  here  given.  The  bridge  consists  of  one  span  56  feet,  one  of  243,',,  feet, 
and  two  of  68i  feet  each,  a  total  of  436 J^  lineal  feet,  and  is  furnished  for  both  railway  and  high- 
way uses.  * 

"  The  railway  is  carried  on  four  iron  stringers,  with  ends  riveted  to  floor  beams,  which  in 
turn  are  riveted  to  the  posts  of  the  bridge  near  the  upper  chord.  Commencing  at  the  east  end 
of  the  bridge,  the  highw-xy  passes  under  the  56-feet  span,  and  then  is  carried  on  tiie  lower  churd 
of  the  243-feet  span,  passing  the  two  68i-feet  spans,  from  the  first  of  which  it  is  suspended. 

"The  243-feet  span  is  what  is  known  as  the  whipple,  or  double  intersection  truss,  and  tlie 
small  spans  the  single  intersection  trusses.  The  tension  members  of  the  bridge  are  made  from 
the  best  quality  of  iron,  capable  of  sustaining  an  ultimate  tensile  strain  of  55,000  pounds  per 
square  inch,  and  having  a  limit  of  elasticity  of  from  28,000  to  30,000  pounds  per  square  inch. 
Notwithstanding  the  great  strength  of  the  iron,  it  possesses  remarkable  ductility.  In  testing 
specimens  to  destruction,  they  were  required  to  elongate  at  the  least  15  per  cent,  and  show  a 
reduction  of  area  at  breaking  point  of  25  per  cent.  All  tensile  members,  when  manufactured, 
ready  to  place  in  the  bridge,  were  tested  to  18,000  pounds  per  square  inch,  without  showing  any 
defector  signs  of  permanent  elongation.  The  compression  members  are  composed  of  built  sections  of 
channel  plate  and  angle  iron,  and  were  all  proportioned  from  tiie  latest  modifications  of  Gordon's 
and  Rankin's  formula,  derived  from  recent  experiments  with  posts  of  similar  sections.  All  the 
material  is  wrought  iron,  with  the  exception  of  the  massive  bedplates  upon  the  piers,  and  a  few 
unimportant  washers,  whose  office  is  simply  to  fill  certain  places  without  being  subject  to  any 
strain. 

"  The  bridge  is  proportioned  to  sustain,  in  addition  to  its  own  weight,  a  train  weighing  4,000 
pounds  per  lineal  foot,  headed  by  an  engine  weighing  72,000  pounds,  on  a  wheel  base  of  twelve 
feet,  and  the  train  moving  at  the  rate  of  thirty  miles  an  hour.  Additional  strength  is  provided 
to  sustain  a  wind  pressure  sufficient  to  overturn  a  train  of  loaded  freight  cars.  Under  the  worst 
possible  condition  of  loading,  no  portion  of  the  structure  will  be  required  to  sustain  a  load  greater 
than  one-sixth  of  its  ultimate  strength. 

"  The  railway  floor  is  composed  of  c*"oss-ties,  5x8  inches,  placed  four  inches  apart,  and,  on 
each  side  of  the  steel  rail  is  placed  a  heavy  wooden  guard  rail,  having  its  corners  protected  by 
angle  iron,  and  clasped  and  bolted  to  each  cross  tie,  so  that  in  case  of  a  train  ever  leaving  the 
track,  it  could  not  possibly  get  off  the  bridge.  In  addition  to  a  substantial  oak  floor,  the  bridge 
is  provided  with  guard  rails  and  handsome  railing. 

This  bridge  possesses  many  points  of  special  merit,  some  of  which  have  never  been 
embodied  in  any  other  structure.  Every  detail  has  been  designed  upon  scientific  principles, 
and  the  closest  attention  paid  to  the  manufacture  of  even  the  smallest  pieces.  The  work  has 
been  supervised  by  a  competent  inspector,  who  has  seen  the  manufacture  of  the  bridge  from  the 
condition  of  the  pig-iron  all  through  the  different  processes  to  the  magnificent  structure. 

D.  J.  Whitcemore,  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad,  gave 
the  work  his  personal  attention,  and  spared  no  pains  to  attain  the  highest  perfection  in  its  every 
detail.  The  bridge  was  designed  by  C.  Shaler  Smith,  President  and  Chief  Engineer  of  the 
Baltimore  Bridge  Company,  who  is  also  the  contractor.  The  shopwork  was  done  by  the  Edge- 
moor  Iron   Company,  of  Wilmington,  Del.     It  is  proper  to  state  in  this  connection  that  the 


818  IIISTOKY    OF    COMMBIA    COUNT V 


IV' 


vy  pieces  of  iron  in  tlie  bridge  having  a  play  of  only  one  hundredth  of  an  inch  in  the 
joints,  when  placed  in  position  fit  with  the  accuracy  of  clockwork.  To  save  time,  the  manu- 
faciure  of  the  rough  iron  was  done  simultaneously  in  six  different  rolling-mills  in  Pensylvania 
and  New  Jersey. 

The  erection  of  the  structure  was  commenced  by  Charles  J.  Houser,  Assistant  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Baltimore  Bridge  Company,  who  unfortunately  lost  a  leg  in  the  early  stage  of 
the  work. 

When  Mr.  Houser  was  displaced,  James  Baldwin  was  placed  in  charge  as  foreman,  with 
Onward  Bates,  General  Superintendent. 

But  a  little  over  a  month  was  required  in  the  construction  of  the  bridge,  and,  while  being 
built,  and  the  old  one  torn  away  there  was  not  a  moment's  delay  to  any  train  of  cars  passing 
over  the  road. 

The  village  was  under  town  government  until  1868,  when  the  Legislature  of  the  State 
passed  an  act  of  incorporation,  which  was  approved  February  29,  1868,  and  which  is  very  liberal 
in  its  provisions  The  officers  of  the  corporation  consist  of  a  president,  six  trustees,  clerk, 
treasurer,  police  justice,  marshal.  Tiie  charter  provides  that  the  trustees  shall  have  power  to 
grant  licenses  for  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors,  wine,  beer  or  cider,  to  organize  fire  companies, 
restrain  gatubling.  and  to  pass  any  ordinance  for  the  good  government  of  the  village  not  con- 
trary to  the  Constitution  of  this  State  or  of  the  United  States. 

The  first  election,  as  provided  by  this  charter,  was  held  May  10,  1869.  The  following  are 
the  names  of  the  officers  elected  from  1869  to  1879  inclusive  : 

1869 — George  Smith,  President ;  G.  J.  Hansen,  John  Tanner,  Henry  H.  Drinker,  George  H. 
Daniels,  John  N.  Schmitz,  A.  Chamberlain,  Trustees;  H.  H.  Hurlbut,  Police  Justice;  J.  Jack- 
.■^on  Brown,  Clerk;  George  Ribenack,  Treasurer;   George  A.  Boyd,  Marshal. 

1870 — George  Smith,  President ;  George  H.  Daniels,  G.  J.  Hansen,  H.  Corning,  R.  Her- 
ron,  J.  N.  Schmitz,  Charles  Teshner,  Trustees;  Hugh  Murray,  Clerk;  Joseph  Hainsworth, 
Treasurer;  W.  A.  Ramsey,  Street  Commissioner;  J.  B.  Sanderson,  Marshal ;  Thomas  B.  Coon, 
Police  Justice. 

1871 — George  Smith,  President;  H.  Corning,  G.  H.  Daniels,  G.  J.  Hansen,  R.  Herren, 
J.  N.  Schmitz.  Charles  Teshner,  Trustees;  Thomas  B.  Coon,  Police  Justice;  Hugh  Murray, 
Clerk  ;  G.  J.  Hansen,  Treasurer;  J.  B.  Sanderson,  Marshal  ;  W.  A.  Ramsey,  Street  Commis- 
ssoncr. 

1872 — G.  J.  Hansen,  President ;  I.  W.  York,  George  Ribenack,  George  W.  Boyd,  Amplius 
Chamberlain,  Charles  Buckrainster,  Charles  Moeller,  Trustees;  Thomas  B.  Coon,  Police  Just- 
ice; J.  Jackson  Brown,  Clerk;  Oscar  C.  Hansen,  Treasurer;  W.  A.  Ramsey,  Street  Commis- 
sioner; William  N.  Barton,  Marshal. 

1873 — I.  W.  York,  President;  George  Ribenack,  H.  H.  Drinker,  Frank  0.  Wisner,  0. 
C.  Hansen,  Frank  Raddant,  Charles  Buckminster,  Trustees ;  Thomas  B.  Coon,  Police  Justice ; 
J.  Jackson  Brown,  Clerk;  I.  II.  Chickering,  Marshal;  W.  A.  Ramsey,  Street  Commissioner; 
G.  J.  Hansen,  Treasurer. 

1874— Charles  A.  Noyes,  President;  Robert  Drinker,  Carl  Moeller,  H.  Corning,  H.  N. 
Whitney,  A.  Chamberlain,  D.  McMaumon,  Trustees;  Thomas  B.  Coon,  Police  Justice;  J.  Jack- 
son Brown,  Clerk;  J.  B.  Sanderson,  Marshal ;  W.  A.  Ramsey,  Street  Commissioner;  D.  E. 
Lonmis,  Treasurer. 

1875 — Charles  A.  Noyes,  President;  H.  Corning,  R.  W.  Drinker,  Charles  Moeller,  D. 
McManmon,  H.  M.  Whitney,  George  Oswald,  Trustees ;  John  Jackson  Brown,  Police  Justice  ; 
John  Jackson  Brown,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  E.  Loorais,  Treasurer ;  John  R.  Snider,  Street  Commis- 
sioner ;  J.  B.  Sanderson,  Marshal. 

1876 — I.  W.  York,  President;  William  F.  Angell,  Charles  0.  M.  Buckminster,  James  H. 
McNeil,  Aiken  J.  Sexton,  John  Mylrea,  Charles  W.  Snider,  Trustees;  J.  Jackson  Brown, 
Police  Justice  and  Clerk;  Daniel  E.  Loomis,  Treasurer;  Gilson  Van  Alstine,  Marshal;  John 
Cowley,  Street  Commissioner. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  819 

1877 — George  Smith,  President ;  Frank  Hill,  John  N.  Schmitz,  Charles  Schroeder,  R.  B. 
Rose,  George  Oswald,  Bernard  Krech,  Trustees;  George  F.  Noble,  Police  Justice  ;  Thomas  J. 
Conner,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  0.  Loomis,  Treasurer ;  Gilson  Van  Alstine,  Marshal. 

1878— Charles  A.  Noyes,  President;  Frank  Hill,  R.  B.  Rose.  J.  P.  S«ldner,  J.  N. 
Schmitz,  Henry  Snider,  Charles  Schroeder,  Trustees ;  William  Snoad,  Police  Justice ;  Charles 
E.  Mylrea,  Clerk;  Daniel  E.  Loomis,  Treasurer;  Robert  Sexton,  Street  Commissioner; 
George  Oswalk,  Marshal. 

1879—1.  W.  York,  President;  P.  J.  Mechler,  B.  Krech,  R.  B.  Rose,  Charles  Schroeder, 
M.  A.  Rublee,  Frank  Hill,  Trustees :  William  Snoad,  Police  Justice ;  C.  E.  Mylrea,  Clerk  :  J. 
Roemback,  Street  Commissioner ;   Daniel  E.  Loomis,  Treasurer ;  N.  A.  Fedderly,  Marshal. 

In  1857,  the  village  had  three  public  houses — the  Forest  City  House,  the  St.  Nicholas  and 
the  Kilbourn  City  House.  There  were  two  dry-goods  stores,  one  cigar  manufactory,  one  hard- 
ware store,  one  printing  office,  one  clothing  store,  one  livery  stable,  one  grocery  and  provision 
store,  one  blacksmith-shop,  one  drug  and  grocery  store,  one  carpenter-shop,  one  book  and  variety 
store,  one  barber-shop,  two  millinery  stores,  one  saloon,  one  boot  and  shoe  store,  one  meat- 
market,  one  lawyer,  one  doctor,  one  music-teacher  and  one  editor.  There  were  in  process  of 
construction  four  store  buildings,  two  steam  saw-mills  and  a  machine-shop. 

In  the  year  1835,  the  steamboat  Frontier,  Capt.  D.  S.  Harris,  made  a  trip  up  the  Wis- 
consin as  high  as  the  Dells,  but  did  not  attempt  to  pass  through.  Steamboats  continued  to 
make  occasional  trips  as  high  as  the  Dells  for  some  years  afterward.  In  1850,  the  Enterprise, 
Capt.  Gilbert,  reached  the  Dells,  tied  up  in  the  eddy  over  night,  and  the  next  morning  con- 
tinued on  through  the  Dells  and  as  high  up  the  river  as  Point  Bass.  The  same  boat  after- 
ward made  two  or  three  trips  to  the  same  point. 

For  several  years  before  the  railroad  reached  Kilbourn  City,  John  B.  Du  Bay  kept  a 
keelboat  on  the  river  a  considerable  portion  of  the  time,  carrying  freight  from  Portage  City  to 
Point  Bass.  Owing,  however,  to  the  swiftness  of  the  current  in  the  Dells  in  high  water,  and 
the  numerous  sandbars  in  the  river  above  and  below  that  point  in  low  water,  the  navigation  of 
the  Wisconsin  above  Portage  was  always  both  uncertain  and  expensive,  and  the  charges  for 
freight  75  cents  per  hundred  alone  justified  the  expense  of  navigation. 

Notwithstanding  the  existence  of  the  Dells  was  known  for  many  years,  and  a  few  ventur- 
ous "spirits,  in  frail  skiffs,  explored  the  river  and  admired  the  fine  scenery,  it  was  not  until  1873 
that  any  special  eflfort  was  made  to  accommodate  the  sight-seers  who  desired  to  visit  the  wonder- 
ful scenes  which  they  had  heard  described,  but  who  were  too  timid  to  row  the  river.  In  the 
summer  of  that  year,  Capt.  A.  Wood  brought  the  steamboat  Modocawando  down  the  river  from 
Quincy,  Wis.,  with  the  design  of  making  regular  trips  through  the  Upper  Dells.  The  season 
was  tolerably  successful.  In  1871,  she  continued  her  trips  through  the  Upper  Dells  until  about 
the  1st  of  August,  when  she  was  transferred  below  the  dam,  and,  during  the  rest  of  the  season, 
made  trips  through  the  Lower  Dells.  In  1875,  she  passed  into  the  hands  of  Capt.  Walton 
McNeel,  who  continued  to  run  through  the  Lower  Dells  during  the  season.  In  1876,  the 
boat  was  sold,  taken  to  Portage  and  placed  upon  Fox  River. 

Dell  Queen. — In  the  fall  of  1871,  Bergstresser  &  Bell  brought  the  steamer  Lake  City 
from  Madison,  re-constructed  and  re-christened  her  the  Dell  Queen  ;  but  the  boat  was  from 
inadequate  to  the  requirements  of  a  first-class  pleasure-boat,  and,  during  the  winter  fol- 
lowing, was  dismantled,  and  an  elegant  and  commodious  steamer,  bearing  the  same  name, 
was  built  to  take  her  place.  Under  command  of  the  genial  and  accommodating  Capt.  Bell, 
she  plied  the  Upper  Dells  during  the  seasons  of  1875,  1876  and  1877.  On  the  4th  of 
June,  1878,  the  boat  was  burneil.  A  large  force  of  men  were  immediately  put  to  work  to 
rebuild  her,  and,  July  4  following,  her  first  trip  was  made,  and,  during  the  seasons  of  1878 
and  1879,  regular  trips  were  made,  and  many  thousands  of  persons  have  had  the  opportunity 
to  visit  the  wonderful  S3enes  of  the  Dells  of  the  Wisconsin.  Regular  trips  are  made  each  day, 
at  9  A.  M.  and  2  P.  M.     Other  trips  are  made  as  required. 


820  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Champion. — In  1875,  Capt.  A.  Jones  came  from  Toint  Bluff  with  a  small  steamer  called 
the  ("hampion.  She  ran  two  seasons  through  the  Upper  Dells,  and  then  went  below  the  dam 
and  ran  the  Lower  Dells  for  one  season.  In  1879,  the  boat  was  taken  to  Mirror  Lake,  about 
three  and  a  half  miles  from  Kilbourn  City. 

Alexander  Mitchell. — This  steamer  was  built  in  1878,  by  the  Kilbourn  Boat  Company 
— George  Smith,  President.  Under  command  of  Capt.  D.  C.  Van  Wie,  she  made  regular 
trips  during  the  seasons  of  1878  and  1879.  Her  regular  hours  of  departure  were  9  A.  M. 
and  2  P.  M.     Her  run  is  through  the  Upper  Dells. 

Hops. — The  cultivation  of  hops  for  the  general  market  commenced  in  this  vicinity  in  1859, 
the  first  load  being  brought  here  by  King  Thompson,  in  the  fall,  and  sold  to  W.  A.  Ramsey, 
for  14J  cents  per  pound.  Year  by  year,  the  quantity  increased,  and  as  the  quality 
was  good,  fair  prices  were  received.  In  1865,  Ramsey  and  Hansen  commenced  the 
manufacture  of  hop  presses,  in  that  year  making  100  and  finding  a  ready  sale  for 
them  in  this  neighborhood.  In  1866,  the  number  was  increased  to  200,  which  was  further  in- 
creased to  300  in  1867,  and  the  same  number  in  1868,  since  which  time  there  has  been  no  de- 
mand. The  profits  made  by  those  engaged  in  the  culture  of  hops  being  large,  one  after  another 
of  the  farmers  engaged  in  it,  until,  in  1867,  the  whole  country  in  this  vicinity  became  excited 
in  a  wonderful  manner,  and  a  very  large  area  of  land  was  devoted  to  this  purpose.  When  the 
season  came  for  picking  and  drying,  considerable  difficulty  was  experienced  in  securing  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  pickers,  and  this  demand  created  a  new  industry.  Leroy  Gates,  the  celebrated 
Dell  Pilot,  conceived  the  idea  of  going  to  many  of  the  cities  and  villages  throughout  the  State, 
securing  the  service  of  as  many  girls  as  possible,  and  hiring  them  to  the  farmers  at  a  certain 
sum  per  head.  It  required  15,000  pickers  to  gather  the  crop  this  year,  10,000  of  whom  were 
brought  from  abroad,  the  greater  number  through  the  influence  of  Mr.  Gates.  The  editor  of 
the  Milwaukee  Sentinel  was  on  one  of  the  trains  bringing  a  delegation  of  pickers  to  this  place, 
and  thus  expresses  his  thoughts  :  "  Coming  from  Milwaukee,  a  few  days  ago,  while  comfortably 
enjoying  a  cigar  in  the  smoking  car,  the  train  stopped  at  a  little  station — there  they  were,  and 
in  they  came — a  thousand,  we  thought,  but  the  recruiting  officer  said  there  were  but  six 
hundred — a  thousand  were  coming  on  the  next  train.  The  major  general  of  this  division  of  the 
army  of  hop  pickers  was  Leroy  Gates,  who  makes  the  unsuspecting  public,  who  read  the  Sentinel, 
believe  that  he  is  a  Dells  pilot.  Pilot  he  is,  but  not  of  logs  or  lumber — he  pilots  the  wearers 
of  calico  and  crinoline  to  the  fields  where  the  hops  do  grow.  It  broadens  human  feelings  to  know 
there  are  so  many  lively  girls  in  the  world,  and  beer  will  be  none  the  worse  for  a  view  of  the 
hands  which  pick  the  berries,  that  give  it  its  bittersweet."  The  total  yield  for  the  year,  ship- 
ped from  this  station,  was  27,000  bales,  of  200  pounds  each,  a  total  of  5,400,000,  which,  at  50 
cents  per  pound,  would  yield  a  revenue  of  $2,700,000.  This  is  a  low  estimate,  as  a  large 
amount  was  sold  at  65  cents  a  pound.  The  cost  of  picking  this  crop  was  $270,000,  nearlj'  all 
of  which  was  earned  by  girls. 

The  circulation  of  nearly  $3,000,000  among  the  farmers  in  this  vicinity  stimulated 
every  branch  of  industry.  Every  one  seemed  to  have  all  the  money  they  cared  for. 
The  farmers  were  delighted  with  their  experience,  and  each  believed  he  had  found  the  sure 
way  to  wealth.  Therefore,  in  1868,  the  number  of  hop-yards  increased,  and  the  older  ones 
enlarged.  When  the  season  drew  near  for  picking,  the  question  arose  as  to  where  the  pickers 
were  to  come  from  to  gather  this  immense  crop.  Leroy  Gates  and  Anson  Rood  endeavored  to 
solve  the  problem  and,  in  midsummer,  advertised  throughout  nearly  the  whole  State  for  pickers, 
and  established  agencies  in  almost  every  village.  Contracts  were  made  for  the  season  with  all 
who  would  go,  their  railroad  fare  being  paid  to  and  from  their  place  of  residence,  and  board 
guaranteed,  with  the  highest  market  price  paid  for  picking.  Special  trains  were  chartered  to 
bring  in  tiie  pickers,  and,  for  several  days,  every  freight  and  every  passenger  train  was 
crowded  with  fair  women,  on  their  way  to  the  hop-fields.  It  was  the  endeavor  of  Gates 
and  Rood  to  keep  those  from  a  neighborhood  together,  if  possible,  and,  when  engaged,  they 
were  classified  as  A,  B,  C,  and  so  on,  and  instructed,  on  their  arrival  at  this  place,    to  go  with 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  821 

tlie  party  who  should  call  for  their  class.  Farmers  who  had  contracted  for  a  certain  number 
of  pickers  were  given  to  understand  they  should  receive  their  number  from  a  specified  class. 
This  plan  did  not  work  as  satisfactorily  as  expected.  Unprincipled  men  took  advantage  of  the 
circumstances,  and,  on  arrival  of  the  train,  would  call  out,  "Class  A,  take  this  wagon." 
"  This  way,  all  belonging  to  Class  B."  thus  deceiving  the  ladies,  and  swindling  the  contractors 
out  of  their  fees  for  obtaining  the  service  of  the  pickers,  and  the  contracting  parties  out  of  the 
number  they  were  to  obtain. 

The  heaviest  loaded  train  arriving  here  contained  about  twelve  hundred.  It  arrived  in 
the  night,  but  over  three  hundred  teams  were  in  readiness  to  convey  the  pickers  to  the  hop- 
yards.  The  crop  this  year  amounted  to  30,000  bales,  but  instead  of  receiving  fifty  and  sixty 
cents  per  pound,  ten  cents  was  all  that  could  be  obtained.  Instead  of  $3,000,000,  which  it  was 
confidently  believed  would  be  realized,  $600,000  was  about  the  sum  total,  half  of  which  went  to 
the  pickers. 

As  may  readily  be  imagined,  the  hop-yards  of  1869  were  few  and  far  between,  and  the 
yield  for  the  year  was  small  indeed,  and  but  little,  comparatively,  has  since  been  done,  though 
there  are  those  who  have  never  abandoned  the  business,  and  taking  it  year  by  year,  there  is 
nothing  grown  here  that  will  yield  a  better  profit. 

Fires. — A  fire  of  a  magnitude  never  before  witnessed  in  this  section  of  the  country  occurred 
in  this  place  about  10  o'clock,  P.  M.,  March  14,  1866,  turning  ten  families  out  of  doors  and 
destroying  the  business  of  eleven  men  and  firms — two  of  the  families  left  without  a  change  of 
wearing  apparel.  The  Eastern  mail,  arriving  here  at  9  P.  M.,  is  distributed  about  10,  at  which 
time  most  of  the  citizens  receive  their  mail,  and  the  leading  places  of  business  are  not  generally 
closed  till  some  time  after.  So  it  was  on  this  occasion,  and  while  many  were  still  in  the  post 
office,  Mr.  Kingsbury,  on  his  way  home,  noticed  a  fire  in  a  shed  attached  to  the  second  story 
of  J.  E.  Dixon  &  Son's  store,  at  the  back  end  of  the  main  building,  and  extending  over  the 
roof  of  an  extension  to  the  store,  in  which  shed  the  fire  probably  originated,  but  from  what 
cause  can  be  only  a  matter  of  speculation.  The  firm  of  J.  E.  Dixon  &  Sons  were  all  in  their 
office  at  the  time,  which  was  almost  directly  under  the  shed  before  mentioned.  The  first  inti- 
mation they  had  of  the  fire,  they  saw  it  breaking  through  over  their  heads.  It  was  then  too 
late  to  impede  its  progress,  and  the  only  thing  that  could  be  done  was  to  save  such  goods  as  they 
could,  but  the  fire  being  in  the  center  of  the  store,  but  a  small  portion  could  be  saved.  They 
had  in  their  store  between  $90,000  and  $100,000  worth  of  goods.  They  succeeded  in  securing, 
in  a  damaged  state,  somewhere  about  $25,000  worth. 

The  second  story  was  occupied  by  Mr.  E.  R.  Herren,  a  member  of  the  firm,  and  by  his 
father,  Robert  Herren,  as  dwellings.  At  the  time  the  fire  broke  out,  Mrs.  Herren  and  ser- 
vant-girl were  absent  from  home.  Mrs.  Robert  Herren  and  family  had  all  retired.  Mr.  Herren 
had  just  returned  from  the  post  office,  and  hardly  had  time  to  get  himself  and  family  out,  some 
of  them  without  even  a  full  suit  of  clothing. 

The  fire  first  extended  east,  and  shortly  after  west,  burning  in  its  course  the  stores  of  Dr. 
G.  W.  Jenkins,  druggist ;  T.  Connor,  dry  goods  ;  Mrs.  Stevens,  milliner  ;  J.  P.  Dunlap,  grocer, 
and  N.  Van  Alstine's  blacksmith-shop,  in  the  east,  and  a  store  owned  and  occupied  by  F.  Mar- 
tin ;  store  owned  by  Seth  Knowles  and  occupied  by  C.  D.  Woodruff,  druggist,  and  J.  M. 
Weber,  jeweler  and  Postmaster ;  store  of  J.  E.  Hansen,  hardware  merchant ;  store  of  Kuney 
&  Bergstresser,  occupied  by  J.  E.  Hansen  with  stoves  and  iron  ;  two  stores  owned  by  E.  F. 
Barker,  one  occupied  by  T.  Baker  as  a  butcher  shop,  and  the  other  by  A.  S.  Barker  as  a  fur- 
niture-shop on  the  west,  in  each  of  which  buildings,  except  the  store  of  Kuney  &  Bergstresser, 
there  was  a  family. 

The  night  was  extremely  still ;  there  was  no  wind,  and  none,  or  scarcely  none,  was  created 
by  the  fire,  yet  the  flames  extended  very  rapidly,  consuming  the  entire  row  of  stores  in  about 
two  hours.  The  flames  reached  very  high,  and  it  is  stated  were  seen  at  a  distance  of  twenty- 
five  miles.  Most  of  the  household  goods,  except  those  of  the  Herren's,  were  saved,  but  very 
much  damaged.     The  other  goods  saved  were  also  greatly  damaged.     Loss,  $100,000. 


822  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

The  second  fire  of  special  consequence  was  on  the  30th  day  of  January,  1868,  when  the 
Kilbourn  City  Institute  was  destroyed,  with  a  loss  of  $5,000. 

On  the  4th  day  of  October,  1876,  Kilbourn  City  was  again  visited  with  a  destructive  fire, 
in  whicli  eight  buildings  on  the  south  side  of  Broadway,  between  Oak  and  Elm  streets,  were 
totally  destroyed.  George  Oswald,  Rev.  Matthew  Bennett,  Jake  Roth,  G.  Maultbetsch,  A.  Rost, 
S.  H.  Higgins,  Mrs.  Louisa  Taylor,  Mrs.  Brown  and  Dr  Hooker,  were  tlie  jirincipal  losers.  In 
this  fire,  the  office  of  the  Wisconsin  Mirror  was  destroyed  ;  total  loss,  $10,000.  Says  a  writer 
in  the  Columbus  Democrat,  October  14,  1876  : 

"  The  fire  at  Kilbourn,  last  Wednesday  morning,  was  a  disastrous  one  for  that  village.  At 
about  1  o'clock,  the  flame  was  discovered  in  the  building  wherein  are  located  the  Mirror  office 
and  the  flour  and  feed  store  of  John  Soeldner ;  it  was  altogether  beyond  control,  and  very  little 
was  rescued  at  this  point.  The  fire,  first  seen  on  the  south  side  of  Broadway  and  east  of  Oak 
street,  soon  spread  to  the  buildings  on  either  hand,  and  made  rapid  progress  until  every  structure 
in  the  block  east  of  Stroud  &  Coon's  law  office,  including  several  frame  buildings,  were  entirely 
consumed.  An  employe  in  the  adjacent  shoe-shop  of  George  Oswald  was  at  work  there  until 
midnight,  and,  if  the  fire  did  not  originate  there,  it  was  undoubtedly  an  incendiarism.  Oswald's 
loss  was  very  slight,  the  contents  of  his  shop  being  saved  in  great  part.  The  presses  of  the 
Mirror  were  saved  in  a  damaged  condition,  but  everything  else  was  burned.  Soeldener's  loss  is 
$500.  The  building  was  owned  by  Mathew  Bennett,  of  Baraboo,  as  was  the  Mirror  building. 
Jacob  Roth's  family,  in  the  next  building,  had  close  work  to  escape  with  their  lives,  and  saved 
nothing  but  a  sewing  machine  and  the  Sunday  clothes  of  Mr.  R.;  his  loss  is  $1,800.  The  ne.xt 
house  east  was  owned  by  George  Maultbetsch,  but  was  unoccupied  ;  a  barn  and  ice  house  were  on 
the  lot,  and  the  loss  is  $1,000.  Next  came  the  milliner-shop  and  dwelling  of  Mrs.  G.  Van  Alstine. 
owned  by  Seth  S.  Higgins,  of  Randolph  :  this  building  was  insured  for  $1,000  and  was  the  only 
one  so  insured.  In  Wright's  furniture  and  book  store,  much  of  the  goods  were  saved,  but  a 
large  amount  of  furniture,  lumber  and  tools  were  burned  ;  Wright's  loss  is  estimated  at  $2,000. 
J.  Jackson  Brown's  building  was  the  last  in  the  block,  and  was  destroyed  like  the  others  ;  it 
was  occupied  as  a  meat-market,  by  Mr.  Banker,  who  saved  nothing  but  his  ice-box.  " 

In  the  formation  of  new  villages,  the  usual  order  is  first  a  blacksmith-shop,  then  a  saw- 
mill and  after  that  other  enterprises  demanded  from  the  situation.  In  Kilbourn  City,  the  first 
thing  was  a  newspaper,  second  a  carpenter-shop,  and  third  a  hotel.  This  latter  was  the  third 
building  erected  in  the  place  and  was  known  as  the  Tanner   House,  but  in  1875  changed  to  the 

Finch  House. — Captain  John  Tanner  had  a  small  story  and  a  half  house  in  the  village  of 
Newport,  which  in  December,  1855,  he  removed  to  this  place,  and  fitted  up  for  a  hotel. 
Moving  it  up  on  runners,  and  before  placing  it  upon  the  foundation  prepared  for  it,  Mrs. 
Tanner  prejjared  therein  an  excellent  dinner,  and  Byron  Kilbourn,  President  of  the  LaCrosse 
&  Milwaukee  Railroad  Company  ;  Jonathan  Bowman,  afterward  State  Senator  from  this 
district,  then  of  Newport ;  John  Anderson,  contractor  for  the  building  of  the  dam,  and  John 
B.  Vliet,  locating  engineer  of  the  L.  &  M.  road,  sat  down  to  the  table  by  invitation  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Tanner.  After  eating,  each  of  these  gentlemen  insisted  on  paying  50  cents  for 
their  dinner,  in  order  to  properly  dedicate  the  house  to  hotel  purposes.  In  1860,  the  house 
was  enlarged  by  adding  an  addition  three  stories  in  height,  leaving  the  original  house  to  serve 
the  purpose  of  an  L.  In  1867.  the  house  passed  into  the  hands  of  George  Ribenack,  and  by 
him  was  enlarged  to  its  present  dimensions  in  the  summer  of  1868.  In  1875,  W.  H.  Finch 
became  the  proprietor,  and  further  improved  the  appearance  by  the  addition  of  verandas  on 
the  south  and  east  sides.  The  house  has  always  borne  a  good  reputation,  but  since  it  came  in 
possession  of  Mr.  Finch  it  has  become  more  noted  and  its  praise  is  spoken  far  and  near.  Mr. 
Finch  refurnished  the  house  in  every  particular  ;  its  rooms  are  large,  nice  and  clean,  and. 
assisted  by  A.  W.  Oxiey,  he  does  everything  in  his  power  to  render  his  guests  comfortable. 
The  table  is  equal  to  any  $2-a-day  house  in  the  west.  During  the  summer  season,  it  is  contin- 
ually crowded,  and  visitors  to  the  Dells  ever  find  the  Finch  House  a  pleasant  place  to  stop 
after   a   day's  ramble,  and  view   the  magnificent  scenery.     In  1878.  during  the  season  for  the 


HISTORY   or    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  823 

summer  excursions,  2,500  persons  registered  at  this  house,  and  in   1879,  the  number  was  in- 
creased to  3,500. 

Commercial  House. — This  house  was  erected  in  1857,  by  Col.  Moeler,  and  named  the 
Railroad  House.  Several  changes  were  made  in  its  ownership,  and  in  187.J,  it  passed  into  the 
hands  of  John  Bush,  who  removed  it  to  its  present  location  fronting  the  freight  depot,  and 
changed  its  name  to  the  Commercial.  Mr.  Bush  remained  proprietor  until  1868,  but  leased  it 
one  year  to  R.  B.  Rose.     In  1878,  Mrs.  Ryan  became  proprietor. 

Western  House. — Erected  in  1878  by  John  Bush.  Is  a  large  two-story  frame  and  will 
accommodate  about  twenty  guests. 

G-len  Cottage  was  opened  in  1874,  by  J.  Dunn,  and  continued  in  successful  operation  until 
fall  of  1879,  when  Mr.  Dunn  retired  and  the  house  closed.  It  was  a  pleasant  stopping-place 
with  accommodations  for  about  twenty  persons. 

Farmers'  Home. — R.  B.  Rose  commenceil  the  erection  of  this  house  in  March,  1877,  and 
opened  it  to  the  public  in  the  fall  following.  As  its  name  indicates,  it  is  a  good  farmers'  home, 
and  well  patronized  by  that  class.     Accommodates  about  twenty. 

American  House. — Was  built  in  1860,  and  has  had  a  varied  fortune.  In  the  fall  of  1876, 
Charles  F.  Howard  purchased  the  property.  It  is  located  opposite  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  k 
St.  Paul   Railroad  depot.     Has  accomodations  for  about  twenty. 

Medical  and  Surgical  Institute. — As  the  traveler  approaches  Kilbourn  City,  no  matter 
from  what  direction,  the  first  object  that  attracts jhis  attention  is  a  large  brick  building  situated 
on  the  summit  of  a  hill  about  a  mile  from  the  depot.  At  an  early  day  a  man  named  Bronson. 
a  resident  of  Prairie  du  Chien,  endowed  an  institute  for  the  higher  education  of  young  men  and 
women,  the  location  of  which  was  to  be  decided  by  the  Methodist  Conference.  In  1856,  Point 
Bluff  was  selected  as  the  site  of  the  proposed  seminary,  and  it  was  completed  and  opened  in 
1857.  For  a  time,  everything  prospered  and  the  school  was  full.  Fine  houses  were  built  ami 
the  future  of  Point  Bluff  seemed  assured,  but  in  1858  the  Milwaukee  &  La  Crosse  Railroad  was 
completed  to  Kiltourn  City,  and  from  that  time  the  place  began  to  decay,  though  the  school 
was  not  closed  until  1865.  The  next  year  the  building  was  removed  to  this  place,  as  Kilbourn 
was  considered  a  much  more  eligible  locality  than  Point  Bluff.  A  large  number  of  pupils  were 
in  attendance,  and  the  school  prospered  finely,  but  on  the  31st  of  January,  1868,  it  was  burned 
to  the  ground.  There  was  an  insurance  of  11,000  on  the  building,  and  with  this  money  a  fine 
brick  structure  was  erected,  but  no  school  was  ever  held  in  the  new  building.  In  1876, -Frank 
C.  Straw,  Esq.,  bought  the  property  for  $800,  with  the  condition  that  he  should  improve  the 
property  and  run  it,  at  least  five  years,  as  a  water-cure  and  medical  and  surgical  institute. 

Before  the  property  came  into  the  possession  of  the  present  owner,  $5,800  had  been 
expended  upon  the  building  and  grounds.  Mr.  Straw  has  invested  about  $6,000  more,  making 
the  total  cost  some  $12,000. 

The  structure  is  situated  on  the  hill  at  the  head  of  Washington  avenue,  and  the  cupola  is 
about  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  above  the  passenger  depot.  The  main  part  is  36x53  feet,  two 
stories  and  a  half  in  height,  surmounted  by  a  cupola,  or  dome,  which  is  inclosed  with  glass  doors 
and  windows.  The  wing  is  built  on  the  east  end  of  the  main  buildings  and  is  28x65  feet,  three 
stories  and  attic.  The  entire  building  contains  thirty  rooms,  besides  numerous  closets,  bath- 
rooms and  wardrobes.  From  the  cupola  a  magnificent  view  can  be  obtained  for  miles  around. 
Seventeen  miles  to  the  southward,  a  gap  in  the  Baraboo  Bluffs  shows  where  Devil's  Lake  reposes. 
The  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad  stretches  away  to  the  southeast,  and  occasional 
clouds  of  smoke  show  the  position  of  the  heavily  laden  trains  as  they  are  sweeping  along  their 
pathway  of  steel.  To  the  southwest,  a  few  scattering  houses  can  be  seen,  showing  where  the  once 
flourishing  village  of  Newport  stood,  while  the  little  village  of  Delton  lies  nestled  among  the 
hills  just  beyond.  Turning  toward  the  setting  sun,  we  see  Coon  Bluff  and  Hay  Stack,  seem- 
ingly but  a  short  distance  away,  but  in  reality  many  miles,  while  in  the  northwest  the  Elephant's 
Back  rises  far   above  the  neighboring  hills.     At   our  feet,  embowered  in  a  forest  of  trees,  lies 


824  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

Kilbourn,  while  we  trace  the  channel  of  the  grand  old  Wisconsin  until  finally  it  is  lost  in  the 
mazy  distance. 

The  wing  of  the  building  has  been  fitted  up  for  bedrooms,  kitchen,  dining-room,  bathrooms, 
etc.  On  the  lower  floor  is  the  Turkish  bath  room,  which  joins  the  shampooing-room  and  hot  and 
cold  water  bathroom.  The  engine-room  contains  a  five-horse-power  engine  which  pumps  water 
from  a  well  160  feet  deep  into  the  tanks  in  the  attic.  Steam  and  hot  water  from  the  boiler  is 
used  for  heating  the  water  in  the  tanks. 

The  institution  was  opened  in  the  summer  of  1878,  by  Dr.  William  Russell,  who  operated 
it  until  Api-il,  1879,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  Dr.  J.  S.  Galloway  and  Dr.  G.  C.  McEl- 
roy  and  wife,  the  latter  also  being  a  physician.  In  January,  1880,  Dr.  Galloway  retired,  and 
G.  C.  McElroy,  M.  D.  and  Mrs.  A.  McElroy,  M.  D.,  remained  in  charge. 

The  first  settlers  of  Kilbourn  City  experienced  considerable  difficulty  in  their  intercourse 
with  the  outer  world  by  means  of  the  mails.  From  the  time  Alanson  Holly  settled  here  in  the 
woods  till  September,  1857,  the  citizens  were  dependent  upon  Newport.  Strenuous  efforts 
were  made  to  have  an  office  established  here,  but  it  was  not  until  after  the  completion  of  the 
railroad  that  their  efforts  were  crowned  with  success.  J.  Armstrong  was  the  first  Postmaster. 
Filing  the  required  bonds,  he  then  appointed  Edward  Palmer  deputy,  and  the  latter  attended  to 
all  the  duties  of  the  office.  Mr.  Armstrong  resigned  soon  after.  Mr.  Palmer  was  appointed  to 
fill  the  vacancy,  and  served  until  the  spring  of  1859,  when  J.  Jackson  Brown  was  commissioned 
in  his  stead.  Mr.  BroAvn  held  the  office  until  February,  1864,  when  J.  M.  Weber  succeeded 
him,  and  continued  in  office  until  February,  1878,  a  period  of  fourteen  years.  W.  H.  Mylrea 
was  Mr.  Weber's  successor.  In  1867,  it  was  made  a  money-order  office.  The  first  order 
drawn  was  to  George  A.  Woodford  in  favor  of  R.  M.  Thompson,  Unionville,  Conn.,  and  payable 
at  Hartford,  in  same  State.      Mr.  Woodford  had  also  the  second  order  drawn. 

The  Spring  Grove  Cemetery  Association  was  organized  December  11,  1859,  having  for  its 
purpose  the  securing  and  holding  in  trust  a  place  for  the  burial  of  the  dead.  George  F.  Noble. 
S.  D.  Hambleton,  Charles  Teshner,  W.  H.  Peabody,  I.  W.  York  and  H.  McDonald  were 
elected  trustees.  The  trustees  were  instructed  to  procure  from  E.  T.  Hooker  twenty  acres  of 
land,  described  as  the  west  half  of  the  northwest  quarter  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  1, 
in  Township  13,  north  of  Range  6  east.  On  account  of  the  difficulty  in  securing  a  perfect 
title,  and  also  because  of  the  great  distance  from  the  village,  this  action  was  reconsidered,  and, 
in  the  spring  of  1862,  Dr.  Hooker  deeded  the  association  twelve  acres  off  the  northwest  quarter 
of  Section  11,  Township  13  north,  Range  6  east,  which  lies  just  east  of  the  village.  This  land 
has  been  laid  out  in  blocks  and  lots,  with  convenient  roadways  running  through,  and  is  also  neatly 
inclosed.  The  first  person  to  be  buried  there  was  a  child  of  G.  H.  Daniels.  The  trustees  in 
1879  were  J.  N.  Schmitz,  George  Oswald,  W.  A.  Ramsay,  A.  Chamberlain,  I.  W.  York  and 
Frank  Hill. 

Satv  Mill. — The  first  saw-mill  in  the  place  was  put  in  operation  in  the  fall  of  1857,  by 
Hines  &  Drinker,  who  continued  to  run  the  same  until  1870,  when  it  was  purchased  by  the 
junior  member,  who  formed  a  partnership  with  two  brothers,  under  the  firm  name  of  Drinker 
Brothers.  Steam  power  is  used.  The  mill  is  capable  of  turning  out  14,000  feet  of  lumber 
each  day  often  hours' run.  Drinker  Brothers  are  extensive  dealers  in  lumber  and  all  material 
usually  found  in  a  yard  of  that  kind. 

Planing  and  Grist  Mill. — As  soon  as  lumber  could  be  obtained  from  the  new  saw-mill  of 
Hines  k  Drinker,  Walker,  Munger  &  Co.  erected  a  large  planing-mill  and  commenced  the 
manufacture  of  sash,  doors  and  blinds.  In  i860,  they  added  a  grist-mill  to  their  business, 
since  which  time  the  three  departments  have  been  in  constant  operation.  A  thirty-horse  power 
engine  drives  the  whole  machinery.  In  ordinary  times  employment  is  given  to  about  thirty 
men.  The  flour  here  manufactured  is  rated  in  the  Chicago  market  as  the  very  best,  and  gene- 
rally the  firm  receive  an  advance  on  the  highest  quotations.  In  1878,  the  manufacture  of  syrup 
from  sorghum  was  also  engaged  in  with  success. 


HISTORY    OF    COLirMBIA   COUNTY.  825 

Foundry  and  Machine  Shop. — In  April,  1879,  G.  M.  Marshall  &  Son  established  in  tlie 
village  a  foundry  and  machine-shop,  meeting  with  good  success  in  the  manufacture  of  Marshall's 
patent  blacksmith  shears,  power  corn  shellers,  and  turbine  water-wheels.  Their  foundry  is  well 
supplied  with  every  modern  invention  for  their  work,  and  they  turn  out,  on  short  notice,  casting 
of  all  kinds. 

Kilhourn  City  Brewery. — Erected  in  1858,  by  Mechler  &  Leute,  who  continued  the  same 
until  1861,  when,  on  the  death  of  the  junior  partner,  Andrew  Leute,  Julius,  Charles  and  Thad- 
deus  Leute,  brothers  of  Andrew,  purchased  the  institution  from  Mr.  Mechler  and  the  heirs  of 
Andrew  Leute.  These  brothers  continued  in  partnership  a  short  time,  and  then  Julius  Leute 
became  sole  proprietor.     About  eight  hundred  barrels  of  lager  beer  are  manufactured  yearlv. 

Union  Horse  Collar. — The  invention  of  John  N.  Schmitz,  of  this  village.  It  is  a  collar 
and  hame  combined,  and  is  made  so  as  to  be  easily  fitted  to  the  neck  of  the  horse,  having  a 
swivel  screw  on 'top,  by  which  it  can  be  made  wider  or  narrower  by  the  hame-strap  below.  It 
can  be  lengthened  and  shortened  by  the  bolt  in  the  cap  on  the  top.  In  1876,  a  company  was 
formed,  under  the  name  of  Union  Collar  Company,  for  the  manufacture  of  the  article.  They 
have  succeeded  in  building  up  a  large  trade. 

Bank  of  Kilbourn. — This  institution  was  opened  for  business,  August  26,  1867,  by  John 
P.  McGregor.  In  February,.  1868,  Mr.  McGregor  disposed  of  the  same  to  Jonathan  Bow- 
man. It  is  a  private  bank,  with  its  entire  business  transacted  upon  its  own  capital,  receiv- 
ing no  deposits,  but  otherwise  doing  a  regular  banking  business,  selling  exchange  upon  Mil- 
waukee, Chicago,  New  York,  and  all  foreign  countries.  John  W.  Brown  is  the  cashier,  and 
has  been  with  the  bank  since  January,  1869. 

Toivn  Mall. — This  is  a  large  building  upon  Oak  street,  north  of  the  Finch  House,  and  was 
erected  for  theatrical,  concert  and  lecture  purposes.  In  size  it  is  30x80,  18-foot  ceiling,  with 
large  stage  in  the  rear.  It  was  built  by  a  stock  company  in  1868,  and  is  rented  for  purposes 
named,  on  reasonable  terms ;    W.  II.  Finch,  agent. 

Baptist  Church. — Elders  Keith  and  Sprague  were  the  first  missionaries  of  this  church,  and 
held  a  number  of  sei-vices  in  the  winter  of  1858.  In  May  following,  a  number  of  the  brethren 
met  in  the  old  schoolhouse,  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  an  organization.  Elder  A.  E.  Green 
was  present  and  acted  as  Moderator.  Deacon  John  Hogoboom,  Mary  Hogoboom,  Samuel  S. 
Barker,  Mary  A.  Barker,  Augustus  S.  Barker,  Edward  F.  Barker,  Charles  H.  Barker  and 
David  Stillwell  signed  the  articles  of  covenant.  John  Hogoboom  was  made  Deacon,  and  David 
Stillwell,  Clerk.  Elder  Green  was  invited  to  become  their  Pastor,  and  accepted  the  call,  coming 
twice  a  month  from  his  home  in  Delton  to  hold  services  here.  He  remained  with  them  until 
August,  1864,  when  Elder  Snider  was  called  to  the  work.  July  18,  1867,  Elder  George  W. 
Freeman  was  invited  to  become  their  regular  Pastor,  and  accepted  the  invitation.  In  August, 
1867,  the  churches  of  Dell  Prairie  and  Delton,  which  had  become  weakened  by  removals  and 
other  causes,  came  forward  and  united  with  this  church,  thus  giving  them  an  effective  working 
strength  of  about  sixty  members.  At  this  time,  J.  W.  Wood  was  appointed  Deacon,  and  A.  S. 
Barker,  Clerk.  February,  1868,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
erection  of  a  church  edifice,  and  their  report  being  satisfactory,  the  work  was  immediately 
undertaken.  The  flush  times  of  the  previous  year  made  the  community  liberal  in  subscribing 
to  the  church  fund,  but  the  failure  in  the  principal  product  of  this  region  made  collections 
slow,  so  that  it  was  impossible  to  complete  the  building.  As  soon  as  inclosed  and  plastered,  it 
was  rented  to  the  village  for  two  years.  It  was  not  made  ready  for  formal  dedication  until 
December,  1872.  Elder  J.  W.  Fisher  preached  the  sermon.  Elder  Freeman  remained  with 
the  church  until  November,  1869.  Elder  E.  L.  Schofield  was  the  next  to  minister  to  the  con- 
gregation, but  only  remained  a  few  weeks,  and  was  succeeded  by  Elder  A.  L.  Seward,  who 
remained  six  months.  The  church  then  remained  without  a  pastor  for  several  months.  In 
August,  1871,  Rev.  H.  C.  Fuller  engaged  in  the  work,  and  continued  for  two  years.  Again, 
for  a  short  time,  the  church  was  without  a  shepherd ;  but  in  April,  1874,  Elder  John  C.  Doug- 
lass was  ordained  to  the  ministry,  and  was  then  called  to  the  pastorate ;  remained  one  year,  and 


826  1IIST(JKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

was  succeeded  by  Elder  J.  S.  Cox,  who  served  four  months,  wlien  Rev.  F.  S.  Witter  came  and 
remained  one  year.  Rev.  H.  C.  Fuller  was  then  called  for  the  second  time,  and  continued  to 
serve  until  September,  1879.  The  church  is  weak  numerically  and  financially,  but  has  some 
earnest  Christian  men  and  women  connected  with  it.  A  Sunday  school  is  maintained,  with  a 
membership  of  fifty,  with  A.  S.  Barker  as  Superintendent.  Hours  of  service  for  the  church: 
Sunday,  10:30  A.  M.,  and  7:30  P.  M.     Sabbath  school.  12  M. 

Methodist  Episcopal. — The  first  preaching  by  a  minister  of  this  denomination,  in  this  vil- 
lage, was  in  the  old  schoolhouse,  in  the  spring  of  1857,  by  Rev.  William  Mullen.  A  congre- 
gation was  soon  afterward  formed.  John  Kneen  and  wife,  Silas  Merrill  and  wife,  Cook  and 
wife  and  Harriet  Peabody  were  in  the  first  organization.  Silas  Merrill  was  the  first  Class 
Leader.  After  worshiping  awhile  in  the  old  schoolhouse,  a  small  dwelling-house  was  purchased 
and  fitted  up  for  religious  purposes.  Here  they  assembled  from  time  to  time  until  the  house 
became  too  small,  when  they  went  back  to  the  schoolhouse.  An  old  store  building  was  now 
purchased  and  used  until  it  also  became  too  small,  when  it  was  sold  and  the  money  applied  on  a 
new  building.  While  this  was  in  progress,  the  congregation  worshiped  in  the  old  academy 
building.  Sabbath,  January  31,  1868,  the  new  church  was  dedicated,  with  appropriate  services. 
Among  the  Pastors  who  have  served,  were  Revs.  Mullen,  Springer,  Searles,  Faucier,  Smith, 
Yocum,  Howe,  Bennett,  Case,  Bishop,  Allen,  Buck,  Gaskell,  Steele,  Hamilton,  Duncan,  Hazel- 
ton,  Full  and  Webster.     The  church  is  weak  numerically  and  financially. 

Protestant  Episcopal. — The  first  public  service  of  the  church  in  Kilbourn  City  was  in  the 
year  1858,  the  Rev.  Hugh  Miller  Thompson,  of  Portage,  otficiating.  Occasional  services  were 
thereafter  given  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson  and  his  successor  in  St.  John's  Parish,  Portage, 
the  Rev.  A.  J.  M.  Hudson.  From  1860  to  1863,  services  were  given  more  or  less  regularly 
by  the  Revs.  J.  0.  Barton,  William  Pray  Ten  Broeck  and  Mosely  Morris,  successively  itiner- 
ants on  the  line  of  the  La  Crosse  &  Milwaukee,  now  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad. 
Some  church  interest  was  developed  and  two  lots  were  given  by  Mr.  Edward  Roddis,  of  Mil- 
waukee, for  the  purpose  of  erecting  thereon  a  church  building.  The  missionary,  however,  being 
withdrawn  and  the  services  discontinued,  several  of  the  church  families  in  the  meanwhile  remov- 
ing, the  lots  were  allowed  to  be  sold  for  taxes,  and  all  church  interest  died  out.  In  the  year 
1867,  the  Missionary  Board,  adopting  a  new  plan  of  missionary  work,  placed  the  Rev.  George 
Vernor  as  its  missionary  on  the  line  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad ;  at 
which  time  services  were  once  more  commenced,  and  regularly  maintained  on  the  first  Sunday 
of  each  month,  together  with  occasional  week-day  services.  Some  of  the  old  church  families 
having  returned  and  new  ones  having  moved  in,  a  new  interest  was  developed,  and  a  mission 
organized  under  the  name  of  St.  Paul's  Mission,  Kilbourn  City.  The  lots  sold  for  taxes  were 
redeemed,  and  a  deed  for  another  lot  was  given  by  Byron  Kilbourn.  In  the  fall  of  1868,  the 
Rev.  Chester  Adams  was  associated  in  the  missionary  work,  the  headquarters  of  the  mission 
being  Beaver  Dam,  services  being  continued  at  Kilbourn  City,  the  same  as  the  year  previous. 
In  1870,  Rev.  William  B.  Bolmer  was  placed  in  charge,  and  continued  to  serve  until  1872, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Peyton  Gallagher,  who  only  remained  six  months,  and  was  fol- 
lowed by  Rev.  F.  C.  Eldred,  who  remained  until  March,  1875.  At  this  time,  Rev.  J.  B. 
Pedelupe  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  remaining  in  charge  until  June,  1878,  since  which  time 
no  regular  services  have  been  held.  The  parish  was  organized  with  nine  communicants.  Thirty- 
two  have  been  added  to  this  number,  making  a  total  of  forty-one,  of  whom  fourteen  have 
removed,  leaving  twenty-seven.  A.  C.  Dixon,  Warden ;  John  W.  Brown,  Secretary  and 
Treasurer. 

Preshyterian. — In  the  summer  of  1855.  a  petition  was  drawn  up,  signed  by  nineteen  per- 
sons, asking  the  Presbytery  of  Winnebago  to  organize  a  church  at  Newport  and  Delton.  The 
petition  was  sent  to  Rev.  William  W.  McNair,  then  of  Portage  City.  Rev.  Stewart  Mitchell 
was  stopping  with  Mr.  McNair,  and  the  two  visited  the  new  field.  The  Presbytery  soon  after 
sent  Rev.  H.  M.  Robertson  to  organize  the  church,  should  the  way  be  clear.  The  church  being 
organized  by  Mr.  Robertson,  Rev.  Stewart  Mitchell  was  called  as  its  first  Pastor.     Great  diflSculty 


HISTOEY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY.  827 

was  experienced  in  obtaining  a  room  in  which  to  hold  divine  service.  Frequently  the 
congregation  would  meet  in  private  houses,  in  jmblic  halls,  in  storerooms,  in  dining-rooms,  any 
where  that  shelter  could  be  had.  and  the  people  assembled  to  hear  the  Gospel.  A  cliurcli  house 
was  needed,  but  property  in  Newport  was  depreciating,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  a 
sufficient  sum  could  be  raised  to  .erect  a  church  edifice.  But  by  persistent  effort,  it  was  done, 
and  on  the  23d  of  August,  1857,  a  small  church  building  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of 
Almighty  God.  The  church  meanwhile  began  to  lose  by  removals,  and  soon  after  the  church  was 
built,  it  became  apparent  that  it  would  have  to  be  abandoned.  On  Sunday,  June  29,  1856, 
Rev.  Mr.  Mitchell  preached  his  first  discourse  in  Kilbourn  City,  and  soon  after  began  to  preach 
regularly  in  the  place.  But  great  difficulty  was  experienced  in  awakening  an  interest.  Elder 
J.  M.  Weber  removed  here  in  the  spring  of  1858,  and  the  minister  in  the  fall.  The  first 
communion  was  held  in  April,  1858,  and  four  persons  were  admitted  to  che  church.  R.  M. 
Thompson  was  elected  an  additional  Elder.  The  church  now  began  to  grow  slowly.  In  1861, 
the  project  of  building  a  church  was  seriously  talked  of,  and,  in  the  beginning  of  18G2,  the 
church  at  Newport  was  taken  down,  and  the  materials  brought  to  this  place  for  erection  during 
the  summer.  Various  circumstances  delayed  action  until  fall,  and  in  the  fall  difficulties  were 
greater  than  ever.  Money  was  not  easily  obtained,  and  the  work  could  not  have  commenced, 
but  for  the  help  of  a  benevolent  lady  in  Milwaukee,  Mrs.  Harriet  T.  Smith,  who  furnished  the 
means  to  buy  the  lumber  necessary  for  erecting  and  inclosing  the  building.  Alanson  Holly 
gave  the  lot'on  which  to  build.  In  August,  1863,  the  church  building  was  dedicated  during  a 
meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Winnebago.  At  this  time.  Rev.  Mr.  Mitchell  resigned  the  pas- 
torate on  account  of  the  ill  health  of  his  wife,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Alexander  Strain, 
who  acted  as  supply  for  a  year.  An  interim  of  a  few  months  followed,  when  Rev.  Willis  B. 
Phelps  supplied  the  church  in  part  and,  on  the  25th  of  September,  Mr.  Phelps  was 
invited  by  the  church  to  become  its  Pastor.  This  relation  continued  until  1870,  when 
Mr.  Phelps  retired,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  George  F.  Hunting,  who  for  two  years 
supplied  the  church,  and  was  then  chosen  its  Pastor  and  continued  as  such  until  1876.  For 
two  years,  the  church  was  without  regular  service,  but  in  1878,  Rev.  J.  V.  R.  Hughes  was  called 
to  the  work  and  yet  remains  with  the  church.  Those  composing  the  church  on  its  organization 
were  Jacob  Van  Doren,  Rachel  Van  Doren,  Simeon  Hunter,  Eliza  Jane  Hunter,  Abigail 
Britts,  Elizabeth  Van  Vetcher,  Caroline  Dawes,  Mary  E.  Holmes,  Jacob  Vanderburg.  Charity 
Vanderburg,  Maria  Andrews,  Everett  Beardsley,  Olive  Beardsley,  Thomas  Murray  and  Isa- 
bella Murray.  J.  M.  Weber  and  wife  united  shortly  after.  Everett  Beardsley  was  the  first 
Elder,  and  Jacob  Van  Doren,  S.  D.  Hunter,  J.  M.  Weber,  the  first  Deacons.  In  1856,  Mr. 
Weber  was  made  an  Elder,  and  has  since  held  that  responsible  position.  Since  the  organization 
of  the  church  there  have  been  admitted  to  membership  195.  Present  membership,  66.  The 
officers  in  1880  were  E.  H.  Parmlee,  Timothy  Temple,  Harlan  McDonald  and  J.  M.  Weber, 
Elders.  Services  held  each  Sabbath  at  lOi  A.  M.  and  7  P.  M.  Sunday  school  meets  each 
Sabbath  at  12  M.     Dr.  McElroy  is  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school. 

German  Evangelical  Lutheran. — Organized  in  the  fall  of  1876,  at  which  time  a  small 
church  house  was  built,  at  a  cost  of  $800.  Rev.  Zorn,  of  Portage,  was  the  first  Pastor.  He 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Hovde,  and  he,  in  turn,  by  Rev.  Gesal.  In  the  latter  part  of 
1879,  Rev.  E.  J.  Peterson  was  called  to  the  work.  The  church  is  weak,  numerically,  num- 
bering but  about  twelve  families. 

Roman  Catholic — In  1859,  a  church  was  erected  in  this  place,  at  a  cost  of  $600,  since 
which  time  improvements  have  been  made  and  the  church  enlarged,  making  the  value  of  the 
property  about  $1,200.  In  addition,  a  parsonage  was  built  in  1871,  at  a  cost  of  $1,600.  The 
church  numbers  eighty-five  families.  Fathers  Montecue,  Keenan,  De  Kalver,  Ryan,  Siner, 
Galweiler,  Gohntyn  and  H;ekler  have  each,  in  turn,  served  the  congregation. 

Columbia  Lodge,  No  134.,  '^-  ^-  ;J'  ^-  ^- — ^^as  organized  by  dispensation  March  14, 
1860,  and  by  charter  June  13,  1860,  by  A.  B.  Alden,  Grand  Lecturer.  The  first  officers 
and  charter  members  were:    J.  M.  Weber,  W.  M.;  J.  H.  Fort,  S.  W.;   Robert  Herren,  J.  W.; 


828  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

J.  E.  Dixon,  T.;  L.  R.  Mitchell,  S.;  John  Tanner,  E.  T.  Hooker,  W.  S.  Payne,  William 
Gardner.  From  its  organization  till  January  1,  1380,  ninety  persons  have  been  initiated  into 
the  order.  The  membership  at  that  time  was  thirty-eight.  The  lodge  meets  the  first  and 
third  Tuesday  evenings  of  each  month.  The  officers  for  the  term  commencing  the  first  meeting 
in  January,  1880,  were:  H.  R.  Snider,  W.  M.;  W.  H.  Mylrea,  S.  W.;  C.  E.  Griffith,  J.  W.; 
J.  Mylrea,  T.;  W.  A.  Ramsay,  Sec. 

Columbia  Chapter,  No.  31,  A.,  F.  cf  A.  i)/.— Instituted  March  8,  1866,  by  M.  L.  Young, 
II.  P.;  A.  B.  Alden,  K.,  and  E.  F.  Lewis,  Scribe.  Its  first  officers  were:  William  C.  Swain. 
H.  P.;  William  Case,  Scribe  ;  Frank  M.  Stewart,  K.;  I.  T.  Murray,  C.  H.;  G.  H.  Daniels, 
P.  S.;  G.  W.  Jenkins,  R.  A.  C;  0.  W.  Dickinson,  Third  V.;  Robert  Herren,  Second  V.: 
Frank  Hill,  First  V.;  George  Smith,  T.;  A.  Chamberlain,  Sec;  U.  F.  Hind,  G.  Present 
membership,  twenty-eight.  Meets  second  and  fourth  Tuesday  evenings  of  each  month.  The 
officers  for  the  term  commencing  the  first  meeting  in  January  were  :  George  Smith.  H.  P.;  A. 
Chamberlain,  K.;  K.  F.  Hill.  Scribe ;  Frank  Hill,  R.  A.  C;  G.  W.  Jenkins,  C.  H.;  I.  W. 
York,  P.  S.;  G.  B.  Bacon,  Third  V.;  C.  A.  Noyes,  Second  V.;  A.  C.  Di.xon,  First  V.;  John 
Mylrea,  T.;  J.  M.  Weber,  Sec;  0.  W.  Dickinson,  G. 

Bell  Lodge,  No.  175,  I.  0.  0.  i^.— Was  chartered  January  20,  1870,  with  S.  F.  Smith, 
John  Jellodd,  Peter  Emser,  A.  C.  Dixon,  J.  H.  Fosnot,  A.  F.  Leonard,  H.  H.  Tredwell,  I.  F. 
Friend,  C.  H.  Stone,  F.  S.  Meakler  and  J.  Kingsland  as  charter  members.  Membership,  Jan- 
uary, 1880,  33. 

The  officers  elected  January  1,  1880,  were:  H.  M.  Whitney,  N.  G.;  G.  Guyer,  V.  G.;  H. 
Corning,  Sec;  Charles  Schroeder,  P.  S.;  N.  Van  Alstine,  Treas.  Lodge  meets  every  Monday 
evening. 

Alpha  Encampment,  No.  4.S,  I.  0.  0.  F. — Instituted  December  6,  1871,  with  I.  F. 
Friend,  George  Lintner,  George  Ribenack,  George  Smith,  Allen  Wright,  H.  R.  Snider  and 
Jonathan  Bell  as  charter  members.  Now  has  15  members,  and  meets  the  first  and  third  Friday 
evenings  of  each  month. 

The  temperance  cause  in  this  place  has  always  had  some  very  strong  advocates — men  ami 
women  who  were  willing  to  labor  to  "  save  the  fallen  and  prevent  others  from  falling."  As 
individuals,  they  have  toiled ;  and  in  organizations,  under  various  names,  they  have  endeavored 
to  inculcate  temperance  principles  in  the  community.  The  Wisconsin  Mirror,  under  the  man- 
agement of  A.  Holly,  and  the  Kilbourn  City  Guard,  edited  by  Wesley  Moran,  did  much  to 
advance  the  cause. 

The  first  organized  eflbrt  was  that  of  the 

Minnehaha  Lodge,  No.  87,  I.  0.  Gr.  T. — A  number  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  this  place 
having  petitioned  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Good  Templars  of  the  State 
of  Wisconsin,  with  authority  and  assistance  to  open  a  lodge,  G.  W.  C.  T.  Hawley,  of  Madison, 
accompanied  by  Mr.  Wilder,  of  Delton,  came  and  effected  such  organization.  The  charter 
members  of  the  lodge  were  J.  M.  Weber,  L.  D.  Combs,  H.  McDonald,  S.  N.  Merrill,  W.  H. 
Peabody,  C.  D.  Woodruff,  L.  B.  Noyes,  AV.  Recker,  John  Springer,  H.  Clark,  Thomas  ('oon, 
Frank  Tanner,  Emma  Elmer,  Ada  A.  Wheeler,  Adaline  Weber,  Adelia  Weber,  S.  A.  Merrill, 
H.  M.  Peabody,  Sarah  Cronk  and  Sarah  Smith.  As  first  officers,  were  elected  and  appointed  J. 
M.  Weber,  W.  C.  T.;  Sarah  Smith,  W.  V.  T.;  H.  Clark,  W.  R.  S.;  Frank  Tanner,  W.  T.; 
L.  B.  Noyes,  W.  F.  S.;  L.  D.  Combs,  W.  M.;  Thomas  Coon,  W.  I.  G.;  VV.  H.  Peabody,  W. 
O.  G.;  Ada  A.  Wheeler,  R.  H.  S.;  Emma  Elmer,  L.  H.  S.;  John  Springer,  Chaplain  ;  II. 
McDonald,  P.  W.  C.  T.;  Adelia  Weber,  W.  A.  S.;  Sarah  Cronk,  W.  A.  M. 

The  lodge  flourished  until  the  breaking-out  of  the  war,  when  a  considerable  number  of  the 
members  went  forth  to  battle  for  their  country.  During  the  existence  of  the  rebellion,  regular 
meetings  were  sustained,  but  the  interest  was  not  great.  In  1865,  the  membership  again 
increased,  and  interest  was  well  sustaineil  until  1866,  when  a  number  of  the  meiubers  became 
dissatisfied  and  withdrew,  and,  the  spring  following,  the  lodge  ceased  to  exist. 


,    tyT^,  0>Q/^n-^-^  n^M^r  (W, 


POYNETTE 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUXTY.  831 

Evening  IStar  Lodge,  No.  519^,  I.  0.  Gr.  T.,  was  instituted  April  15,  1867,  with  eighteen 
charter  members.  The  organization  of  this  lodge  resulted  from  the  withdrawal  of  some  of  the 
members  of  the  Minnehaha  Lodge,  who  had  become  dissatisfied,  and  who  felt  they  could  better 
labor  in  the  temperance  cause  in  another  organized  body.  The  charter  members  and  first  ofli- 
cers  were  George  W.  Case,  W.  C.  T.  ;  R.  Dudgeon,  T.  :  John  B.  Markham,  W.  F.  S.  ;  Orvis 
M.  Burnhans,  W.  Sec. ;  Chancey  Doughty,  W.  M. ;  I.  H.  Chickering,  W.  0.  G. ;  William 
Snoad,  P.  W.  C.  T. ;  Anna  Bliss,  W.  I.  G.  ;  Durand  B.  Peabody,  Frank  Kingsbury,  I.  M. 
Strong,  H.  Taylor,  Samuel  Kalor,  Misses  N.  E.  Case,  D.  H.  Dudgeon,  S.  Bennett,  A.  Murray 
and  Miss  Doughty.  The  lodge  had  a  prosperous  career  for  some  five  years,  when  the  interest 
began  to  decline,  and  in  August,  1875,  it  ceased  to  exist.  April  7,  1877,  it  was  re-organized 
under  its  old  name  and  number,  and  from  that  time  has  been  quite  prosperous.  During  the 
month  of  January,  1880,  initiations  occurred  at  every  meeting,  and  its  working  membership 
was  thirty-nine,  with  G.  A.  Ramsay,  W.  C.  T. ;  Hester  J.  Teare,  W.  V.  T.  ;  James  S.  McNeel, 
W.  R.  S. ;  Harry  G.  Markham,  W.  F.  S.  ;  Emma  V.  Drinker,  W.  T.  :  Frank  H.  Marshall, 
W.  M.  ;  Mrs.  Helen  B.  Stroud,  W.  G. ;  Harry  E.  Hinnan,  W.  I.  G.  :  William  Brew,  W.  0. 
G.  ;  William  Gillespie,  P.  W.  C.  T. ;  G.  E.  York,  L.  D. 

Kilbourn  City  Temple,  No.  l^S,  I.  0.  Gr.  T. — Connected  with  Evening  Star  Lodge  is  a 
degree  temple,  which  was  instituted  June  20,  1867,  which  continued  to  work  until  August,  1875, 
when  it  ceased,  and  was  re-organized  April  7,  1877. 

Dell  Temple,  Temple  of  Honor. — This  institution  was  organized  May  16,  1876,  by 
Col.  Watrous,  G.  W.  C.  T.,  of  Fond  du  Lac.  The  charter  members,  as  well  as  its  first  officers, 
were  P.  F.  O'Hare,  W.  C.  T.  ;  A.  D.  Lincoln, 'W.  V.  T.;  J.  H.  Dunn,  W.  R.;  S.  Cadv,  W. 
A.  R.;  J.  H.  McNeel,  W.  T.;  W.  C.  Hicks,  Chaplain  ;  H.  0.  Darling,  W.  U.;  Fred."  Hin- 
nan, W.  D.  U.;  James  Hinnan,  W.  G.;  J.  M.  Bilby,  W.  S. ;  J.  B.  Markham,  P.  W.  C.  T.; 
George  F.  Noble,  D.  G.  W.  T.  The  temple  has  had  its  seasons  of  prosperity  and  seasons  of  adver- 
sity. But  three  of  the  original  number  were  living  in  the  village  January  1, 1880.  The  removal 
of  the  others  has  tended  to  weaken  the  order,  but  their  regular  meetings  are  still  kept  up. 
For  the  term  commencing  January  1,  1880,  the  officers  were  James  Clapper,  W.  Y.  T.;  A.  E. 
Drinker,  W.  V.  T.;  C.  A.  Thompson,  W.  R.;  N.  Van  Alstine,  W.  T.;  Henry  Rich,  W.  G.;  I. 
H.  Chickering,  W.  S.;  J.  B.  Markham,  P.  W.  C.  T.  The  temple  meets  every  Thursday  night 
in  Temple  Hall. 

A  Reminiscence. — "  I   came  to   Kilbourn    City,"  writes  A.   Holly,  "the  last  of  October, 

1855,  and  hastily  prepared  a  house  in  which  my  family  could  live,  and  an  office  in  which  to 
print  my  paper  ;  and  issued  the  first  number  of  the  Wisconsin  Mirror,  the  1st  day  of  January, 

1856.  The  day  was  very  cold,  for  a  peculiarly  cold  winter,  and  our  office  was  very  open.  I 
wrote  my  editorials  in  the  house,  and  picked  up  dry  wood  about  where  the  village  now  is,  and 
hired  green  wood  cut  when  I  could  not  get  dry. 

"  The  day  on  which  we  published  the  first  number  of  the  Mirror,  the  mercury  was  17 
degrees  below  zero,  at  noon.  The  office  boys  were  obliged  to  heat  planks  to  stand  on,  to  keep 
their  feet  from  freezing,  and  to  keep  a  kettle  of  hot  water  to  prevent  their  hands  from  freezing. 
There  were  several  of  the  officers  of  the  '  Wisconsin  River  Hydraulic  Co.'  and  others,  present, 
and  when  the  first  paper  wa8  struck  off",  Mr.  Noble,  of  Newport,  now  a  resident  of  Kilbourn 
City,  took  it  and  put  it  up  at  auction,  for  my  benefit,  and  Mr.  Weaver,  of  Ohio,  bid  it  off  at 
$65,  and  immediately  paid  for  it !  The  next  copy  was  sold  to  John  B.  Vleit,  of  Newport,  for 
$10,  and  the  third  to  a  brother  of  J.  B.  Vleit,  for  $5.  This,  of  course,  was  all  done  for  my 
encouragement,  but  it  was  all  kept  a  profound  secret  from  me,  till  the  sale  began.  It  was  to 
keep  me  '  printing  in  the  woods '  till  things  thawed  out,  and  it  was  a  good  way  to  do  it. 

"  The  present  Kilbourn  City  was  then  covered  with  woods,  and  not  a  dwelling-house  within 
a  mile.  Our  provisions  and  other  things  for  use  in  the  house  had  to  be  brought  from  Newport, 
or  other  places  abroad,  and  much  of  them  were  brought  on  my  back,  or  on  the  backs  of  my 
boys.  There  was,  that  winter,  a  considerable  quantity  of  game  seen  where  Kilbourn  City  now 
is — deer,  sometimes   bear,   rabbits,   squirrels,   partridges  and   quail.     But  the  larger  of  these 


832  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COLNTY. 

animals  entirely  disappeared  on  the  appearance  of  the  railroad,  and  considerable  of  the  smaller 
ones.     One  winter,  the  northern  bears  got  so  hungry  that  they  made  us  quite  a  long  visit. 

"  The  Dells  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  when  we  came  there,  had  scarcely  been  seen,  except 
by  raftsmen,  and  nothing  was  said  about  the  canyons  or  gulches. 

"  The  summer  after  we  came  there,  we  went  frequently  through  the  Dells  in  small  boats, 
and  to  the  canyons  and  gulches,  in  boats  or  on  foot.  But  those  canyons  were  so  filled  with 
brush  and  fallen  logs  that  it  was  difficult  to  get  through  them.  In  1856,  I  and  the  boy  went 
to  Cold  Water  Canyon,  and  it  was  so  cold,  in  August,  that  I  would  not  have  our  women  try  to 
go  in.  We  afterward  went  to  Witch's  Gulch,  not  then  named,  and  could  not  get  through, 
because  the  water  was  so  deep  below  the  fall.  Afterward  I  heard  that  some  boys  swam 
through  ;  and  because  they  imagined  they  saw  something  on  the  high  wall  at  the  lower  end  that 
looked  like  a  witch,  they  named  it  '  Witch's  Gulch.'  " 

It  remains  to  point  out  a  few  of  the  advantages  of  Kilbourn  City,  geographically,  for 
pleasure-seekers.  It  is  situated  about  midway  between  Chicago  and  St.  Paul,  being  one  hundred 
and  ninety-three  miles  from  Chicago,  and  two  hundred  and  sixteen  miles  from  St.  Paul,  and  is  in  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  the  Dells,  which  have  already  been  described.  It  is  seventy-seven  miles  from 
Oconomowoc,  fifty-seven  miles  from  Madison,  and  sixty-two  miles  from  Sparta.  By  the  run  of 
trains,  one  can  leave  Kilbourn  in  the  morning,  go  to  Sparta  and  fish  for  trout  all  day,  and 
return  in  the  evening ;  or  go  to  Oconomowoc  and  dine,  and  have  some  four  or  five  hours'  amuse- 
ments on  the  lakes,  and  get  back  to  supper  at  Kilbourn  :  or  go  over  to  Madison,  arriving  there 
at  10  A.  M.,  and  see  the  capital  and  public  buildings,  take  a  sail  on  the  beautiful  lakes  by  which 
it  is  environed,  and  return  to  Kilbourn  to  supper,  the  same  night :  or  take  a  carriage  and  pair 
of  horses  and  drive  through  to  Baraboo  and  Devil's  Lake,  seventeen  miles,  and  dine  and  "take 
in  "  all  there  is  of  scenery  there,  and  back  to  Kilbourn  the  same  night ;  or  take  short  runs  out 
by  trains  to  Mauston,  Lisbon  or  Camp  Douglas,  and  view  the  wonderful  rock  formations  all 
along  the  line:  or  over  to  Delton,  and  take  a  sail  on  Mirror  Lake,  and  back  to  Kilbourn. 

Mirror  Lake,  located  three  and  a  half  miles  from  Kilbourn  City  station,  and  four  miles 
from  the  Dells,  has  hitherto  been  kept  from  public  notice  by  the  few  lovers  of  good  fishing  and 
the  beauties  of  nature,  who  were  acquainted  with  its  attractions.  But  its  wonderful  refiections, 
magnificent  canyons,  and  entire  diflerence  from  other  places  of  interest,  have  at  length  disclosed 
its  beauties  to  the  tourist,  and  in  1879,  a  steamer  was  put  upon  its  waters.  Its  proximity  to 
'•  Congress  Hall,"  and  the  mineral  springs,  and  the  well-known  healthy  climate  of  Delton, 
where  it  is  located — the  average  mortality  being  only  two  deaths  per  year,  out  of  a  population 
of  about  nine  hundred — make  it  one  of  the  most  desirable  resorts  in  the  Northwest. 

Lake  Mason,  the  fisherman's  paradise,  is  a  spot  comparatively  unknown,  though  one  of  the 
finest  of  the  numerous  lakes  scattered  over  Wisconsin.  The  lake  proper  is  three  miles  in  length, 
and  two  in  breadth,  with  several  large  bayous.  The  lake  is  situated  partly  in  Marquette 
County,  and  partly  in  Adams  County,  about  ten  miles  north  of  east  from  Kilbourn  City.  The 
drive  from  Kilbourn  City  to  the  little  city  of  Briggsville,  so  cozily  nestled  in  the  valley  at  the 
foot  of  the  lake,  is  undoubtedly  the  finest  drive  for  the  tourist  visiting  the  Dells.  The  fishing 
is  among  the  finest  in  the  West.  The  favorite  sport  is  trolling  for  pickerel.  The  lake  is  filled 
with  them,  and  the  best  time  to  troll  is  during  the  months  of  May,  June,  September  and  October. 
Pickerel  have  been  caught  here  weighing  as  high  as  twenty-five  pounds.  Still-fishing  for  perch, 
rock  bass,  black  bass,  sunfish,  and  other  varieties,  is  good  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  whenever 
the  lake  is  clear  from  ice.  In  the  spring  and  fall,  large  fiocks  of  ducks  and  geese  tloat  upon  its 
bosom,  and  feed  upon  the  wild  rice  that  grows  in  wild  luxuriance  in  the  different  arms  of  the 
lake.  The  lake  is  situated  in  a  valley,  where,  in  the  springtime,  the  waters  of  the  Fox,  which 
(low  into  the  great  lakes,  mingle  with  those  of  the  Wisconsin,  which  enter  the  Mississippi. 

As  the  traveler  reaches  the  eastern  edge  of  the  plateau,  about  half-way  between  Kilbourn 
and  Lake  Mason,  he  beholds  a  landscape  of  green  fields,  and  waving  woods,  and  silver  lakes, 
and  distant  hilltops,  veiled  in  blue,  that  makes  him  think  he  has  caught  a  glimpse  of  fairyland. 
Now  all  these  attractions  around  Kilbourn  City  are  in  addition  to  the  unique — the  wonderful 
Dells! 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  833 


OHAPTEE  XV. 

Town  of  Otsego— Village  of  Otsego— Village  of  Rio— Village  of  Doylestown  —  Town 
OF  Pacific  — Town  of  Randolph  —  Town  of  Scott  — Town  of  Springvale — Town  of 
West  Point— Town  of  Wyocena  — Village  of  Wyocena  — Village  of  Pabdeeville. 

town    of    OTSEGO. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  County  Commissioners,  held  in  January,  1849,  all  of  Township  11, 
Range  11,  was  organized  into  a  town,  to  which  was  given  the  name  of  Otsego,  and  the  house 
of  Edward  Williams  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election.  The  name  Otsego 
was  chosen  by  the  early  settlers  in  honor  of  Otsego,  N.  Y.,  from  which  place  a  number  had  emi- 
grated. 

Wayne  B.  Dyer  was  the  first  man  to  make  a  home  in  the  town.  He  arrived  here  in  May, 
1844,  and  erected  a  log  house  upon  Section  22.  In  this  house  he  entertained  the  weary  traveler 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  Dyer's  Tavern  became  a  famous  institution.  During  the  summer  and 
fall  several  others  came  in,  among  whom  were  Ulac  Wilson  and  "  Old  Hans,"  Cyrus  Root, 
Stephen  James,  Samuel  Gibson,  E.  Lynn,  Horace  Dodge  and  Mr.  Pellet.  In  1845  and  1846, 
a  large  number  came  in,  among  whom  were  Frank  Folsom,  Isaac  W.  Spaulding,  J.  W.  Stewart, 
Abram  Van  Aermsm  and  Henry  Ager. 

In  the  fall  of  1844,  Horace  Dodge  returned  East,  where  he  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Eliza  Deck,  being  the  first  citizen  of  the  town  to  be  married.  The  first  marriage  occurring 
in  the  town  was  that  of  John  Brown  and  Caroline  Hughes,  in  the  fall  of  1847. 

Mary  Topliff,  in  the  fall  of  1848,  taught  the  first  school  on  Section  22.  In  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  town  into  school  districts,  in  the  following  year,  this  was  made  District  No.  I. 

Elder  Wood,  of  Wyocena,  in  the  spring  of  1847,  came  into  the  town,  and  at  the  house  of 
Stephen  James  on  Section  28,  preached  the  first  discourse.  With  the  exception  of  about  four 
years  spent  in  the  East,  Elder  Wood,  who  is  a  Baptist  minister,  in  the  spring  of  1880  had  com- 
pleted thirty-four  years  of  service  in  this  section  of  country.  In  1849,  Rev.  Hanson,  a  Method- 
ist Episcopal  minister,  organized  a  class  in  the  scboolhouse  on  Section  23,  which  was  continued 
in  that  neighborhood  until  1853,  when  a  church  was  built  on  Section  3,  where  religious  services 
were  afterward  held. 

In  answer  to  a  letter,  Wayne  B.  Dyer  writes :  "  In  September,  1843,  I  settled  on  Fountain 
Prairie,  on  the  farm  known  as  the  Baker  farm  (Section  34),  and  there  built  the  first  house  in 
that  town.  Mr.  Bushnell  was  then  living  in  a  small  board  shanty,  where  John  Brown  now  lives. 
His  house  was  built  early  in  the  winter,  and  John  Brown  built  the  next  house  on  the  Enos 
Grout  farm.  These  three  houses  were  all  of  Fountain  Prairie  until  the  next  summer,  except 
Smith  Horton's,  who  built,  during  the  winter,  on  the  Hawkurst  farm.  Snow  fell  that  year  in 
October,  and  remained  until  about  the  20th  of  February,  when  we  had  a  thaw.  The  snow  all 
went  off,  and  the  10th  of  April  plenty  of  feed  for  cattle.  I  have  never  seen  grass  as  early 
since.  In  May,  1844,  I  sold  out  to  E.  J.  Smith,  and  moved  to  the  present  village  of  Otsego, 
there  being  no  settler  between  my  place  and  Fort  Winnebago.  There  I  built  the  first  house  in 
that  town,  and  I  was  the  first  settler  there  also.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  and  fall 
came  several  more  settlers:  Cyrus  Root,  Stephen  James,  Samuel  Gibson,  E.  Lynn  and  others. 
My  house,  during  the  summer,  was  the  stopping-place  for  people  looking  lor  land ;  also  being 
visited  by  the  Indians,  who  were  sometimes  troublesome.  Once,  during  my  absence,  a  drove  of 
them  came  and  undertook  to  make  my  wife  and  Mary  Swift  (now  Mrs.  John  Swarthout)  bring 
them  water  from  the  spring,  which  they  refused  to  do.  The  women  now  became  scared  and  left 
for  the  prairie  where  some  men  were  at  work,  but  before  the  men  arrived  the  natives  had  left, 


834  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

and  were  never  troublesome  afterward.  Snow  fell  about  the  middle  of  October,  1844,  to  a 
depth  of  six  or  eight  inches,  but  soon  left,  and  no  sleighing  that  winter.  The  next  summer 
people  came  into  the  country  by  hundreds,  and  my  old  log  cabin  became  known  far  and  wide. 
We  were  full  all  the  while,  and  at  one  time  had  twenty-seven  living  in  my  house  besides  tran- 
sient visitors.  We  then  belonged  to  Portage  County.  In  the  winter  of  1845-46,  Columbia 
County  was  set  off  from  Portage  County,  and  the  fall  following  elected  county  officers.  T.  C. 
Smith,  Sherift";  Richard  F.  Veeder,  Nathan  Griffin  and  John  D.  McCall,  County  Commissioners  ; 
Major  Dickason,  Register  of  Deeds;  John  Swarthout,  Treasurer;  Nelson  Swarthout,  Clerk  of 
the  Board.  N.  Swarthout  not  qualifying,  I  was  appointed  Clerk — said  meeting  of  the  Board 
being  held  at  my  house.  When  I  asked  the  Board  where  I  should  locate  my  office,  the  answer 
was,  '  Carry  it  in  your  hat.'  So  you  see  I  carried  the  county  seat  one  year.  The  Board  finally 
settled  on  Low's  tavern  for  the  county  seat  until  the  next  Board  was  elected,  and  there  was  held 
the  first  court  for  Columbia  County — Judge  Irvin  presiding.  Being  then  under  Territorial 
government,  the  jury  were  all  paid  in  specie  before  leaving.  Some  of  them  coming  without  a 
cent,  with  their  dinner  and  supper  in  their  pockets,  and  leaving  with  several  dollars,  felt  ;is  if 
they  had  drawn  a  prize.  ■  The  whole  expense  of  the  county  that  year  was  less  than  one  county 
official  receives  now.  If  that  old  Low  tavern  could  speak,  you  could  hear  of  some  fine  doings 
going  on  there  of  nights,  when  John  Smith,  with  Capt.  Low's  old  uniform  on,  with  three  or 
four  pillows  stuffed  in  for  filling  up,  with  sword  buckled  on,  and  the  old  Captain  running  up  and 
down  stairs  to  find  out  what  was  wanting ;  and  he  had  a  cough  so  long  his  well  had  got  low. 
Before  this  year,  there  were  but  three  precincts  for  voting  in  the  county — Fort  Winnebago, 
Dekorra  and  Columbus.  Four  more  were  added  at  the  first  meeting  of  the  Board — one  at 
Lan^don's,  near  Cambria;  one  at  Wyocena  ;  one  at  Lodi ;  one  at  Dyer's,  comprising  Hampden 
and  Otsego,  known  as  Dyersburg ;  and  one  at  Lowville.  The  9th  day  of  June,  1847,  there  was 
a  severe  frost ;  the  ground  was  frozen  and  all  early  corn  killed.  I  planted  over  the  17th  of 
June,  and  by  the  25th  of  August  had  as  ripe  sound  corn  as  I  ever  raised,  which  was  the  most 
remarkable  growth  I  ever  saw.  About  the  15th  of  June  came  a  hurricane  across  the  prairie 
which  blew  down  Thomas  Swarthout's  log  house,  and  took  John  and  his  sisters  about  sixty  rods 
into  a.  thicket.  It  also  blew  over  H.  Swift's  house,  where  George  Robinson's  house  now  stands. 
The  next  year  we  became  a  State,  and  the  judicial  organization  of  our  county  commenced  with 
the  first  court  at  Columbus,  under  Judge  Larrabee.  The  first  Norwegian  settlers  were  Enlor 
Wilson  and  little  Hans ;  the  first  Welshman,  Stephen  James.  Some  of  the  first  settlers  in 
Otsego  were  so  hard  up  that  they  had  to  live  on  roast  corn  and  potatoes.  Times  were  hardv  as 
no  one  wanted  to  hire.  The  first  winter  they  had  to  go  into  Illinois  to  get  pork  ;  and  no  butter 
was  to  be  had  at  any  price.  My  own  family  never  suffered  for  provisions.  Always  being  fond 
of  a  dog  and  gun,  I  soon  became  a  successful  hunter,  and  always  had  plenty  of  venison,  for  deer 
were  very  plenty.  Could  sometimes  see  a  hundred  and  fifty  in  a  day.  But  those  times  are 
gone,  and  my  rifle  hangs  up  rusting." 

The  day  of  the  hurricane,  leaving  his  wife  at  the  house  of  a  friend,  Mr.  Dyer  and  his 
friend  went  to  Columbus.  Observing  the  storm  coming  on,  they  hastened  home,  and  as  it 
increased  in  fierceness,  and  they  were  hurrying  on,  the  friend  shouted  to  Dyer,  "  For  God's 
sake,  Dyer,  can't  you  drive  faster  ?  "  "No,"  was  shouted  back.  "Then,"  said  he,  "I'll  go 
afoot."  Out  he  sprang  from  the  wagon  and  was  soon  left  far  behind.  Their  families,  however, 
escaped  all  injury. 

The  old  log  tavern,  although  a  home  for  any  that  came  that  way,  had  not  been  properly 
roofed,  and  during  the  first  summer  often  let  in  more  than  a  little  dampness.  It  is  related  that 
on  one  occasion  a  traveler  drove  up  during  a  storm,  intending  to  ask  for  dinner.  He  found  the 
light-hearted  mistress  seated  in  a  large  rocking  chair,  with  skirts  tucked  up  and  a  baby  on  each 
knee,  while  she  held  an  umbrella  over  them  to  keep  dry,  and  was  rocking  and  singing,  while  the 
rain  washed  off  the  dinner  dishes  and  covered  the  floor. 

Rattlesnakes  were  plenty  in  the  early  day,  and,  in  the  springtime  it  was  considered  dan- 
gerous to  venture  out  without  means  to  destroy  them. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  835 

The  habit  of  lost  persons  traveling  in  a  circuit,  was  exemplified  during  the  early  years  of 
Dyer's  residence  here.  Mrs.  Dyer  had  endured  the  toothache  until  she  thought  it  impossible 
to  longer  stand  it.  Taking  her  horse  and  buggy,  with  her  two  little  children,  she  drove  over  to 
Madison  and  had  the  tooth  extracted.  She  reached  there  without  trouble  and  in  due  time 
started  for  home ;  driving  all  day,  at  sunset  she  reached  tlie  same  house  she  had  stopped  at  the 
the  night  before.  Somewhat  surprised,  she  put  up  for  the  night.  The  ne.xt  morning,  she  started 
again  only  to  repeat  the  previous  day's  experience,  returning  to  the  same  house  for  the  second 
time.  She  was  now  thoroughly  frightened  and  began  to  think  she  never  would  reach  home,  but 
started  with  renewed  courage  on  the  third  day,  and  was  fortunate  to  reach  home  at  night. 

When  Wayne  B.  Dyer  "entertained  man  and  beast,"  his  old  log  tavern  and  log  barn  at 
Otsego  was  a  famous  resort  for  the  early  settlers  for  miles  around  as  well  as  for  travelers.  That 
was  the  good  old  time  when  there  was  no  whisky  tariff,  no  illicit  stills,  no  Government  gangers, 
whisky  but  three  cents  a  dririk,  and  when  common  drinking  tumblers  were  used  in  dispensino- 
that  commodity.  Though  Dyer  kept  a  bar,  he  was  strictly  abstemious  in  regard  to  drink, 
althougli  it  was  well  known  that  he  sometimes  smoked.  One  day  late  in  the  fall,  two  well-known 
men  went  to  Columbus  from  Springvale  on  foot.  Returning,  they  had  buffeted  a  driving  storm 
all  the  way  from  Columbus  to  Otsego.  Leg- weary  and  somewhat  chilled,  with  several  miles  yet 
stretching  between  the  latter  place  and  their- cabin,  one  of  them  proposed  to  the  other  that  they 
should  revive  themselves  at  Dyer's  bar.  The  jug  and  the  big  tumblers  were  produced,  filled* to 
the  very  brim  and  emptied  without  a  grimace,  while  Dyer  looked  silently  on,  in  astonishment 
or  admiration ;  the  closest  study  of  his  face  did  not  reveal  which.  A  dime  was  thrown  down, 
which  was  slipped  into  the  till.  Waiting  a  moment  for  his  change,  but  not  seeing  it,  tlie 
Springvale  man  remarked,  "I  thought  whisky  was  three  cents  a  drink  ?  "  Dyer  replied  "  It 
is  three  cents  a  drink,  but  I  just  now  was  wholesaling." 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  town  officers  elected  since  1849 : 

1849 — Orin  Kincaid,  Chairman  ;  Henry  Ayer,  John  Boutwell,  Supervisors ;  Isaac  N. 
Williams,  Clerk  ;  Samuel  Gibson,  Assessor;  Stephen  James,  Treasurer ;  Christopher  Hughes, 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1850 — Orin  Kincaid,  Chairman  ;  Frank  Folsom,  Samuel  Gibson,  Supervisors ;  John  A. 
Byrne,  Clerk ;  Horace  Dodge,  Assessor  ;  Simpson  Marsh,  Treasurer ;  Henry  Ager,  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools. 

1851 — Orin  Kincaid,  Chairman  ;  Isaac  D.  Gano,  John  Hughes,  Supervisors  ;  John  A. 
Byrne,  Clerk  ;  George  D.  Mead,  Treasurer;  Henry  Thornton,  Assessor ;  E.  R.  Morris.  Super- 
intendent of  Schools. 

1852 — Frank  Folsom,  Chairman  ;  William  Chamberlain,  Asa  Thornton,  Supervisors  ;  John 
A.  Byrne,  Clerk  ;  G.  D.  Mead,  Treasurer ;  Horace  Dodge,  Assessor  ;  J.  D.  Gano,  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools. 

1853 — G.  D.  Mead,  Chairman  :  Henry  Thornton,  William  Chamberlain,  Supervisors  ;  Pat- 
rick Doherty,  Clerk  ;  Cyrus  Root,  Treasurer  ;  Abram  Van  Aerman,  Assessor ;  Asa  Thornton, 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1854 — N.  S.  Green,  Chairman  ;  Asa  Thornton,  David  Dwyer,  Supervisors ;  Patrick 
Doherty,  Clerk  ;  Cyrus  Root,  Treasurer  ;  Hans  Oleson,  Assessor  ;  Christopher  Hughes,  Super- 
intendent of  Schools. 

1855 — Frank  Folsom,  Chairman  ;  William  Allyn,  Abram  Van  Aerman,  Supervisors ;  Pat- 
rick Doherty,  Clerk  ;  Horace  Dodge,  Treasurer;  Levi  Nelson,  Assessor;  E.  W.  McNitt,  Super- 
intendent of  Schools. 

1856 — Abram  Van  Aerman,  Chairman  ;  Hans  Oleson,  C.  S.  Tompkins,  Supervisors  ; 
Patrick  Doherty,  Clerk  ;  John  Boutwell,  Treasurer  ;  Isaac  W.  Spalding,  Assessor  ;  George  Put- 
nam, Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1857 — Frank  Folsom,  Chairman  ;  Hans  Oleson,  Joel  L.  Burke,  Supervisors  ;  Patrick 
Doherty,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  Daly,  Treasurer  ;  John  Boutwell,  Assessor  ;  Edwin  W.  McNitt,  Super- 
intendent of  Schools. 


836  HISTOUY    OF    COLIMBIA    COUNTY. 

1858 — Frederick  G.  Smith,  Chairman  ;  William  F.  Ide,  John  Anderson,  Supervisors  ; 
Patrick  Doherty,  Clerk  ;  Daniel  Daly,  Treasurer  ;  Hans  Oleson,  Assessor  ;  C.  0.  Pequin, 
Superintendent  of  Schools. 

1859— J.  L.  Burke,  Chairman:  Cliff  Wilson,  William  F.  Ide,  Supervisors;  Edwin  W. 
McNitt,  Clerk;  John  Roche,  Treasurer;  Frank  Folsom,  Assessor;  Thomas  Doherty,  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools. 

I860 — C.  S.Tompkins,  Chairman  :  Thomas  Henton,  Peter  Halverson,  Supervisors;  E.  W. 
McNitt,  Clerk;  Philemon  Root,  Treasurer;  J.  W.  Spalding,  Assessor:  John  Sickles,  Superin- 
tendent of  Schools. 

1861 — J.  L.  Burke,  Chairman  :  Annun  Hanson,  Charles  C.  Holly,  Supervisors  :  E.  W. 
McNitt,  Clerk  ;  Philemon  Root,  Treasurer  :  J.  W.  Spalding,  Assessor  ;  John  Sickles,  Super- 
intendent of  Schools. 

1862— J.  L.  Burko,  Chairman  :  Roswell  Palmer,  Levi  Nelson,  Supervisors  :  E.  W.  McNitt, 
Clerk  ;  Philemon  Root,  Treasurer;   C.  S.  Tompkins,  Jabez  Hunting,  Assessors. 

1863 — Roswell  Palmer,  Chairman  :  William  H.  Robins,  Halver  Halverson,  Supervisors : 
E.  W.  McNitt,  Clerk:   Henry  Stevens,  Treasurer:    C.  S.  Tompkins,  Henry  Blenis,  Assessors. 

1864 — Roswell  Palmer,  Chairman  :  Thomas  Henton,  Clift"  Oleson,  Supervisors  ;  Patrick 
Doherty,  Clerk :   Halver  Halverson  Shelby,  Treasurer :  William  F.  Ide,  Assessor. 

1805 — E.  M.  Rosenkrans,  Chairman:  L.  G.  Lloyd,  William  Bradley,  Supervisors;  E.  W. 
McNitt,  Clerk  ;   Halver  Halverson  Shelby,  Treasurer ;  Joseph  W.  Stewart,  Assessor. 

1866 — L.  G.  Lloyd,  Chairman  :  Thornton  Thompson,  J.  W.  Stewart,  Supervisors :  E.  AV. 
McNitt,  Clerk  :   W.  A.  Pulver,  Treasurer :   A.  W.  Dodge,  Assessor. 

1867 — J.  L.  Burke,  Chairman:  John  Bently,  Samuel  Sampson,  Supervisors:  Alexander 
Rogers,  Clerk :   W.   A.  Pulver,  Treasurer ;   F.  A.  Brewer,  Assessor. 

1868 — Joel  L.  Burke,  Chairman;  Lester  Curtis,  L.  H.  Doyle,  Supervisors:  D.  M.  Hall, 
Clerk  ;  Hans  Hanson  Towgen,  Treasurer  :  James  S.  Scott,  Assessor. 

1869 — Joel  L.  Burke,  Chairman  :  Lester  Curtis,  L.  H.  Doyle,  Supervisors:  D.  M.  Hall, 
Clerk  :   Hans  Hanson  Towgen,  Treasurer ;  D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1870 — J.  L.  Burke,  Chairman  ;  James  P.  McMahon,  Pliilamon  Root,  Supervisors ;  S.  B. 
Curtis,  Clerk  ;   Gabriel  Oleson,  Treasurer  ;     D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1871 — J.  L.  Burke,  Chairman  ;  James  P.  McMahon,  John  E.  McMahon,  Supervisors;  S. 
B.  Curtis,  Clerk  :  J.  H.  Ferguson,  Treasurer :   Hans  H.  Tongen,  Assessor. 

1872 — John  Boutwell,  Chairman;  Oliver  Noble,  John  E.  McMahon,  Supervisors;  S.  B. 
Curtis,  Clerk:   0.  A.  Rustad,  Treasurer:   H.  H.  Tongen,  Assessor. 

1873 — John  Boutwell,  Chairman  ;  Hans  H.  Tongen,  John  E.  McMahon,  Supervisors ;  H. 
L.  Stevens,  Clerk :   Philemon  Root,  Treasurer :   D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1874 — John  Boutwell,  Chairman  :  J.  E.  McMahon,  J.  H.  Jurgerson,  Supervisors;  H.  L. 
Stevens,  Clerk  :  Philemon  Root,  Treasurer ;   D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1875 — D.  M.  Hall,  Chairman  :  Robert  W.  Williams,  D.  D.  Fox,  Supervisors  ;  John  Peter- 
son, (_'lerk  ;  M.  J.  Leffingwell,  Treasurer  :   D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1876 — Thornton  Thompson,  Chairman  ;  Samuel  Sampson,  E.  C.  Palmer,  Supervisors ;  0. 
A.  Rustad,  Clerk:  M.  J.  Leffingwell,  Treasurer;  D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1877 — Thornton  Thompson,  Chairman;  Samuel  Sampson,  E.  C.  Palmer,  Supervisors;  0. 
A.  Rustad,  Clerk  ;   M.  J.  Leffingwell,  Treasurer ;   D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1878 — Samuel  Sampson,  Chairman  :  Theodore  Henton,  William  H.  Gaskill,  Supervisors; 
0.  A.  Rustad,  Clerk  ;   M.  J.  Leffingwell,  Treasurer  :  D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1879 — H.  H.  Tongen,  Sr.,  Chairman  :  Andrew  Anderson,  Jr.,  John  Roche,  Supervisors  : 
H.  H.  Tongen,  Jr.,  Clerk  :   M.  J.  Leffingwell,  Treasurer ;   D.  J.  Haines,  Assessor. 

1880 — H.  Phillips,  Chairman ;  H.  H.  Shelby,  Andrew  Anderson,  Jr.,  Supervisors  ;  J.  B. 
Meredith,  Clerk :  M.  J.  Leffingwell,  Treasurer ;  0.  H.  Smith,  Assessor. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  837 


VILLAGE    OF    OTSEGO. 

Around  the  settlement  of  Wayne  B.  Dyer,  grew  up  quite  a  village  between  the  years  1846 
to  1849.  Being  on  the  direct  route  between  Milwaukee  and  Stevens  Point,  quite  a  number  in 
search  of  a  home  were  prevailed  upon  to  stop  [here.  A  post  office  was  here  established  in 
December,  1847,  Cyrus  Root  receiving  the  appointment  of  Postmaster.  During  the  first  year,  the 
entire  recepts  of  the  office  was  only  a  trifle  over  $4.  Mr.  Root  retained  the  office  for 
eleven  years,  being  succeeded  by  Norman  Mead,  who  held  it  a  little  less  than  one  year,  resign- 
ing in  favor  of  Mr.  Palver.  The  latter  gentleman  continued  in  charge  until  the  inauguration 
of  Abraham  Lincoln  in  1861,  when  Edwin  McNitt  obtained  the  appointment.  Mr.  McNitt  re- 
signed in  186-3,  in  favor  of  .John  Sickles.  From  that  time  until  1872,  Mr.  Sickles  and  Lewis 
Stevens  filled  the  position.  In  1872,  VV.  A.  Pulver  was  appointed,  serving  until  the  fall  of  1878, 
when  Henry  Root  was  commissioned. 

Wayne  B.  Dyer  built  the  first  hotel  in  1844.  The  building  was  of  logs,  but  in  time  was 
displaced  by  a  large  frame  house.  Mr.  Dyer  disposed  of  the  property  in  1853,  to  Abijah 
Stevens,  and  the  hotel  was  discontinued. 

In  1848,  John  Boutwell  built  a  large  dwelling-house,  and  one  year  later  converted  the 
same  into  a  tavern  which  he  named  the  "Otsego  House."  His  spelling  of  the  word  "house" 
was  unique.  His  sign  read  "Otsego  Hous."  VVhen  informed  he  should  add  "e  "  to  the  word, 
he  replied,  "  Pshaw,  you  can't  fool  me ;  that  would  make  it  read  hous-y  't  "  The  sign  was 
put  up  as  he  spelled  it,  but  travelers  making  so  much  sport  of  the  spelling  caused  him  to  take 
it  down  and  make  the  correction  after  a  time.  Mr.  Boutwell  only  continued  the  house  for  one 
year,  when  he  sold  to  Norman  Mead,  who  ran  it  until  18.57,  when  Philemon  Root  purchased  it. 
From  that  time  to  January,  1880,  it  has  passed  successively  into  the  hands  of  W.  A.  Pulver,  Sol- 
omon Mead,  Lot  Mead,  Josiah  Loomis,  Archie  McDougal,  Mr.  Willard,  Mr.  Robbins,  Mr. 
Thompson,  Mr.  Bodie,  Samuel  Slifer  and  Fayette  Ashley,  the  present  owner. 

In  18.'j4,  Dennison  Dunning  erected  a  hotel  known  as  the  "Gothic  House,"  and  continued 
in  charge  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1864.  The  widow  then  continued  the  business  for 
about  three  years,  when  she  was  married  to  John  Boutwell,  who,  as  landlord,  served  his  guests 
until  1873,  wlien  the  business  was  abandoned. 

The  village  attained  a  fair  degree  of  prosperity  before  the  completion  of  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee &  St.  Paul  Railroad,  in  1864,  which  was  located  two  miles  north. 

VILLAGE   OF   RIO. 

The  village  of  Rio  is  situated  in  the  extreme  northwestern  part  of  the  town  of  Otsego,  and  was 
laid  out  in  1864,  by  N.  B.  Dunlap,  who  owned  the  largest  part  of  the  land  on  which  the  village  has 
been  built.  In  the  month  of  November,  1864,  Mr.  Dunlap  engaged  A.  Topliff,  County  Sur- 
veyor, to  lay  out  and  plat  a  portion  of  his  land.  This  survey  was  completed  and  acknowledged 
November  4.  Previous  to  the  8th  day  of  May,  1868,  Mr.  Dunlap  made  three  small  additions 
to  the  village  plat,  and  Mosher,  Buchanan,  Van  Aernam  and  Scott  also  added  to  the  same. 

N.  B.  Dunlap  and  Jacob  Ulrich  began  the  erection  of  business  houses  about  the  same  time 
in  November,  1864.  There  was  quite  a  strife  between  them  as  to  which  should  complete  and 
first  occupy  his  ■  building.  Sixteen  years  after,  each  party  was  confident  he  was  the  first.  The 
only  building  that  had  previously  been  erected  was  that  of  a  small  warehouse  built  by  Mr. 
Welch,  for  the  storage  of  grain.  This  warehouse  was  also  used  by  the  railroad  company,  until 
the  completion  of  their  depot,  in  the  fall  of  1865. 

The  first  lot  sold  was  purchased  by  Jacob  Ulrich,  on  which  he  erected  a  hotel,  to  which 
was  given  the  name  of  Rio  House.  The  house  was  opened  in  December,  1864,  and  continued 
in  successful  operation  until  May,  1875,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire.  In  July,  following, 
Mr.  Ulrich  began  the  erection  of  another  house,  which  was  completed  and  opened  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  traveling  public,  November  10,  1875.     The  new  house  was  larger  than  the  old, 


838  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

and  more  convenient,  with  ample  room  for  twenty  guests.     In  1866,  another  hotel  was  erected 
by  Rowland  Morris. 

Tlie  first  dwelling-house  was  built  by  John  Baw,  a  German  shoemaker,  who  came  here  early 
in  the  spring  of  1865.  A  daughter  was  born  to  him  in  May,  of  that  year,  being  the  first  born 
in  the  village. 

The  village  post  office  was  first  established  in  the  northeast  corner  of  Lowville,  in  the  year 
1852.  It  was  given  the  name  of  Rio.  When  the  new  village  was  located,  one-half  mile  from 
this  office,  it  was  thought  best  it  should  take  the  same  name,  as  the  office  would  undoubtedly  be 
moved  there.  Delos  Bundy  at  that  time  was  running  a  small  country  store,  and  was  Postmaster 
at  Rio.  In  the  spring  of  1865,  he  moved  his  store  and  office  into  the  village,  and  consequently 
was  the  first  Postmaster.  Mr.  Bundy  held  the  office  for  a  few  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  Mr. 
Emerson,  and  he  in  turn,  in  1872,  by  M.  J.  Leffingweil. 

In  the  winter  of  1864-65,  Robert  Williams  and  Kennedy  Scott  started  here  a  lumber-yard, 
being  the  first  to  engage  in  the  sale  of  lumber  ;  Delos  Bundy  opened  the  first  stock  of  general 
merchandise  ;  Dr.  Vincent  was  the  first  physician :  John  J.  Brown  the  first  legal  adviser.  In 
the  fall  of  1866,  W.  Davidson  put  in  the  first  hardware  store.  In  the  spring  of  1866,  Warren 
Bundy,  in  company  with  Delos  Bundy,  put  in  the  first  drug  store. 

D.  Buchanan,  in  July,  1865,  commenced  the  erection  of  an  elevator,  with  a  storage  capacity 
of  10,000  bushels  of  grain,  which  was  completed  and  ready  for  use  September  following.  Mr. 
Buchanan  continued  in  the  grain  business  for  two  years,  when  he  sold  the  elevator,  it  passing 
through  many  hands,  and  in  1879,  was  purchased  by  F.  R.  Morris  &  Co.  Mr.  Welch,  in  the  fall  of 
1865,  also  commenced  to  build  an  elevator,  but  before  completion  it  was  sold  to  Knowles  &  Binnie. 
It  afterward  passed  into  the  hands  of  Samuel  D.  Curtis,  and  was  destroyed  by  fire  November 
30,  1872. 

The  village  cemetery  grounds  was  donated,  in  ]848,  by  Samuel  Dowd,  and  a  son  of  Charles 
Dowd  was  the  first  burial  therein. 

A  joint  school  district  was  organized  in  1849,  composed  of  a  portion  of  the  towns  of  Low- 
ville and  Otsego,  the  schoolhouse  being  erected  in  Lowville.  Here  the  children  of  the  village 
have  been  sent.     They  now  have  a  graded  school  of  two  departments. 

MetJiodist  Episcopal  Church. — A  class  was  organized  in  1863,  at  the  schoolhouse  in  the 
northeastern  part  of  the  town  of  Lowville.  Here  religious  services  were  held  until  the  fall  of 
1868,  when  services  were  held  in  the  Congregational  Church  in  the  village.  In  1869,  together 
with  the  Baptists,  a  small  building  was  fitted  up  for  church  purposes.  The  greatest  era  of 
prosperity  attending  this  church  was  in  1872,  when  they  had  thirty-two  members  on  the  class- 
book.  In  1879,  the  number  had  been  reduced  to  about  ten,  caused  by  removals,  death  and 
withdrawal. 

Congregational  Church. — This  church  was  organized  in  1863,  at  the  house  of  David 
Palmer,  two  miles  east  of  the  village,  with  0.  C.  Howe,  Juliet  Howe,  William  Scott,  Jane  Scott, 
David  Palmer,  Mehitable  Palmer  and  Catherine  McKenna.  For  several  years,  the  congrega- 
tion worshiped  in  the  schoolhouse.  In  the  summer  of  1867,  they  began  the  erection  of  a  church 
building,  which  was  completed  and  formally  dedicated  in  October,  1868,  Rev.  S.  B.  Doe,  Sec- 
retary of  the  Home  Mission  Society,  preaching  the  sermon.  Previous  to  this,  a  sermon  was 
preached  in  the  church  on  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  Abram  Van  Aernam,  in  the  spring  of 
1868.  This  was  the  first  sermon  preached  in  the  house.  The  church  has  had  the  services,  as 
Pastor,  of  Revs.  Donaldson,  Thompson,  Brown,  Fairfield,  Logan,  Cheney,  Powell,  Demarest 
and  Ball.  In  1879,  Kennedy  Scott  held  the  positions  of  Trustee,  Deacon  and  Treasurer ;  Car- 
oline C.  Scott,  Clerk.  A  union  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  1865.  In  1879,  Kennedy 
Scott  was  Superintendent ;  Mrs.  John  AVeyant,  Assistant ;  Arabella  Tifl't,  Secretary. 

Baptist  Church. — This  church  was  organized  June  29,  1867,  with  D.  Buchanan,  Mrs. 
Buchanan,  H.  Blemis,  M.  E.  Mosher,  L.  H.  Palmer  and  wife,  J.  A.  Eliot,  Mrs.  Wm.  Gaskill,  N. 
A.  Palmer  and  wife,  Mrs.  Herring  and  Miss  Buchanan.  M.  E.  Mosher  was  elected  Clerk.  The 
organization  was  effected  by  Rev.  Nathan  Wood,  of  Wyocena,  who,  in  1880,  had  served  thirteen 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNT  r.  839 

years,  being  the  first  and  only  Pastor.  The  first  meetings  of  the  church  were  held  in  the  school- 
house,  and  were  continued  there  until  the  house  was  refused  them  for  religious  services,  when 
they  niet  in  various  halls  in  the  village,  and  for  a  short  time  in  the  Congregationalist  Church. 
In  1873,  a  building  was  purchased  and  fitted  up  for  their  use.  In  1879,  the  officers  of  the 
church  were:  C.  C.  Holly,  Clerk;  Sylvester  Noble,  C.  C.  Holly,  William  Gaskill,  J.  B.  Carter, 
Seth  Allen,  G.  Palmer,  Trustees  ;  Roswell  Palmer,  Seth  Allen,  Deacons.  A  Sunday  school 
was  organized  in  1868,  which  has  had  a  flourishing  existence.  In  1879,  Roswell  Palmer  was 
Superintendent. 

VILLAGE    OF   DOYLESTOWN. 

On  the  16th  day  of  March,  1865,  Lemuel  H.  Doyle  purchased  of  Damon  C.  Starr  120 
acres  off  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  11,  and,  on  the  2.5th  day  of  March,  purchased  of  Eason 
Starr  115  acres  oif  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  14.  The  main  object  of  the  purchase  was 
to  locate  thereon  a  village.  On  the  26th  day  of  August,  1865,  Alfred  ToplifF,  County  Surveyor, 
completed  and  had  recorded  the  plat  of  the  village  of  Doylestown. 

David  Metcalf,  a  former  resident  of  Columbus,  erected  a  store  here  in  the  summer  of  1865, 
being  the  first  in  the  village.  He  operated  it  for  about  four  months,  or  until  it  was  burned. 
From  that  time  until  1868,  no  improvements  were  made  in  the  place,  and,  in  January  of  that 
year,  only  four  families  resided  here.  Mr.  Doyle  determined  the  place  should  have  a  start,  and 
made  a  public  offer  to  give  a  lot  free  to  any  who  would  build  thereon.  His  offer  was  accepted, 
and  during  the  year  1868,  about  thirty  houses  were  erected.  Eaton  &  Canfield  built  at  the 
time  a  $2,500  elevator,  with  a  storage  capacity  of  15,000  bushels  of  grain.  Mr.  Eaton  died 
shortly  after,  and  the  elevator  was  burned  in  July,  1876. 

The  first  lot  sold  was  purchased  by  Thornton  Thompson,  who  erected  the  first  house  in  the 
village.  This  house  was  afterward  sold  to  Joseph  Doyle,  who,  in  1868,  built  an  addition  to  it, 
and  opened  the  first  hotel. 

The  first  freight  was  received  by  J.  H.  Davis  September  19, 1865,  consisting  of  two  bundles 
of  sash,  the  charges  on  which  were  25  cents.  The  first  shipment  was  two  cars  of  bulk  wheat  to 
Curtis  &  Mann,  Milwaukee,  sent  by  Metcalf  &  Starr  September  16,  1865.  First  ticket  was 
sold  May  22,  1866. 

D.  Metcalf  was  the  first  station  agent,  serving  from  September,  1865,  to  November  1, 
1866.  L.  H.  Doyle  was  then  appointed,  serving  until  November,  1873,  when  Charles  A.  Doyle 
received  the  appointment.  From  the  building  of  the  road  to  March,  1880,  D.  Reed,  J.  A. 
Doyle.  F.  W.  Whitcomb,  Julia  Williams,  C.  A.  Doyle.  C.  S.  Bensted,  L.  W.  Davis,  D.  E.  Moore, 
J.  W.  Hancock,  H.  A.  Doyle,  S.  C.  Budlong,  F.  N.  Mills,  S.  B.  Morse,  George  C.  Wright,  L. 
H.  Martin,  J.  0.  Baker,  P.  Vandercook  and  E.  J.  Conner  have  served  as  telegraph  operators. 

The  original  plat  was  composed  of  nine  blocks  off  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  14. 
The  first  addition  was  made,  June  13,  1868,  and  was  also  off  Section  14.  The  second  addition 
was  made,  June  18,  1869,  and  was  off  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  11,  and  comprised 
about  forty  acres.  Isaac  B.  Downs,  about  this  time,  also  made  an  addition,  of  about  fifteen 
acres,  to  the  plat  of  the  village,  off  southeast  quarter  of  Section  11. 

The  first  schoolhouse  built  near  where  the  village  was  laid  out  was  in  1859.  In  1869,  a 
larger  and  better  house  was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  $1,250.  The  first  teacher  in  the  new  school- 
house  was  Miss  Emma  L.  Holmes.  In  the  winter  of  1879-80,  Peter  F.  McMahon  was  the 
teacher. 

First  birth  in  the  village  was  Martin,  son  of  John  Maloney,  in  the  summer  of  1866.  The 
first  death  was  Mrs.  Thompson,  July,  1866. 

Catholic  Church. — In  1865,  Father  McGurke  organized  a  society  in  this  place,  and  in 
1866  a  church  was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  $1,500.  The  congregation  increasing  in  numbers,  the 
house  became  too  small  to  accommodate  those  who  desired  to  attend  ;  therefore,  in  1874,  it  was 
enlarged,  at  an  additional  cost  of  $700.  In  1877,  a  parsonage  was  erected,  adjacent  to  the 
church,  at  a  cost  of  $750.     A  Sunday  school  has  usually  been  maintained  during  the  summer 


840  •    HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

months.  Fathers  McGurke,  O'Kiefe,  Gray,  Roche  and  Murphy,  have  ministered  to  the  spirit- 
ual welfare  of  the  congregation,  from  its  organization  up  to  1880.  At  that  time,  eighty  families 
were  represented  in  its  membership. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — A  chiss  was  organized  here  at  a  very  early  day,  religious 
services  being  held  in  private  houses  and  in  the  schoolhouses  in  the  neighborhood.  The  church 
having  become  numerically  strong,  in  1870  determined  to  erect  a  church  edifice.  In  order  to 
best  carry  out  their  intentions,  David  Edwards,  David  D.  James,  James  S.  Hallock,  George 
Ormsbee,  John  J.  Scott,  George  Young,  Norman  B.  Dayton,  Lester  Hoard  and  Lemuel  H. 
Doyle  were  elected  Trustees,  by  the  congregation.  The  first  meeting  of  the  Trustees  was  held 
in  the  shop  of  L.  H.  Doyle,  January  8,  1871,  Rev.  B.  M.  Fullmer,  presiding,  all  the  Trustees 
being  present.  It  was  then  voted  to  erect  a  church  edifice,  which  was  completed  and  dedicated 
Sunday,  October  o,  1873,  by  Rev.  Samuel  Fallows,  D.  D.,  of  Madison,  Wis.,  Rev.  J.  B. 
Cole  being  then  preacher  in  charge.  The  cost  of  the  church  was  $2,000.  L.  H.  Peck,  Lester 
Hoard  and  L.  H.  Doyle  were  the  building  committee.  The  first  funeral  held  in  the  church 
was  that  of  an  infant  child  of  Ferdinand  and  Kate  Pinkrou,  in  the  fiiU  of  1873,  Rev.  Oppen, 
of  Columbus,  a  German  preacher,  ofliciating.  The  first  marriage  in  the  church  was  that  of  D. 
W.  Edwards  and  Mattie  James,  October  21,  1874. 

Protestant  Episcopal  Church. — Rev.  F.  C.  Eldved  organized  the  church  here  November 
21,  1877,  with  the  election  of  George  Hall,  Warden ;  J.  G.  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  Niels  Rasmus, 
Secretary.  Mr.  Eldred  discharged  the  duties  of  Pastor  of  the  church,  until  the  summer  of 
1879,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Burlsora.  For  the  first  two  years,  services  were 
held  every  Friday  evening,  with  occasional  visits  from  the  Minister  at  other  times.  In  the  fall 
of  1879,  the  time  of  services  was  changed  to  each  Sunday  evening. 

Good  Templars.— W.  P.  St.  John,  D.  G.  W.  C.  t.,  of  Portage  City,  visited  the  place 
June  26,  1869,  and  instituted  a  lodge  of  twenty-nine  charter  members.  Those  composing  its 
first  officers  and  charter  members  were  Lemuel  H.  Doyle,  W.  C.  T.;  Emma  L.  Holmes,  W.  V. 
T.;  Delevan  E.  Moore,  W.  S.;  Isaac  B.  Downs,  W.  C;  David  Edwards,  W.  F.  S.;  Cora  A. 
Downs,  W.  T.;  D.  W.  Edwards,  W.  M.;  Delia  E.  Doyle,  W  D.  M.;  Ella  Doyle,  W.  I.  G.:  Ful- 
ton R.  Morris,  W.  0.  G.;  Mary  E.  Doyle,  R.  H.  S.;  Nellie  Peck,  L.  H.  S.;  Lester  Hoard,  P. 
W.  C.  T.;  Charles  M.  Morris',  Henry  A.  Doyle,  Joseph  Doyle,  Lettie  C.  Edwards,  Norman  B. 
Dayton,  David  D.  James.  Brigetta  A.  Waters,  Ira  C.  Edwards,  Clarence  Peck,  T.  C.  Hop- 
kins, Charles  M.  Peck,  Fannie  Hopkins,  James  Hopkins,  Mary  Hopkins,  Mary  J.  Doyle  and 
John  W.  Hancock.  For  five  years,  the  lodge  continued  in  successful  operation.  In  consequence 
of  the  removal  of  the  greater* number  of  the  most  active  workers,  it  was  compelled  to  suspend. 

Patrons  of  Husbandry. — Union  Grange,  No.  430,  Patrons  of  Husbandry,  was  organized 
March  5,  1874,  by  Deputy  Kennedy  Scott,  assisted  by  John  Sanderson,  of  Cambria.  The  first 
officers  and  charter  members  were  Lemuel  H.  Doyle,  Master  ;  George  Hall,  Overseer ;  John  J. 
Scott,  Treasurer ;  Peter  Morse,  Secretary ;  Jerome  R.  Nasholds,  Lecturer ;  Franklin  Andrews, 
Steward ;  Charles  Peck,  Assistant  Steward ;  Edward  F.  Palmer,  Chaplain ;  F.  C.  Councilman, 
Gate  Keeper;  Mary  V.  Andrews,  Stewardess;  Ellen  M.  Titcomb,  Ceres;  Harriet  Palmer,  Pomona  ; 
Sarah  Youngs,  Flora;  Cora  A.  Downs.  Mary  J.  Doyle,  Ida  Andrews,  George  Youngs,  Lyman 
B.  Ward,  Dexter  Titcomb,  George  Williams,  Sarah  A.  Hall,  Mary  E.  Doyle,  Thomas  W.  Davis, 
Demosthenes  Nasholds,  Anthony  Snowdeii.  The  first  meetings  of  the  grange  were  held  in 
Hoard's  Hall,  afterward  in  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  A  grange  store  was  started  in  1877, 
but  both  grange  and  store  were  discontinued  in  1878. 

The  Columbus  Democrat,  under  date  of  March  22,  1872,  thus  speaks  of  Doylestown  : 

"  In  1848,  Owen  Kincaid  entered  a  tract  of  land  about  ten  miles  west  of  Columbus  (it  is 
now  owned  by  H.  A.  Whitney)  and  is  not  far  from  the  station  and  village  of  Doylestown,  and 
was  the  first  entry  in  that  vicinity.     Daniel  James  was  the  first  settler  adjacent  to  the  present 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  841 

site  of  the  little  village,  his  duplicate  bearing  date  May  9,  1848,  though  Mr.  Moses  Roberts,  in 
1847,  entered  forty  acres,  and  built  a  cabin  near  where  Joseph  G.  Smith  lives.  Damon  C. 
Starr  secured  his  land  and  arrived  two  weeks  later,  his  patent,  dated  September  1,  1849,  having 
the  signature  of  President  Taylor.  He  built  a  log  house  that  year,  which  was  the  first  struct- 
ure in  that  locality.  The  frame  building  with  which  he  replaced  it  was  five  years  ago  the  only 
building  near  where  the  village  now  is.  In  the  same  year,  William  Chamberlain  settled  on  land 
which  is  now  owned  by  Daniel  Tompkins.  Eason  Starr,  in  18.50,  purchased  of  speculators  a 
quarter-section  adjoining  his  brother,  and  Dr.  Edward  Heath  arrived  the  same  year.  Most  of 
the  village  is  situated  upon  which  was  originally  bought  by  the  former.  The  depot  and  water- 
tank  were  built  in  1865.  L.  H.  Doyle  arrived  in  June,  1865,  and  purchased  the  lands  of  the 
two  Starrs,  between  two  and  three  hundred  acres. 

"  A  village  was  platted  that  year,  and  David  Metcalf,  a  previous  resident  of  Columbus  and 
now  general  roadmaster  of  the  La  Crosse  &  North-Western  Division,  erected  a  store  which  he 
operated  for  four  months,  or  until  it  was  burned.  No  progress  was  made  for  two  or  three  years. 
In  1868,  there  were  but  four  families  living  on  the  village  plat.  That  year,  Eaton  &  Canfield 
built  a  $2,500  elevator. 

'*  The  village  now  has  a  population  of  200.  D.  D.  Fox  and  D.  D.  Jones  have  each  a  good 
general  store  well  stocked  with  dry  goods,  groceries,  etc.  Hoard  &  Earle  are  engaged  in  the 
lumber  trade,  and  they  also  purchase  wheat  and  produce.  The  elevator  has  a  capacity  of 
15,000  bushels  of  grain.  Not  long  after  its  erection,  one  of  its  owners  djed,  and  it  has  since 
been  closed.  R.  Elliot,  of  Milwaukee,  holds  a  mortgage  on  it,  and  the  building  is  for  sale  on 
favorable  terms.  Residents  claim  that  40,000  bushels  of  grain  would  find  a  market  there, 
under  favorable  circumstances.  Joseph  Doyle,  father  of  L.  H.  Dowle,  is  the  proprietor  of  the 
Doyle  House,  the  village  hotel,  which  he  manages  successfully.  John  Bau  is  the  boot  and  shoe 
maker  of  the  hamlet,  and  does  his  work  well.  He  runs  a  saloon  in  connection  with  his  shop 
I.  Gormley,  a  new-conjer,  is  also  proprietor  of  a  saloon.  .James  Riley  is  the  village  blacksmitii. 
Dr.  Henry  Allen  is  the  resident  physician,  and,  though  he  only  came  to  Doylestown  a  few 
months  ago,  is  acquiring  an  extensive  practice.  He  went  thither  from  Hartland,  though  for 
six  years  he  was  Superintendent  of  an  eye  and  ear  infirmary  at  Chicago.  L.  H.  Doyle  is  the 
station  agent,  express  agent  and  Postmaster.  Becoming  the  owner  of  the  village  site,  he  has 
shown  an  irrepressible  desire  to  build  up  the  town,  and  has  given  away  acres  to  persons  desiring 
to  become  permanent  residents.  In  connection  with  other  business,  he  established  a  nursery  ia 
1868,  and  he  now  has  about  eight  acres  set  out  with  choice  trees  and  shrubbery.  Last  year,  he 
manufactured  about  three  thousand  brooms.  It  is  not  to  be  denied  that  he  has  shown  much 
enterprise  and  liberality  in  promoting  the  growth  of  the  village  which  bears  his  name.  A  lodge 
of  Good  Templars  is  in  Doylestown ;  it  has  sixty  members,  and  Dr.  Allen  is  its  Worthy  Chief. 
A  Catholic  Churcli  is  the  only  building  at  present  that  has  been  erected  for  the  purpose  of  wor- 
ship. The  priest  at  Columbus  conducts  services  periodically.  One  of  the  best  schoolhouses  in 
the  county  was  built  here  some  years  ago.  The  Baptist  and  other  denominations  have  wor- 
shiped here.  The  Methodists  are  about  to  erect  a  new  church,  30x40,  and  have  the  stone  for 
the  foundation  already  on  the  ground. 

"  It  is  now  about  three  years  since  the  leftd  excitement  broke  out  in  the  vicinity  of  Doyles- 
town. A  point  a  few  rods  west  of  that  station  is,  by  survey,  the  highest  elevation  on  the  rail- 
road between  the  Wisconsin  River  and  Lake  Michigan.  To  the  northeast,  the  land  is  broken 
into  hillocks  of  reddish  clay,  though  lime  and  sandstone  frequently  appear.  On  the  Hallock 
farm,  two  miles  and  a  half  away,  men  at  the  plow  brought  up  rich  fragments  of  ore,  and,  while 
building  fences  across  the  land,  found  very  promising  specimens  of  that  material.  Carpenter, 
of  Rio,  has  made  numerous  excavations  upon  the  farm,  and  has  secured  ore  in  paying  quantities. 
He  is  still  at  work  under  a  lease.  About  a  year  ago,  the  farm  was  sold  to  a  company  at  Sparta, 
and  they  have  been  since  sinking  a  shaft.  It  had  reached  a  depth  of  eighty-five  feet  the  other  day 
when  we  visited  the  spot,  and  the  work  is  still  in  progress.  They  have  been  constantly  taking 
out   good  ore,  but  in  very  small  quantities,  yet   the   indications   are   that  lead   exists   in   large 


842  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

amounts,  if  it  can  only  be  struck.  The  State  Geologist  has  inspected  the  locality  and  adds  the 
weight  of  his  opinion  to  this  statement.  The  formation  is  peculiar,  those  clay  hills  being 
approached  on  both  sides  by  sand  or  by  prairie.  It  should  also  be  stated  that  evidences  have 
been  found  which  lead  to  the  belief  that  silver  exists  in  those  ledges.  If  the  secrets  of  nature 
shall  be  successfully  read  in  this  vicinity,  it  would  make  Doylestown  a  busy  station  and  give  an 
impetus  to  the  business  of  the  county  even." 

TOWN    OF    PACIFIC. 

This  town  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  county,  its  northwest  corner  adjoining  the 
city  of  Portage.  It  comprises  the  east  half  of  Township  12,  Range  9,  and  a  fractional  part  of 
Sections  4,  9,  16,  21,  28  and  -33,  of  same  township  and  range,  lying  to  the  east  of  the  Wis- 
consin River,  which  river  forms  its  western  boundary.  It  is  watered  by  the  Fox  River,  which 
enters  the  town  on  the  east  through  Swan  Lake  on  Section  1,  flows  west  and  northwest  to 
Portage  City.  It  is  also  watered  by  Duck  Creek  in  the  central  part.  About  one-half  of  the 
town  is  marsh  land, 'the  remainder  is  oak  openings.  The  land  is  generally  sandy  and  low,  the 
surface  altitude  being  from  200  to  250  feet.  The  town  was  set  off  in  18-54  from  Portage  City, 
much  to  the  delight  of  its  inhabitants,  avers  a  local  writer,  for  the  reason  of  the  high  assessment 
of  its  lands. 

N.  H.  Wood,  who  had  entered  and  purchased  a  large  portion  of  the  land  lying  within  the 
present  limits  of  the  town,  and  had  also  established  a  store  on  Section  16,  had  the  honor  of 
naming  the  town. 

The  first  election  showed  about  fifty  voters  ;  the  number  has  not  since  materialh'  increased. 
Among  the  first  settlers  were  Henry  Jennings,  who  came  in  1849,  Stephen  Calverly,  H.  Holden 
John  \V.  Lawrence  and  Benjamin  Dow,  in  1850 ;  N.  H.  Wood,  1851  ;  William  Bates,  J.  W. 
Porter,  Moses  Bump,  Daniel  Marston  and  Jonathan  Pegg,  in  1854  ;  Amasa  Porter,  Joshua 
Calkins,  J.  L.  Porter  and  Griffin  Smith,  in  1856. 

There  are  no  villages  in  the  town,  though  numerous  attempts  have  been  made  to  establish 
one,  and  paper  cities  have  flourished.  On  an  old  Territorial  map,  issued  in  1837,  on  the  north 
side  of  Swan  Lake  is  marked  the  village  of  "  Ida."  The  proverbial  ''  oldest  inhabitant,"  living 
in  the  spring  of  1880,  had  never  heard  of  its  existence.  In  1838,  a  magnificent  "  city  "  was 
laid  out  on  the  same  site,  which  was  given  the  name  of  Wisconsinapolis,  and  so  well  was  it 
platted,  the  lake  being  crowded  with  such  magnificent  steamers,  that  in  the  East  a  large 
number  of  lots  were  sold  at  almost  fabulous  prices.  The  success  of  this  venture  encouraged  the 
owners  of  the  land  on  the  south  side  of  the  lake  also  to  plat  a  city  which  was  to  bear  the 
name  of  "Winnebago  City."  Lots  here  brought  good  prices.  Henry  Merrell  relates  that 
upon  one  occasion  a  gentleman  came  into  his  store  at  the  fort,  and  inquired  at  what  hour 
steamboats  left  for  Winconsinapolis.  He  was  told  that  at  the  time  boats  were  very  irregular, 
but  lie  could  direct  him  to  the  place.  The  man  then  inquired  which  was  the  best  hotel. 
Mr.  Merrill  declined  to  answer  that  question,  as  he  did  not  wish  to  injure  his  popularity  as 
a  business  man  by  showing  partiality  in  the  case.  A  few  hours  afterward,  when  he  returned 
from  the  "  city,"  where  no  building  larger  than  an  Indian  wigwam  had  ever  been  erected, 
and  where  twenty-five  white  men  had  probably  never  set  foot,  he  drove  rapidly  by,  neither 
looking  to  the  right  or  left,  his  curiosity  having  been  abundantly  satisfied. 

In  1838,  an  act  was  passed  by  the  Territorial  Legislature,  incorporating  the  Marquette 
and  Swan  Lake  Canal  Company.  James  Duane  Doty,  Lieut.  Hovey  and  others  were  the 
incorporators.  It  was  the  intention  of  the  company  to  run  a  canal  from  Swan  Lake  into 
Lake  George,  and  down  Duck  Creek  to  the  Wisconsin  River.  A  tavern  was  built  at  the  west 
end  of  Swan  Lake,  and  a  ferry  run  across  the  neck  of  the  lake.  This  canal  was  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  one  connecting  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  at  Fort  Winnebago,  and,  it  was 
thought  by  its  incorporators,  would  tend  to  build  up  the  villages  of  Wisconsinapolis  and  AVin- 
nebago  City. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  8-13 

"  Baltimore  City  "  was  another  paper  city  which  never  had  an  existence  in  fact.  It  was 
laid  out  on  Section  33,  where  Duck   Creek  empties  into  the  Wisconsin   River. 

Says  a  local  writer :  "  Cities  have  not  flourished  in  Pacific,  but  industry  has,  and  no  where 
in  the  county  is  there  less  ostentation  or  more  promptness  to  meet  obligations  than  Pacific.  It 
is  one  of  those  towns  where  from  a  variety  of  agricultural  resources,  nnd  a  strict  economy,  its 
population  seem  to  '  come  out  all  right  in  the  spring.'  When  its  population  quadruples,  and 
the  land  is  drained  and  occupied,  Pacific  will  he  a  very  prosperous  and  popular  town,  and  to-day. 
for  a  high  order  of  intelligence,  morality,  industry,  and  moderate  thrift,  it  is  at  least  a  good 
average  of  the  county." 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  elected  since  the  organization  of  the  town  : 

1854 — N.  H.  Wood,  Chairman;  John  W.  Lawrence,  Benjamin  Dow,  Supervisors;  La 
Fayette  Dow,  Clerk;  Thomas  Dow,  Treasurer;  Stephen  Calverly,  Assessor;  Rodney  Loomis, 
School  Superintendent. 

1855 — Benjamin  Dow,  Chairman  ;  Giles  M.  Packard,  Henry  Jennings,  Supervisors  ;  D. 
Marston,  Clerk  ;  R.  0.  Loomis,  Treasurer  and  School  Superintendent ;  Stephen  Calverly, 
Assessor. 

1856 — J.  W.  Porter,  Chairman;  William  Weir,  Giles  M.  Packard,  Supervisors;  James 
Wright,  Clerk  ;  R.  0.  Loomis,  Treasurer  ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Assessor ;  J.  W.  Porter,  School 
Superintendent. 

1857 — William  Weir,  Chairman;  Stephen  Calverly,  William  Bates,  Supervisors ;  James 
Wright.  Clerk  ;  B.  F.  Flowers,  Treasurer ;  A.  D.  Betz,  Assessor  ;  Dan  Marston,  School  Super- 
intendent. 

1858 — Francis  Wood,  Chairman ;  A.  D.  Betz,  Andrew  Weir,  Supervisors ;  George  W. 
Marsh,  Clerk ;  Daniel  Marston,  School  Superintendent ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Assessor ;  B.  F. 
Flowers,  Treasurer. 

1859 — Francis  Wood,  Chairman;  Andrew  Weir,  J.  L.  Porter, -Supervisors ;  George  W. 
Marsh,  Clerk  ;  George  Osborne,  Treasurer ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Assessor ;  J.  L.  Porter,  School 
Superintendent. 

1860 — Andrew  Weir,  Chairman  ;  J.  W.  Lawl'ence,  S.  W.  Porter,  Supervisors  ;  George 
Marsh,  Clerk;  William  Bates,  Treasurer;  Stephen  Calverly,  Assessor;  J.  L.  Porter,  School 
Superintendent. 

1861 — Andrew  Weir,  Chairman;  Griffin  Smith,  B.  F.  Flowers,  Supervisors;  Z.J.  D. 
Swift,  Clerk  ;  T.  W.  Dow,  Treasurer;  Henry  Jennings,  Assessor  ;  A.  D.  Betz,  School  Superin- 
tendent. 

1862 — Francis  Wood,  Chairman ;  A.  Weir,  Samuel  Hoyt,  Supervisors ;  Amasa  Porter, 
Clerk  ;  T.  W.  Dow,  Treasurer ;  Griffin  Smith,  Assessor. 

1863 — H.  Jennings,  Chairman;  Samuel  Hoyt,  Samuel  Porter,  Supervisors;  Amasa  Por- 
ter, Clerk ;  B.  F.  Flowers,  Treasurer ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Assessor. 

1864 — Griffin  Smith,  Chairman;  A.  Coapman,  S.  W.  Porter,  Supervisors;  Amasa  Por- 
ter, Clerk ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Treasurer ;  William  Bates,  Assessor. 

1865 — Stephen  Calverly,  Chairman;  Samuel  Murray,  B.  F.  Flowers,  Supervisors;  Z.  .J. 
D.  Swift,  Clerk ;  Edward  Smith,  Treasurer :  J.  L.  Porter.  Assessor. 

1866 — William  Weir,  Chairman  ;  William  Bates,  Moses  Bump,  Supervisors  ;  Amasa  Por- 
ter, Clerk ;  Z.  J.  D.  Swift,  Treasurer ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1867 — H.  Jennings,  Chairman ;  Lewis  Evans,  Samuel  Murray,  Supervisors  ;  E.  Smith, 
Clerk ;   Griffin  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1868 — Amasa  Porter,  Chairman ;  J.  F.  Warren,  Stephen  Calverly,  Supervisors  ;  J.  L. 
Porter,  Clerk  ;   William  Bates,  Treasurer ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1869 — Edward  Smith,  Chairman  ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Henry  Cutsforth,  Supervisors ;  H. 
Jennings,  Clerk  ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Treasurer ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1870 — B.  F.  Flowers,  Chairman  ;  Lewis  Evans,  Moses  Bump,  Supervisors ;  Z.  J.  D.  Swift, 
Clerk  ;  Henry  Jennings,  Treasurer,  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 


844  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

1871 — Stephen  Calverly,  Chairman;  W.  B.  Cutsforth,  Lewis  Evans,  Supervisors,  Amasa 
Porter,  Clerk  ;  Frank  H.  Husbrook,  Treasurer ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1872 — J.  L.  Porter,  Chairman;  D.  B.  Tompkins,  H.  Jennings,  Supervisors;  Z.  J.  D. 
Swift,  Clerk ;   William  Bates,  Treasurer ;  J.  F.  Warren,  Assessor. 

1873 — Stephen  Calverly.  Chairman;  Henry  Cutsforth,  A.  Weir,  Supervisors;  E.  Smith, 
Clerk ;   I.   Kershaw,  Treasurer  ;  A.  Kershaw,  Assessor. 

.  1874 — E.  Smith,  Chairman ;  E.  A.  Porter,  Jonathan  Pegg,  Supervisors :   W.  S.  Flowers, 
Clerk  ;   I.  Kershaw,  Treasurer ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1875 — Lewis  Evans,  Chairman  ;  Stephen  Calverly,  Henry  Cutsforth,  Supervisors ;  W.  S. 
Flowers,  Clerk ;  E.  E.  Smith,  Treasurer  :  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1876 — Edward  Smith,  Chairman ;  Anson  Coapman,  Patrick  Lehan,  Supervisors ;  W.  S. 
Flowers.  Clerk ;  E.  E.  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1877 — J.  L.  Porter,  Chairman ;  Benjamin  Dow,  W.  Cutsforth,  Supervisors ;  E.  E.  Smith, 
Clerk;  I.  Kershaw,  Treasurer;  E.  Smith,  Assessor. 

1878 — Henry  Jennings,  Chairman;  Charles  Lawrence,  I.  Kershaw,  Supervisors;  A. 
Bump,  Clerk;   William  Bates,   Treasurer;  A.  Kershaw,  Assessor. 

1879 — E.  Smith,  Chairman;  E.  A.  Porter,  John  Jarvis,  Supervisors;  E.  E.  Smith, 
Clerk  ;   H.  W.  Cutsforth  Treasurer ;  J.  L.  Porter,  Assessor. 

1880 — A.  Weir,  Chairman;  Patrick  Lehan,  L.  F.  Dow,  Supervisors;  A.  A.  Porter, 
Clerk ;  E.  E.  Smith,  Treasurer ;  H.  W.  Cutsforth,  Assessor. 

TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH.* 

BY    WILLIAM    T.    WHIRRY. 

The  first  settler  in  this  town  was  George  Knowles,  who  came  from  the  city  of  New  York, 
selected  his  land  in  the  fall  of  1843,  on  Section  13,  and  entered  it  in  February,  1844,  and 
erected  the  first  building  in  town  at  the  same  time,  in  the  form  of  a  board  shanty,  with  white- 
wood  boards  brought  from  Fond  du  Lac  ;  broke  up  some  land  in  May,  1844,  and  claims  it  was 
the  first  land  broken  in  town  ;  planted  the  first  crop,  and  raised  a  good  one,  without  any  fence  ; 
put  up  his  log  house  in  August,  1844,  and  resided  on  the  same  place  until  about  1860,  when  he 
removed  to  Milwaukee. 

S.  S.  Torbert  came  from  Illinois  March  16,  1844,  in  company  with  John  Langdon  and 
Benjamin  Williams.  Mr.  Torbert  raised  the  first  log  house  on  Section  15.  B.  Williams  being 
a  single  man,  lived  with  him.  They  lived  for  a  long  time  on  succotash  (green  corn  and  beans), 
without  anything  else.  He  broke,  as  he  claims,  the  first  land,  but  that  point  is  disputed  by 
Mr.  Knowles.  His  first  crop  of  wheat  was  seventy  bushels,  from  two  acres,  and  two  bushels  in 
sowing,  which  had  been  dragged  in  with  a  wooden-toothed  drag.  At  that  time,  there  were  only 
three  log  cabins  at  Fo.x  Lake,  and  no  building  between  there  and  Fort  Winnebago,  except  Pow- 
derly's,  near  the  latter  place. 

John  Langdon  put  up  his  log  house  very  shortly  after  Torbert,  on  Section  29,  but  finished 
it  first,  making  it  the  first  log  house  in  town.  He  brought  in  the  first  span  of  horses,  and  as 
Torbert  and  Williams  came  with  him,  and  as  they  all  brought  cattle,  they  must  all  have  the 
credit  of  bringing  in  the  first  oxen  and  cows  ;  and  they  were  called  a  very  superior  lot  of  cattle. 
He  also  brought  some  hogs,  and  came  fully  equipped  to  break  up  land,  and  did  break  up  a  good 
(leal  for  others.  He  started  Cambria — built  the  dam  and  put  up  a  saw-mill,  in  company  with 
Samuel  Langdon,  in  1845,  and  for  several  years  it  was  called  Langdon's  mill ;  but  he  became 
involved,  and  allowed  a  sharper,  named  Bell,  to  get  hold  of  his  property,  who  converted  it  to 
his  own  use,  and  changed  the  name  of  the  place  to  Bellville  (it  was  afterward  called  Florence, 
then  Cambria).  John  Langdon  was  thus  financially  ruined  ;  and  the  loss  of  his  hard-earned 
property  probably  shortened  his  days.  He  removed  to  Bad  Axe  (now  Vernon  County),  and  died 
there  in  1852. 


•This  akelch,  with  much  additional,  was  written  in  1871,  rerised  in  1873,  and  published  ty  the  town. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  845 

Benjamin  Williams  located  a  piece  of  prairie  on  Section  32,  but  did  not  build  right  off. 
He  sold  to  Joseph  Kerr,  who  came  here  in  the  foil  of  1846  ;  he  then  built  on  a  piece  of  land 
adjoining  Cambria ;  was  Sheriff  for  one  term  ;  now  lives  in  the  fruit  region  of  Michigan. 

Alvin  B.  Alden  came  from  Connecticut  in  July,  1844,  and  put  up  a  hay  shanty,  with 
wings  for  bedrooms,  on  a  splendid  quarter-section  of  openings,  on  Section  24,  being  the  first 
land  selected  in  town  ;  built  his  log  house  in  November,  1844  ;  claims  that  he  put  in  and  har- 
vested the  first  winter  wheat.  He  was  clerk  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  for  several  years  ; 
now  resides  in  Portage. 

John  Converse  came  from  Connecticut  in  October,  1844 ;  boarded  about  six  months  with 
his  son-in-law,  Alvin  B.  Alden  ;  put  up  his  log  house  in  the  spring  of  1845,  on  a  clay  knoll,  on 
Section  25:  had  a  mill  privilege,  which  nature  had  done  a  good  deal  for,  except  supplying  it 
with  water — if  we  except  a  few  springs  ;  but  Uncle  John,  nevertheless,  not  to  be  balked  by  such 
a  trifle,  built  a  dam  and  a  small  mill,  and  put  in  a  run  of  stones,  bolts,  etc.  Feed  is  still  ground 
there,  when  we  have  a  wet  time.  Uncle  John  kept  the  first  house  of  entertainment  for  man  and 
beast,  and  scores  are  now  living  who  remember  with  pleasure  the  kind,  liberal  and  motherly 
attentions  of  Mrs.  Converse  ;  though  not  kept  in  the  style  of  the  Fox  House,  yet  everything 
that  was  substantial  was  in  abundance,  and  all  left  satisfied — style  was  not  expected  in  a  log 
house.  He  was  the  first  Postmaster  in  town;  kept  the  first  post  ofiice,  called  Polk  Prairie,  a 
misnomer,  as  it  was  situated  in  the  openings.  The  name  was  afterward  changed  to  East 
Randolph. 

He  was  the  founder  of  the  village  of  Randolph,  in  Dodge  and  Columbia  Counties,  for  which 
he  is  entitled  to  the  gratitude  of  the  whole  community,  having  labored  almost  single  handed 
against  the  combined  efforts  of  Cambria,  Fox  Lake  and  the  railroad  company.  The  opposition 
he  encountered  would,  doubtless,  have  deterred  almost  any  other  person  ;  but,  after  repeated 
refusals,  in  February,  1857,  he  obtained  permission  from  the  railroad  company  to  put  up  a 
shanty  on  the  prairie  for  the  reception  of  grain,  the  company  agreeing  to  stop  the  cars  whenever 
he  succeeded  in  getting  a  car-load,  on  being  signaled,  and  providing  the  train  was  not  detained 
over  ten  minutes.  A  poplar  pole,  with  an  old  neck-scarf  attached,  was  the  signal  used ;  now  it 
is  about  the  greatest  wheat  station  on  the  line  of  the  road.  He  built  the  Russell  House,  and 
when  he  removed  there  he  took  the  post  office  and  its  name  with  him,  which  was  the  cause  of  the 
station  being  called  Randolph.  He  was  our  first  School  Superintendent,  and  now  resides  at 
Portage. 

The  first  Welsh  people  in  this  section  of  our  State  settled  a  few  rods  east  of  our  town  line, 
and  the  first  in  this  town  were  the  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Roberts,  David  Roberts,  and  John  Evans. 
The  two  former  settled  on  Section  4,  and  the  latter  on  a  poor  eighty  acres,  on  Section  15,  now 
used  as  a  pasture  by  William  Harris  ;  his  log  house,  with  a  stick  chimney  on  the  outside,  stood 
near  the  road,  on  the  north  end ;  and  the  first  sermon  delivered  in  the  town  was  preached  there, 
in  the  winter  of  1844  and  1845,  by  the  Rev.  T.  H.  Roberts,  at  which  time  the  Welsh  church  of 
Blaen-y-cae  was  organized,  and  also  the  Sabbath  school,  and  religious  services  were  held  alter- 
nately at  James  Evans',  near  Lake  Emily,  Catharine  Roberts,  Blaen-y-cae,  and  John  Evans', 
on  Section  15  ;  the  first  is  now  living  at  the  same  place,  and  aged  about  eighty-four  years,  the 
second  died  in  May,  187 1,  aged  eighty-three  years,  and  the  last  has  removed  to  Iowa. 

The  said  Thomas  H.  Roberts,  immediately  after  his  arrival  here,  wrote  letters  to  his  friends 
in  Wales,  describing  the  country  and  its  advantages,  which  were  read  in  the  mines  there,  and 
created  quite  a  furor ;  the  result  was  that  the  next  spring  witnessed  the  departure  of  a  great 
many  families  to  Wisconsin,  who  settled  at  Lake  Emily,  and  what  is  now  Courtland,  Springvale 
and  Randolph,  all  brought  here  by  these  letters.  Mr.  Roberts,  like  most  of  the  Welsh  preachers, 
is  also  a  farmer,  and  has  resided,  until  a  few  years  since,  on  his  first  location,  and  owns  it  now, 
but  resides  on  the  town  line,  in  the  town  of  Manchester,  and  is  still  a  preacher  and  farmer,  and 
very  much  respected  by  all.  At  one  time,  while  he  was  in  the  woods  splitting  some  rails,  a 
noble-looking  stag  came  near  where  he  was  at  work,  stopping  under  a  tree  and  appearing  to  lean 
against  it ;  Mr.  Roberts,  rightly  conjecturing  that  he  had  been  wounded  by  some  hunter,  went 


846  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUXTY. 

up  to  him  and  caught  him  by  the  horns  and  secured  him ;  he  had  been  shot.  David  Roberts, 
mentioned  above,  settled  near  Lake  Sarah  in  1844,  and  left  in  the  spring  of  1850  for  California, 
and  died  just  as  he  came  in  sight  of  it.     He  located  the  first  settlers  in  Springvale,  etc. 

The  most  of  our  first  Welsh  settlers  had  spent  what  little  money  they  had  by  the  time  they 
had  become  settled  here;  some  paid  their  last  sliilling  for  their  land,  a  yoke  of  oxen  or  a  cow; 
one  fiimily  paid  out  their  last  sovereign  for  an  old  lame  sow,  but  which  proved  a  good  specu- 
lation afterward  in  the  sale  of  pigs ;  but,  with  no  money,  or  anything  to  exchange  for  groceries, 
they  fared  hard  indeed ;  ami  some  recollect  well  how  thankful  they  were  to  receive  from  an 
acquaintance,  who  was  fortunate  to  own  a  cow  when  they  had  none,  a  small  piece  of  butter  or  a 
little  milk  occasionally,  and  they  would  go  a  long  distance  to  get  it,  and  live  a  long  time  on  its 
recollections — for  from  that  time  they  began  to  live,  as  they  could  exchange  butter  for  what  they 
needed,  and,  with  the  good  pasturage  the  land  afibrded,  they  would  make  about  nine  pounds  of 
butter  a  week  from  a  good  cow,  and  felt  comparatively  independent. 

For  a  long  time  after  they  came  here,  not  one  of  them  owned  a  wagon  ;  but  nothing  pre- 
vented them  from  attending  their  religious  meetings  regularly,  week  days  as  well  as  Sundays — 
and  they  went  mostly  afoot:  and  when  the  creeks  were  swollen  in  the  spring,  or  overflowed  the 
low  bridges,  the  women  would  take  oiF  their  shoes  and  stockings,  wade  through,  and  re-dress  on 
the  other  side,  and  go  on  to  meeting.  Would  any  American  woman  do  that  ?  Some  went  to 
meeting  with  a  yoke  of  oxqu  and  a  low,  log  sled,  similar  to  a  stone-boat,  winter  and  jmmer,  and 
some  used,  for  several  years,  low  truck  wagons,  with  the  wheels  cut  from  the  ends  of  a  large  log, 
the  stjueaking  of  which  could  be  heard  for  a  mile  when  they  went  to  and  fro  to  meeting.  Now, 
some  of  those  very  individuals  drive  as  handsome  a  turnout  as  any  one. 

Our  Welsh  people  started  the  poultry  business  under  rather  discouraging  circumstances. 
A  friend  of  John  Roberts  (Bontnewydd),  had  brought  with  him  a  pair  of  chickens  to  commence 
with,  but  they  proved  to  be  both  roosters,  and,  as  there  were  no  hens  to  be  found  anywheie,  the 
prospect  for  fresh  eggs  or  chicken  pie  was  poor  indeed ;  but  a  trade  was  struck  vup,  by  which 
John  Roberts  was  to  have  one,  if  he  would  help  to  procure  a  hen  ;  so  they  posted  oif  together 
to  Columbus,  and,  after  a  good  deal  of  travel  and  more  persuasion,  and  representing  the  very  bad 
fix  they  were  in,  they  procured  two  hens. 

The  following  incident  will  give  some  idea  of  the  loneliness  of  some  of  ourl  early  settlers 
(the  neighbors  being  few  and  far  between) :  The  family  of  the  above-named  John  Roberts  had 
resided  here  nearly  one  year  before  they  saw  a  single  individual,  excepting  their  town  people, 
when  one  day,  one  of  the  boys  came  running  in,  shouting  at  the  top  of  his  voice,  "  Mother  I  m  jther  ! 
there's  a  man  coming  !  "  and  they  were  almost  as  much  astonished  as  Robinson  Crusoe  was  when 
he  discovered  the  footprints  in  the  sand. 

The  first  celebration  of  the  anniversary  of  American  independence,  in  town,  was  cele- 
brated by  the  Welsh  people  July  4,  1848,  on  Section  4,  by  singing,  and  short  lectures  on  tem- 
perance. 

Job  W.  Perry,  though  not  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  this  town,  yet  located  his  land  in 
1844,  and  deserves  notice  here.  He  lived  a  short  time  a  few  miles  beyond  its  limits  ;  built  a 
large,  good  log  house  on  Section  12,  in  the  spring  of  1845 ;  came  originally  from  New  York, 
then  Ohio,  then  Walworth  County  ;  was  a  good  specimen  of  the  old-fashioned  pioneers,  who 
have  done  so  much  to  build  up  this  country  ;  had  always  lived  at  the  western  end  of  civilization, 
and,  as  soon  as  land  became  improved,  so  that  his  cattle  did  not  have  a  wide  range,  he  was 
uneasy,  and  would  sell  out  and  be  off  further  West.  He  had  sold  here  in  1852,  and  had  located 
in  Minnesota,  and  was  preparing  to  remove  his  family  when  death  put  in  his  veto.  I  am  afraid 
there  were  Ku-Klux  or  Wide- Awakes  in  those  days,  although  they  did  not  go  by  these  names; 
but,  as  Shakespeare  says,  "  What's  in  a  name?  "  The  early  settlers  generally  respected  claims. 
Uncle  Job  had  jumped  some  claim  and  refused  to  give  it  up ;  he  was  Ku-kluxed  one  night  by  a 
delegation  disguised,  and,  after  a  bold  resistance  by  the  family,  in  which  an  old  sword  and  hot 
water  were  freely  used,  he  was  taken  off  to  Lake  Emily,  to  be  put  under  the  ice,  but  at  the  last 
moment  a  compromise  was  effected. 


y  ^^n 


DE  KORRA 


HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  849 

In  this  connection,  an  amusing  incident  occurred.  Uncle  Job,  previous  to  the  threatened 
lynching,  had  become  alarmed,  from  information  lie  had  received,  and,  knowing  the  then  cus- 
toms of  the  country  and  the  characters  he  had  wronged,  expected  trouble.  So,  one  day,  he 
came  to  F.  R.  Roberts  and  represented  that  the  settlers  were  going  to  kill  him  because  he  had 
shown  land  to  the  Welshmen.  Roberts  and  his  brother  David  thought,  in  their  innocence,  that 
it  was  too  bad  that  Uncle  Job  should  be  killed  on  their  account,  and  that  even  if  they  lost  their 
lives  in  consequence,  they  ought,  by  right,  to  go  and  protect  him.  They  went,  but  found  no 
one  there.  David  left,  but  the  other  remained,  and,  in  a  very  short  time,  some  men  were  seen 
advancing  toward  the  house.  Uncle  Job  ran  up  a  ladder  to  the  chamber,  and,  Robinson  Cru- 
soe-like, pulled  it  up  after  him.  The  old  lady  got  out  the  old  sword  and  put  it  into  Robert's 
hands,  and  posted  him  near  the  door;  she  then  hid  under  the  bed,  and  the  daughters  left  the  house. 

The  men  tried  to  come  in,  but  Roberts  brandished  the  sword  so  vigorously  that  the  feat 
was  impossible  without  the  risk  of  losing  a  limb  or  two.  They  expostulated  and  explained  in 
English,  which  was  the  only  language  they  were  masters  of,  and  Roberts  talked  back  in  Welsh, 
for  the  reason  that  he  did  not  know  a  word  of  any  other  language — but  the  old  sword  still 
threatened.  In  the  mean  time,  however,  one  of  the  girls  came  around  from  her  hiding-place  to 
the  door,  and  found  out  that  these  men  were  travelers,  and  innocent  of  any  murderous  designs. 
She  also  tried  to  explain  to  Roberts  in  English,  but  all  to  no  purpose ;  the  old  sword  still  flour- 
ished menacingly.  Roberts  thought  of  nothing  but  saving  the  life  of  Uncle  Job,  which  was 
placed  in  jeopardy  on  his  account,  and  was  determined  to  "  fight  it  out  on  that  line,  if  it  took 
all  summer." 

Finally,  Uncle  Job  heard  enough  to  satisfy  him  that  he  had  nothing  to  fear  from  these 
men ;  so  he  came  down  from  his  hiding-place,  and  the  old  lady  from  under  the  bed,  and,  after 
numerous  motions  and  signs,  Roberts  was  induced  to  give  up  the  old  sword,  and  the  men  allowed 
to  come  in. 

Uncle  Job,  like  H.  Stevens  and  other  speculators,  made  a  business  of  locating  settlers  on 
Government  land  at  any  price  they  could  agree  on,  and  then  go  or  send  to  the  Land  Office  at 
Green  Bay  and  enter  it.  This  same  F.  R.  Roberts,  in  1845,  had  paid  Uncle  Job  for  his  land 
and  was  preparing  to  build  on  his  present  homestead,  when  he  found  out  by  a  friend,  who  had 
overhea<-d  the  conversation,  that  Uncle  Job  had  planned  a  trick  to  get  his  son-in-law  to  enter  the 
eighty  acres  of  prairie  which  he  (Roberts)  had  paid  Perry  for — Perry  having  all  his  money,  which  had 
been  delivered  to  him  without  any  witness  or  receipt.  Roberts  had  no  alternative  but  to  imme- 
diately squat  on  it  and  claim  it  under  the  pre-emption  laws,  and  thus  prevent  it  being  purchased 
by  others.  As  he  happened  to  have  a  few  boards,  he  immediately  put  up  a  small  shanty  on  the 
prairie,  and  lived  in  it  for  four  months,  w^ithout  any  door  to  it,  and  by  so  doing  he  succeeded 
in  saving  his  land,  which  he  had  previously  paid  for ;  but  it  was  a  very  close  thing — his  pre- 
emption having  been  made  at  9  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  Perry's  money,  which  he  had  fur- 
nished, having  arrived  at  the  Green  Bay  Land  Office  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same 
day.  Uncle  Job  was  like  all  the  old  pioneers,  kind  and  good-hearted,  and  willing  to  aid  any- 
one in  sickness  or  distress  ;  a  good  neighbor,  though  sharp  at  a  bargain  ;  he  was  our  first  Town 
Assessor,  but  would  not  stand  a  re-election. 

The  first  German  who  settled  in  this  part  of  our  State  was  Dr.  William  C.  Arch,  a  much- 
respected  and  well-informed  man,  who  settled  on  Section  6,  near  the  Fox  River  marsh,  in  1848. 
He  still  resides  there,  in  the  old  log  house.  Through  his  influence,  most  of  the  numerous  Ger- 
mans in  this  and  the  adjoining  section  of  country  were  induced  to  settle  here. 

The  first  school  ever  kept  in  town  was  kept  at  the  log  dwelling-house  of  John  Converse,  in 
184.5.  The  first  schoolhouse  erected  in  town  expressly  for  a  school  was  made  of  logs,  on  Govern- 
ment land,  on  Section  11,  by  voluntary  contribution  of  labor  and  material,  and  school  taught 
there  by  Margaret  Jones,  of  Springvale,  in  the  summer  of  1846.  The  writer  lived  there  for  a 
few  months  ;  but  in  December  of  that  year,  the  forty  acres  it  was  built  on  had  been  exchanged 
for  another  forty,  and  a  dispute  arose  about  the  ownership  of  the  schoolhouse,  and  one  night  it 
was  secretly  torn  down  and  carried  away,  and  so  ended  the  first  schoolhouse. 


850  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

The  first  schoolhouse  built  after  the  School  Districts  were  organized  was  built  of  logs,  on 
Section  25,  in  School  District  No.  1. 

The  first,  and  until  quite  recently,  the  only  store  in  this  town,  was  erected  in  1846,  by 
Elijah  Dunlap  and  Milo  E.  Bradley,  on  the  old  Fort  Winnebago  road,  and  was  the  only  one  for 
a  number  of  miles,  and  quite  a  business  was  done  there  for  several  years,  by  Dunlap  &  Scott, 
and  it  was  considered  the  nucleus  of  a  village,  and  called  Centerville.  Squire  Patton,  of  Scott, 
used  to  hold  there  what  was  called  the  ''  High  Court  of  Centerville  ;  "  said  store  and  a  one-horse 
tavern  across  the  road,  in  the  town  of  Scott,  was  all  that  ever  came  of  it,  excepting  that  a  doctor 
set  up  there,  for  a  short  time,  but  it  was  so  healtliy  that  he  had  no  practice,  and  left,  and 
Centerville,  though  in  a  new  country,  was  reckoned  among  the  things  that  had  been. 

The  first  dwelling  destroyed  by  fire  was  Mr.  Blood's,  on  Section  36,  which  was  built  of 
hay — no  insurance.     Insurance  agents  had  not  arrived  yet. 

The  first  road  in  this  town  was  laid  out  and  the  sloughs  bridged  by  the  soldiers,  for  tlie 
purpose  of  getting  their  supplies,  and  was  called  the  Fox  Lake  and  Fort  Winnebago  road  ;  and, 
though  no  regard  was  paid  to  section  lines,  yet  a  part  of  it  is  still  used  as  a  road  ;  another,  and 
older  military  road,  from  Fort  Winnebago  to  Fort  Howard,  was,  and  is  now,  located  a  little 
north  of  the  town  line. 

The  first  election  held  in  this  section  of  our  county,  and  in  this  town,  was  held  in  the  house 
of  John  Langdon,  in  1846,  at  which  election  M.  W.  Patton  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace,  for 
the  four  townships  now  called  Courtland,  Springvale,  Scott  and  Randolph.  The  old  house  still 
stands,  in  a  good  state  of  preservation,  and  can  be  seen  any  day,  on  the  farm  of  Thomas  Sander- 
son, between  his  house  and  the  barn.  The  roof  is  shingled  now,  but  for  several  years  it  was 
covered  with  bark,  which  was  held  in  its  place  with  poles. 

The  first  white  child  born  in  the  town  was  a  child  of  Henry  Dantz,  who  settled  on  Section 
10.  in  1845,  who  was  AV.  W.  Dantz,  of  Princeton,  and  who  was  the  Assistant  Sergeant-at-Arms 
in  the  Senate  in  1871.     Now  deceased. 

The  first  white  death  in  the  town  was  a  child  of  James  Lowell,  who  was  buried  on  his  farm, 
on  Section  13,  as  there  was  no  cemeteries  -at  that  time.  The  first  public  cemetery  was  donated 
to  the  public  by  Job  W.  Perry,  on  Section  12,  and  was,  for  a  number  of  years,  the  only  burial 
ground  in  town,  and  a  great  many  were  buried  there,  but  the  bodies  have  been  mostly  removed 
to  the  beautiful  cemetery  at  Randolph  Center,  which  was  surveyed  April  24,  1851. 

All  the  first  settlers  avoided  the  prairies,  having  somehow,  formed  the  erroneous  idea  that 
no  one  could  live  and  support  himself  there,  because  there  was  no  timber,  and  but  little  water 
or  marsh — three  very  important  requisites  in  a  new  country  ;  also,  that  the  land  was  considered 
too  poor  to  grow  timber :  too  cold  for  man  or  beast  to  live  on  in  the  winter,  and  only  fit  for  cat- 
tle to  range  on  in  summer :  and  some  men  thought  that  it  would  never  be  settled,  and  that  they 
would  get  the  use  of  it  for  pasture  as  long  as  they  lived :  consequently,  you  would  find  all  the 
first  settlements  in  the  openings,  at  the  edge  of  the  timber,  and  near  some  spring  of  water — 
water  and  wood  being  the  principal  things  looked  for;  and  when  land  was  purchased  on  the 
prairie  it  was  generally  for  speculation,  and  the  most  of  that  was  done  after  the  Mexican  land 
warrants  came  into  market.  The  first  man,  in  this  town,  who  was  bold  enough  to  venture  clear 
out  into  the  prairie  was  the  late  E.  D.  Hewit,  in  March,  1847,  having  been  enticed  there  by  a 
large  spring  of  water  and  some  marsh,  on  Section  84,  and  lived  there  for  several  years,  and 
raised  crops  without  any  fence,  or  any  fear  of  being  annoyed  by  roving  cattle — his  own  cattle 
being  tethered  on  the  marsh. 

The  first  name  given  to  the  town  was  Luzerne,  but  a  dispute  arising  as  to  its  orthography, 
some  contending  that  the  third  letter  should  be  "c."  some  "s"  and  others  "z,"  another  meet- 
ing was  called  and  its  present  name  adopted.  At  a  meeting  of  the  County  Commissioners, 
held  at  Columbus  January  1'.  1849.  it  was  decided  that  Township  No.  13,  north  of  Range  12. 
east  of  the  Fourth  Principal  Meridian,  should  constitute  the  town  of  Randolph.  A  strong  effort 
had  been  made  by  a  portion  of  the  people  of  Scott  to  get  the  east  half  of  the  present  town  of 
Scott  attached  to   Randolph,  but  we  preferred  to  go  it  alone,  believing  that  a  town  six  miles 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  851 

square  was  large  enough.  The  County  Commissioners  designated  the  house  of  Oscar  F.  Ham- 
ilton, on  Section  23,  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  town  meeting.  The  first  town  caucus  was 
held  at  the  house  of  Willard  Perry,  on  Section  22 ;  a  union  ticket  was  proposed,  but  failed,  and 
party  tickets  were  nominated — VVhig  and  Democratic.  The  first  town  meeting  was  held  as 
stated  above,  on  the  3d  day  of  April,  1849,  and  at  the  election  of  moderator  of  that  meeting 
the  first  party  battle  was  fought,  resulting  in  a  Democratic  victory,  John  Converse  having  been 
elected  Moderator  and  George  Knowles  Clerk.  That  election  was  considered  a  test  vote,  and 
the  Whigs  tried  to  change  the  result  and  the  Democrats  to  retain  what  they  had  gained,  and  we 
had  lively  times,  and  party  feeling  ran  high  ;  but  the  Democratic  ticket  was  elected,  as  the 
Whigs  alleged,  by  illegal  voting,  and  because  the  Democrats  had  the  best  horses.  A  few 
Englishmen  who  were  working  here,  but  whose  families  resided  in  the  town  of  Scott,  were 
arrested  for  illegal  voting,  and  had  atrial  at  the  "  High  Court  of  Centerville."  They  were 
defended  by  ex-Governor  James  T.  Lewis,  but  nothing  came  of  it  excepting  hard  feelings,  and 
a  great  deal  of  party  animosity,  for  several  years,  in  town  elections. 

At  the  first  town  meeting,  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  the  whole  number  of  votes  cast  was 
ninety-six  :  and,  on  Chairman  of  Supervisors,  where  the  greatest  efibrt  was  made,  the  vote  stood 
fifty-six  and  forty. 

Tlie  following  were  the  first  town  ofiicers  elected : 

Supervisors — William  T.  Whirry  (Chairman),  John  W.  Phillips,  Powell  Austin  ;  Town 
Clerk,  S.  D.  Hambleton ;  Assessor,  Job  W.  Perry ;  Treasurer,  Warren  Campbell  ;  School 
Superintendent,  John  Converse;  Justices — Thomas  H.  Roberts,  Francis  Knowles,  Powell  Austin, 
John  Converse  ;  Constables — David  R.  Roberts,  Lorenzo  D.  Farrington,  James  Knowles  ;  Sealer 
of  Weights  and  Measures,  William  T.  Whirry. 

The  unsuccessful  ticket  was  headed  by  Joseph  Kerr,  who  was  the  first  member  of  Assembly 
from  Columbia  County,  representing  the  whole  country  in  the  two  first  State  Legislatures  of 
1848-49. 

The  following  poll  is  a  list  kept  at  the  first  general  election,  the  fall  succeeding  the  town  meet- 
ing: John  Converse,  Frederick  J.  Converse,  William  Bradshaw,  Frederick  Schroeder,  Rufus 
Langdon,  William  H.  Mack,  Elam  D.  Hewitt,  George  Knowles,  James  Lowell,  Isaac  Holcomb, 
Charles  A.  Richards.  John  Whirry,  John  W.  Phillips,  Robert  Andrews,  Powell  Austin,  Hezekiah 
Dunham,  Phillips  W.  Hartwell,  Abraham  G.  Langdon,  Meltiah  Sweat,  William  T.  Whirry, 
Daniel  P.  Larkin,  Edward  Lewis,  Richard  H.  Roberts,  Ezra  A.  Doolittle,  Robert  Hamilton, 
Warren  Campbell,  Benjamin  Williams,  Isaac  Harris,  George  W.  Scott,  Rodney  Campbell, 
Richard  Lewis,  Elijah  Dunlap,  Aaron  J.  Gibson,  Riley  S.  Richmond,  William  H.  Torbert, 
Thomas  Lewis,  William  M.  Jones,  William  Harris,  John  N.  Hardy,  Hiram  Perry,  John  Schroe- 
der, John  P.  Converse,  Charles  Presba,  James  Knowles,  William  B.  Presba,  Henry  A.  Crooker, 
Willard  L.  Perry,  J.  S.  Langdon,  Greenleaf  Ide,  Henry  Dantz,  Rowland  Langdon.  Job  W. 
Perry,  Hiram  W.  Perry,  Henry  Hanson,  James  Taylor.  Oscar  F.  Hamilton,  Thomas  Williams, 
Stephen  D.  Hambleton,  Joseph  Thomas,  Benjamin  F.  Stanton,  Joseph  D.  Stanton,  Samuel  S. 
Torbert,  Henry  L.  Bessac,  John  W.  Hinton,  Joseph  Kerr, Lorenzo  D.  Farrington,  E.  B.Finney. 

The  total  amount  of  tax  on  the  first  tax  roll  of  the  town  was  $706.48,  and,  on  the  last, 
$5,217.46. 

The  assessed  valuation  of  the  town  in  1849,  was  real  estate,  $62,885 ;  personal  property, 
$1,672;  total,  $61,557.  In  1872  it  was  real  estate,  $503,806 ;  personal  property,  $104,836; 
total,  $608,182.  What  is  called  Kelly's  Addition  to  the  village  of  Cambria  is  located  in  town, 
and  includes  forty  acres  of  land  nor|h  of  the  mill  pond,  and  (including  the  buildings)  was  assessed 
in  1872  at  $5,378.  The  largest  tax  ever  raised  in  town  was  $8,930.28,  in  1864,  which  included 
a  war  tax. 

The  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  society  up  to  1854  had  held  their  religious  meetings  in 
the  old  Lake  Emily  log  schoolhouse,  and  in  private  houses,  but  in  the  summer  of  that  year,  they 
built  a  church  edifice  on  land  donated  by  F.  R.  Roberts,  on  Section  12,  in  this  town,  and  it  was 
dedicated  on  the  first  Sabbath  of  December,  1854,  the  Rev.  Thomas  A.  Roberts,  Proscaeron,  and 


852  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY 

the  Rev.  John  J.  Roberts,  of  Columbus,  ofiBciating.  The  name  of  the  church  was  declared  to 
be  Engedi,  a  Hebrew  name,  signifying  a  fountain  of  pleasant  waters.  The  cemetery  adjoining 
the  church  is  called  Mai-hpelah,  after  the  cave  purchased  by  old  Father  Abraham.  The  first 
Trustees  were  J,  W.  Hughes,  J.  VV.  Jones  and  0.  J.  Jones.  The  Rev.  John  Daniels  was  their 
first  and  only  Pastor.     The  church  was  enlarged  in  1870. 

There  are  two  other  societies  of  the  above  nomination  partly  in  this  town :  "one  has  its 
church  just  north  of  the  town  line,  in  the  town  of  Manchester,  and  the  other  on  the  town  line 
in  the  town  of  Scott,  and  a  German  Lutheran  Reform  Church  is  also  on  the  town  line  in  the 
town  of  Scott ;  but  as  they  are  not  located  in  town,  the  plan  of  this  sketch  precludes  any  further 
remarks,  excepting  that  in  186H  the  latter  society  purchased  five  acres  of  land  on  Section  6, 
and  built  a  parsonage  on  it. 

The  First  VVesleyan  Methodist  society  of  Randolph  Center  organized  June  17,  1858, 
and  built  a  church  on  land  donated  by  Z.  W.  Oliver,  on  Section  22,  principally  through  the 
inatrutnentality  of  Rev.  John  Willis,  who  had  secedecl  from  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
It  was  dedicated  in  October,  1858,  by  the  Rev.  A.  C.  Hand.  The  society  is  broken  up,  but  its 
old  members  claim  that  they  still  own  the  church. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  society  organized  a  class  and  Sabbath  school  at  Randolph  Center, 
in  1849.  They  own  no  building,  but  for  several  years  they  have  used  the  Wesleyan  Church, 
and  hold  religious  services  there  every  Sunday. 

The  German  Catholic  Church,  on  Section  7,  was  built  in  1861,  on  land  donated  by  John 
G.  Fisher.     Religious  services  are  held  there  occasionally  by  a  priest  from  Beaver  Dam. 

The  German  Lutheran  society,  under  the  guidance  of  Rev.  C.  Diehlmann,  worship  a  part 
of  the  time  in  the  town  hall. 

In  1868,  School  District  No.  3,  having  decided  to  build  a  new  schoolhouse  at  Randolph 
Center,  by  mutual  agreement  the  town  built  a  stone  basement  under  it  for  the  purpose  of  a 
town  hall,  at  a  cost  of  $642.05;  furniture,  $77.50;  total,  $719.55. 

In  1871,  Parkinson  built  a  small  store  for  the  sale  of  groceries,  at  Randolph  Center,  and 
it  is  the  only  store  in  town. 

Randolph  Center,  at  an  early  day,  was  platted  as  a  village,  but  it  never  contained  enough 
inhabitants  for  a  set  of  village  officers.  In  addition  to  what  is  mentioned  elsewhere,  it  contains  a 
post  office,  blacksmith  and  wagon  shop. 

What  streams  we  have  in  town  start  from  springs,  except  the  one  on  the  marsh,  on  Section 
1,  through  which  the  small  outlet  of  Lake  Emily  runs.  We  are  pretty  well  up  in  the  world, 
having  a  position  on  the  boundary  or  divide  between  the  Valley  of  the  Mississippi  and  the  Val- 
ley of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  on  many  farms  the  rain  as  it  foils  divides  and  finds  its  way  to  the 
ocean  by  different  routes,  a  portion  by  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  a  portion  by  the  St.  Lawrence, 
so  we  have  no  fears  of  the  greatest  freshet  doing  us  any  damage.  But  I  must  not  omit  to  men- 
tion that  the  celebrated  Fox  River  takes  its  rise  here  at  Lake  Sarah,  on  the  line  between  Sec- 
tion 4  and  5.  It  is  not  much  of  a  lake,  however,  and  once  or  twice,  to  my  knowledge,  during 
the  time  of  our  great  droughts,  it  became  perfectly  dry,  and  at  other  times  it  is  only  a  pretty 
good  duck  pond  ;  but  nevertheless,  it  has  been  honored  with  the  name  of  lake.  I  presume  it 
must  have  been  a  wet  time  when  it  was  named. 

One-half  of  the  area  of  this  township  is  prairie,  the  wooded  portions  occurring  especially 
in  the  northern  half  Marsh  extends  along  the  stream  in  Sections  15,  10,  11,  2  and  1,  and  also 
along  the  eastern  side  of  the  town.  The  surface  is  generally  level,  lying  at  an  altitude  of  350 
to  400  feet.  On  the  east  sides  are  the  heads  of  several  small  streams  that  pass  eastward  to  Rock 
River.  In  the  southwest  quarter,  the  head-waters  of  Duck  Creek  make  a  deep  ravine  whose  bot- 
tom has  an  altitude  of  only  240  feet. 

The  first  entry  of  land  in  the  town  was  made  by  Mary  Perry,  the  west  half  of  the  north- 
west quarter  of  Section  12.     Entered  February  8,  1844;  patented  September  1,  1846. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  853 

TOWN    OF    SCOTT. 

Among  the  first  settlers  in  this  town  were  Matthew  W.  Patton,  Samuel  McConachie,  William 
Jones,  John  G.  Evans,  John  Smith,  John  McConachie,  George  Payne,  Edward  Root,  James  Ingle- 
hart,  Theodore  Thomas,  John  Sawyer  and  John  Dodge.  The  first  mentioned  moved  on  to  his  claim 
in  the  fall  of  1845,  the  others  coming  in  the  following  spring  or  soon  after.  At  this  time,  neigh- 
bors were  like  angel's  visits,  "  few  and  far  between,"  while  the  nearest  post  office  was  Fox  Lake. 
For  their  mill  privileges  they  were  compelled  to  go  to  Beaver  Dam,  or  to  Catfish  mill,  fifteen 
miles  south  of  Madison.  Mr.  Inglehart,  on  one  occasion,  went  to  Beaver  Dam  with  a  load  of 
wheat  to  be  ground,  and  was  informed  that  it  could  not  be  done  inside  of  four  weeks.  Not 
wishing  to  be  delayed  so  long,  he  prevailed  upon  the  miller  to  exchange  a  small  sack  of  flour 
for  some  wheat,  and  returned  home,  divided  it  between  four  families,  and  set  out  for  Catfish 
mills.  At  this  place  hfe  was  more  fortunate,  being  enabled  to  return  home  in  about  ten  days 
with  his  flour.  On  the  30th  of  December  at  11  o'clock  A.  M.,  rain  began  to  fall  and  continued 
for  two  hours,  when  it  commenced  snowing,  continuing  all  night,  covering  the  earth  to  a  depth 
of  eighteen  inches.  This  snow  remained  upon  the  ground  until  the  following  spring.  The  neigh- 
bors of  Mr.  Inglehart  experienced  great  difficulty  in  procuring  food,  many  of  them  during  the 
entire  winter  living  on  buckwheat  cakes,  the  wheat  being  ground  by  Inglehart  in  a  small  coifee- 
mill,  and  then  run  through  a  small  sieve.  Fifteen  bushels  of  buckwheat  were  ground  in  this 
manner. 

As  in  many  other  places,  the  Methodist  "  circuit  rider  "  was  the  first  to  wend  his  way  into 
this  new  country  with  the  "story  of  the  Cross."  This  was  in  1847,  since  which  time  ministers 
of  other  denominations  have  presented  their  peculiar  views  for  the  consideration  of  those  who 
would  hear.  Four  churches  have  since  been  erected  in  the  town,  one  on  Section  12  by  the 
Reformed  Lutherans,  another  on  Section  26  by  Welsh  Methodists,  the  third  on  Section  7  by  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  brethren,  and  the  fourth  on  Section  34  by  the  Presbyterians. 

The  first  settlers  were  from  the  Eastern  States,  but  at  present  many  nationalities  are  rep- 
resented among  its  citizens,  the  Americans  predominating. 

During  the  late  war,  the  town  showed  its  devotion  to  the  Union  in  a  prompt  response  to 
every  call  made  by  the  national  authorities,  in  no  instance  permitting  a  draft  to  be  made. 

Mark  Barden  and  Freeman  M.  Ross,  from  this  town,  have  represented  the  county  in  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  serving  with  credit  to  themselves  and  honor  to  their  constituency.  Other  men 
who  became  known  outside  of  their  own  immediate  neighborhood  may  be  mentioned  Squire 
Patton,  Judge  of  the  High  Court  of  Centerville,  and  Edward  Root,  the  honest  man. 

The  south  and  east  part  of  the  town  is  prairie  land,  while  the  west  and  north  part  is  timber 
land  and  openings.  The  northwest  part  has  a  sandy  soil,  while  the  south  part  is  good  heavy 
black  loam. 

The  first  death  was  that  of  a  child  of  William  Wilson,  in  1847. 

Jude  Luning  taught  the  first  school  in  the  winter  of  1847-48.  and  boarded  around  among 
the  scholars  for  the  sum  of  $12  per  month.  The  house  was  situated  upon  Section  1,  and,  in 
1879,  was  still  standing  upon  its  original  site,  but  for  many  years  it  had  been  used  for  storing 
grain  raised  upon  the  farm  of  Robert  Beattie.  A  potato  patch  had  also,  for  many  years,  adorned 
the  school  ground  where  the  children  formerly  romped  and  playe!.  The  house  was  long  used  as 
a  place  of  worship  by  various  religious  bodies. 

In  1860,  the  Presbyterians  built  a  house  on  Section  34,  and  continued  to  hold  services 
therein  until  1872,  when  the  congregation  disbanded,  its  members  visiting  with  such  congrega- 
tions as  was  convenient  for  them  to  attend.  The  Methodists  had,  as  early  as  1847,  a  class  in 
this  neighborhood,  but  which  ceased  to  exist  after  a  few  years.  In  1872,  when  the  Presbyte- 
rians retired  from  the  field,  the  class  was  re-organized  by  Rev.  Daniel  Brown,  a  local  preacher. 
In  1871»,  they  had  a  membership  of  thirty-two,  with  Ervin  McCall  as  Class  Leader.  From  1872, 
the  congregation  had  enjoyed  the  ministerial  services  of  Revs.  Brown,  Smith,  Teel,  Suifron, 
Bronson,  Shepherd  and  Logan.     A  Sunday  school  was  organized  at  the  same  time  as  the  class. 


854  IIISTOUY    OF    COLUMBIA    COtXTY. 

holding  weekly  meetings  during  the  warm  season  of  the  year.  In  1879,  Ervin  McCall  was 
Superintendent. 

John  Dodge  settled  in  this  town  in  the  fall  of  1844,  but  went  back  the  same  fall  to  New 
Hampshire  and  returned  in  the  latter  part  of  the  winter,  stopping  at  Cliicago  to  purchase  a 
span  of  horses.  Reaching  Watertown,  he  bought  a  load  of  of  corn  and  oats  and  brought  it 
through.  He  then  sent  his  brother  to  Green  Bay  on  horseback  to  enter  the  quarter-section 
on  which  he  now  lives.  A  little  more  than  two  years  later,  the  horses  were  stolen  and  run  oif 
south,  and  John  was  left  to  mourn  their  loss,  as  he  never  found  them  This  was  the  first 
horse  team  owned  in  this  section.  In  the  fall  of  1844,  snow  fell  to  the  depth  of  four  inches  in 
October,  which  was  his  first  season  here.  They  did  not  get  their  shanty  completed  until  the 
middle  of  November,  and  it  was  very  cold,  but  John  says  they  did  not  mimi  much  about  cold  and 
storms  then. 

In  October  of  that  year,  he  went  down  on  the  marsh  and  cut  a  small  stack  of  hay,  which, 
of  course,  was  nearly  worthless.  Sara  Langdon  sold  him  a  little  hay,  and  the  rest  of  his  supply 
he  bought  at  the  rate  of  $20  per  ton  from  an  ex-soldier,  named  Howey,  who,  after  serving 
his  time  at  Fort  Winnebago,  had  embarked  in  a  limited  way  in  farming,  about  two  miles 
north  of  the  old  Powderly  place.  This,  with  the  small  store  of  grain  he  brought  from  Water- 
town,  tided  his  stock  through  that  dreary  winter  ;  John  avers  that  his  steers  in  the  spring 
•'  looked  like  delegates  from  the  seven  years  of'  famine,'  lean  tiesh  and  ill-favored."  Powderly's 
house  on  the  old  military  reservation  was  the  only  one  between  his  place  a!id  Portage. 

Deer  and  small  game  were  plenty,  and  from  time  to  time  they  replenished  their  larder 
with  a  buck  or  pheasant.  He  shot  one  buck  from  his  dooryard.  For  two  years  or  more,  they 
were  obliged  to  go  to  Beaver  Dam  or  Columbus  to  mill,  the  trip  occupying  two  days  to  go  there, 
leaving  their  grist  and  returning  for  it  in  about  a  month,  which  required  another  day.  In  the 
fall  of  1845,  M.  W.  Patton,  afterward  known  as  the  "  High  Court  of  Centerville,"  made  his 
appearance  at  Mr.  Dodge's,  tired  and  hungry  from  land-hunting.  The  squire  called  for  dinner, 
tfi  which  Mr.  Dodge  favorably  responded.  Patton  says  it  was  one  of  "' his  biggest  meals."  and 
John  believed  him.  The  squire  first'  beheld  John  coming  out  of  the  woods  with  a  gun  and 
squirrel.  He  waited  outside  of  the  cabin  while  the  culinary  preparations  were  going  on,  the 
weather  being  fine,  and  fell  to  contemplating  the  scenery,  thinking  as  his  eye  swept  to  the  south 
that  it  was  the  finest  panorama  he  had  ever  witnessed.  Such  a  wealth  of  verdure,  fertility  and 
beautv  reveling  in  its  pristine  glory  he  had  never  realized.  Straight  and  lofty  oaks  clothed  in 
their  autumnal  tints  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  prairie  with  its  rank  vegetable  growth  on  the  other, 
bespoke  the  march  of  civilization  and  future  wealth.  After  supper,  Mr.  Patton  anil  Perley  went 
down  to  the  creek  and  held  a  short  palaver  with  a  band  of  Indians  that  were  trapping  along  the 
stream. 

In  1846,  the  first  move  was  made  in  the  United  States  to  found  a  settlement  by  the  English 
"  Potters'  Society,"  which  pitched  its  tent  in  the  town  of  Scott,  there  arriving  here  in  May,  John 
Sawyer,  Hamlet  Copeland  and  James  Hammond.  The  society  had  grown  from  a  very  feeble 
beginning,  six  years  earlier,  to  a  powerful  co-operative  society,  accumulating  considerable  funds. 
It  was  organized  to  protect  the  artisans  of  this  extensive  labor  class  from  the  frequent  strikes, 
and  provide  homes  in  America  for  many  of  its  members,  thus  keeping  a  demand  for  labor  for 
those  that  remained.  They  published  a  journal  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  society.  Each 
new  settler  was  entitled  to  twenty  acres  of  land,  a  house  to  be  erected  on  the  land,  and  the  fam- 
ily to  be  provisioned  for  one  year,  at  the  expense  of  the  society.  Sawyer,  Copeland  and  Ham- 
mond were  made  Trustees  of  the  society  to  invest  funds  in  this  country.  They  sailed  from 
England  in  January,  1846,  and  arrived  at  New  York  the  following  April.  .  They  were  then 
instructed  to  erect  cabins  for  the  nex't  year's  installment  out  of  funds  in  their  possession. 

At  an  early  day,  Theodore  Thomas  and  Robert  McConachie  were  together  engaged  in  breaking 
land.  In  that  neighborhood  lived  a  family  named  Anderson.  A  fascinating  young  lady  consti- 
tuted one  of  the  attractions  of  that  household.  It  was  always  the  custom  to  turn  the  cattle  out 
to  graze  on  the  prairies  through  the  evening  and  night,  and  they  sometimes  strayed  a  considerable 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  855 

distance.  In  the  morning  Robert  would  always  say:  "  I  will  look  around  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Anderson's,"  while  of  course  Theodore  would  look  in  another  direction,  but  could  sel- 
dom find  them,  while  Robert  was  nearly  always  successful.  This  fact  after  awhile  aroused 
Theodore's  curiosity,  and  he  began  to  investigate  the  case,  and  discovered  that  his  partner  had 
furnished  the  salt,  and  induced  the  girl  to  salt  them  at  her  place.  The  treacherous  plotter  never 
could  satisfactorily  explain  so  palpable  a  deception. 

In  1846,  Samuel  and  John  McConachie  erected  the  "  Blue  Tavern,"  a  roomy  frame  struc- 
ure.  They  "  bached  "  it  there  a  short  time,  when  they  rented  the  house  to  Zenas  Oliver,  who 
lived  there  about  three  years,  and  who  was  succeeded  by  Stephen  B.  Gage,  who  kept  the  house 
several  years  more,  doing  a  thriving  business.  He  charged  travelers  a  shilling  a  meal,  and 
always  treated  his  customers  to  a  drink  of  whisky.  Out  of  these  moderate  charges  he  made  a 
good  deal  of  money.  It  was  on  the  regular  stage  line,  and  in  those  days  all  the  commercial  and 
business  traffic  between  Milwaukee  and  Portage  passed  over  this  road,  as  it  was  the  main  thor-- 
oughfare  between  these  two  points.  It  was  no  uncommon  affair  to  see  thirty  or  forty  teams  in  a 
day  on  the  road,  carrying  grain  to  Milwaukee,  and  freighting  back  goods.  Mr.  Gage  stuck  to 
the  tavern  until  the  railroad,  in  1857,  heralded  the  dawn  of  a  new  era,  and  this  common  thor- 
oughfare almost  lost  its  identity  as  a  theater  of  busy  life.  The  long  line  of  teams  daily  toiling 
wearily  through  sand,  marshes,  tenacious  clay  and  the  frightful  corduroys,  consuming  from  ten 
to  fourteen  days  to  make  the  round  trip  to  Milwaukee  ;  the  jostling  crowds  at  the  wayside  inns 
that  dotted  this  great  highway,  the  loquacious  landlord  who  with  a  liberal  hand  dispensed  ham, 
eggs  and  whisky  to  the  teamster  and  the  wayfarer,  and  then  packed  them  away  in  his  "  prairie 
feather  "  beds,  or  sometimes,  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  case,  planted  them  on  the  floors  ;  the 
endless  jokes  and  fearful  stories  that  passed  around  the  bar-room,  and  robbed  toil  of  its  tedium, 
are  things  of  the  past.  •  But  they  are  still  fresh  in  the  memories  of  many  of  the  pioneers  who 
are  yet  working  out  their  probation  here,  and  who  sometimes  almost  regret  to  see  the  modern 
innovation  of  steam  breaking  up  the  great  social  compact  that  bound  them  together  as  a  band  of 
brothers  in  common  trials  as  well  as  in  common  joys. 

All  of  Township  13,  Range  11,  was  organized'  into  a  town  by  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  at 
their  annual  meeting,  held  November,  1849,  and  it  was  given  the  name  of  Scott.  The  town 
is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Randolph,  on  the  west  by  Marcellon,  on  the  south  by  Springvale,  on 
the  north  by  Marquette  County. 

The  town  of  Scott  lies  directly  north  of  Springvale,  and  like  it  presents  eastward  project- 
ing points  of  high|ground,  with  intervening  sharply  defined,  and  in  part  marshy-bottomed,  ravines, 
which  are  occupied  by  the  head-streams  of  Fox  River..  The  points  of  high  land  are  shorter 
toward  the  northern  part  of  the  town,  the  longest  lying  on  its  south  line.  On  the  west  side  and 
■extending  into  Marcellon,  is  an  isolated  area  of  high  land,  some  three  miles  in  length,  from 
north  to  south.  The  low  ground  has  a  general  altitude  of  230  to  280  feet,  the  higher  about 
400.  The  extreme  points  are  on  the  north  half  of  Section  35.  The  latter  point  is  on  a  prairie, 
which  occupies  the  high  ground  on  Sections  25,  26,  35  and  36,  being  an  extension  of  the  large 
prairie  area  of  Randolph. 

The  first  entry  of  land  in  the  town  was  made  by  John  Dodge,  and  consisted  of  the  east 
half  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  34.  It  was  entered  February  11, 1845,  and  patent  issued 
June  1.  1848. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  officers  elected  since  the  organization  of  the  town  : 

1850 — Board — Joseph  Hewitt  (Chairman),  Freeman  M.  Ross,  William  Judd ;  Clerk,  William 
Smith  ;  Treasurer  and  Collector,  Edward  Tripp  ;  Assessor,  M.  W.  Patten ;  Superintendent, 
John  H.  Guptil. 

1851 — Board — John  Guptil  (Chairman),  Edward  Tripp,  Truman  Ross ;  Clerk,  Marcus 
Barden  ;  Treasurer,  Andrew  Leshar;  Assessor,  Jas.  Inglehart ;   Superintendent,  Marcus  Barden. 

1852 — Board — M.  W.  Patton  (Chairman),  David  Clark,  Elijah  Sanderson;  Clerk,  M. 
Barden  ;  Treasurer,  Samuel  McConachie ;  Superintendent,  James  Stebbins ;  Assessor,  James 
Inglehart. 


856  •  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1853 — Board — William  Wiley  (Chairman),  John  Cruckson,  Samuel  McConachie ;  Clerk, 
M.  Barden ;  Treasurer,  John  Hamilton ;  Superintendent,  Stephen  D.  Hamilton  ;  Assessor, 
Elijah  Sanderson. 

1854 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  Hugh  Martin,  William  Stebbins ;  Clerk,  James 
Stebbins  ;  Treasurer,  J.  G.  Lyons  ;   Assessor,  E.   Sanderson  ;    Superintendent,  J.  Hamilton. 

1855 — Board — M.  W.  Patton  (Chairman),  M.  C.  Prescott,  John  McConachie  ;  Clerk,  James 
A.  Stebbins ;  Treasurer,  John  Hamilton  ;  Assessor,  John  Sawyer ;  Superintendent,  Samuel 
McConachie. 

1856 — Board — M.  W.  Patton  (Chairman),  George  Payne,  William  Judd ;  Clerk,  Marcus 
Barden  ;   Treasurer  and  Assessor.  D.  H.  Langdon  ;   Superintendent,  Samuel  Barden. 

1857 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  Major  Woodard,  Elbridge  Clark;  Clerk,  F.  M. 
Ross ;  Treasurer  and  Assessor,  D.  H.  Langdon  ;  Superintendent,  Elon  Woodard. 

1858— M.  Barden  (Chairman),  C.  H.  Grover,  William  Wiley ;  Clerk,  F.  M.  Ross ;  Treas- 
urer and  Assistant,  D.  H.  Langdon  ;  Superintendent,  Wesley  Gibbs. 

1859 — Board — Marcus  Barden  (Chairman),  John  McConachie,  C.  H.  Grover  ;  Clerk,  F. 
M.  Ross ;   Treasurer  and  Assessor,  D.  H.  Langdon  ;   Superintendent,  Samuel  E.  Stebbins. 

1860 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  John  McConachie,  Ervin  McCall ;  Clerk,  F.  M. 
Ross  ;  Assessor  and  Treasurer,  Joseph  Parkinson;   Superintendent,  John  Hamilton. 

1861 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  W.  H.  Judd,  John  McConachie;  Clerk,  F.  M. 
Ross ;  Treasurer  and  Assessor,  D.  H.  Langdon  ;  Superintendent,  Samuel  McConachie. 

1862 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  John  McConachie,  James  Inglehart;  Clerk,  F. 
M.  Ross  ;  Treasurer  and  Assessor,  D.  H.  Langdon. 

1863 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  John  McConachie,  Joseph  Sayers ;  Clerk,  F.  M. 
Ross  ;  Treasurer  and  Assessor,  E.  G.  Clark. 

1864 — Board — M.  Barden  ( Chairman),  William  R.  Jones,  Samuel  JE.  Stebbins ;  Clerk,  F. 
M.  Ross  ;  Assessor  and  Treasurer,  Archy  Thom. 

1865 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  William  R.  Jones,  Samuel  E.  Stebbins;  Clerk,  F. 
Ross ;  Assessor  and  Treasurer,  James  Inglehart. 

1866 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  John  Sawyer,  Wesley  Gibbs;  Clerk,  F.  M.  Ross  ; 
Assessor  and  Treasurer,  A.  Thom. 

1867 — Board — F.  M.  Ross  (Chairman),  Theodore  Thomas,  Giles  Langdon;  Clerk,  M. 
Barden  ;  Treasurer  and  Assessor,  Stephen  Woodard. 

1868 — Board — F.  M.  Ross  (Chairman),  Julius  Barker,  Robert  Beattie ;  Clerk,  Marcus 
Barden  ;  Assessor  and  Treasurer,  D.  C.  Merrill. 

1869 — Board — Marcus  Barden  (Chairman),  C.  F.  Roberts,  Theodore  Thomas;  Clerk,  F. 
M.  Ross;  Assessor,  D.  C.  Merrill;  Treasurer,  Isaac  Hopkins. 

1870— Board— M.  Barden  (Chairman),  C.  F.  Roberts,  William  Sauer;  Clerk,  F.  M. 
Ross ;  Assessor,  D.  C.  Merrill ;  Treasurer,  William  Owen. 

1871 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman).  John  Sawyer,  C.  H.  Grover  ;  Clerk,  F.  M.  Ross  ; 
Assessor,  D.  C.  Merrill ;  Treasurer,  Joseph  Sayer. 

1872 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  John  Sawyer,  C.  H.  Grover;  Clerk,  F.  M.  Ross; 
Assessor,  C.  F.  Roberts  ;   Treasurer,  Joseph  Sayer. 

1873— Board— M.  Barden  (Chairman),  John  Sawyer,  C.  H.  Grover;  Clerk,  F.  M.  Ross; 
Assessor,  C.  F.  Roberts ;  Treasurer,  Joseph  Sayer. 

1874 — Board — M.  Barden  (Chairman),  Charles  Scharf,  John  Sawyer;  Clerk,  Lester 
Woodard  ;  Assessor,  G.  W.  Gorsuch  ;  Treasurer,  Robert  Evans. 

1875 — Board — John  Sawyer  (Chairman),  William  Owen,  William  Sauer;  Clerk,  Lester 
Woodard  ;  Assessor,  G.  W.  Gorsuch  ;   Treasurer,  Robert  Evans. 

1876 — Board — John  Sawyer  (Chairman),  William  Sauer,  William  Owen;  Clerk,  Lester 
Woodard  ;  Assessor,  G.  W.  Gorsuch  ;  Treasurer,  George  Stancer. 

1877— Board— .D.  C.  Merrill  (Chairman),  William  Sauer,  G.  L.  Keite ;  Clerk,  Virgil 
Barden  ;  Assessor,  G.  W.  Gorsuch  ;  Treasurer,  George  Stancer.  > 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  857 

1878— Board— D.  C.  Merrill  (Chairman),  William  Sauer,  D.  C.  Keith ;  Clerk,  Virgil 
Barden  ;  Assessor,  Henry  Slinger ;  Treasurer,  J.  C.  Thomas. 

1879 — Board — John  Sawyer  (Chairman),  William  Sauer,  G.  C.  Keith  ;  Clerk,  Mark 
Roberts;  Assessor,  Henry  Slinger;  Treasurer,  William  Ross. 

1880 — Board — Marcus  Barden  (Chairman),  Wesley  Gorsuch,  D.  C.  Merrill;  Clerk,  Mark 
Roberts ;  Assessor,  Henry  Slinger ;   Treasurer,  William  Ross. 

TOWN    OF   SPRINGVALE. 

This  town  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Courtland  and  Randolph,  on  the  west  by  Wyocena,  on  the 
north  by  Scott,  and  on  the  south  by  Otsego.  In  1857,  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad 
was  built  through  it,  entering  on  Section  1,  and  crossing  Sections  2,  3,  4,  5,  and  passing  into 
Wyocena  from  Section  6.  Duck  Creek  and  its  branches  traverse  the  town  in  various  direc- 
tions. The  territory  comprising  the  town.  Township  12,  Range  11,  was  organized  into  a  town 
by  the  Board  of  County  Commissioners  in  1849,  and  the  name  of  Springvale  given  to  it  and 
the  house  of  Edward  Williams  designated  as  the  place  for  holding  the  first  election. 

Late  in  April,  1845,  Ervin  McCall  came  here  from  La  Porte,  Ind.,  in  quest  of  a  home. 
On  the  1st  day  of  May,  he  decided  on  the  site  of  his  present  home,  and,  in  the  sub-land  office 
at  Fox  Lake,  immediately  deposited  the  money  for  the  entry  of  eighty  acres  of  land.  Mr. 
McCall  stopped  over  night  in  the  log  tavern  in  that  place,  and,  in  the  morning,  long  after  sun- 
rise, seeing  no  visible  signs  of  a  breakfast,  he  settled  his  bill  and  started  for  Oak  Grove,  a  dis- 
tance of  fifteen  miles,  for  breakfast.  He  arrived  there  late  in  the  forenoon,  got  an  early  dinner, 
and  while  he  was  partaking  of  that  meal  a  team  passed  the  tavern  ;  he  jumped  up,  settled  his 
bill,  ran  and  overtook  the  team,  and  secured  a  ride  to  ten  miles  beyond  Watertown.  He  stayed 
over  night  with  a  farmer  and  took  an  early  start  the  next  morning.  He  was  soon  overtaken  by 
a  young  man  with  a  double-seated  buggy,  who  was  going  to  Milwaukee,  who  agreed  to  carry 
him  to  that  point  for  the  consideration  of  $1.  He  made  a  quick  trip  back  to  La  Porte,  and, 
early  in  September,  with  his  family  and  brother  John,  with  a  wagon,  two  yoke  of  oxen,  half  a 
barrel  of  pork,  a  limited  supply  of  other  provisions  and  household  goods,  he  started  for  his  new 
home.  While  fording  Fox  River  in  Illinois  (the  bridge  being  gone),  he  overturned  the  wagon 
while  ascending  the  bank,  which  resulted  in  a  fracture  of  his  wife's  arm.  The  broken  arm  was 
properly  adjusted  and  they  came  on  to  Rock  County,  where  his  brother-in-law,  M.  W.  Patton, 
Jived.  He  left  his  family  there,  and,  with  his  bi'other,  pushed  on  with  the  team  and  stock, 
arriving  here  about  the  middle  of  September.  The  first  night  after  their  arrival  here  was 
spent  at  the  log  house  of  Sam  Langdon.  The  next  day,  they  commenced  haying  on  the  marsh 
near  Cambria  and  got  a  winter's  supply  for  their  stock.  They  built  a  log  house,  and  then 
Ervin  returned  to  Johnstown,  Rock  County,  for  his  family.  Mr.  Patton  and  family  came  back 
with  them.  While  crossing  the  bridge  over  Rock  River,  a  high  and  very  narrow  structure,  the 
sides  only  protected  by  timbers  laid  along  the  edge  of  the  bridge,  a  laughable  incident  occurred 
that  might  have  been  a  lamentable  accident.  Mr.  McCall  was  driving  his  two  yoke  of  oxen, 
the  wagon  containing  both  families.  The  "leaders"  were  an  exceptionably  well-trained  pair 
of  old  cattle,  while  the  "wheel"  oxen  were  a  pair  of  skittish  four-year-old  steers.  They  had 
just  got  on  the  bridge,  Mr.  Patton  following  behind  with  a  small  herd  of  cattle,  when  a  young 
heifer  attempted  to  pass  the  team.  It  got  by  the  wagon,  but,  getting  frightened,  turned  in 
behind  the  steers  and  jumped  astride  the  tongue.  The  steers  snorted  and  plunged  about  in  a 
very  uncertain  manner,  and  the  risk  of  the  whole  load  and  teams  going  overboard  seemed  immi- 
nent. Perhaps  they  would,  but  for  the  nerve  and  coolness  of  Mr.  McCall,  who  whipped  up  the 
head  team  and  keeping  the  line  straight,  gave  the  heifer  a  free  ride  across  the  bridge  and  no 
harm  was  done,  though  all  parties  were  badly  scared.  The  squire,  a  terror-stricken  witness  of  the 
scene  from  the  end  of  the  bridge,  threw  his  hands  over  his  head,  assuming  a  most  tragic  attitude 
until  the  danger  was  passed,  and  then  yelled  out,  "Well  done."  Had  they  been  precipitated 
over  the  bridge,  the  result  would   likely  have  been  fatal  to  the  whole  load.     They  came  on  the 


858  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

remainder  of  the  way  without  further  incident  worthy  of  mention,  and  arrived  at  the  hospitable 
residence  of  Sam  Langdon  on  the  15th  day  of  November,  where  they  stayed  all  night,  and  the 
next  day  moved  into  the  new  cabin. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  1846,  that  winter,  Janette  Patton  was  "born,  being  the  first 
female  child  born  in  the  town  of  Springvale.  She  afterward  married  William  Gage,  now  land- 
lord of  the  City  Hotel,  Portage. 

During  the  first  winter  of  Mr.  McCall's  residence  here,  after  making  the  necessary  pur- 
chases of  provisions  to  last  until  spring,  he  took  an  inventory  of  his  bank  and  stock  account, 
and  found  that  his  total  assets  were  two  twenty-five  cent  pieces.  A  little  later,  two  Methodist 
ministers,  who  are  never  out  of  hearing  of  the  pioneer's  ax,  came  through  here  on  a  kind  of 
frontier  missionary  work,  preaching  and  locating  places  to  preach.  The  elder  of  the  two  was 
the  Rev.  W.  G.  Miller,  afterward  a  presiding  elder  and  an  eminent  preacher  of  great  worth  and 
great  popularity,  and  I  suppose  to  the  pioneers,  "like  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness." 
He  delivered  a  sermon  to  the  settlers  at  the  log  house  of  Mr.  Langdon,  before  mentioned,  and 
that  night  was  entertained  at  the  home  of  Mr.  McCall.  To  his  colleague,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Han- 
son, a  young  man,  Mr.  McCall  gave  one  of  his  twenty-five  cent  pieces.  This  was  the  first 
religious  service  held  in  the  town. 

Among  the  first  settlers  of  the  town  were  Ervin  McCall,  Robert  Closs,  Hugh  Edwards, 
John  Edwards,  Evan  Edwards,  Robert  Lloyd,  John  Rowland,  Robert  Rowland,  William  Lloyd. 
John  0.  Jones,  John  Meredith,  John  Williams,  Samuel  Owens,  Owen  Samuel,  Richard  Owens, 
Alfred  Cowley,  John  Morgan,  David  Roberts,  John  Leatherman  and  Mr.  Jennings. 

The  first  marriage  was  that  of  John  Williams  and  Miss  Margaret  Owens. 

The  first  death  was  Margaret  Thomas,  in  1847. 

The  first  schoolhouse  was  built  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Section  1,  in  1847. 

The  first  male  child  born  here  was  John  Edwards,  in  the  early  part  of  February,  1846. 

It  was  not  until  1860,  that  a  mill  was  built  in  the  town.  In  that  year,  S.  Ingram  erected 
a  small  one,  on  the  south  branch  of  Duck  Creek,  on  Section  20. 

John  Dodge,  April  29,  1845,  entered  the  west  half  of  the  southeast  quarter  of  Section  1, 
and  Lot  1  in  Section  2,  being  the  first  entries  in  the  town.  He  received  his  patents  June 
1,  1848. 

Springvale  lies  on  the  Wisconsin  side  of  the  watershed.  Three  branches  of  Duck  Creek 
traverse  the  town  from  east  to  west,  running  in  flat,  marshy,  sharply  defined  valleys,  which 
have  an  altitude  of  230  to  260  feet,  and  are  separated  by  tongues  of  high  land  which  rise  from  300' 
to  400  feet.  The  broadest  marsh  and  valley  are  those  of  the  north  or  main  branch,  the  latter 
nearly  four  miles  wide  on  the  west  line  of  the  town.  Prairie  occiws  on  higher  ground  in  Sec- 
tions 11,  12,  13,  15  and  4,  connecting  with  that  in  Courtland. 

The  Calvinistic  Methodists,  in  the  spring  of  1849,  erected  a  church  building  on  Section 
12,  the  first  in  the  town. 

Springvale  was  the  name  given  to  a  post  office  established  in  1852,  on  Section  28,  Thomas 
Cowley  being  the  Postmaster.  Ii  was  discontinued  in  one  year,  but  re-established  in  1862,  on 
same  section,  with  Wilbur  Kennicat  as  Postmaster,  and  again  discontinued  after  a  short  time. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  town  officers  since  1853 : 

1854 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  John  Meredith,  Alfred  Cowly,  Supervisors ;  Robert 
Rowland,  Clerk  ;  Thomas  J.  Hughes,  Treasurer  ;  Nathan  D.  White,  School  Superintendent. 

1855 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  Nathan  D.  White,  John  Meredith,  Supervisors  ;  Robert 
J.  Rowland,  Clerk ;  Thomas  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  Robert  Closs,  Assessor ;  William  Depuy, 
School  Superintendent. 

1856 — Nathan  D.  White,  Chairman  ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Lewis  H.  Lloyd,  Supervis- 
ors ;  Robert  J.  Rowlands,  Clerk  :  Thomas  J.  Hughes,  Treasurer  ;  Robert  Closs,  Assessor  ; 
William  Depuy,  School  Superintendent. 

1857 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  Luke  Martin,  Henry  Delaney,  Supervisors ;  William 
Meredith,  Treasurer  ;  Thomas  Ingram,  Assessor  ;  John  B.  Van  Shaick,  School  Superintendent. 


HISTOKY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  859 

1858 — Evan  Meredith,  Chairman  ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Robert  B.  Sanderson,  Supervis- 
ors ;  Robert  J.  Rowlands,  Clerk  ;  William  Meredith,  Treasurer  ;  Thomas  Ingram,  Assessor ; 
John  B.  Van  Shaick,  School  Superintendent. 

1859 — Evan  Meredith,  Chairman;  Robert  B.  Sanderson,  Robert  D.  Owens,  Supervisors; 
John  Meredith,  Clerk  ;  Thomas  Sanderson,  Treasurer ;  John  P.  Rowlands,  Assessor  ;  Thomas 
Meredith,  School  Superintendent. 

1860 — Robert  B.  Sanderson,  Chairman  ;  Griffith  0.  Jones,  John  Leatherman,  Supervisors  ; 
Robert  J.  Rowlands,  Clerk  :  Evan  Evans,  Treasurer ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor ;  Austin 
Cannon,  School  Superintendent. 

1861 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  John  Leatherman,  John  Edwards,  Supervisors  ;  John 
Meredith,  Clerk;  Alfred  A.  Cole,  Treasurer;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Assessor;  J.  B.  Van 
Shaick,  School  Superintendent. 

1862 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  John  Leatherman,  John  Edwards,  Supervisors  ;  John 
Meredith,  Clerk  ;   Robert  Closs,  Treasurer  ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1863 — John  Leatherman,  Chairman  ;  William  J.  Rowlands,  Alfred  Cowley,  Supervisors  ; 
J.  B.  Van  Shaick,  Clerk ;  Thomas  J.  Hughes,  Treasurer ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1864 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman;  Owen  D.  Owens,  Alfred  Cowley,  Supervisors;  Evan 
T.  Evans,  Clerk  ;  William  Aiton,  Treasurer  ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1865 — John  0.  Jones,  Chairman ;  Owen  D.  Owens,  George  Hall,  Supervisors  ;  Morris  J. 
Rowlands,  Clerk  ;  Lewis  Lloyd,  Treasurer ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1866 — Thomas  Meredith,  Chairman  ;  William  W.  Rowlands,  J.  B.  Van  Shaick,  Supervis- 
ors ;  M.  J.  Rowlands,  Clerk  ;   Alfred  Cowley,  Treasurer ;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Assessor. 

1867 — Thomas  Meredith,  Chairman  ;  William  W.  Rowlands,  E.  P.  Upham,  Supervisors  ; 
John  Meredith,  Clerk  ;  Alfred  Cowley,  Treasurer ;  J.  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1868 — Thomas  Meredith,  Chairman ;  H.  J.  Rowlands,  Alfred  Cowley,  Supervisors ;  John 
Meredith,  Clerk  ;  John  D.  Jones,  Treasurer ;  Evan  T.  Evans,  Assessor. 

1869 — John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Chairman  ;  A.  C.  Jennings,  George  W.  Williams,  Super- 
visors ;  John  Meredith,  Clerk  ;  Owen  D.  Owens,  Treasurer ;   Evan  T.  Evans,  Assessor. 

1870 — John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Chairman  ;  William  Stokes,  E.  P.  Upham,  Supervisors  ; 
Kennedy  Scott,  Clerk  ;   William  W.  Rowlands,  Treasurer  ;  Evan  T.  Evans,  Assessor. 

1871 — John  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Chairman;  E.  P.  Upham,  William  Stokes,  Supervisors  ; 
Kennedy  Scott,  Clerk  ;  William  Meredith,  Treasurer;  Thomas  Meredith,  Assessor. 

1872 — J.  R.  Rowlands,  Jr.,  Chairman  ;  John  D.  Jones,  George  Cowley,  Supervisors ;  A. 
C.  Jannings,  Clerk  ;   Lewis  Lloyd,  Treasurer ;   Thomas  Meredith,  Assessor. 

1873 — J.  R.  Rowlands,  Chairman ;  James  Adams,  J.  R.  Jones,  Supervisors ;  M.  J.  Row- 
lands, Clerk  ;  Luke  Martin,  Treasurer  ;  Thomas  Meredith,  Assessor. 

1874 — John  R.  Rowlands,  Chairman ;  George  Cowley,  E.  T.  Evans,  Supervisors ;  Morris 
J.  Rowlands,  Clerk;  William  W.  Hughes,  Treasurer;   Thomas  Meredith,  Assessor. 

1875 — John  R.  Jones,  Chairman  ;  James  N.  Cowley,  E.  F.  Palmer,  Supervisors ;  M.  J. 
Rowlands,  Clerk ;  W.  W.  Huntley,  Treasurer ;  E.  T.  Evans,  Assessor. 

1876 — J.  R.  Jones,  Chairman;  E.  F.  Palmer,  E.  P.  Upham,  Supervisors;  M.  J.  Row- 
lands, Clerk;  W.  W.  Huntley,  Treasurer;  John  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1877 — John  D.  Jones,  Chairman ;  John  H.  Jones,  H.  D.  Jennings,  Supervisors  ;  A.  C. 
Zennings,  Clerk  ;  James  Cowley,  Treasurer ;  J.  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1878 — John  D.  Jones,  Chairman;  H.  D.  Jennings,  John  H.  Jones,  Supervisors;  A.  C. 
Jennings,  Clerk ;   H.  J.  Rowlands,  Treasurer ;  J.  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1879 — John  Leatherman,  Chairman  ;  Robert  S.  Rowlands,  Edward  Roberts,  Supervisors ; 
David  J.  Edwards,  Clerk ;  W.  W.  Huntley,  Treasurer ;  J.  R.  Rowlands,  Assessor. 

1880 — John  Leatherman,  Chairman ;  R.  S.  Rowlands,  Edward  Roberts,  Supervisors ; 
David  Edwards,  Clerk  ;   Thomas  Meredith,  Treasurer. 


860  lUSTORY   OF    COLUMBIA  COUNTY. 


TOWN    OF    WEST    POINT. 


This  town  lies  in  the  extreme  southwestern  part  of  the  county,  and  is  bounded  on  the  east 
by  Lodi,  on  the  north  and  west  by  Sauk  County  and  on  the  south  by  Dane  County.  The  first 
settlement  in  the  town  was  made  by  Christian  and  David  Dorsch,  in  1845.  Other  early  set- 
tlers of  the  town  were  Horace  M.  Ayer,  Alonzo  Waterbury,  Simeon  Ryder.  Dr.  Drew,  James 
Thomas,  Francis  0.  Sisson,  Lewis  Baldwin,  Jeremiah  D.  Shumway,  Ira  Polly,  Jesse  Van  Ness, 
Aaron  and  Philip  Burlingame,  Cyrus  Hill,  Mr.  Arnold,  Eldredge  Northup,  Simon  Walker, 
John  Chance,  Orrin  Hutchinson,  Christian  Ribblett,  William  D.  Partridge.  Enias  Carncross, 
Isaac  Richardson,  Peter  Van  Ness,  Joseph  Lester,  Otis  A.  Kilburn  and  Timothy  Tirrill. 

On  the  organization  of  the  county,  in  1846,  West  Point  was  made  a  part  of  the  Pleasant 
Valley  Precinct.  In  1849,  it  was  attached  to  Lodi,  but,  on  the  8th  day  of  January,  1850,  the 
Board  of  Supervisors  set  off  the  town,  fixing  as  its  eastern  boundary,  commencing  at  the  north- 
east corner  of  the  quarter-line,  and  running  through  the  center  of  Sections  No.  5,  8,  17,  20, 
29  and  32,  in  Town  10,  Range  8,  and  including  all  of  Town  10,  Range  7,  lying  south  and  east 
of  the  Wisconsin  River.  The  house  of  J.  D.  Shumway  was  designated  as  the  place  for  holding 
the  first  election. 

The  first  marriage  was  that  of  Horace  M.  Ayer  and  Sarah  A.  Ryder,  October  4,  1848. 
They  were  married  by  Aaron  Chalfant,  Esq.  The  day  before  the  event  occurred,  Mr.  Ayer 
went  to  tlie  town  of  Lodi,  to  engage  the  services  of  Rev.  Henry  Maynard  ;  but,  finding  him 
absent  from  home,  he  engaged  the  Squire  to  perform  the  ceremony.  A  few  minutes  before  the 
time  set,  the  Squire,  in  company  with  a  friend,  was  proceeding  to  the  residence  of  the  bride- 
groom-elect, when  they  noticed  Mr.  Ayer  hard  at  work  upon  a  house  which  he  was  erecting. 
Stopping,  Mr.  Chalfant  called  out,  "  Hello,  young  man  !  ain't  you  the  one  that  engaged  me  yes- 
terday to  come  this  afternoon  to  marry  you  ?  "  "Yes,"  replied  Ayer,  '' I'm  the  man.  You 
go  on  down  to  the  house  and  wait  till  I  come.  Like  the  man  that  was  going  to  be  hung,  there 
can't  be  anything  done  till  I  get  there."  After  finishing  his  task,  the  young  man  brushed  his 
clothes  a  little,  washed  his  face  and  proceeded  to  the  house,  was  married,  and  at  once  took  his 
bride  to  the  home  which  he  had  prepared  for  the  occasion. 

Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Joseph  Lester,  was  born  in  1848,  being  the  first  white  child  born 
in  the  town. 

In  the  fall  of  1848,  Miss  Adula  Jones  taught  a  select  school  at  the  house  of  Otis  A.  Kil- 
burn, in  the  south  part  of  the  town,  it  being  the  first.  The  next  was  in  the  Van  Ness. 
neighborhood,  and  was  taught  by  Miss  Sarah  B.  Van  Ness,  in  the  fall  of  1850,  at  which 
time  the  district  was  organized. 

The  first  death  was  that  of  Thomas  Pratt,  in  the  fall  of  1849. 

In  1852,  on  Section  13,  Christian  Riblett  erected  a  sign,  bearing  the  inscription,  "  Pub- 
lick  Inn,"  and.  for  a  few  years,  entertained  man  and  beast,  this  being  the  only  hotel  ever  kept 
in  the  town. 

The  town  of  West  Point,  which  includes  all  of  Township  10,  Range  7,  south  of  the  Wis- 
consin River,  is  skirted  on  the  east  and  south  by  the  edge  of  the  high  limestone  country,  which, 
from  this  part  of  its  course,  borders  the  Wisconsin  all  the  way  to  its  mouth.  North  and  west 
of  this  edge,  which  is  ragged,  sending  out  irregular  projecting  points,  the  general  surface  is  200 
to  300  feet  lower,  but  the  lowland  includes  a  number  of  limestone-capped  outliers,  some  of 
which  have  an  area  of  several  square  miles,  and  reach  as  great  altitudes  as  attained  by  the  lime- 
stone country  to  the  south  and  east — that  is,  500  to  600  feet.  Considerable  areas  of  prairie 
occur  in  the  central  part  of  the  town,  including  both  lowland  and  high  outlying  bluffs. 

In  1857,  a  post  ofiice  was  established  near  the  central  part  of  the  town,  to  which  was  given 
the  name  of  West  Point,  after  the  town.  Jesse  Van  Ness  was  the  first  Postmaster,  and  was 
succeeded  in  order  by  Corilus  Stone,  Cyrus  Hill,  S.  C.  Kingon.  J.  N.  Fellows,  William  H. 
Worthley  and  Mrs.  R.  A.    Moran.     Another  office   was  established  in    the  south  part  of  the 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  861 

county  in  1876,  at  a  point  known  as  Farr's  Corners,  which  name  was  given  to  the  office  and  J. 
L.  Farr  was  made  Postmaster. 

The  most  noted  point  in  West  Point  is  Gibraltar  Bluffs,  on  Section  13,  Township  10, 
Range  7,  and  Section  18,  Township  10,  Range  8.  One  of  the  legends  of  this  bluff,  as  related 
by  the  old  settlers,  is,  that  at  an  early  day,  a  party  of  hunters,  with  their  dogs,  had  started  a 
deer,  which  ran  directly  for  the  highest  point,  and  being  unable  to  check  itself,  jumped  off  into 
the  marsh  below,  a  distance  of  over  600  feet.  The  dog  which  was  closely  following  it  also  gave 
a  jump,  the  result  of  which  can  easily  be  imagined. 

A  story  is  related  of  Christian  Riblett,  of  whom  mention  has  been  made.  One  winter,  a 
party  came  to  his  house,  and  wished  to  engage  him  to  cut  wood  for  them  upon  some  Govern- 
ment land,  which  lay  but  a  short  distance  from  his  place  of  residence.  A  bargain  was  struck 
and  Mr.  Riblett  worked  faithfully  during  the  entire  winter,  and  a  large  quantity  of  wood  was 
taken  off.  His  wife  several  times  anxiously  inquired  of  him,  if  he  was  certain  where  he  was  at 
work.  0,  yes,  he  knew  what  he  was  about.  Time  ran  along,  and,  when  the  snow  went  off  in 
the  spring,  his  wife  proposed,  one  day,  they  take  a  walk  down  where  he  had  been  cutting  the 
timber.  On  arriving  at  the  place  the  lady  began  to  search  for  the  corners,  and  soon  found,  as 
she  feared,  that  her  husband  had  all  winter  been  stealing  wood  off  his  own  land. 

Wisconsin  City. — While  now  there  is  neither  city  or  village  in  the  territory  of  West  Point, 
there  was  a  time  when  such  was  not  the  case.  The  State  Historical  Society,  in  1872,  published 
a  report  stating  that :  "  Among  the  maps  preserved  by  our  Historical  Society  is  an  engraved 
plat  of  Wisconsin  City  ;  without  date,  but  made  in  1836,  19  x  28  inches  in  size,  and  certified 
by  John  Mullett,  United  States  Deputy  Surveyor.  It  shows  that  this  paper  city  was  located 
on  the  south  side  of  the  Wisconsin  River,  on  Sections  8,  9  and  17,  Township  10,  Range  7, 
situated  in  the  bend  of  the  river,  on  a  beautiful  eminence,  commanding  a  splendid  view  of  the 
stream,  with  two  long  public  landings  fronting  the  river ;  a  beautiful  square  for  Territorial  use, 
of  two  blocks;  Franklin,  La  Fayette  and  Washington  Squares,  each  four  blocks — each  block 
260  feet  square ;  three  market  places,  three  blocks  in  length,  and  200  feet  wide ;  streets  from  60 
to  100  feet  wide.  Isaac  H.  Palmer,  of  Lodi,  confirms  this  description,  adding  that  he  visited 
the  p.ace  in  1837,  with  view  of  purchasing  the  city — it  was  then,  he  says,  in  all  its  glory,  with 
the  stakes  all  standing,  or  enough  to  show  the  public  grounds.  The  locality  of  Wisconsin  City 
is  in  the  southwesthern  part  of  the  township  of  West  Point,  Columbia  County,  and  must  not  be 
confounded  with  the  paper  place  of  the  same  name,  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume,  located 
on  Rock  River,  in  Rock  County  ;  nor  yet  Superior  City,  embracing  the  old  Black  Hawk 
battle-ground,  in  Dane  County,  a  little  below  Sauk  City." 

The  war  record  of  West  Point  compares  favorably  with  any  town  in  the  county.  Her 
quotas  were  generally  filled,  and  but  one  bounty  tax  was  levied,  and  that  near  the  close  of  the 
war,  for  $5,000. 

The  West  Point  Dairy  Association  was  organized  March,  1875,  with  a  capital  stock  of 
$2,000.  Enias  Carncross  was  elected  President;  Martin  Van  Ness,  Secretary;  William  Mor- 
rissey.  Treasurer.  During  the  season  of  1875,  the  association  made  30,880  pounds  of  cheese, 
which  brought  an  average  price  of  10  cents  per  pound.  In  1876,  42,605  pounds  were  made, 
realizing  8i  cents  per  pound.  In  1877,  55,102  pounds  brought  lOJ  cents.  In  1878,  57,904 
pounds  were  made,  which  realized  Ih  cents  per  pound.  In  1879,  but  little  was  made,  the  price 
during  the  season  being  so  low,  the  association  abandoned  the  work  temporarily,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  at  once  resuming  when  the  price  would  justify.  In  1880,  the  officers  were  Enias  Carn- 
cross, President;  Martin  Van  Ness,  Secretary;  William  E.  Smith,  Treasurer  ;  W.  B.  Chrisler 
and  George  W.  Nott,  with  the  officers,  forming  a  Board  of  Directors. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  officers  elected  since  the  organization  of  the  town  : 

1850 — Ira  Polly,  Chairman ;  Samuel  Ring,  David  Dorsch,  Supervisors  ;  Joseph  Lester, 
Clerk  ;  Philip  Burlingame,  Treasurer  ;   Leander  Drew,  School  Superintendent. 

1851 — Jesse  Van  Ness,  Chairman ;  Reuben  Ring,  James  Thomas,  Supervisors  ;  Philip 
Burlingame,  Clerk ;  Enias  Carncross,  Treasurer  ;  0.  A.  Kilburn,  Assessor  ;  Horace  M.  Dyer, 
School  Superintendent. 


862  HISTORY   OF   COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1852 — Jesse  Van  Ness,  Chairman ;  Reuben  Ring,  David  P.  Green,  Supervisors ;  Samuel 
W.  Walker,  Clerk ;  Samuel  B.  Farrington,  Treasurer  ;  0.  A.  Kilburn,  Cyrus  Hill,  Assessors ; 
Timothy  Tirrill,  School  Superintendent. 

1853 — Jesse  Van  Ness,  Chairman:  Volney  Moore,  Samuel  Martin,  Supervisors;  Timothy 
Tirrill,  Clerk  ;  Peter  Van  Ness,  Treasurer ;  Daniel  P.  Grow,  Orin  Hutchinson,  Assessors ; 
Timothy  Tirrill,  School  Superintendent. 

1854 — Peter  Van  Ness,  Chairman  ;  Orin  Hutchinson,  Enias  Carncross,  Supervisors  ;  Timo- 
thy Tirrill,  Clerk;  Otis  A.  Kilburn,  Treasurer;   Samuel  B.  Johnson,  School  Superintendent. 

1855 — Samuel  B.  Walker,  Chairman ;  Albert  Wheeler,  James  Thomas,  Supervisors ; 
Samuel  B.  Johnson,  Clerk ;  Otis  A.  Kilburn,  Treasurer  ;  Jesse  Van  Ness,  Cyrus  Hill,  Assess- 
ors ;  John  F.  Madison,  School  Superintendent. 

1856 — Timothy  Tirrill,  Chairman  ;  AVilliam  S.  Shears,  Frederick  Perry,  Supervisors  ; 
Albert  Lovering,  Clerk  ;  Samuel  W.  Walker,  Treasurer  ;  Ira  Polly,  Charles  E.  Odell,  Assessors  ; 
Samuel  B.  Johnson,  School  Superintendent. 

1857 — Peter  Van  Ness,  Chairman ;  Cyrus  Hill,  George  Yule,  Supervisors ;  Amos  F. 
Abbott,  Clerk ;  John  W.  Fisher,  Treasurer  ;  Jesse  Van  Ness,  William  H.  Worthly,  Assessors ; 
Laroy  J.  Burlingame,  School  Superintendent. 

1858 — Joseph  Pound,  Chairman  ;  Eldridge  Northup,  Otis  A.  Kilburn,  Supervisors  ;  Alonzo 
B.  Avery,  Clerk  ;  John  W.  Fisher,  Treasurer  ;  Ira  Polly,  Assessor  ;  Laroy  J.  Burlingame, 
School  Superintendent. 

1859 — Ira  Polly,  Chairman ;  Frederick  Perry,  Orin  R.  Ingram,  Supervisors ;  Amos  F. 
Abbott,  Clerk ;  John  W.  Fisher,  Francis  0.  Sisson,  Assessors ;  Timothy  Colby,  School  Super- 
intendent. 

1860 — Ira  Polly,  Chairman ;  Frederick  Perry,  William  L.  Austin,  Supervisors  ;  Amos  F. 
Abbott,  Clerk;  John  W.  Fisher,  Treasurer;  Orin  R.  Ingram,  Assessor;  William  T.  Shurtliff, 
School  Superintendent. 

1861 — George  Yule,  Sr.,  Chairman;  William  L.  Austin,  William  H.  Cook,  Supervisors; 
Amos  F.  Abbott,  Clerk  ;  Silas  W.  Gofrey,  Treasurer ;  Cyrus  Hill,  Melatiah  Willis,  Assessors  ; 
Isaac  Van  Ness,  School  Superintendent. 

1862 — George  Yule,  Chairman;  William  L.  Austin,  William  H.  Cook,  Supervisors;  Amos 
F.  Abbott,  Clerk  ;   Silas  W.  Godfrey,  Treasurer ;   Cyrus  Hill,  Assessor. 

1863 — George  Yule,  Chairman  ;  Frederick  Perry,  J.  L.  Farr,  Supervisors ;  Laroy  J. 
Burlingame,  Clerk  ;  Silas  W.  Godfrey,  Treasurer ;  William  L.  Austin,  William  J.  Robinson, 
Assessors. 

1804 — Frederick  Perry,  Chairman;  Otis  A.  Kilburn,  Joseph  Pound,  Supervisors;  Laroy 
J.  Burlingame,  Clerk  ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer  ;  Isaac  Van  Ness,  Assessor.  Isaac  Van  Ness 
appointed  Clerk. 

1865 — George  Yule,  Chairman  ;  William  B.  Chrisler,  David  H.  Fellows,  Supervisors ; 
Joseph  Lester,  Clerk ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer  ;   David  Hesselgrove,  Moses  Smith,  Assessors. 

1866 — Frederick  Perry,  Chairman  ;  F.  0.  Sisson,  AVilliam  B.  Chrisler,  Supervisors  ; 
Joseph  Lester,  Clerk  ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer  ;  J.  N.  Fellows,  Assessor. 

1867 — William  H.  Sherman,  Chairman  ;  William  H.  Cook,  William  H.  Dodge,  Super- 
visors ;  George  Grow,  Clerk ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer ;  Joseph  Lester,  E.  Maloney,  Assessors, 
Ira  Smith  appointed  Supervisor  in  place  of  Dodge. 

1868 — F.  0.  Sisson,  Chairman;  William  II.  Cook,  William  B.  Chrisler,  Supervisors;  II. 
J.  Bullis,  Clerk  ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer :   Cyrus  Hill,  William  Madison,  Assessors. 

1869— F.  0.  Sisson,  Chairman  ;  W.  H.  Cook,  VV.  B.  Chrisler,  Supervisors;  L.  J.  Bur- 
lingame.  Clerk  :  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer  ;   A.  F.  Abbott,  Assessor. 

1870 — F.  0.  Sisson,  Chairman;  William  B.  Chrisler,  William  H.  Cook,  Supervisoi'S ;  L, 
J.  Burlingame,  Clerk ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer ;  Amplius  B.  Avery,  Assessor. 

1871 — J.  L.  Farr,  Chairman ;  Isaac  Van  Ness,  Merrill  Johnson,  Supervisors ;  L.  J.  Bur- 
lingame, Clerk  ;  Alonzo  B.  Avery,  Treasurer  ;  Amplius  B.  Avery,  Assessor. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  863 

1872 — J.  L.  Farr,  Chairman;  William  B.  Chrisler,  Merrill  Johnson,  Supei-visors  ;  Jacob 
Chrisler,  Clerk  ;  Alonzo  B.  Avery,  Treasurer;  J.  N.  Fellows,  Assessor. 

1873 — J.  L.  Farr,  Chairman  ;  Albert  Vanderpoel,  Cyrus  Hill,  Supervisors ;  Jacob  Chris- 
ler, Clerk  ;  Alonzo  B.  Avery,  Treasurer  ;  J.  N.  Fellows,  Assessor. 

1874 — Julius  A.  Parr,  Chairman;  John  Evans,  George  Yule,  Supervisors;  William  B. 
Smith,  Clerk  ;   D.  H.  Fellows,  Treasurer  :  William  J.  Robinson,  Assessor. 

1875 — George  Yule,  Chairman  :  William  E.  Smith,  John  Evans,  Supervisors  ;  William  B. 
Smith,  Clerk  :   L.  W.  Carncross,  Treasurer  ;  Amplius  B.  Avery,  Assessor. 

1876 — John  Evans,  Chairman  ;  Amos  F.  Abbott ;  D.  H.  Fellows,  Supervisors  ;  William 
B.  Smith,  Clerk  ;   L.  W.  Carncross,  Treasurer :  J.  N.  Fellows,   Assessor. 

1877 — Alfred  Vanderpoel,  Chairman  ;  William  J.  Robinson,  John  I.  Newcomb,  Supervi- 
sors :   William  B.  Smith,  Clerk;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer:   Amplius  B.  Avery,  Assessor. 

1878 — A.  Vanderpoel,  Chairman;  William  J.  Robinson,  J.  I.  Newcomb,  Supervisors; 
William  B.  Smith,  Clerk  ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer ;   Amplius  B.  Avery,  Assessor. 

1879 — Julius  A.  Parr,  Chairman  ;  L.  J.  Burlingame,  John  R.  Scott,  Supervisors  ;  William 
B.  Smith,  Clerk  ;  J.  L.  Farr,  Treasurer;  M.  V.  B.  Van  Ness,  Assessor. 

1880 — William  H.  Cook,  Chairman :  Francis  0.  Sisson,  John  R.  Scott,  Supervisors  ; 
William  B.  Smith,  Clerk  ;  J.  N.  Fellows,  Treasurer  :  W.  H.  Hill,  Assessor. 

TOWN    OF    WYOCENA. 

The  land  is  generally  what  is  called  oak  openings,  mostly  of  a  sandy  soil ;  but  little  of  good 
land  in  town,  but  is  well  situated  in  regard  to  internal  improvements. 

The  Fox  River  enters  the  town  from  Marcellon  on  Section  3,  and  runs  southwest  to  the 
village  of  Pardeeville,  where  it  forms  a  good  mill  site,  thence  northwest,  emptying  into  Swan 
Lake.  The  north  branch  of  Duck  Creek  enters  the  town  from  the  east,  on  Section  13,  thence 
west  and  southwest  until  near  the  east  line  of  Section  21,  where  it  forms  a  junction  with  the 
south  branch,  which  enters  the  town  from  the  east  on  Section  24,  running  in  a  nearly  west 
course  to  the  junction.  From  the  junction  the  creek  ruus  nearly  west  through  the  town. 
There  is  a  valuable  mill  site  on  the  south  branch  on  Section  23,  and  one  on  the  creek 'on  Section 
21,  one-half  mile  below  the  village  of  Wyocena,  both  occupied  by  mills. 

The  first  permanent  settlement  in  the  town  was  made  by  Maj.  Elbert  Dickason,  who 
moved  here  in  May,  1843,  and  located  on  Section  21,  and  built  the  first  house  in  town.  The 
Major  raised  the  first  wheat  in  town  on  Section  21,  and  gave  name  to  the  town  and  village.  He 
died  here  August  9,  1848. 

Benjamin  Dey  moved  here  in  January,  1844,  and  spent  the  winter  with  Maj.  Dickason, 
and  the  summer  following  made  the  first  entry  of  land  on  Section  10,  and  raised  the  first  corn 
in  town. 

Aaron  Hodgson  settled  on  Lot  4,  of  Section  3,  in  1845,  and  was  the  first  settler  in  the  north 
part  of  the  town.  In  1846,  many  others  came  into  the  town  and  became  permanent  settlers, 
among  whom  were  Charles  and  Chauncy  Spear,  Darius  Bisbee,  S.  H.  Salisbury,  Harvey  Bush, 
Dr.  Rockwood,  Philip  Hipner,  Willis  W.  Haskin,  and  others.  Harvey  Bush  built  the  first 
frame  house  on  the  southwest  quarter  of  Section  22,  which  was  afterward  removed  to  the  north- 
west quarter  of  Section  27. 

In  the  summer  of  1851,  John  Hunter  and  A.  B.  Winchell  commenced  building  a  grist- 
mill on  Duck  Creek,  one-half  mile  below  the  village  of  Wyocena.  The  mill  was  completed  and 
commenced  operations  the  next  winter.  It  was  burned  down  November,  1852,  and  rebuilt  by 
Benjamin  Dey  in  1853. 

The  town  is  divided  into  eight  school  districts  with  a  schoolhouse  in  each. 

The  religious  denominations  are  Catholic,  Methodist,  Congregationalist,  Baptist,  Presbyte- 
rian, Universalists  and  Episcopalians.     The  Catholics  have  a  church  on  Section  32. 

Wyocena  was  organized  as  a  town  April  3,  1849 ;  previous  to  that  time  it  had  been  unitel 
with  Marcellon  and  Springvale  as  Wyocena  Precinct. 


864  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

When  the  county  adopted  the  county  system  of  supporting  the  poor,  the  Commissioners 
purchased  of  Maj.  Dickason's  heirs  the  house  and  two  acres  of  land  with  barn,  at  the  village 
of  Wyocena,  for  a  county  poor-house. 

As  an  incident  of  the  early  settlement  of  the  town,  Benjamin  Dey  related  to  Henry  Con- 
Verse  the  following : 

"  After  traveling  around  Wyocena  for  some  time,  I  did  not  see  any  place  that  suited  me  any 
better  than  where  the  old  log  house  stands  on  Section  10.  I  inquired  of  the  Major  if  it  was 
claimed  by  any  one,  and  he  told  me  it  was  claimed  by  Charles  Temple,  son-in-law  of  Capt.^ 
Low,  so  I  went  to  Portage  with  the  intention  of  buying  it  of  him.  He  asked  me  if  I  wanted 
it  for  the  purpose  of  selling  it  or  to  settle  on  and  improve  it.  I  told  him  I  wanted  to  settle  on 
it.  He  said  I  was  welcome  to  the  claim  for  that  purpose.  After  I  had  built  my  house  and 
moved  into  it,  I  received  a  letter  from  the  claim  society  stating  I  was  on  C.  Dinon's  claim  and 
I  could  accept  of  three  offers:  I  could  stay  on  the  claim  peaceably  by  paying  $100,  or  I  could  give  it 
up  to  them,  or  I  must  leave  the  country,  as  they  would  drive  me  out.  I  took  the  letter  and  went 
to  the  fort,  as  Portage  was  then  called,  to  see  my  friend,  H.  Merrell.  He  sent  for  Capt.  .Jewett 
and  Lieut.  Mumford,  and  showed  them  the  letter,  which  stated  the  time  when  they  were  coming 
to  pay  me  a  visit ;  that  they  had  paid  Mr.  Lewis,  of  Columbus,  a  visit,  and  Mrs.  Die- 
fendorf,  of  Lowville,  a  visit.  Capt.  Jewett  and  Lieut.  Mumford  said  they  had  six 
good  wagons  and  teams,  and  they  would  be  on  the  ground  in  one  hour's  notice  with 
six  wagon  loads  of  regulars.  I  sent  a  letter  back  by  the  same  man  that  brought  it  to  me, 
to  the  reverend  Claim  Club  Company,  that  I  was  not  willing  to  capitulate  on  any  of  their  terms  ; 
that  the  only  proposal  I  had  to  make  to  them  was  an  open-field  fight,  on  said  prairie,  by  their 
giving  me  two  hours'  notice,  and  the  victors  to  hold  the  spoils  ;  but  I  was  never  troubled  with 
that  party  after  that." 

Samuel  Wedge  and  Amanda  White  were  the  first  couple,  residents  of  the  town,  united  in 
marriage — the  event  taking  place  in  the  fall  of  1846.  Another  early  marriage  was  that  of  Ben- 
jamin Yates  and  Eliza  Ennis,  in  1848.  Miss  Eanis,  some  time  previous,  had  run  away  from 
home,  and  was  working  for  Willis  W  Haskin.  One  day,  on  looking  out,  she  discovered  her 
father  coming  toward  the  house  with  the  evident  intention  of  taking  her  home.  Seizing  some 
of  her  things,  she  started  out  of  the  back  door,  where  she  encountered  Mr.  Yates,  and  told  him  the 
trouble  she  was  in.  Mr.  Yates  proposed  they  should  be  married  at  once,  the  proposition  was 
accepted,  and  together  the  couple  started  for  a  minister,  and  in  less  than  thirty  minutes  the  two 
were  made  one. 

The  first  death  was  that  of  Mr.  Sexton,  who  died  in  1816,  near  the  village  of  Wyocena. 

Benjamin  Cole  taught  the  first  school  on  Section  -1,  in  1816. 

In  1847,  Elder  Wood,  a  Baptist  preacher,  delivered  the  first  discourse  in  the  town. 

The  first  election,  before  the  organization  of  the  town,  was  held  in  1846,  at  the  house  of 
Elbert  Dickason.  Harvey  Bush,  Benjamin  Dey  and  Solomon  Salisbury  were  the  Judges. 
The  first  election,  on  the  organization  of  the  town,  was  at  the  house  of  Richard  C. 
Rockwood.  The  town  was  organized  by  the  Board  of  Supervisors  January,  1849,  and  is 
composed  of  all  of  Township  12,  Range  10.  It  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Springvale,  on  the 
west  by  Pacific,  on  the  north  by  Marcellon,  and  on  the  south  by  Lowville.  The  name  Wyocena, 
Maj.  Dickason  claimed,  came  to  him  in  a  dream.  In  that  dream  it  was  determined  that  the 
village  should  be  the  county  seat,  the  same  being  realized  for  a  period  of  one  year  in  which  the 
county  business  was  here  transacted. 

In  1857,  the  Northern  Division  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad  was  com- 
pleted through  the  town,  entering  on  Section  1,  and  passing  west  through  Sections  2,  3,  4,  5  and 
into  Pacific  from  Section  6.  Afterward  the  La  Crosse  Division  of  the  same  road  was  completed 
through  the  town,  entering  on  Section  31,  and  passing  in  a  northwesterly  direction,  into  Pacific. 

The  town  of  Wyocena  resembles  Marcellon  in  lying  wholly  within  the  Potsdam  area,  in 
possessing  generally  a  low  sandy  soil,  and  in  being  entirely  without  prairie.  The  Fox  River 
crosses  the  northern  row  of  sections  in  an  easterly  direction,  being  bounded  for  the  most  of  the 


WYOCEN A 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY.  867 

distance  by  a  marsh  one-half  to  one  mile  in  width.  Duck  Creek  crosses  the  middle  sections  in  a 
similar  direction,  and  is  similarly  bounded  by  marsh.  The  Fox  River  marsh  has  an  altitude  of 
about  210  feet ;  that  of  Duck  Creek  nearly  the  same.  Between  the  two,  there  is  a  nearly  level 
sand  plain  raised  in  its  highest  part  not  more  than  20  to  30  feet  above  the  streams.  South  of 
Duck  Creek,  the  surface  is  much  more  broken,  and  near  the  south  line  are  some  quite  high  bluffs 
rising  to  an  altitude  of  350  feet. 

The  first  entry  of  land  in  the  town  was  made  by  Joseph  W.  Turner,  June  17,  1886,  and 
patented  August  10,  1887,  for  Lots  5,  11  and  12,  Section  5,  containing  166  acres ;  also  Lot  5, 
Section  6,  containing  58  acres. 

The  following  comprises  a  list  of  town  oflBcers  since  the  organization  of  the  town  to  the 
present  time : 

1850 — Darius  Bisbee,  Chairman  ;  Robert  M.  Haynes,  David  H.  Everson,  Supervisors ; 
A.  B.  Alden,  Clerk  ;  Nathan  D.  White,  Treasurer ;  John  Carpenter,  Jeremiah  H.  Heath,  J. 
P.  Kellogg,  Assessors ;  M.  W.  Sargent,  School  Superintendent. 

1851 — Daniel  S.  Bushwell,  Chairman ;  Joseph  L.  Sherman,  Joseph  Farrington,  Supervi- 
sors ;  Alvin  B.  Alden,  Clerk  ;  E.  H.  Vaughn,  Treasurer  ;  John  Carpenter,  James  D.  Slackly, 
E.  H.  Rice,  Assessors ;  A.  B.  Winchell,  School  Superintendent. 

1852 — Francis  E.  Whiton,  Chairman ;  Joseph  Farrington,  Henry  Ager,  Supervisors ;  Henry 
Converse,  Clerk ;  Yates  Ashley,  Treasurer ;  James  D.  Shackley,  Assessor ;  J.  D.  W. 
Roberts,  School  Superintendent. 

1858 — Henry  Converse,  Chairman ;  James  J.  Pervis,  A.  E.  Patchen,  Supervisors  ;  John 
Weiting,  Clerk  ;  William  J.  Towner,  Treasurer  ;  James  D.  Shackly,  Assessors  ;  J.  W.  Earle, 
School  Superintendent. 

1854 — Henry  Converse,  Chairman ;  A.  E.  Patchin,  R.  M.  Haynes,  Supervisors ;  John 
Weiting,  Clerk  ;  James  J.  Purvis,  Treasurer  :  James  D.  Shackly,  Assessor ;  Seth  A.  Cooledge, 
School  Superintendent. 

1855 — T.  H.  Briggs,  Chairman;  George  Purvis,  Lewis  Kingsbury,  Supervisors;  S.  E. 
Faurote,  Clerk ;  John  Farrier,  Treasurer ;  James  D.  Shackly,  Assessor  ;  S.  E.  Miner,  School 
Superintendent. 

1856 — William  Blair,  Chairman  ;  R.  M.  Haynes,  Ophir  Leonard,  Supervisors  ;  S.  E. 
Faurote,  Clerk;  John  Farrier,  Treasurer;  James  D.  Shackley,  Assessor;  S.  E.  Miner,  School 
Superintendent. 

1857 — Henry  Converse,  Chairman;  J.  W.  C.  Langworthy,  M.W.  Twitchell,  Supervisors; 
Seth  A.  Cooledge,  Clerk;  I.  I.  Purvis,  Treasurer;  S.  A.  Mitchell,  Assessor;  H.  W. 
Roblier,  School  Superintendent. 

1858 — H.  H.  Roblier,  Chairman;  Edwin  Spear,  E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Supervisors;  S.  A. 
Cooledge,  Clerk ;  N.  B.  Ellis,  Treasurer  ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor ;  Erastus  Taylor,  School 
Superintendent. 

1859— H.  W.  Roblier,  Chairman  ;  N.  B.  Ellis,  E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Supervisors;  D.  M.  Hall. 
Clerk  ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Treasurer  and  Assessor ;  J.  W.  Earle,  School  Superintendent. 

1860 — Norman  Coapm.an,  Chairman  ;  E.  B.  Blaisdell,  N.  B.  Ellis,  Supervisors  ;  William 
Depuy,  Clerk  ;  E.  S.  Kellogg,  Treasurer ;  Henry  Converse,  Assessor ;  J.  W.  Earle,  School 
Superintendent. 

1861 — E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Chairman ;  S.  H.  Salisbury,  J.  P.  Shackley,  Supervisors ;  A.  D. 
Coapman,  Clerk  ;  E.  S.  Kellogg,  Treasurer ;  James  I.  Purvis,  Assessor ;  J.  W.  Earle,  School 
Superintendent. 

1862 — E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Chairman  ;  S.  H.  Salisbury,  George  S.  Mantor,  Supervisors  ; 
Henry  Converse,  Clerk  ;  John  English,  Treasurer  ;  James  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1863 — Henry  Converse,  Chairman;  Samuel  Hovey,  Thomas  S.  Stanley,  Supervisors  ; 
Norman  Coapman,  Clerk  ;  James  D.  Shackley,  Assessor ;  John  English,  Treasui-er. 

1864 — M.  W.  Twitchell,  Chairman  ;  R.  M.  Haynes,  John  Farrier,  Supervisors ;  H.  M. 
Blair,  Clerk  ;   Alexander  Farrier,  Treasurer ;  A.  J.  Robertson,  Assessor. 


868  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

1865 — E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Chairman ;    Seth   Allen,  0.  D.  Van  Deusen,  Supervisors ;  N.  D. 
Cone,  Clerk ;  H.  D.  Burrows,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1866 — A.  E.  Patchin,  Chairman ;    R.  M.  Haynes,  P.  Hibner,  Supervisors  ;    H.  W.  Rob- 
lier,  Clerk ;   G.  S.  Manter,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1867 — A.  E.  Patchin,  Chairman  ;    R.  M.  Haynes,   Philip   Hibner,  Supervisors  ;    H.  W. 
Spear,  Clerk  ;   H.  G.  Britt,  Treasurer  ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1868 — A.  E.  Patchin,  Chairman ;    R.  M.  Haynes,  S.  H.   Salisbury,  Supervisors  ;    Henry 
Converse,  Clerk;  R.  Hawkins,  Treasurer;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1869 — E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Chairman  ;    Henry   D.   Burrows,   Solomon   H.   Salisbury,   Super- 
visors ;  Norman  Coapman,  Clerk  ;   Henry  C.  Stanley,  Treasurer ;  James  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1870 — Enoch  B.   Blaisdell,  Chairman  ;   Cornelius  Phillips,  Solomon  H.  Salisbury,   Super- 
visors;  James  W.  Coapman,  Clerk;  Peter  C.  Irvine,  Treasurer ;  James  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1871 — E.  B.  Blaisdell,  Chairman;    Cornelius   Phillips,   0.  D.  Van   Dusen,   Supervisors; 
James  W.  Steele,  Clerk  ;  Albert  Parmenter,  Treasurer ;  James  B.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1872 — C.  J.  Pardee,  Chairman  ;  P.  C.  Irvine,  A.  E.  Patchin,  Supervisors ;   H.  W.  Spear, 
Clerk ;  A.  M.  Parmenter,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1873 — Charles  Spear,  Chairman ;  Cornelius  Phillips,  C.  S.  Dowd,  Supervisors ;  L.  S. 
Rolleson,  Clerk ;   A.  M.  Parmenter,  Treasure)- ;   J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1874 — C.  J.  Pardee,  Chairman  ;  George  Purvis,  C.  S.  Dowd,  Supervisors  ;  L.  S.  Roll- 
eson.  Clerk ;  D.  C.  Gilson,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1875 — C.  I.  Pardee,  Chairman  ;  George  Purvis,  C.  S.  Dowd,  Supervisors  ;  0.  C.  Patchin, 
Clerk  ;    M.  W.  Twitchell,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1876 — C.  I.  Pardee,  Chairman ;  R.  M.  Haynes,  C.  S.  Dowd,  Supervisors ;  N.  Coapman, 
Clerk ;  John  A.  Bull,  Treasurer  ;  J.  D.  Shackley.  Assessor. 

1877 — Stephen  Calverly,  Chairman;  C.  S.  Dowd,  R.  M.  Haynes,  Supervisors;  N.  Coap- 
man, Clerk ;   R.  C.  Falconer,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1878 — S.  Calverly,  Chairman ;  C.  S.  Dowd,  R.  M.  Haynes,  Supervisors ;  H.  W.  Stanley, 
Clerk ;  J.  I.  Purvis,  Treasurer ;  J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1879 — M.  G.  Tucker,  Chairman  ;  H.  D.  Burrows,  J.  Valentine,  Supervisors ;  C.  J. 
Pardee,  Clerk ;  D.  C.  Gilson,  Treasurer ;   J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

1880 — Rus  Falkner,  Chairman ;  H.  D.  Burrows,  Cornelius  Phillips,  Supervisors ;  C.  J. 
Pardee,  Clerk ;   W.  S.  Gardner,  Treasurer ;   J.  D.  Shackley,  Assessor. 

VILLAGE    OF    WYOCENA. 

Hotel  of  Dickeson. — One  night,  in  the  winter  of  1844,  Elbert  Dickeson  had  a  dream,  so 
he  affirmed,  that  upon  the  site  of  his  farm,  on  Section  21,  there  would  spring  up  a  village 
called  Wyocena,  whichshould  be  the  seat  of  justice  for  Columbia  County.  In  the  morning,  he 
told  his  dream  to  Benjamin  Dey,  who  was  then  stopping  with  him.  The  two  talked  the  matter 
over  and  determined  to  put  the  plan  into  execution,  for  the  fulfillment  of  the  dream.  To  this 
end,  Maj.  Dickeson  opened  a  public  house,  to  "afford  entertainment  for  man  and  beast."  In 
1846,  the  old  log  gave  way  to  a  large  two-story  frame  building,  which  was  duly  dedicated  with 
a  grand  dance  the  evening  of  July  4.  Maj.  Dickeson  died  in  1848  ;  the  hotel  was  not  com- 
pleted. Mr.  A.  A.  Bull  took  a  lease  of  the  hotel  for  a  term  of  years,  completed  the  hotel  ;  he 
occupied  it  for  one  year,  and  leased  it  to  William  Wolcott  for  one  year.  Wolcott  sold  out  his 
interest  to  John  Hunter.  Hunter  sold  out  to  Becker;  his  time  expired  with  the  lease.  Widow 
Dickeson,  married  to  Dr.  Singer,  took  possession  of  the  hotel,  kept  it  a  short  time,  and  sold  out 
to  Noah  Dickeson.  He,  Dickeson,  sold  his  interest  to  I.  M.  Carr ;  he  sold  to  C.  Hill,  and  he 
to  W.  Austin  ;  that  closes  the  hotel  business.  The  county  bought  the  property  for  a  county 
house,  for  which  purpose  it  is  now  occupied. 

About  1850,  Dr.  Rockwood  built  a  public  house,  which  was  purchased  by  John  Lewis, 
by  him  sold  to  J.  Hunter ;  he,  in  1853,  disposed  of  it  to  James  Austin,  who,  iii  1880,  had  been 
in  charge  of  the  same  for  twenty-seven  years.     The  name  given  to  the  house  was  Boston. 


HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY.  8tJ9 

Maj.  Dickeson,  who  was  a  practical  surveyor,  laid  out  and  platted  the  new  village,  in 
1846.  The  Board  of  County  Commissioners  adopting  it  as  a  temporary  county  seat,  and  the 
prospect  seeming  good  for  its  being  made  permanent,  lots  brought  a  fair  price  and  considerable 
improvements  were  soon  under  way. 

Jacob  Rogers  was  the  first  to  embark  in  the  mercantile  business  in  the  place.  In  1847, 
he  opened  a  stock  of  general  merchandise  and  commanded  a  fair  trade. 

In  1817,  the  citizens  erected  a  small  frame  building,  for  school  purposes,  which  was  used 
eight  years,  when,  becoming  too  small,  the  district  erected  a  two-story  frame  building,  32x40. 
The  school  was  now  divided  into  two  departments,  the  primary  department  occupying  the  lower 
room,  and  the  high  school  the  upper.  In  1879-80,  Henry  Stanley  and  Nellie  Hughes  were 
the  teachers. 

Some  two  years  before  the  completion  of  this  building.  Elder  Miner  erected  a  building  for 
a  select  school,  in  which  the  higher  branches  should  be  taught,  and  students  be  prepared  for 
college.  Only  moderate  success  attended  his  efforts.  In  1817,  the  building  was  disposed  of 
to  the  Methodists  and  Baptists,  for  church  purposes. 

A  post  office  was  established  here  in  1845,  with  Harvey  Bush  as  Postmaster.  Jacob 
Rogers  was  next  appointed.  He  resigned  in  favor  of  David  R.  Meloy.  Mr.  Meloy,  in  1852, 
resigned  in  favor  of  John  Weiting,  who  was  commissioned  by  the  Post  Office  Department,  under 
James  K.  Polk.  Through  the  successive  administrations  of  Polk,  Taylor,  Fillmore,  Pierce, 
Buchanan,  Lincoln,  Johnson,  Grant  and  Hayes,  Mr.  Weiting  has  served  the  people.  •  In  his 
proud  boast  that  not  a  dollar  ever  mailed  in  this  office  has  been  lost,  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge. 

In  1853.  a  grist-mill  was  erected  by  John  Hunter  and  Chauncey  Spear.  In  the  fall  of  that 
same  year,  Benjamin  Dey  purchased  the  interest  of  Mr.  Spear,  the  firm  remaining  Hunter  & 
Dey  for  two  years.  In  1855,  Mr.  Dey  purchased  Hunter's  interest,  and,  in  the  fall,  the  mill 
was  burned.  Mr.  Dey  immediately  rebuilt,  and  on  a  more  extensive  scale.  In  1865,  he  dis- 
posed of  his  interest  to  Mr.  Sexton,  of  Milwaukee.  Mr.  Sexton  continued  sole  proprietor  for 
four  years,  when  he  sold  to  George  Craig,  who,  in  turn,  in  the  spring  of  1879,  sold  to  Mr. 
Douglas. 

Wyoaena  Cheese  Factory. — In  the  fall  of  1875,  a  stock  company  was  organized  for  the 
purpose  of  manufacturing  cheese.  A  paid-up  capital  of  -f  1,600,  composed  of  sixty-four  shares, 
at  $25  each,  was  immediately  subscribed.  During  the  summer  of  1876,  about  forty  thousand 
pounds  of  cheese  were  manufactured,  and  the  same  during  1877.  In  1878  and  1879,  the 
amount  was  reduced  to  about  twenty-five  thousand  pounds  per  year,  in  consequence  of  the  ina- 
bility of  securing  a  supply  of  milk. 

Spear's  Cheese  Factory. — This  factory  is  located  about  one  mile  east  of  the  village,  and 
began  operations  in  the  summer  of  1878,  making  about  twenty -five  thousand  pounds  of  cheese. 
In  the  summer  of  1879,  the  .same  amount  was  manufactured. 

ConyregntioJialist  Church. — In  the  spring  of  1853,  Rev.  S.  E.  Miner  organized  a  congre- 
gation of  fifteen  members.  For  two  years,  services  were  held  in  the  schoolhouse,  but,  in  1855, 
a  small,  neat  house  of  worship  was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  $1,600.  From  the  organization  up  to 
Januaiy,  1880,  Revs.  Miner,  Barton,  Jenkins,  Hassell,  Donaldson,  Richards,  Fairfield,  Logan 
and  Ball  have  served  as  Pastors.  At  this  time,  there  were  twenty-eight  members,  with  James 
I.  Purvis,  George  Hill  and  De  Witt  Gilson  as  Trustees ;  A.  E.  Patchin  and  John  Wood,  Dea- 
cons. A  Sunday  school  was  organized  in  1853,  which  continued  for  three  years,  when,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Methodists  and  Baptists,  a  union  school  was  organized. 

Baptist  Church. — The  first  religious  services  held  in  the  town,  at  which  there  was  preach- 
ing, was  in  the  summer  of  1846,  Elder  Wood,  a  Baptist  minister,  officiating.  Elder  Wood 
preached  here  occasionally  for  one  year,  and  then  returned  East.  In  1852,  Elder  Moses  Row- 
ley organized  a  congregation,  with  D.  A.  Vaughn  and  wife,  Mrs.  Electa  Spear  and  Mr.  Sher- 
man and  wife,  in  the  organization.  Elder  Wood  returned  in  1853,  and  was  called  to  the  pastor- 
ate, serving  for  four  years,  when  he  went  to  Baraboo  and  remained  thi-ee  years.  Elder  Meredith, 
during  that  time,  having  charge  of  the  Wyocena  Church.     In  1860,  Elder  Wood  again  resumed 


870  HISTORY   OF    COLUMBIA   COUNTY. 

the  pastorate,  with  a  record  of  twenty  years'  continuous  service  in  the  spring  of  1880.  In 
conjunction  with  the  Metliodists,  the  schoolhouse  erected  by  Elder  Miner  was  purchased  in 
18.57,  wherein  regular  exercises  have  been  held.  About  forty  names  were  on  the  roll  of  church 
membership,  January,  1880 — R.  0.  Spear,  clerk. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — A  class  was  organized  about  the  year  18.52.  In  18.57, 
together  with  the  Baptists,  they  purchased  a  house  of  worship.  In  the  spring  of  1880,  they 
had  a  membership  of  twenty. 

The  Columbus  Democrat,  December,  1869,  has  the  following  to  say  of  Wyocena: 

"  Wyocena  is  the  remains  of  a  once  thriving  and  increasing  village  assassinated  by  the 
building  of  the  old  La  Crosse  Railroad.  Seventeen  years  ago,  it  contained  five  stores  doing 
a  good  trade.  Now  it  has  two.  Pardeeville  was  erected  upon  its  decadence ;  then  the 
new  division  of  the  railroad  was  laid  toward  Portage ;  the  seat  of  commerce  again  shifted ; 
the  glory  of  Pardeeville  departed,  and  Rio  was  built  upon  its  ruins.  Wyocena  is  overgrown 
with  the  thin  moss  of  the  Western  antiquity,  and  is  ancient  in  appearance,  as  is  permitted  to 
any  village  of  less  age  than  a  quarter  of  a  century.  It  has  a  good  schoolhouse,  a  tolerably 
commodious  town  hall  (costing,  perhaps,  .^1,500  more  than  the  one  in  Columbus),  and  two 
churches.  But  we  observed  no  new  buildings  and  few  evidences  of  the  vigor  generally  found  in 
Western  villages.  The  railroad,  upon  which  it  scarcely  impinges,  came  too  late  to  benefit  it  much. 
Its  settlement  antedated  Portage  proper,  though  of  course.  Fort  Winnebago  was  older.  Maj. 
Dickason,  the  hardy  pioneer  of  our  own  village,  we  are  told,  was  the  first  settler  also.  He  built 
the  log  cabin  on  the  bank  of  Duck  Creek,  in  which  he  afterward  died.  A  man  named  Bush 
located  shortly  after  the  Major,  about  a  mile  east  of  the  Columbus  road,  and  Charles  Spear, 
John  Dalton  and  Benjamin  Dey,  are  mentioned  too  as  among  the  earlier  settlers.  They  live 
here  still,  but  the  Major's  descendants  have  sought  newer  camping  grounds.  We  believe  the 
old  veteran  himself  was  buried  here  and  we  meant  to  visit  the  spot  of  his  repose,  but  time  did 
not  permit.  It  is  about  eleven  years  since  the  poor-house  was  located  at  Wyocena ;  previous  to 
that  date  a  temporary  accommodation  for  the  destitute  had  been  provided  at  Portage.  Three 
inmates  were  removed  to  Wyocena  in  1858.  During  the  first  winter,  the  institution  was  kept 
in  a  small  building  a  little  east  of  the  present  one.  The  three  persons  with  which  it  was 
founded  were  an  old  deaf  man  named  Savage,  who  was  afterward  killed  by  the  cars,  a  lad  whose 
father  sent  him  from  Madison  off  to  school,  and  who  became  dissipated,  was  expelled,  and  after- 
ward sent  up  from  Portage.  The  father  came  after  the  prodigal  when  he  had  been  sufficiently 
punished.  The  third  was  a  crazy  Norwegian,  who  has  since  remained  here.  The  buildings 
now  occupied  are  pleasantly  situated  close  upon  Duck  Creek.  They  consist  of  a  two-story 
wooden  building,  and  an  adjoining  two-story  brick.  The  latter  was  built  two  years  since  by 
Messrs.  Prescott  &  Carnagy  of  Portage,  at  a  cost  of  about  .$4,000.  The  frame  of  the  former 
was  erected  by  Maj.  Dickason,  who  had  been  dispensing  his  hospitalities  from  his  log  cabin  on 
the  other  side  of  the  creek,  and  had  determined  to  put  up  a  more  modern  hostelry.  The  old 
Major's  light  was  put  out  as  the  frame  went  up,  and  it  was  leased  for  a  term  on  condition  of 
being  completed.  It  soon  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  county  and  has  since  been  used  for  its 
present  purpose. 

"A  little  cabin  on  the  Crawfish,  in  Columbus,  was  the  first  structure  that  the  Major  built 
in  the  West,  and  the  mark  of  his  hands  ceased  with  the  future  poor-house  building  of  the 
county.     In  the  interim  is  the  story  of  all  his  pioneer  days. 

"An  almshouse  is  the  depository  of  much  sad  personal  history.  It  is  a  discolored,  worn  and 
faded  volume,  in  which  are  bound  as  many  pathetic  and  discreditable  biographies  as  there  are 
inmates ;  it  is  a  charnel-house,  where  are  laid  the  remains  of  missspent  or  unsuccessful  lives  ; 
and  there  is  instruction  there,  in  turning  over  dead  relics  of  the  past,  and  in  the  study  of  the 
causes  of  their  decay  ;  it  is  a  place  where  the  brightness  of  life  can  be  only  a  distant  memory, 
and  hope  is  but  a  specter  of  the  irrecoverable.  Few  things  can  be  sadder  than  the  death  of 
worn-out  old  age  in  the  alms-house.  We  have  talked  with  men  of  much  experience  in  the  man- 
agement of  pauperism,  and  they  have  invariably  informed  us  that,  in   nine   cases   out  of  ten,  it 


HISTORY    OF    COLFMBIA    COUNTY.  871 

is  directly,  or  indirectly,  intemperance,  that  makes  men  public  charges.  It  is  very  seldom  that 
misfortune,  unassisted,  makes  men  paupers. 

"  The  individual  history  of  many  of  the  inmates  would  not  be  uninteresting,  did  space  permit. 
In  this  poor-house,  two  years  ago,  died  Jonas  Haywood,  aged  ninety-two  years.  He  was  a 
man  possessed  of  much  general  information,  and  had  fought  with  Wellington  in  the  Napoleonic 
wars  ;  he  had  many  a  tale  of  that  stirring  period  that  had  never  reached  the  historian's  page, 
and,  doubtless,  not  a  few  of  them  were  true.  The  aggregated  individual  experience  of  contend- 
ing armies  is  the  only  complete  annals  of  war.  It  was  too  large  and  too  frequent  drinks  that 
finally  beat  the  old  veteran.    ■ 

"Here  also  died  Gabriel  Rongie,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four,  after  living  here  four  years. 
He  came  to  Green  Bay  fifty-nine  years  ago,  being  a  French  Canadian.  He  was  an  Indian 
trader,  and  one  period  had  amassed  considerable  property.  During  his  life  he  formed 
three  matrimonial  alliances  with  dusky  aborigines,  and  bequeathed  to  the  Territory  an  unre- 
corded number  of  half-breeds.  His  personal  experience  and  knowledge,  properly  compiled, 
would  make  a  most  readable  volume.  He  was  blind  before  he  died,  and  used  to  aver  that  one 
eye  was  sick  and  that  the  other  was  scratched  out  by  a  wild  cat,  while  he  was  climbing  a  tree 
for  coon.      He  too  succumbed  to  his  cups. 

"  Edward  Lahey,  a  former  Catholic  priest,  was  once  an  inmate  here.  It  was  he  who  was 
pardoned  from  States  prison,  where  was  sent  for  the  shooting  of  a  man,  eighteen  years  ago, 
in  Pardeeville.  He  was  comparatively  rich,  but  claims  brought  against  him  after  the  pardoning 
beggared  him." 

VILLAGE    OF    PARDEEVILLE. 

In  the  fall  of  1848,  John  S.  Pardee,  then  merchandising  in  Milwaukee,  sent  out  Mr.  Reuben 
Stedman  to  build  a  store  in  this  neighborhood,  and  in  December  following,  Yates  Ashley  came  out 
with  goods  and  commenced  trading  for  Mr.  Pardee,  and  getting  out  timber  to  build  mills.  In 
1849,  the  saw  and  grist  mills  were  built  and  commenced  operations.  This  was  the  beginning 
of  Pardeeville. 

In  July,  1850,  John  S.  Pardee  platted  a  portion  of  his  land,  and  Willis  S.  Haskin  did 
likewise.     In  1855,  Dr.  Lake  made  an  addition  to  the  village  of  some  forty  acres  on  the  south. 

The  first  frame  house  built  on  the  site  of  the  village  was  by  Mr.  Haskin,  but  Joseph  Utley 
built  the  first  after  it  was  laid  out.     Killian  Hepler  built  the  second. 

In  1852,  Reuben  Baughman  erected  the  first  hotel,  giving  it  the  name  of  "Diamond  Hall." 
In  1855,  he  sold  the  same  to  Mr.  Turner,  who  in  turn  disposed  of  it  to  Mrs.  Johnson,  who 
assumed  management  for  awhile,  and  then  leased  it  to  various  parties  until  September,  1879, 
when  it  was  purchased  by  George  Briffett,  who  immediately  took  charge  of  the  same.  The 
house  is  roomy,  with  accommodations  for  twenty  guests. 

Killian  Hepler  built  the  Hepler  House  in  1860,  and  leased  it  to  John  Benedict,  who  ran 
it  three  years,  when  Mr.  Hepler  took  personal  charge. 

J.  S.  Pardee  commenced  the  erection  of  the  large  grist-mill,  in  1849  ;  in  the  same  year 
he  transferred  his  interest  in  Pardeeville  to  Joseph  Utley,  who,  about  the  year  1853,  turned  the 
whole  property  over  to  John  Pardee,  father  of  the  original  proprietor,  who  took  possession  of 
the  property  (the  mill  being  unfinished),  and  completed  the  mill  in   the  latter  part  of  1856. 

About  that  time  he  disposed  of  a  quarter  interest  in  the  mill  property  to  Yates  Ashley,  the 
copartnership  being  continued  till  the  death  of  Mr.  John  Pardee,  which  occurred  June  26,  1873. 

The  site  of  the  village  is  embraced  within  School  District  No.  3.  A  schoolhouse  was 
erected  in  the  district  as  early  as  1847,  which  soon  gave  way  for  a  better  one,  and  it  in  turn  by 
a  still  better  one,  erected  in  the  village  limits  in  1868.  This  latter  building  is  a  large  two-story 
brick.  In  the  winter  of  1879-80,  Miss  Nora  C.  Waters  was  Principal,  and  Mrs.  Blaisdell, 
Assistant. 

Presbyterian  Church. — This  society  was  organized  in  1857,  with  six  members — xllanson 
Hughson,  Phila  M.  Hughson,  Lebbuns  H.   Gilbert,   William   J.   Ensign,  Leona  Ensign,  and 


872  HISTORY    OF    COLUMBIA    COUNTY. 

Sarah  Burcheeker.  Rev.  S.  H.  Barteau  was  the  officiating  minister  in  its  organization.  A. 
Hughson  was  elected  Deacon  and  William  J.  Ensign  and  L.  II.  Gilbert,  Elders.  Rev.  S.  Barteau 
was  the  first  occasional  and  then  stated  supply  till  .January  1,  1862.  Rev.  E.  F.  Tanner 
preached  one  year,  from  August  1,  1862.  Rev.  E.  F.  Waldo,  as  his  successor,  supplied  the 
pulpit  for  one  year  from  October,  1863.  After  being  without  a  regular  minister  for  nearly  a 
year,  Rev.  E.  F.  Tanner  became  the  second  titns  the  stated  supply  from  September,  186.5. 
The  house  of  worship  was  commenceil  in  the  summer  of  1863,  ami  completed  at  a  cost  of 
§2, .500.  It  was  dedicated  March  30,  1864.  Rev.  Charles  Hichards  succeeded  Mr.  Tanner, 
and  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Rossiel. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — The  church  building  was  erected  in  1861.  John  W.  Fal- 
coner and  Samuel  Cannon  were  the  most  active  in  its  construction.  Its  cost  was  $1,800. 
Revs.  Boschee,  Parker,  Joseph  Bolton,  T.  M.  Ross,  M.  Peck.  Edward  Bronson,  Jabez  B.  Cole, 
0.  B.  Clark,  AVilliam  Jones,  William  Cook,  John  Varty  and  W.  F.  Stright  have  each  served 
as  Pastor.     The  church  form?  a  part  of  the  Wyooena  Circuit. 

Pardee  Lodge,  No.  J7I,  A..  F.  ^f  A.  M. — A  dispensation  w!is  granted  September  12. 1867, 
to  organize  at  this  place,  wliicli  organization  was  effected  by  the  election  of  Samuel  B.  Rhodes, 
W.  M.  ;  Charles  J.  Pardee,  S.  W. ;  David  H.  Langdon,  J.  \V.  A  charter  was  granted  to  the 
organization  .June  10,  1868.  It  had  a  membership  January  1,  1880,  of  thirty-two.  There 
have  been  four  deaths  and  ten  dimissions  since  the  organization. 

Pardee  Lodge,  No.  126,  1.  0.  0.  F. — This  lodge  was  instituted  December  5,  1873,  with 
Charles  J.  Pai'dee,  N.  G. ;  David  Narracong,  V.  G. ;  F.  A.  Matthewson,  Sec. ;  John  Hartman, 
Treas.     Its  membershiji  January  1,  1880,  was  twenty. 

Post  Office. — The  first  mail  route  was  established  here  in  1849,  from  Madison  to  Fort 
Winnebago,  thence  to  Pardeeville  and  Wyocena.  Yates  Ashley  was  first  appointed  Postmaster 
in  1843,  served  two  years.  In  1852,  Jose])b  Utley,  who  served  one  year.  In  1853,  Hubble 
West,  Sr.,  who  served  two  years.  In  1855,  Darius  Coman,  who  served  four  years.  In  I860. 
John  Pardee,  who  served  one  year.  In  1861,  Ira  Atkins,  who  served  six  years  ;  died  in  1867, 
when  Luman  A.  Gilbert  was  appointed,  who  .«erved  si.x  years.  In  1873,  Newton  W.  Gilbert 
was  appointed,  served  five  years.  In  1878,  Mrs.  Susan  Falconer  was  appointed,  who  now  holds 
the  office  as  Mrs.  Susan  Yan  Schaick. 


ERRATA. 

Jas.  D.  Shuchly,  page  453,  should  be  Jas.  D.  Shackley. 

Robertof  Roberts,  page  713,  officers  of  1852,  should  be  Robert  ap  Roberts. 

Saffron,  page  717,  M.  E.  Church,  should  be  Suffron. 

H.  0.  Jones,  page  717,  M.  E.  Church,  should  be  H.  0.  Evans. 

M.  J.  Rach,  page  717,  Good  Templars,  should  be  M.  J.  Roach. 

Hattie  Hughes,  page  717,  Good  Templars,  should  be  Katie  Hughes. 

Fred  Miller,  M.,  page  718,  Cambria  Lodge,  should  be  Fred  Miller,  G.  F. 

Wm.  Peterman,  0.,  page  718,  Cambria  Lodge,  should  be  Wni.  Peterman,  R. 

Wm.  Seeman,  page  718,  Cambria  Lodge,  should  be  Frederick  Seeman. 

G.  D.  Jones,  page  719,  officers  of  1879,  should  be  G.  D.  Meyers. 

Adam  Culdon,  page  699,  Town  Treas.  1865  and  1866,  should  be  Adam  Culdow. 

Jno.  Campbell,  page  700,  Assessor  1877,  should  be  Jno.  Caldwell. 

Adam  Bogue,  page  700,  Chairman  1880,  should  be  Alan  Bogue. 

Aaron  Town,  page  763,  made  claims  in  spring  of  1842,  should  be  Aaron  Town  made 
claims  in  spring  of  1849. 

On  page  764,  Elling  Muhl  should  be  made  Male  :  George  Windens  should  read  Windus  : 
Nels  Paterson  should  be  Peterson  :  Hans  Lollinger  should  read  Hans  Tollackson  ;  Stephen 
Collenson  should  read  Colbenson. 

On  page  765,  Talbot  Askinson  should  read  Tollac  Asbinson ;  Edmund  Cushing  should 
read  Edward  ;  Nelson  Van  Wil  should  read  Nelson  Van  Wie,  and  Andrew  Baarnaman  should 
read  Boarnaman. 

On  page  767,  Herman  Brane  should  read  Herman  Brune,  and  William  Mews  should  read 
Maves. 

Hugh  Mair,  page  727,  in  election,    1849,  should  be  Hugh   Miner. 

Jno.  Sims,  page  728,  early  settlers,  should  be  John  Lines. 

Harver  Curtis,  page  729,  officers  1854,  should  be  Harvey  Curtis. 

Jno.  Sims,  page  729,  officers  1856,  should  be  John  Lines. 

Jas.  L.  Sims,  page  730,  officers  1860,  should  be  Jas.  L.  Lines. 

Jas.  Hastie,   page  730,  Clerk  1872,  should  be  William  Hastie. 

Page  731,   "  Village  of  Dekorra,"  far  north  as  Madison,  should  read  far  south  as  Madison. 

Since  the  article,  page  752,  on  the  Village  of  "  Inch  "  was  printed  we  are  informed  that 
there  were  lots  sold,  houses  built,  and  some  business  was  done  in  1856  or  1857. — Ed. 


BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES. 


ABBRJE"VI^TI0  1Srs. 


O) Company  or  county 

dlr dealer 

W.  V.  A Wisconsin  Volunteer  Artillery 

W.  V.  C „ Wisconsin  Volunteer  Cavalry 


W.  V.  I Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry 

p.  0 P"st  Office 

S.  or  Sec Section 

Bt street 


CITY   OF   PORTAGE. 

W.  H.  C  ABRLL,  dentist ;  born  at  Middletown,  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.  (now  Wyoming  Co.), 
May  25.  1827.  When  about  12  years  of  age.  his  parents  removed  to  Ohio  :  lived  there  until  he  was 
20  years  of  age.  Educated  in  dentistry  in  ^Middletown.  Conn.;  commenced  study  with  a  brother  in 
1852  ;  prior  to  that  time,  he  was  engaged  in  civil  engineering,  V>eing  Second  Assistant  Engineer  of 
the  Western  I)i\ision  of  the  Erie  Canal  during  its  construction  in  New  York  State.  The  Doctor  was 
married  at  Skaneatelcs,  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  April.  1854,  to  Angelina  C.  Lawton  ;  she  was  born 
at  Catskill.  Greene  Co..  N.  Y.  They  have  three  children — David  Hunter.  Fannie  Jewett  and  Henry 
Russell.     Mr.  Abell  is  a  member  of  the  A.,  F.  &  A.  M.  Lodge. 

SlILiES  T.  ALiVERSON,  real-estate  and  loan  agent :  was  born  in  the  town  of  Rodman. 
Jefferson  Co.,  X.  Y..  Jan.  20,  1833  :  son  of  Almanson  and  Sylenda  Alverson,  who  moved  to  Russell, 
St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  November.  1848,  where  Miles  T.  lived  until  1854,  when  he  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  October  of  that  year,  locating  on  what  is  now  the  town  of  Arlington,  on  Sec.  1,  with  his  friend 
Ambrose  Powers,  remaining  with  him.  more  or  less,  until  1857.  when  he  went  to  Southwestern  Mis- 
ssouri.  where  he  taught  school  a  [jortion  of  the  time,  only  remaining  there  a  year,  when  he  returned  to 
Wisconsin  to  Lowville,  working  at  the  carpenter's  trade.  Married,  JIarch  23,  1859,  to  Melissa  A. 
Low.  only  daughter  of  Hon.  Jacob  Low.  of  Lowville.  who  died  Jan.  24.  1875  ;  her  mother,  Catherine 
Low.  is  now  living ;  they  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  that  place.  Mrs.  Alverson  is  probably 
the  oldest  settler  now  living  within  tlie  corporate  limits  of  Portage  ;  she  was  born  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  :March  28.  1841.  They  have  two  children— Charles  Lewis,  born  Dec.  23.  18(30.  and  Harry 
Bartlett,  JIarch  27,  1872.  After  marriage,  ^h-.  Alverson  was  engaged  in  teaching  and  working  at 
his  trade  as  carpenter  and  joiner,  but  teaching  principally,  until  1864  ;  one  year  of  this  time,  he 
carried  on  his  father-in-law's  farm  ;  in  1864,  went  to  Milwaukee  and  took  a  course  in  commercial 
college,  returning  to  Poynette.  where  he  taught  the  higher  department  of  the  public  school,  that 
being  his  third  term  at  this  place  ;  he  returned  to  ^Milwaukee  in  1865,  and  was  employed  as  a  teacher 
in  Bryant  &  Stratton's  College,  where  he  remained  until  he  came  to  Portage.  Jan.  1,  1867;- was 
Deputy  Treasurer  two  years,  then  elected  County  Treasurer  in  the  fall  of  1868  ;  re-elected  in  1870. 
In  1872,  in  company  with  Thomas  Yule,  purchased  aljstracts  of  titles  of  lands  in  this  county  ;  was 
engaged  in  the  abstract  business  and  real  estate,  loans,  etc..  until  November.  1878.  when  he  sold  out 
their  abstracts,  and  since  then  has  been  in  loan  and  real-estate  business  ;  since  Aug.  1,  1879,  has 
conducted  business  alone  ;  was  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools  in  18(il,  Town  Clerk  of  Lowville  in 
1862  ;  was  Deputy  County  Treasurer  two  years  after  he  went  out  as  County  Treasurer,  and  Deputy 
County  Register  at  the  same  time.  Mr.  A.'s  father  died  Aug.  29,  1879  ;  mother  now  lives  on  the 
homestead,  in  Russell.  St.  Lawrence  Co..  N.  Y.  Jh'.  A.  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the 
T.  O.  O.  F.;  also  a  memlier  of  the  A..  F.  &  A.  M..  and  was  a  member  of  the  School  Board  two  years. 

WILLIAM  ARMSTRONG  was  born  in  County  Armagh,  town  of  Drumminmadder, 
Ireland.  June.  1824;  came  in  1839  to  America,  and  located  in  the  vicinity  of  Stevens  Point,  Wis.; 
engaged  as  head  sawyer  in  Harper's  mill  for  three  j-ears,  then  came  to  JIarquette  (now  Green  Lake) 


87(i  BI0GHA1'IIICA]>    SKETCHES: 

Co.;  was  on  a  fai'iii  one  smiiiiu'r  :  l)oiigiit  and  iiin  a  saw-mill  at  Now  Lisbon  for  til'teen  or  sixU-en 
months  ;  cumc  to  what  is  now  Portage  ;  ran  a  hunber  yard  two  or  three  years  ;  took  iij)  the  elaini 
and  entered  pro])erty  in  tiiat  place  :  commented  brick  making  in  1S47.  which  he  has  continued  since, 
with  the  exception  of  two  years.  .Mr.  .V.  was  married  in  I'ortage  to  Ilulda  Fish.  They  have  had 
three  children,  of  whom  but  one.  William  John,  is  li\ing;  William  James,  deceased  :  Sally  Jane, 
deceased.      Mr.  A.  was  one  of  the  (Irst  Aldermen  of  the  city,  .serving  several  terms. 

CHAKIjKS  ,1.  AK^OI^I),  son  of  Josiah  Arnold,  was  born  at  Colnmluis,  Cohnnbia  ("o.. 
Wis..  Oct.  24.  1847.  Attended  I'ortage  High  School  and  Kacine  College;  came  with  parents  to 
I'ortage  in  1851  ;  followed  lumbering  during  ten  years,  up  to  ISTtl,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present 
business,  that  of  freigliting.  lie  was  married  at  Portage.  June  30.  1870.  to  Mary  F.  Hutt,  born  in 
Canada.  They  have  three  children — Louis  C.  Jiobcrt'lL  and  Carl  S.  Mr.  A.  is  a  member  of  the 
A.  O.  V.  W.  and  A..  F.  c^  A.  >L 

JOSIAH  AKX4llil),  son  of  Sylvester  Arnold,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Wasliington. 
Berkshire  Co..  .Mass..  Nov.  1.  1820:  moved  to  Stockbridge,  Mass.,  with  his  parents,  in  1824;  his 
father  died  in  that  jilace  Oct.  18.  1845  :  removed  to  Canaan,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  resi<led  there 
ten  years  ;  he  liwd  afterwards  for  \arious  periods  in  New  York  City,  Stockbi-idgc,  ^\'ashington. 
JMass.,  3Iaryland.  A'irginia,  and  Hamiltcm.  .Madison  Co..  N.  Y.  ;  taught  school  in  the  latter  (ilace 
until  he  came  west  in  the  spring  of  1S4:J ;  he  located  tirst  at  Stoughtou.  but  moved  to  Janesville  in 
the  fall  of  184:5.  where  he  rcmainetl  two  or  three  years,  teaching  the  tirst  public  school  ;  in  the  spring 
of  1844.  after  the  close  of  his  school,  he  clerked  for  one  year  in  Janesville  :  commenced  general 
mercantile  business  in  spring  of  184")  with  Danii'l  K,  Bassctt  :  they  started  a  liranch  store  at  Colum- 
bus, in  fall  of  184").  closing  out  the  business  at  Janesville  in  the  spring  of  1840  ;  continued  in  busi- 
ness at  Columbus  until  1847  with  Bassett ;  then  one  year  alone  in  trade;  Mr.  A.  was  appointed 
Clerk  of  Circuit  Court  in  1848,  and  elected  to  same  position  in  the  fall  of  same  year  ;  in  1850. 
elected  Hegister  of  Deeds  ;  held  the  office  two  years  ;  came  to  I'ortage  in  1851.  where  he  lias  since 
resided  (except  during  a  few  years  at  (ierraantowii),  and  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  with 
J.  B.  Fargo,  from  1853  to  1857  ;  continued  in  that  business  alone  initil  1801  ;  then  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business,  operating  a  large  mill  at  Germantown.  Juneau  Co.,  Wis.  ;  also  associated  with 
Carnagie  &  I'rescott  in  a  lumber  yard  and  plauing-mill.  at  Portage  ;  Mr.  A.  owns  pine  lands  in  Wood. 
IMarathon  and  Clark  Cos.  Mr.  A.  was  married  in  the  town  of  Fulton.  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  Dec.  20,  1840. 
to  Mary  Jane  True.  l)orn  in  Perry.  Wvoming  Co..  N.  Y.  Thev  have  five  children — Charles  J.,  born 
Oct.  24,  1847  ;  William  S.,  born  Aug.  10.  1850  ;  Samuel  E.,  born  Nov.  9,  1854  ;  Harry  E.,  born  Feb. 
1,1859;  Fred  D.,  born  March  23,  1804.  IMr.  A.  was  Postmaster  at  ColumVius  for  two  years; 
Alderman  of  Portage  in  1854.  1855  and  1850;  in  the  si)ring  of  1877,  elected  Mayor,  and  is  now 
serving  his  third  year  ;  in  1877,  elected  Assemblyman.  He  is  a  member  of  A.  F.  &  A.  .M.,  Lodge  No. 
23.  Chapter  14.  and  Commandery  No.  4.  Mr.  A.'s  grandfather,  Timothy  Arnold,  served  in  the 
Revolutionary  war. 

JOHX  ARTHl'R  was  born  in  County  Radnor.  Wales,  in  Novemlier.  1821  ;  came  to  America 
in  1845  ;  lived  in  New  Jersey  until  1851  ;  worked  for  a  hosiery  manufacturing  company  at  New 
Brunswick,  in  that  State;  in  1851,  Mr.  A.  came  to  Wisconsin,  biit  returned  to  New  Jersey  for  five 
years  after  1853  ;  came  to  Portage  in  1858.  and  began  dealing  in  furs,  hides,  wool.  etc..  with  Evan 
Arthur  and  Samuel  Brown.     Mr.  Brown  retired  from  the  business  in  1807. 

EVAX  AKTHi'K  was  born  in  County  Radnor.  Wales,  in  1824  ;  came  to  America  in  1851. 
and  settled  lirst  in  New  Jersey  ;  in  1854.  he  began  tanning  and  dealing  in  hides  with  Samuel  Brown  ; 
John  Arthur  became  a  partner  in  1858  in  this  business.  He  was  married  at  Jlilwankee.  in  1803. 
to  Elizabeth  F.  Remington,  a  native  of  New  York  State  ;  they  have  four  children — K\au  R..  Willie  J. 
(irace  and  Nellie;  Mr.  Arthur's  mother  died  at  Ft.  Winnebago,  after  living  there  about  one  year  ; 
father,  John,  died  at  Portage  in  No\ember,  1802  ;  his  sisters  were  Mary,  iiow  31rs.  H.  II.  Beanor. 
of  Canada;  Ann.  ^Irs.  Samuel  Hrown.  who  died  in  Milwaukee  in  1872  or  1873;  Sarah,  a  resident 
of  Portage,  and  Flizalieth.  now  Mrs.  O.  J.  Thomas,  residing  near  Pewaukee.  Wis. 

CHARLES  P.  AUSTIN  was  born  at  Hamburg.  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y..  Jan.  5.  1830  ;  when  he 
was  a  cliild,  his  jjarcnts  moved  to  ( )hio  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1845  ;  located  at  Janes- 
ville until  1850.  when  he  came  to  I'ortage  :  Betsey  Austin,  his  mother,  died  in  Dodge  Co..  Wis.,  and 
his  father,  James  Austin,  died  at  Portage  ;  Mr.  Austin  began  clerking  for  John  (iates.  with  whom 
he  continued  until  enlisting  in  April.  180].  in  Co.  (!.  2d  W.  "\'.  L  ;  participated  in  the  following 
battles  ;  Blackman's  Ford,  ^'a.,  First  Bull  Run.  (lainesville,  C^hancellorsville,  Wilderness,  Gettysljurg. 
and  Spottsylvania  ;  he  was  wounded  in  the  left  foot  at  the  battle  of  Gainesville,  Aug.  28,  1 8(52,  for 


CITV    OF    POKTAGE.  8^7 

a  long  time  disabled,  and  while  on  the  skirmish  line,  the  tifth  day  of  the  tight,  at  Spottsylvania.  he 
was  wounded  in  his  left  hip ;  this  wound  rendered  him  untit  for  duty  up  to  the  time  of  his 
discharge  ;  after  leaving  the  army,  he  returned  to  Portage  and  again  entered  tlie  store  of  Mr.  dates, 
with  whom  he  had  been  prior  to  entering  the  service;  in  1868,  he  eonnneneed  business  for  himself, 
the  firm  being  Austin  &  Campbell;  at  the  expiration  of  one  year,  Jolui  dates  pureliased  Mr. 
Campbell's  interest,  and  Mr.  tl.  continued  in  business  until  the  time  of  liis  death  :  !Mr.  Austin  was 
appointed  Postmaster  in  1870;  served  in  that  position  until  Deeemlier,  1874;  since  that  time  he 
has  been  with  Loomis.  dallett  &  IJreese.  as  salesman.  He  was  married  at  Kilbourn  City,  Wis., 
.Sept.  17,  181)7.  to  Mary  J.  Campbell:  she  was  born  at  Carlisle,  England,  Aug.  K),  1847  ;  they  have 
four  children — Euplieues  IM..  (Jeorge  d.,  Martha  A.  and  Nellie  .May.  Mr.  A.  is  a  member  of  the  A., 
F.  &  A.  M.  Lodge  and  of  tlic  I'rcsliyterian  Church. 

EIIIUUMD  S.  BAKl'iR,'  bom  in  the  town  of  Ft.  Winnebago,  Oct.  27.^1:^48;  son  of 
Charles  and  Priscilla  Baker,  who  came  to  that  town  in  April,  1848  ;  mother  died  in  1802;  father 
HOW  lives  on  Sec.  2.  where  he  lirst  located  ;  Kdmund  8.  remained  on  the  farm  until  he  was  2(1  years 
of  age  ;  came  to  Portage  ;  clerked  for  Mr.  Bacon  in  the  hardware  business  for  a  year,  then  entered 
the  law  ofHce  of  Emmons  Taylor  ;  remained  there  about  three  j-ears,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
Dec.  C,  1870  ;  then  engaged  in  farming  until  1874,  when  he  commenced  the  ))ructice  of  law;  Justice 
of  the  Peace  for  three  years.  iMarried  in  town  of  Ft.  Winnebago,  Jan.  Ill,  1874.  to  Miss  Isabel  A., 
daughter  of  A.  Z.  Maltljcy.  of  that  town  ;  she  was  born  in  the  village  of  McLean,  Tompkins  Co., 
N.  Y.,  Jhirch  10,  1857  ;  they  have  three  children — Emmons  M.,  born  April  52,  1875  ;  Burehard  H., 
born  June  17,  1877,  and  A(la  ]\hiy,  born  Feli.  11.  1S70  ;  Mr.  B'.  is  a  memlter  of  the  A..  F.  &  A.  M. 

LEVI  W.  BAKDFiN  was  born  in  Benton,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y..  Sept.  3.  1820  ;  lived  in  that 
town  until  he  was  24  years  of  age  ;  residc^l  in  dorham,  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  six  years  ;  was  engaged 
in  farming  until  the  spring  of  1851  ;  in  May  of  that  year,  he  entered  the  New  York  State  and 
National  Law  School,  from  which  he  graduated  Aug.  11,  1852,  at  Ballston  Spa,  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y,; 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  New  Y'ork  State,  at  Rochester,  in  September, 
1852  ;  came  to  Portage,  Wis.,  Novemlier,  1852,  and  entered  the  law  office  of  Judge  Dixon  for  four 
months,  then  entered  into  partnership  with  John  A,  Johnson,  where  he  remained  until  the  death  of 
Mr,  Johnson,  in  June,  1853;  after  ISfil,  looked  after  his  private  affairs,  and  was  manager  of  the 
dreen  Bay  Transportation  Company,  in  which  position  he  continued  for  several  years,  until  about 
the  time  of  the  dissolution  of  the  company  ;  first  admitted  to  practice  in  Wisconsin  at  Janes\'ille, 
in  November,  1852  ;  afterward  admitted  to  practice  in  I'ortage  during  the  first  term  of  court  held 
there  after  he  came;  next  admitted  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Wisconsin  ;  then  to  United  States 
Court  at  ^lilwaukee;  wliile  a  resident  of  Benton,  N.  Y.,  he  was  To^vn  Superintendent  of  Schools  two 
j'ears  ;  after  he  was  17  years  of  age,  he  taught  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  county  and  in 
Ontario  Co.,  every  winter  for  eleven  years  ;  was  Town  v^uperintendent  in  town  of  dorham  two  years; 
Justice  of  the  Peace  of  same  town,  which  oftice  he  resigned  when  he  went  to  law  school.  He  was 
commissioned  Colonel  of  one  of  the  luiiformed  regiments.  New  York  State  Militia ;  Captain  also 
of  a  rifle  company,  in  town  of  Benton  ;  Captain  of  company  in  town  of  dorham  ;  afterward  com- 
missioned Colonel  of  regiment  to  which  this  company  was  attached  ;  and,  in  1857,  he  purchased 
property  where  he  is  now  located  ;  the  property  was  owned  by  Moses  Pauquette  and  his  mother ; 
part  of  the  house  he  now  occupies  was  owneil  and  occupied  by  the  Pauquette  family  ;  in  18(55,  Mr. 
Harden  enlarged  and  improved  the  buildings  considerably,  and  moved  here  to  hi^  present  house 
in  1865;  jilatted  100  acres,  and  Jerome  B.  Fargo  platted  40  acres  in  1857,  known  as  Harden  & 
Fargo's  Addition  to  the  city  of  Portage  :  he  has  since  vacated  the  100  acres,  except  a  few  of  the 
streets  which  are  retained  as  they  weri'  i)latted  ;  the  40  acres  is  still  a  part  of  the  city  i)lat ;  since 
coming  to  his  present  location,  Mr,  B,  has  devoted  his  attention  to  farming.  He  has  held  offices  of 
Justice  of  the  Peace,  District  Attorney,  Alderman  of  Second  Ward,  Sui)er\isor,  Chairman  of  the 
Board  of  SuiJervisors,  member  of  Assembly  and  State  Senator.  He  was  married  at  Mentor,  Lake 
Co,.  Ohio.  Nov,  29,  1853,  to  Jane  K.  Corning  ;  she  was  born  in  Mentor,  Nov,  14,  1824  ;  they  have 
three  ehildren^William  C.,  Marshall  W.  and  ]\Iary  E. 

P.  J.  BARKMAW  is  a  native  of  Canada  West  ;  was  born  July  23.  184()  :  when  aljout  5 
years  of  age.  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  parents,  Richard  and  Louisa  Barkman  ;  they  located 
at  Oshkosh.  and  he  lived  there  until  he  was  16  years  of  age,  theu  came  to  Portage  ;  previous  to 
leaving  Oshkosh,  he  had  been  engaged  in  the  tinsmith  business;  after  coming  to  this  city,  he 
worked  for  I.  W.  Bacon  until  six  years  ago,  when  the  firm  of  J.  E.  Wells  &  Co.  was  formed,  of 
■which  he  is  a  member.     He  was  married  in  Portage  Jan.  9,  1868,  to  Mary  L.  Pixley  ;  she  died 


878  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Aug  8,  1878,  leaving  two  chililren— Fred,  born  Sept.  24.  18(j9  ;  Hanv.  June  1,  1874.     Mr.  B.  is  a 
memhr    ol  .\.  O.  V.  W. 

ANTOBf  BARTL  was  horn  in  Anstria  Nov,  11.1843:  came  to  America  in  1870  and 
located  in  .Menaslia.  remaining  there  six  months  ;  prior  to  locating  at  I'ortage,  in  1877.  he  resided 
in  Appleton.  (Jshkosli  and  Bea\er  l)am.  Mr.  B.  eonnnenced  the  lirewing  husincss  when  16  years 
of  age.  and  has  continued  in  it  ever  since.  He  was  married  at  Bea\er  Dam  to  Anna  Waldheir, 
who  died  in  May.  1S7S.  leaving  two  children — Frank  and  Ida.  Was  married  in  Portage  May  21, 
1879.  to  Julia  Mettler.  ^Ir.  B.  is  a  memtier  of  the  I.  ().  ().  F.  Lodge.  Leiderkranz  Society  and  the 
Hook  and   Ladder  Conipanv. 

IRYI\(ir  BATH,  editor  and  proprietor  I  if  Portage  Ihniticnit :  was  horn  in  Charlton,  N. 
Y..  April  27.  1S44.  In  ISCiS.  his  parents  came  from  .Michigan  to  Columhus.  in  this  county,  and  the 
year  afti'rward  were  followed  hy  their  son.  Irving,  who  remained  with  them  for  three  years,  attend- 
ing school,  after  which  he  took  a  course  of  medical  lectures  at  Ann  Arlior.  Mich.  Upon  the  com- 
pletion of  the  course,  he  went  to  Beaver  Dam,  Dodge  Co..  and  was  engaged  in  the  drug  husincss 
until  18(J!I,  when  he  removed  to  Berlin,  continuing  there  in  the  same  husiuess  up  to  the  year  1871, 
when  he  went  to  Cameron,  !Mo.,  and  carried  on  the  drug  and  jewelry  business  for  about  two  years, 
when  he  returned  to  Beaver  J  )am  :  in  1 875,  he  was  appointed,  hy  Attorney  ( Jeneral  A.  Scott  Sloan,  Patent 
Clerk  in  the  land  ottice  at  Madison,  and  contiinied  such  under  (iov.  Taylor's  administration  ;  in 
1878,  he  came  to  Portage  and  engageil  as  editor  of  the  Portage  Ihnuicviit.  having  the  previous  year 
purchased  a  third  interest  in  that  [)aper  ;  in  187;i,  he  became  its  sole  editor  and  proprietor,  which 
he  has  continued  ever  since.  He  has  served  as  Hosi)ital  Steward  of  the  47th  AV.  V.  I.  up  to  the 
close  of  our  late  civil  war.  He  married  .Miss  Emma  L.  Chatfield.  daughter  of  (ieorge  and  Eliza 
Chattield.  of  Beaver  Dam,  Dodge  Co..  Jan,  11.  18(i!l.     They  have  one  child,  a  daughtei-^— Leila. 

JACOB  BAl^fiR,  wagon-maker;  was  born  in  June,  1838.  in  (iermany  ;  came  to  Cniled 
States  in  IS.'jII.  and  worked  six  years  at  his  trade  in  Oneida  Co.,  X.  V.;  in  July.  1850,  settled  \\\ 
Portage,  and  foi-  awhile  worked  as  journeyman,  but  has  been  proprietor  for  fourteen  years  ;  is  now 
partner  in  firm  of  Bauer  &  Lewis,  for  maiuifacture  of  m-ir  work,  but  each  has  other  business  8e|)- 
arate.  He  was  married  in  1855.  to  Miss  Rosa  Wagner,  formerlv  of  (lermanv.  Thev  have  se\en 
children— Caroline,  horn  185(i  ;  Fred,  18(i(l ;  .\lhert,  1804  ;  Anna,  18(iG  ;  Otto,  18(59  ;  ".Minnie,  1872, 
and  Emma,  I87S.  In  1804,  he  enlisted  in  the  11th  W.  V.  I.,  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war. 
He  has  been  member  of  City  Council  two  terms,  and  served  three  terms  in  Board  of  Supervisors  of 
Columbia  Co.  He  has  a  residence  on  Superior  street,  but  the  slioj)  is  on  Canal  street.  Business  is 
in  '•  healthy  condition.' 

JACOB  BENT  was  born  in  Hesse-Darmstadt,  (iermany.  .Martli  24,  1848  ;  came  to  .Amer- 
ica .\ugust.  1807,  locating  at  Alilwaukee,  where  he  remained  until  1870.  when  he  came  to  Portage, 
and  has  resided  here  ever  since.  While  living  in  Alilwaukce.  was  engaged  in  manufacture  and  sale 
of  wines  and  liipiors  ;  since  coming  here,  engaged  in  the  brewery  business.  Was  married  at  Port- 
age. \\^x\\  19.  1S70,  to  Lizzie,  daughter  of  Charles  ILertel  :  she  was  liorn  in  this  city.  They  have 
two  daughters — .\ugusta  M,  and  Ella  M.  Air.  B.  is  a  member  of  the  Leideikranz  and  Turner  Soci- 
eties and  Fire  Department,  Diamatic  .Vssociatiou  and  Portage  Business  Alen's  .Association. 

DEABOLT  BLAKN,  Jr.,  son  of  Dcabolt  and  Lena  Blass;  was  horn  in  New  '\'ork 
City  Jan.  1(1.  1S4S  ;  came  with  his  parents  to  Portage  in  .May,  1852.  Father  resided  in  this  place 
eighteen  years,  then  removed  to  .Mansion  :  mother  died  at  Mauston.  Feb.  18.  1879  ;  father  is  now 
engaged  in  mercantile  business  at  Mauston.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  has  resided  in  Portage  since 
1852  ;  has  l)een  engaged  in  the  barhering  business  for  him.self  since  the  spring  of  1800.  .Mr.  Blass 
was  married  in  Chicago.  Oct.  22.  1873.  to  Anna  AI.  Weber,  a  native  of  Richherg,  Wurtemherg,  Ger- 
many ;  she  was  Ijorn  Dec.  19.  1852  ;  came  to  .America  in  1872.  Thev  have  three  children — .Vima 
L.,  liorn  (3ct.  0,  1874  ;  Dealjolt  M.,  horn  Feb,  23,  1877,  and  Edwin  J.."  born  April  l(i.  1879.  Air.  B. 
is  a  member  of  the  Odd-Fellow  Lodge.  D,  Blass.  Sr..  was  born  in  .Vlsace  (now  (Iermany)  in  1S()7  ; 
came  to  .America  in  183(1  ;  married  in  1830.  to  Alagdalena  Kripe  ;  she  was  also  l)orn  in  .\lsace,  July 
22.  1S13,  and  came  to  .Vmerica  in  1S3(),  The  parents  of  Airs.  D.  Blass.  Jr.,  Joseph  and  Theresa 
Weber,  were  married  in  1S49 — both  natives  of  (iermany  :  her  father  was  horn  in  1S22,  died  .April 
16.1859;  mother's  maiden  name  was  Theresa  Sluirr  ;  she  was  horn  in  1.S81,  and  died  .March  17, 
18(53, 

ERIVEST  BOTHIN,  retired  carpenter  and  joiner  :  born  in  (iermany  on  the  27th  of 
Septemlier,  LSll  ;  came  to  the  Cnited  States  in  1S52,  and  stopped  two  years  in  Ohio,  and  then,  in 
the  spring  of  1855,  .settled   in  this  city,  where  he  now  lives.      Soon  after  coming  into  Columbia  Co., 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  879 

he  liought  a  farm  of  22(1  acres  in  Lewistoii  Township,  which  he  carried  on  till  1S77,  when  he  sold 
the  farm  and  returned  to  city  life.  Was  married,  in  ]835.  to  3Iiss  Kozena  Laveranz  in  Germany  : 
have  six  children — Ottella.  Amelia,  Emma.  Minnie.  Julius.  Henry  :  has  Iniried  two  children  ;  the 
daughters  are  married.  Himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Eyangelical  Church,  of  which  he  is 
a  class  leader,  and  to  whose  welfare  he  is  devoted.  He  has  retired  from  active  life,  and  is  enjoying 
the  fruit  of  industry  and  economy  ;  lives  in  a  fine  brick  house  on  Cook  street ;  also  rents  another 
house  near  the  depot,  and  owns  other  real  estate  in  the  city. 

MRS.  SAMUEL  S.  BRAXIVAIV  was  bom  in  Georgia,  Franklin  Co.,  Vt.,  on  the  24th 
of  April,  1837  ;  she  is  the  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Khoda  M.  Prentiss  ;  she  came  West  in  185G,  and 
made  her  home  with  her  In-other.  Judge  G.  C.  Prentiss,  then  of  Portage,  now  of  La  Crosse,  Wis. 
On  the  27th  of  August.  18(>1.  she  was  married  to  her  late  husliand.  Samuel  S.  Brannan,  whose 
extended  biography  appears  in  tliis  volume,  with  others  of  the  illustrious  dead  of  the  county  ;  her 
entire  married  life  has  been  passed  in  P(jrtage.  and  most  of  it  also  in  her  present  home  ;  she  has  four 
children — S.  Prentice,  born  June  2.  18(i2  ;  William  R.,  Feb.  24.  1SG4  :  Lucy  C.  known  as  •■  Kittie," 
Aug.  5,  18(i5.  and  Jackson  T.  Brannan,  Oct.  24.  1868.  Her  husliand's  mother,  aged  75.  widow  of 
William  Brannan,  formerly  of  this  city,  resides  with  the  family,  and  is  still  active  and  vigorous. 
One  son.  Willie,  is  Assistant  in  the  post  office  at  Portage  ;  and  the  other,  S.  Prentiss,  is  mail  agent  on 
the  Madison  &  Portage  Railway. 

LL.  BREESE  was  lioru  Jlay  13, 1833.  atA  bermyuack,  in  the  parish  of  Malwyd.  Merioneth- 
shire, North  Wales  ;  he  is  the  son  of  Edward  and  JIary  Breese  ;  he  immigrated  with  his  parents  to 
this  country  in  the  month  of  May,  1846.  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  this  county  ;  his 
education  was  academic  ;  up  to  the  age  of  25.  he  was  engaged  most  of  the  time  with  his  parents 
in  cultivating  the  farm.  In  tlie  fall  of  1858,  owing  to  impaired  health,  he  accepted  the  position  of 
Deputy  Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co..  hoi)ing  thereby  to  impro\e  his  health  and  extend  his  knowledge  of 
business,  and  the  circle  of  his  ac(iuaintance.  Previous  to  this,  he  held  the  office  of  School  District 
Clerk,  Town  Supervisor,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  Town  Treasurer.  In  the  fall  of  ]8(i0,  he  received 
from  the  Republican  County  Convention  the  nomination  for  County  Treasurer,  and  was  elected  the 
following  November.  He  held  this  position  for  three  consecutive  terms,  in  all  six  years,  having  no 
competitor  for  the  office,  except  in  the  first  instance.  In  January,  1807,  at  the  close  of  his  third 
term  as  Treasurer,  he  entered  as  a  partner  the  dry-goods  firm  of  N.  H.  Wood  &  Co..  the  firm  being 
composed  of  N.  H.  Wood.  R.  ().  Loomis.  C.  R.  Gallett,  and  himself.  This  connection  was  continued 
until  1869,  when  Mr.  Wood  disposed  of  his  interest  to  the  other  partners,  and  retired  from  the  firm, 
which  thereafter  stood  and  was  styled  Loomis,  Gallett  &  Breese.  In  the  summer  of  1 860.  at  the 
urgent  solicitation  of  friends,  he  became  a  candidate  for  the  office  of  State  Treasurer  at  the  State 
Convention  held  that  fall.  On  the  first  informal  ballot,  he  received  a  plurality  of  votes,  but,  owing 
to  local  combinations,  the  hdmination  fell  to  his  competitor.  In  about  a  month  after  this  convention, 
the  nominee  for  Secretary  of  State,  resigning  his  position  upon  the  ticket,  made  it  necessary  for  the 
State  Central  Committee  to  fill  the  vacancy  by  ai)i)ointment.  Without  solicitation  on  his  part,  or 
even  knowledge  of  the  vacancy,  the  committee  tendered  him  the  nomination  for  that  place,  commun- 
icating their  action  by  telegraph.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  persistent  entreaty  of  a  few  intimate 
friends,  the  appointment  would  have  lieen  declined.  He  was  elected  the  following  November.  Under 
the  organization  of  the  State  (iovernment  of  Wisconsin,  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State  is  by  far 
the  most  important  of  the  State  offices  ;  besides  involving  the  duties  of  Secretary  of  State  proper, 
this  officer  is  also  ex  officio  Auditor  of  State,  and  School  Land  Commissioner,  and  also  ex  officio 
Commissioner  of  Insurance.  In  !May,  1876.  he  represented  Wisconsin  as  Commissioner  of  Insurance 
at  the  National  Insurance  Convention  held  in  the  city  of  New  York.  This  convention  was  composed 
of  those  officers  in  the  ditterent  States  who  had  charge  of  the  different  departments  therein.  He  was 
elected  ^''ice  President  of  the  convention  for  the  term  of  one  year  ;  re-elected  the  second  year,  and 
elected  President  the  third,  and  presided  at  its  fourth  annual  session.  After  the  expiration  of  his 
second  term  as  Secretary  of  State,  he  returned  to  Portage  and  resumed  his  former  occupation  as 
merchant.  In  addition  to  this,  he  also  held  the  pf>sitions  of  President  of  the  City  Bank  of  Portage, 
President  of  the  I^ortage  Iron  Works  and  President  of  the  Board  of  Education.  He  has  lieen 
engaged  in  farming  more  or  less  extensi\ely  throughout  his  life.  Religiously,  he  is  a  memljer  and 
Elder  of  the  Presliyterian  Church,  professing  Christianity  at  the  age  of  14  years.  He  is  an  active 
worker  in  the  church  and  Sunday  school.  Mr.  Breeafe  was  married,  June  9,  1853,  to  Miss  3Iary  E. 
Evans,  of  Milwaukee,  by  whom  he  has  had  six  children,  three  lioys  and  three  girls,  one  of  the  latter 
dying  in  infancj. 


880  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

VOLXRV  E.  BREWER,  jeweler  ;  was  horn  in  Otego.  Otsego  Co..  N.  Y..  May  l(i.  1841; 
moved  from  tliere  to  Lisle,  Broome  Co..  N.  Y..  when  10  years  of  age.  lived  there  eight  years  :  Mr. 
Brewer  traveled  in  Western  New  York  for  st-veral  years  selling  patent  medieines.  miisieal  instru- 
meiit-s,  ete.;  was  one  year  in  the  oil  regions  of  Pennsylvania,  spent  a  year  in  Illinois.  Iowa  and  Mis- 
souri before  coming  to  Portage,  where  he  arri\ed  in  18118  ;  he  learned  the  jewelers'  trade  in  Lisle, 
N.  Y..  and  has  been  engsiged  in  that  business  ever  since  coming  to  Wisconsin  :  he  is  a  member  of 
the  T.  <).().  K. 

JOH\  BRICKWEIiL  was  born  in  Ilighwicombe,  Bnckinghamshire.  England.  Dec.  8, 
ISK:!  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  fr<^m  Uxbridge,  England,  locating  at  Ft.  Winncl)ago  in  1848;  made  a 
claim  in  Lewiston  on  Sees.  1,  2  antl  11  (only  one  section)  ;  lived  there  until  1857.  then  removed  to 
Portage  ;  Mr.  B.  was  first  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  Ft.  Winnebago  and  organized  all  the  schools  before 
the  town  was  organized  or  surveyed,  and  was  the  first  School  Superintendent  of  that  (jlace  ;  he  came 
to  Portage,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  March  4,  I85(i,  and  to  the  Supreme  Court  Nov.  0,  1877  ;  his 
naturalization  papers  were  issued  Sept.  11.  185C.  Mr.  Brickwell  was  married  in  I'xliridge.  England, 
to  Sarah  Barton,  a  native  of  Ilighwicombe.  They  have  two  children — Joseph  and  Sarah  Ann.  Mr. 
B,  has  held  the  ollice  of  Alderman  several  times,  President  pro  tern,  of  the  Council,  etc.  Justice  of 
the  Peace  tbi'  several  years,  Clerk  of  District  School  Board  when  he  first  came  to  Portage,  Acting 
3Iayor  one  year,  and  was  elected  Supervisor  April  (i.  ISSd.  His  son  is  now  living  on  the  land  which 
his  father  first  entered  in  this  countv  ;  he  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  Lewiston  in  April. 
1880. 

HARVEY  BRINGS  was  born  in  Bens,)n.  Kntland  Co..  Vt,  May  17,  1818;  educated  at 
Castleton  Seminary,  read  law  in  the  town  of  Whitehall.  Washington  Co,,  N.  Y..  admitted  to  the  bar 
of  Vermont  in  1842  ;  he  then  practiced  law  in  his  native  place  until  1854  ;  came  to  Portage  June  4, 
1854,  has  resided  in  ^Visconsin  ever  since  ;  be  purchased  a  larm  on  Sec.  6  in  the  town  of  Lewiston, 
lived  there  one  year  ;  in  1858.  removed  to  Packwaukee,  was  appointed  County  Judge  of  Marquette 
Co,  July  1(),  1858  ;  in  the  spring  of  1850,  was  elected  to  the  same  ottice  on  the  Ilepublican  ticket  by 
a  majority-  of  500  in  a  Democratic  district,  served  until  18li2,  when  he  resigned  ;  was  also  Justice 
of  the  Peace  and  Assessor  while  in  that  county  ;  removed  to  Briggsville,  was  there  until  1874  ;  then 
in  .Montello  one  year,  and  took  charge  of  the  ollice  of  County  Judge.  Came  to  Portage 
in  1875.  where  he  has  remained  ever  since;  has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  four  years.  Mr. 
Briggs  was  marrieil  at  Cornwall,  Vt,  May  2,  1844,  to  Francis  L.  Peck,  a  native  of  Cornwall  ;  they 
have  three  children — Carlton  W.,  now  at  Grand  Rapi<ls,  Wood  Co.,  Wis.,  born  April  21.  1845:  Cloe 
Anne,  now  Mrs.  Fred  Davis,  of  Lewiston,  born  September,  1851  ;  Ella  ^lay,  now  Mrs,  James  S.  Gay, 
of  Douglas,  Mar(|uette  Co,,  born  July  13,  1858 — lost  one  son,  Amasa,  born  3Iarcli  10,  1847.  died  in 
Michigan  in  18(17.  aged  20  years  ;  Carlton  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  K,  ISth  W,  \.  I.,  in  January, 
1862  ;  was  Captain  of  the  44th  W,  V,  I.  when  he  was  mustered  out.  after  close  of  the  war:  was 
Acting  Assistant  Inspector  General  of  the  post  at  Paducah. 

JA.MES  R.  BRODIE  was  born  in  Renfrewshire,  Scotland,  about  seven  miles  from  (Uasgow. 
August.  18;iii :  came  to  America  in  18(16,  and  to  Portage  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year;  learned  the 
trade  of  shoemaking  when  he  was  10  years  of  age,  and  has  been  engaged  in  that  busini-ss  since 
arri\'ing  here,  anil  in  trade  alone  for  the  last  six  years.  Married  in  the  town  of  Ardrie,  Scotland, 
June,  ISi;:'.,  to  Margaret  Leeds  Potter  ;  she  was  born  in  Scotland  ;  they  have  three  children — Hella, 
Willie  and  Jamcsij  lost  two,  one  infant  son  James,  and  Maggie,  who  died  in  February,  1877.  3Ir. 
and  .Mrs.  Brotlie  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

L..  WAIjTER  BROWIV  was  born  on  Fox  Island.  Me,.  June  1.  1850  ;  came  with  his 
parents  to  tlu'  town  ol'  Dckorra,  Columliia  Co,.  Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  1854  ;  engaged  in  farming  there 
until  1865,  when  he  removed  to  Jackson  Co..  ^linn.;  his  mother.  Mary  Green  lirown,  died  in  the 
town  of  Dekorra,  April  16,  18()5,  leaving  six  children — Eurena  J,,  now  3Irs.  S.  T.  Keller,  ri'siding  in 
Jacks(m  Vo..  Jlinn.;  Frank  M.,  now  a  resident  of  Maine  ;  Hoscoe  G.,  (Juinncsec,  Mich.;  Flora  E,, 
now  Mrs,  D,  II,  Ilaggaril,  of  Winnebago  Agency  ;  L,  Walter  (the  subject  of  this  sketch),  of  Phillips, 
Wis.,  Register  of  Deeds  for  Price  Co,,  dealer  in  pine  lumber,  real  estate,  etc,  and  Harvey  If.,  mineral 
explorer  at  Quinnesec  3Ir.  B.  enlisted  in  Co.  E,  50th  W.  V.  I.  in  January,  1865,  mustered  in  Fel). 
22  of  the  same  year  ;  mustered  out  in  June,  serving  three  months  and  twentv-flve  days  ;  lived 
in  Wisconsin  most  of  the  time  since  1854  ;  a  resident  of  Price  Co.  since  1876  :  local  agent  about 
three  years  for  Senator  Price,  one  of  the  largest  individual  lumber  operators  in  America  ;  since  then, 
operating  on  his  own  account  principally  ;  his  brothers  and  sisters  are  all  natives  of  Maine,  except 
Ilarvey  L.  who  was  born  in  Columbia  Co.;  father  :uid  mother  both  born  on  Fox  Island,  Me. 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  881 

ARCHIBAfiD  BRYCE  was  Iwru  Aug.  25.  1801.  near  Glasgow,  Scotland;  his  parents 
came  to  America  the  April  after  his  Ijirth,  and  settled  in  Stamford.  Delaware  Co..  N.  Y.,  where  he 
resided  till  23  years  of  age ;  the  well-known  cares  and  duties  of  a  thrifty  farmer's  son  were  his 
till  attaining  his  majority.  He  was  married  Dee.  1.  1824.  to  Miss  Jaunette  Frazer,  formerly  of 
Inverness.  Scotland  ;  he  lived  twelve  years  at  Little  Falls.  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.;  was  engaged 
seven  years  of  the  time  as  overseer  of  repairs  on  a  section  of  the  Erie  Canal ;  and  five  years  was 
engineer  in  a  paper-mill  at  Little  Falls  ;  he  li\'ed  four  years  in  Oswego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  then  aliout 
six  years  in  Steulieu  Co.,  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade;  he  was  a  farmer  four  years  in  Ontario  ;  and 
then  in  'Slay,  1840.  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  bought  a  farm  in  Marcellon  Township  ;  this  was 
his  home  till  187(1,  when  he  sold  this  farm  and  soon  afterward  moved  to  Portage  ;  his  fine  brick 
residence  is  but  a  block  from  the  court  house,  and  on  the  corner  of  Clark  and  Pleasant  sti'eets  ; 
they  have  raised  ten  children — Thomas,  Margaret ;  Chauncey,  who  died  in  the  army  ;  Jeanette, 
.Mary.  Ann,  Sarah  ;  Daniel,  deatl  ;  David,  dead,  and  Carrie  ;  one  of  the  widowed  daughters,  Mrs. 
Sarah  Tarbell,  resides  with  the  jiarents  in  their  pleasant  home:  she  was  married  to  George  L.  Tar- 
liell  in  1800.  and  his  death  occurrctl  in  1808.  Mr,  Bryee.  although  nearly  fourscore,  is  still  hale 
anil  vigorous ;  himself  and  worthy  helpmeet  have  trod  the  relialile  patli  of  industry  and  economy 
which  almost  inevitably  leads  to  an  old  age  of  happiness  and  competency.  •■  Uncle  Brjx-e"  boasts 
that  he  ••  never  speculated,  never  went  to  bed  hungry  and  never  had  a  lawsuit." 

WILIjIAM  W.  BIIIjLARD,  the  subject  "of  this  sketch,  is  a  native  of  Vermont;  is  the 
son  of  Derreck  and  Sibley  Ballard  ;  was  liorn  in  Weybridge.  Addison  Co..  Vt.,  Aug.  23.  1845,  lived 
there  imtil  he  was  2  or  3  years  old,  when  his  parents  moved  to  JIartinsburg,  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
remained  there  about  twelve  j'ears  ;  during  the  next  two  years  lived  In  Kingston,  Canada,  when  he 
removed  to  Rutland.  Dane  Co.,  Wis.;  resided  there  about  eight  months.  Feb.  10,  1861.  enlisted  in 
Co.  A  (Lieut.  Nobles  commanding),  Sth  U.  S.  Infantry  ;  served  in  that  regiment  until  May  12,  18(32  ; 
on  account  of  disal>ilitv.  did  guard  duty  at  Ft.  La  Fayette  and  Ft.  Hamilton  ;  re-enlisting  in 
July.  1862,  in  Co.  E,  23d  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  mustered  out  August,  1865  ;  moved  to  Baraboo  and 
resided  there  until  coming  to  Portage,  in  1876.  Married  Jliss  Isabelle  Elgie,  daughter  of  jMathew 
Elgie,  who  came  to  Caledonia  thirty  years  ago,  and  is  now  living  there,  March  18,  18(iG  ;  she  was 
liorn  in  Guelph,  Canada;  they  have  one  daughter — Belle,  born  Dec.  25.  1866. 

WlfjIilAIH  a.  BUNKER,  sou  of  Levi  and  Maria  Bunker;  was  born  in  the  town  of 
West  River,  Randolph  Co..  Ind..  Aug.  17.  1834;  his  parents  moved  to  AVayne  Co.,  Ind.,  in  1841  ; 
learned  his  trade  at  Richmond,  Ind..  and  commenced  business  for  himself  in  1853,  in  Wheeling, 
Delaware  Co..  Ind.;  remained  there  six  years  ;  then  went  to  Logansport,  where  he  remained  until 
18(51.  when  he  moved  to  (ialveston,  in  Cass  Co..  and  remained  there  four  years,  when  he  came  to 
Portage  in  spring  of  1865  and  engaged  in  harness-making,  which  Inisiness  he  has  since  followed, 
with  the  exception  of  two  years  that  he  resided  in  the  town  of  Ft.  Winnebago.  Was  elected  Justice 
of  the  Peace  in  1874.  and  was  re-elected  in  1876  and  1878.  Mr.  B.  was  married  in  Jonesboro, 
Grant  Co.,  Ind.,  Dec.  17,  1857,  to  Ursula  A.  Mehaffej-  ;  she  was  boru  near  Dayton.  (Jhio,  Ma3%  1840  ; 
they  have  two  children — Adeline  ^I.  and  Warren  W.  'Sir.  Bunker  is  a  member  of  I.  0.  0.  F.  since 
18(52. 

ALEX.  CARlKf  AGIE,  a  native  of  Cupeer,  in  Fyfe,  Scotland  ;  was  born  July  12,  1820,  emi- 
grating to  America  in  1840,  and  locating  in  Vermilion  Co.,  N.  Y.;  remained  there  one  year  and  a  half; 
then  going  to  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  he  made  it  his  home  until  1848  ;  then  coming  to  Milwaukee,  and 
remaining  there  until  September,  1850,  when  he  came  to  Portage;  returning  to  New  York  City  in  1853  ; 
living  on  Staten  Island  most  of  the  time  until  1855,  when  he  returned  to  this  city,  which  since  hag  been 
his  home.  Mr.  C.  learned  his  trade  before  leaving  Scotland.  He  murried  in  the  town  of  Hope,  Ham- 
ilton Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  3,  1842,  Eliza  Mills,  who  was  born  in  the  city  of  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  Aug.  12, 
1824  ;  they  have  four  children,  three  sons  and  one  daughter — Agnes,  Alex,  Jr.,  John  W.  and  George. 
Mr.  Carnai:;ie  has  been  City  Assessor  for  two  terms,  also  Alderman  of  the  Second  Ward  two  years. 

FRED  <jr.  CASTLE,  .passenger  conductor  on  the  Northern  Division  of  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P. 
R.  R.;  born  in  Waukau,  Wis.,  Sept.  2,  1851  ;  his  father  was  for  several  years  proprietor  of  the  PJxchange 
Hotel  at  Omro,  Wis.  At  the  age  of  14  years,  he  left  home  to  .seek  his  fortune,  and  spent  four  years  in 
the  pineries,  part  of  the  time  as  cook  and  the  la.st  portion  as  lumberman.  When  18,  he  began  railroading 
as  brakemau  on  the  Northern  Division  of  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.;  after  one  year's  experience, 
he  was  promoted  the  charge  of  same  train — the  "  Winneconnee  Freight" — which  he  ran  four  years: 
then  for  a  year,  he  was  an  "  extra  passenger  man,"  and,  in  the  spring  of  1875,  he  was  appointid 
conductor  of  a  passenger  train  on  the  same  road,  and  he    has   been   in    continuous   service   to  date — 


882  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Summer,  1880.  He  was  married,  Sept.  5,  1877,  to  Miss  Frankie  Gould,  of  Beaver  Dam,  Wis.;  they 
have  one  son,  named  Guy  Wilkinson,  born  on  the  8tli  of  February,  1871).  Mrs.  Castle  is  a  member 
of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Portage;  she  is  a  graduate  of  the  higli  school  at  Lincoln,  Neb.;  she  is  a  niece 
of  B.  F.  Taylor,  the  well-known  author — America's  gifted  word  painter  ;  she  herself  wields  a  ready 
and  graceful  pen  Mr.  Castle  is  one  of  "the  boys"  who  has  hosts  of  friends;  is  a  genial  and  popular 
conductor;  he  will  be  recognized  in  Portage  by  his  constant  attendant,  "Don,"  the  noblest  dog  in  th  • 
city,  a  pure-blood  St.   Bernard. 

MRS.  JULIA  E.  CHRISTOPHER,  nee  Waters,  was  born  on  the  11th  of  April.  1832. 
in  Massena,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.;  her  early  education  was  in  her  native  town,  and  afterward  with  her 
brother  in  Canada;  she  and  her  brother  Daniel  came  West  in  the  fall  of  1855,  and  the  winter  follow- 
ing, they  together  engaged  in  teaching  the  public  school  in  Portage.  In  the  summer  of  185(3,  she. 
taught  school  in  District  No.  5,  township  of  Wyocena,  and  boarded  with  David  Reynolds,  an  old  pioneer. 
Eighteen  years  afterward,  1874,  her  stepdaughter,  Mary  Christopher,  taught  in  the  district,  .same  school- 
house,  boarded  at  same  house  and  in  the  same  family.  In  the  summer  of  1879,  her  oldest  daughter, 
Susie  E.  Christopher,  taught  in  same  district,  in  same  schoolhouse  and  boarded  at  the  same  house,  but 
the  old  pioneer,  David  Reynolds,  had  gone  to  his  last  home.  Mrs.  C.  taught  in  Ft.  Winnebago  before  her 
marriage.  In  1857,  she  taught  in  the  First  Ward  School,  and  for  the  last  five  years,  her  stepdaughter, 
Mary,  has  been  teaching  in  the  same  building,  which  has  been  moved  nearer  the  present  center  of  busi- 
ness, and  now  her  daughter  is  teaching  in  the  same  bjilding.  Mrs.  Christopher  is  one  of  a  family  often 
children,  of  whom  seven  have  been  successful  teachers  in  Wisconsin.  She  was  married  on  the  2d  of 
October,  1859,  to  Thomas  Christopher,  of  Portage;  they  had  sis  children — Susie  E.,  Daniel  T.,  who  is 
dead  ;  Daniel  J.,  George  M.,  Julia  B.  and  Willie  J.,  all  of  whom  live  at  home.  Her  husband  was  one  of 
the  earliest  settlers  in  Portage — came  in  1848  ;  he  was  a  useful  and  leading  citizen,  and  contributed 
largely  to  the  building-up  of  the  city  ;  he  was  a  liberal  Catholic,  as  is  also  Mrs.  Christopher.  He  was 
seven  times  honored  with  the  office  of  Assessor,  and  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April.  1872,  he  was  again 
elected  to  that  difficult  position,  but  on  the  30th  of  April — the  day  before  his  official  duties  were  to  begin 
— he  passed  from  earth's  toils  and  triumphs  to  the  rewards  ot  the  righteous. 

JOHN  TILIjOTSON  CLARK  was  born  in  what' was  then  the  town  of  Wolcott.  now 
the  town  of  Huron.  \\'avne  Co..  N.  Y..  on  the  Idth  of  April.  ISlil  ;  he  was  the  son  of  the  Rev. 
Williaui  Clark,  a  l'resl)yt:erian  flergyuian.  and  Sophronia  Tillotson  :  resided  in  Huron  until  1835. 
when  he  removed  with  his  father  tt)  the  town  of  J)aubv.  Tompkins  Co.,  N.  Y.  When  IS  years  of 
age.  he  purehused  his  time  of  his  father,  paying  therefor  :?15ll.  Naturally  a  elose  student,  losing  no 
opportunity  to  ae(piire  information  while  in  the  serviee  of  his  father,  he  now  took  measures  calcu- 
lated to  increase  his  facilities  for  gaining  knowledge  ;  his  time  being  his  own,  he  applied  all  leisure 
moments  to  stud}',  entering  ( )wego  Academy,  Tioga  Co.,  and  ( rroton  .Vcademy.  Tompkins  Co.,  for 
brief  terms  during  the  winter  seasons,  and  laboring  in  the  harvest  field  during  summer,  in  order  that 
he  might  earn  the  price  of  his  tuition  ;  in  September,  1843.  he  entered  Hamilton  College,  where  he 
graduated  in  1845;  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  he  went  to  Camden.  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  taught  a 
private  school  initil  July  5,  1848  ;  during  the  latter  part  of  this  time,  he  studied  law  out  of  .school 
lioiirs  ;  from  Cannlen  he  went  to  Lyons,  N,  Y'..  and  was  there  engaged  as  Princiijal  of  the  Lyons 
Cnion  School  for  three  ^ears  ;  in  the  mean  time  he  continued  his  study  of  the  law,  and  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  in  September,  1859,  in  Rochester.  He  was  married  at  Lyons,  N.  Y..  on  the  24th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1851.  to  Harriet  Louise  Holley.  daughter  of  John  iM.  Holley.  M.  C.  In  April,  1S53,  he 
commenced  practicing  law  with  his  eldest  brother.  AVilliam  Clark,  with  whom  he  had  studied;  in 
September  of  that  year,  he  removed  to  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.,  and  soon  took  charge,  as  I'rincipal. 
of  the  pul>lic  school,  remaining  there  until  the  spring  of  1857,  wdien  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating 
at  Portage,  and  engaging  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  In  the  spring  of  IStil,  he  was  elected 
County  Judge  of  Columbia  Co..  serving  until  the  1st  of  January.  lS(i(i  :  in  the  fall  ol'  this  year,  he 
was  chosen  District  Attorney,  and  heUl  that  otliee  two  years  ;  in  1870.  he  retired  to  his  farm  in  the 
town  of  Roxbury,  Dane  Co..  Wis.,  where  he  lived  with  his  family  until  the  fall  of  1875,  removing  to 
the  city  of  Madison,  that  his  children  might  enjoy  the  advantages  of  the  State  rnivevsity.  In  Feb- 
ruary, 1878,  he  purchased  of  Messrs.  Brannan  &  Turner  the  Wiscmixiii  Stutr  Jiegisttr,  soon  after- 
ward admitting  B.  F.  Goodell  as  a  partner,  ami  removing  his  family  from  the  State  capital  in  July, 
1879  ;  Judge  Clark  has  sole  control  of  the  editorial  colunnis  of  the  Rrgtstir.  Seven  children  have 
been  born  to  Judge  and  Jlrs.  Clark — Mary  Holley,  born  in  Lyons,  N.  Y.;  Elizabeth  Sophronia,  and 
John  Tillotson  (died  Nov.  19,  18li3),  born  in  New  Brunswick.  N.  J.:  Helen  Loinse.  Jidia  Kirkland. 
Sarah  Amelia  and  William  Henry,  born  in  Portage. 


^.^^^ 


^^^'*i?1 


,te,,    -m^li'^^^.. 


Res  ofI.W.SchULZE  Portage  Wis. 


Residence^/Buisness  Block  OF  J. O, Eaton  Lodi  Wis 


mmm 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  885 

W.  a.  CLOUGH,  Principal  of  the  high  school,  was  born  in  Portage,  Maj'  20,  1853  ;  son 

of  Win.  R.  and  Mar}-  A.  Govve_y  Clough ;  parents  settled  in  Delavan,  Wis.,  in  1846;  afterward 
removed  to  Portage  ;  father  died  Feb.  8,  18(>9  ;  Mrs.  C.  is  still  a  resident  of  Portage  ;  Mr.  C.  was 
educated  in  the  piil)lic  schools  of  Portage,  and  also  a  graduate  of  the  State  University  at  JIadison 
in  1875  ;  taught  district  sclioc^ls  three  winters  prior  to  entering  the  State  University  ;  afterward 
appointed  Assistant  Principal  of  Portage  High  School,  and  held  the  position  one  year  ;  since  that 
time  has  been  Principal  in  the  same  school. 

ROBERT  COCHRANE,  miller  and  grain  dealer,  was  born  April  25,  1822.  in  Westfield, 
Chautauqua  Co..  N.  Y.  ;  his  mill  is  in  Westfield,  Marquette  Co.,  Wis,,  and  his  residence  is  in 
Portage  ;  in  1842,  came  west,  and  remained  nearly  three  years  in  Joliet,  111. ;  about  1845,  he,  with 
three  brothers,  bought  fully  a  thousand  acres  of  land,  near  Waupun,  and  farmed  unitedly  on  a  large 
scale  ;  in  185(1.  himself  and  two  bnjthers  went  to  Marquette  Co.  and  bought  a  large  tract  of  land, 
and  laid  out  a  village,  which,  in  honor  of  his  birthplace,  he  named  Westfield  ;  there  they  erected  a 
gi-ist-mill  and  saw-mill,  and  store  and  dwelling,  and  thus  founded  the  village.  He  was  married  on 
the  12th  of  January,  1859.  to  Miss  Lucy  R.  Emerton,  of  Ft.  Winnelmgo  ;  she  was  born  on  the  21st  of 
September,] 838.  in  Columbia,  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.  ;  during  the  war.  the  Cochrane  lirothers  divided  their 
respective  interests.  3Ir.  Robert  C.  retaining  the  Westfield  property  ;  he  also  has  a  farm  in  Dodge 
Co..  besides  the  improvements  at  Westfield,  and  a  large  brick  residence  in  Portage.  One  child  died 
in  infancy,  and  four  are  lining — Jennie  E.,  Lula  A..  R.  Li^'ingstone  and  T.  Harry.  Mr.  C.  has  held 
town  and  county  ottices.  and  was  a  member  of  Legislature  in  1803  ;  is  a  memlier  of  the  Odd  Fellows 
and  of  the  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  ;  he  votes  in  local  elections  for  the  ''  best  man,"  but 
in  State  and  National  afliiiirs  is  of  decided  Democratic  proclivities.  Mrs.  C.  is  a  Presbyterian  ;  the 
familj-  are  highly  respected. 

J.  COLE  was  born  in  the  town  of  Cherry  Vallej-.  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  15,  1815  ;  worked 
in  cotton  mills  in  Oneida  Co,  until  nearlj'  21  years  of  age  ;  then  went  to  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  and 
remained  about  three  years  ;  returned  to  Rochester,  and  worked  in  the  cotton-mills  for  eighteen  months ; 
in  the  fall  of  1839,  removed  to  Newton  Falls,  Ohio,  residing  there  eleven  years;  he  subseijuently 
resided  in  Painesville  one  year,  Cleveland  one  .year,  town  of  Bristol  two  years  ;  JNIr.  C.  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  located  at  (Jconomowoc,  residing  afterward  at  Milwaukee  and 
Hartford  ;  in  the  tall  of  1858,  was  employed  by  railroad  company,  as  machinist,  running  stationary 
engines,  etc. ;  remained  in  their  employ  for  twelve  years  ;  in  September,  1871,  engaged  in  flour  and 
feed  business,  and  has  continued  in  that  Ijusiness  ever  since  ;  he  also  deals  in  wooden  pumps.  ^Ir. 
C.  was  married  in  Rochester,  N.  Y..  in  the  fall  of  1839.  to  ;Mary  A.  McDonald,  a  native  of  Water- 
town,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.  ]Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cole  are  l:)oth  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  Mr.  C.  is 
Stewartl,  Recording  Secretar}-  and  Class  Leader  in  the  church. 

CONRAD 'COLLIPP.  [An  autobiography].  I  was  born  Feb.  21,  1822.  in  the  village 
of  Obersuhl,  in  the  middle  Werra  Valley  of  Northwest  Thuringia,  near  the  city  of  Eisenach,  and  the 
renowed  castle  of  Wartburg,  where  Dr.  JNIartin  Luther  in  the  years  1522-23  translated  the  Bible  into 
the  German  language  ;  my  liirthplace.  Oliersuhl,  belonging  at  that  time  to  the  J]leetorate  of  Hesse- 
Cassel,  now  to  Prussia;  I  was  brought  up  under  stern  Protestantism — the  (jrcrman  Reformed  Church — 
vigorous  Zwingli-Calvanism.  'Sly  father.  John  CoUipp,  was  a  verj-  severe  and  stiff  military  gentle- 
men, of  strict  morality  and  of  very  few  words  ;  he  was  a  manufacturer  of  worsted  and  other  fine 
white  woolen  yarns  ;  lie  owned  quite  a  wealth  of  real  estate.  3Iy  mother's  name  was  Christina  Mohr. 
of  old  German  stock,  tough  and  wiry  all  lier  lifetime  ;  she  died  in  Philadelphia  in  1873.  77  years  of 
age.  I  was  the  only  son  of  five  chiklren,  having  tour  sisters  ;  I  went  to  school  about  fourteen  j-ears. 
from  my  4th  to  my  14th  year,  in  what  we  call  in  regular  school,  and  four  years  in  extra  preparatory 
school  tor  higher  studies,  mostly  three  times  a  day,  till  I  was  18  years  old.  3Iy  mother  becoming  a 
widow  through  the  sudden  death  of  my  father,  and  she  intending  to  use  me  for  other  purposes  than 
book  studies,  took  me  awaj'  from  school  against  my  most  obstinate  remonstrances  and  wishes,  and 
put  me  in  apprenticeship  to  a  damask-weaver,  antl  afterward  to  plush  and  velvet  weaving.  After 
the  death  of  mj'  father,  my  mother,  who  had  given  up  my  father's  business,  commenced  a  commer- 
cial business  of  selling  table-linen,  damask  and  general  hosiery,  besides  carrying  on  our  farming  : 
from  my  18th  to  my  22d  j'ear,  I  have  alwaj'S  considered  the  worst  four  years  of  my  life,  because 
l)eing  compelled  to  engage  in  employments  against  my  inclinations  and  wishes  ;  I  rather  would  ha\e 
liked  to  be  a  soldier  from  my  20th  year,  but  even  that  could  not  be,  for  I  was  the  only  son  of  a 
widow,  and  therefore  exempt  by  law  and  the  circumstances  ;  but  thank  God  !  the  year  of  1844  came 
on,  the  3-ear  of  my  majority — 22  years  old  according  to  German  laws  ;  yes,  dear  mother — 22  years 


>i86  BIOGRAPHICAI.    !>KETCIIES: 

old,  now  1  t"ui  do  something  for  myself;  aTid  straightway  I  i)repared  to  go  into  the  great  universe, 
wlieresoe\er  I  might  get  to.  to  the  East  Indies  or  elsewhere,  no  differenee  to  me. 

The  1  Ttli  of  .March.  1844.  I  left  the  old  domieile  of  my  mother  and  my  native  village  of  ( )l)ersulil 
amidst  copious  shedding  of  tears  and  great  sorrow  of  my  dear  mother,  sisters  and  hundreds  of 
friends  :  per  foot,  knaiisaek  on  my  liaek.  eane  in  hand,  the  legal  pajjers  and  passports,  and  necessary 
cash  in  my  pockets  ;  going  to  (i  ittingen  in  pretty  had  weather,  and  rather  footsore.  1  took  the  mail 
coach  for  Bremen  ;  arriving  in  Bremen  the  22d  of  March.  1S44.  I  noticed  a  large  poster,  stating  that 
in  a  few  days  a  ship  would  .sail  for  America  ;  I  went  to  the  ottice  and  asked  what  it  would  cost  to 
go  to  Amerit'a  :  the  man  asked  me  what  I  had.  I  told  him  nothing  hut  myself  and  a  knapsack  ;  he 
tohl  me  if  I  paid  lit  thalers  in  gold.  I  coulil  go.  I  paid  right  away  and  took  my  passage  ticket ;  after 
looking  around  the  city  of  Bremen,  and  buying  .some  maps  of  America  and  otlier  stationery.  1  Anally 
left  the  old  foggy  jtlace  in  a  schooner  on  the  Weser  Ui\-er  for  Braka  some  miles  seaward.  On  the 
night  of  the  24th  of  March.  1844.  I  left  dear  old  Fatherland  in  the  hrig  Louisa.  Capt.  Claus  Wencke. 
for  far-off  America  ;  in  the  morning,  when  I  got  out,  I  could  see  nothing  more  of  land,  only  dreary 
fog,  and  once  in  awhile  a  dangerous  looking  buoy  in  dismal  waters.  Adieu.  After  a  stormy  and 
terrific  voyage  of  eight  weeks  in  despair,  sulfering  in  the  meantime  almost  every  conceivable  misery 
and  discomfort.  T  arrived  hale  and  hearty  the  21st  of  May.  1844,  and  about  9  o'clock  A.  M.  set  my 
feet  on  drv  land  at  Spruce  street  wharf  in  Philadelphia,  thanking  (rod  and  kissing  the  very  dry  soil 
on  terra  tirina.  I  advanced  a  few  rods  upon  my  •'  sea-legs  "  to  the  corner  of  Spruce  and  Water 
street,  to  a  barrier  post,  made  of  an  old  cannon,  and  gazed  with  delight  in  the  lialmy  bright  May 
morning  up  Spruce  street,  with  its  gilt-lettered  liehung  signs.  While  I  was  standing  there  in  won- 
drous admiration  and  meditations  of  many  sorts,  a  middle-aged.  tall,  paletaced  and  lank  gentleman 
of  a  pleasant  countenance  approached  me  and  asked,  whether  I  had  come  with  yonder  ship,  point- 
in<i  with  his  finger  toward  the  brig  Louisa,  with  the  Bremen  flag  flying  in  the  lireeze  in  the  Dela- 
ware Ki\('r  :  T  understood  so  much,  that  I  assented  with  nodding  of  my  head  ;  for  with  the  remem- 
brances of  the  voyage,  I  had  no  desire  to  look  toward  the  shij)s.  The  gentleman  spoke  a  few  more 
words  to  me,  but  I  shook  my  head  in  the  negative  ;  a  few  moments  afterward,  he  said,  you  stay 
here  a  few  minutes  ;  I  understood  that  also  partially,  and  again  assented  with  my  heatl  nodding  : 
s<'arcely  five  minutes  had  elapsed  and  the  same  gentleman  appeared  in  company  with  a  youngish 
man  ;  this  youngish  man  stepped  toward  me,  and  bade  me  \ery  [jleasantly  good  morning  in  German, 
and  asked  me  further  in  the  (lermap  language  whether  I  had  just  come  with  that  ship,  over  there  in 
the  river,  and  whether  there  had  not  come  some  i)erson  I  knew  of  who  could  manufacture  such  ma- 
terial as  my  cap  was  made  of  (I  had  a  plush  cap  on  my  head).  I  answered  that  I  had  learned  to 
make  such  stuff  at  Marksuhl  in  Saxe-Weiucingen  ;  they  both  appeared  very  much  pleased,  but  I  did 
care  much  about  it.  for  T  was  very  hungry,  having  scarcely  eaten  anything  within  sixty  hours  of  the 
miseralile  food  on  board  the  ship  ;  though  I  was  enchanted  with  the  handsome  landscapes,  the  crow- 
ing of  roosters,  lowing  of  cattle,  sights  of  towns,  orchards  and  fields  on  l)oth  sides  of  the  grand  Del- 
aware Bay  and  River,  slowly  coming  up  with  the  ship,  in  delightfid  .May  weather  ;  the  old  gentleman 
soon  lelt.  but  the  youngish  man  stayed  with  me,  took  me  to  an  adjacent  hotel,  where  a  bountiful 
table  was  set  with  everything  the  heart  could  wish  for.  such  as  I  only  had  seen  at  grand  festi\'als  ;  I 
thought  by  myself  CoUipp.  yon  have  it ;  there  is  surely  a  great  festi\'al  on  the  go  here  :  no  doubt  of 
it,  for  all  the  people  are  dressed  so  well  and  everything  looks  so  gay  ;  the  reader  may  depend  on  it, 
1  did  eat  at  that  time  with  great  comfort,  and  to  my  entire  satisfaction. 

An  incident  occurred  during  my  first  American  meal,  which  I  may  relate :  While  1  was  studi- 
ously eating  away,  the  landlady  of  the  house  came  in — a  middle-aged  woman  ;  she  asked  me  where 
J  came  from  in  Germany.  I  answered,  '-From  Ul)ersuhl  in  the  Werra-Valley."'  "What  is  your 
father's  name  '!  "  I  said.  '•  I  am  the  only  son  of  Johannes  CoUipp  ;  my  name  is  Conrad."  "  0  dear 
(iod!  "  she  exclaimed.  "  my  dear  young  man,  I  nursed  you  while  you  Was  a  little  boy.  I  have 
known  your  father  \erv  well  ;  you  must  stay  with  me  as  long  as  you  please.  "  T  hjoked  at  the 
woman  with  great  pleasure,  and  asked  who  the  good  lady  was  who  addressed  a  stranger  so  kindly 
(for  I  could  not  remember  ever  seeing  the  person).  She  told  me  her  father's  name,  and  other  things. 
Well  known  to  me  in  Europe,  etc.  I  recognized  at  once  that  I  was  not  altogether  in  a  strange  land, 
without  friends. 

After  having  finished  my  meal,  the  youngisli  man.  whom  we  will  call  now  Mr.  Hess,  foreman  of 
Mr.  Woo<lrutf'  s  millinerv.  hat  and  cap  manufactory,  took  nu'  witli  him  in  an  omnibus,  and  we  rode 
that  first  half-day  over  many  parts  of  the  oi)uleut  city  of  Philadi4phia.  he  treating  me  with  many 
kinds  of  luxuries,  such  as  oranges,  ice  cream,  cocoanuts.  iringcr  beer.  etc..  and  showing  me  some  of 


CITY   OF   porta(;e.  887 

the  arts,  seieiu't-s.  line  architeeture  and  memorulile  places  of  that  tjreat  t'ity.  I  thanketl  (ioil  in  the 
evening,  that  in  reality  I  had  now  come  to  a  place  where  I  could  for  awhile  learn  a  great  deal,  and 
be  happy.  Mr.  Hess  treated  me  for  several  days  in  the  same  manner,  till  I  told  him  that  now  I  had 
•  enough  of  sight-seeing,  and  we  would  go  to  business  henceforth.  We  procured  the  necessary  ma- 
chinery, twisted  mohair  and  other  properly  dyed  yarns,  etc.,  and  went  to  work.  I  taught  at  that 
time  about  sixty  girls  to  make  plush  for  the  manufacture  of  hats,  caps,  etc.,  'Sir.  Woodrurt'.  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  estal;>lishment.  paying  me  well  for  niy  ser\ices,  and  treating  me  with  all  the  good 
graces  of  a  gentleman  while  1  was  with  him.  Naturally  for  me,  I  applied  my  mind  right  away  with 
an  intense  assiduity  to  the  learning  of  the  English  language.  I  remained  with  >Ir.  Woodruff  aliout 
half  a  j-ear.  Afterward.  I  apprenticed  myself  to  become  a  printer  in  a  newspaper  printing  office. 
An  editor — a  fine  man — Mr.  Miskey.  addressed  me  once  thus  :  '■  Dear  young  man,"  he  said,  ■■  I  get 
12.000  a  year.  Ijut  I  have  to  work  almost  day  and  night  like  a  slave,  in  a  room  like  a  prison  :  take 
my  meals  in  a  hurry  ;  only  a  few  hours  on  Sunday  I  can  see  my  family,  and  when  the  year  is  around, 
there  is  nothing  left  of  my  hard-earned  wages  ;  besides,  I  have  almost  daily  to  write  down,  to  my 
utmost  disgust,  the  manifold  truths  and  mendacities  of  commonplace  men  and  hypocrites.  I  am 
sick  of  this  business.  If  I  were  young  yet.  I  would  go  to  the  West.  Dear  young  man.  I  advise 
you  to  give  up  learning  this  business,  and  go  West.*  I  assure  vou,  you  will  live  happier  if  you 
work  as  hard  there  as  I  must  do  here."  I  took  the  hint — and  quit ;  or,  I  saw  the  reason  in  the  ad- 
vice, and  quit. 

After  the  printing  experiment,  I  went  to  learning  weaving  ingrain  carpets,  tor  which  art  I  had  to 
pay  $80.  With  this  business  I  could,  and  really  ditl,  make  good  wages  during  four  days  of  the 
week,  and  so  had  three  days  for  muse  and  studies  while  I  remained  in  Philadelphia.  The  years, 
and  parts  of  years.  I  lived  in  Philadelphia,  were  of  great  blessing  to  me,  and  added  much  to  my 
future  career.  I  learned  the  English  tongue,  some  of  the  English  literature,  antl  various  good  man- 
ners and  Americanisms.  Late  in  the  fall  of  1844,  I  got  ae(iuainted  with  a  \ery  good,  common-sense, 
reasonable  and  pious  man.  Rev.  Daniel  Berger.  Through  the  grace  of  (Jod.  tliis  good  man  and  mj- 
zealous  efforts.  I  found  peace  of  mind  religiously,  in  the  Christian  fundamental  truth  or  principle  ; 
and  my  motto  was  henceforth.  --Entire  negation  of  the  negative.  ' 

My  mother's  great  love  of  her  only  son  indui-ed  her  to  sell  her  iiroperty  in  Europe,  and  follow 
me,  with  my  four  sisters,  to  America,  in  the  year  1 840.  They  arrived  safely  at  Philadelphia,  and 
mother  bought  some  real  estate  there,  and  I  helped  to  get  them  in  tolerably  good  condition,  in  the 
way  of  living  to  their  satisfaction. 

In  the  year  1848,  lieing  now  additionally  a  little  lietter  prepared  for  the  great  world,  I  started 
off  again — for  the  West  and  wilderness — to  the  infinite  sorrow  of  my  dear  mother  and  sisters.  But 
who  could  heljj  it?  I  went  via  New  York.  Hudson  Ri\er.  Erie  Canal.  Buffalo  ;  per  steamer  Olobe 
over  Lakes  Erie  and  Huron,  Straits  of  JIackinaw  and  Lake  Michigan,  to  Wisconsin,  and  finally  arrived, 
in  the  beginning  of  August,  1848.  at  Chicago,  111.  There  I  got,  the  first  day,  employment  as  a  clerk 
In  a  large  dry-goods  and  grocery  store.  In  April.  1840,  I  obtained  the  excellent  situation  of  clei-k 
on  the  steamboat  Indiana,  whicli  was  towing  at  that  time  vessels  in  and  out  of  Chicago's  poor  har- 
bor, in  Iwisterous,  l:)ad  weather  :  also  the  many  canal  and  packet  boats  of  the  Illinois  Canal,  from 
Bridgeport  up  and  down  the  Chicago  River — an  arduous,  dangerous  and  dashing  business  for  me  ; 
among  primitive,  chaotic  ^A'estern  wickedness,  putrid  water,  mud  and  (luagmire.  jjestilential  cholera, 
numerous  and  terrific  deaths,  and  lilack  clouds  of  tormenting  mosquitoes  at  night-time,  but  plenty 
cash  rolling  around  me.  in  the  general  havoc  going  on  at  that  time  in  Chicago.  I  eame  out  all  hale 
and  hearty  ;  no  impression  made  on  me  of  any  jjarticular  hurt,  then  or  afterward. 

In  the  beginning  of  August,  1840.  I  startecl  from  Chicago,  per  steamer,  well  equipped  with  gun, 
pistol,  ammunition,  etc.,  and  some  cashj  for  Milwaukee.  From  there,  per  foot,  to  the  Indian  lands, 
bej'ond  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  having  at  Chicago  set  my  eyes  for  the  wilderness  and  utmost 
limits  of  civilization,  to  try  progress,  I  had  for  company,  on  this  adventurous  route,  Mr.  Samuel 
Slifer.  who  afterward  liecame  my  father-in-law.  and  another — a  youngish  Yankee  he  was,  I  think. 
At  Oak  Grove,  a  little  westward  of  poVerty-stricken  Watertown,  at  that  time,  I  saw  the  last  poor 
habitation  of  quasi-civilizatif)n.  Further  on  toward  Fort  AVinneltago,  I  saw  nothing  but  inane 
expanse  of  grassy,  wild,  rolling  i)rairie  and  wf)ods.  About  ten  miles  eastward  of  Fort  Winnebago, 
we  struck  an  apparent  wagon-track  through  tlu*  woods,  which.  I  afterward  found,  had  lieen  the  mili- 
tary road  to  the  fort.  I  eame  up  to  Fort  AVinnebago  about  half  an  hour  in  advance  of  mv  weary 
comrades,  it  being  now  about  0  o'clock  A.  M.,  middle  of  August.     I  sighted  the  consoling  and  well- 

*Horace  Greeley,  it  seems,  did  not  urigiiiute  this  familiar  expression. 


888  BIOURAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

arranged  frontier  military  Ijarrack  and  building  of  the  fort  with  much  pleasure,  and  was  delighted 
with  the  fine  view  toward  the  west  and  Barahoo  hills.  While  I  sat  there  waiting,  I  soliloquized  : 
"  Precious  castle  of  comfort  to  the  pilgrim  seeking  an  eartlily  home  ;  a  watch-house  of  our  glorious 
Government  for  the  protection  of  ad\ancing  civilization  anil  wealth,  versus  barbarism.''  As  S(5on 
as  m\  comrades  came  up,  I  walked  again  in  advance  down  to  a  bridge  across  a  small  stream.  A 
grassy  ditch,  thought  I.  All  at  once  I  noticed  what  appeared  to  me  a  half-breed  Indian  in  the  big 
grass  near  the  bridge.  •'  What  is  this  ':*  "  I  asked,  pointing  to  the  water.  He  said.  "  Fox  River." 
O  Poseidon  !*  said  I  to  myself — Fox  River.  I  asked.  '■  Where  is  the  Wisconsin  River  ':*  "  He  said. 
"  Over  there,"  pointing  with  his  finger  southward.  •  great  big  river,  that. "  'My  comrades  now  came 
up  to  the  bridge  ;  I  told  them,  ■  This,  you  see.  is  the  great  Fox  River  ;"  but  they  were  so  weary  and 
worn-out.  they  had  nothing  to  say.  Tn  the  mean  time,  the  indi\idual  down  in  tlie  grass  came  up  to 
us.  I  asked  him.  ■  Is  there  any  tavern  round  hereabouts  ?"  He  said.  •■  Little  way  over  there — the 
C'ap'ns  place."  pointing  soutiieasterly  across  the  liridge.  I  said  then  to  my  comrades,  "Let  us  cross 
the  Xiemen.  and  now  into — Russia. "  As  soon  as  we  were  a  few  rods  across  the  river  among  tiie 
tall  willow  brush  which  at  that  time  covered  the  whole  flats  to  the  Wisconsin  River,  we  saw  every- 
where groups  of  horriljle-looking  Indians,  old  and  yijung.  l\ing  among  the  bushes  on  the  ground. 
Alas  !  wild-looking  creatures  to  liehold.  In  a  little  while,  we  came  to  the  Franklin  House — a  cozy 
resting-place  for  weary  men  in  this  wilderness.  (31d  Capt.  Low  had  built  this  hospice  a  few  jears 
back,  in  this  <lreary  marsh,  for  the  coming  of '■  advancing  civilization"  westward.  We  got  some- 
thing to  eat,  and  rested  for  that  day. 

The  next  day.  I  equipped  m3self  with  fighting  tools,  plenty  of  dr\'  [jowder.  round  lead  and 
pocket  compass,  for  an  expedition  into  the  Indian  lands.  I  walked  toward  what  is  now  called 
Ketchum's  Point,  kept  along  the  dry  land  toward  Mud  Lake,  turned  a  little  north,  to  the  marsh 
below  what  we  now  call  Siher  Lake,  crossed  the  quagmire  northward,  and  went  to  the  westerly  side 
of  the  lake.  Here  I  found  a  splentlid  woods  and  ijretty  good  soil,  north  and  west  of  this  fine  slieet 
of  clear  water.  Why  not  pitcii  on  this  spot  ?  thought  I  to  myself  I  wandered  till  toward  evening 
round  about  the  woods,  meeting  some  Indians  and  wild  game,  and  returned  finally,  wet  and  tired,  to 
the  hospice  in  the  marsh. 

Next  day,  Mr.  Slifer.  the  young  Yankee,  and  I  started  out  prosjjecting  into  the  Indian  land,  and 
stayed  several  days  in  the  woods.  We  got  pretty  deep  into  it.  finally  astray,  about  the  big  slough 
and  general  chaos  thereabouts.  We  slept  in  the  woods  and  went  next  da}'  in  a  southerly  direction, 
across  a  seemingly  endless  marsh,  miry  swamps  and  low.  thick  woods.  At  last  we  came,  toward 
midnight,  aliout  twelve  miles  above  the  portage  to  the  Wisc(;nsin  River,  but  did  not  know  at  that 
time  where  we  were.  It  must  be  the  Wisconsin  River,  and  sure  enough  it  was.  It  was  the  first 
time  I  got  sight  of  the  grand  river  of  much  movalile  sand.  We  had  shot  two  raccoons  during  the 
day.  and  I  tried  to  eat  some  nasty  coon's  flesh,  but  could  not  get  it  down.  Early  next  day.  I 
marched  down  along  the  shore  of  the  r'wev  through  the  awfuUest  woods,  slough,  abominable  quag- 
mires and  tall  cutgrass,  which  was  swarming  full  of  hungry  mosquitoes.  Jly  hands,  face  and  neck 
became  one  smear  of  blood,  sweat  and  black  mud  in  the  struggle.  At  last.  al)out  noon,  I  reached 
dry  land,  at  what  we  now  call  Prospect  Hill.  Passing  along  this  eminence  on  the  shore  of  the 
ri\er.  T  came  to  tiiat  hca^•y-tinlbered  infernal  cornel'!  where  now  old  Jlr.  Leach  resiiles.  and  where 
Mr.  William  Armstrongs  brickyard  is.  There  in  that  wild  nook  of  hill,  slough  and  morass.  I 
notici'd  a  ealaxerous  smell,  some  human  hair.  rags,  traces  of  clotted  blood  and  a  grave  of  recent 
date  in  the  dark  wcxjds.  1  felt  somewhat  iuicomf(3rtal)le.  shivered  some,  and  with  fleet  steps  made 
my  exit  from  the  dismal  place.  Coming  pretty  soon  to  that  other  dark  nest  of  timber  and  slough, 
where  now  Mr.  A'alentine  Helman's  house  is.  I  came  again  into  the  mud.  The  big  timber  reached 
in  a  slough,  at  that  time,  to  where  now  John  Rurchhard  live*  on  Wisconsin  street.  Finally  I  came 
to  dryer  land  covered  with  young  l)lack-oak  woods,  and  met,  about  the  place  where  uo^v  Peter 
Neiss'  brick  house  stands,  a  few  lioards  stuck  up,  behind  which  I  discovered  a  woman,  an  old  stove 
and  a  few  barrels.  No  doubt  I  looked  like  a  hard  case,  for  the  poor  woman  was  much  scared  when 
she  got  sight  of  me.  I  told  her  not  to  be  afraid.  ■■  Have  you  anything  to  eat  ?  "  I  asked.  She  said, 
•'  Yes,  I  ha\e  some  pork  in  that  barrel  there,  and  some  bread. "  I  told  her  to  (piickly  cook  some, 
for  I  was  very  hungry,  I  ate  about  three  pounds  of  half-raw  i)ork  and  some  doughy  fresh  liread. 
I  ofl'ered  her  some  money,  but  she  refused  to  take  it.  This  good  woman  was  Barney  Cook's  first 
wife,  afterward  the  wife  of  Peter  Neiss.  I  asked  the  woman  how  far  it  was  to  Fort  Winnebago. 
She  said,  "  I  don't  know,  but   I  think,  it  is  only  a  few  miles.''     I  could  not  see  far  for  the  heav}' 

*The  Grccirtn  water  god. 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  889 

Wisconsin  River  slough-timber  full  of  drifted  logs,  slabs,  lumber  and  all  kinds  of  muss,  about  ten  feet 
high  in  some  places,  reached  about  to  where  now  Main  street  meets  the  canal  at  Portage.  Somewhere 
along  the  hills,  in  the  neighborhood  where  Hettinger's  brewery  now  stands.  I  got  sight  of  the  fort 
buildings-.  I  felt  relief  In  a  short  time.  I  entered  the  comfortable  hostelry,  the  old  Franklin 
House.  "  0.  my  God  !  "  exclaimed  Ashlum.  the  keeper  of  the  liou.se,  ■'  I  thought  you  were  dead." 
I  said,  '•  I  guess  not  yet."  •  Where  is  Mr.  Slifer  and  the  other  young  man  ?  "  I  said,  "  The  young 
man  is  a  little  behind  me.  but  he  may  soon  turn  up."  And  he  did  after  awhile.  Mr.  Slifer  came 
another  route  through  the  woods,  and  appeared  also  toward  evening. 

Next  day,  being  the  third  time  of  ray  going  out  in  the  woods,  I  went  to  Silver  Lake  again,  tak- 
ing an  ax  with  me,  and  made  tlien  and  there  at  the  very  place  where  I  now  reside  my  claim,  with  a 
settled  determination  of  the  lilack  hussar  sort — "victory  or  death."  I  marked  out  what  I  called 
160  acres,  cutting  my  name  on  the  trees.  I  chopped  one  tree  down  (which  blistered  my  hands),  cut 
some  underbrush  awaj-  and  knelt  down  and  passed  through  my  mind  the  Lord's  Prayer.  Mean- 
while, a  beautiful  liird  flew  over  my  head — of  good  omen,  thought  L  Subsequently.  I  built  me  a 
tight  and  snug  log  house.  14x1  S  feet,  with  one  door  and  one  window,  sash  SxlO  inch  glass.  I  built 
my  log  house  all  alone.  Nobody  would  nor  could  help  me.  Now  and  henceforth.  I  commenced  work 
in  earnest,  chopping,  digging,  rooting,  liurning-  and  clearing  up  general  chaos  around  ;  frequently 
went  hunting  for  game,  of  which  there  was  plenty,  and  for  other  provender. 

When  I  came  to  the  Indian  lands  in  lS4il,  I  had  cash,  $150,  ;\Iy  dear  mother  sent  to  me.  in  the 
years  1849  and  18ij(»,  $130  cash,  and,  in  3Iay,  1850,  a  chest  containing  tools  and  clothing  from  I'hil- 
adelphia.  Late  in  the  fall  of  1840,  I  surveyed  the  town  line  from  the  southeast  corner  stake  of 
Sec,  33.  Town  13,  Range  il,  and  ran  it  westward  into  the  Indian  land  four  miles,  or  four  sections,  for 
the  purpose  of  getting  my  claim  fixed  as  near  as  possible  according  to  the  Government  survey,  I 
found  it  to  be  nearly  correct,  when  finally  the  lands  of  the  jMenomonee  Purchase  were  surveyed  by 
order  of  the  Government  in  the  summer  of  1851,  I  had  already,  in  1851,  about  40  acres  fenced  and 
20  under  good  cultivation,  which  can  be  seen  marked  on  the  original  maps  of  the  ITnited  States 
survey  of  1851, 

In  December,  1849.  I  measured  the  depth  of  the  water  of  Silver  Lake,  and  found  the  westerlj- 
part,  deepest  measurement,  sixty-two  feet ;  and  the  easterly  part,  deepest  measurement,  twenty-two 
feet.  During  the  first  years  of  my  living  here.  Silver  Lake  used  to  be  lower  in  summer-time  than  it 
is  now.  The  marsh  at  the  easterly  end  of  the  lake  was  of  a  very  loose  and  swampy  nature — a  per- 
fect quagmire ;  high  wire-grass  and  reeds  grew  there.  When  the  road  was  liuilt  across  this  marsh, 
in  1851  and  1852.  it  took  large  quantities  of  log  timber,  brush  and  earth  to  make  it  passable.  Still 
it  sunk  and  remained  very  aqueous  for  years,  needing  fixing  and  filling  up.  It  dammed  Silver  Lake 
up  considerable.  I  think  in  the  summer-time  over  two  feet ;  for  I  could  go  on  my  marsh  westward, 
joining  Silver  Lake,  safe  with  a  horse-team  in  the  summer  time,  before  the  road  we  now  call  pinery 
road  was  there.  The  waters  of  Silver  Lake  were  full  of  fish  of  fine  quality.  I  caught  some  weigh- 
ing thirty-two  pounds.  In  the  spring  and  ftill  time,  its  surface  was  sometimes  covered  with  various 
kinds  of  wild  ducks  and  other  water-fowls.  At  times,  I  would  throw  a  stone  into  the  lake,  and  a 
cloud  of  wild  ducks  would  rise  above  me  to  fire  into,  and  sometimes  a  dozen  or  so  would  come  down 
with  a  bounce  to  my  feet,  on  dry  land — plenty  of  fun. 

In  the  faH  of  1849,  some  prospectors,  travelers  and  some  actual  settlers  appeared  at  Ft,  Win- 
nebago and  vicinity.  S^me  traders  put  up  at  the  fort,  and  a  few,  with  a  very  small  stock,  liuilt 
shanties  at  the  portage  in  the  woods.  Next  year  and  henceforth,  dickering  and  merehantiug 
improved  consideralile.  The  place  at  present  called  the  city  of  Portage  was  nicknamed  "  Gauge- 
ville  "  for  awhile,  because  a  --hard  set  "  had  gathered  there.  In  1850,  a  good  many  excellent  set- 
tlers came  to  the  Indian  lands  and  made  homes  ;  also  a  lot  of  quasi  and  sham  settlers  made  their 
appearance  hereabouts — the  worst  kind  of  settlers  in  a  new  country.  But,  after  all,  all  of  them 
together,  myself  includetl,  made  up  a  population  good  enough  for  this  wilderness ;  and  the  conse- 
(juences  were  and  are,  what  you  see  now,  dear  reader — grand  city  of  .Portage,  with  first-rate  people 
therein  and  thereabouts, 

I  cannot  give  you  an  adequate  representation  of  the  privations  and  pleasures  of  frontier  settler  life, 
or  an  understanding  of  its  reality.  Still.  I  will  give  you  a  little  of  my  experience.  We  hear  of  military 
and. pinery  roads.  Where  do  they  lead  to  ?  Green  Bay  and  the  pinery.  Just  as  good,  as  far  as 
you  are  concerned,  as  leading  to  nowhere  ;  they  are  only  tracks  through  the  dark,  wild  woods  and 
gi-assy  wilderness,  scarcely  recognizable  when  you  see  or  meet  them.  There  were  some  Indian  trails, 
but  leading  to  nowhere  in  particular.     Wherever  you  went  into  the  woods,  swamps,  etc,  you  came 


890  ■  I'.IO(;RAPniCAL    SKETfllES: 

in  •coiitMcl  with  liii;' iirass.  iiii(UTlini.sli.  rotlinji' ilel)ris.  wiitcr  and  mire,  very  unconitnrtalik'  to  u:ot 
tliroufi'h  in  wrl  wi'athiT.  Iiiu'i<y  was  lie  who  had  an  ax.  luindsaw  and  hatchet  to  liuild  a  hut  for 
shelter  ;  and  also  a  gun  and  plenty  of  ammunition.  There  was  danger  of  ugly  Indians  ;  there  wa.s 
also  plenty  of  wild  ganie  to  be  had.  Fish,  wild-fowls,  deer  and  coons  were  abunilant.  I  sometimes 
met  with  eight  or  more  deer  in  one  drove.  Such  common  things  as  salt,  bread  and  potatoes  weri' 
luxuries  if  you  could  get  hold  of  any.  but  to  do  so  was  not  very  easy.  You  had  to  eat  the  wild, 
natural  provender  in  the  best  way  yon  knew  how  to  prepare  it ;  sometimes  in  a  very  insipid  way. 
witii  yellow  marsh  or  lake  water  for  drink,  and  nothing  else  most  of  the  time.  At  night-time  you 
licanl  all  kinds  of  queer  noises  of  wild  animals,  and  sometimes  the  terrilic  screeching  of  Indians, 
lied  foxes  were  plenty  around  here.  Oftentimes  tliey  used  to  bark  at  night  aroinid  my  log  house. 
One  time,  early  in  the  morning.  1  went  hunting  and  came  on  the  ice  of  the  Wisconsin  Kiver.  a  little 
■diove  prospect  I'rospect  Hill,  near  a  heavy-timbered  island,  where  I  found  myself  at  once  sur- 
rounded l)y  nine  or  ten  big  red  foxes  barking  at  me  like  ugly  dogs.  At  another  time.  1  came  to 
a  i)art  of  my  claim  wliich  1  called  the  Hiiscli  Dell;  there,  only  aliout  six  feet  from  me.  arose  from 
out  of  the  underbrush  a  monstrous  deer,  heavily  built,  the  size  of  a  stout  three-year-old  heifer,  with 
very  short,  strong  legs,  enormous  antlers  and  large,  fierce  eyes.  The  beast  stared  at  me  with  deti- 
ance.  and  did  not  l)udge  for  some  time.  1  had  with  me  a  double-barrel  gun — one  barrel  rifle, 
loaded  with  bullet,  and  the  other  l)arrel  being  for  shot,  was  loaded  with  l)ig  shot.  Instantly.  I  was 
ready  for  battle,  the  triggers  cocked,  and  sharply  lacing  the  wild  beast.  By-and-by.  it  moved  a  little 
backward  from  me.  I  also  moved  a  little  backward.  So  we  continued  moving  from  time  to  time 
further  apart,  till  the  deer  was  aliout  five  rods  distant  from  me.  when  it  turned  around  and  trotted 
off.  I  felt  relieved  when  T  got  so  easily  rid  of  the  monster.  There  were  various  kinds  of  snakes — 
rattlesnaki's  included.  I  have  killed  thousiuids  in  the  s[)riug  and  summer  time,  often  averaging  a 
few  hundred  a  ilay.  The  worst  pests  were  the  ditferent  species  of  ants.  >Iy  land  was  full  of  these 
troublesome  insects.  Numerous  ant-heaps  stood  like  large  beehives  in  every  direction.  By  burning- 
out  their  haunts,  1  finally  subdued  that  tormenting  animal  in  some  degree.  Countless  gophers,  who 
would  root  out  my  new-i)lanted  crops,  had  also  to  l)e  destroyed;  Init  the  greatest  danger  to  the 
frontier  settler  were  the  unexpected  and  disastrous  wood  and  i)rairie  fires  when  they  came  with  a 
strong  blast  of  wind. 

Among  the  okU'St,  permanent  and  solid  settled  men  of  the  city  of  Portage,  whom  I  now  call  to 
mind,  were  and  are,  including  some  that  are  dead — Henry  ^Merrill.  AVilliam  .Armstrong.  Dr.  Prentice. 
J.  J.  (xuppey,  H.  T.  Haskell.  A'alentine  Helmann.  James  Collins.  W.  K.  Clougli.  Solomon  Leech. 
John  (iraham.  Anton    Klenert,  Bemos    Pixley,  (ieorge    Thakell  and    Alex.  Carnagie. 

The  12th  day  of  February,  1S50,  I  married  Miss  Louisa  Slifer  (the  marriage  taking  place  on  her 
2()tli  birthday) ;  she  was  born  at  the  village  of  Trappe,  Montgomery  Co.,  State  of  Pennsylvania  ;  her 
father,  Samuel  Slifer,  had  taken  up  the  next  claim,  westward  of  ray  claim  on  Silver  Lake,  for  a  home- 
stead, on  the  Indian  land.  .My  wife's  parents.  "Sir.  Sanniel  Slifer  and  his  wife  (her  maiden  name  being 
Ksther  Scholl)  of  Pennyslvania,  were  descendants  of  the  Palatinate  I'migrants  of  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury, in  the  time  of  Louis  the  XIV.  ("  (iraud  Louis,"  His  Most  Cluistian  Majesty,  King  of  France, 
devastating  i)oor  South  (icrinany  with  his  infamous  infernal  dogs,  like  Turenne,  3Ielac  and  ^lontelus, 
at  a  fearful  rate  ;   worse  than  the  Huns  and  .Mongolians.) 

S(|uire  S.  \'an  Slyke.  a  young  man.  tied  the  ■connubial  knot.'  a  little,  young'lawyer.  a  Mr. 
Soo]),  being  witness.  It  liai)pcncd  in  front  of  Mr.  Slifer's  log  lK>use.  at  Silver  Lake,  on  the  sod 
(being  very  line  weather),  and  under  the  ■canopy  of  heaven. "  Here  is  the  statement  of  the  genuine 
document : 

STATE  OF  WISCONSIN,    1^^ 
Columbia  CoiiNiy.      i 
Hf  il  Rpmemhereii — TImt  nt  Fori  Winnehngo,  in  siiid    f'ounly  (being   in  the  Woods),  on  the  I'Jili  day  of  February. 
18")0,  Mr,  Coiirad  Collipp  mul  .Miss  Louisa  Slifpr  were  duly  ioined  in  marriage  by  me. 

S.  VAN  SLYKE, 

Jusdce  of  the  Peace. 

This,  our  marriage,  was,  I  believe,  the  first  legal  marriage  of  white  man  and  woman  kind  on  the 
Indian  lands,  hereabouts.  Momentous  destiny  !  Glorious,  indej)endent  Ijachelorhood  now  gone — 
e\a|iorated  to  zero.  The  desperate  plunge  of  life  had  now  been  made  forever.  I  must  confess  I 
dreaded,  in  an  uneasy,  anticipative  way,  the  so-called  l)unlen,  care  and  sla^very  of  married  life.  But 
l)e  it  said  by  inc.  the  \er\  reverse  became  the  fact  in  my  case  ;  happiness,  success,  and  entire  con- 
tentment henceforth  to  tliis  da\'. 


CITY    OF    POTri'AGE.  831 

God  blessed  our  marriaue  with  eleven  children  :  eight  girls  and  three  sons  ;  all  born  at  Silver 
Lake.  Jennie  Oetavia.  was  lH)ru  the  Sth  of  Deeember.  1S51.  and  was  married  to  W.  W,  Lloyd  the 
27th  of  Auiiust,  187.'5  ;  Louise  Anna  was  born  the  20th  of  January.  1S54,  and  was  married  to  D.  C. 
Treadway  the  loth  of  Septeml>er.  1875 ;  Sophia  Augusta  was  liorn  the  8d  of  November.  1855  ;  Lydia 
Amanda' was  Iwrn  tiie  24th  of  November.  1857.  an<l  was  married  to  \X.  A.  Krause  the  22d  of  November. 
187(;  ;  Katie,  or  Catharina.  was  born  the  !lth  of  December,  18511  ;  Christine  Klise  was  born  the  20th 
of  ;\[arch.  18(Jl  ;  she  died  at  the  age  of  12  years  and  4  months,  the  2<lth  of  July,  1873  ;  she  was  a 
highly  gifted  girl.  (T  took  the  shock  as  ealmly  as  possible,  but  it  commenced  to  turn  my  hairs  gray. 
Grim' death  had  shot  the  center  out  of  my  deiir  children.)  Lilly  Rutii  was  born  the  22d  of  January, 
18(58;  Washington  was  born  the  21st  of  February,  18(55;  Horace  was  born  the  13th  of  Maj', 
18(57  ;  Platon  was  bom  the  fith  of  May,  18(59  :  Hildegard  was  born  the  31st  of  May,  1871. 

September  the  9th.  1852. 1  recei\ed  one  part  of  my  land,  as  a  first  actual  settler,  according  to  the 
pre-emption  laws  of  1842,  at  the  Jlenasha  land  otiiee.  The  other  part.  Oct.  2(1.  1852.  under  the  same 
law.  at  the  Oshkosh  land  otHee  ;  it  being  1(50  acres,  more  or  less,  in  Sec.  31.  Township  13,  Range 
9.  and  the  east  part  of  Lot  2.  Sec.  (5,  Township  12,  Range  9.  In  1854,  I  rented  land  to  Jiirgens  & 
Dreyer,  for  the  manutacturing  of  brick.  In  1855.  they  started  the  l>rickyard  and  ran  it  till  18(55. 
In  18(5(5,  I  took  the  brickyard  niyself  and  ran  it.  with  good  success,  till  1875.  Since  1878,  the  brick- 
yard has  been  run  liy  Ati'elt  &  (ronten. 

In  April.  1855.  a  wood  fire  swept  like  a  hurricane  in  a  terrible  devastating  manner  over  my 
land.  I  lost  90  cords  of  newly  chopped  wood,  1 1 0  rods  of  rail  fence  and  many  large  trees,  which 
stood  like  burning  spires,  and  would  come  down  at  last  with  an  awful  crash.  AH  my  laud,  except 
the  cultivated  parts,  looked  like  a  black,  dreary  waste.  I  felt  pretty  rough  at  the  time.  The  season 
of  planting  had  arrived,  but  now  my  fields  lay  open.  Matters,  however,  mended,  and  everything 
went  on  as  smoothly  as  ever.  In  July,  1856,  I  laid  out  a  road,  four  rods  in  width,  over  the  center 
of  Collipp's  Point,  from  the  narrowest  part  of  Silver  Lake  northward  to  the  town  line,  and  from 
thence  westward  four  rods  in  width  on  the  town  line  to  the  one-quarter  line,  meeting  there  the  land 
I  had  sold  to  Hon.  J.  J.  (luppey.  through  which  we  had  formerly  fixed  the  road  more  westward.  la 
the  s'l^riug  of  1859.  Hon.  J.  J.  (luppey,  Charles  Hiertel  and  I  built  a  bridge,  about  twelve  rods  in 
length,  over  the  narrowest  part  of  Silver  Lake.  The  first  team  drove  over  the  bridge  May  11,  1859. 
:My  part  of  the  expense  was  S250  and  one  month's  work  with  team.  In  1874,  the  city  of  Portage 
took  charge  of  the  bridge  as  a  public  highway,  and.  in  the  winter  of  1875,  built  an  earth  dam  across 
the  same  place,  where  the  bridge  had  stood.  In  1875,  I  dedicated  the  same  road  I  had  laid  out  in 
1851  to  the  city  of  Portage  as  a  pulilic  highway.     It  was  named  Collipp  avenue. 

In  the  years  of  1853"aud  1854.  I  built  a  frame  house.  14x22,  and,  in  1855.  a  barn,  20x30  feet, 
on  my  land  on  Lot  2,  Sec.  0,  Town  12.  Range  9.  A  little  east  of  these  buildings,  I  built,  in  1858.  a 
convenient,  solid  brick  house,  two  stories  high  abo\-e  ground,  and  basement  and  cellars  Iielow.  This 
l)uilding  is  32x32  feet,  with  wing  20x22  feet.     Since  August.  1858,  we  have  resided  in  this  house. 

Since  1854,  I  have  planted  a  great  many  fruit  trees,  vines,  ornamental  trees  and  shrubbery,  and 
we  have  had.  since  1858.  most  every  year  plenty  of  apples,  grapes,  berries,  etc.  In  18U9, 1  built,  on 
Cook  street,  in  the  city  of  P(irtage.  a  lirick  store,  twenty-two  feet  wide  l)y  se\-enty-five  feet  long,  two 
stories  high,  with  cellar  under  the  whole  building.  In  1875,  I  built  an  addition  of  forty  feet  in 
length  thereto,  making  the  store  now  115  feet  long,  now  rented  to  Parry  &  3Iuir,  who  keep  a  large 
<lry -goods  establishment.  I  have  been  several  times  Assessor  of  the  city  of  Portage,  and  have  been 
of  late  years  one  of  the  cit}-  School  Commissioners  and  County  Supervisor  of  the  Fifth  \\'ard.  and 
been  elected  to  the  last  named  offices  again,  this  spring  of  1880. 

Dear  reader.  God  has  blessed  all  our  family  (excepting  the  sickness  and  death  of  one  of  our 
children)  since  our  commencement,  and  onward  till  now  with  good  health  and  plenty,  thank  God  ! 

JOBf  AS  COi\KHX,  son  of  Samuel  and  Margaret  Conkliu,  was  liorn  in  the  town  of  Conk- 
lin,  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y.  His  grandfather  was  the  first  settler  there  ;  his  parents  came  to  Fox  Lake, 
Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  184(1.  remained  there  one  year,  and  in  1847  removed  to  Courtland, 
Columbia  Co..  where  his  lather  died  May  11,  1861  ;  his  mother  is  now  living,  and  resides  with  a 
daughter,  ]Mrs.  Matilda  Rockwell,  at  Fox  Lake.  Mr.  Conklin  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  to  Fort 
Winnebago  ;  he  spent  seven  months  in  the  pineries  of  Portage  Co..  in  1846.  then  coming  back,  he 
worked  for  Henry  Merrell,  in  the  stone  and  lumber  business,  most  of  his  time  for  seven  years  ;  he 
liought  laud  in  the  town  of  Courtland.  Sec.  3,  Township  12.  Range  12.  40  acres,  and  40  acres  of  tim- 
ber in  Sec.  26,  the  first  purchased  in  that  township  in  1846,  next  spring  buying  40  acres  more  on 
Sec.  3,  and  at  the  present  time  he  owns  100  acres  located  on  Sec.  3.  20  acres  on  Sec.  26,  and  40 


802  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES  : 

acres  on  Sec.  33.  all  in  the  same  town.  Mr.  Conklin  was  engaijed  in  buying  produce  and  furs  nio.st 
of  the  time  for  about  fifteen  years ;  he  had  charge  of  the  canal  here  for  about  five  years,  and  was 
engaged  winters  in  freighting  between  this  point  and  Milwaukee,  while  he  had  charge  of  the  canal  ; 
although  at  present  a  resident  of  Portage,  he  owns  and  carries  on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Courtland. 
He  was  Assessor  of  that  town  nine  years  in  succession,  and  held  various  other  otlices  in  that  town  : 
he  was  elected  Sheritl'  in  1S7S,  He  was  married  in  the  old  Fort  ^\'innel1ago,  to  Frances  L.  Shipley  ; 
she  was  born  at  Potsdam,  N.  V,;  thc\-  have  three  daughters — Frances  J..  Ella  K.  antl  Lula  JSelle. 

W.  W.  CORNING,  son  of  Warren  Corning,  Jr.,  and  Khoda  (Prouty)  Corning  ;  his  father 
died  at  IMentor,  Lake  Co.,  Ohio,  in  Septemlier.  1834  ;  his  mother  is  still  living  in  Mentor,  aged  7S 
years.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Mentor  Aug.  20.  1S29  ;  in  1S4S,  he  went  to  New- 
ark, Licking  Co..  Ohio,  where  he  resided  two  years,  going  thence  to  Hebron  in  1S50.  and  remaining 
there  until  1854  :  from  there  he  removed  to  Columbus.  Ohio,  where  he  lived  until  1850  ;  going  to 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  this  year,  he  remained  until  the  spring  of  1857,  returning  to  Licking  Co.; 
in  October,  1858,  he  came  to  Portage,  and  in  March,  1850,  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  at  his 
present  location,  corner  of  Wisconsin  and  Cook  streets.  Mr.  Corning  has  lieen  Mayor  of  Portage 
City  two  terms,  and  served  as  Alderman  for  many  years  ;  in  1872,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Assem- 
bly, and  is  now  a  County  Commissioner.  He  was  married  at  Loveland,  Ohio.  Pec.  2(1.  1854,  to  Cor- 
nelia E.  Smith  ;  she  was  born  in  Cincinnati  Dee.  3,  1830;  they  have  five  children — Anna  ^[..  born 
in  Hebron.  Ohio,  now  Mrs,  S,  E.  Arnold,  of  (lermantown,  Juneau  Co.,  Wis.;  Nellie  R.,  William 
Smith,  Mary  L.  and  Bella  T.,  born  in  Portage.  Mr.  Corning  is  a  member  of  the  A.,  F.  &  A.  M. 
Lodsrc.  Chapter  and  Comnianderv.  and  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W. 

'  ACiJNES  N.  CORN  WEIjL,  born  in  Windsor,  Vt.,  in  1820  ;  her  life-work  has  been  teach- 
ing ;  she  was  educated  in  the  Amherst  Female  Seminary  and  at  Wilbraham  Academy,  Massachusetts  ; 
her  first  teaching  was  with  her  two  Itrothers  in  a  select  school  at  Newton,  Sussex  Co..  N.  J.  She 
was  married  in  1842  to  Elijah  C.  Butz.  who  died  in  1842,  at  Southport  (now  Kenosha),  where  he  was 
in  mercantile  business  ;  they  had  one  daughter — Carrie  A.,  who  is  now  married  and  living  in  New 
Jersey;  in  1847.  ^Irs.  Cornwell  taught  the  first  school  in  Columbus.  Wis.;  in  1850.  she  came  to 
Portage  and  opened  a  select  school  with  seven  pupils,  in  the  okl  .Mcd-'arland  warehouse.  In  T853, 
she  married  Jiynian  Cornwell,  and  soon  afterward  went  to  California  and  returned  in  1857,  on  the 
death  of  her  brother;  before  returning  to  California,  they  built  the  liou.se  wliere  she  now  resides. 
Mr.  Cornwell  died  in  California  in  the  year  1800  ;  she  owns  her  cozy  home  and  also  has  considerable 
unimproved  land  in  the  State.  She  is  a  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  ;  she  was  a  com- 
petent and  conscientious  teacher,  and  her  faithfulness  is  attested  by  many  grateful  pupils. 

MISS  AXNA  CROAK,  chief  dining-room  girl  at  the  Corning  House,  was  born  in  Port- 
age in  1858.  and  has  lived  all  her  life  in  this  county.  She  is  a  Catholic;  she  is  the  veteran 
employe  of  the  hotel,  having  worked  under  the  Fox  atlministration  about  three  years  ;  her  fpiick 
step  and  i)leas:int  smile  are  remembered  by  myriads  of  well-fed  patrons  of  the  Corning  House. 

a.  •!.  cox,  was  born  in  Minnisink.  Orange  Co.,  N.  V..  Aug.  4.  1832  ;  when  (i.  J.  was  5  years 
of  age.  his  father.  Calvin  Cox,  moved  to  ^lontrose,  Susquehanna  Co..  I'cnn..  where  he  ilied  when  the 
suflject  of  this  sketch  was  a  small  boy.  His  mother,  BLirgaret  L..  now  75  years  of  age.  still  resides 
atMoiitro.se.  !Mr.  C.  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at  Wyocena.  in  1854  ;  he  remained  there  a  little 
over  a  year,  when  he  came  to  Portage  and  engaged  in  teaching  until  the  year  1858  ;  having  studied 
law  before  coming  West,  he  commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  1858,  and  has  since  con- 
tinued the  liusiness  of  lawyer.  In  1801.  he  was  elected  County  Judge,  of  Marquette  Co.;  from 
1802  to  1808,  was  Assistant  Assessor  of  Internal  Revenue;  in  the  years  1874  and  1875.  was  City 
Superintendent  of  Schools,  and  Alderman  of  Third  Ward  in  1870  and  1880.  Jlr.  Cox  was  married 
at  Wyocena.  Oct.  31.  1855.  to  Eliza  A.  Wood,  daughter  of  Rev.  Nathan  Wood,  who  came  to  Wyo- 
cena  in  1840,  and  still  resides  there  :  her  mother,  Harriet  Wood,  died  there  Sept.  4.  1847,  being  the 
first  person  ever  interred  in  the  cemetery  of  that  place  ;  they  have  five  children — Edward  E.,  Hubert 
H.,  Margaret  C.,  3Iabel  A.  and  Mary  Alice.  Mrs.  Cox  was' born  at  Stockliridge,  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Jlr.  and  Jlrs.  C.  and  son  are  members  of  the  Presbvterian  Church,  and  Mr.  Cox  is  a  member  of  the 
lodiic  of  1,  O.  O.  F.  of  this  citv. 

'  tiEOROE  CURTIS.  Jr..  attorney  at  law,  was  liorn  at  Brecksville,  Cuyahoga  Co.,  Ohio, 
Dee.  18.  1851  ;  followed  the  liusiness  of  farming  and  teaching  school  until  November.  1870,  when 
lie  began  the  study  of  law  at  Madison,  Wis,  Mr.  Curtis  has  been  in  the  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion at  Portage  since  July  1,  1877.  He  was  married  at  Lindina.  Juneau  Co..  Wis.,  Pec.  24,  1870,  U> 
Alycia  M.  .^I'.  (Iregorv.  daughter  of  Ezra  and   ^lartlia  (Iregory.  now  residents  of  (Jleiidale,  Monroe 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  893 

Co..  Wis.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Curtis  have  two  children— George  G.,  born   May.  1S7S,  and  an  infant  son, 
born  in  February,  188(1.     Mr.  Curtis  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  April  1880. 

HEi\RY'HALE  Cl'RTIS,  attorney  at  law.  was  born  at  Brecksville,  Cuyahoga  Co., 
Ohio.  Dec.  15.  1848;  removed  from  there  with  his  parents,  George  and  Elizabeth  Curtis,  in  185G, 
to  Mauston,  Juneau  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  still  reside.  In  1875,  he  entered  the  law  office  of 
Winsor  &  Veeder,  at  Maustou.  Mr.  C.  followed  farming  and  school  teaching;  in  1807,  he  entered 
the  Law  Department  of  the  State  University,  at  Madison,  from  which  lie  graduated  in  the  class  of 
1870.  and  in  July  of  that  year  came  to  Portage  and  liegan  the  practice  of  law  ;  while  in  Juneau 
Co..  Mr.  C.  was  Court  Commissioner,  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Town  Clerk  and  the  incuml)ent  of  other 
local  offices.  He  was  married  at  Lemonweir.  Juneau  Co..  Oct  11,  1871,  to  M.  E..  daughter  of  John 
MeXown,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh  ;  they  have  three  children — Alfred  S.,  Iwrn  Sep- 
tember. 1871  ;  Norman  P.,  born  Fel)ruarv.  1875,  and  Nathan,  born  December.  1877. 

DAIVIEL  J.  DAliTON  was  "born  in  the  town  of  Springvale.  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  Aug. 
14.  1853  ;  son  of  Thomas  J.  and  Mary  A.  Dalton.  residents  of  Juneau  Co..  Wis.;  entered  Mauston 
High  School  at  tlie  age  of  17  ;  afterward  attended  the  commercial  college  and  State  T^niversity  at 
Madison  ;  began  teaching  school  winters  at  the  age  of  18  ;  studied  law  while  teaching,  and  after- 
ward read  law  with  J.  B.'  Tayler.  and  was  admitted  to  the  liar  in  May,  1879.  :Mr.  D.  began  practic- 
ing law  in  Portage  in  Augu.st,  1879  ;  he  is  also  in  the  insurance  business;  he  is  a  member  of  the 
Guppey  Guards,  and  attornev  for  the  companv. 

JOHN  R.  DALTON  was  Ijorn  at' York.  England,  in  January.  1835  ;  came  to  America 
in  1849.  locating  at  Buffalo.  N.  Y.,  for  six  months,  after  which  he  settled  at  Milwaukee,  where  he 
resided  until  1854.  In  :Milwaukee.  Mr.  D.  attended  school  and  learned  his  trade,  that  of  a  mason. 
In  1 854.  he  came  to  Portage,  which  has  since  lieen  his  home.  He  was  married,  in  Portage,  to  Eniily 
Ellis,  born  in  England  ;  they  have  tw(3  children  living — Reginald  G.  and  (ieorge  C.  Mr.  D.  is  a 
member  of  the  lodge  of  A.,  F.  &  A.  M.     Thev  have  lost  one  infant  child. 

HENRY  J.  DARTON,  freight  engineer.  C.  51.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  ;  born  September,  1852, 
at  Hartford,  Wis.;  his  father  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Hartford,  his  nearest  neighbors  then- 
being  nine  miles  distant ;  began  railroad  life  in  the  summer  of  1809  as  fireman  onC..M.  &St.P.R.  R., 
and  was  promoted  to  charge  of  engine  in  August,  1870,  and  has  -run"  continuously  to  date.  Was 
married,  July  21,  1878,  to  Miss  Alice  Dean,  a  niece  of  R.  E.  McMillan,  a  leading  lumberman  of 
Oshkosh.  Wis.;  they  have  one  son— Harry  Irving,  born  Jan,  4,  1880.  (hi  the  27th  of  April.  1879. 
he  was  seriously  injured  by  an  exploding  torpedo  on  the  track,  near  whicli  he  was  standing.  A 
fragment  of  the  shell  is  still  in  the  wounded  leg.  His  run  is  on  the  Northern  Division.  He  is  well 
spoken  of  bv  "  the  bovs." 

JOHN  B.  DASSI  was  born  in  Lombardy,  Italy.  Feb.  11.  1825  ;  emigrated  to  Germany  in 
1840,  and  to  America  in  1850  ;  located  in  ^lilwauliee,  and  engaged  in  peddling  two  years ;  removed 
to  Portage  Nov,  0,  1854,  having  purchased  property  here  "in  1851  ;  erected  a  residence  in  1850; 
returned  "to  Milwaukee  in  1803,  and  engaged  in  clerking  until  1809  ;  removed  to  Portage,  and,  in 
1870,  engaged  in  present  business.  He  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  from  1870  to  1880  ;  Alder- 
man, from  1871  to  1878  ;  meiulier  of  and  organized  the  Leidei-kranz  Singing  Society  ;  was  President 
of  that  society,  and  is  now  Secretary  ;  was  connected  with  the  I.  0.  0.  F.  from  1850  to  1873.  Mr. 
D.  was  married  in  Milwaukee.  Nov.  15,  1852,  to  Barbara  Dofmeyer,  a  native  of  Bavaria,  liorn  Feb. 
2.  1835  ;  came  with  her  parents  to  America  in  1847.  .^Ir.  and  3irs.  Dassi  are  members  of  the  Irish 
Catholic  Church.     5Ir.  D.  was  ori^anist  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church. 

WILLIAM  W.  IJATES.  The  suljject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  the  town  of  York, 
Racine  Co.,  AVis..  April  19.  1845  ;  is  the  son  of  Abram  and  Polly  C.  Dates,  who  were  early  settlers 
of  Racine  Co.;  they  moved  to  the  town  of  Ft.  ^^'illnehago.  Columliia  Co..  in  1852  ;  the  fatlier  died 
in  October.  1875.  and  his  mother  still  lives  on  the  homestead.  William  W.'s  life  was  passed  on  a 
farm  until  he  came  to  Portage  in  October.  1877,  when  he  engaged  in  the  flour  and  feed  liusiness. 
which  business  he  still  continues  ;  also  is  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Dates'  Flouring  Jlill,  water 
and  steam  comliined  ;  owns  a  farm  of  75  acres  in  Marcellon  ;  he  and  his  lirother,  George  D.,  own 
the  old  homestead  ;  George  D.  and  William  W.,  with  their  mother  own  the  mill.  Married  Lizzie  Jones 
in  the  town  of  Ft.  Winnebago  December.  1870  ;  they  have  two  sous — George  E.  and  Fred. 

WILLIAM  M.  DAVIE,  machinist,  was  born  1820.  in  Htate  of  New  Jersey  ;  served  his 
apprenticeship,  as  machinist,  in  New  York  City  ;  from  age  of  12  to  18.  was  a  seafarer,  and  made 
several  voyages  as  a  ••  whaler.  "  He  was  married,  in  1840,  to  Miss  Mary  L.  A' an  Sands,  of  New  Jer- 
sey,    He  has  been  connected  with  the  N,  Y,  C.  and  the  N.  Y,  &  N.  H.  R.  Rs.  ;  he  came  West  in  1854 


894  BIOGKAPIIICAL    SKETCHES: 

and  was  master  inechanic  on  the  C.  &  >I.  R.  R.  ;  this  was  the  second  raUroad  Imilt  in  the  State  ;  in 
1873.  he  settled  in  Portage,  where  he  still  resides:  has  worked  for  many  different  railroads.  l)ut  is 
now  in  employ  of  C.  M.  &  St.  P.  as  maehinist.  Has  three  children — .Mary  E..  William  C.  and 
Winnefred  E.  :  his  dangliter  is  now  wifi^  of  T.  T.  Rhodes,  and  resides  in  Kansas.  (Jwns  a  pleasant 
residence  next  to  tlie  -  little  lirown  chiiri'h  on  the  corner."  situated  on  Wisconsin  street :  he  is  a 
natural  inccliaiiic  and  a  ueniai  citizen. 

MOKTON  E.  I>A  VIS,  freight  conductor  on  St.  P.  R.  R..  was  l)orn  in  .Madison  Co..  .\.  Y.. 
in  1S4S  ;  came  Wi'St  in  lS.")(i  and  lived  three  years  in  Walworth  Co..  Wis.  ;  in  1S51I.  moved  to  Hardin 
Co..  Iowa:  his  father  was  a  real-estate  speculator  ;  in  ISlid.  he  made  Beloit  his  home  :  spent  ncarlv 
four  years  in  .Milton  College,  and  graduated  therefrom  in  1S(J4  ;  in  1SG7  and  ISdS.  lie  tried  the  busi- 
ness of  liuying.  training  and  selling  horses:  for  the  work  he  has  taste  and  ahility — seldom  mis- 
judges the  capaiiilities  of  a  horse.  In  ISdS.  he  married  Miss  Kuphemia  L.  Vincent,  daughter  of 
Christopher  \'incent.  of  Rock  County.  He  tried  the  livery  business  first  in  Kdgerton.  and 
then  in  Chicago  ;  the  fearful  epizootic  in  187H  found  him  at  (>(•!•  and  (ill  Cottage  (Jrove  .\ venue. 
Chicago,  in  livery,  with  hirge  stock  of  tine  horses, — the  result  was  bankruptcy  ;  his  railroad  life 
began  as  brakeman  in  the  fall  of  1S74.  on  the  Wisconsin  Division  of  the  C.  &  X. ;  this  he  continued 
till  the  fall  of  1S75.  when  he  tried  his  hand  at  the  horse  business  again  ;  bought  some  fine  Kentucky 
stock  and  trained  them,  and  did  well,  until  a  mishap  in  Septeml)er.  lS7(i.  set  him  back  again  :  then 
immediately  went  to  braking  again,  on  Sept.  15.  lS7ti.  for  the  C.  !M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R..  and  after  one 
year's  experience,  was  given  charge  of  the  same  train,  which  he  still  retains  :  no  accident  has  ever 
ha|)pened  to  his  train  :  he  has  had  even  another  "horse  experience;"  in  ISfin.  he  had  a  first-class 
training  stable  at  Milton.  Wis.  ;  had  seventeen  horses  in  charge,  and  all  of  them  "  fast ; "  with  the 
best  of  these,  he  made  the  eastern  circuit  two  seasons  ;  his  affliction  this  time  was  that  of  having 
■•  two  much  partner:  he  is  now  confining  his  attention  to  the  ••  iron  horse  :  has  three  children — 
.Minnie  K..  born  in  1S72  :  Jesse  .M.  in  187").  and  Susie  Burdick.  called  -Birdie."  boru  in  1878  ;  his 
paii'iits  live  with  him  :  .Mr.  Davis  is  an  .\ncient.  Free  &  .Vccepted  Mason  and  a  Knight  of  Pythias  ; 
although  a  thoroughbred  horseman,  he  was  never  intoxicated  :  is  devoted  to  his  family,  but  has  a 
lingering  love  for  the  ■■  horse  :  '  is  social,  popular  and  respected. 

CHAN.  L.  l>ERIIV<ir.  The  suliject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Sunliury.  Penn..  Dec.  H, 
18;-i(i.  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  184il,  locating  at  New  Diggings.  LaFayette  Co.  :  lived 
there  until  the  fall  of  ISdS  ;  is  the  son  of  Charles  and  Maria  JI.  Dering  :  his  mother  died  at  New 
Diggings  in  185!).  and  his  father  died  in  Texas  in  1875  ;  the  year  1808.  he  came  with  his  father 
to  Columbus,  this  county;  April  lit.  18(11,  Chas.  L.  enlisted  'in  Co.  I.  8d  W.  V.  I.,  at  Shullsburg, 
entering  the  ser\ice  as  a  private  ;  was  first  Color  Sergeant  of  his  regiment,  and  afterward  Sergeant 
Major  ;  then  promoted  to  2d  Lieutenant  of  Co.  I  ;  again  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  and  mustered 
out  as  1st  Lieutenant  of  Co.  B.  July  24,  18()3  ;  was  in  all  the  Itattles  his  regiment  participated  in, 
until  he  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Aug.  0,  18(52  :  Mr.  Dering  was  educated  at 
Platteville  .\cademy.  Wis.,  graduating  from  that  institution  in  1855  ;  also  spent  one  year  at  Holiart 
College.  (Jeneva.  X.  Y.,  and  on  account  of  ill  health  was  obliged  to  leave  college  l)efore  completing 
his  course  :  had  taught  school  several  terms  before  entering  college,  and  one  term  afterward  ;  then 
commenced  the  study  of  law  in  Shullsliurg,  in  the  spring  of  1858,  and  admitti'd  to  the  bar  in  the 
fall  of  18511 ;  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  at  Cohnnlius.  with  (Icrry  W.  Hazlefou.  and 
remained  with  him  twelve  years  :  in  1875,  dissolved  partnership  ;  in  Xovomber,  187S,  in  connection 
with  .Mr.  Smith,  purchased  the  abstract  business  of  .Vlverson  &  Y'ule.  and  continued  his  [jractice  in 
Columbus,  until  the  spring  of  1S79  ;  still  continues  to  practice  here  ;  also  engaged  in  abstract  and  in- 
surance business;  was  C  S.  .\ssistant  .\ssessor  of  Internal  Revenue  from  18(14  to  18(50:  was  Village 
Clerk  from  the  organization  of  Columbus,  in  18(14.  to  the  time  of  city  incorporation  :  then  served  one 
year  as  City  Clerk  ;  Snijervisor  of  Second  \Vard  one  term  ;  afterward.  Supervisor  from  Third  ^^'ard  one 
term  ;  winter  of  1 8(17,  was  .\ssistant  Sargeant-at-.\rms  of  State  Senate  :  meml)er  of  School  Board  four 
years  liefore  the  city  incori)oration  ;  three  years  member  of  Board  of  Eilueation  ;  elected  to  State 
Setiate  in  the  fall  of  187S.  Mr.  Dering  was  married  at  Waterford,  Erie  Co..  Penn.,  Oct.  7.  1874,  to 
S.  .Vda  .Maxwell:  she  was  born  in  Chenango  Co..  X.  \.  ;   have  two  children — Jes.se  (4.  and  Irma. 

CHARLFiH  DEVLIN,  engineer  on  C.,  .AL  &  St.  P.  R.  R..  was  born  Xov.  4.  1840.  near 
Dublin.  Irt'laiid  :  when  a  mere'lad.  he  had  a  great  desire  to  travel,  and  studied  navigation  with 
enthusiasm:  he  went  to  Canada  in  1S54.  clerked  nearly  two  years,  and  in  185(1.  liegan  work  in  the 
inacliine  shop  of  the  (ireat  Western  Railway  of  Canada  ;  he  was  afterward  a  fireman,  and  was  pro- 
moted  to   the   charge   of  an  engine  in   18(11.  which  he  ran    uijtil    18(17:   for   a   vear  and   a   half  he 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  895 

repreresented  Xevlund  iV  ('o..  Jfrturson,  Texas,  as  salesman  for  all  leading  kinds  of  eountrv  produee  ; 
afterward  he  ran  a  stationary  engine,  at  Sedalia.  Mo.;  then  was  with  the  A.  &.  X.  R.  R.  aliout  a  year 
and  a  half,  and  then  the  same  length  of  time  with  the  P.  &  Ft.  W.  R.  R.;  was  then  a  year  in  the  C. 
&  X.  W.  Ry.  shops  ;  In  July.  1878.  he  engaged  as  engineer  on  the  C.  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R..  and  has 
been  in  eontinuous  serviee  to  date  ;  he  was  married  on  the  3d  of  January,  1S76.  to  Miss  Luey 
Horning,  a  resident  of  Portage,  horn  in  1848  ;  they  have  one  child.  Kitty  .Maud,  horn  Oct.  :51,  1870. 
The  famih'  are  Catholics.  She  was  fifteen  years  in  the  employ  of  W.  D.  Vox.  at  the  Railroad  House, 
as  chief  cook  ;  he  is  a  member  of  the  ••  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers  ;"  no  one  was  ever 
injured  on  his  train  ;  he  is  a  Liberal  Democrat ;  this  season  he  has  erected  a  fine  brick  residence  on 
the  corner  of  Dunn  and  Marion  streets. 

CH.4R.LES  C.  "^OW,  i'ostmaster  ;  was  born  in  Piermont,  (irafton  Co..  X.  H..  June 
2,  1S8()  ;  lived  in  Xcw  Hampshire  until  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  185(i,  and  located  in  Portage, 
engaging  in  clerking  in  a  hardware  store  for  Josiah  Arnold  al)out  one  year,  and  clerked  in  other 
stores  until  April  9.  18(i],  wlien  he  enlisted  as  a  pri\ate  in  Co.  (>,  2d  W.  V.  L;  was  in  the  tirst  and 
second  liattles  of  Bull  Run.  battles  of  the  Wilderness.  Chancellorsville.  (iettysl)urg,  and  all  the  other 
engagements  that  his  regiment  was  engaged  in,  except  South  Jlountain  and  Antietam  ;  was  wounded 
and  disal)led  at  the  first  and  second  battles  of  Bull  Run,  and  was  mustered  out  June  3tt,  1804,  as 
First  Lieutenant  commanding  the  company,  having  had  command  of  the  'company  more  than  a  year 
prior  to  this  time;  returning  to  Portage,  but  remaining  (mly  a  few  weeks:  went  to  Oulf  Department 
with  the  21st  Iowa  ;  in  the  fall  of  1803,  he  returned  to  Portage,  and  clerked  in  the  County  Clerk's 
oflSce  for  a  ^-eai' ;  he  then  clerked  in  a  diy  goods  store,  until  1807  ;  then  with  W.  W.  Corning  until 
he  went  to  Madison  with  Secretary  of  State  L.  Breese  ;  remained  with  him  four  years  ;  returned 
to  Portage,  and  has  lieen  connected  with  the  U.  S.  postal  service  since,  on  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.. 
until  he  received  an  appointment  of  Postmaster,  in  the  spring  of  188(1.  He  was  married  in  Port- 
age, Dec.  10.  1807,  to  Annie  K.  Jones  ;  they  have  three  children — W.  Corning,  Carrie  Louisa  and 
Charles  Homer.     Mr.  Dow  is  a  member  of  the  A.,  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  a  Kniii'ht  Templar. 

THOMAS  W.  DREW  was  Ixn-n  in  Portsmouth,  Hampshire,  England,  July  4,  1SH9,  and 
resided  there  until  coming  to  Portage  in  the  spring  of  1855  ;  in  1850,  he  commenced  clerking  for 
O.  Ward,  with  whom  he  remained  three  years  ;  then  going  into  the  grocery  lousiness  himself  which 
he  continued  until  the  breaking-out  of  the  war  of  the  rebellion,  when  he  enlisted  in  Co.  A,  2d  111. 
L.  A,,  in  April,  1801,  and  served  four  and  a  half  years  in  the  same  company  and  regiment ;  was  in 
all  the  battles  his  regiment  jiarticipated  in  ;  was  with  Gen.  Grant  when  he  was  a  Colonel  ;  partici- 
pated in  the  Vickslnirg  and  Red  River  campaigns,  serving  as  a  private  :  was  mustered  out  in  the  fall 
of  1805,  and  returned  to  Portage  and  resumed  Inisiness  as  a  grocer,  which  he  continued  alone  until 
^larch,  1879,  when  Mr.  Pugh  was  admitted  to  partnership  in  the  grocery  business,  Mr.  Drew  dealing 
in  farmers'  produce  in  addition  to  his  other  business.  He  was  married  in  Portage,  Feb  1,  1808,  to 
Minnie  AVilliamson  ;  she  was  born  in  Canada  ;  thev  have  four  children — Jennie.  Minnie,  Delia  and  Lillie. 

Ci^EORGE  W.  DITSEXBURY  was 'born  in  Canaan,  Columbia  Co.,  X.  Y„  July  27.  1851  ; 
son  of  .Alorgan  H.  and  Alniira  Dusenbury,  who  came  to  Pardeeville  when  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  about  8^  years  old,  and  where  his  boyhood  days  were  passed  upon  his  father's  farm,  located  four 
miles  east  of  Pardeeville,  also  lived  in  the  \illage  a  short  time  :  then  coming  to  I'ortage,  he  attended 
school  for  a  3ear,  when  he  went  into  the  emph^y  of  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R..  and  has  continued  with 
the  company  to  the  present  time,  with  the  exception  of  one  year.  Married  Morgie  A.  Thompson, 
a  native  of  Rhode  Island,  Oct.  22.  1873,  at  Pardeeville  :  they  have  two  children — Ovie  V.  and 
Bartie.     Mr.  D.  is  a  member  of  A.,  F.  &  A.  M.,  with  the  degree  of  Knight  Templar. 

JOHN  DULL.AWHAN  was  born  in  County  Louth,  Ireland,  Xov.  23,  1831  :  came  t(, 
America  in  1850  ;  was  in  Xew  York  City  for  a  short  time  ;  removed  to  South  Carolina  in  1851,  and 
to  Charleston,  S.  C,  in  the  spring  of  1852,  and  returned  to  Xew  York  same  spring  ;  he  then  went  to 
the  Isthmus  of  Panama  and  worked  for  the  Pacific  Mail  Steamship  Co.  at  what  is  known  as  Xa\y 
Bay,  working  for  the  company  eleven  months,  building  piers,  etc  ;  April,  1853,  he  went  to  California 
and  remained  there  mining  until  1858,  when  he  returned  to  Europe,  where  he  was  married  July  5, 1858, 
to  Ann  McShean,  County  Armagh,  Ireland,  a  native  of  that  county;  they  have  seven  children — 
James  Joseph,  Stephen  ?I.,  John,  Mary  Ann,  Blargaret,  Edward  and  Elizabeth  ;  was  engaged  in 
Xewry,  County  Armagh,  Ireland,  in  the  grocery  and  provision  business,  there  ten  years  ;  when  he 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1808  and  locates!  in  Portage  ;  engaged  in  the  business  of  grocery  and  liquor 
dealer,  etc.,  since  coming  here,  and  has  remained  in  it  ever  since.  Jlr.  and  Mrs.  D.  are  members  of 
St.  Mary's  Church,  and  of  St.  John's  Literary  and  Benevolent  Association. 


890  BIOGKAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

WILLIAM  MARSHAL  EDWARDS  (ilrusr  clerk  with  John  Graham);  was  born 
in  ^lihvaukfL'.  March  15,  1850  ;  son  of  Samuel  and  .Sarah  (Keene)  Edwards  ;  came  to  Portaije  with 
his  parents  in  1851  ;  in  1800,  removed  to  Winona,  where  he  lived  until  1867  ;  commenced  learning 
the  drug  business  with  his  father  in  Winona  in  1804  ;  has  been  with  Mr.  Graham  since  1807.  Mar- 
ried in  Portage,  Sept.  5,  1875.  to  Lizzie  J.  Baxter,  daughter  of  D.  R.  Baxter,  of  Sauk  Co.  Mr. 
Kdwards  is  a  memlier  of  three  branches  of  the  Masonic  Order,  the  Lodge,  Chapter  and  Commandrv. 

WILLIAM  EDWARDS,  lock-tender  on  the  Portage  Canal,  which  connects  the  Wis- 
consin and  Fox  Rivers  ;  he  was  born  in  Wales  Oct.  15.  18.30  ;  his  parents  came  to  the  United  States 
in  1832.  and  settled  in  Deerfield.  Oneida  Co..  N.  Y.,  where  they  resided  until  their  death.  He  was 
married  in  March.  1855,  to  Miss  Johanna  C.  (Jray,  of  Deerfield,  N.  Y.;  in  March.  1855,  they  came 
to  Portage,  and  this  county'  has  been  their  home  to  present  date.  1880  ;  he  lived  seven  years  on  a 
farm  near  Portage  ;  on  Sept.  22.  lS(i4.  he  enlisted  in  Co.  B,  22d  W.  V.  L;  he  was  on  detached  <luty 
until  the  close  of  the  war  :  soon  after  the  war.  was  nearly  two  years  in  railroad  service  as  foreman 
at  the  yards  in  Portage,  of  C.  M.  &  St.  Paul  R.  R.;  he  was  then  night  watchman  in  Portage  for  eight 
years,  and  was  then  City  ^larshal  two  years  :  has  been  nearly  two  years  in  charge  of  Government 
interests  on  the  canal,  with  the  nominal  appointment  of  lock-tender  ;  he  has  been  thoroughly  identi- 
fied with  the  growth  and  improvement  of  Portage,  He  is  a  Repulilican.  but  has  held  ofliee  ten  years 
in  I'ortage,  which  is  a  Democratic  city  ;  thej"  have  no  children.  Himself  and  wife  are  members  of 
the  M.  E.  Church.     ( )wns  an  attractive  home  on  Cook  street. 

HENRY  EMI>ER  is  a  native  of  Prussia,  born  Aug.  27,  1831  ;  came  to  America  May  1, 
1850  ;  was  in  New  York  and  Boston  until  ho  came  to  Milwaukee,  in  1851,  where  he  remained  until 
1853;  then  removed  to  ^ladison.  where  he  resided  until  1S55.  when  he  came  to  Portage.  Was 
engaged  in  the  railway  lousiness  l)efore  coming  to  this  city.  From  1855  to  1858.  was  clerk  in  a  gro- 
cery ;  since  in  the  hotel  l)usiuess  ;  was  proprietor  of  the  National  Hotel  for  ten  years.  In  1870. 
erected  his  elegant  hotel,  which  he  has  successfully  managed  up  to  present  time.  Mr.  E.  was  mar- 
ried in  >lilwaukee,  July  23.  1854.  to  Pauline  .\rsand  :  she  was  born  in  Prussia.  They  have  five 
ciiildren — Louisa,  Emma,  Paulina.  George  W.  and  Charlie  H.  Is  one  of  the  oldest  members  of  the 
I.  O.  O.  F.;  also  memljer  of  Leiderkranz  Societv. 

MRS.  REBECCA  L.  EMERTOIV,  widow  of  Thomas  J.  Emerton  ;  was  born  May 
15,  ISlO.  in  NiirtiiHekl,  Merrimac  Co.,  N.  II.;  she  is  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Lucy  Hoegg  Rogers. 
She  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  her  native  town,  and  taught  several  terms  before  her 
marriage.  She  was  married  Vah.  23.  1833.  to  Thomas  J.  Emerton,  of  (Jrafton  Co..  X.  H.  He  was 
born  March  15,  1805  ;  he  was  a  successful  farmer  in  the  East,  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  his 
fellow-citizens  ;  held  several  town  otiices.  and  was  several  times  elected  to  the  Legislature.  In  1851. 
the  family  came  to  Fort  Winnebago  and  bought  the  farm  which  he  carried  on  seventeen  years  ;  in 
1808.  he  moved  to  Westficld,  Marquette  Co.,  where  he  died  on  the  14th  of  January,  1870,  leaving 
one  (laughter  and  two  sons — Benjamin  J.,  born  .Jan.  10.  1835  :  Lucy  R..  born  Sept.  21,  1838,  and 
Andrew  .J.,  born  Aug.  24,  1841,  Her  daughter  married  Robert  Cocln-ane,  and  lives  in  Portage: 
her  sons  are  married,  and  are  farming  in  F(irt  Winnel)ago.  She  owns  some  real  estate  in  Wisconsin 
and  a  pleasant  home  on  Conant  street :  her  young  granddaughter  resides  with  her.  She  is  a  Pres- 
bvterian.     She  is  threescore  and  ten.  and  is  cheerfuUv  nearins  the  smiset  land. 

FRANK  B.  ERNSPEROER.  merchant.  Opera  House  ;  born  Oct.  14.  1838,  in  Rock- 
ford,  Wood  Co.,  Ohio.  His  pareuts  arc  of  Swiss  ancestry.  Began  commercial  life  as  a  dry -goods 
clerk,  at  age  of  14  ;  after  1.S41.  his  parents  lived  in  Sandusky  Co.,  Ohio;  at  age  of  20.  he  located 
in  Fulton  Co.,  Ind.,  and  continued  as  salesman  ;  in  1801,  he  went  into  trade  for  himself,  at  Roches- 
ter, Ind.,  with  a  large  stock  of  general  merchandise.  He  was  married  in  Jlay,  1801,  to  Miss  Mary 
A.  Lyon,  formerly  of  Pennsylvania.  He  h;ul  a  large  trade  for  many  years,  being  the  leading  house 
of  the  city,  and  doing  both  a  retail  and  a  jobbing  trade  ;  he  closed  his  business  there  in  1879,  and 
opened  business  in  Portage  on  1st  of  .January,  1880,  in  the  elegant  Opera  House  Store ;  keeps  good 
stock  of  dry  goods,  boots,  shoes,  and  hats  and  caps.  Has  four  children — Lillie  X..  Cecil  R.,  Laura 
M.  and  Edgar  B.  He  is  a  member  of  I.  O.  O.  F..  and  is  a  Royal  Arch  Mason.  Is  a  thorough  tem- 
perance man  and  an  active  Methodist.  Previous  to  18S(l,  his  history  was  connected  with  another 
State,  but  he  is  rapidly  becoming  identified  with  the  city  wherein  are  his  commercial  interests  and 
his  chosen  home. 

CHRISTIAN  P.  ETTEN  was  bom  at  :\luffen<l(.rf  Rhine  Prussia.  March  31.  1839; 
was  educated  as  a  musican.and  served  in  the  military  band  of  the  Prussian  Third  Grenadier  Guard. 
After  leaving  that,  he  played  one  year  at  home,  and  then  came  to  America,  arriving  in  Chicago  in 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  897 

March,  186-t,  where  he  remained  three  j-ears  ;  lived  at  Rocktbrd  two  years,  and  tlicn  came  to  Port 
age,  where  he  has  since  resided,  except  one  year  spent  in  Madison,  teaching  music  and  as  organist 
of  St.  Raphael's  Church,  which  position  he  still  holds.  He  teaches  vocal  and  instrumental  music. 
He  was  married  at  Kenosha,  Wis.,  March  5,  1866,  to  Amelia  Toemmel,  who  was  born  in  Mering, 
Prussia,  Nov.  1,  1847.  They  have  six  children — Fannie,  born  in  Rockford  ;  Lizzie,  John  B.,  Mary 
B.,  Albert,  and  Emma  L.  M,  born  in  Portage  ;  Joseph,  died  in  Chicago,  aged  5  months.  They  are 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

MARTIN  FARRAR,  passenger  engineer  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Rail-' 
way  ;  was  born  in  April,  18lj(j,  in  ^'crmont.  He  began  railroad  life  at  the  age  of  19,  as  flreraau  on 
the  Rutland  &  Washington  Railway,  and  he  continued  with  that  road  eight  years,  the  last  one  of 
which  was  as  engineer.  He  was  married,  in  1862,  to  Miss  Hannah  Driscoll,  of  Vermont  ;  came  West 
in  May,  1863,  and  engaged  as  engineer  for  the  St.  Paul  Road,  and  lived  in  Milwaukee  till  1866,  when 
he  moved  to  Portage,  where  he  still  resides  and  continues  in  the  engineer  service.  He  has  one  son, 
born  October,  1865,  and  named  George.  Mr.  Farrar  belongs  to  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive 
Engineers  ;  his  neighljors  report  him  as  a  reliable,  candid  man  ;  his  residence  is  No.  28  Franklin  street. 
"  EDWARD  FINK  was  born  in  Prussia  Jan.  10, 1839  ;  came  to  America  in  1854  ;  located  in 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  one  year,  Sandusky  two  and  a  half  years,  Norwalk  one  year  :  came  to  Portage,  Wis. 
April.  1859,  and  has  since  Ijeen  engaged  in  the  bakery,  restaurant  and  confectionery  Inisiness,  which 
he  began  in  1854,  most  of  the  time  since.  Mr.  F.  was  married  at  Portage.  JIarch  24,  1861,  to  Teresa 
Kettler,  who  was  born  in  l^russia.  They  have  six  children  living — Amarudie  H.,  Henry  L.,  Anna 
M.,  Willie  C,  Freddie  E.,  Edward  Daniel  Emil  ;  Carl,  born  June  19,  1872,  died  at  the  age  of  4 
months  and  11  da  vs. 

ALEXANDER  D.  FORBE$$.  deceased,  was  born  in  Madrid,  N.  Y.,  in  1823,  He 
early  engaged  in  the  mercantile  l)usiness  in  Waddington,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  remained 
till  he  C'aine  to  Wisconsin  in  1856.  He  and  his  brother,  AV.  W.  Forbes,  engaged  in  general  mer- 
chandising in  Portage  till  1870.  He  was  married  on  the  7th  of  August,  1869,  to  Miss  Carrie  E. 
Baxter,  of  Prairie  du  Sac,  Wis.  They  had  four  children — Frederick,  born  Feb,  ,18,  1863,  and  grad- 
uated, in  1880,  from  the  liigli  school  "in  Portage  ;  William  R.,  liorn  June  22,  1865  ;  Carrie  A.,  born 
Dec.  17,  1867;  Fraukie,  l)orn  March  13,  187o',  and  died  April  9,  1871,  He  owned  a  farm  of  320 
acres,  and  one  of  170  acres,  Ijoth  in  township  of  Arlington,  Columliia  Co.,  and  a  fine  brick  residence 
on  Conant  street,  besides  other  real  estate  in  the  city.  This  property  Jlrs.  Forljes  still  retains. 
When  ^Ir.  Forlies  began  business  here,  onlj-  three  stores  were  in  Portage.  He  was  a  careful,  quiet, 
successful  business  man,  attended  closel3-  to  his  business,  and  was  devoted  to  his  family.  He  took 
but  little  interest  in  politics.  He  was  a  patient  sufferer  for  five  years  with  consumption,  and  he 
died  Jan.  12,  1871.  The  residence  on  Conant  street  was  built  and  fitted  up  in  1865,  and  Mrs,  Forbes 
and  familv  continue  to  live  in  their  i)leasant  homestead.     No  family  is  more  highly  respected. 

J.  C.  FORBES  was  born  in 'Aurora,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  8,  1828  ;  lived  there  and  in  the 
vicinity  until  coming  to  Kingston,  (xreen  Lake  Co..  Wis.,  in  July,  1861,  where  he  remained  for  seven 
years  ;  removed  to  Portage  in  1867,  and  engaged  in  his  present  Inisiness,  which  he  still  continues 
to  follow,  that  of  watchmaker  and  jeweler,  the  same  business  he  has  been  engaged  in  for  the  last 
thirty  years.  Married  in  the  town  of  .Marilla,  N.  Y„  Aug.  7, 1851,  to  Betsey  M.  Ells  ;  she  was  born  in 
Evans,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.;  they  have  six  children  living — James  S.,  Melissa  M.,  Henry  M,,  Samuel  L., 
Frederick  J.,  and  (^eorge  C., — lost  two  children,  one  daughter,  Amelia,  who  died  at  the  age  of  4 
years  and  5  months,  and  one  son,  Sherman,  at  the  age  of  10  months.  iNIr.  F.  is  a  member  of  the 
Temple  of  Honor. 

CHARLiES  FOSTER  was  Iwrn  at  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  JNIay  10,  1855  ;  son  of 
Lucius  and  Blargaret  Foster,  His  father  was  born  in  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  and  settled  in  Jefferson, 
Jeflferson  Co.,  before  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  as  a  State  ;  in  1848,  located  at  Fox  Lake,  and 
engaged  in  mercantile  Inisiness  ;  removed  to  Melrose  in  1859,  and  carried  on  hotel  and  lumber  lousi- 
ness for  seven  years  :  then  went  to  Sparta  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for  several  jears, 
since  which  time  he  has  been  farming  in  La  Fayette,  four  and  one-half  miles  from  Sparta,  Charles, 
the  suliject  of  this  sketch,  remained  with  his  parents  until  1875,  then  became  connected  with  the 
railroad  eating-house  at  Sparta,  remained  there  one  year  ;  since  that  time,  until  Jan.  12.  1880.  with 
W.  D,  Fox  in  tlie  Corning  House  at  Portage,  and  at  present  with  A.  E.  Smith  in  the  same  house. 
He  is  a  nu'mber  of  the  A.  0.  U.  W.     Mr.  Foster's  mother  was  a  native  of  Great  Bend.  Penn. 

JOHN  FOSTER  was  born  in  County  Antrim,  Ireland,  >Iarch  16,  1820  :  came  to  the  town 
of  Jackson.  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  the  spring  of  1847  ;  lived  there  until  the  fall  of  1850,  then  came 


S5'.>8  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

to  Buttalo.  .Marquette  Co..  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  fanning,  dealing  in  ive  stock,  butchering,  etc.; 
resided  tiiere  until  the  fall  of  lytllt.  then  came  to  Portage  in  the  fall  of  18(iil  ;  in  the  spring  of  1870, 
eonnnenced  dealing  in  general  produce  and  dressed  meats  for  the  mining  regions  of  Wisconsin  and 
.Michigan,  which  he  discontinued  six  or  seven  years  ago;  he  has  been  dealing  in  live  stock  since 
1S70.  which  business  he  still  follows,  also  extensive  dealer  in  wool  :  while  a  resident  of  Buffalo, 
was  Supervisor  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Mr.  Poster  was  married  in  Portage.  May  2,  IStil.  to 
Margaret  (ialloway,  a  native  of  Fyfeshire.  Scotland;  they  have  three  children — James  A..  Jennie 
H..  (leorge  G.  3Ir.  Foster  and  his  partner,  Mr.  Keid.  own  a  large  ranch  in  Saline  Co..  Xeb..  on 
which  they  have  275  head  of  cattle. 

W.  D.  FOX  was  born  in  Richmond.  Ontario  Co..  N.  V.,  Dec.  (!.  1824.  and  lived  there  until 
1843  ;  then  went  to  Black  Rock.  Erie  Co..  N.  Y.,  remained  there  until  1845  :  then  to  Ohio  near 
Wooster.  Wayne  Co.:  came  to  Milwaukee  in  the  spring  of  1847,  lived  there  a  few  months,  then  came 
to  Watertown  and  lived  two  years,  wliei'e  he  was  engaged  in  the  milling  business  :  from  M'atertown 
he  moved  to  Kingston  and  c<intinue<l  in  the  same  business  until  spring  of  1857  ;  in  May,  1858,  came 
to  Portage  and  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  being  virtually  proprietor  of  the  A'eeder  House,  hotel  was 
burned  two  years  later  ;  in  April,  18()(l.  went  to  Faribault,  Minn,,  September.  18G().  and  took  charge  of 
the  depot  and  eating-house,  until  it  burned  in  the  winter  of  18(i2-(i3  :  early  in  18()8,  took  charge  of 
the  railroad  eating-house  and  hotel  at  Milwaukee  until  187(J,  and  was  for  a  portion  of  the  same  time 
jiartner  in  the  Plaukinton  and  Newhall  Houses  of  Milwaukee  ;  alter  returning  to  Portage  in  June,  1 870, 
lie  took  charge  of  the  railroad  eating-house  and  hotel  here  :  in  1873.  sold  out  the  Milwaukee  Cnion 
Hepot  eating-house  business  :  in  187(l.opened  the  Corning  House,  remodeled  it  and  ran  it  until  he  sold 
it  to  A.  E.  Smith.  Jan.  1.1880  :  he  took  possession  of  the  Cameron  Hou.se  at  La  Crosse.  Wis.,  March 
1.  ]88(».  which  he  now  conducts  :  he  owns  and  runs  seven  farms  in  .Martin  and  Faribault  Cos.,  Minn. 
Married  in  Fond  du  Lac.  Dec.  10,  1855,  to  Alvina  Smith,  daughter  of  Asa  Smith,  who  settled  in  Fond 
du  Lac  in  an  early  day.  Mr.  A.  Smith  died  in  St.  Paul  three  years  ago  :  Alvina  Smith  was  born  in 
Manstield.  Ohio.  Mr.  F,  is  the  son  of  (Jeorge  and  Hulda  (Sheldon)  Fox  ;  both  parents  died  in  New 
York  State  at  Richmond  :  they  have  one  child,  Hattie  M..  now  attending  Bishop  Whipple's  school 
at  Fariliault.  .Minn. 

MISS  DOKA  FKl'SiD,  pastry  cook  at  the  Corning  House:  was  born  in  1857,  in  Ger- 
many ;  came  to  I'niteil  States  in  18()5,  Her  parents  are  farmers.  She  has  worked  out  since  she 
was  14  years  of  age.  and  has  been  in  the  hotel  nearly  four  years.  She  is  a  Methodist.  She  is 
responsible  for  the  "  jjies  and  things"  which  are  •■taken"  so  freely  from  the  tables  of  the  Corning 
House. 

\VILliI.4M  FULTON  was  born  in  Keighley.  Yorkshire.  England,  May  12,  1843:  edu- 
cated to  the  drug  and  grocciy  liusiness  in  Skipton,  England;  came  to  America  Feb.  22,  18(5(5.  and 
to  Wisconsin  same  \ear,  and  located  in  Portage  about  March  1,  186(5.  For  some  time  after  coming 
here,  was  employed' by  the  ('..  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R,  Co.;  clerked  for  N.  H.  Wood  &  Co.:  also  for  John 
Fulton:  purchased  present  business  Dec,  2(>,  1872,  with  Alex  Thompson;  buying  Thomp.son  out 
in  1880.  he  has  since  carried  on  the  business  alone.  Was  married  Jan.  22,  lS(iO,  in  Waukesha  Co,, 
Wis.,  to  Agnes  T.  .More  :  she  was  born  in  Glasgow.  Scotlan<l.  They  have  two  children — Agnes  .V.. 
aged  1(1  years,  and  Mary  H..  aged  5  years.  .Mr,  and  .Mrs,  F,  are  members  of  the  Prcsljyterian 
Church,  and  .Mr.  F.  belouiis  to  the  Temple  of  Honor.  .Mr.  l'"ult<in  carries  on  the  business  which  was 
originally  established  by  T.  .M.  .McMillan. 

J.4MFiS  FYFE,  born  in  Scotland  .Vug,  8,  1837;  came  to  .\merica  in  1854,  and  h)cated 
in  Chicago,  where  he  remained  until  18(i0  ;  then  going  to  Davenport.  Towa.  where  he  was  employed 
in  the  C,  R.  L  &  P,  H.  K.  shr)ps  (then  the  Miss.  «fe  Mo.  R,  R,  Co.)  From  Davenport,  he  went  to 
Bloomington,  HI.,  working  for  the  C  .\,  «&  St.  L.  R.  R.  Co.;  then  returning  to  Chicago  in  1804,  and 
remaining  there  until  1805,  when  he  came  to  I'ortage,  where  he  started  a  general  jobbing  and  repair 
shop  (iron  work)  :  commenced  the  manufacture  of  plows  in  the  fall  of  1877  :  his  step-son  is  at  pres- 
ent associated  with  him  in  business.  .Married  .Clarion  Crow  at  ])avenport,  Iowa,  .Vug.  22,  1800  ;  she 
was  born  in  Dumfriesliire.  Scotland.  They  have  four  children — George  C,,  Fannie  McD,.  Marion  C. 
and  James  J.,.;  ^Irs.  Fyfe  has  a  son  by  a  previous  marriage — John  C.  .\nder.son.  Mr.  F.  has  been 
Sui)ervisor  of  Second  Ward,  and  City  Engineer  ;  he  is  a  member  of  the  A.,  F.  &  A.  51..  and  is  also 
Secretary  of  the  Curling  Club. 

STEPHEN  P.  WAfirE  (deceased)  was  born  in  Vermont  in  May.  1813:  he  removed  to 
Pennsylvania  at  the  age  of  14.  He  was  married.  Jan.  1,  1834,  to  .Miss  Lavinia  Maria  Baird,  of  Craw- 
ford Co..  Penn..  who  was  born  in  Massachusetts  in  1814.     Mr.  Gage  was  a  successful  farmer,  and  a 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  899^ 

natural  racfbanic  ;  he  lived  on  the  old  homestead  in  Crawford  Co..  Penn.,  till  November.  1858.  when 
he  sold  out.  came  ^^'est,  and  liought  a  tarm  in  Medina,  where  he  lived  two  year.s,  and  then  rented 
the  farm  and  liegan  hotel  life  :  in  18(j(l.  he  was  keeping  hotel  at  Beaver  Dam,  and  afterward  was 
four  years  at  the  ••  Blue  Tavern,"  in  Scott  Towilship.  Dodge  Co.,  Wis  ;  they  had  large  patronage 
from  the  line  of  stage  coaches  running  between  Portage  and  Beaver  Dam — was  often  called  upon 
during  the  night  to  get  supper  for  as  many  as  thirty  teamsters  and  travelers  ;  in  1805,  he  exchanged 
his  farm  for  the  City  Hotel  at  Portage,  which  is  now  the  property  of  Mrs.  (rage.  Mr.  Gage  dieil 
on  l-ilst  of  May,  1873  ;  at  time  of  death  had  begun  preparations  to  build  a  large  brick  hotel — much 
of  the  material  being  already  on  the  ground  ;  a  fire  in  1877  destroyed  the  barn  and  a  portion  of 
the  hotel ;  by  relniilding  and  repairing,'  the  property  has  been  placed  in  better  condition.  Mrs. 
Gage  and  her  son  carry  on  the  business.  The  hotel  is  favorably  located,  Iteing  on  a  corner  near  the 
business  center.  She  also  owns  ()<l  acres  of  woodland.  They  had  nine  children — Wheeler  W.,  Myron 
M.,  Richard,  Julia  (dead).  William,  Oliver,  Stephen.  Lavina  and  Lucy  (dead).  The  family  affiliate 
with  the  Presbyterian  Church.  3Ir.  (iage  was  Alderman  at  time  of  his  death  ;  his  neighbors  speak 
of  him  as  a  good  man  in  all  thi'  relations  of  life. 

C.  R.  CrALLETT  was  born  in  town  of  Benton.  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y..  Jan.  (1.  1883  ;  lived  there 
until  12  years  of  age,  then  moved  to  Petersburg.  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.;  remained  there  two  years: 
then  went  to  Penn  Yan,  N.  Y.;  after  remaining  there  a  short  time,  he  entered  Lima  Seminary,  at 
Lima,  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.;  after  completing  his  studies  there,  he  was  engaged  as  a  teacher' of 
pulilic  schools  of  his  native  county  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1854  ;  came  to  Portage  in  1855  ;  his  first 
liusiness  was  surveying  and  engineering,  which  he  followed  until  1860,  when  he  entered  the  mercan- 
tile establishment  of  N.  H.  Wood  &  Co.,  as  clerk  ;  afterward  with  the  firm  of  Wood,  Loomis  & 
Osborn  ;  in  1SG3,  he  commenced  business  for  himself;  member  of  the  firm  of  Wood,  Loomis  &  Co. 
about  two  years ;  afterward  N.  H.  Wood  &  Co.,  until  1869,  Mr.  Gallett  being  the  only  partner  of 
Mr.  Wood  in  1869,  when  the  present  firm  of  Loomis,  Gallett  &  Breese  was  formed.  Mr.  Gallett 
has  given  some  attention  to  his  farming  interests  since  1865.  Married  at  Portage  May  5,  1865,  to 
Lydia  V.  Wells  ;  she  was  born  at  Pittsfield,  Mass.;  they  have  five  children — Sarah,  Henry  W.. 
Anna,  Robert  M.  and  Charles  H.  Mr.  Gallett  is  a  member  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.,  A.  ().  U.  W.  and  A.. 
F.  &  A.  M.;  for  two  years  he  was  President  of  the  Curlei's'  Club.  He  served  as  Bridge  Com- 
missioner two  years.  Alderman  several  terms.  Mayor  three  terms,  memljer  of  the  Assembly  in 
1879;  while  he  was  Mayor  he  held  positions  as  follows  :  President  of  the  Portage  Manufactur- 
ing Company,  President  of  the  Waterhouse  ^Manufacturing  Company,  C.  P.  of  the  L  ().  0.  F.  Encamp- 
ment, N.  G.  of  L  0.  0.  F.  Lodge  ;  all  these  offices,  together  with  his  business  interests,  demanded 
more  attention  than  it  would  seem  possible  for  one  man  to  devote  to  them,  but  in  every  position  to 
which  Mr.  Gallett  has  been  called,  he  has  been  found  capable  of  discharging  the  duties  thereof  sat- 
isfactorih". 

GEORGE  IV.  GATES  was  liorn  in  Portage  Sept.  18,  1852  ;  son  of  John  and  Almira 
(Austin)  (rates  ;  his  father  died  here  Aug.  2,  1872  ;  mother  now  resides  in  this  city  ;  father  carried 
on  the  gi'ocery  an<l  livery  l)usiness  ;  he  came  to  Portage  in  the  spring  of  1851  ;  when  he  first  came, 
he  carried  on  the  dry-goods  and  grocery  Inisiness  for  a  time.  He  also  held  some  positions  of  trust — 
Assessor,  etc.  George  succeeded  his  father  in  business  ;  was  in  the  grocery  business  for  two  years 
and  sold  out.  and  has  since  continued  in  the  livery  business. 

FERDINAND  GERSTE\KORN,  blacksmith,  in  machine-shops  of  C,  M.  &  St.  P. 
R.  R.,  at  Portage  ;  born  Jan.  1,  1S35,  in  Germany  ;  served  an  apprenticeship  in  the  old  country  and 
reached  the  United  States  in  1854  ;  spent  a  year  and  a  half  in  Milwaukee  ;  then  in  fiiU  of  1855 
went  into  the  employ  of  old  Horicon  Railroad,  at  Horicon  Junction,  under  foreman  Alexander 
Thomas  ;  in  summer  of  1861,  began  work  at  ^lilwaukee,  for  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.;  in  January. 
1S66,  was  transferred  to  Portage,  Ed.  Kilbridge  being  in  charge  ;  and  through  all  the  changes  of 
administration,  he  has  remained  continuously  to  date.  He  was  married  at  Horicon  on  June  13. 
1858,  to  Miss  Bertha  Jesse  ;  have  buried  four  children  ;  tlu-ee  are  living — Earnest,  born  in  1862; 
Bertha,  born  in  1866  ;  Paul,  born  in  1873.  Since  1859,  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  I.  O.  0.  F.: 
has  a  fine  brick  residence.  No.  444  Wisconsin  street. 

B.  F.  GOODELL  was  born  in  Ashtabula  Co..  Ohio,  July  12.  1843  ;  when  about  7  years 
of  age,  he  removed  with  his  mother  to  Manjuette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  lie  was  married.  May  16,  1865,  to 
Mary  L.  Waldref ;  two  children  have  been  born  to  them — Mary  A.  and  (Juy  F.  Mr.  Goodell  has 
been  in  the  newspaper  business  for  many  years,  being  now  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Wisconsin 
State  Rcf/ister. 


900  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

PHILIP  GOODMAN,  dealer  in  read}--made  clothing  and  merchant  tailoring  ;  was  born 
in  Bavaria  Feb.  2.  184(3.  and  came  to  America  in  IStil  to  Pontiac.  Mich.,  where  he  remained  only  a 
short  time,  moving  to  Port  Huron,  where  he  lived  one  year  :  he  then  wont  to  Rochester,  X.  Y.,  where 
he  remained  three  years.  Married  Sarah  X.  Cardoza  in  Rochester  in  186(5  ;  she  was  l)orn  in  Lon- 
don, Enijland ;  thev  liave  two  sons — Morris  W.  and  Louis. 

DARIL^S  A.  GOODYEAR  was  born  in  Sopronius.  X.  Y.,  Aug.  9,  1822  ;  is  the  son  of 
John  and  Julia  (Bradley)  (loodycar  ;  when  an  inlaut.  his  parents  removed  to  (Jenesee  Co.,  X.  Y.. 
near  Batavia  :  lived  there  only  a  year  or  two,  when  his  parents  died,  anil  the  chililren  were  taken 
back  to  Cayuga  Co.,  where  he  remained  until  about  (i  years  of  age,  then  to  Chemung  Co.;  remained 
in  that  county  two  years,  when  he  went  to  Ft.  Defiance.  (Jhio.  where  he  remained  until  a  lad  of  about 
15  years  of  age  ;  during  the  next  five  years,  was  in  Brooklyn- and  Xew  York  City  most  of  the  time 
up  to  1841  ;  was  employed  as  clerk  and  collector  for  a  large  lumbering  and  commission  house.  In 
the  year  1846.  he  engaged  in  business  with  his  brother-in-law.  C.  C.  AVaterhouse  (lumber-yards  in 
Brooklyn  and  commission  house  in  Xew  York).  Mr.  Goodyear  took  charge  of  the  lumber-yard  in 
Brooklyn,  and  continued'there  up  to  the  time  of  coming  to  Portage  ;  in  the  spring  of  1858.  engaged 
in  the  lumlier  business,  and  has  continued  in  it  ever  since,  manufacturing  now  at  Mather,  or  (jood- 
year's  Jlills.  He  is  tiie  owner  of  large  tracts  of  pine  lands  in  this  State.  Mr.  (}.  has  been  engaged 
in  the  lumber  trade  most  of  the  time  alone  ;  his  son.  Charles  A.,  is  now  associated  with  him.  and  has 
been  since  1S76  in  the  mercantile  business,  which  has  been  carried  on  in  connection  with  his  mills  ; 
manufactures  aniuuilly  between  four  and  five  million  feet.  Mr.  (I.  was  married  at  Johnson's  Settle- 
ment, near  Havana.  Schuyler  Co..  X.  Y..  in  the  spring  of  1848.  to  Mary  Ann  Waterhouse  ;  she  died 
in  Brooklyn  Dec.  7.  1849.  leaving  one  son — Charles  A.,  born  Sept.  22.  1849  ;  present  wife  was  Sarah 
Holmes,  married  near  Ithaca.  X.  Y.,  April  16,  1851  ;  she  was  born  in  Solon,  Cortland  Co..  X.  Y.. 
daughter  of  Linus  and  Jlary  (Lindsey)  Holmes  ;  her  father  now  resides  with  them  ;  he  is  a  native 
of  (Jolerain.  Mass..  and  was  born  in  1797  ;  her  mother  died  in  September.  1877.  aged  81  years. 
Charles  A.  married  Fannie,  daughter  of  Alva  Stewart.  Sept.  11.  1872  :  they  have  three  children — 
Alva,  born  April  18,  1875  ;  Mary  Bell.  Sept.  19.  1877.  and  Ella  Josephine,  born  at  Tomah  Feb.  28. 
1880.     .Mr.  (ioodvearhas  made  two  trips  to  California.     He  has  been  Alderman  one  term. 

HOMKRS.  GOSS,  a  native  of  ^'ermont ;  born  in  Randolph.  Orange  Co.,  \t.,  Xov.  3<t, 
1838,  and  remained  thereuntil  coming  to  Portage  in  April,  1861,  and  engaged  in  clerking  for  (). 
Ward  in  the  dry-goods  liusiness  :  remained  witii  him  a  year  and  a  half;  afterward  with  A.  D.  Forbes, 
dry -goods  merchant,  also  remaining  with  him  a  few  months,  when  he  engaged  with  Miles  &  Co.,  and 
their  successor,  John  (h'aham,  where  he  still  remains.     ^Ir.  (i.  is  a  member  of  the  A.,  F.  it  A.  31. 

JAMES  GOWRAN  was  l>orn  in  Ft.  Ann,  Washington  Co..  X.  Y.,  Oct.  18,  1883.  and 
resided  there  until  he  enlist.'d  in  the  16th  X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  Co.  I,  at  Troy,  X,  Y..  Sept.  7,  1864  ; 
was  mustered  out  of  the  1  ■nited  States  service  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  Aug.  1,  1865.  and  out  of  State 
service  at  Harts  Island,  near  Xew  York  City,  same  month  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1S65. 
locating  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Xew  Haven.  Adams  Co.,  when  he  came  to  Portage  ;  was  in 
business  one  year  with  H.  O.  Lewis,  and  in  trade  by  himself  for  last  six  years,  selling  agi-icultura! 
ini|ileuients.  .Mr.  (i.  was  married  at  Ft.  Ann,  April,  1856,  to  Mary  Ann  Stephens;  they  have  two 
children — Edward  A,  and  Carlton  C.  Mr.  G.  is  a  charter  member  of  the  Temple  of  Honor  and  of 
the  A.  O.  r.  W. 

ROBERT  GRACE,  passenger  engineer.  C,  M,  &  St.  P.  R.  R. ;  born  in  Hyde  Park. 
Dutchess  Co..  X.  Y..  in  July.  1841;  he  is  a  son  of  Patrick  and  Catherine  Grace  ;  his  lather  was  21 
years  and  6  months  in  the  em|)loy  of  one  man.  James  H.  Wilkes,  in  Dutchess  Co..  X.  Y.:  Robert  is 
one  of  a  fiimily  of  sixteen  children,  of  whom  fifteen  were  lioys;  only  three  are  now  living — Joseph. 
Oliver  and  the  subject  of  tiiis  sketch  :  he  came  West  in  the  fall  of  1855 ;  began  working  for  the  rail- 
road company,  in  1857.  as  engine  wiper,  then  as  fireman,  and.  since  1864.  as  engineer.  Was  mariicil. 
June  15.  1868.  to  Miss  Louisa  Dall  ;  she  is  a  native  of  Wisconsin,  and  was  twelve  years  chief  din- 
ing-room girl  at  Fox's  Hotel,  in  Portage  ;  have  four  children — Willie,  born  1870  ;  Oliver,  1875  ; 
Myra  L..  1877.  and  Horace  (ireeley.  1880.  He  is  an  earnest  and  consistent  Temperance  man  ;  was 
a  leading  organizer,  and  is  a  loyal  supporter  of  the  Headlight  Temple  of  Honor,  Xo,  163.  in  Port- 
age ;  he  owns  a  neat  lirick  residence  near  the  depot. 

JOHN  GRAHAM,  a  iu»tive  of  Scotland,  son  of  Alexander  and  Jane  (Duncan)  Graham  ; 
his  father  was  born  at  Mulbirn,  parish  of  Skerlig.  county  of  Peeliles.  Scotland.  March  22.  180(i.  died 
May  16.  1850.  dying  on  his  passage  to  this  country  ;  his  mother  was  born  April  1.  1805.  at  Fordal. 
parish  of  Xew  Battle.  Scotland,  and  is  still  living  and  resides  here.     The  subject  of  this  sketch  was 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  903 

liorn  in  Edinburgh.  Scotland.  Api'il  14,  1833;  came  from  Europe  to  Portage  in  the  3-ear  1850; 
was  employed  at  Ft.  Winnebago  in  the  post  office  for  a  short  time  ;  afterward  in, the  employ  of 
Samuel  Edwards  as  clerk  ;  in  the  fall  of  1856.  he  commenced  liusiness  for  himself — drugs  and  gro- 
<;eries — under  the  firm  name  of  Jliles  &  Co.,  W.  K.  Jliles  l)eing  his  partner  ;  they  continued  business 
together  until  the  time  of  Mr.  M.'s  death,  which  occurred  in  18(i7,  since  then  Mr.  Graham  has  been 
in  business  alone  ;  he  has  one  brother,  James  T.,  who  resides  at  La  Crosse.  Wis.  Mr.  (Graham 
married  Fannie  M.  J^dwards,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  Mr.  G.  has  Ijeen  Alderman  of  Second  Ward 
several  years  ;  Mayor  one  term,  SujK'r\'isor,  etc.  JIeral)er  of  A.,  F.  &  A.  M.  Lodge  and  Episcopal 
Church. 

ALiPHEUS  S.  CirRBIiilV  wa.s  born  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  twenty-seven  miles  from  Boston,  in 
American  waters.  Nov.  8, 1812  ;  son  of  Wells  and  Alngail  (Ballard)  Green.  nati-\-es  of  London.  pjUgland  ; 
they  located  at  Gill,  Mass.,  where  they  resided  twelve  years  ;  removed  to  Utica,  N.  Y..  remaining 
there  four  years  ;  then  to  Rochester.  N.  Y..  resided  there  eight  years  ;  removed  to  Buffalo,  where 
they  resided  ten  3'ears  ;  came  from  Buflalo  to  Portage,  Wis.,  in  1852.  where  they  have  lived  ever 
since.  Mr.  G.  learned  the  liaker's  trade  in  Utica.  and  after  coming  to  Portage  worked  one  year  for 
others,  then  commenced  business  for  himself,  which  he  carried  on  for  five  jears  ;  afterward  served 
as  Deputy  Sheriff,  two  years  under  Robinson,  two  years  under  E.  F.  Lewis,  and  as  Deputy  ^larshal 
for  one  year  under  Daniel  Gindner  ;  returned  then  to  New  York  for  ten  months,  but  during  the  last 
seven  years  has  Ijcen  night  watch.  He  was  married  at  Utica.  N.  Y.,  Nov.  20,  1834,  to  Mary  A. 
Jaques,  born  in  Oneida  Co.,,  N.  Y.,  in  1814  ;  thej-  have  had  three  children,  one  of  whom  is  living — 
Marv  Jane,  now  Mrs.  John  Brown,  of  Portage. 

'LUCIUS  E.  <i}REElVLEAF  was  born  at  Elyria,  Ohio,  Dee.  8.  1843  ;  in  1845,  he  came 
with  his  parents  to  Markesan.  Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.;  remained  there  one  year;  at  ^Manchester  one 
year  ;  Kingston  two  years  :  Marquette  two  years,  and  then  returned  to  Kingston,  where  the  family 
resided  twenty  years  ;  his  father,  Alltert  (Treeuleaf  resides  at  Kingston  ;  his  mother.  Mary  Green- 
leaf  died  at  Chicago  in  1873.  Mr.  G.  was  in  the  employ  of  the  American  Express  Co..  at  Milwau- 
kee and  elsewhere,  thirteen  years  ;  engaged  in  dry-goods  business  at  Kingston  from  ISGOto  1871.  and 
since  1878  has  resided  in  Portage  ;  at  present  with  Schulze  Brothers,  hardware  dealers:  while  in 
the  emplo}'  of  the  American  Express  Co.,  Mr.  G.  was  at  Hannibal,  Mo.,  Quincy,  111..  Kansas  City, 
^[o..  and  in  other  places,  many  years  acting  as  route  agent  for  that  company.  He  was  married  at 
Randolph.  Columbia  Co.,  in  1870,  to  Isabella,  daughter  of  George  B.  and  Cynthia  AYilliugton  ;  they 
have  four  ehil<lrcn — JIary  Belle,  Jennie,  Samuel  George  and  Lucius  Alljert.  3Ir.  G.  is  a  member  of 
the  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge  at  ^lilwaukee. 

REV.  (j^EORUE  P.  GUILD,  A.  M.,  Pastor  of  Baptist  Church,  Portage  ;  was  born  in 
.Vmherst,  Mass,,  Jan.  II),  1832;  he  was  born  totally  l)lind.  His  father,  George  Guild,  was  the  first 
architect  and  builder  who  settled  in  Milwaukee  ;  in  1835,  he  built  the  first  church  in  Milwaukee,  and 
was  killed  by  accitlent  in  1842.  while  building  the  First  Unitarian  Church,  on  Spring  street  ;  in  June. 
1843,  his  mother  died,  leaving  six  children,  all  of  whom  were  provided  for  except  the  "blind  l)oy ;" 
•■  noliody  wanted  him  ; "  liy  earnest  personal  eftbrt  and  the  aid  of  a  few  friends,  he  secured  a  place 
in  the  Institution  for  the  Blind,  in  New  York  City,  where  he  remained  six  years,  leaving  in  1850  ;  that 
year,  at  the  Eye  Infirmary,  he  had  performed  an  operation  for  an  artificial  pupil,  which  resulted  in  giving 
partial  sight  to  one  eye  ;  he  graduated  from  Shurtleff  College,  at  Alton,  111,,  in  1850,  and  immediately 
settled  as  Pastor  of  the  Union  Baptist  Church,  at  Jersey ville.  111.;  he  remained  five  years  in  that 
place,  and  was  then  five  years  Pastor  at  Waverly,  and  afterward  two  j'ears  in  Jacksonville,  followed 
by  three  years  at  Pittsfield,  111,  ;  he  was  four  years  agent  for  the  American  Printing  House  for  the 
Blind,  after  which  he  was  Pastor  five  years  at  Ahnapee,  Wis.;  in  ^lay,  1878,  he  became  Pastor  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church  of  Portage.  He  was  married  June  30,  1859,  to  Miss  JIary  3Ioore,  of  Jersey- 
ville.  111.;  the  widowed  mother,  Mrs.  Hannah  Moore,  aged  75,  is  a  member  of  the  famil}',  and  an 
example  of  Christian  serenity,  3Ir,  (luild  has  two  children  living — Leah  and  Betsey — and  one, 
Jesse,  died  in  childhood.  He  was  a  member  of  the  first  llepulilican  State  Convention  ever  convened 
in  America,  which  was  at  Madison.  Wis.,  in  1854  ;  his  only  political  speech  was  at  Upper  Alton, 
in  1850,  when  Republicanism  was  dangerously  unpopular  ;  he  was  acquainted  with  Al>raham  Lin- 
coln ;  was  one  afte.inoon  driving  slowly  past  Lincoln's  home,  who  hailed  him  and  intpiired  who  he 
was  searching  after  ;  the  reply  was.  "  a  Baptist  Deacon ;  "  to  Lincoln's  inquiry  of  what  they  were 
good  for.  Guild  said  it  was  their  duty  to  keep  the  preacher  over  night,  and  take  care  of  his  horse  ; 
Lincoln  says,  '-I'll  be  Deacon,"  and  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  liegan  unhitching  the  horse,  and 
both  preacher  and  horse  were  welcome  for  the   night ;  years  afterward,  at  the  White  House,  in 

HH 


904  BIOGRArHIt  AL    ><KET(1IE>: 

Washiiiiiton.  Mr.  (liiild  I'lilU'il  to  pay  his  respet'ts  to  the  Chief  Magistrate,  and  Lincohi.  in.stantly 
rememheriii';  tiie  incident,  asked.  -AVell.  Klder.  have  you  found  a  Deacon  yet?"  Mr.  (iuihl  is  an 
earnest  temperance  advocate  :  while  in  Jerseyviile.  he  was  County  Commissioner  of  Schools  ;  during 
his  pastorate  he  has  built  six  churches,  and  baptized  fully  one  thousand  persons  ;  like  all  the  blind, 
his  touch  is  exceiMlinuly  delicate — he  will  easily  read  his  Bible  througii  eight  folds  of  handerchief  ; 
one  eye  is  still  in  darkness,  and  the  other  very  dimly  reveals  the  outer  world,  but  happy  sunshine 
<lwells  ever  in  tiic  inner  world,  lit  bv  the  smile  of  (jod. 

«EX.  .lOSHLA  J.  GI'PPEY.  of  Portage,  was  born  at  Dover.  N.  H..  Aug,  27.  182{»: 
graduated  at  Dartmouth  College.  Class  of  ]S48  :  was  Captain  of  the  college  military  company  ;  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  at  Dover.  N.  II..  in  April.  1840  :  settled  in  Wisconsin,  at  Columbus.  Columbia 
Co..  in  the  fall  of  l.S4(;,  and  commenced  i)racticing  law  :  was  api)ointed  Colonel  of  the  militia  of 
Columbia  Co,.  Feb.  Ci.  1,S47  :  was  appointed  Judge  of  Probate  Sept.  2!'.  lS4!t  ;  was  elected  County 
Judge  in  Sept.  18411.  for  four  years  from  Jan.  1.  1S5(I  ;  removed  from  Columbus  to  Portage  in  1S51  ; 
was  re-elected  County  Judge  in  1S5H.  for  four  years  from  Jan.  1.  1854  ;  was  Superintendent  of  the 
public  schools  of  the  city  of  Portage,  from  1S5S  to  IStil  :  was  commissioned  Lieutenant  Colonel  of 
the  Kith  W.  X.  I..  Sept.  13.  18(il.and  was  in  active  service  as  such  thereafter  until  July  25.  1862. 
when  he  was  promoted  to  Colonel  of  the  28il  W.  V.  I.,  and  held  that  position  till  the  end  of  the  war. 
He  participated  in  the  first  assault  on  "\"icksl)urg.  in  I)ecember.  18(52.  and  took  part  in  the  capture 
of  Fort  Hindman.  Ark.,  and  all  the  important  battles  around  Vicksburg  which  resulted  in  the  cap- 
ture of  that  stronghold  :  his  regiment  was  then  transferred  to  the  Department  of  the  (rulf  and  while 
in  that  department,  on  the  od  of  November.  18(i:5.  at  Carrion  Crow  Bayou.  La.,  he  was  wounded  and 
taken  priscmer.  but  was  exchanged  in  a  short  time  ;  he  was  breveted  Brigadier  (Jeneral  from  INIarch 
IS.  18(i5.  -for  gallant  and  meritorious  services  during  the  war."  In  April.  18(;5.  while  absent  in  the 
military  service,  he  was  re-elected  County  Judge  for  four  years,  from  Jan.  1,  lSli(J.  and  has  held 
that  office  ever  since  by  successive  elections,  his  present  term  closing  Dec.  31.  1881.  In  1S(){).  he 
was  again  elected  Superinten<lent  of  the  public  schools  of  the  city  of  Portage,  and  held  that  office 
by  successive  elections  till  1871!. 

CHARLES  HAERTEL,  son  of  Charles  and  Barbara  Haertel.  was  born  in  Portage  May 
C.  isoo  ;  lirought  up  in  the  l)rcwing  business  with  his  father,  whose  family  consisted  of  four  girls 
and  one  son — .Margaret,  now  Mrs,  F'red  W,  Schulze:  Lizzie,  now  Mrs.  Jacob  Best;  Mary,  now  Mrs, 
Fred  C,  Starke,  of  Milwaukee  ;  F]mnia  and  Charles.  The  subject  of  this  sketch.  ^Ir.  H.,  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Turners  Soeietv  ;  also  ot'  the  Hook  and  Ladder  Companv, 

MRS.  MARIA.  P.  HASKELL,  widow  of  Hon,  H.  S.  Haskell,  whose  extensive 
biography  appears  in  this  volume,  in  the  list  of  the  •■  Illustrious  Dead"  of  this  county.  She  is  the 
daughter  of  Sayles  and  Hannah  (Hubbard)  Ilawlev.  of  Vermont,  and  a  native  of  Waterbury,  same 
State  ;  she  was  educated  in  the  iniblic  schools  of  her  native  town,  and  in  the  Academy  at  Mcmtpelier. 
\t.  Her  fir.st  husband  was  William  Pride,  who  died  of  consumirtion  in  184().  leaving  one  daughter 
— Martha  M..  who  married  Kmmons  Taylor,  of  Portage:  both  the  daughter  and  her  husband  are 
now  dead.  Mrs.  H.  was  married  in  1850  to  ;\Ir.  II.  S.  Haskell,  and  soon  after  they  removed  to 
Columbus,  where  he  practici'(l  law  nearly  four  years  :  previous  to  marriage,  he  had  studied  one  year 
in  the  law  office  of  Judge  Nogglc.  and  had  previously  read,  one  year,  in  the  office  of  Ex.  (iov.  DilHng- 
ham  ;  he  was  a  law  partner  of  Judge  (Juppey.  By  her  last  marriage  she  had  two  children,  both  of 
whom  died  in  infancy.  ^Ir.  Haskell  died  Feb,  Ki.  187!t.  She  has  no  blood  relatives  in  Wisconsin  ; 
she  lives  in  her  fine  brick  residence,  on  Howard  street,  which  was  erected  by  her  husband  not  many 
years  before  his  death  :  she  is  a  member  of  St.  John's  Kiiiscopal  Church  in  Portage  ;  she  is  a  lady 
of  culture  and  refined  tastes,  also  of  a  (juiet.  retiring  disposition,  and.  while  attractive  socially  to 
friends,  she  is.  uevertheless,  more  thoroughly  attached  to  home  than  to  society. 

(jEO.  E.  HELMAXBJ  was  born  in  Prussia.  (Jermany.  Feli.  2(i.  18o7  :  came  to  Portage. 
A\'is,,  in  April,  ]8r).3  ;  engaged  in  carpentering  for  a  few  years  :  then  clerking,  until  he  commenced 
the  grocery  l)usiness,  in  which  he  has  continued  for  the  last  filteen  years.  Mr.  Helmann  was 
married,  in  Portage,  to  Johanna  Schwartz,  a  native  of  Prussia,  They  have  seven  children — fieorge, 
Lizzie,  Willie,  Anna.  Kmma.  Otto,  and  an  infant  son.  Mr.  H.  has  been  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows Lodije. 

VALENTINE  HELMANN,  Ixirn  at  Smalcalde  (now  Prussia).  Sept.  2!l.  1831  ;  came  to 
America  Aug.  1.  1S47.  landing  at  New  York  City:  came  to  Kichwood.  town  of  Shields.  Dodge  Co.. 
with  his  uncle.  Sept.  15.  1S47  :  came  to  Portage  May  Id.  1^5(1:  worked  at  the  carpenter's  trade 
most  ol'the  time,  until  the  spring  of  18(i4.  although   he  engaged  in  insurance  business  in  18C3  ;  he 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  905 

served  as  Justioe  of  the  Peace  several  years  ;  in  the  spring  of  ISlU.  lie  was  elected  City  Clerk  ; 
again  elected  to  that  position  in  1874  :  spring  of  1875,  once  more  electeil  Jnstice  of  the  Peace; 
elected  City  Clerk  in  1870  and  1877  ;  City  Treasurer  from  1878  to  1880.  .Married  at,  Portage.  Nov. 
2.  1851,  to  Margaret  AVard  :  she  died  April  8.  1873.  leaving  nine  cliildren.  all  now  living — George 
P.,  Wm.,  John  V..  Lawrence  F..  Chas..  Lizzie,  Henry.  Katie  and  Anna.  Married  for  second  wife. 
Catharine  Koljerstein.  at  Milwaukee.  Aug.  2(1,  1875  ;  she  was  born  in  Bavaria  ;  by  tliis  marriage 
there  are  two  children — Rosa  and  Barliara  ;  Jlr.  H.  is  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Kducation,  from 
Fonrth  Ward  ;  also  a  memlier  of  Leiderkranz  Society. 

NICHOLAS  M.  HENRY,  born  on  the  Isle  of  Guernsey  ^Murcli  1,  18:-]1  ;  came  to  Port- 
age in  l.SdtJ  ;  in  1807.  he  spent  nine  months  at  Oxford  ;  balance  of  the  time  has  liccn  engaged  in 
flour,  feed  and  grocery  trade  in  Portage.  He  was  married  in  New  York  City.  July  <i.  1808.  to 
Caroline  LePage  :  she  was  Itorn  on  the  Isle  of  Guernsey  Jan.  30.  1833.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Baptist  Cluirt'li. 

WILLiIAll  HESfSEL,  wagon-maker,  born  in  Schleswig.  Germany,  on  the  1st  of  March. 
1835  ;  he,  with  his  parents,  came  to  the  Fnited  States,  and  .settled  in  Milwanivoe.  in  1840  ;  in  1850. 
he  went  to  California,  and  was  with  his  uncle  in  business ;  in  1859.  returned,  and  lived  in  St.  Louis 
till  1801. when  he  enlisted  in  the  2d  Mo.  X.  I. ;  was  Sergeant  of  Company  H  ;  served  three  years,  and 
then.  1804.  came  to  Portage.  Was  married.  Oct.  4,  1805,  to  Miss  Paulina  Filterinan,  (jf  Portage  ; 
had  six  children — Louis,  born  in  1807;  Willie,  born  in  1800.  now  dead  ;  Henry,  liorn  in  1870  ;  Sophia, 
born  in  1872  ;  Willie,  born  in  1874.  and  Lizzie,  born  1870.  and  lately  dead.  He  was  Chief  Engineer 
of  the  Fire  Department  four  years,  and  .Vssessor  two  years  ;  belongs  to  ■  Ancient  Order  of  Cnited 
Workmen,"  also  to  Independent  Order  of  ( )dd  Fellows  :  has  been  representative  to  the  (irand  Lodge 
and  to  the  Grand  Encampment  of  Wisconsin  ;  is  partner  in  firm  of  Collins  &  Ilensel.  wagon-makers  ; 
business  is  prosperous. 

JOHN  HETTINGER  was  b(jrn  near  Buftalo,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y..  Aug.  2,  1830  ;  Nx'ated  in 
Freeport,  111.,  in  1844  ;  came  to  Portage,  Wis.,  with  his  parents,  Michael  and  Frances  Hettinger. 
May  12,  1849;  Mr.  H.  began  hotel  l)usiness  in  Portage,  March  20,  1805,  in  whicli  he  has  continued 
ever  since  ;  also  engaged  in  speculating  in  horses,  real  estate,  etc. ;  his  father,  Michael  Hettinger,  com- 
menced brewery  business  at  Portage,  in  1849,  and  continued  it  until  his  death.  Oct.  20,  1802;  his 
mother  is  still  living,  now  Mrs.  Zetz.  of  Freeport,  111.  Mr.  H.  was  married  in  Portage,  April  J22, 
1801,  to  Wilhehnina  Eljerline,  a  native  of  Hesse-Darinstadt ;  they  have  six  cliildren  living — Lizzie 
J..  Clara  F..  Anna,  Josephine,  Minnie.  Emma  F. ;  lost  three  sons — John,  aged  a  little  over  5  months  ; 
one  infant.  Willie;  Johnnie,  aged  less  than  5  months. 

DRAYTON  A.  HILL.YER  was  born  in  Granby.  Hartford  Co.,  Conn.,  Dec.  21,  1840 ; 
came,  with  his  parents,  Andrew  A.  aiul  Nancy  llolcoml)  Hillyer.  to  Portage.  Wis..  Feb.  1.  1857; 
associated  with  his  fatlier  as  clerk  in  tiie  drug  business,  until  the  time  of  his  father's  death,  Dec.  27, 
1862;  he  then  continued  the  business  alone  until  1808;  has  not  been  engaged  inactive  business 
since;  his  mother  is  now  a  resident  of  Portage.  Mr.  H.  was  married  at  Green  Bay,  Wis.,  Sept.  21, 
1871,  to  Alice  W.  Hickox.  born  in  Pottcrsville.  Warren  Co..  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  llev.  llickox.  an 
Episcopal  clergyman,  who  located  in  Wisconsin  aliout  1857.  ^Ir.  H.  is  a  meml)er  of  tiic  three  A.. 
F.  &  A.  ;M.  Ixidies  here,  and  also  belongs  to  the  Milwaukee  Consistorv, 

ED  C  HINMAN  was  born  at  Battle  Creek,  Mich.,  .March  1.  iS52  ;  received  his  education  at 
Michigan  University,  graduating  as  civil  engineer  in  January,  1874  ;  appointed  Assistant  Engineer 
of  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Ili\ers  improvement,  and  has  lieen  stationed  here  since  Aug.  4,  1874.  ]>Ir.  H. 
was  married  at  Ann  Arbor.  Jlich.,  Oct.  25,  1870,  to  Carrie  L.  Bisdon  ;  she  was  born  at  Ann  Arbor  ; 
they  have  one  child — Gertrude  B.,  born  April  1.  1879. 

WILLIAM  HOLDEN  is  a  native  of  Rochester,  England  ;  born  Aug.  10.  1S29  :  Uved  there 
until  he  came  to  America,  coming  to  Milwaukee  in  August.  1849  ;  remained  there  until  fall  of 
1850,  when  he  came  to  the  town  of  Pacific,  Columbia  Co.,  and  was  occupied  in  farming  there  for  two 
years;  he  then  removed  to  Portage  and  worlvcd  at  wagon-making  about  three  years,  when  he 
returned  to  his  larm,  where  he  remainetl  until  enlisting  in  Co.  (i,  2d  W.  X.  ]..  .May  20.  1801  ;  was 
in  every  liattle  the  regiment  participated  in  until  he  was  discharged.  Feb.  24.  lSt)4,  on  account  of 
disability  caused  by  ill-health  ;  entered  the  service  as  a  private  and  was  mustered  out  as  First 
Sergeant  of  same  company  ;  returning  from  the  army  and  living  on  the  farm  a  year,  he  then  came 
to  Portage;  on  account  of  illness,  was  not  engaged  in  active  business  for  a  miml)er  of  years  ;  en- 
gaged in  cabinet  work  for  the  last  five  years.  Married  in  Wyocena  ^March  10,  1851,  to  Harriet  Ann 
Corsten  ;  she  was    born  at  Wrotham   Heath,  county  of  Kent,  England  ;    she  died  Oct,  30,  1870  ; 


906  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

present  wife  was  Mrs.  Elniira  R..  widow  of  John  dates  ;  was  married  Sept.  2S.  1877;  she  was 
born  in  New  York  State.  Mr.  H.  has  two  eliildren  l)y  adoption — Helen  E.  (Wright),  adopted  wlien 
an  infont  only  12  weeks  old.  and  is  now  aged  23  years;  Wni.  Henry  (Whitam).  adopted  when  ti 
weeks  oltl.  and  is  now  15  years  old. 

Jl'LIi:S  ii.  HOLSTEN,  brakeman  on  freight.  C.  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.:  born  in  Cedarburg. 
Wis..  July  27.  1S51  :  his  parents  moved  to  Portage  when  he  was  a  child  ;  with  the  exception  of  three 
years  spent  in  La  Crosse,  this  has  been  his  home  ever  since  ;  began  as  brakeman  in  1808  on  St. 
Paul  road,  and  in  fall  of  1870,  he  got  a  train  as  conductor  and  run  till  1877;  then,  as  result  of 
'•running  against  flags,"  he  was  set  liack  to  braking,  which  he  still  continues.  He  was  man'ied  in 
September.  i8(i,8.  to  >Irs.  Minena  A.  Clemens,  who  was  born  in  Burlington.  Essex  Co..  "\'t..  on  the 
loth  of  Feliruary,  1848  ;  she  is  one  of  thirteen  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living;  they  have  no 
children.  Charles  V.  Monroe  is  lier  son  by  a  former  marriage  :  he  works  on  the  river;  two  of  her 
brothers  have  been  killed  by  railroad  acc-idents.  She  is  a  Presbyterian  ;  they  own  property  soutli 
of  the  canal,  but  live  on  Pe  Witt  street,  near  tiie  St.  Paul  depot. 

R.  E.  HOLiSTOX.  station  agent.  Southern  Division  of  the  W.  C.  R.  R..  at  Portage  ;  born  in 
1840  in  Wauwautosa.  Milwaukee  Co..  Wis.;  lived  in  his  native  town  till  18G8,  tlien  moved  to  Del- 
avan.  Walworth  Co..  where  lie  lived  till  1874  ;  most  of  his  labors  prior  to  this  were  on  a  farm  ;  in 
fall  of  1874,  began  railroading  at  Elkhart  Lake.  Shelioygan  Co..  Wis.;  then  to  Saukville,  Ozaukee 
Co..  in  1875;  then  to  Westfield,  Manpietto  Co..  in  1877.  and  came  to  Portage  in  June,  1879  ;  in  each 
and  all  of  these  places  he  was  the  station  agent.  Was  married  in  March.  1873.  to  !Miss  Edith  E. 
Barlow,  of  Delavan.  Himself  and  wife  are  Baptists  ;  they  have  two  children — Grace,  born  in  1S74. 
and  Eugene.  l)orn  in  1876.  Takes  no  active  part  in  politics,  but  is  a  reliable  Republican  ;  resi- 
dence is  on  Conant  street. 

M.  Hl^BER  is  a  native  of  France  ;  l)oru  in  Alsace  Sept.  28,  1835  ;  came  to  New  York  City 
in  1854  ;  connuenccd  working  at  the  business  of  linker  in  New  York  City  ;  ^May  11,  of  same  year, 
came  to  Portage  and  engaged  in  the  bakery  trade  ;  erected  his  present  hotel,  eating-house  and  liak- 
ery  on  the  same  spot  where  he  tirst  located  when  he  came  here.  ^Married  in  Portage,  Sei)t.  9.  1858. 
to  Dora  Erhart  ;  she  was  born  in  Saxony  ;  they  have  six  children — Sartdi.  Emma  M.  C  Georgi- 
anna,  Charles  T..  Samuel  J.  T.  and  Nellie  May.  Mr.  Huber  is  a  charter  member  of  the  tire  depart- 
ment^— diploma  gi^•en  him  for  serving  his  term  of  ten  years  as  foreman  ;  he  also  is  a  member  of 
A.  0.  H.  W. 

JOSEPH  R.  HUEBL  was  born  in  Austria,  March  19,  1845  ;  came  with  his  parents  to 
Portage.  Wis..  July.  18(il  ;  was  in  the  employ  of  the  >L  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co.  for  four  years,  one  and 
a  half  years  with  Charles  Haertel,  of  I'ortage,  brewer  ;  one  year  at  Madison  in  a  Ijrewery  ;  returned 
to  the  employ  of  Haertel  ;  afterward  in  the  mills  of  Waterhouse,  and  also  awhile  with  Wells  &  Craig  ; 
Mr.  H.  went  to  Oregon,  and  remained  one  year  ;  returned  and  worked  on  IIk'  Government  impro\e- 
mentof  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  a  short  time.  He  was  married  in  Portage  in  18l!9,  to  Louisa 
Haertel,  a  native  of  Hesse-Darmstadt.  They  liave  three  children — loseijh.  Charles  R.  and  Eliza 
Mary.  Mr.  H.  is  a  inemlier  of  the  Lcidcrkranz  Society.  Father  died  in  I'ortage.  and  mother  is 
living  with  her  son,  J.  R.  He  has  held  the  oliice  of  Alderman,  and  was  elected  City  Treasurer  April 
li.  ISSd  ;   lias  been  emploNcd  in  hardware  store  of  AV.  W.  Corning  for  the  last  seven  years. 

JOSEPH  HI'EB\ER  was  born  in  Prussia  Jan.  22.'^  1845  ;  came  to  America  in  1871. 
and  liveil  in  New  (Jrleans.  La.,  tliree  years  ;  then  came  to  Ciiicago  for  a  few  months.  an<l  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1 874  came  to  Portage  ;  has  worked  at  the  tailor's  traile  twenty-two  years.  JIarricd  in  Portage 
April  13,  1875.  to  Miss  Helena  Swanz  ;  she  was  born  in  Prussia.  They  have  three  children — Charles, 
born  .Alarch  24,  1870  ;  Mary,  born  Jan,  13,  1877,  and  Paul,  born  Nov.  8,  1878.  Mr.  H.  is  a  mem- 
ber of  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge  and  Encampment.  He  is  now  employed  as  cutter  in  the  extensive  tailoring 
estal)lishment  of  Ph.  Goo<lman. 

MRS.  MliVNIE  L.  HrRliBl'T,  M.  D.,  liorn  Oct.  30,  1835.  in  Defiance,  Ohio,  daugh- 
ter of  .Jacob  and  Minerva  Kniss.  Her  father  was  a  merchant.  In  1853.  she.  with  her  parents,  came 
to  Wisconsin  and  .settled  in  New  Lisbon.  Juneau  Co.  She  had  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  the  public 
schools  in  her  native  city,  and  afterwaril  attended  one  year  at  Delton  Academy  in  Wisconsin  ;  she 
taught  the  tirst  school  in  New  Lisbon.  Siie  was  married  on  the  7th  of  Octolier.  1850,  to  Roderick 
W.  Coe.  of  Delton.  who  died  Dec.  15.  1857.  She  had.  from  early  life,  an  aspiration  for  the  medical 
profession,  and  nnich  of  her  reading  and  study  liad  tliat  end  in  view,  several  years  before  beginning 
her  systematic  course  of  pre|)aration.  On  tlie  2Uth  of  January.  1859.  she  was  married  to  Hiram 
H.   Hurlbut.  of  Delton.     The^'   have  two  sons — Wendell  J'hillips.  born  Dec.  21,   1859,  and  John 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  907 

Fremont,  born  Sept.  29,  1861  ;  W.  P.  is  in  Wayland  Academy,  at  Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  and  the  other  is 
at  home.  Mrs.  H.  studied  medicine  three  years  in  tlie  office  of  Dr.  Woodruff,  of  Lima.  X.  Y. ;  she 
attended  two  fall  courses  of  lectures  at  Hahnemann  Medical  College  in  Ciiicago.  and  graduated  in 
1872  :  she  remained  in  the  college  as  Assistant  House  Physician,  and  spent  one  season  in  hospital 
work.  For  nearly  three  years  after  graduation,  she  practiced  her  profession  in  Delton,  and  tlien 
located  in  Portage,  where  she  has  a  well-estal)lished  and  increasing  patronage.  They  have  a  spaci(jus 
home,  which,  in  connection  with  their  bathing  estabHsUm^'ut.  is  known  as  the  '■  Portage  Sani- 
tarium ;"  a  few  boartling  patients  are  acccjmmodated  :  in  187S.  they  purchased  and  fitted,  at  the 
expense  of  SI. 000.  the  celebrated  -  ^loliere  Thermo-Electric  Bath  ;"  this,  they  claim,  is  the  only  one 
of  the  kind  l)etween  Chicago  and  San  Francisco.  Her  husl)and.  Hiram  H.  Hurlbut,  is  ((uite  enthusi- 
astic in  proclaiming  the  etticacv  of  these  l)aths.  and  in  their  use  he  is  said  to  be  experienced  and 
skillful  :  electricity  is  closely  allied  to  life,  and  the  specific  virtues  of  this  over  the  ordinary  bath  are 
unquestioned  :  the  philosopliical  construction  and  re\'ivifNing  power  of  tliose  baths  are  well  attested. 
Mr.  H..  who  has  chief  care  of  them,  is  a  man  of  diversified  attainments,  having  studied  music,  medi- 
cine, theology  and  law  ;  he  was  born  April  30,  1814,  in  LeRay.  Jefferson  Co..  N.  Y. 

EVAN  H.  fIl.I4i}HES,  merchant  tailor  ;  was  born  in  Bangor,  Nortli  Wales,  June  19, 
1838  ;  came  to  America  in  "Shiy.  1850.  settling  with  his  parents  at  Racine,  Wis.,  where  he  resided 
seven  years  ;  removed  to  Chicago  for  three  years,  and.  after  working  in  various  places  in  Wisconsin 
and  Illinois,  came  to  I'ortage  in  ISlU.  where  he  has  been  engaged  in  business  for  himself  most  of 
the  time  since.  ;Mr.  Hughes  was  married  at  Cambria.  Wis. — where  he  resided  one  year — June  8, 
1801.  to  Sarah  E.  Roberts,  born  in  Wexam.  Xorth  Wales.  They  have  eight  children — William, 
Minnie.  Maggie.  Walter.  Fannie,  Roltert.  Byron  and  Sarah.  Mr.  H.  is  Senior  AVarden  of  the  A.,  F. 
&  A.  M.  Loda'e.     His  parents.  Evan  E.  and  Mary  Hughes,  are  living,  and  reside  at  Racine. 

JOf^E'PH  HURST,  round-house  carpenter  at  Portage  for  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.:  is  of 
English  parentage.  l)ut  was  born  in  Ireland  on  Feb.  I.),  1833  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  3Iay, 
1849,  and  served  an  apprenticeship  as  carpenter  in  New  Haven,  Cf)nn.  ;  after  fi^'e  years'  service,  he 
came  to  Portage  in  1854,  and  has  been  in  the  employ  of  the  railroad  company  ever  since  the  road 
ran  into  this  city.  He  was  married  Feb.  8,  1849  (when  at  the  age  of  10).  to  Miss  p]lizabeth  Board- 
man,  who  Was  but  15  years  old  ;  she  is  of  Quaker  parentage,  but  was  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland, 
They  have  had  nine  children,  two  died  in  childhood  ;  the  living  are  named — Benjamin,  who  is  a 
fireman  ;  (ieorge  T,,  an  engineer  :  Aliigail  IM.,  Joseph  W.,  a  fireman  ;  Hannah  M.,  Fanny  and  John 
F.  are  in  school  ;  the  sons  and  daughters  all  live  at  home.  Himself  and  wife  are  memliers  of  the 
Jipiscopal  Church.  While  in  New  Haven,  his  main  business  was  church  building.  He  is  a  Royal 
Arch  Mason. 

GEORGE  C.  JACKSOX,  a  native  of  New  York  State,  was  born  in  East  Bloomfield, 
Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  13.  1825.  and  lived  there  until  1846.  when  he  went  to  Chicago,  where  he 
resided  until  1850  ;  he  then  made  an  overland  trip  to  California,  was  there  eighteen  months,  came 
back,  only  remaining  three  months,  when  he  again  went  to  California  wliere  he  remained  until  1854, 
working  as  overseer  at  Sacramento  of  a  wagon  manufactory  and  employed  as  general  superintend- 
ent of  the  business  :  he  then  went  to  Orange,  N.  J.,  and  went  into  wagon  manufacturing  for  himself, 
selling  his  wagons  to  the  California  firm  which  he  had  been  formerly  connected  with  ;  remained  in 
(_)range  two  years,  then  lived  in  Newark  six  months,  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at  Portage  in 
June.  1857.  and  engaged  in  his  old  business  of  manufacturing  carriages,  wagons,  sleighs,  etc.,  and 
is  now  engaged  in  the  sale  of  agricultural  implements.  Married  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y,,  to  Rosina  I.  Day, 
she  was  Iiorn  in  p]ngland  ;  they  have  had  nine  children,  six  now  living — James  C.,  William  H., 
Ella  A.,  Charlotte  "\^,  Walter  L,  and  Percy  F. — lost  three  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J, 
and  two  daughters  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

OLE  JOHNSON,  son  of  John  and  Julia  Johnson,  was  born  in  Norway,  Sept.  5,  1854  ; 
came  to  Lewiston,  Columbia  Co.,  in  1809,  where  liis  parents  are  farming  ;  came  to  Portage  in  1873, 
where  he  has  since  Iieen  engaged  as  salesman  with  Schumacher  &  Schulze.  Jlr.Johnsonwas  married 
at  Lewiston.  June  17.  1879.  to  Amelia,  daughter  of  Andrew  Jackson.  Both  are  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church, 

SILAS  S.  JOHNSON,  born  in  Boston.  :Mass..  March  19.  1809  :  when  about  10  years  old, 
went  to  Leicester.  Addison  Co..  A't..  with  his  parents.  Silas  and  Abigail  (Rhodes)  Johnson  ;  resided 
in  Yermont.  two  j'ears  of  the  time  in  Montpelier.  tlien  returned  to  Leicester  and  kept  hotel  for  a 
time  until  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845.  to  Eagle  Prairie.  ^lilwaukee  Co.  (now  Waukesha  Co.), 
where  he  lived  lor  six  years,  then  coming  to  Portage,  where  he  engaged  in  blaeksmithing  and  the 


?08  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

in.imilai'turiiiii  of  lireakiuii;  plows  :  continued  that  Imsiiiess  for  six  years  ;  during  the  next  six  veai-s, 
was  rndc'V  Shcritf.  and  at  the  expiration  of  tliat  time,  enfiaged  in  tlie  t:rf)eory  and  provision  trade, 
whioii  lie  still  follows.  .Married  in  Leieestc.  Xovemlier.  lS3ii.  t<>  Sarah  T.  Tower  :  she  was  liorn 
in  Shorcham.  Addison  Co..  \'t.:  have  one  .son.  .Mliro  S. 

MICHAEI^  R.  K.4\'K.  horn  in  Ireland  Sept.  2!t.  ISO.i  ;  came  to  New  York  in  Septem- 
her.  IS.Hd  ;  settled  in  ^Milwaukee  in  Sei)tenilier.  isy>7.  On  the  Stli  of  Septeniher.  1S37.  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Cox.  of  Pennsylvania,  who  is  of  Scoti-h  parentage,  lint  was  liorn  in  Armagh. 
Ireland,  in  1S2II.  .Mr.  Kane  ser\ed  three  years  and  six  months  in  Co.  !>.  l!Uh  W.  V.  I.;  held  rank 
of  Sergeant  ;  he  was  commissioned  lirevet  Captain  liy  (rov.  Lucius  Fairchild.  ■  for  meritorious  con- 
duct on  the  battle  lield."  on  the  27th  of  .\pril.  LSG4  :  he  was  jailer  of  the  first  jail  liuilt  in  Columbia 
Co..  and  afterward  was  gate-keeper  at  Waupun  Penitentiary.  They  had  seven  children,  five  of 
whom  died  in  chililhood.  and  a  son.  James,  ilied  in  St.  Louis  Xov.  23.  1S70.  of  intermittent  fever, 
aged  23  years  :  one  daughter  survives,  named  .NIary  .)..  who  is  a  native  of  Portage  ;  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools  of  Portage,  and  for  several  years  has  been  an  acceptable  teacher  in  inter- 
mediate departments  of  the  city  schools.  On  the  Stii  of  January.  1877.  Mr.  Kane  sufl'ered  a  eom- 
l)'>und  fracture  of  the  leg  as  a  result  of  a  runaway  accident.  He  is  now  at  the  Soldiers'  Home  in 
.Milwaukee.  The  family  own  a  pleasant  brick  residence  on  Wisconsin  street.  Mrs.  K.  is  an  Epis- 
copalian. 

REV.  THOMAS  KEESfAN.  born  in  County  Tyrone.  Ireland,  .\pril  15.  1820:  lived 
in  Ireland  until  ]X4i.  then  emigrated  to  Philadelphia  with  frieuils  ;  received  his  education  in  part  in 
the  old  country,  studying  mathematics,  grammar.  Latin,  etc..  to  some  extent.  Aftercoming  to  Phil- 
adelphia, was  a  stiKlent  of  IJev.  P.  Ratferty.  a  [)riest.  receiving  instructions  from  him  for  three  years. 
Then  entered  the  seminary  of  St.  Cliarles  Borrenea.  located  on  Eighteenth  street.  Philadelphia  ;  was 
a  student  there  for  two  years,  but  (jn  account  of  ill-health!  was  compelled  to  leave  the  institution. 
.\t  the  solicitation  of  his  friends,  he  came  West  (as  he  had  acqiiired  a  thorough  (iernian  education) 
to  this  State  in  1S52  :  ordained  for  the  Diocese  of  .Alilwaukee  July  I'.l.  1851.  Prior  to  his  ordination, 
since  coining  West,  had  been  engaged  in  teaching  and  being  taught.  One  of  his  teachers  was  the 
present  Hishop  of  La  Crosse.  Attended  lectures,  studied  theology  and  attended  school  while  he 
remaine<l  in  .^lilwaukee.  In  1855,  he  went  to  Brighton.  Kenosha  ('o..  and  remained  there  a  year 
and  a  half;  from  there,  went  to  East  Troy.  Walworth  Co..  staying  there  one  year  and  a  half  when 
he  removed  to  Oshkosh.  where  he  remained  nine  years  until  coining  to  I'ortage  in  October.  18(i7. 
Has  paid  many  of  the  debts  of  the  numerf)us  churches  he  has  been  connected  with.  Built  the 
church  at  Omro  and  Payden  ;  commenced  the  church  at  Oshkcjsh.  Had  charge  of  a  mission  that 
now  has  nine  priests.  While  at  Oshkosh.  in  that  city  there  are  now  three  parish  priests,  when  there 
were  none  there  but  him.self  He  now  has  several  missions  that  he  attends  to — one  permanent  at 
Lodi.  In  1871.  he  traveled  over  six  countries  of  Europe — France.  Belgium.  England.  Holland. 
Scotland  an<l  Ireland.  His  lather  and  mother.  Patrick  and  Bridget  (Owens)  Keenan.  came  to  Phil- 
adelphia in  .\pril.  1.^47  :   his  father  died  in  1848.  and  mother  in  ]87(i.  l)oth  dvinu'  in  IMiiladelphia. 

AliO\%<>  C.  KEIiLOGCi  was  born  in  Clinton.  Vermillion  Co.."lnd..  July  8.  1S45.  s(m 
of  Orri.son  and  Theodosia  Kellogg:  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Calamus.  Dodge  Co..  Wis.,  in  1852  : 
received  his  medical  education  in  Chicago,  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  Portage 
in  1S70.  In  1875.  lie  was  elected  amember  of  the  Democratic  State  Central  Committee,  and  is  still 
a  member  of  that  body  :  in  1877.  he  was  elected  Superintendent  of  City  Schools,  and  still  occupies 
that  position.  Tlic  Doctor  was  married  in  this  city  to  Harriet  B.  .Vckerman  in  SeptemVier.  1871  : 
she  was  born  at  Three  Mile  Bay.  Jetferson  Co.,  X.  Y.;  they  have  three  children — .\lonzo  F..  James 
liossiter  and  Harriet  Ruth.  Mrs.  Kellogg,  before  marriage,  was  engaged  in  the  Hungerford  Colle- 
giate Institute  at  .\dams,  Jetferson  Co.,  X.  Y..  as  a  teacher  of  oil  painting,  and  afterward  taught  in 
the  Wesleyan  l''emale  Seminary  at  Wilmington,  Del. 

T.  li.  KEX^.AX^,  attorney  at  law  :  was  born  in  Morristown.  St.  Lawrence  Co..  N.  Y..  Feb. 
22.  1827.  where  he  lived  until  the  age  of  20.  when  he  went  to  Xorvvalk.  Ohio,  and  studied  law  with 
his  uncle.  Jairus  Kennan  :  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1851.  and  located  at  Oshkosh:  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  of  Wisconsin  Oct.  2.'i.  1S51  :  removed  to  Portage  abfiut  Oct.  1.  1855.  .Vt  the 
breaking-out  of  the  rebellion,  he  enlisted  Aug.  22.  18(11,  in  Co.  D.  lOth  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  cf>inmis- 
sioned  First  liicutenant.  and  recruited  half  of  his  company:  resigned  July  12.  18()2  :  the  follow- 
ing summer  he  was  app(jintcil  I)e|)uty  Provost  Marshal  of  Marquette  Co..  serving  until  near  the 
clo.se  of  the  war.  resided  at  Pewaukce  about  ten  years  :  going  then  to  St.  Louis,  where  he  was 
employed   as  general  agent   for  the  Xorthwestern   Life  Ins.  Co.;  then  for  a  short  time  practicing 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE. 


909 


law  there,  and  ivtiirniiig  ajjain  to  Portage  in  JIarch.  ISTo.  He  was  married  at  N'ortli  Fairfield 
Hnron  Co.,  Oliio,  Sept.  30,  1S50.  to  Loa  Brown:  she  was  born  in  Borodino.  Onondaga  Co..  X.  V.; 
they  have  six  children— K.  Kent  (a  lawyer  of  .Alilwaukee).  Chester  T.  (in  college  at  Hipon).  Loa  B. 
(in\^ollege  at  Kipon),  Mary  B.  (at  home).  Ciiarboth  J.  (at  home)  and  Thomas  L..  Jr.  Thomas  L. 
Kennan.^Sr.,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  United  States  Supreme  Court  Nov.  (J.  lS7(i.  having  been 
admitted  to  practice  in  the  Supreme  Court  of  Wisconsin  many  years  earlier,  also  to  the  United  Dis- 
trict and  Circuit  Courts  several  years  prior  to  187G. 

FR.^\K  KELM  was  liorn  in  Prussia  April  2.  1835  ;  came  to  America  in  October.  1S57, 
and  lived  in  tlie  State  of  New  Voriv  for  nearly  one  year  ;  then  came  to  AVisconsin.  and  lived  in  Osli- 
kosh  and  al.so  in  AVaupaca  Co.  until  the  war  l)roke  out.  In  the  fall  of  lS(il.  he  enlisted  in  Co.  C. 
nth  \V.  y.  I.,  and  ser\ed  until  the  tall  of  IStU  ;  was  in  Co.  A  of  some  regiment  for  one  year  of  this 
time  ;  he  never  went  to  the  hospital,  nor  was  he  e\er  absent  from  his  regiment  a  single  ilay.  and  par- 
ticipated in  every  V)attle  they  fought.  After  leaving  the  service,  he  went  to  Oshkosh  and  resided 
there  until  he  came  to  Portage  Sept.  29.  ISlili.  lie  has  Ijeeu  connected  with  one  lumlier-yard  ever 
since  coming  here.  He  was  married  in  Portage  to  Miss  Wilhelmina  Fischer ;  she  was  born  in  Sax- 
ony ;  they  have  two  children — Lena  and  William.  Mr.  Kelm  is  a  member  of  the  Hook  and  Ladder 
Co..  and  of  the  Leiderkranz  Society. 

ANDREW  KIEFER,  the  subject  of  thi.s  sketch,  was  born  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden, 
Germany,  April  2S.  \s:'M  :  came  to  Xew  (Orleans  Dec.  1.  LS45  ;  in  February.  lS4(i.  went  to  Cincinnati. 
Ohio,  where  he  learned  his  trade  of  Ijarber.  remaining  two  years,  when  he  returned  to  Xew  Orleans, 
where  he  spent  at  portion  of  the  time'  for  several  years  ;  he  then  removed  to  St.  Louis,  and  was 
engaged  in  business  on  l)oard  ^lississippi  River  steamboats  for  three  years.  si)ending  about  seven  years 
in  the  South  ;  he  then  lived  for  two  and  a  half  years  in  Buffiilo.  X.  Y..  prior  to  removal  to  Port- 
age. May  1.  185(i  ;  3Ir.  Kiefer  has  been  engaged  in  present  business  ever  since  he  came  here.  He 
was  Akierman  of  the  Fourth  Ward  in  18(i()-^(il  ;  City  Treasurer  of  Portage  in  1874-75  :  connected 
with  the  Fire  Department  from  its  organization  to  the  present  time,  and  has  been  of  material  assist- 
ance in  maintaining  its  etticieney.  holding  the  office  of  Secretary  for  ten  years.  Secretary  of  the  Hook 
and  Ladder  Co.  since  its  organization  ;  President  and  Secretary  of  Leiderkranz  Society  several  times  ; 
Secretary  of  the  German  Cemetery  Association  since  its  organization.  Mr.  Kiefer  was  married  at 
Watertown.  Wis.,  to  Henrietta  Arenliurg  ;  she  died  July  14.  18(34,  leaving  two  children — one  now 
living,  Andrew  J.,  born  July  20.  18()2  :  lost  one  son,  George  Henry,  born  July  3.  18(54.  died  Sept. 
10.  f870.  His  present  wife  is  Wilhelmina  Anacker.  and  was  married  Feb.  23.  1868.  at  Portage  ;  she 
was  born  in  Hesse-Cassel.  Germany  :  they  have  three  children — Charlotte  E..  born  Nov.  1.  1868  ; 
Emma  Louisa.  Feb.  13.  1873.  and  Fred  W..  Sei)tember.  1878. 

H.  L.  KIND  was  liorn  in  Prussia  June  23.  1814:  came  to  Chicago  in  June.  1854.  and  to 
Portage  in  September  of  that  year  ;  he  has  lieen  in  the  grocery  business  twelve  years,  but  worked 
eight  years  in  eleyators  before  going  into  Inisiness  for  himself  Mr.  K.  was  married  first  in  (ier- 
raany.  February.  1836,  to  3Iaria  Spangl)erg,  who  died  in  1847  ;  in  June.  1848.  he  married 
Susanna  Frederieka  Kind,  Ijy  whom  he  had  ten  children  :  the  children  are  all  dead  but  Ida  ;  Mr. 
Kinds  second  wife  died  March  30,  1875,  and  he  married  his  present  wdfe,  Henrietta  Brick,  Aug.  28, 
1875  ;  she  was  born  in  Kolberg,  Germany,  and  came  to  Milwaukee  in  1849.  and  to  Portage  in  the 
spring  of  1855.     Both  are  members  of  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 

ALiOIS  KLENERT,  of  the  firm  of  Klenert  &  Son.  was  l>orn  in  Portage  July  23,  185(); 
resided  a  short  time  in  .Minnesota,  but  this  city  has  been  his  home  since  the  time  of  his  birth  :  he 
is  the  son  of  Anton  and  Catharina  Klenert.  Alois  was  married  in  Portage  Aug.  1.  1878,  to  3Iary 
Wurst :  she  is  a  native  of  Austria  ;  they  have  one  son,  Fred,  born  July  6.  187!'.  Mr.  K.  is  a  meni- 
mer  of  the  I.  ( ).  O.  F..  Leiderkranz  and  Turner  societies. 

A.  KOENIG,  merchant  tailor,  and  dealer  in  clothing  and  gents'  furnishing  goods  :  was  liorn 
in  Prussia,  July   13,  1823:  engaged  in  tailoring  at  the  age  of  15  years:  caiue  to  Milwaukee  in  ■ 
1854,  and  to  Portage  in  1864,"   Mr.  K.  was  married  at  Portage  July  29.  1865.  to  Louisa  M.  Blass. 
who  was  born  in  Xew  York  City  ;  they  have  two  children — Clara  Augusta  and  Laura  Louisa, 

CirEORGE  KRECH,  a  native  of  (iermany.  liorn  in  Saxony,  Oct,  8,  1838  ;  came  to  Xew 
York  City,  landing  there  Oct.  7.  1857  :  came  directly  to  Beloit  :  resitled  there  four  years,  then  came 
to  Portage,  and  has  been  engaged  in  the  butchering  business  since  the  fall  of  18(il  :  was  dealing  als(j 
in  stock  for  several  years  ;  at  present  not  engaged  in  that  Inisiness.  Marrietl  Catherine  Dunnan  in 
Portage.  June.  1866  :  they  have  one  child.  Kittle. 


ftlO  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

OTTO  KKISCH,  lioin  ill  Boliomia.  Oct.  4,  1831  ;  cixiiK-  to  America  in  the  latter  part  of 
SeiJteinlier.  1S54.  and  in  Xoveralier  of  same  year  eame  to  Portage  ;  commenced  saloon  business 
here  in  1855  ;  in  1856,  he  was  employed  by  Charles  Haertel.  and  remained  «ith  him  two  years  and 
two  months  :  since  then  he  lias  been  in  business  for  himself.  Mr.  K.  was  elected  City  Treasurer  for 
two  years.  1870-71.  Was  married  to  Madeline  Sihliss  in  Portage,  Feb.  7.  1857  ;  she  was  liorn  in 
Kleinwetzheim.  Hesse-Darmstadt,  ffermany  ;  they  have  four  children — Alois,  Anna,  Ida  and  Otto. 
Mr.  K.  is  a  meinlier  of  the  Lciderkraii/C  and  A.  ().  I'.  W.  societies. 

MRS.  JIARV  .1.  LA  KOWE,  ncc  Bryce.  was  born  Jan.  5.  1834.  in  Albany.  Oswego  Co., 
N.  Y.  Mrs.  La  Rowe  was  born  Aug.  :i,  ISHl.  in  Amwell.  Hunterdon  Co..  N.  J.:  the  family  came  West  in 
1848  ;  before  her  marriage,  she  taught  school  several  years  in  Columbia  and  Manpictte  Cos.  She  was 
married  Aug.  14.  1854.  to  S.  Hamiltnu  La  Kowe.  of  Kingston.  Marquette  Co..  where  he  was  engaged 
in  general  merchandizing  ;  he  removed  his  business  to  Portage  in  18(i2.  and  kept  the  express  office 
in  connection  with  his  mercantile  liusiness  ;  he  died  in  1808.  leaving  three  cliil(h-en — 8.  Hamilton, 
born  Feb.  5.  185(5.  in  Kingston;  ^[arv  Estelle.  born  at  Kingston  Dec.  l(i.  1857.  and  Frank  F..  born 
on  ]>ec.  25  (Christmas).  18(17  ;  the  oldest  son  has  bought  land  and  is  fanning  near  Sioux  Falls. 
Dak.;  the  other  two  are  at  lK)me.  The  family  attiliated  with  the  K|)iscopal  Church  ;  she  still  owns  a 
pleasant  home  on  Conant  street,  but  has  disposed  of  ail  other  real  estate  ;  she  is  the  daughter  of 
■T'ncle  .\rcliie  Brvce."  of  Portasje. 

JAMES  M.  LAWSOiV  was  born  at  (ilasgow.  Scotland.  March  28.  1849  ;  came  to  Amer- 
ica with  his  parents  in  1852  and  located  in  Packwaukee.  Marquette  Co..  Wis.;  in  1808.  moved  to 
Kingston,  (jreeu  Lake  Co.:  two  years  later  moved  to  Washington.  Mich.,  where  he  was  general  sales- 
man for  the  Washington  .^Iining  Co.;  six  months  afterward,  moved  to  South  Saginaw.  Mich.,  where, 
for  three  years,  he  was  book-keeper,  general  salesman  and  paymaster;  came  to  Portage  in  1873, 
where  he  has  since  been  with  Schumacher  &  Schulze.  He  was  married  to  Sarah  P.  Smith,  at  Port- 
age. Oct.  11.  1870  ;  she  was  born  at  Racine;  they  have  one  child — Fred  S..  born  Oct.  5.  1878.  He  is  a 
memlier  of  the  A..  F.  &  A.  'S\.  1  Hiring  the  past  ten  years.  .^Ir.  L.  has  been  engaged  in  the  fire-insurance 
business,  representing  five  of  the  leading  comjianies — Fire  Association.  Boston  rnderwritcrs,  St. 
Paul   Fire  and   .Marine.  Continental,  of  New  York,  and  Westchester,  of  Xew  York. 

AIjFREI)  lee.  carpenter :  was  born  in  London.  Kngland.  March  25.  1843:  came  to 
America  in  1850.  and  located  in  Portage,  where  he  has  since  residi'd  ;  he  worked  three  years  in  the 
car-shops,  and  has  followed  carpenter  work  and  lathing  the  balance  of  the  time.  He  was  married 
at  Portage  Oct.  24.  18()8.  to  Mrs.  I".  A.  Harmon,  liorn  in  (iermany  ;  she  died  Feb.  8.  1880,  leaving 
one  son — Frank  T.  W..  born  Oct.  27.  18(i!t.     .Mr.  I^ee  is  a  member  of  the  'SI.  K.  Church. 

PATRICK  LEXXOX  was  born  in  County  Armagh.  Ireland.  iSIarch  17.  1817  ;  came  to 
America  and  landed  in  New  York  City  ;  spent  seven  years  in  Upper  Canada  ;  then  resided 
at  Crown  Point.  N.  Y..  until  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  in  .Ahiy.  1840.  locating  on  Sec.  31.  town  of  Ft. 
Winnebago.  Mr.  L.  was  married  at  Crown  Point.  N.  Y..  .Alarch  8,  1840,  to  Julia  Rnddey.  who  was 
born  in  Ireland  ;  they  have  had  ten  children — Catharine,  Terrence,  John,  Mary  Ann.  James.  Mar- 
garet. Patrick  and  Kdward.  now  lining  ;  James,  aged  1  year  and  1  month,  deceased  ;  Bridget,  aged 
15  years,  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fiennon  are  both  memliers  of  the  St.  ^Mary's  Catholic  Church. 
Mr.  L.  was  Town  Treasurer  of  Fort  Winnebago  six  years.  Supervisor  three  years.  School  Director 
and  Clerk  of  the  School  Hoard  for  severtil  years  ;  he  owns  240  acres  of  land — 200  on  Sec.  31.  town 
of  Ft.  Winnebago,  the  balance  on  Sec.  24.  town  of  Lewiston.  Ijcing  still  the  owner  of  the  land  on 
which  he  first  located  in  Columbia  Co.  ^ 

FRAXKIilN^  11.  LEWIS,  lumlier  dealer;  was  born  in  Hopkiuton.  Washington  Co.. 
R.  I..  Jan.  0.  1S48  ;  rainc  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  ]8(i5.  locating  at  Werner,  Juneau  Co.;  was 
engaged  in  lumber  liusiness.  having  his  residence  there  until  1870.  when  he  came  to  Portage  ;  since 
1872.  has  lieeii  in  business  for  himself  manufacturing  at  Werner  ;  since  coming  to  Portage  in  1870, 
has  continued  his  manufacturing  at  Werner  ;  he  has  large  lumber-yards  at  Portage,  and  is  owner  of 
extensive  tracts  of  pine  lands  on  Yellow  River.  Wood  Co.  Mr.  Lewis  deals  in  salt,  cement,  sash, 
doors,  lilinds.  etc..  in  connection  with  his  lumber  business.  Was  married  in  Werner.  Juneau  Co.,  . 
Sept.  17.  1874,  to  Miss  Vir>rinia  L.  Bacon  ;  she  was  born  in  Lee.  Penobscot  Co..  Me. 

HEIVRV  LITTLE  was  born  in  the  t(jwn  of  (Jardner.  near  Augusta,  Sle..  May  19,  1848  ; 
moved  to  Xew  Ork'uns  in  1S57.  and  attended  school  in  that  city  until  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with 
his  father.  William  Little,  to  Fairfield.  Sauk  Co.,  in  February,  1801  ;  his  father  died  there  in  1863. 
Henry  lived  in  Fairfield  most  of  the  time  until  he  came  to  Portage  in  1805.  and  was  engaged  in 
farming  ;  and  since  coming  to  this  place  has  been  engaged  in  the  livery  and  omnilius  business.     Mv. 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  911 

Little  iiKUTied  M:irv  Bolting,  a  native  of  Portage.  Sept.  22,  18U5  ;  tliey  have  Liad  two  children,  one 
living.  Heniy  Wni.;  lost  one  son.  died  in  intancy.     Is  a  memlier  of  the  I.  t).  0.  F. 

R.  J.  LIjOYD,  horseshoer  and  jobber  ;  was  born  in  Wales  in  18.39,  and  eanie  to  America 
in  1S4G.  and  settled  in  Oneida  Co..  N.  Y..  where  he  remained  nine  years  ;  in  1855.  he  uame  to 
Oxford,  Marquette  Co..  where  he  lived  till  IStil!,  when  he  located  in  Portage,  which  is  still  his  home. 
On  the  2()tli  of  May.  18(50,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Jane  Watkins.  formerly  of  Pennsylvania  ;  they 
have  six  children — William.  Wallie.  Robert.  Lillie.  Daisy  and  Lawrence.  He  has  been  proprietor  of 
one  shop  ever  since  lie  came  to  Portage  ;  he  owns  his  shop  on  Main  street,  and  his  house  on  Conant 
street :  employs  one  journeyman,  and  has  a  good  run  of  patronage.  Himself  and  wife  are  memljers 
of  the  First  Presb_yterian  Church  of  Portage. 

SAMUEL'S.  LOCKHART  is  a  native  of  Ayrshire.  Scotland  :  son  of  John  and  Agnes 
Lockhart.  who  came  to  America  with  tlieir  family  in  1853.  locating  tirst  at  Williamsburg,  L.  I.;  in 
1854.  they  removed  to  Caledonia  in  this  county,  locating  on  Sec.  3  ;  they  now  live  on  Sec.  9,  in  the 
same  town,  engaged  in  farming.  Samuel  S.  w^as  born  Nov.  20.  1850  ;  he  passed  his  early  life  on  his 
father's  farm  ;  attended  the  high  school  of  Portage,  where  he  graduated  the  summer  of  1874  ;  prior 
to  this  had  attended  the  district  school  of  his  own  town,  and  had  also  taught  some  ;  his  tirst  graded 
school  was  at  Pardeeville.  where  he  taught  the  summer  of  18T()  ;  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  entered 
Randolph  public  school,  and  had  chai-ge  of  that  as  Principal,  until  the  summer  of  1878  ;  during 
vacations  studying  law  in  the  office  of  James  B.  Taylor  ;  was  elected  Clerk  of  the  Court  in  Novem- 
ber. 1878,  which  office  he  now  holds.  Married  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  March  29.  1879,  to  Hallie 
L.  Marvin,  daughter  of  Hon.  G.  G.  Blarvin  ;  she  was  born  in  the  town  of  Randolph.  3Ir.  L.  is  a 
memlier  of  the  A..  F.  it  A.  M. 

ROI>NEV  O.  LOO.^SIS,  is  a  native  of  German  Flats,  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.;  born  Sept. 
•17.  1833  ;  came  to  I'aciflc.  Columbia  Co..  Wis.,  in  September,  1852.  and  has  resided  in  this  county 
ever  since  ;  was  employed  in  the  store  of  N.  H.  Wood  as  clerk  until  1857.  when  he  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Wood.  Loomis  &  Osborn  ;  at  the  expiration  of  one  year.  Mr.  C)sborn  retired,  and 
the  Ijusiness  was  conducteil  under  the  firm  name  of  AVood  &  Loomis  for  one  year  :  then  the  firm  of 
N.  II.  Wood  &  Co.  was  formed,  which  consisted  of  N.  H.  Wood.  R.  O.  Loomis.  Geo.  H.  Osborn  and 
Frank  E.  Wood  ;  in  1801.  the  firm  name  was  again  changed  to  AVood.  Loomis  &  Osborn  ;  from  18(j3 
to  1.S65.  the  business  was  carried  on  bv  Wood.  Loomis  &  Co..  Jlr.  C.  R.  Gallett  becoming  a  memljer 
of  the  firm  ;  from  18(J5  to  18(37,  the  firm  was  N.  H.  Wood  &  Co.;  in  the  spring  of  18(i7.  LI.  Breese 
became  associated  with  them,  but  the  style  of  the  firm  name  was  not  changed  ;  in  1869,  the  present 
firm  of  Loomis.  (rallett  &  Breese  was  formed.  Jlr.  Loomis  married  Susan  Wood,  Sept.  8,  185G,  at 
Dubuque,  Iowa  ;  she  died  C)ct.  5,  1865,  leaving  two  children;  one.  an  infant  eighteen  months  old, 
survived  the  mother  Init  a  short  time:  one  son.  Fred  W..  was  born  ]March  30,  1859.  Jlr.  L.  was  mar- 
ried the  second  time  at  Ly(ms,  N.  Y.,  to  Isabelle  H.  Cole,  Oct.  23.  1867  ;  she  was  born  in  Lyons; 
there  are  three  children  bv  this  union — Isabelle  Chester.  Marv  Emily  and  Frank  Breese. 

JOSEPH  LIIWWMw,  born  in  Bohemia  Dec.  25.  1825  ;  came  to  America  in  1848,  worked 
in  New  York  City  from  June  to  October  of  the  same  year,  then  came  to  Milwaukee  ;  December  to 
May.  worked  in  tannery  ;  in  the  spring  of  1849,  commenced  liuying  hides,  wool.  etc..  running  a 
small  tannery  a  short  time  liefore  coming  to  Portage  ;  he  learned  the  tanner's  trade  in  Europe:  in 
1851.  he  came  to  Portage  and  engaged  in  buying  hides,  which  business  he  is  still  engaged  in.  l)esides 
carrying  on  the  tannery  ever  since  he  came  here  :  he  commenced  the  boot  and  siioe  business  in 
1857.  and  has  Ijeen  in  his  present  location  since  1859.  His  present  wife  was  Mary  Rohn  ;  she  was 
born  in  (Germany  :  they  have  five  children,  two  girls  and  three  lioys.  Mv.  L.  has  two  daughters  by 
a  former  marriage. 

ALEXANDER  3IfI)f>IVALI>,  one  of  the  four  oldest  settlers  of  Columbia  Co..  was 
born  in  the  parish  of  Kilmarnock,  near  the  bridge  of  Spean.  Inverness-shire.  Scotland.  April  23. 
1817  ;  parents  both  McDonalds.  Mr.  McD.  came  to  America  in  July,  1836.  and  for  a  year  traveled 
in  Canada  and  the  I'nited  States  ;  in  1837.  engaged  with  the  Government  survey  in  Michigan  ;  in 
December.  1838,  he  came  to  Madison,  Wis.,  where  he  was  ill  about  a  year;  in  June.  1839,  removed 
to  Ft.  Winnebago,  and  was  present  when  (fen.  Scott  had  a  conference  with  the  Winnebagoes  to 
induce  them  to  remove  to  a  reservation  ;  in  1840.  he  joined  the  (ioverninent  survey  in  Wisconsin  ; 
t«ok  up  160  acres  in  Caledonia,  a  portion  of  which  lie  still  (jwns  ;  was  a  contractor  in  the  C.  &  N. 
W.  Ry,  at  ■Tunnel  1. "  and  other  points  ;  was  Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co.  in  1851-52,  and  is  now  giv- 
ing his  attention,  in  addition  to  carrying  on  his  farm,  to  an  agency  for  the  sale  of  sewing  machines. 
Mr,  .McD.  married  in  the  town  of  York.  Livingston  Co..  N.  Y.,  April  5.  1853,  to  Mary  A.  Crawford. 


yi2  HIOGHAPHKAL    SKETCHES: 

born  in  Freedom.  (';itt:iraugiis  Co..  N.  Y..  who  ilied  May  -•!.  1S(!1.  leavinjj:  four  eliililren — lane  Kliz- 
abctli,  horn  Fel).  !l,  1S.">4  ;  James  Alexanitor.  Iiorn  Xov.  11.  1S5()  ;  Mary  Ann.  liorn  Feb.  14.  1850  : 
John  C.  born  April  22.  ISiil.  Mr.  .Mcl>.  nianieil  .^Iarl;aret  Roljurtson.  of  Caleilonia.  June  18.  1862: 
They  liave  tiiree  ehildreii  livino; — Jeanette  M..  born  Ai)rii  It.  18(18;  KHzalieth.  born  Jan.  1(1.  ]8()5. 
and  (ilengarrey  W..  born  l>ee.  2(1.  1872.  and  have  lost  two.  >Ir.  .^IeI)onald  haife  seen  C'oliiniliia  Co. 
and  Wisconsin  t-hanijed  from  an  Indian  luuitino  triouiid  to  a  cultivated,  tliickly  settled  and  wealthy 
State.  lie  was  appointed  by  (iov.  Dodue  as  Major  of  militia  ;  has  lieen  Supervisor  and  Chairman 
of  the  County  Hoard  :  was  proprietor  of  the  Ellsworth,  now  Corninif  House,  for  eight  years. 

l>EWiTT  C.  MeWl'FFIK.  express  messenger  between  Portage  and  Ashland,  on  the 
Wis.  Cent.  K.  K.:  born  in  Lafayette.  Wis.,  on  the  15th  of  November.  1848.  He  came  into  Columliia 
Co.  with  his  parents  in  1853;  they  settled  on  a  farm  in  Springvale.  where  they  li\-ed  twenty  years  : 
in  1878.  they  sold  tlie  tarm  and  moved  into  Rio.  Devvitt  began  railroad  life  as  clerk  in  station  office 
at  Rio.  on  the  C,  M.  <&  St.  P.  R.  R..  in  1870  :  he  was  express  messenger  in  1871  between  Portage 
iind  Horicon,  and  then  he  was  two  years  at  Portage  as  telegi'aph  operator  and  express  agent :  he 
served  a  year  and  a  half  as  engineer  of  a  iiuartz-inill  at  Silver  City.  Xcv.:  since  fall  of  187().  he  has 
been  express  messenger  on  Wis.  Cent.  R.  R.  He  was  married  on  the  28tli  of  August.  187!'.  to  Miss 
Harriett  S.  Race,  of  Portage.     He  is  a  Republican.     Li\es  in  brick  house  near  8t.  Pa(d  dejjot. 

1*.  JlefwIXX  «'as  born  in  County  Monahan.  Ireland,  in  182!t:  came  to  America  in  184(i : 
resided  in  \'ermont.  New  York.  Ohio  and  California,  prior  to  locating  in  Portage  in  1857;  was 
engaged  in  mining  while  in  California  ;  learned  the  molder's  trade  in  Vermont;  began  the  grocery 
business  in  1857.  in  which  he  has  continued  ever  since.  His  present  wife.  Catherine  (raffnev.  is  a 
native  of  East  Canada.  They  have  ti\e  children — .Mary,  aged  1 1  :  Catherine,  aged  Id  ;  John  T..  aged 
8  ;  Margaret  Celia.  aged  7.  and  James,  aged  4.  Mr.  anil  Mrs.  McOinn  are  both  members  of  St. 
Mary's  Catholic  Church. 

"MICHAEL  moKENXA,  coppersmith,  at  Portage  machine-shops  of  the  ('..  M.  &  St.  P. 
R.  R.  ;  was  liorn  in  January.  181S.  in  Dul)lin.  Ireland  ;  served  a  seven-year  apprenticeship  in  Dub- 
lin ;  he  came  to  the  ruited  States  in  18411.  and  settled  in  Butfalo.  N.  Y..  where  he  remained  five 
yeai-s.  working  at  his  trade  ;  then  spent  five  years  in  l)etroit.  and  after  that  two  years  for  M.  C.  R. 
R.  at  Marshall.  Mich  ;  spent  one  year  in  Chicago,  and  located  in  La  Porte.  Ind..  where  he  remained 
eleven  years  in  the  employ  of  the  .^I.  S.  R.  R.  :  in  fall  of  1872.  he  came  to  Portage  and  began  work 
for  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co..  and  has  been  in  their  employ  continuously  to  date.  Before  leaving 
Ireland,  he  was  married.  DecemVter.  1848.  to  Miss  Mary  Dolan.  who  died  in  1878,  leaving  one 
daughter.  Catherine  IX  McKenna.  who  is  established  as  milliner  and  dressmaker  on  Cook  street. 
Portage  ;  she  also  keeps  a  stock  of  fancy  notions  :  she  has  ■  more  than  a  dozen  employes  :"  before 
starting  her  business  this  season,  she  made  a  visiting  tour  of  England  and  Ireland.  The  family 
affiliate  with  the  Catholic  Church.  He  belongs  to  no  society  except  the  ■■  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan 
Southern  Insurance  .Vssociation.  "  He  is  the  onlv  coppersmith  in  the  employ  of  the  railroad  com- 
pany at  Portagi'.  and  is  reported  as  a  first-class  mechanic. 

'  D.  A.  jieKEXNEY  was  l)orn  in  Malone.  Franklin  Co..  N.  Y.,  July  18.  1880  ;  resided  there 
until  he  was  IS  years  of  age,  then  came  to  Berlin,  (!reen  Co..  Wis.:  remained  there  until  he  came 
to  Portage  in  the  fall  of  ISlil  ;  while  at  Berlin,  he  was  employed  as  a  clerk  in  a  store  ;  after  coming 
to  Portage,  he  was  in  the  photograph  business  until  1868,  when  he  went  to  Washington.  1).  C.  where 
he  remained  until  18()4 — in  the  (lovernment  service  one  year — connected  with  the  construction  of 
buildings  there  and  in  that  vicinity.  In  lS(i4.  he  returned  to  Portage,  and  has  been,  most  of  the 
time  since  then,  with  P.  S.  Hollenlieck.  furniture  dealer,  being  employed  as  finisher  and  salesman. 
.Mr.  McKenney  was  married  at  Berlin.  Wis..  Jan.  1.  185!>.  to  Miss  Elizal)eth  Behan  ;  she  was  born 
in  Syracuse.  N.  Y.     They  have  tour  children — Charles  T.,  Wni.  1)..  Clara  and  (rcorgc. 

FELIX  MflilXDON,  son  of  James  and  Sarah  McL..  was  born  in  the  town  of  Annaloist. 
County  .Armagh.  Ireland.  Oct.  81.  1812  :  came  to  Peru.  N.  V..  in  May.  1881  ;  lived  there  six  years, 
and  in  Franklin  and  Chemung  Cos..  until  the  fall  of  1845.  when  he  came  to  Shullsburg.  Wis.,  in 
April,  184it  :  moved  IVfim  there  to  Portage.  ^Ir.  McLindon  has  been  engaged  in  various  pursuits: 
was  Postmaster  of  the  Assembly  in  1858:  has  l)een  Constalde  twenty-seven  years.  Justice  of  the 
Peace  during  the  last  four  years:  was  Sergeant-at-Arms  of  the  Assembly  in  184!*.  He  was  married 
in  Peru.  Clinton  Co..  N.  Y..  Jan.  28.  1888.  to  >Iargaret.  daughter  of  Wm.  and  Elizabeth  Watson, 
born  in  Scotland :  she  died  Dec.  Iti.  1877.  leaving  three  children — Martha  J.,  now  Mrs.  D.  L.  Beards- 
lev,  of  Odessa.  Minn.,  born  July  1.  1842:  James,  of  La  Crosse,  born  July  lit,  1S44.  who  is  an 
engineer  on  the  Southern  Minn.  R.  R..  and  was  married  in  September.  1874.  to  Ellen  McLaughlin; 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  913 

Robert  E.,  horn  at  Fort  Winneliago,  April  16,  IH.')!.  is  an  engineer  on  tlie  M.  &  St.  P.  P.  R.,  and  was 
married  June  2.'!.  1S79.  to  Teresa  MeSorley.  Mr.  Meljindon  was  for  several  j-ears  President  of  tlie 
St.  Josepli's  Total  .Mistinenee  Soeiety.  and  is  now  its  A'iee  President. 

JOHIV  H.  91Ani>EN  was  horn  in  County  (Jalway.  Ireland.  Aug.  25,  1.S3!)  ;  came  witli 
his  parents,  Miehael  and  .Mary  Madden,  to  America  in  1847  ;  located  in  Racine  Co.,  resided  there 
initii  1851,  and  then  removed  to  Buffalo,  Mar<inette  Co.  His  mother  died  in  ;\Iay.  1877  ;  his  father 
is  now  a  resident  of  I'ortage.  Mr.  Ma<lden  is  carrying  on  iiis  farm  of  240  acres  on  Sees.  20  and  20. 
in  the  town  of  Buffalo,  and  is  also  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Portage.  He  was  married 
in  ;\Iontello,  Marquette  Co..  Wis..  Jan.  11,  1864.  to  Maria  Eagan,  a  native  of  County  Roscommon. 
Ireland  ;  her  parents,  who  were  old  settlers  of  Columbia  Co.,  now  reside  in  Marcellcju.  'Sir.  and  Mrs. 
Gladden  are  memliers  of  the  Catholic  Church.  Mr.  M.  was  a  meml)er  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors 
for  three  years  :  als(j  Roadmaster  in  the  town  of  Buffalo.  They  have  nine  children — >Iary  Ann. 
.Martin  James.  John.  Wni.  llenr\-.  Catherine,  Thomas  Francis,  IMargaret,  Clara  and   Estella. 

TH03IAS  €.  llIAl>l>ElV  came  to  Wisconsin,  in  ISfjO,  with  his  father,  Michael  Madden, 
who  located  in  Butlalo.  .Maniuette  Co..  Wis.,  and  who  is  now  living  with  his  son,  Thomas  C.  in 
Portage.  Mr.  Gladden  was  engaged  in  the  dry-goods  and  grocery  l)usiiiess  at  Lyons,  Iowa,  for  nine 
years,  from  1860  to  1860  ;  enlisted  in  Co.  K.lSth  W.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  discharged  on  account 
of  disaliility  caused  \)y  sickness  ;  ong'aged  in  farming  from  1869  to  1872  ;  traveling  salesman  three 
years  ;  in  business  at  Portage  one  year;  at  ^Montello  one  year;  then  on  a  farm  one  ye.ar.  Slv.  Mad- 
den married  Hellen  Hendricks,  who  died  in  187:^..  leaving  one  daughter — Mary  Ellen.  He  married 
ills  present  wife.  3Iarv  .\.  Oa'le,  a  native  of  WLsconsin,  Sept.  17,  187i). 

PETER  E.  MAHOIV,  l>orn  in  Meath  Co.,  Ireland,  Dec.  4,  1846;  canie  to  America  with 
liis  parents.  Edward  and  Mary  Malion,  wlio  settled  in  Milwaukee,  where  they  resided  six  years  ; 
came  to  Portage  in  May.  1855  ;'  father  died  Jan.  31.  1871  ;  mother  is  still  resident  of  Portage.  The 
subject  of  this  sketch  has  worked  at  carpenter  and  .joiner's  trade  the  past  sixteen  years  ;  is  carpen- 
ter, contractor  and  builder.  He  was  married  in  Portage,  Jan.  24,  1876,  to  Elizalieth  O'Brien  ;  they 
have  two  children — .Mary,  born  March  4.  1878.  and  Edward,  born  Nov.  15,  1870.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
^lahon  are  members  of  St.  Mary's  Catholic  Church.  Mr.  M.  has  been  Chairman  of  the  First  Ward 
Board  of  Supervis(jrs  three  years,  and  is  now  serving  his  fourth  year  as  Alderman  of  the  same 
ward. 

DR.  EDWIX  C.  MAIXE,  homeopathic  physician  ;  born  in  North  Stonington,  New  Lon- 
<lon  Co.,  Conn..  July  2(1,  1821  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1850  ;  made  it  his  home  for  a  year 
and  a  half  in  Dane  and  Rock  Cos.;  in  Madison  foi'  about  four  years  ;  came  from  ^ladison  to  Port- 
age in  October.  1856  ;  engaged  in  student  practice  with  Dr.  J.  B.  Bowen,  at  Madison,  and  ever  since 
coming  here  has  practiced  houKcopathy  strictly.  I)eing  one  of  the  oldest  physicians  of  that  school  in 
Wisconsin.  .Alarried  at  North  Stonington,  June  13,  1852,  to  Ellen  L.  Wheeler  ;  she  was  born  at 
Noi-th  Stonington  :  they  have  three  children — Lilla  M.,  Clinton  Dewitt  and  Thurlow  Wheeler.  Dr. 
.^I.  was  for  five  ^  ears  member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen  ;  is  a  Mason  an  Odd  Fellow,  also  belongs 
to  the  Temple  I)f  Honor.  Good  Templars,  etc..  and  member  of  the  State  Jledical  Homcfopatliic 
Association. 

THOMAS  3IALOY,  liorn  in  Vermont;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1855,  locating  at  La  Crosse  ; 
he  was  in  the  employ  of  the  C  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co.  until  about  Ave  jears  ago  ;  after  leaving  the 
railroad  business,  he  enteretl  into  partnership  with  IMr.  Sanborn  in  the  Ijrick  and  ice  Inisiness  :  he 
has  been  in  the  brick  liusiness  six  years  and  the  ice  Ijusiness  two  years.  He  was  married  at  La 
Crosse,  in  June,  1850.  to  JIary  Quinn,  who  died  in  January,  1874.  leaving  two  children — Annice  H. 
and  (ieorge  S\.     Mr.  M.  and  his  daughter  arc  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

ESTHER  F.  9IARSH,  widow  of  Darius  Marsh,  a  former  physician  in  Portage;  she 
was  born  on  the  2d  of  .\ugust.  1802.  in  the  town  of  Brookfield,  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.  ;  her  deceased 
Jnisband  was  horn  on  the  25th  of  December,  1708,  in  Litchfield,  Conn.  ;  on  the  1st  of  April.  1815. 
when  a  mere  lad.  he  enlisted  as  bugler,  in  the  I'nited  States  Army,  and  he  served  until  his  honor- 
able discharge,  on  the  1st  of  i^I arch."  1810  ;  ^Mrs.  Marsh's  grandfathers,  on  ))oth  sides,  were  Revolu- 
ti<j)iary  soldiers,  and  of  the  old  English  Puritan  Stock.  They  were  married  Fel).  1,  1820,  in  Broome 
Co..  N.  Y.  He  was  educated  as  i)hysician.  and  practiced  the  healing  art  several  years  in  the  East ; 
came  West  in  1846.  and  settled  iii  (Jalesburg.  Knox  Co..  111.,  where  he  practiced  his  profession: 
after  residing  in  other  places  in  Illinois,  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1856.  and  located  at  Ft. 
Winnebago,  near  Portage;  in  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Capt.  Coffin's  company,  to  try  the  fate  of  a  second 
war  ;  he  was  honorably  discharged  in  April.  1862,  because  of  injuries  received  at  Bowling  Green. 


914  BIOGUAPHICAI.    SKETCHES: 

Ky.  ;  for  some  time  after  the  war.  he  practiced  his  profession  in  and  about  Portage,  but  lived 
on  his  farm  in  Ft.  Winnebago ;  he  applied  for  a  pension,  and  on  the  day  that  he  received  his  pen- 
sion papers,  he  was  seated  in  the  City  Hotel  playing  liis  fife  to  an  admiring  group,  while  waiting 
for  his  conveyance  home:  suddenly,  in  tiie  midst' of  a  martial  strain,  lie  dropped  lifeless,  and  thus 
the  veteran  of  two  wars  passed  away  on  the  Sth  of  JIay.  1871  ;  the  family  then  moved  into  Portage, 
where  they  still  reside  ;  tliey  had  eigiit  cliildren.  two  of  whom  died  in  childhood  ;  the  living  are — 
William  L..  born  Jan.  11.  1S21  :  fleorge  \\'..  born  Sept.  21.  1S2H  :  Andrew  J.,  born  Feb.  28.  1820  ; 
Ksther  'SI..  Ixmi  Aug.  11.  1882  :  Mary  E..  born  Feb.  18,  1884.  and  Clarissa  A.,  born  Oct.  20.  1840  ; 
all  the  children  are  married.  Dr.  Marsli  was  a  ••  Sevcntli  Day  Adventist,"  and  that  is  the  faith 
of  Mrs.  ^larsli.  Her  youngest  daughter.  Clarissa,  was  married  on  the  8d  of  Octolier.  1850,  to 
Samuel  Crouch.  Jr.  ;  on  the  2(Jth  of  September,  18(n.  he  enlisted  in  the  10th  W.  \.  I.  ;  he  died  on  the 
17th  of  Marcli,  18()2,  as  a  result  of  exposure,  at  Xasln  ille.  Tcnn.  ;  he  left  but  one  child.  Albert  8. 
born  Aug.  11.  1802  :  Mrs.  3Iarsh  and  this  widowed  daughter.  Mrs.  Crouch,  live  in  one  home  ;  Mrs. 
Marsh  draws  a  pension,  as  a  widow  of  soldier  of  1812,  and  Jlrs.  Crouch  draws  a  widow's  pension 
for  her  sacriticc  in  the  reliellion  :  the  old  lady,  though  nearly  fourscore,  retains  use  of  all  her 
faculties  ;  she  is  still  cheerful,  and  is  ■  only  waiting  till  the  shadows  be  a  little  longer  drawn  ;  only 
waiting  till  the  Father  calls.  ■  .Mv  child,  come  home.'  " 

GEORdiE  W.  9IAR$>«'II  was  born  in  Lisle,  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  21,  1823.  and  resided 
in  Broonic  and  Chenang(j  Cos.  until  1847.  when  lie  went  to  Boston.  Mass.:  spent  six  years  in  that 
city,  and  studied  short-hand  ;  removing  from  Boston,  he  came  to  Pacific,  Columbia  Co..  in  Decem- 
ber. 1854.  and  remained  there  until  he  enlisted  in  1801  ;  was  the  first  man  who  enlisted  in  Portage, 
in  the  Portage  Light  (hiardsat  first,  afterward  Co.  (1.  2d  W.  V.  I.:  served  until  Aug.  2.  1801,  when 
he  was  discharged  for  injuries  received  at  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Bun,  July  21,  18(n  ;  Oct.  7,  1861. 
he  was  commissioned  Second  Lieutenant  of  the  Fremont  Bifles  of  Portage  City,  afterward  Co.  D, 
loth  W,  V.  I.;  served  about  two  years  in  this  company,  on  detached  duty  most  of  the  time;  Post 
Adjutant  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  and  afterward  detailed  as  Commissioner  of  claims  at  Huntsville,  Ala., 
and  on  (Jen.  Rosecrans'  staff,  detailed  to  do  duty  at  bouisville,  Ky..  in  charge  of  discharge  oftiee  : 
resigned  after  about  two  years'  service,  and  coming  to  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  has  lived  most  of  the 
time  since  ;  after  resigning,  he  spent  several  years  in  teaching ;  was  afterward  Deputy  County 
Clerk  for  two  years  ;  Coroner  from  1858  to  1802  ;  Town  Clerk  in  Pacific  for  five  years ;  janitor  of 
the  court  house  now,  and  in  the  insurance  business  with  L.  S.  Rolleston.  He  was  married  in  Smitli- 
ville.  Chenango  Co..  N.  Y.,  March  12,  1848,  to  Maria  Pick  ;  she  was  l)orn  in  the  town  of  (Ireen  in 
that  county  ;  they  have  four  children — Ellen  A.  (now  Mrs.  ( Jabriel  Budal,  of  Lodi).  F]mma  J.. 
Esther  A.  (now  .Airs.  W.  11.  Kenyon).  and  (leorge  A.  While  in  the  army,  Mr.  Marsh  was  the  accredited 
correspondent  of  the  >Iilwaukee  Snitiurl.  writing  under  the  noni  ile  plume  of  "  Agawau," 

JOHX  ^lARSllALL,  boot  and  shoe  maker,  was  ))orn  in  Lenarkshire,  Scotland,  in  1.S87  : 
his  father  was  a  shoemaker,  and  John  served  an  extcndt'd  apprenticeship  at  home — calls  himself  an 
apprentice  for  the  past  thirty  years,  and  has  not  learned  it  all  yet.  He  was  married  in  18()0  to  Miss 
Ellen  Phclan.  of  Manchester.  England  ;  came  to  America  in  1805.  and  ever  since  has  been  a  resident 
of  Portage.  He  lias  nine  children,  all  living  at  home — Robert,  born  in  1801  ;  James  in  1803; 
Nellie  in  1805  ;  John  in  18t;7  ;  Thomas  in  1809  :  Henry  in  1871  :  Willie  in  1878;  Annie  in  1875  ; 
and  (leorge  in  1877.  His  two  oldest  sons  are  his  assistants  in  the  sho]).  Since  the  exhibition  of  his 
work  at  the  fair,  some  vears  asjo.  he  is  often  called  the  ■■  Premium  Shoemaker." 

WILLIAM  ME ACHER,  M.  D.  The  subject  of  this  sketch,  a  native  of  Bungay.  Suftblk 
Co.,  England,  was  born  on  the  27th  of  .May,  1888,  and  "is  the  son  of  William  and  Sarah  Ami  (Brown) 
-Meacher.  At  the  age  of  ten  years,  William  attended  part  of  a  winter  term  of  school  and  one  sum- 
mer term  of  the  same  length  in  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.;  later,  he  spent  a  little  less  than  two  years  in 
school  in  Wisconsin,  whither  he  moved  with  his  father  in  the  summer  of  1844  ;  at  the  age  of  22.  he 
conceived  a  desire  for  literary  culture,  and.  giving  himself  with  avidity  to  the  work,  at  once  l)egan 
the  arduous  task  of  educating  iiimself ;  beginning  with  grammar,  arithmetic  and  spelling,  lie  spent 
the  forenoon  in  study  and  de\oted  the  afternoon  to  work  on  the  farm,  or  carpentering,  during  the 
summer,  and  in  the  winter  employed  his  evenings  and  Sundays  with  his  liooks.  .\fter  one  year's 
diligent  study,  lie  spent  two  months  in  a  select  school  in  the  city  of  Portage,  and  in  the  following 
winter  taught  the  school  of  his  district,  receiving  a  comi)ensation  of  $18  per  month  and  lioarding 
iiimself;  in  early  life  it  iiad  been  his  desire  to  become  a  iihysician,  liut  it  seemed  lieyond  his  reach. 
During  this  winter,  iiowever,  he  determined  to  accomplish  his  purpose  and  gratify  his  desire. 
.Accordingly,  in  the  ensuing  spring,  with  the  encouragement   of  T>r,  O.   D.   Coleman,  of  wiioin   he 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  915 

liorrowed  books,  he  began  his  studies  at  home,  dividing  his  time  between  tliem  and  his  work  to  support 
his  family.  At  the  expiration  of  two  years  thus  spent,  he  mortgaged  his  tarm  of  40  acres  for  $250, 
and  witli  this  money  pursued  a  course  of  study  at  Kush  Medical  College  of  Chicago,  and  in  the  fol- 
lowing summer  began  practice  in  Waushara  Co.,  Wis.;  meeting  with  little  success,  he  sold  his  laud  in 
the  fall  for  1500,  paid  his  former  loan,  and  with  the  balance  attended  another  term  at  the  college, 
and  graduated  in  the  spring  of  18G2,  six  years  from  the  time  when  he  first  began  his  private  study 
of  grammar  and  spelling.  It  had  been  a  long  and  tedious  work,  l)ut  as  he  compared  his  condition 
now,  the  master  of  a  noble  profession,  with  his  former  state,  when,  as  a  boy,  he  was  oliliged  to  toil 
as  a  day  laborer,  or  when,  as  a  sailor  upon,  the  lakes,  he  was  thr<jwn  into  the  company  of  those 
whose  influence  tended  only  to  degrade,  he  did  not  regret  his  course,  and  felt  that  he  had  made  a 
noble  sacrifice,  and  what  he  had  gained  repaid  him  a  thousand-fold  for  all  that  it  had  cost  him.  It 
is  worthj'  of  mention  that  during  all  his  former  varied  career,  though  at  times  associated  with  reck- 
less and  abandoned  i-haracters.  he  had  never  contracted  any  of  the  haliits  ol'  drinking,  gambling,  or 
using  toliacco.  After  his  graduation,  witlKJut  means.  Dr.  Meacher  Ijegan  his  practice  in  the  village 
of  I'ardeeville,  and,  liy  the  aid  of  his  friend  and  benefactor.  Dr.  Coleman,  managed  to  make  a  living. 
He  engaged  in  this  work  liecause  it  was  his  natural  preference,  and  he  considered  it  the  noblest  of 
iill  professions  ;  beginning  at  the  Ijottom,  his  career  has  marked  a  gradual  gnjwtli.  and  each  year 
has  added  to  his  practice  and  reputation.  Thoroughness  in  his  professional  work  has  alwa3-s  been 
his  motto,  and  to  this  may  be  attrilnited  his  remarkable  success.  Of  late  years,  he  has  devoted  him- 
self especially  to  surgery,  and  in  all  his  surgical  operations,  his  constant  practice  is  to  make  a  care- 
ful stud}-  of  his  case,  both  by  reading  and  observations,  before  beginning  it.  During  the  war,  Dr. 
bleacher  was  commissi(^ned  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  16tli  W.  V.  I.,  and  later,  served  for  four 
months  as  contract  surgeon.  He  was  at  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  and  participated  in  the  famous  march 
to  the  sea.  Aside  from  his  iirofessional  duties,  he  has  shown  a  public  spiritedness.  and  been  honored 
bj-  his  fellow-citizens  with  positions  of  trust.  His  ambition,  however,  has  ne^-er  led  him  to  desire 
political  honors,  he  finding  in  his  profession  ample  .scope  for  his  best  talents.  His  political  views 
are  Democratic,  though  he  is  not  a  partisan  ;  in  his  religious  sentiments,  he  has  always  been  a  "  free 
thinker.'  He  is  a  prominent  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  having  taken  thirty-two  degrees, 
and  makes  the  principles  that  underlie  this  brotherhood  his  religion.  Dr.  bleacher  was  married  in 
the  winter  of  1854  to  3Iiss  Jane  E.  Clayton,  an  orphan,  of  Oak  Creek.  Milwaukee  Co..  and  by  her 
he  has  had  two  sons  and  three  daughters,  of  whom  the  eldest,  a  son.  died  in  infancy. 

«OR»OIV  H.  !IIERRF>LL  was  born  in  Utica,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  24,  1807  ;  resided 
in  Utica.  Jacket's  Harlior  and  Oswego  until  1830  ;  then  removed  to  Geneva,  N.  Y.,  and  carried  on 
the  drug  business  until  1840,  when  he  came  to  Ft.  Winneliago,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  merchandising 
and  farming,  with  his  brother  Henr>-,  six  or  eight  years  ;  then  came  to  Portage  and  purchased  his 
present  location,  where  he  has  lived  ever  since ;  he  is  real-estate  agent,  and  is  also  agent  for  various 
property  owners  of  the  city.  iMr.  M.  was  married,  at  Geneva,  N.  Y.,  to  Mary  C.  Tippetts.  who  died 
at  Portage  in  1841  :  they  had  two  children,  liothof  whom  died  before  the  mother.  His  second  wife 
(deceased)  was  Alvira  Tompkins,  of  Fox  Lake,  Wis.;  liorn  in  Canada  ;  they  had  three  children,  all 
deceased.  Mr.  M.  was  married  again,  in  1862,  to  Jlrs.  Milo  Pettilione,  nee  Eliza  Dibble,  born  in 
New  York  City  ;  came  to  IVjrtage  in  1852  ;  she  had  three  children — Frank  R..  now  a  resident  of 
Chicago  ;  Jessie,  deceased,  and  Flora  E.,  living  at  home. 

HENRY  L.  :^IERRELIj  was  horn  at  Ft.  Winnel)ago  July  22,  1848,  in  the  same  house 
in  which  he  now  li\es  (the  same  having  been  removed  to  Portage)  ;  son  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth 
(Low)  Merrell ;  mother  died  when  Henry  was  5  years  of  age.  A  portion  of  Mr.  Merrell's  farm  is  a 
part  of  the  old  homestead  ;  he  was  engaged  in  the  drug  business  up  to  the  time  of  his  father's  death. 
May,  1876  ;  since  then  attended  to  matters  pertaining  to  the  settlement  of  his  father's  extensive 
estate  ;  in  1875,  Mr.  M.  purchased  an  orange  grove  of  15  acres  and  1.10(»  trees  at  Orange  City,  Fla.; 
spends  winters  there  with  his  family.  Mr.  M.  was  married  in  Portage,  Sept.  5.  1872.  to  Ida  M. 
Miller,  born  in  Portage,  daugliter  of  Dr.  Fred  K.  and  Amanda  Miller,  early  settlers  of  Portage,  hnv- 
ing  located  here  in  1850  ;  they  have  one  child — Frederick  H.,  born  May  17,  1873. 

JULIUS  METTLER,  butcher  and  stock-dealer;  was  born  in  Switzerland  Jan  4,  1830  : 
settled  in  Newark.  N.  J.,  when  he  first  came  to  America;  then  coming  tf)  Sauk  City.  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.. 
where  he  remidned  ele^'en  years,  when  he  came  to  Portage  and  engaged  in  present  liusiness  ever 
since  coming  here.  Married,  at  Newark.  N.  J.,  in  the  fall  of  l854,  Barbara  Abbath  ;  she  was 
born  in  Baden,  Germany  ;  have  nine  children — Thecla,  Amelia,  Julia,  F]mma,  Bertha,  Julius.  Jr..  Carl, 
August  and  Joseph,     ^Mr.  JI.  is  a  member  of  I,  O.  0.  F.  and  A.  0.  I'.  W. 


916  JJIOGRAPHICAL    SKKTCHES: 

JOHX  MKTZIjKK,  l"X't  anil  shoo  nuikor  ami  repairer  ;  borii  in  Haden.  Prussia,  in  184S  ; 
came  to  America  in  lS(i7.  and  settled  in  J*(jrtaij;e  in  spring  of  isyo  ;  has  earried  on  tlie  business 
since  1871)  :  employs  one  j<jurneyman.  Was  marrie<l.  on  the  20tii  of  .March.  ISTl.  to  !Miss  Fanlina 
Daiip.  formerly  of  Erie,  Peiin.;  has  three  children,  named  ("arrie.  Charley  and  Johnny.  The 
family  affiliate  with  the  Catholic  Church  ;  his  shop  is  on  Cook  street,  and  his  house  on  Bronson 
avenue. 

CHARLES  9IOIIR  is  a  native  of  (lermany  ;  was  horn  in  Ilesse-Cassel  Oct.  15, 1S36.  and 
came  to  America  in  lS5:i  ;  engaged  in  steaniboatinj;  on  the  lakes  four  years  liefore  cominu;  to  Wis- 
consin ;  in  1857.  he  located  in  tlie  tcjwn  of  Caledonia  on  a  farm,  and  remained  there  until  186(1  :  he 
commenced  teaciiing  school  in  this  county,  and  taught  most  of  the  time  for  four  years  ;  went  then  to 
Milwaukee  and  clerked  in  a  wholesale  grocery  for  nine  months,  after  wliicii  he  was  employc<l  in  tiic 
ollice  of  the  l'><iiniii<<,-  VnlhisfrriKul.  attending  to  their  collections  ;  he  then  was  engaged  in  lumliermaii- 
ufiicturing  one  year,  also  made  a  business  of  raising  hops  one  year  ;  then  traveled  for  the  Bdiaur  it- 
\'ii//,xf'ri mil/  one  season  ;  then  coming  to  Portage  Septemljer.  18(!!1.  he  commenced  his  present  l>us- 
iness  of  merchant  and  dealer  in  hops.  ^Ir.  M.  was  married  in  Portage.  July  1.  18t>2,  to  Mary 
Arntz  ;  she  was  liorn  in  l^russia  ;  they  have  one  son — Charles.  Jr..  aged  17  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Mohr  are  memliers  of  the  (ierman  Metiiodist  Churcii. 

<irEOR4irE  W.  9I0RRIN01V,  son  of  Cxcorge  T.  and  Harriet  T.  Morrison,  who  settled  at 
Soutli|)ort,  Wis.,  in  1S45.  and  came  to  Marcellon.  Columbia  Co..  in  1849  ;  remained  thereuntil  1S57  ; 
from  there  removed  to  Portage;  mother  died  in  June.  18(j(>.  and  father  in  (>ctol>er.  1878.  Mr. 
Morrison  was  Ixirn  in  Jordan.  Onondaga  Co..  N.  Y..  April  2ti.  ]8y,!l  ;  engaged  in  farming  while  Tiv- 
ing  in  Marcellon  ;  was  in  the  City  Hotel  here  for  five  years,  his  father  being  proprietor  ;  lived  in 
Brandon.  Fond  du  Lac  Co..  for  three  years,  in  mercantile  business  ;  from  there  went  to  town  of 
York.  Uane  Co..  and  again  occupied  his  time  in  farming  :  thence  to  Lowville.  and  farmed  there  for 
three  years,  then  coming  back  to  Portage,  where  he  entered  the  store  of  Gates  &  Austin  as  a  clerk, 
remaining  witli  them  six  years;  hetlicn  went  into  business  witli  his  brother,  James  <i..and  has  con- 
tinued it  to  the  present  time.  .Married  in  Portage  July  (>.  18(13.  to  >Iiss  'A.  K.  .Marrs  :  she  was  born 
in  tile  town  of  Paris.  Edgar  Co.,  111.,  Sept.  5,  188!t  (daugliter  of  Sylvanus  11.  Marrs.  who  was  among 
tlie  early  settlers  of  Portage) ;  they  have  four  children — .Vrtliur  J.,  Stephen  F..  ^Marion  K.  and  ( Jeorge 
W.,  Jr.  .Air.  M.  is  a  member  of  tlie  A.  0.  V.  W.  and  Temple  of  Honor.  Mrs.  Morrison  s  father  died 
in  Portage  .March  17,  1851;  her  mother  also  died  here  Nov.  11,  ISliS;  they  were  both  natives  of 
Clark  Co..  Ind..  and  came  to  Watertown,  Wis.,  in  1840,  and  came  to  I'ortage  in  185(1, 

JOHN  MUKLIjER,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  l>orn  in  Hesse-Darmstadt.  (Jermany.  June. 
18:58.  and  came  to  New  York  City  in  1802.  remaining  one  year  there,  when  he  came  to  Portage,  and 
engaged  in  the  coopering  business  ever  since  ;  worked  alone  at  lirst.  and  now  employs  three  men  ; 
manufactures  all  kinds  of  cooperage.  Was  married  in  Pcu'tage.  October.  18(17.  to  Anna  Schlcisman; 
she  was  liorii  in' Hesse-Darmstadt,  (rermany ;  they  have  four  children — .\ una.  Charles,  Louis  and 
Fannie. 

|>.4  VII>  ii.  MFIR,  a  native  of  Dunbar.  Scotland  ;  was  born  July  11.  1S4().  and  is  the  son 
of  Daniel  and  .\nn  .Muir.  who  came  to  America  in  184!),  coming  directly  to  .Manpiette  Co..  Wis., 
and  engaged  in  farming;  lived  there  until  1801.  when  they  came  to  Portage,  where  they  now  reside. 
J),  (i.  >Iiiir  commenced  business  here  as  a  clerk,  and  continued  as  such  until  1805.  when  he 
went  into  the  mercantile  business  with  Parry  &  Hebb.  under  the  firm  name  of  Parry,  Bebb  &  Muir, 
wiiich  firm  e.xisted  for  four  years,  when  the  present  firm  of  Parry  &  Muir  was  organized.  .Married 
in  the  town  of  Buffalo.  .Mar(|iiette  Co.,  Wis..  Oct.  20.  18(;:5.  to  Catherine  H.  Cairns;  she  was  born  in 
I'eebles.  Scotland  ;  tliey  have  four  children — Carrie.  Annie.  Wilberforce  D.  and  John  D.  Mr.  M.  is 
a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church;  he  has  been  one  of  the  choir  singers  in  that  church  for  six- 
teen years.      He  is  a  cliarter  member  of  tln'  Temple  of  Honor. 

<i;EOR<wE  MTRISOX  was  bom  in  Aberdeen.  Scotland.  .March  17.  18:!:!  ;  moved  to  Mont- 
rose when:!  years  of  age.  and  lived  there  until  he  came  to  America,  locating  at  Milwaukee,  in  1850,  where 
he  remained  until  (X'tober.  185:],  when  became  to  Portage;  in  185S,  engaged  in  liusiness  in  the 
manufacture  of  furniture,  nudertakiug,  etc..  which  he  still  continues.  .Mr.  .AL  was  married  in  Port- 
age, July  li.  1804,  to  Jane  Dalton,  a  native  of  the  city  of  York.  England  ;  she  died  July  17.  18(10. 
leaving  one  child — Richard  W. — born  July  S,  180(! :  he  was  married  again.  Nov.  20.  1808.  to  Fannie 
K.  Wailace.  a  native  of  Essex  Co..  N.  Y.:  they  have  two  children — Wallace,  born  Sept.  7,  18(i0; 
Mary  F.,  born  July  20,  1870.     Mr.  M.  is  a  member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  Lodge. 


CITY    OF    rOKTAOE.  917 

BRYAX  MURPHY  was  born  in  County  Carlow.  Ireland  :  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of 
18(55  :  located  ;uid  engaged  in  the  fruit  business  in  New  York  City  :  resided  there  about  ten  years  ; 
removed  to  Riclimonil.  A'a..  and  continued  the  same  l)usiness  ;  was  in  business  for  himself  six 
years  :  came  to  Portage,  Wis.,  from  Richmond.  August.  187!l  ;  commenced  the  grocery  business  in 
this  place  in  November  of  the  same  year.  Mr.  Murphy  was  married  in  Brooklyn.  N.  Y..  Nov.  6, 
1870.  to  Catherine  Sheehan.  a  native  of  County  Limerick.  Ireland;  they  have  had  six  children — 
;\Iary  Ellen,  born  July  13.  1870  ;  an  infant  son.  born  JIarcli  8.  1880  ;  Edward  Emmett.  born  Oct.  1. 
187i.  died  Sept.  2.  1875  ;  John,  born  Julv  lit.  1873.  died  Aug.  2.  1875  ;  Bernard,  l)orn  Sept.  21. 
1874,  died  Aug.  19.  1875  ;  Annie,  born  April  12.  1878.  died  Aug.  29.  1878.  :\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Murphy 
are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

HENRV  SfEEF,  the  subject  of  this  brief  sketch,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Bluck  Rock, 
near  the  city  of  Butl'alo,  N.  Y..  July  21, 1838  ;  when  he  was  18  years  of  age.  he  came  to  this  county, 
locating  in  !Marcellon,  May,  1 85(j.  and  engaged  in  farming  ;  he  commenced  farming  on  his  own 
account  in  ISlJO.  He  was  married  at  Jefl'erson.  ^\'is..  December.  18()1.  to  Helvetia  L.  Reese  ;  they 
have  seven  children — Clella  R..  William  J.  J.,  Carrie  L..  Delia  ilay,  Henry  Alden,  John  H.  and 
Sarah.  During  his  residence  in  ^larcellon  he  was  Town  Clerk  about  eleven  years  :  he  was  elected 
County  Treasurer  in  the  fall  of  1876.  and  re-elected  in  1878.  Mr.  N.  enlisted  in  March.  18(35,  in  Co. 
F.  194th  O.  Y.  I.,  and  was  mustered  out  Oct.  24.  18(55.    Is  a  member  of  Pardee  Lodge.  A.,  F.  &  A.  51. 

DAVID  M.  BfEILL  was  born  in  Perthshire.  Scotland,  Feb.  2.1852;  son  of  John  and 
Margaret  (Moreland)  Neill.  who  came  to  New  Y(jrk  in  1859  ;  remained  there  one  year,  then  removed 
to  Caledonia.  Wis.,  and  located  on  Sec.  36.  where  they  now  live  ;  when  10  years  of  age.  he  left 
home  :  attended  high  school  in  Portage  two  years  :  commenced  clerking  in  the  grocery  store  of  John 
Fulton.  March  19.  1871  ;  remained  there  until  July  of  the  same  year  ;  Aug.  10.  1871.  he  entered 
the  employ  of  Purdy  &  3Ierrell.  druggists,  in  which  store  he  has  remained  ever  since.  3Ir.  Neill  was 
married  at  Fox  Lake.  5Iay  20.  1875,  to  Alice  A.  Purdy.  daughter  of  Edmund  and  Harriet  Purdy. 
born  at  Fox  Lake:  they  have  one  child — Edmund — b6rn  at  Portage.  July  26,  1877.  Mr.  N.  is  a 
member  of  the  ( )dd  Fellows'  Lodge. 

HENRY  NEILIj,  County  Superintendent  of  Schools  ;  was  liorn  in  the  parish  of  Kin- 
cardine. Perthshire.  Scotland.  3Iarch  26.  1849;  came  with  his  parents.  John  and  Margaret  More- 
land  Neill.  to  New  York  in  1859,  remained  there  one  year  ;  in  the  spring  of  I860,  they  located  on 
Sec.  36  in  the  town  of  Caledonia.  ColumljiaCo.,  Wis.:  engaged  in  farming  until  21  years  of  age  ;  taught 
school  until  23  years  of  age  ;  spent  three  years  at  Thayer  College,  in  Kidder.  5Io.,  from  the  spring  of 
1872  to  June.  1876  ;  entered  Beloit  College.  September.  ls7(i.  graduated  July  3. 1878.  withdegTee  of  A. 
B..  full  classical  course  ;  he  taught  district  school  in  ("'aledonia  in  the  winters  of  1878  and  1879  : 
commenced  teaching  in  the  Portage  High  School  in  September.  1879  ;  elected  County  Superintend- 
ent of  Schools,  November.  1879  ;  taught  the' high  school  until  the  holidays;  resigned  his  position 
in  the  school  Dec.  24,  1879,  to  assume  the  duties  of  the  office  which  he  now  holds.  3Ir.  Neill  is  a 
member  of  I.  O.  Ct.  F.  lodge. 

WILLIAM  NIEMEY'ER  was  born  in  Hanover,  (iermany.  Jan.  2,  1830  :  came  to  New 
York  and  engaged  in  tailoring  in  1850.  remained  there  one  and  a  half  years,  then  came  to  Milwau- 
kee :  removed  to  Portage  in  1854  :  carried  on  the  tailoring  and  clothing  Inisiness  until  1861.  then 
engaged  in  the  grocery  l)usiness.  which  he  has  carried  on  ever  since.  Mr.  Niemeyer  was  married  in 
Portage.  July  11,  1857,  to  Caroline  A\'entzel,  a  native  of  Prussia ;  they  have  seven  children — Albert 
J..  Lizzie.  Charles,  William,  (Jeorge.  Henry  and  Emma.  Mr.  N.  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church, 
and  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.  lodoe. 

JOHN  J.  O'KEEFE,  born  in  North  Hadley  3Iarch  29.  1852  :  removed  from  therewith 
his  father.  John  C.  O'Keefe.  in  May,  1853.  and  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at  Pacific,  near  Portage, 
where  he  remained  for  aliout  two  years,  then  moved  to  Portage,  and  has  resided  in  this  vicinity  ever 
since.  5Ir.  O'Keefe  .engaged  in  (iox-ernment  surveying  for  a  numlier  of  years  and  steamboating 
part  of  two  years.  He  was  elected  City  Clerk  in  the  spring  of  1878  ;  re-elected  in  the  spring  of 
1880  ;  member  of  the  Board  of  Education  from  the  Third  Ward.  .Mr.  (JKeefe  received  his  educa- 
tion in  Portage. 

M.  DE  WITT  OliDER,  son  of  Amos  and  Ann  Older,  was  born  at  Farmersville.  Catta- 
raugus Co..  N.  Y..  Dec.  20,  1831  :  came  to  Walworth  C<x.  Wis.,  in  1838,  his  parents  1  icing  the  third 
family  in  the  town  of  Darien  :  moved  to  Boone  Co..  111.,  in  1852:  two  years  afterward  removed 
to  >[arquette  Co..  Wis.,  then  went  to  Minnesota,  where  he  aided  in  the  organization  of  ^lartin 
Countv   and  towns:    left  Minnesota  on  account  of  the  Indian  massacre   in   1862;   returning  to 


918  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Maniuette  Co.,  unlisted  in  Co.  II.  .itli  W.  \.  I..  Aug.  2)1  lSt)4.  and  was  uiiistered  out  June  20.  1S65. 
when  he  again  returned  to  Manjuette  Co.:  in  1>^()!1.  Mr.  O.  moved  to  Lineohi.  Adams  Co..  Wis., 
where  lie  remained  until  eoming  to  I'ortage.  March  3,  1880.  He  was  married  at  Nevada,  Martin 
Co.,  Minn..  April  2t!,  185!l,  to  Elizabeth  A.,  daughter  of  James  B.  and  Jane  A.  Clark,  born  in  On- 
tario, Canada,  June  10.  1830.  Thev  have  six  children — Clark,  born  Oct.  20.  18(i0  ;  James  Amos. 
July  2ti.  1S(52  ;  Edna.  June  2.').  18()() ";  Nellie.  April  24.  18(i0  :  Bert,  July  18.  1875.  and  Clifte.  Nov.  17, 
187'().     ^Ir.  <).  is  a  member  of  a  lodge  of  A..  F.  &  A.  M. 

lIR>i>.  MARY  A.  OWKNS,  nee  Parrish.  wife  of  John  T.  Owens;  she  was  born 
July  12,  1828.  in  the  city  of  I'eterliorough.  England;  he  is  a  native  of  Wales:  she  sailed  from 
Liverpool  in  the  good  ship  Milan,  on  the  14th  of  May.  1848,  and  reached  New  York  on  the  IHth  of 
June.  1848.  which  was  the  shortest  passage  of  sailing  vessel  recorded  up  to  that  date  :  she  lived 
twelve  years  in  I'tica.  N.  Y.  ."^Iie  was  married  in  1S.")()  ;  in  the  spring  of  lS(i()  they  came  West,  and 
bougiit  land  in  Caledonia  Township,  where  they  lived  till  1S7H:  since  which  date  she  has  resided  in 
Portage.  Had  four  children;  three  are  dead:  the  other.  Anna,  is  marrietl  to  a  son  of  Thomas  Walker, 
of  Caledonia,  and  now  lives  in  Bremer  Co..  Iowa.  She  keeps  a  stock  of  fancy  notions,  and  also  does 
stamping.  .8he  is  a  member  of  the  Presbj'terian  Church,  and  is  a  reliable  and  useful  member  of 
society. 

ABRAHAM  PADLEY  is  a  native  of  England  :  was  born  at  Staley  Bridge.  Lancashire. 
Oct.  27.  1828  ;  came  to  .America  with  his  mother  in  the  fall  of  1840  :  lived  at  New  Y'ork  Mills  until 
he  came  to  Wisconsin.  February.  1857  ;  acquired  his  musical  education  at  Utica,  N.  Y.  When  first 
coming  to  this  State,  he  settled  at  Lodi.  in  this  county,  where  he  resided  one  j'ear ;  then  moving  to 
the  town  of  Dekorra.  where  he  remained  six  years,  in  the  hotel  business  and  owner  of  tlie  ferry  : 
moving  from  I)ekorra  to  Pojnette.  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  where  he  li^ed  for  seven 
years  ;  was  Vostniaster  for  about  five  years  during  his  residence  in  this  place,  and  then,  coming  to 
Portage  in  the  fall  of  1871.  he  engaged  in  the  music  liusiness.  dealer  in  pianos,  organs  and  all  kinds 
of  musical  instruments,  and  teaching  vocal  and  instrumental  music.  ^Ir.  Padley  was  marrieil  in 
Whitestown.  Oneida  Co..  N.  Y..  August.  1840.  to  Jliss  ^lary  A.  Walker,  a  native  of  Rome.  N.  \'. 
They  have  two  children — Viola  J.  (now  Mrs.  J.  H.  Rogers,  of  this  city)  and  Julia  E.  Is  a  member 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  ;  also  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Society. 

WIIjLjIAM  T.  parry,  son  of  ^\'illiam  and  Catharine  Parry;  was  Ijorn  in  Bangor. 
Xoi-th  Wales.  'Slay  17,  1837  ;  came  to  America  in  1840  ;  to  Wisconsin  in  Septemlier  of  the  same 
year,  locating  at  Nianehester.  (ireen  Lake  Co.:  lived  thereuntil  1858.  and  engaged  in  farming:  in 
1850,  came  to  Portage  :  clerked  for  aliout  six  years  with  A.  D.  Forbes  ;  in  1805.  the  firm  of  Parry. 
Bel)l)  &  Muir  was  formed  ;  they  were  together  about  four  years,  when  the  firm  became  Parry  &  >luir. 
and  has  continued  to  present  time.  Married  Margaret  Williams  June  30,  1857,  at  Randolph,  this 
county  ;  she  died  June  30.  1860.  leaving  two  children — Mary  A.  (now  ^Irs.  Thomas  Moss,  of  Hud- 
son, Wis.)  and  William.  Present  wife's  maiden  name  was  Annie  R.  Roberts  ;  were  married  Aug. 
27,  1807.  at  Westminster  Church.  Utica.  N.  Y.:  Mrs.  P.  was  born  near  Bala.  North  Wales:  they 
have  four  children — Lemuel  R..  Floy.  Richard  and  Pierce.  Mr.  Parry  is  an  Elder  of  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Church,  and  has  lieen  Superintendent  of  Sabbath  school  for  the  last  eleven  years.  William 
I'arry.  father  of  William  T..  died  in  Cambria:  mother  is  still  living;  she  resides  at  Randolph,  in 
this  county. 

JAMES  PATERSON  was  liorn  in  Dumfries,  Scotland.  Sept.  27.  1827  :  came  to  America 
in  1851  ;  spent  one  year  at  .\tliens.  Penn..  two  years  in  Steuben  Co..  N.  Y..  and  the  balance  of  the 
time,  until  coming  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1857.  at  Franklinville.  Cattaraugus  Co..  N.  Y.  In  the  fall  of 
1800,  Mr.  P.  entered  the  store  he  is  now  connected  with;  spent  the  summer  of  1870  in  Scotland. 
He  was  married  at  Portage.  June  5.  1808.  to  .\gnes  Reid.  l)orn  in  Hamilton.  Scotland.  Both  are 
members  of  the  Preslnterian  Church.  They  have  one  son — James,  born  in  Ai)ril.  1800.  Mr.  1*.  is 
a  member  of  the  Curling  Club. 

ROBERT  C.  PIXLEY  was  born  in  London.  Canada  West.  Oct.  14,  1832  ;  lived  there 
until  the  spring  of  1850.  then  came  with  his  parents.  Bemus  J.  and  Mary  Pixley.  to  Portage.  Wis., 
arriving  April  15.  1850.  Father  died  in  the  house  where  he  .settled.  August.  1870:  mother  died 
May.  1870.  leaving  four  children — William  B..  of  Stockton.  Cal.;  Jonathan  B..  now  in  Minnesota  : 
Han-iet  M..  now  Jlrs.  Philo  .M.  Plumb,  of  La  Crosse,  and  Robert  C.  the  subject  of  the  sketch.  Mr. 
P.  was  engaged  in  teaming  for  six  or  seven  years  :  in  the  fall  of  1850.  he  went  to  New  Lisbon.  Wis., 
and  carried  on  grocery,  livery  and  express  1)usiness.  initil  1801  :  he  then  spent  one  year  in  Califor- 
nia ;  has  l)een  a  resident  of  Portage  ever  since,  dealing  in  hides,  furs.  etc..  since  1802.  with  .Vrthur 


'/p(-^iy- 


FOUNTAIN   PRAIRIE. 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  921 

Bros.,  with  the  exception  of  two  years  spent  in  the  store  of  Loornis.  Gallett  &  Breese.  Mr.  Pixley 
was  married  Jan.  20,  185(5,  to  Elizabeth  (),  Blanchard,  a  native  of  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  have 
two  children — Charles  R.,  born  Jan.  18.  1857.  and  Minnie  L..  born  Oct.  25.  IStiO.  Mr.  P.  is  now 
serving  as  Alderman. 

SHERiUAN  L.  PLL'IVIB,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Monroe,  Fairfield  Co., 
Conn.,  July  20,  1841  ;  when  a  lad  IG  years  of  age,  he  went  to  Galesljurg  ;  was  there  about  four 
years,  then  came  to  Milwaulvee,  where  he  remained,  most  of  the  time  engaged  in  railroading,  until 
1866,  when  he  came  to  Portage  and  engaged  in  his  present  business  since  coming  to  this  city.  Mar- 
ried in  Portage,  Aug.  27,  1872,  Alice  I.  Stanton  ;  she  was  born  in  Lake  Co.,  111.  Mr.  Plumb  is  a 
member  of  the  A.,  F.  &  A.  M. 

CHARLEIS  PRKHIV,  carpenter  ;  was  born  in  North  Prussia  Sept.  23, 1830  ;  came  to  Mil- 
waukee in  1853  ;  in  1855,  he  came  to  Portage  and  began  working  at  his  trade,  which  business  he  has 
since  followed.  He  was  married  at  Portage,  Feb.  3,  1861,  to  Emma  La  Clair,  who  was  born  in 
Prussia  ;  they  have  six  children — William  L,,  born  Julv  17,  1863  ;  Charles  ({„  born  March  18, 
1865  ;  Bertha  A.,  born  Aug.  6,  1867  ;  (lustav  C,  born  Oct.  15.  1860  :  Louis,  born  Jan.  8,  1872, 
and  Augusta  D.,  born  Sept.  25,  1876.  Mr.  P.  is  a  member  of  the  Temple  of  Honor,  and  has  served 
as  Alderman  of  the  First  Ward  ;  his  father.  John  Prehu,  died  in  1857,  liut  his  mother.  Minne  Prehn. 
is  still  living,  being  mer  80  years  of  age. 

LiOUIS  PREHX,  blacksmith  ;  was  born  in  Mecklenburg,  Germanj',  on  the  10th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1843  ;  when  he  was  of  the  age  of  10  years,  his  parents  emigrated  to  America,  and  located  at 
Milwaukee  ;  his  father  was  a  farmer  named  John  Prehn  ;  has  lived  in  Portage  since  1855.  Was 
married  in  January,  1866,  to  Jliss  Bertha  Ncimats,  who  was  born  in  July,  1846.  in  Prussia.  He 
has  been  Supervisor  two  terms  ;  is  connected  with  the  I.  O.  0.  F.  Has  three  children — George,  born 
in  1867  ;  Emma,  born  in  1872,  and  Lizzie,  born  in  1876.  His  widowed  mother  lives  with  him  :  he 
is  reported  as  a  substantial,  reliable  citizen  ;  he  reports  business  prosperous. 

JAMEN  PRENTICE,  physician  and  surgeon  ;  was  born  at  Aurora.  Erie  Co..  X.  Y., 
Nov.  15,  1820  ;  came  from  Erie  Co.,  with  his  brother,  to  Milwaukee,  in  1844  ;  remained  there  six 
months,  when  he  removed  to  Antioch,  Lake  Co.,  III.,  living  there  one  year ;  then  went  to 
St.  Charles,  Kane  Co.,  111.,  where  he  studied  medicine  with  Prof  G.  W.  Richards  ;  he  gradu- 
ated at  Indiana  Medical  College,  at  La  Porte,  Ind.,  in  1847,  his  preceptor  being  Professor 
of  Theory  and  Practice  in  that  institution  :  came  to  Fort  Winnebago  in  1840.  and  has  since 
made  this  his  home.  Was  Surgeon  of  the  23d  W.  Y.  I.,  entering  the  service  in  August.  1862,  and 
resigned  in  Feliruary,  1863,  on  account  of  ill  health,  antl  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  active 
practice  of  medicine  up  to  the  present  time.  Was  married  at  Bellefontaine.  Columbia  Co..  Wis.,  in 
1848,  to  Emma  Bonney  ;  she  was  liorn  in  Elaine  ;  they  have  three  daughters — Alice  (now  the  wife 
of  R.  J.  Flint,  an  editor  at  Jlenomonee).  Anna  and  Emma.  The  Doctor  was  a  Justice  of  the  Peace 
at  Fort  Winnebago  in  an  early  day. 

JAME)^  6.  PRESCOTT,  of  the  firm  of  Carnagie.  Preseott  &  Co.,  lumber  dealers,  and 
manufactui'ers  of  sash,  doors  and  blinds  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Sanbornton.  Belknap  Co.,  N.  H.. 
March  16.  1820  ;  when  16  years  of  age,  he  went  to  Massachusetts  ;  lived  in  Worcester  one  year, 
and  then  went  to  Lowell,  where  he  remained  until  1855,  when  he  removed  to  Westfield.  N.  Y.,  where 
he  resided  until  coming  to  Wisconsin,  in  May,  1856,  locating  at  Portage,  where  he  has  lived  ever 
since  ;  engaged  in  building,  contracting,  etc.;  soon  after  coming  here,  he  became  associated  with  A. 
Carnagie  in  Ijuilding  operations,  and  they  were  together  in  that  business  for  fifteen  j'ears,  until 
1872  ;  they  erected  the  Veeder  House  in  1857,  the  high-school  building,  the  Columljia  Co.  Court 
House  and  Jail,  and  also  built  several  of  the  principal  blocks  of  this  city  ;  was  appointed 
Under-Sheritf  Jan.  1,  1873,  and  did  the  business  of  Sheriff  during  the  term  for  which  William  W. 
Drake  was  elected;  in  the  fall  of  1874,  Mr.  Preseott  was  elected  Sheriff;  lias  lieen  lender  Sheriff  all 
the  time  since  he  was  Sheriff,  with  the  exi'cption  of  a  few  months  of  the  first  part  of  Mr.  Conklin's 
term  ;  was  Alderman,  from  1864  to  1871,  of  the  Second  Ward  ;  was  President  of  the  Council  two 
years,  and  a  member  of  the  School  Board  one  year.  Was  married  in  Lowell,  Mass..  Oct.  20,  1851. 
to  Sophia  T.  Mass  ;  she  was  born  at  Fairfield,  Me.;  thej-  have  two  children — Allie  L.  and  Laura  E. 

EDMUND  S.  PURDY  is  a  native  of  the  city  of  New  York  ;  was  born  Sept.  6,  1845  ;  is 
a  son  of  F]dmund  and  Harriet  Purdy,  who  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at  Vox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  in 
1846,  and  have  resided  there  to  the  present  time  ;  E.  S.  lived  there  until  the  fall  of  1868  ;  has  been 
engaged  in  the  drug  trade  since  he  became  13  years  of  age  ;  with  Frances  Ibberson,  of  Fox  Lake, 
for  ten  years  ;  then  in  Ripon  one  year  ;  engaged  in  business  for  himself  several  years  ;  took  charge 

II 


922  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

of  the  business  for  Waterhouse  &  Davis  since  April  0, 1871  ;  Henry  Merrell  was  a  partner  witli  liiin 
until  liis  death,  in  May,  1876  ;  Mr.  Merrell's  heirs  were  interested  in  the  business  until  Dec.  8, 
1879  ;  is  also  eno;au;cd  in  the  manufacture  of  the  A^aeuuni  Cream  Extractor,  for  the  last  two  years. 
Married  at  Portage,  Sept.  i:-{,  1871,  to  Helen  M.  Merrell.  daughter  of  Henry  Merrell ;  she  was  bora 
at  Ft.  Winnebagcj  July  1,  1850,  and  was  probably  the  first  one  christened  in  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  Portage  ;  tiiey  liave  two  children — Henry  Kdmund,  born  Octol)er.  1872,  and  Hattic  Elizabeth, 
born  Nov.  5.  1874.  Mr.  Purdy  has  been  Alderman  of  the  Second  Ward  four  years  ;  is  at  present 
member  of  the  School  JJoard. 

JOHN  l>.  PUGH,  of  the  firm  of  J.  D.  Pugh  &  Co..  grocers  ;  born  in  Ni.rth  Wales.  Feb- 
ruary. 1847  ;  is  the  son  of  David  and  Laura  Pugh.  who  came  to  America  when  John  D.  was  an 
infant,  11  months  of  age,  locating  in  Green  Lake  Co.,  where  they  still  reside  ;  Mr.  Pugli  lived  in 
Green  Lake  Co.  most  of  the  time,  until  1808  ;  during  the  next  tliree  and  a  half  years,  was  engaged 
clerking  for  J.  M.  Darling ;  returned  to  Green  Lake  Co..  and  was  employed  in  fanning,  up  to  the 
fall  of  1877  :   has  been  in  liusinoss  for  himself  since  March,  187II.  associated  with  Thomas  W.  Drew. 

JOB  PURNELL  was  born  in  Trowl)ridge,  Wiltshire,  England,  Dec.  1,  181ft ;  came  to 
America  in  1841,  and  located  at  Norwich,  Conn.,  remaining  there  until  lS5o,  when  he  moved  to  Ohio, 
where  he  resided  one  year  before  coming  to  Wisconsin,  to  Portage,  where  he  located  in  1854,  and 
has  resided  here  ever  since,  and  engaged  in  present  liusiness,  dealing  in  stoves,  tinware,  etc.,  up  to 
present  time,  with  the  exception  of  two  years  that  he  worked  for  Bacon  &  Atkins.  Mr.  P.  was 
married,  at  Norwich,  Conn.,  Oct.  23.  1844,  to  Emma  Osborne  ;  she  was  born  in  Somersetshire, 
England ;  they  have  five  children — Eliza  E.,  now  Mrs.  Arthur  0.  Stevens,  of  Milwaukee  ;  Mary  A., 
now  Mrs.  J.  F.  Coss,  of  Milwaukee  ;  Susan  M.,  now  Mrs.  Alex.  Thompson,  of  this  city  ;  Sarah  0. 
and  Minnie  A.  ;  lost  one  daughter,  aged  14  months,  died  in  1858.  Mrs.  Purnell  died  here  Jan.  3, 
1879. 

CwEORfirC  S.  RACE,  route  agent  on  the  C,  M.  &  St.  V.  R.  R.  ;  born  at  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.,  on  the  15th  of  October,  1843  ;  lived  with  his  parents  until  his  enlistment  in  the  United  States 
service  at  Portage,  on  the  15th  of  September,  1801.  in  Co.  E,  Capt.  (ieo.  N.  Rithm<in<l.  of  2d  W.  C., 
under  command  of  Col.  C.  C.  Washburn  ;  tlu'  company  went  in  barracks  at  Cold  Springs,  ^Milwaukee, 
during  the  winter  of  1801  and  1802,  for  drill  and  discipline  ;  in  April,  18(i2.  the  rigiment  was 
removed  to  Benton  Barracks,  St.  Louis.  Mo.,  where  it  was  mounted,  armed  and  equipped,  and 
thence  ordered  to  Helena.  Ark.  :  while  there,  he  was  Chief  Clerk  in  Post  Provost  ^larshal's  Office  ; 
afterward,  he  was  Commissary  Sergeant ;  was  appointed  Commissary  Sergeant  of  the  regiment  on 
1st  of  Septeml)er,  1803  ;  he  '■veteranized"  on  the  1st  of  January,  1865.  and  on  the  3()th  of  same 
month,  he  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant  and  made  Regimental  Quartermaster,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  till  mustered  out  at  Austin,  Texas,  on  the  15th.  1805  :  the  regiment  was  in  the 
Army  of  the  Southwest,  serving  in  Missouri,  Tennessee,  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  Arkansas  and  Texas, 
and  took  part  in  several  liattles  ;  since  the  war,  lie  has  lieen  clerk,  liookkeeper,  mechanic,  and  is 
now  in  railway  mail  service  between  Chicago  and  La  Crosse.  He  was  married  Sept.  27,  180(i.  to 
Miss  Agnes  Carnagie,  of  Pcjrtage  ;  they  have  four  children — Earl.  Harry,  Fred  and  Ralph.  He  is  a 
Mason  and  member  of  Temple  of  Honor  ;  lives  on  Pleasant  street. 

SYLVENl^S  RACE,  son  of  William  N.  and  Vienna  Race,  was  born  on  the  28th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1814,  in  Berkshire  Co.,  Mass.  lie  lived  with  his  parents  several  years  after  they  removed  to 
Lorain  Co.,  Ohio  ;  he  came  West  in  tiie  fall  of  1836,  and  settled  in  Mineral  Point,  Wis.  He  was 
married  May  0.  1841,  to  .Miss  Sarah  Vnn  Ornum,  who  was  l>orn  Nov.  12.  1823.  in  Chautauqua  Co., 
N.  Y.  He  is  a  carpenter  and  joiner,  and  has  worked  many  years  at  his  trade.  While  living  in 
Mineral  Point  in  1840.  he  went  to  New  Orleans  with  five  boat  loads  of  copper  ore,  as  a  speculative 
experiment.  After  marriage  he  took  charge  of  a  hotel  for  three  years,  and  afterward  farmed  for 
three  years;  he  tried  mercantile  life  three  years  at  Dodgeville.  In  1850,  he  settled  in  Portage,  and 
has  been  a  continuous  resident  to  date.  They  have  had  six  children  ;  two  died  in  childhood  ;  the  li^■ing 
are  named  George  S..  F]arl,  Frank  A.,  and  Abner  H.  :  and  Harriet  S.  Green,  who  from  early  child- 
hood has  been  as  a  daughter,  and  is  thoroughly  identified  with  the  family.  The  five  are  married, 
and  ff)ur  have  settled  in  Portage,  and  one.  Earl,  is  in  Idaho  Ter.  For  nearly  twenty-five  years,  ;Mr. 
Race  worked  at  his  tratle  in  Portage  ;  liis  wife  excels  as  a  landlady  ;  for  several  years  they  have 
owned  and  kept  a  large  boarding  house  on  the  corner  of  Mack  and  Emmett  Streets  ;  tlie\'  have  an 
average  patronage  of  forty  ;  sometimes  sixty  to  seventy  per  day  take  nn'als  with  them,  and  they 
have  rooms  to  accommodate  flft^-  boarders.  \Vhile  at  Mineral  Point  he  was  Jailer  and  Under  Siieriff; 
he  is  a  Free-thinker  ;  is  a  kind,  social  man  and  good  citizen.     Mrs.  Race's  father  was  a  jirominent 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  923 

Spiritualist,  and  she.  from  eliilrlhood.  has  professed  the  same  faith  ;  she  is  a  hid}-  of  good  executive 
ability,  and  the  ■'  Race  House  "  is  well  patronized. 

JIRS.  !»I.\RTH.\  S.  KEFiI>  (nee  Brooks)  was  horn  Aug.  30,  1830,  in  township  of 
Haneot'k,  ^'t.  ;  she  was  married  in  Noxemher,  1855,  to  D.  F.  Chandler,  of  Vermont,  and  soon  after- 
ward came  West  and  located  in  .Milwaukee.  He  was  a  passenger  engineer  on  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.; 
he  was  killed  April  28,  1857,  by  his  engine  running  off  the  track  at  Beaver  Dam  ;  his  injuries  were 
internal,  and  he  died  that  day  at  the  residence  of  the  Hon.  Scott  Sloan,  where  he  had  been  immedi- 
ately- taken.  He  was  born  Dec.  24,  1820,  in  West  Randolph,  Vt.  ;  he  left  one  son,  Wallace  B.,  born 
November,  1855  ;  he  is  now  ticket  agent  and  telegraph  operator  at  Portage,  for  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P. 
R.  R.  Mrs.  Chandler  was  married  in  January,  18C3,  to  Theodore  Reed,  who  had  been  for  several  years 
ticket  agent  and  telegraiih  operator  at  Portage,  for  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.,  which  position  he  held 
until  his  death  in  1873  ;  his  only  surviving  son,  by  a  former  marriage,  Oliver  T.  Reed,  succeeded  him 
in  that  position,  and  held  the  same  until  his  death,  in  March,  1870  ;  and  he,  in  turn,  is  succeeded  by 
Mrs,  Reed's  son,  Wallace,  the  present  incumbent  of  the  ottice.  Mr.  Reed  left  three  children,  all  of 
whom  are  living — .Martha  H.,  Iiorn  in  18(55;  Angle  E.,  in  1868;  and  Julia  Maud,  in  1872;  the 
oldest  is  at  school  in  .Massachusetts  ;  Mr.  Reed  and  his  son,  Oliver  T.,  were  Masons  ;  Mrs.  Reed's 
pleasant  home  is  located  on  the  corner  of  Dunn  and  Emmett  streets. 

JOHX  KFi[I>,  son  of  Andrew  and  Janet  Reid,  was  born  in  Paisley,  Scotland,  Feb.  24,  1835  j 
came  to  Butfalo,  .Alanpiette  Co.,  Wis.,  with  his  parents,  in  1850,  where  his  father  died,  in  1854,  and 
where  his  mother  still  resides.  Mr.  Reid  came  to  Portage  in  1865,  and  engaged  in  the  stock  and 
produce  business,  which  he  has  since  followed.  He  was  married  in  Buffalo,  Marquette  Co.,  in 
December,  1860,  to  Margaret  H.  Mnir,  born  in  Dunbar,  Scotland  ;  they  have  five  children — Anna 
Cr.,  Jessie  S.,  Henry  D.,  Maggie  May  and  John  J.  ;  a  son  died  in  infancy.  The  firm  of  Reid  & 
Foster  are  the  heaviest  dealers  in  wool  in  AVisconsin, 

DR.  RICH.4RI>  C.  ROCKWOOI>  wasborninUtica,N.  Y.,Nov.23,1814  ;  came  to  Mil- 
waukee in  !May,  1830,  but  returned  to  ITticain  thefall.  In  May,  1837,  he  again  landed  at  Milwaukee, 
and  soon  after  visited  Madison,  Mineral  Point,  Blue  Mounds  and  Dekorra,  returning  to  the  East  via 
Chicago,  in  September.  On  the  journey  home,  he  rode,  for  the  first  time,  after  a  locomotive,  from 
Adrian,  Mich.,  to  Toledo,  Ohio.  In  April,  1845,  Dr.  Rockwood  returned  to  Spring  Prairie,  Walworth 
Co.,  where  he  entered  land,  in  .Vugust,  1837  ;  one  year  later,  he  moved  to  Wyocena,  Columbia 
Co.,  where  he  lived  until  coming  to  Portage,  in  1872  ;  assisted  in  rolling  up  the  first  log  house 
at  Oconomowoc.  He  has  been  in  practice  thirty-six  years,  being  at  first  the  only  physician  between 
Wyocena  and  St.  Paul,  and  also  engaged  in  farming.  Dr.  Rockwood  was  Justice  of  the  Peace,  at 
Wyocena,  twehe  years  and  has  been  Alderman,  Street  Commissioner  and  Supervisor,  at  Portage. 
He  married  Mahala  Packard,  in  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y..  who  died  in  1860,  leaving  two  children — Helen 
A.  and  Charles  S.  The  Doctor  married  his  present  wife.  Rosa  Conlon,  a  native  of  Count}'  Louth, 
Ireland,  at  Madison,  in  September,  1860  ;  they  have  four  children — Ernest  S.,  Louis,  Mellie  A.,  and 
Edward.  The  Doctor  is  Treasurer  of  the  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  ;  at  Wyocena,  he  kept  the 
"Cottage  Inn,"  from  1847  to  1859  ;  was  President  of  the  Columbia  County  Agricultural  Association 
in  1876. 

J.  H.  ROWERS,  District  Attorney,  was  born  in  Oshawa,  Ontario,  July  27,  1841  ;  edu- 
cated in  Canada  ;  graduated  from  Victoria  University  in  the  spring  of  1866  ;  entered  Osgood  Hall 
August,  18(j(;  ;  was  articled  to  attorneys  at  (.)shawa,  and  afterward  graduated  from  the  Law  I)e))art- 
ment  of  Michigan  l^niversity,  at  Ann  Arbor,  in  the  spring  of  1868,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  imme- 
diately afterward,  locating  at  Poynette,  residing  there  one  year  and  a  half,  practicing  his  profession ; . 
he  then  went  to  the  State  of  New  York,  where  he  spent  one  year,  returning  to  Wisconsin  and  locat- 
ing in  Portage,  in  the  spring  of  1871,  when  he  .engaged  in  the  practice  of  law,  which  he  lias 
continued  ever  since  ;  has  lieen  District  Attorney  since  1874,  ha\'ing  lieen  elected  three  times  to  this 
office.  Married,  at  Portage  June  12,  1872,  to  Miss  Viola  J.  Padlev,  daughter  of  Abraham  Padley, 
who  located  at  Lodi,  about  twenty  years  ago  ;  she  was  born  at  York  Mills,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.;  they 
•liave  two  children— Edith  Ethelyn.  born  Sept.  19,  1875  ;  Seldeu  Wallace,  Sept.  1,  1877.  Mr.  Rogera 
was  one  of  the  charter  memliers  of  the  A.  ( ).  U.  W.  of  this  city. 

L.BO\.\RD  S.  ROLLESTOIV  is  a  native  of  Nottinghamshire,  England  ;  was  born  Sept. 
19,  1834.  Married,  in  Leicester,  I]ngland,  Jan,  22,  1857,  to  Maria  Xewton  ;  she  was  born  in 
Leicester  Dec.  21,  1835  ;  they  have  twelve  children — Elizabeth  A.,  Florence  E.  and  Flora  L.  (twins), 
Maria  L..  John  P.,  Ida  Fannie.  Arthur  Septimus,  Ada  F.,  Leonard  W^illiam,  Alice  Mauil,  William 
Launcelot  and  Beulah  Octavia.     Came  to  Wisconsin  March,  1857,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Lowville, 


924  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

on  Sec.  5  ;  was  tliuiv  six  yciirs.  then  ino\eil  to  the  ailjoiiiiiio;  town  of  W^ocena,  on  8ei'.  32,  still 
retaining  liis  property  in  ths  town  of  Lowville  ;  resided  in  Wyocena  until  Jan.  1,  1875.  when  he 
came  to  Portage,  having  been  elected  County  Clerk  in  November,  1874;  he  was  re-elected  in  1876 
and  1878.  While  residing  in  Wyocena  he  iield  the  otlices  of  Town  Clerk  two  years.  Justice  of  the 
Peace  two  years,  and  several  times  member  of  the  School  Board.  Mr.  Rolleston  is  a  member  of 
the  A.,  F.  &  A.  51.  Lodge.  In  1854.  he  graduated  from  Kossal  College,  at  Lant'ashire.  England,  he 
being  in  the  first  class,  fourth  form.  During  the  Crimean  war.  he  served  as  Lieutenant  of  Co.  No. 
6.  57tii  Ilcgiment  Hoyal  Sherwood  Foresters. 

JAMES  RITTHVEX  was  born  in  (Uasgow.  Scotland.  Sept.  8.  1814  :  when  1  year  of  age, 
his  parents  moved  to  Kendall.  Westmorclandshire,  England,  where  he  lived  thirty-two  years  ;  came 
to  .Vmerica,  and  first  located  at  Albany.  N.  V.;  resided  there  until  185(1.  then  came  to  Chicago, 
where  he  remained  until  he  came  to  Marcellon  in  September.  18(55  ;  resided  in  the  latter  place  until 
the  spring  of  1878  :  worked  at  shoemaking  when  15  years  of  age  ;  while  in  Kendall  was  employed 
in  a  wholesale  gi'ocery  store  for  fifteen  years.  Mr.  R.  was  married,  at  Kendall.  Westmoreland. 
England.  Nov.  28.  1838.  to  .Vgnes  Sandford.  a  native  of  Westmorclandshire.  England  ;  they  have 
three  children  living — Isalx'Ua  S..  now  Mrs.  Walter  Riddell  ;  John  antl  Allan,  and  have  lost  five — 
Mary  Ann.  4  years  :  Edwin.  0  months,  and  three  infant  children.  Mr.  R.  is  a  member  of  the  Temple 
of  Honor,  (^ood  Templar,  and  Sons  of  Temperance  societies. 

PIERCE  RVAN,  son  of  Chief  Justice  Ryan  and  Caroline  Willard  (Pierce)  Ryan  ;  was 
born  in  Milwaukee.  Wis.,  Oct.  9,  1851,  and  resided  there  until  early  in  1865.  when  he  went  to  Bos- 
ton ;  lived  there  and  in  that  vicinity  about  four  years  ;  two  years  of  this  time  at  Dummer  Academy, 
and  two  years  with  a  Calcutta  importing  house  in  the  city  of  Boston  ;  he  then  returned  t<i  his  native 
city,  and  was  with  the  Milwaukee  Iron  Company  eight  or  nine  years.  Since  the  summer  of  lS7(i. 
has  been  in  the  employ  of  the  C.  M.  &  St.  I*.  R.  R.  Co.;  in  January.  1877.  came  to  Portage,  and 
remained  three  months,  and  settled  here  permanently  in  October,  1877.  Was  married,  at  Ann 
Arbor.  Mich..  Oct.  1.  187!t,  to  Miss  Isadorc  .M.  Risdon  ;  she  was  born  in  Ann  Arbor. 

JAMES  S.  SAIVBORX^,  ice  dealer  and  brick  manufacturer:  born  in  (xrafton  Co..  N.  H.. 
Nov.  14.  1887  ;  is  the  son  of  Martin  L.  and  Emeline  Sanborn  .  his  early  life  was  passed  on  his 
father's  farm  ;  at  the  age  of  24,  he  took  a  fidl  cour.se  in  Eastman's  Commercial  College,  at  Pough- 
.  keepsie,  N.  Y..  after  which  he  clerked  in  a  grooory  store  three  years  in  Boston  ;  then  he  spent  nearly 
two  years  at  Bristol,  N.  H.,  with  Jason  C.  Draper,  learning  the  Plymouth  (ilove  business  ;  in  Sep- 
tember. 18(j8,  he  came  to  Boscobel,  Wis.,  where  he  clerked  till  January,  1871,  at  which  time  he 
took  a  contract  to  saw  the  wood  on  the  Niirthern  and  La  Crosse  Divisi(ins  of  the  C.  M.  &  St.  P.  R. 
R.,  and  the  contract  has  been  in  continuous  force  to  the  present  day.  He  was  married  June  12, 
1872,  to  Miss  Anna  E.  Estabrook,  of  Brunswick.  Me.;  they  have  since  resided  in  Portage  ;  he  has 
manufactured  brick  since  1873;  will,  in  188(1.  make  2.(l(l().(l(t()  lu-ick  in  Portage  ;  last  winter  he  put 
up  10.0(1(1  tons  of  ice  at  Fox  Lake  and  Waukau.  for  the  Milwaukee  market ;  the  ice  used  here  is 
harvested  at  Silver  Lake,  near  Portage;  they  have  three  children — Ellen  I).,  born  May  7,  1873: 
Pwight  A.,  born  Sei)t.  12,  1875.  and  .Vnna  L.,  born  July  (>.  1877.  He  aims  to  vote  for  the  best  men. 
is  not  active  in  politics,  but  is  of  Democratic  proclivities  ;  he  is  a  Methodist,  and  his  wife  is  a  Con- 
gregationalist ;  she  is  a  member  of  the  local  Shakespearean  (!lub  :  they  have  a  pleasant  home  on 
Prospect  Hill. 

JOHN  M.  f>>»AXI>ERSO]V  was  born  in  Ncwbiu-g.  N.  V..  Sept.  17.  18.38.  and  lived  in  Albany 
froTU  his  youth  until  he  lauic  West ;  enlisted  in  Albany.  N.  Y..  August.  1802.  in  llaverlock  Batterj'. 
and  served  until  tiic  close  of  the  war  ;  was  in  all  of  the  engagements  his  command  was  in  after  he 
enlisted  ;  the  principal  battles  he  was  in  were  Cold  Harbor,  second  battle  of  Bull  Run.  Petersburg, 
Chancellorsville  and  ( Jcttysl)urg  ;  came  to  Portage  in  ISCti  and  engaged  in  the  business  of  cigar- 
making  for  himself  which  liusiness  he  still  continues.  Married  in  Portage  to  Helen  Augusta  Lin- 
scott ;  she  was  liorn  in  Utica.  N.  Y.;  they  have  have  two  children — Warren  F.  and  Harr\'. 

JOHN  W.  SARtiiENT,  freight  engineer  on  main  line  P.  &  M.  ;  born  in  Lake  Village.  Bel- 
knap Co..  N.  H.,  Oct.  21.  1838  ;  his  father.  William  T..  was  proprietor  of  the  hotel  at  Lake  Village  ; 
at  the  age  of  14,  he  began  railroad  life  as  a  water  boy  on  a  gravel-train  on  the  B.,  C.  &  M.  R.  R.; 
at  the  age  of  l(i,  he  was  given  the  position  of  fireman  on  the  same  gravel-train  ;  after  a  years  expe- 
rience, he  was  sent  on  to  a  passenger  train,  and  continued  there  until  fall  of  185(3.  when  he  came 
West  ;  he  landed  in  .Milwaukee  on  Christmas.  185(j.  and,  on  Dec.  28.  he  began  firing  on  a  freight 
running  between  Milwaukee  and  Fo.\  Lake,  on  C,  M.  &  St.  P  ;  in  spring  of  1857.  the  road  was 
opened    through  to  Portage  ;  he  was  for  awhile  engine-dispatcher  at  Portage,  and  afterward   the 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  925 

same  at  Milwaukee  ;  in  the  fall  of  1858,  while  on  a  visit  to  New  Hampshire,  lie  came  near  death's 
door  with  typhoid  fever;  this  detained  him  till  spring  of  1860.  when  he  returned  and  took  his  old 
position  of  fireman,  and  that  fall  he  was  given  an  engine,  which  he  run  till  the  time  of  his  enlist- 
ment;  Co.  F,  2d  W.  V.  I.,  was  formed  entirely  of  railroad  men.  He  enlisted  in  that  company  Aug. 
21,  1862,  and  was  honorahlj'  discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disaliilitj^  after  about  one  j'ear's 
service  ;  on  his  partial  recover}-,  he  was  given  his  old  situation  on  the  railroad  ;  he  was  four  years 
on  the  W.  W.,  two  of  which  was  while  the  St.  P.  ran  it,  and  the  last  two  years  by  request  of  W.  W. 
and  consent  of  St.  P.,  and  he  has  been  in  continuous  engineer  service  to  date — part  time  freight, 
and  sometimes  passenger.  Mr.  Sargent  has  been  longest  in  engineer  service  of  any  now  living  in 
the  county.  He  was  married  Feb.  22,  1868,  to  Miss  Julia  B.  Snow,  of  Watertown,  Wis.;  they  have 
no  children  ;  he  belongs  to  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers  ;  they  have  boarded  since 
marriage  until  this  season.  Mrs.  F.  N.  Snow,  his  wife's  mother,  lives  with  them  ;  the  family  are 
social  and  respected. 

CHARLiES  SCHARIEKwasbornin  Mecklenburg.  Germany,  Dec.  5,1852  ;  came  to  Port- 
age, stopping  three  weeks  in  New  York  on  his  way  from  Europe,  in  March,  1878,  where  he  has  since  been 
engaged  as  book-keeper  for  Haertel's  brewery.  Mr.  S.  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge, 
Turner's  and  Leiderkranz  Societies  and  Hook  and  Ladder  Company.  He  was  married  in  Mecklen- 
burg Feb.  15,  1875,  to  Carolina  Kopcke,  born  in  Mecklenburg;  they  have  three  children  living — 
Amelia,  Charles  and  Louis,  and  have  lost  one — Hulda,  who  died  at  Portage  in  July,  1878,  aged  2 
years  ;  before  engaging  with  the  Ilaertels,  Mr.  S.  was  with  Schumacher  &  Scluilze  two  months. 

MISS  MARIA  ^illAlIB,  first  cook  at  the  Corning  House:  was  born  in  Waterford, 
Racine  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1855  ;  her  father  is  a  furniture  ilealer  in  Waterford  ;  has  worked  several  years 
in  private  families,  and  two  and  a  half  years  in  the  hotel.  She  is  a  Catholic.  To  her  skillful  hand 
can  be  ti-aced  the  well-prepared  substantials  which  so  attract  the  hungry  traveler  to  the  Corning 
House. 

FRAIVK  SCHERBURT  was  born  in  Prussia  JLarch  12. 1856  ;  is  the  sonof  Christoph  and 
Mary  Schubart,  who  emigrated  to  America  when  Frank  was  11  years  of  age.  locating  in  Portage, 
where  they  still  reside  ;  has  worked  at  cigar-making  for  about  eight  years,  and  has  been  in  business 
for  himself  during  the  last  four  and  a  half  years  as  manufacturer  of  cigars  and  dealer  in  tobacco 
and  smokers'  articles.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Turner  Society  and  Hook  and  Ladder  Company. 

BEIVJAMIK  SCHITLZE  was  born  June  <).  1801,"  in  Taura,  Saxony,  where,  when  he  had 
reached  a  suitable  age,  he  was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  art  of  butchering,  the  mysteries  of  weaving, 
and  the  rudiments  of  music,  all  from  the  same  master  :  Mr.  Schulze  remembers  having  seen,  when 
he  was  13  years  old.  Napoleon  Bonaparte's  army  as  it  passed  through  his  native  town  en  route  to 
Russia,  and  was  soon  afterward  employed  with  the  Prussians  in  making  fortifications  for  the  pur- 
pose of  retaking  Torgau,  on  the  Elba — which  place  the  French  had  captured  in  1810 — and  was 
present  during  the  fight  that  followed,  and  saw  the  town  set  on  fire  ;  he  also  witnessed  the  shooting 
by  Russians  of  three  French  soldiers  for  horse  stealing,  the  victims  being  placed  upon  the  edge  of  a 
hike,  and  pushed  backward  into  the  water  when  killed  ;  after  finishing  his  aiJiircnticeship,  he  went  to 
Schmannewitz,  where  he  engaged  in  his  various  avocations,  applying  himself  more  particularly  to  the 
study  of  music.  Here  it  was  that  he  met  and  married  Johanna  Rosina  Wagenknccht,  the  matrimonial 
event  taking  place  April  25, 1824  ;  Schmannewitz  was  the  home  of  Mrs.  Schulze's  parents  ;  she  was  born 
Jan.  2,  1804,  and  also  bore  witness  to  the  French  Invasion  ;  when  the  news  was  received  that  the 
army  was  approaching,  her  father,  who  was  a  farmer,  collected  his  small  flock  of  cattle  and  ran  them 
into"  the  woods,  to  save  them  from  being  carried  off  by  the  advancing  foe,  while  Johanna,  then  but 
fl  years  of  age,  gathered  together  her  younger  brothers  and  sisters,  and  marched  them  into  the 
village  of  Schmannewitz,  where,  a  few  days  later,  she  heard  the  roar  of  cannon  in  the  historical 
battle  of  Leipsic.  In  1830,  Mr.  Schulze  remo\ed  to  Tamenheim.  a  small  Saxon  hamlet,  and  there 
engaged  in  hotel  keeping  in  addition  to  his  three  professions  ;  in  1833,  he  went  to  Sitzenroda,  and 
purchased  a  farm  and  tavern  for  $1,600,  living  there  until  1850,  when  he  came  to  America,  crossing 
the  Atlantic  Ocean  in  the  sail-ship  '■  Amalia.'  and  bringing  with  him  his  wife,  eight  sons  and  one 
daughter,  the  eldest  son,  who  was  then  25  years  of  age.  remaining  in  the  fatherland,  in  the  service 
of  the  Emperor  as  buglei'  in  one  of  the  national  liands  ;  the  family  aiTived  in  Portage,  by  way  of 
Quebec,  Buffalo  and  ^Milwaukee,  July  28  of  the  same  year,  stopping  at  the  old  Franklin  House  ;  a 
settlement  was  soon  after  made  on  the  east  side  of  Silver  Lake,  on  a  quarter  section  of  land,  which 
was  soon  placed  under  cultivation  ;  and  here,  for  thirty  years,  they  have  made  their  home  ;  Mr. 
Schulze  is  79  years  of  age,  and  his  wife  but  three  years  younger.     There  have  been  born  to  this  now 


ft26  lilOGHArmCAL    (SKETCHES: 

aju'il  foiipli'  ton  cliiklren, as  follows  :  Frederick  (now  Sern'tMrv  of  :i  National  Telej^rapli  Bureau,  in 
Bautzen.  Saxony),  liorn  ]\Iay  15.  1825;  Charle.s  (drowned  in  the  ^lississippi  River.  .Vpril  17.  l.S(i5), 
born  Aug.  20,  1829  ;  llenry"(now  in  Chieajjo).  l)orn  Nov.  i:i,  18S1  ;  Krank  (dii'd  .May  22.  187!)).  Ijorn 
Jan.  14.  18:)P>;  Hermann  (now  livini;  in  Oregon),  born  Mareli  0.  18;^((  ;  l-'erdinand.  born  July  2(1, 
188!»  ;  Frederick  W..  born  .March  (1.  1842  :  Saiuuel.  liorn  July  22.  1845  ;  Minnie,  liorn  Feb,  17.  1847  : 
Benjamin,  liorn  Jan.  7.  1849.  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scliuize  celebrated  their  fjoldcu  weddinn'  April  25. 1874. 
the  occasion  beinj;  api)ropriately  observed  ;  the  famous  Schulze  iiand  was.  of  course,  present,  tlie 
old  Ljentlcnian  once  more  taking  part  in  the  musical  exercises  ;  there  were  seven  children  present  ; 
a  very  touching  poem,  tifcy  verses  in  lengtli.  commemorative  of  the  occasion,  written  by  tlie  absent 
son  in  (xerniany,  was  read,  also  one  of  the  same  length,  composed  by  the  family  pastor,  the  Hev.  A. 
Klein;  both  were  publislied  in  tlie  ('u/iiinliin  ('(imifi/  Wrc/,-rr  :  Mr.  and  .Mrs.  Schulze  are  apparently 
in  as  good  health  as  ever,  and  have  not  vet  outlived  their  usefulness. 

ilRS.  B.4.RBAR.\  SCHUI^ZE,  n.'e  Schwartz,  widow  of  August  Frank  Schulze  ;  she 
was  liorn  May  1.  184(1,  in  Wittenburg,  (termany;  her  deceased  husband  was  born  on  the  14th  of 
January,  ISor!,  in  Prussia;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1850,  and  settled  in  I'ortage.  where  lie 
was  for  many  years  a  hardware  merchant.  He  was  married,  Feb.  5,  18li0.  to  theeslimalile  lady  who 
survives  him.  From  early  liovhood.  he  was  a  member  of  •  Schulze  brass  band,"  organized  liv  his 
father,  and  composed  mainly  of  the  Schulze  family.  He  died  on  the  28d  of  May,  1879;  they  had 
eleven  children,  six  of  whom  died  in  infancy:  the  living  are  Louis,  liorn  Dec.  (>.  18(10;  Oscar,  born 
Dec.  13.  18()8  ;  Herman  H..  born  Nov.  12.  1872  ;  .Vugust  Frank,  born  Feb.  2,  1875.  and  Samuel  A., 
born  Dee,  15,  1877.  .VII  the  children  reside  at  home.  Louis  is  salesman  in  the  store  in  which  .Mrs. 
Schulze  still  retains  an  interest.  She  has  a  small  place  of  about  20  acres  near  I'ortagi'.  and  her 
pleasant  home  on  I'orncr  of  Howard  and  De  Witt  streets.  Jlrs.  S.  is  a  member  of  the  Evangelical 
('liurch.  and  so  also  was  her  husband.  He  was  a  social  gentleman,  and  a  good  citizen.  The  family 
arc  :ill  highly  respected. 

FE<]Ki>I]VANI>  SCHULZE,  the  suliject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Saxony.  Prussia,  July 

20,  1840  ;  came  to  America  in  1850,  and  located  at  I'ortage,  and  spent  his  time  until  1861  on  his 
father's  farm  ;  he  then  went  across  the  Plains  to  Ne\ada,  and  for  five  years  was  engaged  in 
mining  and  music  business  ;  returned  to  this  county  in  the  spring  of  IStili,  and  occupied  his  time  in 
farming  for  two  years  in  the  town  of  Hampden,  in  this  county  ;  then  came  to  Portage,  and  engaged 
in  the  mercantile  business,  which  he  has  continued  ever  since.  Mr.  S.  was  married  in  ^lilwaukee, 
March  2,  1880,  to  ,Miiiiiie  A.  Dent:  she  was  born  in  St.  Mary's  Co..  >Id..  near  Washington,  D.  C:  is 
a  daughter  of  Dr,  Walter  Brewer  and  ^largaret  (Fowler)  Dent.  Mr.  Dent  was  born  in  Charles  Co.. 
Md.;  he  came  to  Milwaukee  in  18.')2  :  returned  to  .Maryland  in  1854.  and  remained  until  185!t,  when 
he  again  came  to  .Milwaukee,  and  came  to  Portage  in  18(11  ;  died  July  Ml,  1807.  Jlrs.  Dent  is  a 
native  of  Cliarlotte  Hall,  St.  .Marv's  Co.,  Md, 

FKIEI>K1€K  W.  SCIILIliZE,  a  native  of  Saxony,  Prussia;  liorn  .March  0.  1842.  and 
came  to  America  with  his  parents,  I5cnjamin  and  Johanna  K.  Schulze.  in  1850.  locating  in  the  town 
of  Portage,  where  they  still  reside.     Mr.  S.'s  early  life  was  spent  on  liis  father's  farm  until  the  age  of 

21.  then  worked  three  years  at  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade,  when  he  went  to  California,  spend- 
ing live  years  there.  From  18(13  to  18(17,  while  in  California,  his  whole  attention  was  devoted  to 
instrumental  music  and  the  composing  of  music  ;  returned  to  Portage  in  18(i7  :  he  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Si'humaehcr,  Schulze  &  Bro.,  for  a  few  years;  then,  in  1873,  for  about  ten 
months,  he  carried  on  mercantile  business  at  ;>Hnneapolis,  Jlinn.;  allerward  returned  to  Portage  and 
engaged  in  banking  business,  which  he  has  continued  ever  since.  .^larried  in  Portage,  Aug.  9, 
1872,  to  Miss  .Margaret  A.  Ilaertel  :  she  was  born  at  Portage;  they  have  three  children — Clara, 
Anna  and  Carl,  Mr,  and  Mrs.  S,  are  members  of  the  Kvangelical  Lutlu'ran  Church,  and  ^Ir,  S,  is  a 
member  of  the  A..  F.  it  A,  M, 

I.OriS  SCHl^liTZ  was  born  in  Portage  Seiit.  25.  185(;  ;  son  of  Christian  and  Maggie 
Schultz.  both  R'sidcnts  of  Portage  :  engaged  in  surveying,  etc.,  on  government  improvi'inents  from 
1871  to  Septemlu'r,  1878,  running  engine  in  connection  with  the  river  improvements  and  Wis- 
consin Uiver  steamboats  ;  engineer  in  Haertel's  brewery  since  September,  1878,  3Ir.  S.  was  mar- 
ried in  Madison.  Wis,.  Dec.  25.  1878,  to  Mary  I'lihotl':  they  have  one  child — Carrie  Dora,  He  is  a 
ini'inbcr  of  the  Hook  and   Jjadder  Co. 

SAMUELi  SCHUIvZE,  son  of  Benjaniin  and  Johanna  Schulze:  born  in  Saxony, 
Prussia,  July  22,  1845  :  came  to  America  in  18,1(1,  arriving  in  Portage  on  the  28th  of  July  of  that 
year.  In  1803.  commenced  learning  his  trade — tinsmith — with  I.  W.  Bacon,  with  whom  he  remained 


CITY   OF   PORTAGE.  927 

six  years,  with  the  exception  of  about  seven  months  while  in  tlie  army.  He  entered  the  United 
States  service  Feb.  14,  1865,  as  a.memljer  of  Co.  D,  46th  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  mustered  out  Sept.  27 
following.  At  the  expiration  of  his  six  years'  service  with  Jlr.  Bacon,  he  went  to  Virginia  City, 
Mont. ;  returning,  he  was  with  his  brother  Henry  for  awhile  in  Chicago  ;  then  purchased  a  stock  of 
hardware  of  Charles  Goodyear  and  commenced  business  in  187(5,  in  Portage,  in  partnership  with  his 
brother  Frank,  who  died  'Slay  22,  1879.  Is  now  carrying  on  an  extensive  hardware  store.  Has 
been  a  menilier  of  the  I.  < )'.  O.  F.  since  18GS. 

<i}EKHAKD  SCHl' JIACHER  was  liorn  in  Cologne,  Prussia,  April  12,  1840  ;  he 
emigrated  to  America  in  1854.  locating  in  Milwaukee  ;  remained  there  about  two  years,  and  then 
came  to  Portage,  and  engaged  in  clerking  for  N.  H.  'NA'ood  &  Co..  and  continued  to  clerk  for  about 
eleven  years  ;  has  been  in  Inisiness  for  liimself  since  April,  18(!!t,  under  the  firm  name  of  Schu- 
macher, Schulze  &  Bro.,  for  three  years,  when  Fred  W.  Schulze  withdrew,  the  Arm  name  then  became 
Schumacher  &  Schulze,  and  has  remained  so  up  to  the  present  time.  He  was  married  at  Portage  on 
March  4,  1857,  to  Wilhelmina  Schulze  ;  she  was  born  in  Saxony  ;  the^-  have  five  children — Fred  W., 
Samuel  M.  Milton,  Benjamin  and  Ferdinand. 

WUSTAVIIS  A.  SELBACK  was  born  in  Prussia  May  1,  1838,  and  came  to  America 
in  1.857,  locating  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he  resided  until  the  breaking-out  of  the  war,  when  he 
enlisted  in  Co.  F,  loth  ().  V.  I.,  served  six  months,  and  eight  months  in  the  9th  0.  V.  C,  and  in 
August,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Co.  M,  9th  0.  V.  C.  and  was  in  all  the  engagements  of  Kilpatrick's 
cavalry.  After  the  war,  he  remained  in  Columbus  about  a  j-ear  ;  in  the  fall  of  1869,  he  located  at 
Appleton,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  publishing  the  Appleton  VoUcs/rcund,  the  first  German  i)aper  pub- 
lished there,  and  continued  its  pulilication  for  three  years,  when  he  again  returned  to  Ohio,  and 
started  the  Mansfield  CouriiT.  the  first  German  paper  at  Mansfield,  conducted  that  paper  a  year  and 
a  half  when  he  returned  to  Appleton,  spending  eight  months  there,  when  he  came  to  Portage  in 
1874,  and  has  been  conducting  the  Columbia  Comity  W<:i-kn-  ever  since.  Mr.  Selbach  was  married 
at  Columl)us,  Ohio,  in  the  fall  of  1 868,  to  Mar}-  Buerkle  ;  she  is  a  nati\'e  of  Baden,  Germany  ;  they  have 
six  children — Matilda,  Lizzie,  Charles,  Lydia,  Gerhart  and  Lotta.     He  is  a  member  of  the  A.  0,  U.  W. 

GEORGrE  SHACK  ELL,  son  of  Thomas  and  Mary  (Tyrrell)  Shackell,  was  born  near 
Banbury.  ().\;fordsliire,  England,  June  15,  1821  ;  came  to  Portage  in  1853.  making  a  contract  to 
build  a  house  for  Judge  Dixon,  the  first  brick  house  erected  in  Portage  ;  he  was  the  first  mason  in 
Portage  ;  he  has  followed  the  contracting  and  building  ever  since,  and  has  been  a  master  mason 
fortj'-five  years — the  leading  mason  of  Portage.  Mr.  Shackell  was  married  in  Souldern.  Oxford- 
shire, England.  Oct.  17,  1843,  to  Elizabeth  Bishop,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Eachael  Gough,  born 
at  that  place  Sept.  3,  1822  ;  they  have  five  children — William,  born  in  England,  July  15,  1846,  who 
is  a  mason  in  Portage  ;  Elizabeth,  born  Jul}'  17,  1850,  in  England  ;  George  T.,  born  Jan.  9,  1856, 
at  Portage  :  Richard  G.,  born  Sept.  7,  1859,  and  Francis  W.,  born  Sept.  6,  1861.  They  have  lost 
three  children — John  Gough,  born  in  England,  Aug.  2,  1844,  and  died  at  Portage  Jan.  29,  1855  ; 
Mary,  born  in  England,  June  25,  1843,  and  died  June  28,  1843,  and  Edgar  Gough,  born  in  Portage 
Jan.  9,  1858,  and  ilied  hwg.  24,  1858.  Mr.  Shackell  is  serving  a  second  term  as  Supervisor  ;  he  is 
a  member  of  St.  John's  Church  ;  "Vestryman  of  that  church  for  six  years,  the  corner-stone  of  which 
he  assisted  Bishop  Kemper  in  laying.  His  children  have  all  completed  a  full  course  in  the  high 
school. 

NOEL  K.  SHATTUCK  was  born  in  Bakersfield.  Franklin  Co.,  Vt.,  May  9,  1822,  and 
lived  there  until  1845,  then  moving  to  Hamburg.  Erie  Co..  N.  Y.,  where  he  taught  in  the  academy, 
as  Principal,  two  years  ;  he  then  went  to  Mounds^ille,  Va,  (now  West  Mrginia),  and  engaged  in 
teaching  there  from  1847  to  1872,  in  the  academy,  a  classical  school ;  was  proprietor  and  Principal 
of  the  institution,  which  was  known  as  Moundsville  Academ3\  Mr.  Shattuck  received  his  education 
at  Bakersfield  Academj'.  Bakersfield.  Vt.;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1872,  locating  at  Portage;  he 
engaged  in  a  commercial  college  a  few  months,  then  engaged  in  general  insurance  business  ;  Mr,  S, 
has  held  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  City  Schools  in  Portage.  Married  at  Moundsville,  Va., 
July  12,  1853,  to  Emily  S.  Purdy  ;  she  was  born  at  Moundsville  Aug.  31, 1833  ;  have  five  children — 
Elizabeth  Lucelia,  Louis  L.,  Emily  J.,  Laura  V.  and  Charles  B. 

PATRICK  SHEEHAN  was  Ijorn  on  Prince  Edward  Island,  British  North  America, 
in  April,  1827  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  June,  1851,  locating  at  ^A'atertown,  eighteen  months,  after 
■which  he  came  to  I'ortage.  Mr.  S.  was  bridge-tender  four  years  ;  worked  at  the  carpenter's  trade  ; 
has  been  a  contractor  and  Iniilder  ;  was  Alderman,  and  is  now  serving  as  Marslial.  He  was  mar- 
ried  at   Portage  June   26,  1854,to  Margaret  H.    Maloney,   who  was  born   in  County  Tipperaiy, 


928  BIOGRAPHICAI,    SKETCHES: 

Ireland.  Dec.  15.  1834  :  thev  have  seven  children — William,  bom  Feb.  11.  1857  ;  Johanna  A..  March 
2.  ISGd  ;  John  H..  May  4.  iSCS  :  Thomas  (r..  Feb.  24.  18fi8  ;  Patrick  F..  Sept.  12.  1870  :  Mary  E., 
April  .30.  1873.  and  Clara.  Feb.  28.  187t!.  They  have  lost  two  children^Mary.  aged  1  year  and  7 
months,  and  Frank,  ui^ed  4  \  ears  and  10  month.s.     Thev  are  members  of  St.  Marv's  Church. 

ALKXASiDKR  8HERET  was  born  at  Ft.  Winnebago  Oct.  9.  1850  ;  in  ISOo.  he  com- 
menced clerking  for  D.  Ferguson,  in  Portage  :  was  with  him  nearly  two  years  ;  afterward,  was  at 
fJreen  Bay  for  a  short  time :  for  the  last  eight  years,  he  has  been  with  E.  L.  Jaeger,  as  salesman  ; 
in  the  spring  of  1880,  he  commenced  his  present  business,  carrying  on  business  with  a  partner ; 
they  deal  in  fancy  go<xls.  notions,  hosiery,  furnishing  goods,  etc.:  a  fine  assortment  of  goods  in  their 
line  will  always  be  found  at  their  estiiblishment.  which  is  located  near  Bard's  jewelrj-  store.  Mr. 
Sheret  s  parents.  Alexander  and  Margaret  llobinson  Sheret.  were  liorn  at  Montrose.  Scotland  :  his 
father  was  engaged  in  the  hardware  trade  in  Portage  for  several  years  prior  to  his  death  ;  his  widow 
is  still  a  resident  of  Portage.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  in  Portage  Nov.  1.  1876.  to 
Miss  Emma  E..  daughter  of  J.  B.  Wood,  now  a  resident  of  Ft.  Winnebago.  Mr.  S.  is  a  member 
of  the  I.  ().  ().  F.  Lodge  and  Encampment :  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbj'terian 
Church. 

A.  E.  ISniTH,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Cabot.  A't..  Sept.  25, 
1820  :  he  moved  to  Massachusetts  and  lived  there  about  nine  years  prior  to  his  coming  to  Wiscon- 
sin, when  he  came  in  May.  1857.  locating  at  Plover.  Portage  Co.;  he  remained  there  three  months, 
then  went  to  Waupaca.  Waupaca  Co..  Wis.:  was  engaged  in  the  hotel  business  there  for  eleven 
years,  removing  from  there  to  Beaver  Dam  :  he  kept  the  Clark  House  for  four  years  :  rented  the 
Silver  House  and  kept  both  houses  :  sold  out  there  and  kept  the  eating-house  at  Minnesota  Junc- 
tion for  a  year  and  a  half  and  from  there  went  to  Elroy  Junction,  and  was  proprietor  of  the  eating- 
house  there  for  six  years  :  owned  a  farm  in  Columbia  County  for  a  number  of  years,  and  lived 
there  in  1870  ;  in  1880.  purelia.sed  the  Corning  House,  of  which  he  is  at  present  proprietor.  Mr. 
Smith  was  married  in  Cabot.  A't.,  June  10.  1844.  to  Sarah  0.  Warner,  a  native  of  Cabot  ;  they  have 
three  children — Clinton  E..  Edna  and  Eddie  W. ;  lost  one  daughter,  who  died  at  about  the  age  of 
3  years. 

SILiAS  M.  SMITH  was  born  in  the  town  of  Bastard.  County  of  Leeds.  Upper  Canada, 
Sept.  27.  1815.  and  is  the  .son  of  Silas  and  Phcebe  Smith,  who  were  natives  of  the  State  of  Vermont 
He  came  to  Michigan  in  1837.  locating  at  Orion.  Oakland  Co. ;  came  to  Watertown.  Wis.,  in  May, 
1842  :  remained  there  one  year  :  then  going  to  the  town  of  Aztalan.  where  he  stayed  about  a  year  ; 
trom  there,  removed  to  Portlanil.  Dodge  Co..  where  he  erectetl  the  first  house  in  the  town,  which  was 
about  1844  :  then  moving  again,  he  came  to  Fountain  Prairie.  Columbia  Co..  in  184G  :  was  the  first 
Town  Clerk,  and  held  that  office  lor  several  successive  years  :  was  elected  Justice  of  Peace  in  1849, 
and  held  that  office  tor  a  number  of  years  ;  worked  at  the  eari:)enter  and  joiner  trade  for  a  time  ; 
was  engaged  in  merchandising  with  Mr.  Brayton  for  two  or  three  years,  and  in  business  alone  for 
some  time,  until  the  fall  of  1857  or  1858.  when  he  sold  out.  and  removed  to  Randolph,  and  carried 
on  the  mercantile  liusiness  over  the  line  in  Dodge  Co..  living,  however,  on  this  side  of  the  line  ; 
was  appointed  Clerk  of  the  Court  in  December.  1871  :  November.  1872.  elected  to  the  position  of 
Clerk  of  the  court,  and  re-elected  in  1874  and  1876:  then  buying  the  abstract  business  of  Alverson 
&  Yule,  in  connection  with  C.  L.  Dering — the  business  being  carried  on  at  the  present  time  by  them 
under  the  finn  name  of  Smith  &  Dering.  Silas  M.  Smith  was  married  at  Brockville.  Canada.  Jan. 
31,  1837.  to  3Iary  Ann  Campbell ;  she  died  in  the  town  of  Portland,  Dodge  Co..  Aug.  5.  1845, 
leaving  three  children.  One  son.  ( leorge  A.,  now  at  Lanark,  HI. ;  is  agent  for  the  W.  U.  R.  R. 
Co.  ;  has  been  stationed  there  for  the  last  ten  years,  and  twenty  years  with  the  same  companj' ; 
he  also  serv-ed  in  an  Iowa  regiment  for  two  years  during  the  late  rebellion.  Mr.  Silas  M.  Smith 
married  for  his  second  wife.  Cynthia  M.  Bennett,  in  Fountain  Prairie.  Oct.  2.  1847  :  she  died  in 
Portage.  June  16.  1876.  leaving  one  daughter,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Azelia  M.  Wilde.  His  present  wife 
was  Ann  Jeannette  Gallett.  a  native  of  Penn  Van.  Yates  Co..  N.  Y.:  married  Aug.  28.  1877.  Mr. 
S.  was  Supervisor  of  Fountain  Prairie  in  1857  :  ser\'ed  three  years  as  Supervisor  from  Randolph, 
Columbia  Co..  in  1870.  1871  and  1872. 

REIXHART  A.  KPRECHER  was  born  in  .Madi.son.  Wis..  Sept.  24.  1857:  resided  at 
-Madison,  until  iscs,  when  he  came  to  Portage.  His  father  died  in  1860.  and  his  mother  in  1868, 
and  being  a  nephew  of  Carl  Haertel.  who  became  his  guardian,  he  came  here  to  live  with  him.  He 
owned  the  Sprecher  Brewery  at  Madison  until  October.  1879,  when  he  sold  it.  and  engaged  in  bank- 
ing since  March,  1875,  and  has  remained  in  it  ever  since,  except  the  summer  of  1879,  which  he 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  929 

spent  in  Europe.  Mr.  Sprecher  received  his  education  in  the  public  school,  and  the  high  school  of 
Portage.  Commercial  College,  etc.  He  was  the  son  of  Frederick  Reinhart  and  Margaretta  (HoUen- 
back)  Sprecher  ;  his  father  came  to  Madison  in  1847,,  and  mother  came  in  1848,  the  year  they 
were  married.  His  fatlier  was  one  of  the  first  brewers  of  3Iadison  ;  established  his  brewery  in  1848  ; 
put  up  the  first  permanent  liuilding  in  that  year,  and  continued  the  business  up  to  the  time  of 
his  death.     There  were  ten  children  in  the  family,  and  Reinhart  is  the  only  one  who  survives. 

HON.  ALVA  STEWART  is  a  native  of  Morrisville,  Madison  Co..  N.  Y.  ;  was  born 
Oct.  24.  1821,  and  came  to  Ft.  Atkinson,  Jefferson  Co.,  in  the  fall  of  1847,  and  came  to  Portage  in 
the  summer  of  1853  ;  while  in  Jeflerson  Co.  he  was  a  member  of  the  Assembly  in  1850  ;  also  a 
member  of  the  Senate,  and  member  of  the  Court  of  Impeachment  which  tried  Judge  Hubbell.  Mr. 
Stewart  commenced  to  read  law  with  Hon.  Nathaniel  Foote,  of  Morrisville,  afterward  with  J.  C.  Curtis, 
of  Canastota,  and  finally  with  Whipple  Jenkins,  of  Vernon,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.;  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
Wisconsin  in  1847.  The  Judge  practiced  law  until  February.  18G5.  when  he  was  appointed  Circuit 
Judge  and  has  been  elected  several  times  since,  never  having  any  opposition.  He  is  now  serving 
his  third  term.  Was  married,  at  Munsville.  Madison  Co.,  N,  Y.,  Aug.  24,  1845,  to  Miss  Ann 
MePherson  ;  she  was  born  at  JIunsville,  N.  Y.;  they  have  three  children — Ellen  L.,  now  Mrs.  0.  M. 
Clark,  of  Winona,  Minn.;  Clara  Belle,  now  Mrs.  A.  W.  Walters,  of  Denver,  Colo.;  Fannie,  now  Mrs, 
C.  A.  Goodyear,  of  Tomah. 

JOHN  W.  ST.  JOHN  was  born  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  April  13,  1841;  son  of  William  P.  St, 
John  ;  came  with  parents  to  Portage  May  18,  1855  ;  was  in  office  of  Clerk  of  Court  one  and  a  half 
years  ;  several  years  engaged  as  a  clerk  in  the  lumber  business,  and  for  eleven  years  took  the  entire 
charge  ;  was  engaged  in  mercantile  and  lumber  business  at  NeillsviUe,  Clark  Co.,  for  two  years  ; 
with  a  lumbering  company  on  Chippewa  River  three  years,  since  which  time  he  has  resided  in  Port- 
age, Mr.  St.  John  was  married,  in  Portage,  May  23,  1864,  to  Martha  E.  Harriman,  a  native  of 
Clinton,  Me.  William  P.  St.  John,  father  of  J.  W.,  was  born  in  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1809,  and 
was  an  extensive  dealer  in  grain  and  wool  until  1868  ;  died  November  1876,  leaving  one  child — 
John  W.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Z.  J.  D.  SWIFT  was  born  in  Delhi,  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  1,  1835  ;  son  of  Joseph 
and  Susan  Swift  ;  his  parents  moved  to  Greene  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  he  was  but  1  year  old,  lived  there 
until  5  years  of  age,  when  they  removed  to  West  Point,  N.  Y.;  remained  there  until  moving  to 
Wisconsin,  in  the  year  1855,  settling  in  Wyoeena  ;  before  coming  West,  Mr.  Swift  learned  the 
trade  of  painting,  and  served  a  partial  apprenticeship  as  carpenter  in  New  York  City,  Was  married 
to  Lydia  A,  Dow,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Dow,  a  farmer  of  Wyoeena,  who  came  there  in  an  early 
day,  Jan.  1,  1859;  she  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N,  Y,;  they  have  three  children — Edwin  J., 
born  Jan,  1,  1860  :  Charles  R.,  Dec.  25,  1863,  and  Edith  G.,  Oct."  15,  1869.  Mr.  S.  is  a  memlier  of 
the  A.,  F.  &  A.  M.,  Secretary  of  the  Agricultural  Society  for  the  last  three  years.  Coroner  of  the 
county  for  a  number  of  years.  Justice  of  the  Peace,  since  1860,  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two 
years  Postmaster  at  Pacific  since  1861,  has  been  Town  Treasurer,  and  has  been  Town  Clerk  several 
times  ;  he  has  also  kept  the  plank-road  toll  gate  since  1860. 

ANDREW  TARNHTZER  was  born  in  S\\-iti5erland  Nov,  22,  1834;  attended  school 
there  until  1846,  when  he  cqme  to  Sauk  Co..  Wis.,  among  the  fu'st  settlers  ;  his  father  and  mother 
both  died  in  Sauk  Co..  and  were  buried  at  J^ittle  Prairie,  or  Black  Hawk,  in  the  town  of  Troy,  in  the 
Evangelical  (lemetery.  opposite  the  old  homestead,  which  Mr.  T.  still  owns  ;  he  is  a  self-made  man 
in  every  sense  of  the  word.  Mr.  T.  entered  the  ministry  of  the  Evangelical  Association  in  1855, 
and  was  on  probation  in  the  Cedar  Rapids  Jlission,  traveling  all  the  time  ;  there  one  year  ;  then  in 
the  spring  of  1856,  the  i)resent  conference  was  foiTned,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  founders  ;  he  is 
now  Presiding  Elder. 

JAMES  B.  TAYLOR  is  a  native  of  Rupert,  Bennington  Co.,  Vt.,  born  Aug.  15,  1840  ; 
was  educated  at  Burr  Seminary,  Manchester,  Vt„  and  Union  College,  situated  at  Schenectadj',  N.  Y., 
where  he  took  a  four  years'  course,  and  gi'aduated  from  that  institution  in  June.  1865  ;  came  to 
Portage  the  same  year,  and  commenced  the  study  of  law  with  his  lirother  Emmons  Taylor,  who 
came  to  Portage  in  1857,  and  died  here  April  13,  1874  ;  after  reading  law  with  his  brother  for  a 
year  and  a  half,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  has  been  engaged  in  practice  here  up  to  the  present 
time,  and  has  acted  as  City  Attorney  the  most  of  the  time  since.  Was  married  at  Portage,  Sept, 
16,  1873,  to  Miss  Julia  A.  Davidson  ;  they  have  one  child,  Emmons  Haskell,  born  April  7,  1875. 

EZRA  K.  THAYER,  born  iii  Orwell,  Addison  Co.,  Vt.,  Jan,  3,  1812,  where  he  resided 
until  coming  to  Wisconsin,  town  of  Green  Lake,  Green  Lake  Co.,  in  1853  ;  lived  there  for  eleven 


^^0  lilOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

years,  then  removed  t<i  the  town  of  Marcellon.  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  remained  up  to  the  time  of 
coming  to  Portage,  in  tiie  spring  of  1S77  :  has  been  engaged  in  grocery  business  since  November. 
1879.  Married  at  Sudbury.  Rutland  Co..  Yt.  March  12."  1845.  to  Angeline  E.  Wallace,  a  native  of 
Vermont.     They  have  two  children — Wra.  W.  and  Isaljclla. 

HENKV  V.  THKI>E,  born  in  .Milwaukee.  M'is..  July  15.  184;t  ;  his  parents.  W.  H.  and 
Catherine  Thede.  moved  to  Sauk  City,  whore  they  now  reside,  in  1S51  :  Mr.  T.  learned  his  trade, 
that  of  a  harness-maker,  in  MadLson  and  Mazomauic.  and  followed  it  in  various  places  before 
beginning  for  himself  at  Portage  in  1877.  He  was  married  at  Sauk  City.  Aug.  28.  1877.  to  Joseph- 
ine Sturm,  liorn  in  Tvrol.     They  h;n-e  one  child.  William,  born  May  81,  1878. 

AliEX.4:VI>KK  TH05IPS01V,  born  in  Glasgow.  Scotland,  ftlay  2G,  1848;  came  with 
his  parents,  Ninnian  and  JIary  Thompson,  to  Ft.  Winnebago  in  August.  1850  :  father  worked  at 
carpenter's  trade  for  fifteen  years,  then  engaged  in  farming  in  the  town  of  Hekorra,  Columbia  Co., 
which  he  still  continues.  Alex.  T.  worked  at  carpenters  traile  three  years,  but  in  18711  engaged  in 
grocery  business,  and  dealing  extensively  in  clover,  timothy  and  field  seeds  generally,  which  busi- 
ness he  still  continues.  .Mr.  T.  was  married  in  Portage.  Dec.  18.  1872.  to  Susan  ^M.  Purnell.  a  native 
of  Norwich.  (Vjun.  They  have  one  child.  Marv  Emma,  born  May  D,  1874.  .Mr.  T.  is  a  prominent 
memlier  of  the  1.  ().  ().  V. 

A.  B.  THOMPSON,  born  in  Smithtield.  Providence  Co..  R.  I..  Aug.  (J.  1825:  came  to 
Pardeeville  in  November.  18(i4.  resided  there  ten  years,  then  removed  to  Portage.  Was  married  in 
Smithlield.  R.  I..  .November.  1846.  to  Thankful  Handy,  a  native  of  that  place  :  they  have  four  chil- 
dren living — Morgie  .\..  now  Mrs.  (ieo.  W.  I)usenlierry.  of  Portage;  Philip  K..  .\lice  G..  now  .Mrs. 
Frank  A.  Mathewson.  of  Pardeeville.  and  Frank  B..  living  ;  Sarah,  deceased.  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thompson 
are  members  of  the  Presb\terian  Ciiurcii.  and  of  the  temperance  societv. 

MISS  JEXNETTE  THOMPSON,  at  Corning  House;"  was  born  in  Butfalo.  Mar- 
quette Co.,  Wis.,  in  I)ecember,  1857;  her  parents  are  farmers,  and  were  counted  of  ■■  pure  blood 
in  the  land  of  Burns. "  She  has  been  for  six  j'ears  a  member  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ; 
has  been  a   vear  in  the  hotel. 

WERT  F.  THOMPSON,  deceased,  was  born  in  Colchester,  Vt,  in  1834  ;  lived  in  Ohio 
before  coming  to  Wisconsin  ;  settled  in  Portage  in  1858  ;  was  married  in  18(i0.  to  Miss  Cornelia  E. 
Reed,  formerly  of  Seneca  Co..  N.  Y.  :  her  father.  Warren  S.  Reed,  came  to  Portage  in  1858.  and  died 
in  January.  18(i7.  Mr.  Reed  started  the  rest:uirant  Inisiness.  at  the  depot,  which,  with  enlargements, 
is  now  conducted  Ijy  Mr.  Fox,  Mr.  Thompson  died  in  May.  ISiiS.  and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was 
in  charge  of  the  railroad  shops  ;  he  has  been  a  railroad  man  most  of  his  life  ;  he  was  a  82(1  Degree 
Mason,  and  was  buried  with  Masonic  honors;  .Mrs.  Thompson  and  her  brother  reside  in  the  ■  Reed 
Homestead. "  The  brother.  Samuel,  was  Iwru  Jan.  10, 1844  ;  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Portage  since 
the  age  of  14.  In  June.  1878.  he  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  Crane,  of  .Mauston.  Wis.  ;  they  have 
one  child,  liorn  September.  1874.  and  named  Wert  Thompson  Reed  :  Mr.  Reed  is  a  railroad  engineer. 
EPHR.4IM  B.  TRAOEWELI.,  farmer  ;  born  in  the  city  of  Baltimore.  .Md..  in  1822  : 
in  1840.  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  anil  settled  in  Kenosha,  which  continued  his  home  until  the  spring 
of  1851,  when  he  came  to  Portage.  In  1858,  he  was  married,  in  Kenosha,  to  ^liss  Harriet  Dana  ;  in 
18H0,  he  bought  a  farm.  200  acres,  in  Marcellon.  Columbia  Co..  Wis.,  which  he  still  owns  and  rents  ; 
since  1874  he  has  lived  in  Portage  ;  has  two  children — Frances,  born  in  December,  185(i ;  and  .Major 
D..  born  in  1858  ;  both  live  in  the  county  ;  his  wife  died  in  187(> ;  he  was  crippled  in  the  knee,  by 
the  cut  of  an  ax,  on  patella,  when  a  child  ;  Government  was  making  the  canal  when  he  came  to 
Portage,  and  water  was  let  into  the  canal  that  same  year  :  muscle  and  grit  were  the  elements  of 
success  then,  for  those  were  rough  pioneer  times. 

A.  J.  TIIRNER  was  i)orn  in  the  town  of  Schuyler  Falls  (then  Plattsburg).  N.  Y..  Sept. 
24.  1882.  where  he  lived  until  1853.  removing  to  Grand  Rapids.  .Mich.,  where  he  took  his  lirst  les- 
sons in  the  art  of  type-setting  in  the  />"//<■  ottice  ;  returning  to  his  native  town,  in  1855.  he  "set 
up' the  first  number  of  the  Plattsluirg  Snitini/.  a  paper  still  in  existence,  teaching  school  for  a 
short  time,  and  returning  to  Grand  Rapids  early  the  .same  year:  in  September.  1855,  he  came  to 
Portage,  and  was  employed  as  a  com|)ositor  in  the  Lulipiiiiliiit  otHee  the  second  day  after  his 
arrival,  and  worked  there  until  the  spring  of  185().  when  he  went  to  .Madison,  and  was  engaged  at 
his  trade  in  the  ottice  of  the  Statr  ./luinin/  for  six  months  :  at  the  end  of  that  time,  he  was  pro- 
moted to  the  position  of  city  editor  of  that  paper,  and  this  e\ent  marked  the  beginning  of  his  jour- 
nalistic career  ;  in  the  spring  of  1857,  he  returned  to  Portage,  and  became  one  of  the  editors  of  the 
Record;    in  the  fall  of  that  year,  he  returned  to  Madison  as  a  clerk  of  one  of   the  legislati^•e 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  931 

coininittees.  and.  in  tho  tbllowini)-  spring,  he  made  the  trip,  on  foot,  with  thai  reuuirkahle  genius, 
"Shanghai"  Chandler,  to  Friendship,  Adams  Co..  where  he  assisted  in  establishing  the  Adrnm 
Cciiiiti/  hiih-pcudcut.  remaining  tliere  four  or  five  months  ;  returning  to  Portage,  he  resumed  his 
former  connection  with  the  Rn-nnl.  Tn  the  fall  of  180(1,  he  was  elected  Clei-k  of  the  Circuit  Court, 
and  served  one  term,  at  the  expiration  of  which  he  was  chosen  to  represent  his  district  in  the  State 
Assembly  ;  returning  from  the  State  capital,  he  again  took  his  place  upon  the  Record,  which  he 
soon  afterward  purchased  and  consolidated  with  the  Whfonsin  ,Statf  Ri-t/ixfer.  founded  a  few  months 
pre\ious  by  S.  S.  Brannan.  upon  the  ruins  of  the  Badger  State  .•  he  continued  witli  Mr.  Brannan.  as 
publisher  of  the  Register,  for  seventeen  years,  selling!  in  187S.  to  Judge  J.  T.  Clark.  Mr.  Turner 
has  l)een  prominently  before  the  people  of  Columbia  Co.  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  having 
filled  various  county  offices ;  he  was  a  delegate  to  the  National  Convention  which  nf)minated  Lin- 
coln, was  Chief  Clerk  of  the  State  Senate  three  years,  and  now  holds  the  otticc  of  State  Railway 
Commissioner.  To  Mr.  Turner  is  due  the  credit  of  establishing  the  -  Blue  Book  '  upon  its  present 
plan,  and  he  was  for  se^■eral  years  its  compiler  ;  he  was  the  first  Secretary  of  the  Wisconsin  Central 
Railway  Company,  afterward  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Portage  &  Stevens  Point  Railway,  and, 
still  later.  President  of  the  Portage,  Friendship  &  Grand  Rapids  Railroad,  which  was  consolidated 
with  the  present  [Madison  &  Portage  road.  Mr.  Turner  was  married  at  Friendship,  Adams  Co.,  ' 
Wis.,  :May  29.  1860.  to  :Mary  ().  Hanford.  a  native  of  Walton.  Delaware  Co..  N.  Y.;  they  have  three 
children — Fred  J.,  Rockwell  F.  and  Ellen  B. 

STKPHElif  TURNER  was  Iwrn  in  Nelson  Co.,  Va..  Dec.  14,  1818  ;  came  to  Portage 
May  o.  1858  ;  engaged  in  peddling  one  year  ;  in  18()0,  commenced  mercantile  business,  dealing  in 
gi-oceries  and  fruits  ;  continued  in  that  for  four  years  ;  then  engaged  in  auctioneering  and  speculating, 
in  wliich  he  has  successfully  continued  ever  since  ;  owns  two-thirds  interest  in  the  jewelry  establishment 
of  Turner  &  Parsons.  ^Ir.  Turner  was  married  at  ITnion  Hill.  Nelson  Co.,  Va..  December,  1840,  to 
Eliza  Jane  Hill,  born  at  Tuion  Hill  ;  they  have  had  nine  children,  three  of  whom  arc  deceased — 
Samuel  died  in  1801.  aged  o  years  and  8  months  ;  Annie  died  in  1872,  aged  i)  years;  Charles  died 
in  1872.  aged  3  years  and  3  months  ;  the  children  living  are  Bluford  B..  Stephen.  Jr..  Elizabeth, 
liUcretia.  Willie  and  Jessie.     Mr.  T.  is  in  every  sense  a  self-made  man. 

ELKtiENE  a.  VAUIiiHAN,  son  of  Samuel  K.  and  Lavina  A'aughan,  who  came  to  Wis- 
consin, locating  at  Waupun.  at  an  early  date  ;  his  father  died  in  Portage,  in  September,  1872  ;  his 
mother  is  now  living  and  a  resident  of  this  city  ;  Plugene  was  born  in  Wyocena,  Feb.  28.  1853,  and 
has  been  employed  in  John  (Jraliam's  drug  and  grocery  house  for  the  last  ten  years.  He  was 
married  in  Portage  3Iarch  24.  1875,  to  Sarah" A.  Padley  ;  she  was  born  at  Lodi  ;  they  have  one  son 
—Samuel  K. — b<jrn  March  12.  1870.  Mrs.  V.  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  iMr.  Y. 
is  a  member  of  the  I.  ().  O.  F. 

}>IRS.  RICHARD  ¥.  VEEDER,  widow  of  the  earliest  settler  on  this  side  of  the  canal ; 
her  maiden  name  was  Winopher  ^'eeder.  and  she  was  born  near  Albany.  N.  Y..  April  2.  1812  ;  'Mr. 
Veeder  was  liorn  Jan.  11.  1812.  in  ]M(jntreal.  Canada,  where  his  parents  were  temporarily  stopping  ; 
from  the  age  of  10  he  lived  with  an  uncle  in  Boston.  ^lass.  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  June  20,  1835, 
but  stopped  a  while  near  (Jreen  Bay.  as  he  had  relatives  connected  with  the  pineries;  became  to 
Portage  several  years  before  his  marriage,  which  was  on  JIarch  10,  1844  ;  when  a  -'bach."  he  kept 
travelers  at  his  cabin,  and  after  marriage  he  kept  open  house  for  many  years  ;  they  built  the  first 
dwelling  in  Portage  (since  destroyed  by  fire),  and  there  was  nothing  here  when  they  liuilt  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1845  ;  the,y  first  spent  nearly  a  year  at  the  Indian  trading-post ;  the  ^^'isconsin  River  now  flows 
over  the  site  of  the  trading  post,  and  also  over  the  site  of  their  first  pioneer  dwelling  near  "the  Post ;" 
the  house  Iniilt  by  them  and  now  occupied  by  Mrs.  Veeder  is  the  oldest  building  in  the  city  ;  it  was 
built  for  a  storehouse,  but  has  been  used  tor  nearly  everything.  They  have  had  four  children — Eliza- 
beth, born  in  1845.  in  the  first  dwelling  in  Portage  (she  is  dead)  ;  John  S.  .born  Feb.  4,  1847  (he  is 
now  a  railroad  conductor)  ;  Hannah,  liorn  in  1849.  is  dead  ;  Richard  T..  Jr.,  born  Jan.  1.  1851  (he  is 
also  a  railroad  conductor).  Mr.  \' eeder  is  remembered  as  a  kind-hearted  man  and  good  citizen,  and 
was  universally  known  as  -Uncle  Dick,"  and  iiis  widow  is  still  called  ■  Aunt  Dick  ;"  he  died  Jan.  19, 
187(1  ;  he  was  not  a  churcii  nu^mber.  but  aftiliated  with  the  Episcopalians.  Her  son.  R.  F..  still  lives 
with  his  mother  on  Sec.  5.  wiicrc  Portage  is  mainly  l)uilt.  and  which  Mr.  Y.  bought  at  government 
price  ($1.25  per  acre)  ;  ]Mrs.  A',  owns  two  blocks  in  Portage  beside  her  old  home. 

JOHN  VERSEN,  deceased,  was  l>orn  in  Paderborn,  Pnnince  of  Westphalia.  I'russia, 
Nov.  8,  1814  ;  came  to  America  and  landed  at  New  Orleans.  Decemlier.  1847  ;  remained  there  al)out 
one  year  ;  removed  to  St.  Louis,  and  worked  at  carriage  trimming  ;  was  in  Galena,  111.,  for  some 


932  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

time,  where  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  U.S.Grant;  afterward  a  resident  of  Madison  ;  came  to  Portage, 
Feb.  1.  1851.  engaofed  with  his  partner  in  harness-malving.  with  credit  sufficient  to  obtain  material 
for  a  single  liarness.  having  landed  at  Portage  with  only  five  cents  ;  at  tlie  time  of  his  death.  May 
24.  1S72.  he  carried  on  the  largest  harness  manufactory  in  Central  Wist'onsin.  doing  business  where 
Purdys  drug  st«re  is  now  located  :  leaving  a  larire  estate  at  his  death. 

JOSEPH  A.  VERSEN,  son  of  John  Versen.  was  born  in  Portage  June  9,  1857  ;  edu- 
cated at  the  High  School  ;  served  an  apprenticeship  of  three  years  in  the  harness  and  saddlery 
business ;  has  been  engaged  in  mercantile  luisiness  for  some  time,  being  now  in  the  employ  of 
of  D.  Fischbeck  &  Son,  of  Milwaukee,  wholesale  dealers  in  saddlery-  hardware  and  leather.  The 
Portage  Register  of  Oct.  3.  1874.  contained  the  following  complimentary  notice  of  young  Versen: 
■'  Joseph  Versen.  of  this  city,  a  boy  of  17.  entitled  himself  to  the  -reward  of  merit.'  if  not  to  the 
'  first  premium.'  by  the  manufacture  of  a  set  of  single  harness  which  he  had  on  exhibition  at  the 
county  fair.  Though  he  is  but  a  yearling  in  the  business,  his  work  would  do  no  iliscredit  to  a  much 
more  experienced  workman.  He  will,  no  douljt,  make  his  mark  in  his  particular  line  of  business,  if 
in  no  other  direction.  \Ve  take  pleasure  in  saying  a  word  of  encouragement  to  hini.  as  we  do  to  all 
bovs  who  pursue  the  rightcoursc.  " 

SAM  WAH  &  BROTHER,  laundrymen  ;  Sam  was  born  in  China  in  18(i3.  and  Charley 
was  born  in  IS.'jtl  :  Charley  came  to  San  Francisco  in  1870.  and  Sam  in  1878  :  both  have  lived  in 
Red  ^\'ing.  5Iinn.  ;  they  came  to  I'ortage  nearly  a  year  ago.  and  are  doing  a  good  business  on  Conant 
street :  are  law-abiding,  prosperous  Chinamen. 

MRS.  ELECTA  WARD,  widow  of  Orlanilo  Ward,  who  was  one  of  the  earliest  mer- 
chants in  Portage;  she  was  lx>ni  I)e('.  17,  1812,  in  liCe,  Berkshire  Co..  Mass.  Mr.  Ward  was  ))orn 
Jan.  22.  1812.  in  ^'ermont ;  they  were  married  in  Carlton.  Orleans  Co..  X.  Y..  on  the  2Hd  of  June, 
1836  ;  came  West  in  1840.  remained  two  years  in  Milwaukee,  and  then  settled  in  the  house  where 
Mrs.  Ward  now  lives  in  Portage;  he  died  in  October.  1871,  leaving  one  child,  Helen — now  Mrs. 
Winne — living  in  Iowa  :  ^Ir.  ^\'ard  was  a  member  of  the  Masonic  ( )rder.  and  of  the  ( )dd  Fellows  ; 
she  is  a  member  of  the  First  Presbvterian  Church  ;   is  still  an  active  worker. 

MARVIN  WATERHOl'SE,  M.  D.  (deceased),  was  born  in  Alden.  Erie  Co..  N.  V., 
on  the  lilth  of  September.  1827  ;  when  at  the  age  of  14.  he  was  bereft  of  father,  and.  soon  after- 
ward, he  and  his  widowed  mother  removed  to  T)arien.  Walworth  Co..  Wis.;  in  1850.  he  moved  to 
Packwankee.  Wis.;  his  early  life  was  passed  amid  the  scenes  and  duties  incident  to  farming.  On 
the  1st  of  January.  1852.  he  was  man-ied  to  Miss  Maria  A.  Older,  who  survives  him  :  they  had 
no  children.  A  broken  leg.  in  October.  1853.  caused  him  to  study  medicine,  and  he  graduated 
from  Hush  Medical  College,  in  Chicago,  in  18(j0  ;  he  had  practiced  medicine,  in  response  to  local 
calls,  since  1855;  in  August.  18(;4.  he  was  commissioned  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  1st  Regiment 
Wis.  Heavy  .Vrtillery  :  was  in  the  army  one  year;  located  in  I'ortage  in  September.  18(i5.  and 
practiced  his  profession  in  the  city  and  surrounding  country  until  pre\  (.'uted  by  his  last  illness  ; 
in  July.  18(i7.  he  became  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin  ^Medical  Society  ;  was  elected  Mce  Presi- 
dent in  1871.  and  President  in  1873;  was  delegate  four  years  to  the  American  Medical  Society, 
and  contributed  several  valualile  papers  to  the  society  ;  he  was  a  successful  physician,  and  had  a 
lucrative  practice  :  his  broken  liml)  never  fully  recovered,  and  finally  amputation  was  necessary  ; 
this  was  done  Jan.  1((.  1878.  and  the  wounded  limb  rapidly  healed  ;  but  in  the  summer  it  broke 
out  vvith  ulcers,  and  an  abscess  formed,  caused  by  taking  I'old  ;  he  endured  the  intense  pain  with 
remarkalile  fortitude,  until  his  iron  constitution  yielde(l.  and  he  died  on  the  19th  of  October, 
1878  ;  he  had  been  an  active  memlier  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F..  and  was  one  of  the  original  Patriarchs 
of  Excelsior  Encampment,  at  I'ortage  ;  the  brotherhood  conducted  his  obsetjuies.  according  to 
their  impressive  cereuKmies.  He  was  a  pulilic-spirited  citizen  ;  at  the  time  of  his  death,  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Education,  also,  Kxamining  Surgeon  for  Pensions  ;  he  was  financially 
comfortable  :  he  was  naturally  cheerful,  but  firm  and  teiuicious  ;  all  declare  him  to  have  been  an 
honorable,  high-minded  gentleman,  and  one  who  acted  well  his  part  in  all  the  varied  relations  of 
husband,  citizen  and   healer  of  the  afflicted. 

ANDREW  WEIR  was  born  in  Harthill.  Lanarksljire.  Scotland.  April.  1821  ;  he  came 
to  Ft.  Winnebago.  Wis..  May,  1851  ;  remained  there  until  November  of  the  same  year,  then  went 
with  his  lirother.  John  Weir,  to  California,  where  they  spent  fifteen  months  in  mining,  etc.;  then 
went  to  Australia,  where  he  spent  fifteen  months  ;  he  then  sailed  for  Scotland,  where  he  arri\ed 
October,  1854.  Mr.  W.  was  married  at  Causewayhead.  Sterlingshire,  Scotland,  May  9,  1855.  to 
Margaret   Kincaid,   a   native   of    Bowhouse,    Sterlingshire,    Scotland :    they   sailed   for   America, 


CITY    OF    PORTAGE.  938 

lauding  in  New  York  in  June,  1855  ;  came  direct  to  Ft.  Wiunel)ago  ;  engaged  in  real-estate  and 
gi-ain  business  ;  he  now  lives  where  he  first  settled.  Mr.  W.  was  one  of  the  founders  'of  the  City 
Bank  of  Portage  :  was  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  several  terms,  and  is  now  in  that 
position. 

EIjISHA  a.  wells,  farmer  :  born  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  on  the  9tii  of  September, 
18(11  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Berkshire  Co..  Mass..  when  Elisha  was  quite  .young,  and  there  the 
'•old  folks  '  resided  uutil  their  death  ;  the  fatlier  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  Mr. 
Wells  remained  with  his  parents  during  their  entire  life.  He  was  married  on  the  25th  of  June, 
1828.  to  Miss  Anna  ^lartin.  of  Massaeliusetts  ;  they  have  had  nine  children  ;  the  living  are 
Ann  C,  Martha  E.,  Horace  K.,  Lydia  \..  Lemuel  M.  and  Mary  A.  He  came  to  Portage  on  the 
5th  of  'Slay.  1855  ;  present  liouse  was  first  liriek  made  in  Portage  ;  lost  a  large  residence  May. 
1879  ;  has  a  small  place  in  I'ortage,  also  land  in  Lewiston  ;  has  documents  dated  1704,  signed  by 
Ichabod  Wells,  a  Sheriff  of  Connecticut  at  that  date  ;  he  was  a  town  official  many  3-ears  in  his 
New  England  home.  Their  ■■  yiildnt  wcddiiKj"  yi&s,  celebrated  on  the  25th  of  June,  1878  ;  kind 
friends  and  valuable  gifts  made  it  a  memoralile  occasion. 

HORACE  D.  WELLS,  retired  farmer,  was  born  on  the  2d  of  January,  1798,  in  the  city 
of  Hartford,  Coun.  ;  he  is  tile  son  of  Elisha  and  Clara  Deming  Wells,  of  Connecticut ;  the  family  trace 
their  ancestry  for  800  years,  and  show  connection,  l)v  intermarriage,  witli  nobility  and  royalty.  The 
"  Magna  Charta,"  signed  hy  King  John,  in  1215,  was  delivered  at  (runuymede  to  ■  Bishop  Hugode 
Wells,  of  the  Cathedral  of  Lincoln."  The  ancestral  tree  is  traced  generations  bejond  the  ••  Bishop," 
and  its  branches  are  in  a  connected  liue  with  the  Wells  family  iu  Portage.  The  original  ■  coat  of 
arms  '  of  the  Wells  family  bore  the  motto,  ■■  Christ's  Cross  is  my  Light."  Gov.  Tliomas  Wells,  of 
Connecticut,  was  among  their  earliest  ancestors  in  America  ;  real  estate  near  Hartford,  Conn.,  has 
been  in  continuous  ownership  of  the  Wells  family  for  200  years  ;  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was 
married  at  Rye,  N.  Y.,  on  the  oOtli  of  April.  1834,  to  Miss  Mary  S.  Barker,  daughter  of  James 
Barker,  a  retired  merciiant  of  New  York  (lity  ;  Mr.  Wells  was  in  the  mahogany  business  at  Yonkers, 
N.  Y.,  from  1828  to  1843  :  theuce  he  went  to  Owego,  and  engaged  in  mercantile  Imsiness,  together 
with  lumbering  ;  in  1848,  he  weut  to  Hartford,  and  remained  until  coming  West ;  his  residence  in 
Hartford  was  once  the  home  of  Gov.  Morgan  of  Connecticut,  and  when  Jlr.  Wells  left  the  State,  he 
sold  it  to  Gov.  Richard  D.  Hubliard.  ^Irs.  Wells  died  Oct.  6,  1852,  leaving  two  sons — James  B., 
born  March  7,  1836,  and  Lemuel  H.,  born  Dec.  3.  18 —  ;  the  latter  is  an  Episcopal  Clergyman  in 
Walla  Walla,  Washington  Ter.  Mr.  Wells  first  made  a  tour  of  the  West  in  1854  ;  in  the  spring  of 
1855,  he  bought  a  large  tract  in  Sauk  Co..  of  which  he  still  owns  1,0(10  acres  ;  he  came  to  Portage 
in  1862,  and  his  present  beautiful  home  of  20  acres  was  i)urchased  soon  afterward  ;  this  is  also  the 
home  of  his  son  James  B.,  who  was  married  on  the  20th  of  April,  1859,  to  Miss  Anna  P.  King, 
daughter  of  the  Hon.  0.  B.  King  of  Watertown.  Conn.  :  they  have  two  children — Mary  A.,  born 
May  24, 1860,  and  James  H..  Iiorn  November.  18(32.  The  W#ells  i'amilies  are  all  Episcopalians  ;  the  old 
gentleman,  past  fourscore  and  two  years,  is  in  delicate  health.  l)ut  still  retains  the  genial  air  and 
quiet  dignity  of  the  -old-school  gentleman."  He  has  always  been  a  worthy  citizen,  and  is  blest 
with  competency  and  hosts  of  friends. 

JOSEPH  E.  WELLS  was  born  in  Birmingliam.  England.  March  22,  1842  ;  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  1851,  witli  liis  father  ;  his  mother  and  otiier  children  came  to  Wisconsin  in  April, 
1852  ;  his  father  located  at  Twiggs  Ferry,  in  Coliunliia  Co.,  on  the  Fox  River.  Rev.  William 
Wells,  father  of  J.  E.  Wells,  now  living  at  Fort  Winnebago,  located  a  form  in  that  town  at  about 
that  time,  and  still  owns  it ;  has  been  engaged  in  preaching  at  different  points  until  fifteen  j'ears 
ago,  regularly  ;  now  preaches  every  other  Sunday,  as  he  is  called  upon,  Joseph  E.  worked  upon 
the  fai-m  until  the  age  of  21.  when  he  came  to  Portage  and  attended  scliool  for  about  a  year; 
then  commenced  clerking  for  I.  W.  Bacon,  a  hardware  dealer,  and  remained  with  him  between 
eleven  and  twelve  years,  then  purchasing  the  Inisiness  of  the  Bacon  estate  ;  he  has  been  in  part- 
nership with  H.  W.  Williams  for  the  last  six  years  ;  they  also  run  a  branch  store  at  Waupaca. 
Mr.  W.  married  in  Portage.  June  7,  1871,  Addie  E.  Forrest ;  she  was  born  in  New  Hampshire  ; 
they  have  four  cliildren — Mary  E..  Cora  A.,  Maud  S.  and  Josie  A.  He  is  serving  his  fourth  year 
as  Alderman  of  the  Third  Ward  ;  is  member  of  the  Temple  of  Honor  and  A.,  F.  &  A.  M. 

DANIEL  WELLS,  son  of  Walter  Wells,  who  died  in  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  was  Ijorn  in  Ham- 
ilton, Madison  Co..  N.  Y..  Sept.  24.  1829.  In  1858,  lie  removed  to  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  resided  in 
Penn  Yan  and  vicinity,  until  1859  ;  in  December  of  the  same  year,  he  settled  in  Wisconsin,  pur- 
chasing a  farm  on  Sec.  26,  town  of  Randolph,  and  engaged  in  farming  until  he  sold  out  iu  September, 


934  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

18(58.  and  in  November.  1868.  removed  to  Portascc  :  in  Fohruarv.  1870.  engaged  in  tlonr  and  fci'd 
business,  and  also  that  of  an  aiiotioneer.  Mr.  Wells  was  ("hairman  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  while 
at  Handolph  ;  has  been  City  .Marshal  i>f  Portage,  and  also  held  the  otliee  of  Under  .Sheriff  for  two 
years.  Mr.  Wells  was  married  in  the  town  of  Jerusalem.  Yates  Co..  N.  V..  Feb.  15.  IS'ilt.  to  Martha 
fiallett.  a  native  of  that  plaee.  They  have  tlu-ee  ehildren — Susan.  Klizaheth.  John  W..  Daniel  (>, 
Mr.  Wells  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows'  Lodge. 

ROBERT  B.  WEXTWORTH  was  born  in  the  town  of  Buxton.  York  Co..  .Me., 
Jan.  18.  1827.  and  resided  there  until  he  came  to  Wi.sconsiu  in  1848,  locating  at  Madison.  He 
learned  the  trade  of  printing  in  Portland.  Maine,  when  a  boy.  and  while  living  at  Madison,  worked 
as  a  journeyman  printer.  He  pulilished  the  first  paper  that  was  ever  issued  inDodgc^Co — Dixige 
County  Gazi'tic — which  was  published  in  Juneau,  and  continued  tiie  pul)lieation  of  that  journal  for 
about  four  years  :  the  last  two  years  he  issued  it  as  the  Burr  (><ih.  He  came  to  I'ortage  in  1857, 
and  bought  the  Pariacir  Citi/  liraml.  publishetl  it  just  four  years,  and  then  sold  out  to  A.  J.  Turner. 
In  18til.  he  erected  a  grain  elevator,  and  engaged  in  the  grain  and  hunt ler  trade  :  he  also  carried 
on  steaml)oating  between  this  point  and  Green  Bay  ;  in  the  latter  business  ten  years,  from  18(i4  to 
1874.  He  is  now  interested  in  tiie  City  Bank  of  Portage;  he  and  his  .son  own  one-third  of  the 
stock  of  that  institution.  3Ir.  Wentworth  was  married  at  Fryeburg.  Me..  Oct.  0.  1850.  to  Lydia 
H.  I'ike  :  she  was  born  in  Fryeburg.  ^fe,  April  1,  1825.  They  have  tiu'ee  children — Ella  Augusta, 
Winfield  Scott  and  I'^lorence.  He  has  been  Alderman  of  the  Second  Ward  four  years,  and  member 
of  the  Assembly  from  Dodiie  Co.  in  1857,  and  Justice  of  the  Peace  one  year. 

W.  S.  WEXTWORTH  was  born  in  Juneau.  Dodge  Co..  Wis..  Oct.  15.  1853  ;  received 
his  education  at  the  pul)lie  .schools  of  Portage,  and  at  the  Lawrence  University  at  Appleton,  Wis.; 
was  connected  with  McGregor  &  Co.,  in  the  lumber  and  grain  lousiness,  as  clerk  for  one  year ;  after- 
ward one  year  for  his  father  until  January.  1875.  he  was  then  a[)pointed  assistant  cashier  of  City 
Bank,  and  held  that  position  until  July  1,  1878,  when  he  was  elected  cashier,  which  position  he  has 
since  held  ;  stockholder  and  Director  of  the  bank  since  January.  1876. 

CHARLES  H.  WILLIAMS,  freight  engineer  on  'the  C.  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  11. ;  was  born 
in  \'ermont  Jan.  14,  184;!.  His  parents  came  West  in  1855,  and  settled  in  Beaver  Dam.  Wis. ;  his 
railroad  life  began  in  18(iO.  as  fireman  on  the  old  La  Crosse  &  .Milwaukee  \\.  \\.:  he  enlisted  in 
August.  lSt>2.  in  the  24th  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  mustered  out  on  the  22d  of  June.  18(15,  having  served 
nearly  three  years.  His  regiment  was  in  the  Army  of  the  Cuml>erland  during  the  entire  war,  and 
he  was  in  eleven  regular  liattles.  besides  skirmishes  and  raids  unnumliercd.  Some  of  the  engage- 
ments are  familiar  in  hist<n\y — Resaca.  Kenesaw  Mountain.  Atlanta.  Jonesboro.  Franklin  and  Nash- 
ville :  he  had  several  ■•  close  calls."  l)ut  came  f>ut  without  a  scratch.  He  enlisted  from  .Milwaukee, 
and  at  the  close  of  the  rebellion,  he  returned  to  his  old  position  and  -fired"  until  1867,  when  he  took 
charge  of  an  engine,  aiid  has  run  as  engineer  to  date.  He  boards  at  the  Fox  House  ;  belongs  to  the 
Temple  of  Honor.     •■  Cliarley  is  well  liked." 

RE%\  MATTHIAS  WITTEXW  VLER  was  born  in  Switzerland  Aug.  9. 1840  ;  came 
to  America  in  June,  185;!,  locating  in  the  town  of  Washington.  Green  Co.,  Wis.;  resided  there  until 
1862  ;  then  entered  the  holj-  ministry  ;  was  ordained  in  1864  ;  his  first  charge  was  the  church  at 
Lomira.  Dodge  Co.;  remained  there  for  tive  months  and  was  then  stationed  at  Waupaca  Mission, 
embracing  five  counties  ;  while  in  charge  there,  he  traveled  every  day  and  had  to  preach  about 
every  other  day  ;  remained  until  lS6;i  ;  the  conference  then  sent  him  to  Fox  Kiver  Circuit  ;  was  one 
year  t'onnectecl  with  that ;  in  1S64.  was  sent  back  to  Waupaca  Mission,  where  he  remained  two  years  ; 
in  ISli)!.  was  sent  to  Two  Rivers  Mission,  and  was  located  there  two  years  ;  in  18<)8.  came  to  Win- 
nebago Circuit,  was  also  two  years  in  that  place  ;  then  sent  to  Dunn  Co.  Circuit  and  was  there  three 
years;  then,  in  187;!.  to  Buffalo  Co.  Circuit  :  was  Pastor  there  for  two  years  ;  then,  in  1875.  appointed 
Presiding  Klder  for  four  years,  and  now  has  charge  of  Portage  Church,  and  has  a  numlier  of  other 
appointments  ;  has  made  this  city  his  residence  since  1875.  Mr.  W.  was  married  in  Portage  Oct, 
17.  18(15.  to  Auirusta  M.  3Iellea  ;  she  was  liorn  in  I'russia  ;  they  have  eight  children — A.  R.,  Lydia 
W..  .Martha  M ..  Hulda  S..  Kddie  K..  Julia  E.,  Fredrick  F.,  and   Henry  H.' 

EI>\VARD  L.  WILCOX,  I'oreman  of  the  round-house!  ('..  M.  &  St.  R.  R..  at  Portage, 
Wis.;  born  Nov.  6.  1820.  in  New  Hartford,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.;  is  a  son  of  Samuel  W..  who  built  the 
arsenals  for  the  Government  at  Batavia.  N.  Y.;  the  mother,  Abagail  (White)  Wilcox,  still  lives  in 
Whitestown.  Oneida  Co..  N.  Y..  which  was  named  after  her  grandfather,  who  was  the  founder  of  the 
town  ;  she  is  aged  01.  in  1880.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  learned  the  trade  of  machinist  at  Willow 
Vale,  N.  Y.,  of  the  firm  of  Rogers  &  Spencer;  al)out  1850,  he  began  work  for  N.  Y.  C.  R.  R..  at 


CITY    OF    PORTA(iE.  935 

Scheneetad>',  where  he  remained  three  years ;  then  was  at  I^a  Porte,  Ind..  for  tlie  JI.  S.  R.  R.;  after- 
ward at  (Chicago,  with  the  C.  &  R.  I.,  and  tlien  at  BIoominsTton,  in  employ  of  C,  A.  &.  St.  L.  R.  R.; 
was  for  some  time  in  eharge  of  the  round-house,  at  North  Milwaulvee  ;  was  afterward  foreman  of  the 
round-house  at  Davenport.  Towa,  on  tlie  ]M.  &  M.  R.  R. ;  he  ran  an  engine  nine  years  between  Jlil- 
wauliee  and  La  Crosse ;  and  he  lias  been  in  continuous  eharge  of  the  round-house  at  Portage  for 
the  past  ten  years  ;  there  maj-  be  several  other  railroads  with  whieh  he  was  at  some  time  connected, 
as  he  could  at  any  time  procure  work  on  any  railroad  ;  in  various  capacities  lie  has  served  the  C, 
JI.  &  St.  P.  Co.  twenty-five  years.  He  was  married  in  1S(>:-!  to  Miss  Mary  McCauley,  a  native  of 
Milwaukee  ;  they  have  had  five  children,  four  of  whom  died  in  childhood  ;  have  one  son — William 
Henry,  born  Nov.  21,  1870  ;  his  residence  is  on  Emmet  street ;  is  a  member  of  A.  0.  U.  W.;  he  is 
President  of  the  Wisconsin  Milling  and  Mining  Co..  of  the  Black  Hills.  D.  T. ;  they  own  four  claims 
together  with  a  water-right  and  a  mill-site  ;  when  the  balance  of  their  stock  is  sold,  the  company 
will  enlarge  their  facilities  for  developing  the  mines. 

JOH^  A  WITTER,  photognxpher;  was  born  in  Manchester,  Boone  Co..  111.,  April  20, 
1857  ;  resided  there  until  18  years  of  age,  when  he  moved  to  Janesville.  Wis.,  and  to  Portage  Oct. 
1,  1878.  Mr.  W.  learned  the  photographic  art  at  Janesville,  and  began  liusiness  Oct.  28,  1878.  He 
is  a  Good  Templar  and  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

ADDIS  L.  WITTER  was  born  in  "the  town  of  Manchester.  Boone  Co..  111..  Sept.  19, 
1859  ;  removed  thence  to  Clinton  Junction,  Wis.,  in  1876  ;  removed  to  Janesville  for  a  few  months 
in  1878.  and  to  Portage  Oct.  1.  1878.  where  he  has  since  resided  ;  and  is  associated  with  his  brother, 
John  A.,  in  the  photographing  business. 

N.  H.  WOOD.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Ashfield,  Mass.,  Feb.  21,  1820  ; 
his  father.  Nathan  Wood,  was  born  in  Phillipston,  Mass.;  he  was  an  orphan  at  12  years  of  age,  with 
only  one  bnither.  William,  who  was  afterward  engaged  in  the  South  American  trade,  and  died  in 
London  in  1820,  with  quite  a  fortune  ;  the  father  emigrated  to  Ashfield  in  180O,  and  married  Lucy 
Ranney,  daughter  of  Francis  Ranney,  fifth  descendant  of  Thomas  Ranney,  who  settled  in  Middleton, 
Conn.,  in  1669.  From  1838  to  1844,  when  he  married  Harriet  J.  Luke,  of  Hamilton,  N.  Y..  and 
opened  a  store  in  Little  Falls,  N.  Y.,  Mr.  Wood  was  a  wholesale  peddler,  supplying  the  stores  with 
small  wares  ;  his  route  was  from  Troy,  N.  Y.,  via  Syracuse,  to  Watertown,  generally  journeying 
through  the  Mohawk  Valley  westward,  and  returning  through  Cortland,  Madison,  and  the  counties 
along  the  Cherry  Valley  turnpike  ;  in  1848,  Mr.  Wood  visited  Wisconsin,  and,  with  a  bundle  of  land 
warrants,  located  lands  about  Portage  City,  then  Ft.  Winnebago  ;  in  the  spring  of  1849,  he  shipped 
a  considerable  stock  of  goods  to  Chicago,  as  a  venture;  he  arrived  there  about  June  1,  with  the 
cholera  raging  and  the  population  very  quiet  ;  most  of  his  merchandise  arrived  in  a  single  vessel,  a 
perfect  avalanche  of  goods,  which  obstructed  the  sidewalk,  resulting  in  a  fine  imposed  by  a  petty 
magistrate,  complaint  having  lieen  made  by  a  jealous  competitor  in  trade  ;  the  fine  was  placarded 
on  the  door,  and  brought  him  both  sympathy  and  notoriety  ;  having  only  two  younger  brothers  with 
him,  and  disliking  to  employ  those  who  would  offer  their  services  most  readily,  he  adopted,  from 
necessity,  the  novel  plan  of  handing  out  goods  to  the  customer  who  would  first  reach  up  his  monej' ; 
the  plan  took  like  wildfire,  and  in  this  manner  he  disposed  of  his  whole  stock  of  general  dry  goods, 
fancy  goods,  and  many  articles  in  the  gi'ocery  line,  which  included  100  chests  of  tea  and  300  boxes 
of  raisins  ;  the  nest  arrival  brought  an  immense  stock  of  Ijooks.  stationery  and  engravings,  bought 
at  the  New  York  trade  sales,  obliging  him  to  close  his  store  for  three  days  to  examine  ;  the  opening 
hour  of  10  o'clock,  which  had  been  placarded,  lirought  a  throng  of  people  which  filled  lioth  sidewalk 
and  street  for  a  block  ;  the  openings  of  the  counters  were  barricaded  and  the  merchandise  placed 
beyond  reach  ;  on  opening  the  doors,  the  rush  of  the  crgwd  was  like  a  stampede  of  Texan  steers  ; 
jumping  upon  the  counters,  they  commenced  handing  books  to  the  first  man  who  got  the  money  up  ; 
lawyers  and  business  men  came  in  by  scores  ;  book  after  book  accumulated  in  their  arms,  until, 
loaded,  they  would  journey  home,  to  return  again  ;  a  clearance  of  the  room  for  dinner  was  facili- 
tated by  the  sale  of  thirty  medium-sized  mirrors,  which  reflected  the  suggestion  of  the  propriety  of 
improving  the  appearance  by  journeying  home  for  ablutions  and  dinner  :  the  afternoon  so  far 
exceeded  the  morning,  that  we  lost  all  knowledge  of  time,  forgot  our  supper,  sold  thicker  and  faster, 
until  we  observed  the  room  was  thinning  :  they  were  easily  dismissed — it  was  past  11  o'clock  ;  they 
had  sold  that  day.  stationery  in  small  parcels  and  liooks  in  single  volumes,  mostly,  $1,461,  a 
feat  which  retailers  of  books  and  stationery — the  slowest  of  all  merchandise — will  appreciate  ;  the 
stock  was  soon  exhausted,  and  Mr.  Wood  must  replenish  at  the  seaboard  ;  no  one  could  keep  up  the 
system  he  had  introduced,  nor  did  he  ever  attempt  it  himself  again.     He  sent  to  Little  Falls  for 


936  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

George  S.  and  Chauiu-ey  T.  Bowen,  aged  1(3  and  18  years  :  they  suc-ceeded  him  in  1858.  and.  as  the 
firm  of  Bowen  Brothers,  were  for  many  years  one  of  the  learling  wliolesale  firms  of  Chicago,  and 
known  throughout  the  United  States  ;  Chauneey  T.  Bowen  was  afterward  one  of  the  City  Fathers  of 
Chicago  ;  (ieorge  S.  Bowen  is  the  cek'brated  railroail  President  and  dairyman  of  Klgin.  111.,  and  is 
interested  in  its  extensive  watch  manufai-tory  ;  their  wisdom  and  ability  liave  increased  with  years, 
but  they  were  •  beautiful  in  tlieir  youth  :"  so  thought  Mr.  Wood  when  C.  T.  Bowen.  at  l*i.  took  his 
books  in  charge  :  in  a  week  lie  knew  the  cost  and  price  of  every  article  in  the  store  ;  in  three  weeks 
hi'  knew  the  amount  of  credit  each  customer  was  entitled  to.  and  in  a  month  he  was  authority  on  the 
amount  of  credit  every  Jew  in  the  clothing  trade  of  Chicago  might  have,  and  the  management  of 
collections ;  and  so  wisely  and  well  did  he  do  all  these  things,  that  he  maintained  his  position  ;  Mr. 
Wood  never  had  the  least  idea  of  failing  in  business  ;  his  bark  was  always  near  shore  ;  he  would 
never  owe.  or  sutler  others  to  owe  him.  more  than  he  was  worth  ;  with  his  caution,  he  woukl  never 
enter  the  lists  of  a  large  and  hazardous  wholesale  trade.  The  miasma  of  Chicago  in  those  days  was 
disagreeable  to  him.  and  he  determined  upon  the  economical  life  of  a  tax-payer  upon  unpmd  active 
property  in  Wisconsin  :  perhaps  thirty  years  of  this  experience  has  tried  his  ever-hopeful  nature. 
i)ut  the  future  of  Portage  City  is  assured,  and  his  last  (lays  may  Ijrighten. 

J.  D.  WOMKR  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pen'n.,  .March  8,  1848;  resided  there  until  ll! 
years  of  age  ;  lived  then  in  Pittsliurgh  until  enlisting  in  February,  18G3,  in  Co.  B,  lOdth  Peun.  V.  I.,  in 
which  he  scr\'ed  from  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  to  Jjee  s  surrender  ;  was  mustered  out  at  Har- 
risburg,  Penn..  in  August.  18(!5.  On  leaving  the  army,  Mr.  W.  went  to  New  York  City,  where  he 
remained  until  1872  ;  moved  from  there  to  .Springfield,  111.;  two  years  later,  he  went  to  (Irand  Rapids. 
Wis.,  and  in  December,  187(!,  removed  to  Portage,  which  has  since  been  his  home.  Mr.  W.  was  mar- 
ried at  .Jamestown.  N.  Y..  March  1(!,  1869,  to  Sarah  A.  Wood,  liorn  near  Westtield,  Chautauqua  Co.. 
N.  Y.      He  is  a  mi'uiber  of  the  Orand  Army  of  the  Republic,  ami  Captain  of  the  Guppey  Guards. 

E.  3.  S.  WRICJHT  was  born  at  No.  2  Phipnix  Court.  Newgate  street.  London,  England. 
July  2t).  1848  ;  came  with  his  parents.  Edward  and  Tamar  (Kay)  Wright,  to  Wisconsin  in  .Jan- 
uary, 1855,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Moundville,  Jlanjuette  Co.;  resided  there  one  year: 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Portage  in  1850.  Mr.  Wright,  Sr,,  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness in  Portage  for  se\-eral  years  previous  to  his  death.  Sept.  2t),  1875,  Mrs.  W.  died  April  8.  1877. 
E.  J.  S.  Wright  has  been  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  dry-goods  business  since  ISlil  ;  was  four  years 
with  A.  D.  torbes.  and  for  the  last  fifteen  years  with  the  present  firm  of  Parry  &  Muir,  and  its  pre- 
decessors, Mr.  W.  was  married  at  Portage,  in  St.  John's  Episcopal  Church,  liy  Rev.  Walter  F.  Lloyd. 
Dec.  17,  18(J8,  to  Jennie  M.  Tayl  )r,  a  native  of  Tillicoultry,  Clackminningshire,  Scotland,  born  Sept. 
lit,  1847  ;  they  have  two  chihlren — Nellie  JIargaret.  born  Dec.  5  1809,  and  CoUette.  born  July  13, 
1879.  Ixjth  born  on  Cook  street  in  city  of  Portage.  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wright  are  lioth  members  of  the 
Episcopal  Church,  of  which  Mr.  W.  is  'S'estryman,  and  has  been  Treasurer  for  ten  years  (with  an 
intermission  of  ten  months).  He  has  been  Secretary  of  the  Columliia  County  Bible  Society  for  the 
last  two  }-ears  ;  he  is  a  member  of  Ft.  Winneliago  Lodge,  A.,  F.  &  A,  M,,  No,  33;  Ft.  Winnebago 
Chapter,  No,  14  ;  Ft,  Winnebago  Commandci-y  of  Knights  Templar,  No.  4.  and  is  Seci'etary  of  Ft. 
WinneViago  Lodge  at  the  present  time  ;  he  has  hejd  the  office  of  Senior  Wanlen  of  the  same  lodge, 
and  is  one  of  the  Stewards  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Wisconsin.  Mr.  M'rigiit's  fatlier  was  born  in 
London,  England.  Aug.  4.  1814  ;  his  mother  was  liorn  at  St.  Noets.  Huutingtonshire,  England.  July 
5,  1824  ;  her  father,  Thomas  Kay,  was  born  at  Barnard  Castle,  Durham,  England  ;  her  mother,  Ann 
Shrives,  was  l)orn  in  St.  Noets.  England. 

FRAIWK  YANKO,  grocer  ;  was  born  in  Bohemia  .March  14.  1844  ;  came  to  Chicago  in  1854  ; 
one  year  later  removed  to  Portage,  where  he  resided  until  18()5.  when  he  removed  to  New  Lisbon  and 
engaged  in  clerking  ;  in  Septemljcr.  1877.  Mr.  Y'anko  returned  to  Portage,  and  engaged  in  the  grocery 
and  li(iuor  business.  He  was  married  in  Portage.  May  10.  1870.  to  Amelia  Hanule,  born  in  Bohemia; 
they  have  four  eiiildren  living — Edith.  Anna.  Louis  and  Clara,  and  have  lost  two — Willie  and  Emma. 
Mr.  Y.  is  a  member  of  the  German  Catholic  Church:  was  elected  Alderman  of  the  First  Ward  in 
April.  1880.  His  lather.  Frank  Yanko.  died  at  Kilbourn  June  27.  185S.  ami  his  mother  is  now  a 
resident  of  Portage. 

GEORIirE  VULE  was  born  in  Northumli.n-land  County.  England..  .May  3.  1837  ;  he 
came  to  .Vmerica  in  the  spring  of  1853,  with  his  parents,  (reorge  an<l  Elizalmlh  Yule,  who  settled 
at  West  Point,  in  this  county,  on  Sec.  18,  where  hi'  lived  until  1877.  when  he  was  elected  Register 
of  DjjlIs,  and  was  rd-ehcted  in  1879  ;  In  had  hiea  Chiinn m  of  thj  Town  Boird  and  Assessor 
prior  to  his  election  to  the  present  otflce.     He  married  Isaballa  Summers,  at  West  Point,  Dec,  25, 


.^' 


^  ^  J^.-^^^ 


FOUNTAIN     PRAIRIE 


,«; 


TOWX   OF    SPRINGYALE.  939 

IStil  ;  she  was  burn  in  NorthumhLTland  Co.,  Ena;.:  they  have  seven  children — Alliort.  Willie.  Anne 
J.,  Fred.,  Addison  ¥j..  rreorjre,  Jr..  and  an  infant  son. 

REV.  JOHN  IGNATIUS  ZAWISTOWSKI  was  born  in  lUissian  I'oland.  Aug. 
11,  1S22;  he  was  educated  at  the  University  at  Warsaw  ;  he  finished  his  theological  education  in 
Paris,  France,  remaining  there  from  1841  to  1845  ;  his  first  ordination  for  minor  orders  was  at  the 
Polish  capital,  in  1840  ;  he  frequented  the  University  at  Paris,  and  repeated,  also,  his  studies  to  a 
private  instructor  there  ;  he  left  Paris  July  27,  1845;  and  went  to  Bavaria  ;  was  ordained  priest 
Dec.  19,  184G  ;  was  in  the  convent  at  Wur/Juirg.  In  1847,  he  was  called  to  the  convent  at  llattz- 
burn,  Bavaria  ;  he  went  to  Rome  in  1851,  and  was  sent  to  the  East  Indies  as  an  apostolic  mission- 
iiry,  ijy  the  Propaganda  ;  he  arrived  at  Boml)ay,  E.  I.,  April  4,  1851  ;  he  remained  tiiere  until  June 
13,  1855,  when  he  returned  to  Bavaria,  and  remained  thereuntil  1857,  he  theli  came  to  BuHalo, 
N.  Y.,  and  remained  there  until  JMaj-.  18(;(i,  then  removed  to  Long  Island,  N.  Y.;  he  came  to  Wis- 
t'onsin  Sept.  21,  18(39  ;  he  lived  in  various  places  in  this  State  before  locating  at  Portage,  which 
he  did  July  12,  1879. 


TOWN    OF    SPRINCVALE. 

ABSALOM  BROWN  (deceasedj,  died  at  his  residence  in  Springvale,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
March  23,  1880,  77  years  old.  He  was  born  in  Cecil  Co.,  Md.,  Nov.  5,  1803,  being  the  third  son  of 
Josiah  and  Margaret  Brown  ;  sis  years  after  this,  his  father  and  family  crossed  the  Susquehanna  River  into 
Harford  Co.,  Md.,  where  he  bought  a  large  tract  of  land  lying  between  Bellair  and  Abingdon,  on  the 
Baltimore  road  ;  his  father  sickened  and  died  in  a  few  days  after  he  went  there,  leav.ing  his  mother  and 
.six  children  in  a  part  of  the  country  poisoned  with  slavery  ;  care  and  hard  work  soon  wore  on  his  mother, 
and  seven  years  after  his  father's  death,  his  mother  died  ;  Absalom  was  then  put  to  the  hatter's  trade, 
and,  being  misused,  he  left  there  and  went  to  Brown  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  had  relatives,  where  he  married, 
at  21  years  of  age,  Miss  Abby,  daughter  of  Tobias  Woods,  of  Allen  Co.,  Ohio  ;  she  was  born  Aug.  27, 
1810,  in  Brown  Co.,  Ohio,  and  died  June  6,  1874.  They  had  five  daughters  and  one  son,  as  follows: 
Mary  Ann  (married  Mr.  Leatherman),  on  Sec.  31  ;  Josiah,  born  Oct.  7,  1828,  and  died  in  California 
thirteen  years  ago  (married  there  and  lost  his  wife  and  had  no  children) ;  Maria  M.,  born  July  5,  1832 
(married  Seth  Allen,  of  Wyocena)  ;  Adaline  M.,  born  Aug.  28,  1837  (widow,  wiih  one  son,  Howard 
titokes),  and  now  on  the  farm;  Martha  Jane,  born  Oct.  4,  1840  (now  Mrs.  Wm.  Stokes);  Elvira  (un- 
married), on  farm  with  her  sister,  who  is  also  sister-indaw.  Mr.  Brown  bought  a  farm  in  Brown  Co., 
Ohio,  and  lived  there  a  few  years;  being  an  adventurous  spirit,  he  sold  his  farm  and  moved  to  Alien  Co., 
Ohio,  in  a  very  early  day,  where  he  helped  lay  out  a  town,  built  the  first  house  on  it,  and  called  its  name 
Lima — it  is  the  city  of  Lima,  Ohio,  now  ;  then,  thinking  he  would  like  to  see  more  of  the  Far  West, 
he  and  his  family,  in  the  year  1847,  came  by  land  with  team  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  again  bought  a  new 
farm.  His  son  went  to  California  and  died  there.  Mr.  Brown  was  a  good  husband,  a  beloved  father  and 
a  kind  neighbor ;  always  benevolent,  he  was  ever  ready  to  help  the  poor ;  always  cheerful  and  happy,  he 
had  a  good  word  for  everybody,  and  he  died  a  sincere  Christian.  His  family  reside  on  the  farm,  on  Sec. 
30  ;  P.  0.  Rio. 

ROBERT  CLOSS,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  Feb.  4,  1803,  at  Llanberis, 
Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  Robert  and  Ellen  (Hughsj  Closs.  (Robert  Gloss,  Sr.,  was  born 
Nov.  12,  1766,  and  Ellen  Hughs  was  born  in  1769.)  He  came  to  America  in  1845,  and  was  married 
Feb.  10,  1832,  at  Llanbeblig  Church,  near  Carnarvonshire,  by  Rev.  Wm.  Bailey  Williams,  to  Eleanor 
Evans,  who  was  born  March  10,  1810,  daughter  of  Evan  and  Eleanor  (Evans)  Evans.  Eleanor  Evans 
was  born  near  Dinorwig,  and  died  March  20,  1861,  on  Sec.  11;  she  had  twelve  children — Ellen,  born 
Jan.  15,  1833  (and  was  married  Feb.  10,  1860,  by  Rev.  Griffith  Jones,  to  Wm.  J.  Rowland,  who  died 
in  May,  1864,  leaving  three  children,  namely,  John  C.  Rowland,  born  in  1860,  Nellie  Rowland,  born  in 
1861,  and  Mary  Rowland,  born  in  1863  and  died  in  1864;  she  was  then  married,  May  1,  1870,  by  Rev. 
Rees  Evans,  to  Robert  Thomas,  by  whom  she  had  one  son,  Llewellyn;  see  biography  of  Robert  Thomas;  ; 
the  second  daughter,  Elizabeth,  was  born  Jan.  18,  1835,  and  is  home  (unmarried) ;  Robert  R.,  born  July 
28,  1836;  John,  born  Sept.  13,  1838  (married  Jane  Roberts  Jan.  6,  1871),  and  hving  on  Sec.  11; 
Humphrey,  born  July  20,  1840  (married  Ellen  Hughs  Nov.  27,  1867),  and  living  at  Blue  Springs, 
Neb.;  Evan,  born  Nov.  5,  1842,  and  died  at  thirteen  weeks  of  age  ;  Jane,  born  Oct.  9,  1845,  and  died 
the  same  year;  Ann  and  Evan,  twins,  born  April  17,  1847,  Evan  died  m  1853,  and  Ann  is  now  at  home 

.1.1 


940  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHED: 

(unmarried);  Jomina  Amelia,  born  Sept.  16,  1849  (unmarried)  ;  Thomas,  born  Dec.  16,  1851,  and  died 
at  nine  months  of  a;.;c  ;  Thomas  Baldwin,  born  Sept.  ;i,  1854,  and  is  at  home  (unmarried).  The  Closs 
estate  is  very  productive  and  well  manan;ed,  with  one  of  the  finest  residences  irt  the  town.  Mr. 
Closs  was  a  whole-souled,  generous  gentleman  ;  had  held,  at  differenf.  times,  all  the  offices  in  town,  and 
some  of  the  time,  two  or  three  at  once ;  was  a  Magistrate  before  the  formation  of  the  town  ;  he  had  long 
contemplated  publishing  a  histor}'  of  the  Welsh  settlement,  whic;h  enterprise  w;is  necessarily  abandoned 
by  reason  of  his  death.  The  following  notice,  from  the  Wisconsin  Slate  Ri'ffisler,  dated  Dec.  21,  1872, 
will  be  read  with  interest  by  surviving  friends  :  "  Many  will  regret  to  learn  of  the  very  sudden  death  of 
Robert  Closs,  Esq.,  of  the  town  of  Springvale,  which  took  place  on  Sunday,  8th  instant.  As  he  was 
returning  home  from  the  afternoon  meeting,  ho  was  struck  with  palsy,  which  terminated  his  life  in  less 
than  thirty  minutes  from  the  time  he  first  complained.  Mr.  Closs  and  his  family  emigrated  to  this 
country  in  the  summer  of  1845,  and  settled  in  Springvale  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year.  He  at  once  took 
an  active  part  in  looking  after  the  welfare  of  his  town,  took  the  lead  in  its  organization,  and,  undoubtedly, 
great  credit  should  be  given  him  for  the  strong  Republican  opinion  formed,  especially  among  the  Welsh  ele- 
ment therein.  He  was  elected  to  two,  if  not  three,  offices  at  the  first  town  meeting  held  in  the  town, and  since, 
he  has  filled  every  office  in  the  town  for  more  or  less  time,  with  one  exception.  He  possessed  a  great 
stock  of  what  is  called  ■'  roundabout  common  sense."  Hcmesty  and  integrity  were  his  motives  in  all  his 
dealings.  He  shared  the  sufferings  of  the  pioneer  without  a  murmur,  and  also  greatly  enjoyed  the  many 
funny  incidents  of  the  early  settlement.  A  large  circle  of  friends  and  aciiuaintances  will  greatly  miss  him. 
He  died  in  the  69th  year  of  his  age,  leaving  quite  a  considerable  amount  of  properiy  to  a  family  of  grown- 
up children.     Peace  be  to  his  dust."     Mr.  Closs'  farm  consisted  of  (lOll  acres. 

N.  G.  COULTER,  farmer.  Sec.  31  ;  P.  0.  Rio;  born  Nov.  9,  1830,  in  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
came  to  Wisconsin  March  6,  1862  ;  spent  nine  years  lumbering,  with  home  in  Fond  du  Lac  ;  for  some 
time  dealing  in  real  estate,  and  two  years  in  merchandise  ;  store  on  Second  and  Main  streets ;  came  to  this 
farm  in  September,  1859.  Married,  Dec.  30,  1875,  by  H.  B.  Moulton,  of  Empire.  Fond  du  Lac  Co., 
Vina  N.  Hayes,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Hayes  and  Sarah  (Morrison)  Hayes.  Mrs.  Coulter  was  born  in 
Aroostook  Co..  Me.;  have  two  children — Mary  Helen  and  Mittie  A.  Mr.  Coulter  has  a  fine  farm,  with 
good  buildinus;  40-acrc  grove  nicely  seeded  with  grass  ;  also  a  half-mile  trotting  course ;  farm  in  good 
state  of  cultivation,  and  well  fenced ;  will  sell  for  $10,000  ;  285  acres  in  Sees.  31,  32  and  12,  in  Otsego  ; 
230  acres  cultivated. 

liEHIUEL  HASTINGS  DOYLE,  farmer.  Sec.  35  ;  P.  0.  Doylestown  ;  born  on  Mount 
Washington,  town  of  Bath,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  26,  1832  ;  at  about  6  years  of  age,  went  with  parents 
Allegjiny  Co.,  and,  at  20  years  of  age,  to  the  town  of  Otsego,  this  State  ;  June  23,  1853,  came  to  his 
present  home.  Married,  at  Arkport,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  3,  1856,  Amanda  J.  Hall,  who  was 
born  in  South  Danville,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  13,  1833,  and  died  in  Whiting's  Valley,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept. 
It),  1857.  Married,  Sept.  27,  1858,  Mary  Jane  Edwards,  at  Fountain  Prairie,  by  Rev.  Isaac  Searles ; 
second  wife  was  the  daughter  of  David  and  Mary  H.  (Ailing)  Edwards,  of  New  England  ;  had  two  chil- 
dren by  second  wife — Edward  Joseph  Doyle,  born  at  city  of  Waterloo,  Iowa,  Nov.  16,  1863;  Lemuel 
Hobart  Doyle,  born  at  Doylestown,  Wis.,  June  15,  1868.  Mr.  Doyle  was  the  son  of  Joseph  Doyle,  who 
was  born  in  Bath,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  4,  1805,  and  Hannah  (Seger)  Doyle,  who  was  born  in  Dry- 
den.  Tompkins  Co.,  N,  Y.,  May  7,  1807,  and  daughter  of  German  parents  from  the  valley  of  the  Rhine, 
who  were  married  Jan.  10,  1832,  and  came  to  New  York  in  1837.  Mr.  Doyle's  mother  died  Oct.  5, 
1839,  and  his  father  came  to  Doylestown,  Wis.,  in  January,  1866.  The  grandfather  of  Mr.  Doyle  (Samuel 
Doyle)  was  born  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  in  1757,  and  went  to  Bucks  Co.,  Penn.,  with  his  parents.  He 
enlisted  in  1776  in  the  Pennsylvania  Rangers,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  being  at  Valley  Forge 
during  the  memorable  winter,  and  his  father  was  killed  by  Indians  near  the  present  site  of  Doylestown, 
Penn.  After  the  war,  he  (the  grandfather  of  L.  H.  Doyle)  married  Mary  Arbor,  who  was  born  in  Mon- 
mouth Co.,  N.  J.,  her  parents  having  moved  to  Pennsylvania.  In  1790,  they  went  with  a  colony  from 
Pennsylvania,  and  founded  the  village  of  Bath,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died  in  1817,  his  wiie  hav- 
ing died  in  1836,  aged  84.  The  great-grandtather  of  Mr.  Doyle  came  to  Rhode  Island  with  Roger  Will- 
iams in  1636.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Doyle  (David  Edwards)  was  born  in  Amherst,  Mass.,  Jan.  12,  1820, 
and  her  mother  was  born  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  Oct.  5,  1821.  Mr.  Doyle  was  Supervisor  of  Otsego  in 
1868  and  1869  ;  went  to  Waterloo,  Iowa,  in  November,  1859,  and  returned  in  1865,  and  purchased  235 
acres  on  the  present  site  of  Doylestown  ;  laid  out  the  town  in  August,  1865  ;  was  the  first  Postmaster  in 
town,  and  sent  out  the  first  mail  Aug.  1,  1865;  resigned  Jan.  1,  1880  ;  was  railroad  and  expre.ss  agent 
from  Nov.  1,  1866,  until  1873,  and  resigned  that  also,  naming  successor  in  both  cases  ;  he  also  distributed 
gratuitously  100  lots  to  induce  settlement  ;    he   established   a   nursery  at  Doylestown  in   1866,   and   sold 


TOWN    OF    SPRINOVALE.  941 

in   1878  about  100,000   trees.     Attends  the  Methodist  Church,  and  is  a  Republican.    Owns  280  acres 
in  Sees.  5,  26,  34,  85  ;  90  acres  improved ;  balance  timber  and  pasture. 

MICHAEL  n.  GREFiN,  farmer.  Sec.  4;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  Jan.  2:?,  1827,  in  Saratoga 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  David  H.  and  Ovandah  (Quivey)  Green;  came  here  in  July,  twenty-sis  years  ago. 
Married,  Nov.  25,  1849,  at  Moravia,  N.  Y.,  by  Rev.  Albert  S.  Graves,  Sophia  E..  daughter  of  William 
and  Vovilla  ( Familia)  Wilde,  born  April  5,  1832  ;  have  eight  children — Charles  M.,  born  June  23, 185(J ; 
Sophia  O.  R.,  born  April  12,  1858,  died  May  11,  1859;  Mary  E..  born  Sept.  16,  1860,  died  Oct.  3, 
1862;  Rosetta  A.,  born  Sept.  15,  1862;  George  W.,  born  Dec.  8,  1864;  Everett  A.,  born  Dec.  12,1866; 
Alice  M.,  born  Jan.  5,  1869,  died  Sept.  10,  1869  ;  Willie  L.,  born  March  20,  1870.  He  owns  180  acres, 
70  acres  of  which  is  cultivated. 

GEORGE  HAEL,  farmer.  Sec.  35  ;  P.  0.  Doylestown  ;  born  in  Kent,  England,  March  24, 
1826;  engaged  in  farming  and  hop-growing  until  he  left  London,  Sept.  5,1848;  landed  at  Hamilton, 
Canada,  Nov.  5,  where  he  remained  one  year,  engaging  in  farming  and  milling ;  came  to  the  town  of  Lis- 
bon, Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  and  remained  fourteen  years,  farming  and  hop-raising;  came  to  this  county  in 
March,  1863,  where  he  cultivated  about  300  acres  of  land,  balance  of  land  being  timber  and  pasture; 
making  a  specialty  of  hops  and  barley.  Married  about  April  I,  1848,  Elizabeth  Russell,  of  Maidstown, 
county  seat  of  Kent,  who  died  in  Waukesha  Co.,  March  16,  1859.  Had  four  children — George  Edwin, 
born  in  1850;  James  S.,  born  in  1852  ;  Carrie  E.,  born  in  1854;  Alfred  T.,  born  in  1857  ;  his  son 
George  married  Frances  Cowles,  of  Waukesha,  and  is  now  living  at  that  place  ;  James  S.  married  Florence 
N.  Henry,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  in  1878,  and  is  now  practicing  medicine  at  Jamestown,  Dakota ;  Carrie 
married  (in  June,  1877),  George  Williams,  who  is  farming  on  Sees.  36  and  25;  in  December,  1860,  mar- 
ried Sarah  A  Russell  (cousin  of  first  wife),  in  Lisbon,  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  by  whom  he  has  five  children 
— John  F.,  born  in  1862  ;  Mary  L,  born  in  1864  ;  Laura  A.,  born  in  1866  ;  Charles  William,  born  in 
1868;  Frederick  E.,  born  in  1875;  all  home  except  one  daughter,  who  is  at  boarding-school.  Mr.  Hall 
is  a  liberal  Democrat ;  attends  Protestant  Episcopal  (jhurch.  Was  one  year  on  Town  Board,  and  Treas- 
urer of  the  Farmer's  Mutual  Insurance  Company,  of  Otsego,  Lowville  and  Springvale,  since  its  organiza- 
tion ;  his  father,  Thomas  Hall,  was  Register  and  Relieving  OfiBcer  in  Kent,  England,  about  sixteen  years, 
and  died  in  1851,  at  about  60  years  of  age;  he  was  born  in  Westmoreland  Co.,  and  removed  to  Kent  at 
26  years  of  age.  Owns  80  acres  on  Sec.  2,  in  Otsego,  and  80  acres  on  Sec.  23,  in  Wyocena,  also  20  acres 
on  Sec.  27,  in  Courtland. 

JO^iEPH  WALTER  HEAl^Y^  (deceased),  born  in  Leicestershire,  England,  March  26, 
1813;  came  to  America  in  1845;  settled  at  Markesad,  where  he  built  the  first  mill  in  that  place  about 
thirty-two  years  ago.  Married  at  Hudson,  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  Feb.  4,  1851,  by  Elder  Chenev',  to  Miss 
Sarah  Downs,  daughter  of  Josiah  and  Amelia  (La  Gotte)  Downs;  had  eleven  children — Francis  A.,  born 
Aug.  11,  1852,  married  and  living  at  Medford,  Clark  Co.,  Wis.,  and  has  one  child;  Richard  B.,  boru  Jan. 
2,  1855;  Walter,  born  Oct.  10,  1857  ;  Charles  B.,  born  March  12,  1859,  and  died  Jan  15, 1863  ;  Oscar 
E.,  born  May  26,  1861;  Charles,  born  Feb.  12,  1864;  John,  born  Oct.  29,  1865;  Edwin,  born  July  1, 
1868,  died  Jan.  27,  1879;  Sarah  M.,  born  May  10,  1870,  died  Jan.  28.  1871  ;  .  Robert,  born  Nov.  14, 
1876  ;  one  daughter  died  at  birth.  Mr.  Healy  died  Jan.  26,  1879,  of  congestion  of  the  lungs.  Josiah 
Downs  was  in  the  war  of  1812  ;  was  87  years  of  age  last  December,  and  is  living  in  Story  Co.,  Iowa. 
Family  resides  on  See    5  ;   P.  0.  Pardeeville  ;  own  450  acres  of  land  ;   180  acres  cultivated. 

WILLIAM  W.  HUGHE»!>,  farmer.  Sec.  21  :  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  March  21,  1828,  in 
Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales  ;  son  of  William  and  Margaret  (Owens)  Hughes;  came  to  America  in  1846. 
Married  in  New  York  City,  by  Rev.  E.  Roberts,  Nov.  19,  1859,  to  Margaret  Davis,  daughter  of  Ellis  and 
Mary  (Roberts)  Davis.  Mrs.  Hughes  was  born  in  Carnarvonshire  ;  had  nine  children — William,  born 
Aug.  12,  1858,  died  when  12  hours  old ;  Mary  E.  and  Maggie,  twins,  born  Aug.  2,  1859,  Maggie  died  at 
birth,  Mary  E.  died  Jan.  22,  1874;  Ellis  E.,  born  Aug.  20,  1861,  died  at  birth;  Hugh  W.,^b  rn  Dec. 
17,  1862  ;  Ellis  E.,  born  April  9,  1864;  Jane  L.,  born  Oct.  5,  1865  ;  Maggie  Ann,  born  Dec.  18,  1868  ; 
Batchy,  born  Ojt.  6,  1871,  died  same  day.  Mr.  Hughes  was  Town  Treasurer  one  year,  about  1875  ;  his 
father  died  Dec.  14,  1873,  aged  77  ;  his  mother  died  March  2,  1877,  aged  69  years  and  9  months.  Owns 
220  acres  ;   150  acres  cultivated. 

SIMEO]¥  HUNTLEY,  farmer.  Sec.  36;  P.  0.  Doylestown;  born  Dec.  9,  1828,  in  Franklin 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  came  here  in  1848.  Married  at  Portage,  by  J.  J.  (jluppey  (County  Judge),  Jan.  30,  1877, 
to  Ellen  Holverson,  daughter  of  Holven  Holver.-^on  ;  had  two  children — Ljttie  Imogene,  born  Feb.  10, 
1878  ;  Henry  Seyniore,  born  Oct.  10,  1879.     Owns  160  acres  of  land;  115  acres  cultivated. 

JOH^  O.  JONES  (deceased),  born  March  14,  1823;  came  to  this  country  at  7  years  of  age 
from  Angleseyshire,  North  Wales,  with  his  parents,  Owen  ani  Elizabeth  (Morgan)  Jones.     Was  married, 


ft42  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

April  28,  1856,  to  Judith  Jones,  daughter  of  Evan  and  Ella  (Roberts")  Jones.  Had  four  children  ;  all  at 
home  and  unmarried — John  0.,  born  June  26,  1857;  Masrgie  Adelia,  born  Nov.  12,  1858;  Evan  N., 
born  May  :il,  I860  ;  Owen  Franklin,  born  Nov.  24,  1862.  Hon.  John  O.  Jones  died  Nov.  10,  1871, 
after  a  long  and  painful  illness  (which  he  endured  with  remarkable  fortitude),  from  the  effect  of  a  surgical 
operation,  performed  by  Dr.  Cody,  of  Watertown,  rendered  necessary  by  an  enlargement  of  the  cheek-bone. 
Mr.  Jones  was  several  years  Chairman  of  Town  Board,  and  represented  his  district  in  the  Legislature  in 
1859  ;  later  in  life,  declined  all  official  preferment,  choosing  a  retired  life  and  the  comforts  of  his  home 
(which  was  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  requirement  of  a  nature  such  as  he  possessed)  ;  he  was  widely  known 
and  universally  respected  for  his  honesty  of  purpose,  benevolence,  and  upright  manly  course  through  life  ; 
his  was  a  singularly  spotless  reputation,  and  his  heart  a  heart  that  knew  no  guile ;  no  man  in  the  county 
has  been  so  generally  and  so  deeply  lamented  by  his  maay  friends  ;  and  enemies  he  had  none.  His  estate 
contained  480  acres;  280  aere.<  cultivated,  balance  in  timber;  Cambria  is  the  post-office  address  of  family. 

REV.  JOHN  R.  JONES,  farmer.  Sec.  15;  P.  0.  Cambria;  Pastor  of  Welsh  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Jerusalem,  on  See.  15  ;  born  in  Dolwyddelan  Parish,  in  Wales,  April  29,  1811  ;  son  of  Owen 
G.  Jones  and  Ann  (Jones)  Jones,  she  being  a  daughter  of  John  Roberts ;  came  here  in  1847.  Married, 
Feb.  12,  1870,  by  Rev.  Rees  Evans,  to  Maggie  Jones,  daughter  of  John  W.  and  Elizabeth  (Jones)  Jones, 
and  who  died  July  29,  1870.  Commenced  preaching  in  1875  to  a  congregation  of  forty-five;  which  now 
numbers  fifty-five  ;  Side  Supervisor  two  years  ;  Chairman  two  years  ;  charter  member  of  Jerusalem  Lodge 
of  Good  Templars  (organized  Jan.  26,  1875,  with  nineteen  members,  and  now  numbering  thirty-five), 
and  is  also  State  Deputy.     Owns  160  acres. 

JOH\  J.  JOXES,  farmer,  Sec.  2 ;  P.  0.  Cambria ;  born  in  Anglesea,  Wales,  March  20, 
1830;  son  of  John  and  Catharine  (Williams)  Jones;  came  to  this  country  in  1867.  Married,  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Edwards,  Angle.sea,  Feb.  13,  1852,  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Hughs,  born 
May  6,  1826 ;  had  seven  children — John,  born  May  1,  1853,  died  Sept.  8,  1864  ;  William,  born  June  1, 
1857,  died  Nov.  17,  1859;  William  J.,  born  Oct.  9,  1859;  Owen,  born  March  12,  1861,  died  April  11, 
1861 ;  Libbie  E.,  born  Aug.  9,  1865 ;  Edward  C,  born  April  18,  1867  ;  John  J.,  born  April  12,  1871. 
Mr.  Jones'  father  was  killed  in  Anglesea,  about  fourteen  years  ago,  by  accidentally  slipping  against  the 
cylinder  of  a  thrashing-machine,  mangling  both  legs  in  such  a  manner  as  to  produce  almost  instant  death. 
John  Hughs  (joiner),  brother  of  Mrs.  Jones,  aged  31  years,  was  killed  by  the  bursting  of  a  boiler  in  a 
house  which  he  bad  built  and  was  living  in  at  the  time  (Dec.  25,  1871 ),  at  Fairfield,  England. 

RICHARD  JONES,  farmer.  Sec.  16;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales, 
in  September,  1823;  came  to  America  in  April,  1851  ;  settled  in  Welshtown,  Lehigh  Co.,  Penn.  (now 
called  Slatington);  in  December  following,  moved  to  Lobarth,  same  county;  after  one  year,  went  to  town 
of  Lynnport,  same  county  ;  then  to  town  of  Westford,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  followed  farming  four- 
teen years  ;  then  came  to  present  location.  Married  in  February,  1842,  in  Carnarvon,  by  Rev.  William 
Williams,  to  Ann  Husly,  daughter  of  Hugh  and  Jane  (Parry)  Huxly.  Parents  of  Mr.  Jones  were  John 
and  Laura  (  Evans)  Owens.  Had  nine  children — Laura,  born  1844,  died  1847  in  Wales;  Jane,  born 
1847,  married  Daniel  Morris;  John,  born  1849,  married  to  Agnes  Griffin,  of  Randolph  ;  Hugh  H.,  born 
1851,  at  home  unmarried;  Richard,  born  1854,  died  in  1860  in  Pennsylvania;  William  R.,  born  1857, 
is  in  Chicago;  Samuel,  born  1859,  is  in  Chicago;  Laura,  born  1861,  and  Maggie,  born  1864,  both  at 
home,  unmarried.     Owns  165  acres;  5  acres  in  Sec.  21  ;   140  acres  cultivated;  balance  timber. 

JOHN  LEATHER3IAN,  farmer.  Sec.  31  ;  P.  0.  Rio;  born  Aug.  22,  1823,  in  Tuscarawas 
Co.,  Ohio;  son  of  David  L.  and  Sophia  (Steveley)  Leatherman  ;  settled  here  June  12,  1847.  Married, 
Aug.  10,  1845,  in  Allen  Co.,  Ohio,  by  Edward  Hartshorn,  Magistrate,  to  Mary  A.  Brown,  daughter  of 
.Absalom  Brown  (.see  Brown)  ;  no  children.  Mr.  Leatherman  was  Chairman  of  Town  in  1863,  and  is 
now  in  same  office  ;  was  also  Side  Supervisor  five  years ;  has  been  District  Treasurer,  School  Director, 
Constable,  and  a  Magistrate  sis  years;  also  now  President  of  the  "Anti-Secret  Society"  organization  of 
southwest  Springvale,  with  forty  or  fifty  members.     Owns  587  acres  ;  300  acres  cultivated. 

LEWIS  LLOYD,  farmer.  Sec.  1;  P.  O.Cambria;  born  June  12,  1828,  in  Denbighshire, 
North  Wales;  son  of  Lewis  and  Jane  Lloyd;  came  to  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  at  the  age  of  21  ;  lived  there  six 
months,  and  removed  to  present  location  on  Sec.  1,  on  northwest  quarter  of  southeast  quarter,  which  was 
the  first  40  acres  entered  in  the  township.  Married,  Sept.  15,  1854,  to  Catharine  Williams,  by  Rev. 
William  J.  Jones;  had  seven  children,  all  living — William  E.,  born  Aug.  1,  1855;  Jane,  Aug.  15,  1857; 
Kate  J.,  Dec.  2,  1859;  Annie,  June  18,  1863;  LewLs,  Feb.  24,  1866;  John,  Aug.  6,  1868;  Baldwin, 
Jan.  21,  1871  ;  wife  was  born  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales.  Mr.  Lloyd  attends  Calvinistic  Method- 
ist Church  ;  is  Republican  in  politics ;  has  been  Treasurer  of  town  two  years  ;  one  year  Supervisor  ;  also 
member  of  State  Agricultural  Society ;  is  a  practical  farmer,  with  extensive  knowledge  of  agricultural 


.  TOWN    OF    SPRING  VALE.  943 

chemistry ;  a  man  of  acknowledged  ability,  and  widely  known  and  respected  for  his  good  i|ualities,  exem- 
plary life  and  scholarly  attainments.     Owns  190  acres;  has  100  acres  under  cultivation. 

ERVIN  McCAIiL,  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  was  born  Oct.  8,  1815,  in  Hebron,  Washin- 
ton  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  son  of  John  and  Nancy  McCall  ;  his  mother  died  in  1831,  and  in  the  fail  of  1836,  his 
father  removed  to  Indiana  with  his  family  and  settled  in  Li  Porte  Co.,  where  he  died  two  years  after, 
aged  61,  leaving  a  family  of  ten  children.  Ervin  was  married  .May  18.  18HS,  in  Indiana,  to  Harriet 
Griffin,  who  was  born  April  14,  1817,  in  Schoharie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  town  of  Boone  (now  Conesville)  ;  daugh- 
ter of  Seth  Griffin.  In  the  spring  of  1845,  Mr.  McCall  came  to  Wi-consin  to  look  at  the  country,  and 
located  some  land  in  Springvale,  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  now  resides  ;  after  securing  his  land,  he  returned 
to  Indiana  for  his  family,  and  came  on  the  farm  the  next  September.  His  brother  John  D.  came  to  Wis- 
consin with  him,  bought  land  in  company  witli  him,  and  lived  with  him  till  his  death,  Feb.  Ii6,  1851, 
aged  40,  and  unmarried.  Mr.  McCall's  6rst  wife  died  Aug.  11,  1854,  aged  l!7,  leaving  four  children — 
Nancy  A.,  now  Mrs.  Richard  Mason,  of  Almon,  Allegany  Co.,  N  Y.;  Susan  M.,  who  married  Henry 
Ellis,  and  died  Jan.  1,  1873,  leaving  three  children — George,  Effie  and  Ida  ;  Mary  E.,  now  Mrs.  Rich 
ard  Gage,  of  Marinette,  Wis.,  and  Almina,  now  J\lrs.  Samuel  Wilcox,  of  Portage  City  ;  had  lost  four 
— Orpha,  Alice  and  Harriet,  and  one  died  in  infancy,  not  named  ;  was  married  the  second  time  April  2, 
1855,  to  Louisa  Ann  Wells,  who  was  born  April  20,  1820,  in  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  daughter  of  Asi 
Wells,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1850,  and  died  Nov.  2,  1869,  aged  79;  has  four  children  by 
the  second  marriage — Asa  Ervin,  born  Dec.  22,  1856;  John  S.,  Sept.  12,  1860;  Sanford  H.,  April  3. 
1863,  and  Harriet  V.,  Nov.  23,  1865  ;  all  now  living  at  home  with  their  parents.  Has  201  acres  of  laud 
in  Springvale  and  Scott.  In  June,  1865,  his  dwelling  house  (then  standing  on  the  north  side  of  the 
t(]wn-line  road  in  the  town  of  Scott)  was  destroyed  by  fire,  with  about  one-half  of  his  furniture  and  wear- 
ing apparel  ;  immediately  after,  he  rebuilt  on  the  south  side  of  the  road,  in  Springvale,  where  he  now 
resides.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCall  are  both  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  in  which  he  has  held  several 
official  positions,  and  was  Sabbath-school  Superintendent  for  about  three  years ;   Democrat. 

JOHN  MEREDITH,  farmer.  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  (or  Rio) ;  born  May  27,  1817,  in  the 
parish  of  St.  Harmon,  county  of  Radnor,  South  Wales ;  his  parents'  names  were  John  Meredith  and 
Anna  (George)  Jleredith,  both  born  in  the  <iame  parish.  He  was  married,  Sept.  29,  1843,  in  parish  of 
Nantmeal,  county  of  Radnor,  by  James  B.  Evans,  Episcopal  Minister,  to  Elisabeth  Scott,  daughter  of 
Andrew  and  Elisabeth  (Davis)  Scott,  of  the  pari.sh  of  Nantmeal.  He  left  there  April  9,  1845,  and 
arrived  at  Racine,  Wis.,  June  11,  1845  ;  livtd  there  three  years,  engaged  in  faiming ;  came  to  his  present 
location  in  May,  1848.  Have  no  children.  Ho  was  elected  Constable  at  the  first  election  in  the  town,  in 
1847,  and  also  in  1850  ;  was  Supervisor  several  years,  and  Town  Clerk  1856-57-59-61-62-67-68-69  ; 
was  Justice  of  the  Peace  fourteen  or  sixteen  years.  Enrolled  militia  in  1863.  Owns  120  acres  in  Sees. 
21  and  16. 

WILLIAM  MEREDITH,  farmer.  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  March  2,  1827,  in 
Radnor;  brother  of  John  Meredith;  came  with  his  parents  at  16  years  of  age,  and  settled  at  Racine, 
Wis.,  where  he  lived  nine  years,  and  removed  to  this  town.  He  was  married,  March  12,  1851,  by  Elder 
Dye,  in  the  town  of  Raymond,  to  Julia  A.  Blaekman,  daughter  of  Eleazer  and  Lucretia  (Conklin)  Black- 
man  ;  his  wife  was  born  July  2,  1826,  in  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  have  two  children — Mary  Jane,  born  Jan.  15, 
1854,  in  this  town,  and  married  March  31,  1878,  to  Sumner  Jennings,  on  Sec.  29,  by  the  Rev.  Evan 
Meredith,  now  of  the  town  of  Otsego,  brother  of  her  father,  he  being  a  Baptist  minister,  who  preached 
the  first  Welsh  sermon  in  this  State;  Delia  A.  was  born  March  2,  1859,  and  was  married  to  H.  D.  Jen- 
nings, on  Sec.  29,  Oct.  21,  1878,  at  Otsego,  Wis.,  by  her  uncle,  Evan  Meredith.  Owns  160  acres  of 
land,  50  acres  cultivated. 

HIKfH  D.  OWENS,  farmer,  Sec.  23  ;  P.  O.  Cambria  ;  born  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales, 
in  June,  1840  ;  came  to  America  with  his  parents  at  5  years  of  age;  is  a  brother  of  Morris  D.  Owens. 
He  was  married,  March  5,  1879,  by  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Jones,  to  Kate  Howell,  daushter  of  David  G.  and 
Margaret  (Owens)  Howell,  who  were  from  Drefaldwyn,  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales.  Has  540  acres, 
240  acres  cultivated. 

MORRIS  D.  OWENS,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  Cambria;  is  a  son  of  David  Owens  and  Jane 
(Roberts)  Owens;  born  in  April,  1838,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales;  came  to  this  town  with  his 
parents  at  7  years  of  age.  He  was  married,  Feb.  3,  1873,  by  Rev.  John  H.  Jones,  at  Rome,  N.  Y.,  to 
Ellen  J.  Pritchard,  daughter  of  William  and  Jane  (  Hughes)  Pritchard,  who  were  from  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales;  have  had  three  children — David  W.,  born  Dec.  14,  1873,  died  Dec.  27,  1873;  William' 
D.,  born  Jan.  30,  1875  ;  David,  Dec.  3,  1877,  died  March  24,  1879  ;  his  wife  was  born  Jan.  29,  1841, 
at  Carnarvonshire.     Has  260  acres  of  land,  200  acres  under  cultivation. 


944  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

ROBERT  OIVKXS,  fiirmor,  Sec.  28;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  Nov.  (5,  1840,  in  the  parish  of 
Corwen.  Nurih  Wales;  snn  of  Robert  and  Elizabeth  (Huithes)  Owens,  who  lived  near  Slanfer.  Wales. 
Married,  in  Liverpool,  at  St.  David's  Church,  Brownlowhill,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Davidson,  to  Jane  Williams, 
who  was  born  in  February.  1835;  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Loui.sa  Williams,  of  Ffvnonp;noeuw,  Wales: 
was  married  May  21,  ]8U(i,  and  came  here  June  13,  1860;  had  two  children — Edward,  born  May  3. 
1807,  at  Cambria,  and  a  son  born  Julv  31,  ISO'.),  at  Sun  Prairie,  and  died  at  birth. 

HUMPHRY  V  J.  ROWLANDS,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.O.  Cambria;  owns  180  acres  of 
land.  110  beini;  under  cultivatiun. 

JOHIV  R.  ROWLANDS,  farmer,  Sec.  15;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  at  Llanberris,  Carnarvon- 
shire, North  Wales,  Feb.  19,  1827  ;  came  to  this  country  in  the  summer  of  1845,  and  .settled  at  his  pres- 
ent location.  Married,  April  2,  1853,  by  Robl.  ap  Roberts  ( Ma;;istrate  i,  to  Winuefred  Owens,  daughter 
of  David  and  Jane  (Roberts)  Owens,  who  came  to  America  from  Dalyddelen.  North  Wales;  had  three 
children— David  O.,  born  Sept.  3,  1857  ;  Jane  W.,  Oct.  2,  1860  ;  Ellen  W.,  May  25,  1864.  Mr.  Row- 
lands' parents  were  J.  R.  Rowlands  and  Jane  ( Closs)  Rowlands.  Mr.  John  R.  Rowlands  was  elected 
Town  Treasurer  at  the  first  town  meetinj;  held  in  the  town,  in  1849  ;  has  held  the  ofiBce  of  Supervisor 
several  years;  was  elected  Assessor  in  1.S59,  and  held  it  ten  years;  was  Chairman  of  the  Board  eight  or 
nine  years;  represented  his  district  in  the  As.seaibly  in  1875  (then  the  Second  District,  there  being  at  that 
time  three) ;  has  held  the  office  of  Assessor  for  the  past  five  years;  is  a  Republican,  and  attends  the  Cal- 
vinistic  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Rowlands  is  essentially  a  self-made  man,  and  to  him  we  are  indebted  for 
much  that  is  of  importance  in  enniiection  with  the  history  of  this  county;  owns  130  acres  of  land. 

WILLIAM  W.  ROWLANDS,  farmer.  Sec.  14;  P.  O.  Cambria;  born  July  2,  1834,  in 
the  parish  of  Llanberis,  Carnarvonshire.  North  Wales;  came  to  America  with  his  parents  at  about  12 
years  of  age,  in  1846,  and  settled  in  Springvale.  Married,  March  23,  1859,  at  Portage,  by  magistrate, 
to  Jane  Jones,  daughter  of  John  J.  Rowlands  and  Catharine  (Jones)  Rowlands.  Jlr.  Rowlands'  parents 
were  Owen  W.  Rowlands  and  Ellen  (.Jones)  Rowlands,  all  of  Carn.irvonshire.  Had  six  children — Mary, 
born  June  7,  1860,  died  Aug.  17,  1860;  Ellen  J.,  born  June  29,  1861  ;  John  O.,  Oct  3,  1863;  Catha- 
rine, Sept.  24,  1800,  died  July  13,  1807  ;  Maggie  J.,  born  Dec.  14,  1873  ;  Fannie,  Nov.  23.  1878,  died. 
Mr.  Rowlands  was  Supervisor  two  years,  Treasurer  of  the  town  one  year.  Clerk  of  School  District  No.  1 
eight  vears  ;  owns  100  acres  in  Sees.  14  and  15,  130  acres  being  under  cultivation. 

JA9IES  SCOTT,  farmer.  Sec.  6  ;  P.O.  Pardeeville  ;  born  April  11,  1819,  at  Sparta,  Livings- 
ton Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Mathew  and  Anna  (Oilman)  Scott;  came  to  Racine  in  1846  ;  kept  the  Fox  River 
Hotel  at  Waterford  two  years,  then  kept  a  public  house  at  Yorkville  one  and  one-half  years  ;  then 
removed  to  Marcellon,  where  he  kept  a  hotel  for  a  shun  time.  Married.  October,  1847,  by  Ira  A  Rice, 
at  Waterford,  Wis.,  to  Phcbe  Maria  Crippen  ;  they  had  six  children,  of  whom  two  are  living — Ada  Maria 
(now  wife  of  Russell  Falconer,  of  Pardeeville),  and  Fred.  L.  C.  Married  the  second  time,  Oct.  4.  1870, 
by  John  A.  Young,  to  Phebe  C,  daughter  of  Jeremiah  King,  and  widow  of  Morris  VVilliams  (who  kept 
the  "  Jenny  Lind  House,  "  near  Portage,  and  was  a  noted  musician.  Mr.  Scott  has  by  his  second  mar- 
riage one  child — Minnie  May,  born  Dec.  23,  1872.  He  has  420  acres  of  laud,  270  of  which  are  under 
<  ultivation. 

.  SAMUEli  SCOTT,  farmer,  Sec.  31  ;  P.  0.  Rio  ;  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland  May  14, 
1826;  came  to  this  county  thirty  years  ago  (at  the  age  of  28  years).  Married  in  Otsego  by  Mr.  Foster,  a 
magistrate,  Dec.  31,  twenty-eight  years  ago,  to  Clarrissa  C.  Palmer,  daughter  of  David  and  Mehetible 
(Hawley)  Palmer;  they  had  seven  children — Harriet  M.,  born  Nov.  12,  1852,  now  wife  of  Theodore 
].iinfni  r,  of  Noble  Co.,  Minn.;  Jane,  born  Feb.  17,  1854,  wife  of  Monre  Bushnell,  and  living  at  home  ; 
Mehitible  L*.,  born  Jan.  11,  1856,  attendin'j;  school  at  Oshkosh  ;  William,  born  Oct.  31,  1857,  died  Dec. 
15.  1860  ;  David  Brainard,  born  Sept.  5,  1861  ;  Samuel  J.,  born  Feb.  4,  1807  ;  Carl  C,  born  July  30, 
18(!9  ;  he  owns  323  acres  of  land  (200  cultivated)  in  Sees.  31,  and  Sec.  1  in  Lowville  and  30  and  25  in 
Wyocena.  The  father  of  Jh'.  Scott  was  William  Scott,  who  died  at  the  age  of  75  years,  and  the  following 
extract  from  an  obituary  published  at  the  time  of  his  death  shows  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  lield  : 
"  The  eye  that  beamed  in  kindness  is  .sealed  in  darkness,  and  the  voice  we  so  much  loved  to  hear  is  dumb 
forever.  We  have  lost  a  friend,  but  we  know  that  what  is  our  loss  is  his  gain.  The  name  of  friend  is  one 
which  many  usurp,  and  which  few  deserve;  but  he  was  a  '  friend  indeed.'  Who  in  Springvale  and  the 
surrounding  country  does  not  feel  that  in  losing  '  Uncle  Billy '  they  have  lost  a  friend  in  the  truest  sense 
of  the  word  ?  Coming  to  his  late  residence  when  the  country  was  somewhat  new  and  sparsely  settled — 
when  men  seemed  to  think  they  had  broken  loose  from  their  fellows,  and  almost  from  their  God — his 
influence,  advice  and  reproof  were  always  on  the  side  of  Sabbath-keeping  and  right,  thereby  showing  his 
interest  in  the  welfare,  present  and  future,  of  his  neighbors,  and  in  upholding  God's  law.     Uncle  Billy  is 


945 
TOWN    OF    SPRINGVALE. 


to  do  his  duty  to  God  and  to  man,  trusting  only  in  the  men  .  f  '"^  ^\f  ^^.'^  °^  ^,,j  ;„  Hs 
grace,  and  such  are  never  deceived.  The  m.mature  ^^^^f  "'^/ P^^^  fj^^  .^C^ol  can  douht. 
Hfeless  hand  was  a  fit  symbol  of  his  ripeness  for  ^^^^^  '  'Jf  J\',^^'„  ^f  p^^,"^^^^^^  and  for  thirteen 
For  nearly  five  years,  he  had  been  crippled  in  mind  and  ^ody^yi^^^lP^^'^^a  vigor  of  life,  his 
weeks  he  only  waited,  patiently  waited,  never   murmuring.     When  in  the  ^"^^^'^  acquiesced  in  the 

prayer  had  been  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  wear  out,  never  to  rust  out.  J^"\,''«  ^^  Wt  and    Uncle 
Sf  the  Lord  and  so  reverently  said:   '  His  will  be  done     so  "-f  T^^ /-■,  ]^l  ^;;    ,  "^  ^^be 
Billy  ,  may  we   all,  children,  grandchildren,  .gr-t-gvandch.ldre,,   -  JJ°- .^^°™r  ^^°  t,,,  3„  ,ften 
permitted  to  reach  that  '  shining  shore'  and  join  you  around  that    gieat  wnite  tnrone    y 
in  pubhc  and  private  counseled  us^to  do.--  ^^^^  .^  Tuscarawas  Co..  Ohio  Aug. 

30,  ^fd'^^f^.  STS^fi^P^  4o.-     M  rn^  tw^.o  ye- ;;gM^War.  B.w. 

^"' Rii'^F^  THOuis  trmer  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.   Cambria;    son   of  Hugh  and  Jane  (Jones.) 

ROufciK  i    I  HU Jl  A»,  larmer,  oec.  ^^  ,  ^auo-hter  of  Robert  C  oss,  deceased, 

Thomas,  of  North  Wales  ;   wife  born  in  Carnarvonshire,  Jan.  15,  l»f  •  J'^"-'^\"^q°    "r^^^  GHffith  Jones. 

and  Ellen  (Evans )  Closs  ;  came  here  at  13  years  ot  age,  was  man  ed  Feb;  10^«^  ^^^    born  18G0  ;  Ellen 

ED%VAKI»    WILiljlAiWW,    ai        ,       .     p    '  i^i       North  Waes;  came  to  America  in 

Jane  (Owens)  Edwards;  was  born  ^eP^'/^'J^^-^' '",^'""\"T'^''^' '„  Ellen   Evans    widow  of  Robert 

child  by   first  husband,  Margaret  Evans,  now  wife  of  Grithih  O.   Jone=,  at  Augusta, 

"""H^';;^''H'  W^l^iVstrmTr  Sec  ''S  •  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  born  June  5, 1811,  in  North  Wales  ; 

HLKwH  WILL.I  Ai»lJ»,  t'lrmcr,  sec. -o    r.  ^  ,  by  John   Lloyd  (  curate), 

came  to  Rome,  N.  Y.,  1837   and  to  this  '^T"' ^849       Mar  ed  ^"n-  l^-  l^-_j     J  ^^^.^  9_ 

1846:  died   in  hospital  in  Arkansas    in    18b4  ;   Ellen,   born   June    0     ^^'^'Oc    1^1868;  George  W., 
iZ  demoliZd  by  artilfery.     He  has  160  acres  of  land,  65  of  which  are  cultivated. 


94G  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 


TOWN   OF   MARCELLON. 

HIRAM  ALBEE  (deceased)  was  born  Feb.  15,  1812,  in  Windham  Co.,  Vt.;  his  parents 
removed  to  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y  ,  in  1828  ;  he  worked  at  farming  during  the  summers,  and  taught 
school  winters  for  several  years  in  that  vicinity.  May  27,  1838.  he  married  Jliss  Mary  Jane  Barrett,  of 
Fulton  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Sylvester  and  Ann  (Cummins)  Barrett;  she  was  born  April  30,  1817; 
he  remained  in  New  York  till  184(5;  and  then  came  West  and  lived  one  year  at  Fort  Atkinson,  Jefferson 
Co.,  Wisconsin,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1847,  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Marcellon, 
where  he  lived  most  of  the  tiuife  till  his  death,  May  S.  1878  ;  he  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  the  town, 
which  he  helped  to  organize,  and  was  the  first  Town  Superintendent,  which  office  he  held  for  three  years  ; 
he  was  also  Deputy  Provost  Marshal  during  the  war,  and  was  Justice  of  the  I^eaco  for  over  twelve  years ; 
was  also  De])Uty  Sheriff  one  term  ;  he  took  an  active  part  in  educational  matters,  and  taught  the  district 
school  twenty  terms  in  Wisconsin.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Close  Communion  Baptist  Church,  and  in 
poliiics  a  Republican.  He  left  eight  children — William  C,  of  Marcellon  ;  Emily  A.,  wife  of  Henry  Ross, 
of  Barron  Co.,  Wis.;  Euretta,  wife  of  Marion  McDonald,  of  Furnas  Co.,  Neb.;  George  W.,  of  Benton 
Co.,  Iowa;  Marietta,  wife  of  Charles  Dean,  of  Barron  Co.,  Wis.;  Deuane  J.,  of  La  Crosse,  Wis.;  Guidetta, 
wife  of  Irvin  Herreman,  of  Marcellon,  and  Fayette,  who  was  married,  March  26,  1878,  to  Ella  Campbell, 
who  was  born  Fob.  8,  1857,  in  Marcellon  ;  have  one  child,  Lorena  M.,  born  Jan.  25,  187U;  he  lives  on 
the  homestead  (160  acres);  I*.  0.  Marcellon.  Mrs.  Mary  Jane  Albec  is  also  living  on  the  .homestead. 
George  W.  enlisted  in  the  2cl  W.  V.  C,  Co.  E,  and  was  in  the  8<^rvice  over  two  years. 

WILI^IAM  C.  ALBEE,  farmer.  Sec.  4  ;  P.  O.  Bellefountain  ;  born  Aug.  1,  1840,  in  Ful- 
ton Co.,  N.  Y.,  son  of  Hiram  Albee,  who  came  to  Wisoon.<in  in  1847  ;  lived  one  year  in  Jefferson  Co., 
and  came  to  Marcellon  in  the  fall  of  1848  ;  was  the  first  Town  Superintendent  of  Marcellon  ;  was  Chair- 
man six  years,  and  was  Deputy  Provost  Marshal  during  the  war  ;  taught  school  twenty-five  terms  or  more ; 
he  died  May  8,  1878,  aged  66.  William  C.  was  married,  Feb.  11,  1866,  to  Clarissa  S.  Dean,  who  was 
born  Aug.  26,  1842,  daughter  of  Hiram  Dean,  who  died  in  1865.  Mr.  Albae  enlisted  in  the  fall  of  1861, 
in  the  2d  W.  V.  C,  Co.  E,  and  was  in  the  service  four  years  and  three  months  ;  was  with  his  regiment 
most  of  the  time,  except  three  and  one-half  months  he  was  a  prisoner  in  Alabama;  was  captured  near 
Yazoo  City  ;  was  with  Custer  in  Texas  and  Louisiana.  Has  three  children — Hiram.  Alice  and  Eliza; 
has  80  acres  of  land.  He  is  a  Republican  in  politics.  Mrs.  Albee  is  a  member  of  the  Free-Will  Baptist 
Church. 

GEOR<i}E  W.  ALLEN,  farmer.  Sec.  10;  P.  0.  Bellefountain ; -born  July  4,  1862,  in 
Otego,  Ot.sego  Co..  N.  Y.  His  parents  removed  to  Erie  Co.,  Penn  ,  when  he  was  only  18  months  old.  He 
was  first  married  in  Gene-see  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  2,  1842,  to  Jane  Van  Dusen,  who  died  in  December.  1855. 
in  Wiscon.<in,  aged  34,  leaving  three  children — Emily  (now  .Mrs.  Emmet,  west  of  Marcellon),  Lawrence 
G.,  who  died  Oct.  10,  1874,  in  his  28th  year;  and  Susan  J.  (now  Mrs.  George  Mahaffcy,  of  Fillmore 
Co.,  Minn.),  Feb.  3,  1856.  He  was  married  to  Paulina  Smith,  who  died  Feb.  6,  1862,  leaving  one 
daughter — Prudy  ( now  living  at  home).  Was  married  the  third  time,  Aug.  27,  1862,  to  Permelia  H 
Cook,  who  was  born  April  9,  1843,  in  Trumbull  Co.,  Ohio;  have  five  children  by  the  third  marriage — 
Arihur,  Addie,  Clother,  Esther  and  Edmund  ;  have  lost  two — Nettie,  died  at  10  months  old,  April  6, 
1864;  and  Lester,  died  March  19,  1873,  aged  2  months;  also  lost  two  children  of  the  second  wife — 
Mary,  died  June  12,  1857,  2  days  old  ;  and  Luman,  died  Jan.  27,  18(>2,  aged  14  months.  Mr.  Allen 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1851,  and  came  on  his  present  farm  on  the  1st  day  of  May, 
in  a  fearful  snowstorm  ;  he  learned  the  shoemaker's  trade  before  he  was  21,  and  followed  that  business 
till  he  came  West;  has  worked  at  it  some  in  Wisconsin;  has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor  three  years,  and 
in  politics  is  a  Reformer.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Allen,  and  his  daughter,  Prudy,  are  members  of  the  Seventh-day 
Adventist  Church  ;  they  believe  (as  the  name  indicates)  that  the  seventh  day  of  the  week  should  be  kept 
;i8  the  Sabbath;  also  in  the  personal  coming  of  Christ,  and  the  total  annihilation  of  the  wicked.  Has  140 
acres  of  land. 

WILLIAM  BARRY,  carpenter  and  farmer.  Sec.  6  ;  P.  0.  Portage  City  ;  born  May  15,  1821, 
in  Paisley,  Scotland  ;  son  of  John  and  Jane  Barry;  came  to  America  in  1841,  and  lived  in  the  city  of 
New  York  fourteen  years  ;  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  in  New  York,  and  followed  it  while  living  there. 
Was  married  in  New  York  in  the  fall  of  1846,  to  Isabella  Smith,  who  was  born  July  9,  1830,  in  McDuff, 
Banffshire,  Scotland ;  daughter  of  William  Smith,  who  came  to  America  in  1839,  and  settled  in  New 


TOWN    OF    MARCELLOX.  947 

York;  came  to  Wisconsio  when  60  years  of  age,  and  died  Sept.  1,  1879,  aged  87  years;  her  mother, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Margaret  Mcintosh,  died  March  27,  186G,  aged  73.  Mr.  Barry  went  to  Wash- 
ington in  the  spring  of  18i7,and  worked  on  the  Smithsonian  Institution  three  years,  then  returned  to  New 
York,  and  in  June,  1855,  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Buffalo,  Marquette  Co.  ;  lived 
there  five  years,  then  went  to  Portage  City  and  worked  at  his  trade  there  till  the  spring  of  1864,  then 
bought  his  present  farm  and  has  since  resided  on  it;  has  three  children — Angus  (lives  in  Plattsmouth, 
Neb.,  married  to  Mary  Heley,  of  Marcellon),  John  and  Henry  (both  at  home).  Mr.  Barry  is  Supervisor, 
now  on  his  second  term,  and  has  been  Clerk  of  the  School  District  throe  years,  and  is  a  Republican  ;  was 
in  the  Quartermaster's  Department  ten  months,  at  Helena,  Ark. ;  in  Gen.  Buford's  command  during  the 
last  of  the  war.  While  in  Portage  he  worked  for  Alexander  Carnagie,  and  was  employed  on  the  court 
house  and  jail,  high-school  building  and  Fox  House.  Has  140  acres  of  land.  Mrs.  Barry  is  a  member 
of  the  Baptist  Church. 

ISAAC  BEACH,  farmer.  Sec.  36  ;  P.  0.  Marcellon  ;  bora  April  9,  1835,  in  Saratoga  Co., 
N.  Y.;  son  of  Nathan  and  Sarah  Beach,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  184(5;  lived  one  year  in  Walworth 
Co.;  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1847  ;  settled  in  Marcellon,  and  started  the  first  black- 
smith-shop in  the  town.  Mr.  Beach  >vas  married  Ma-ch  18,  1856,  to  Clarissa  Lipe,  who  was  born  Feb. 
22,  1835,  in  the  Soate  of  xVew  York  ;  daughter  of  Abram  Lipe,  a  native  of  New  York  State ;  her  mother 
was  a  native  of  Vermont;  maiden  name,  Clarissa  Richmond;  they  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1854,  and  settled 
in  Marcellon  ;  he  died  July  20,  1871.  aged  64  years,  and  Mrs.  Lipe  died  Aug.  21,  1867,  aged  53  ;  in  the 
fall  of  1872,  Mr.  Beach  went  to  California,  and  spent  about  six  months  visiting  friends  and  looking  over 
the  country  ;  his  fiither,  three  brothers  and  one  sister,  are  living  in  that  State,  and  one  bror.her,  Frank,  is 
railroading  in  Oregon  ;  his  brother,  Cormi,  lives  in  Oakland  ;  Tyler  and  his  father  at  San  Jose,  and  Geo. 
D.,  in  San  Francisco;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beach  have  had  two  children,  and  lost  both  of  them — Maria  was  born 
April  22,  1859,  ia  Marcellon,  and  died  in  January,  1868;  Roland  was  born  Oct.  31,  18i;6,  and  died  in 
January,  1872.  Mr.  Beach  is  a  Republican,  and  has  held  the  oSice  of  Supervisor  one  term;  has  360 
acres  of  land. 

JOHX  CAMPBELL,  firmer,  Sec.  1  and  2;  P.  0.  Portage;  born  Jan.  29,  1848,  in  Dane 
Co.,  Wis.;  .son  of  John  Campbell,  who  died  when  John  was  only  about  1  year  old ;  his  mother  afterward 
married  John  Bryan,  of  Portage  City,  and  went  to  Iowa;  lived  there  seven  years;  then  came  back  to 
Cross  Plains,  Dan-i  Co.,  Wis.,  and  for  the  last  eleven  or  twelve  years  has  lived  in  Portage.  John  was 
married,  Aug.  5,  1875,  to  Jane  Smith,  who  was  born  March  16,  1850,  in  New  York  City;  she  was  a 
daughter  of  Daniel  Smith,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  family  in  1855,  and  was  killed  in  January, 
1864,  in  Chicago,  by  a  boiler  explosion  ;  her  mother  is  still  living  in  the  town  of  ButTalo,  Marquette  Co. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Campbell  have  two  children — John,  born  Dec.  20,  1876,  and  Nina  Belle,  born  Nov.  4, 
1877.      Has  80  acres  of  land  ;    is  a  Republican. 

LEWIS  H.  CASS,  fiirmer.  Sec.  17  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain  ;  born  April  2,  1836,  in  Belknap 
Co.,  N.  H.;  son  of  Moses  F.  Cass,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  family  in  1850,  and  lived  one  year  in 
Walworth  Co.,  and  in  the  spring  of  1851,  cime  to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled  on  the  farm  now  owned  by 
his  jon  ;  he  died  Dec.  7,  1861,  agad  57;  Mrs.  Cass,  whose  maiden  name  was  Nancy  A.  Smith,  died  Sept. 
1,  1879,  lacking  only  17  days  of  being  70  years  old.  Mr.  Cass  was  married,  Deo.  26,  1865,  to  Ellen 
Haynes,  who  was  born  Nov.  7,  1840,  in  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  town  of  East  Troy,  daughter  of  William 
and  Caroline  B.  Haynes,  natives  of  New  Hampshire,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1838,  now  living  in  Par- 
deeville,  Wis.;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cass  have  only  one  child,  Nancy  Kvalene,  born  Aug.  22,  1870.  He  enlisted 
March  3,  1865,  in  the  52d  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  discharged  May  20,  for  disability.  Is  a  Republican,  and 
has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor  ;   has  160  acres  land. 

O.  D.  COLMAIV,  M.  !>.,  Sec.  13;  P.  0.  Pardeeville;  was  born  Aug.  1,  1821,  in  Otsego  Co., 
N.  Y.,  town  of  Springfield  ;  son  of  Franklin  Colman,  who  was  a  farmer  ;  spent  his  early  life  on  his  father's 
farm  ;  read  medicine  with  Dr.  Menzo  White,  of  Cherry  Valley,  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.;  his  fiuher.  Dr.  Joseph 
White,  w;is  an  eminent  physician  and  surgeon,  and  had  a  reputation  second  to  none  in  the  State;  he  was 
the  father  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  of  Western  New  York,  located  in  Herkimer 
Co.,  and  had  a  more  extensive  personal  acquaintance  than  any  other  medical  man  in  the  State.  Dr.  Col- 
man came  West  in  1848,  and  located  in  the  village  of  Marcellon  April  1,  1849;  he  received  his  diploma 
in  1850,  at  Rush  Medical  College  of  Chicago;  he  remained  in  Marcellon  till  1857,  then  wont  to  Pardee- 
ville, whore  he  practiced  about  twenty  years,  then  located  on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Marcellon  in  1877, 
where  ho  continues  to  practice  his  profession,  his  farm  being  carried  on  by  his  son.  He  was  married, 
April  23,  1851,  in  Marcellon,  to  Miss  Kate  Sheffield,  who  was  born  Oct.  3,  1831,  in  Warren  Co.,  N.  Y., 
daughter  of  Simon  Sheffield ;  they  lost  their  first  child,  Florence,  who  was  born  July  25,  1854,  and  died 


948  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

in  October.  1856;  have  one  sin  living,  Charles  D.,  born  July  13.  lS5li,  and  married  Aug.  12,  1877,  to 
Miss  Eva  Cook,  now  livin2  on  the  homestead,  which  consists  of  4:50  acres  of  land,  with  first-class  farm 
buildings;  the  Doctor  caui;  into  this  ounty  when  there  was  plenty  of  hard  work,  long  rides  and  poor 
pay,  his  nearest  neighbors  in  the  medical  profession  being  at  Portage  City,  Kingston  and  Fox  Lake.  He 
is  a  Democrat,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Town  Superintend int  of  Schools,  and  Chairmin  of  the  town, 
and  wasa  member  of  Assembly  in  the  Legislature  of  1853. 

eUFUS  COMSTOCK,  farmer,  See.  16;  P.  0.  Bellofountain  ;  born  May  2,  1818,  in  Ontario 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  town  of  Gorham;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  September,  1845,  and  lived  in  Rock  Co.  till  the  next 
March,  then  went  to  Marquette  Co.  and  from  there  to  Fond  du  Lac,  Oshkosh,  Appleton  and  Green  Bay,  then 
returned  to  New  York,  and  was  married,  Feb.  10,  1848,  to  Irene  Blodgett,  who  was  born  Feb.  27,  1823, 
in  Gorham,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Blodgett ;  in  the  fall  of  1848,  again  came  to  Wisconsin  and 
lived  in  Brookfield,  Waukesha  Co.,  two  years,  then  went  to  Gre^n  Lake  Co.,  and  lived  near  Little  Green 
Lake  one  year,  then  sold  out  and  removed  to  his  present  location  ;  has  six  children — Charles,  Edwin, 
Rosa,  Adeiia,  Mary  and  Alice  ;  Charles  is  at  Warren's  Mills,  Wis.,  and  Edwin  in  Miner  Co.,  Dakota.  Mr. 
Comstock  is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  Town  Clerk  two  years,  and  Assessor  and  Treasurer  one  year,  and 
has  110;  acres  of  land.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Comstock  and  all  the  children  are  members  of  the  Free- Will 
Baptist  Church,  except  Charles,  and  he  is  a  Methodist. 

WALTER  W.  COMSTOCK,  farmer.  Sec.  9 ;  P.  O.  Bellefountain ;  was  born  June  17. 
1822,  in  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  town  of  Gorham;  son  of  Jonathan  Comstock;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
fall  of  1849,  and  stayed  through  the  winter  near  Milwaukee,  and  in  May,  1850,  located  land  in  the  town 
of  Marcellon,  where  he  remained  till  the  next  September  ;  then  returned  to  the  State  of  New  York,  and 
stayed  there  till  the  spring  of  1852;  then  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and  has  resided  on  the  same  farm  ever 
since.  He  was  married,  Sept.  28,  1858,  in  Marcellon,  to  Susan  H.  Dean,  who  was  born  Oct.  5,  1839, 
in  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Harvey  Dean.  (See  his  biography.)  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Comstock  have 
seven  children — Truman  0.,  Clara  E.,  Ettie  L.,  Wallie,  Phebe  S.,  Frank  C.  and  Edith  May.  Mr.  Comstock 
is  a  Republican,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor  several  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Comstock  and  the  three 
,  oldest  chilnren  belong  to  the  Free-Will  Baptist  Church.  He  enlisted  in  February,  1865,  in  the  49th  W.V. 
I.,  Co.  I,  and  was  discharged  on  account  of  sickness,  the  1st  of  the  next  August;  was  stationed  at  Rolla, 
Mo.,  all  the  time  he  was  in  the  army.     He  has  200  acres  of  land  in  his  farm. 

9IAKTIN  A.COOK,  farmer,  Sec.  27  ;  P.  O.  Pardeeville ;  was  born  in  Rodman,  Jefferson 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  14,  1822  ;  spent  his  time  on  a  farm  till  he  was  21  years  old,  then  followed  a  sailor's  life 
on  the  lakes  about  ten  years.  He  was  married,  March  19,  1848,  in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Emeline  C. 
Griffin,  who  was  born  Oct.  12,  1828,  in  Columbus,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Dr.  John  W. 
Griffin.  After  marriage,  Mr.  Cook  concluded  to  settle  down  to  a  more  quiet  life,  and  in  November,  1848, 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  Burnett,  Dodge  Co.  ;  lived  there  three  years,  then  returned  to  New 
York,  and  lived  six  years  in  Rushford,  Allegany  Co.  In  the  spring  of  1858,  he  again  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin, lived  one  year  in  Metomen,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  and  one  year  in  Buffalo,  Marquette  Co.  He  then  came 
to  Columbia  (lo.;  lived  twii  years  in  the  town  of  Seott,  then  came  to  Marcellon,  where  he  has  since  resided  ; 
bought  his  present  farm  in  1802.  He  enlisted  in  September,  1804,  in  the  1st  Wis.  Heavy  Artillery, .Co. 
F,  and  was  discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war.  Have  had  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  still  living — 
Ada,  is  now  the  wife  of  (jeorge  Clark,  of  Rockford,  Floyd  Co.,  Iowa;  Anson  Wirt  and  DcForrest  Grant, 
are  living  at  home.  Georgiana  Gertrude  died  in  Burnett,  Dodge  Co.,  Sept.  29,  1851,  aged  2  years  5 
months  and  14  days;  Adelbert  Eugene  died  in  Marcellon,  Aug.  25,  1859,  aged  7  years  3  months  and  2 
days.     Mr.  Cook  is  a  Republican,  and  owns  80  acres  of  land. 

JOHBi  DAILV,  farmer.  Sec.  33;  P.  0.  Pardeeville;  is  a  native  of  County  We.-tmeath,  Ireland, 
and  came  to  America  in  1847,  when  about  17  or  18  years  old.  He  settled  in  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  was  married  in  Auirust,  1855,  to  Ann  Fagan.  The  next  fall,  he  came  to  Wisconsin;  lived  in  Wau- 
kesha Co.  till  spring,  then  went  to  Illinois  and  stayed  till  fall,  then  his  wife  returned  to  New  Y'^ork,  and  he 
went  to  New  Orleans,  where  he  stayed  through  the  winter,  and  went  back  to  New  York  the  next  July.  In 
the  spring  of  18G4,  he  enlisted  in  the  5th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  and  was  mustered  out  at  the  close  of 
the  war.  He  was  in  Virginia  most  of  the  time,  and  participated  in  six  or  seven  battles.  After  the  war 
closed,  he  returned  to  New  York,  and  in  October,  18G5,  again  came  to  Wisconsin,  this  time  to  stay,  and 
the  same  winter  bought  his  present  location,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Mrs.  Daily  died  Oct.  10,  1876, 
aged  about  45,  after  an  illness  of  a  year  and  a  half,  leaving  four  children — Thomas,  Mary  Ann,  Jane  (now 
Mrs.  William  Robert  Shaw,  of  Scott),  and  Julia.  Mr.  Daily  is  a  Democrat  and  a  member  of  the  Catholic 
Church.      He  has  200  acres  of  land. 


TOWN    or    MAT^f'ELLON.  949 

HARVEY  DEAN  (decoased  ),  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York,  May  21,  1814;  son  of 
Samuel  Dean;  was  married,  Sept.  23,  1836.  to  Eliza  A.  Wilkins,  who  was  born  Feb.  27,  1819,  in  the 
town  of  Sussex,  England,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Susan  (Hobden)  Wilkins,  who  came  to  America  in  the 
fall  of  182!4  and  settled  in  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.;  lived  there  three  or  four  years,  then  sold  out  and  went  to 
Victor  (same  county),  and  lived  there  till  May,  1862,  then  came  to  Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Wilkins  died  in 
New  York  State  Feb.  9,  1862,  in  her  73d  year,  and  Mr.  Wilkins  died  April  3,  1878,  in  Wisconsin,  in 
hi.s  82d  year.  Mr.  Dean  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1850,  lived  in  Racine  till  the  next  fall,  then 
came  to  (Columbia  Co.  and  located  on  See.  14,  and  afterward  bought  more  land  on  See.  15  and  resided  on 
the  same  farm  till  his  death,  Jan.  14,  1865,  of  pneumonia,  after  an  illness  of  nine  divs,  leaving  five  chil- 
dren— Susan  H.  (now  Mrs.  W.  Comstock),  of  Marcellon  ;  Clarissa  L.  (now  Mrs.  William  Albee),  of  the 
same  town;  Caroline  S,  born  Dec.  3,  1843,  in  Monroe  Co..  N.  Y.  (now  Mrs.  Nelson  Thwing,  of  Wa 
seca  Co.,  Minn. ) ;  Charles,  born  Sept.  25,  1847,  in  Greece,  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  lives  in  Barron  Co.,  Wis., 
and  Martin  H.,  born  March  20,  1863,  in  Marcellon,  Wis.,  now  living  on  the  homestead  with  his  mother  ; 
P.  0.  Bellefountain.  Have  140  acres  of  land.  Mr.  Dean  worked  at  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade  in 
New  York,  and  most  of  the  time  after  coming  to  Wisconsin.  The  sons  are  all  farmers.  Mrs.  Dean  and 
youngest  son  are  members  of  the  Free-Will  Baptist  Church. 

JOHX  M.  FRENCH,  farmer.  Sec.  7  ;  P.  O.  Portage  City;  was  born  May  4,  1791,  in  Essex 
Co.,  Vt.;  son  of  Hains  French,  who  was  a  Revolutionary  soldier,  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Quebec,  when 
Gen.  Montgomery  was  killed;  was  the  first  Clerk  of  the  Court  in  Essex  Co.,  Vt.;  he  was  a  member  of  the  first 
Council,  and  remained  in  both  offices  till  1S13;  the  county  was  organized  in  180(1  ;  in  1812,  he  helped 
raise  a  volunteer  regiment  in  Vermont;  took  a  major's  commission,  and  died  in  November,  1813,  at  Chau- 
tauqua Corners,  State  of  New  York.  John  M.  enlisted  in  July,  1812,  in  a  New  Hamp.shire  volunteer  regi- 
ment and  served  one  year;  then  enlisted  in  the  4th  Regulars  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war  ;  Was  in 
seven  or  eight  engasiements  ;  once  got  shot  throusrh  the  \es  below  the  knee  and  had  two  ribs  broken  ;  his 
oldest  brother.  Homer,  enlisted  in  a  Maine  volunteer  regiment,  served  one  year  and  then  re-enlisted  in  the 
4th  Rifle  Regiment,  in  the  regular  army,  and  was  killed  Nov.  17,  in  the  battle  of  Fort  Erie;  his  youngest 
brother  enlisted  in.  a  Vermont  volunteer  regiment,  served  one  year,  then  re-enlisted  and  served  through  the 
war.  He  is  now  living  in  Canada  East,  aged  85  years.  After  the  war,  Mr.  French  returned  to 
his  native  place  and  was  married,  Dec.  25,  1815,  to  Tirzah  Day;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
spring  of  1844  :  lived  in  Dodge  Co.  two  and  a  half  years,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1846,  built  the 
first  saw-mill  in  the  county,  on  French's  Creek,  in  the  town  of  Fort  Winnebago.  He  removed  to  his 
present  location  in  1868  ;  his  first  wife  died  April  1,  1863,  in  the  67th  year  of  her  age;  she  was  the 
mother  of  eighteen  children,  only  six  of  whom  were  living  at  her  death  ;  had  lost  nine  before  coming  to 
Wiseon.sin,  and  three  died  in  Wisconsin  before  her  death  and  one  since  ;  those  who  are  still  living  and 
those  who  died  in  Wisconsin  are  as  follows  :  Ovid,  born  Nov.  3,  1816  ;  John  M.,  Jan.  3,  1818,  and  died 
Jan.  16.  1868;  Tirzah,  born  Feb.  19, 1820,  died  Sept.  27, 1856  ;  Haines,  born  April  21,  1822,  died  April 
21,  1842;  Olive,  born  June  9,  1824,  died  Nov.  3,  1854;  Ann,  born  Sept.  21,  1827;  Homer,  born  June 
9,  1829  ;  Volney  V.,  Aug.  22,  1832,  and  William  W.,  Jan.  8,  1824.  Homer  was  in  the  Mexican  war, 
through  the  whole  of  it,  and  also  served  in  the  32d  W.  V.  I.,  through  the  war  of  the  rebellion  ;  William 
W.  was  in  the  2d  W.  V.  C.,  and  served  three  years  during  the  rebellion  ;  a  grandson,  William,  son  of 
John  French,  also  served  during  the  war,  in  the  2d  W.  V.  C.  Mr.  French  was  married  the  second  time, 
Sept.  13,  1863,  to  Malvina  Barrows,  who  was  born  Oct.  25,  1824,  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  was  edu- 
cated at  the  Wesleyan  Female  College,  of  Cincinnati,  and  graduated  June  29,  1849  ;  has  one  daughter  by 
the  second  marriage — Lillie,  born  Sept.  9,  1867.  Mr.  French  has  had  nineteen  children;  now  has  forty 
grandchildren  and  fifty  great-grandchildren  living.  Although  nearly  89  years  old,  he  retains  all  his  mental 
faculties,  and  gives  names  and  dates  readily  from  memory  ;  he  still  plays  the  violin  and  seems  to  enjoy  it 
as  well  as  ever,  and  can  dance  as  well  as  most  of  the  boys.  He  was  an  old-time  Jeflferson  Democrat  and 
still  acts  with  the  Democratic  party.  Has  52  acres  of  land,  which  he  rents,  as  his  failing  eyesight  prevents 
active  labor. 

FRANK  FULiLER,  farmer.  Sec.  10  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain  ;  was  born  Nov.  26, 1827,  in  Erie 
Co.,  N.  Y.  Was  married  in  Allegany  Co.,  Dec.  31,  1850,  to  Esther  Ann  Aldrich  ;  came  West  in  1852 
and  settled  on  the  farm  he  now  owns,  and  has  resided  on  it  ever  since  ;  has  eight  children  living — Albert, 
William,  Homer,  Andrew,  Edwin,  Arthur,  Millie  and  Mina  Ann;  Albert  and  Homer  live  in  Lake  Co., 
Dakota  ;  William  in  the  town  of  Marcellon.  and  all  the  rest  at  home  ;  have  lost  three — Ernest,  died  May 
29,  1877,  aged  16  ;  Theodore,  died  in  August,  1861,  aged  l-l  years,  and  one,  an  infant,  died  in  1862.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Fuller  are  members  of  the  Free- Will  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a  Republican  in  politics,  and  has 
200  acres  of  land. 


950  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

WIIililAlfl  GOODMASr,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  0.  Portage  City;  born  Sept.  17,  1819,  in 
Somersetshire,  England,  son  of  William  Goodman.  Was  married,  March  24,  1840,  in  Ware,  England,  to 
Eliza  Carter,  who  was  born  in  1816,  in  Ware,  England,  daughter  of  Thomas  Carter;  Mr.  Goodwin  was  a 
farmer  in  England  ;  came  to  America  in  1849,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Marcellon  in  July  of  that  year. 
Has  four  children  living — Jane(lives  in  Portage),  William  (lives  in  Mower  Co.,  Minn.),  Henry  and  Mary, 
at  home  ;  has  lost  two — Robert  enlisted  in  1864  in  the  3d  W.  V.  C.,  Co.  K,  and  died  about  two  months 
after  his  enlistment  from  an  accidental  discharge  of  his  own  carbine,  while  passing  through  some  timber 
in  charge  of  a  lot  of  horses  ;  the  hammer  of  the  gun  was  caught  by  some  bushes  and  the  gun  discharged  ; 
he  died  two  weeks  after  the  accident,  aged  24  ;  Ellen  died,  aged  28,  Nov.  25.  The  family  attended  the  M. 
E.  Church,  but  are  not  members;  he  is  a  Democrat.  Has  370  acres  of  land,  and  at  the  present  writing 
there  is  a  P.)rtage  company  minins;  for  silver  on  his  farm  on  Sec.  7. 

DEXTBR  S.  HEATH,  farmer.  Sec.  25;  P.  0.  Marcellon;  born  Sept.  30,  1831,  in  Cale- 
donia Co.,  Vt.,  son  of  John  Heath,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1851,  and  settled  in  Marcellon  on  the  farm 
now  owned  by  his  son,  and  died  there  Dec.  31  1876,  aged  85  ;  Mr.  Heath  has  lived  on  the  same  farm  ever 
since  he  was  20  years  old.  He  was  married,  Sept.  18,  1864,  to  Mrs.  Mariette,  widow  of  Asa  Langdon,  and 
daughter  of  Hugh  Barker;  she  was  born  June  29,  1837,  in  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.;  her  father  came  to  Wis- 
consin when  she  was  7  years  old,  and  died  in  Packwaukee,  Marquette  Co.,  in  October,  1857,  aged  64; 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Heath  have  three  children— Allen,  born  Sept.  10,  1866  ;  Julius,  Jan.  29,  1869,  and  George, 
born  July  17,  1873.     Mr.    Heath  has  255  acres  of  land,  and  a  first-class  farm  building. 

H.  T.  HE»rTO\,  farmer.  Sec.  9  and  10  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain  ;  was  born  Feb.  24,  1823,  in 
Ripley,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.  His  parents  removed  to  Erie  Co.,  Penn.,  when  he  was  11  years  old,  and 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1850;  his  father,  Thomas  Henton,  died  in  I860,  and  his  mother  died  in  1832. 
He  sailed  on  the  lakes  from  1838  to  1850;  commenced,  at  the  age  of  15,  on  the  old  steamer  Thomas 
Jeft'er.son,  running  between  BufFaio  and  Chicago.  Sept.  14,  1846,  he  was  married,  near  Cresco,  Fond  du 
Lac  Co.,  Wis.,  to  Evaline,  daughter  of  Capt.  Fiancis  Dorchester,  a  native  of  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and 
one  of  the  first  settlers  in  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  having  located  there  in  1844.  After  his  marriage,  Mr. 
Henton  returned  to  Erie,  Penn.,  and  lived  there  one  year;  then  came  to  Milwaukee,  where  he  resided 
five  years.  In  October,  1852,  he  removed  to  Fall  River,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis  ,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  busine.ss  three  years;  then  he  went  to  Ripon,  Wis.,  and  July  13,  1855,  bought  an  interest  in 
the  Ripon  and  Gothic  Mills,  and  removed  his  family  to  that  place  in  October  of  the  same  year;  was  in 
the  milling  and  produce  business  in  Ripon  until  April  1,  1873  ;  then  went  to  Winneconne  and  bought  the 
•'  Lake  View  House,"  and  an  interest  in  the  Winneconne  flouring-mills ;  remained  there  till  March,  1878 ; 
then  removed  to  his  present  location.  Mrs.  Henton  died,  Oct.  19,  1879,  of  hemorrhage  of  the  brain,  with- 
out a  moment's  warning,  leaving  one  son — Henry  Prcemont,  born  Feb.  8,  1850;  had  lost  three  sons — 
Francis  D.,  died  Aug.  19,  1869,  aged  16  years;  Harvey  Howard,  died  in  September,  1869,  aged  13 
motilhs,  and  one  died  in  infancy  unnamed.  Mr.  Henton  is  a  Republican,  and  was  one  of  the  delegates  to 
the  convention  that  organized  the  Republican  party  in  the  summer  of  1854,  and  was  one  of  the  committee 
to  appoint  permanent  officers  for  the  organization;  has  been  a  stanch  Republican  ever  since,  and  is  "de- 
termined to  fight  it  out  on  that  line;"  was  nominated  and  elected  Mayor  of  the  city  of  Ripon  in  the 
spring  of  1865,  while  away  from  home,  and,  on  returning,  his  first  official  act  was  issuing  a  proclamation 
calling  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Ripon  to  take  action  on  the  death  of  Abraham  Lincoln.  He  held  the 
offices  of  Chairman,  Supervisor,  Superintendent  of  the  Poor,  and  several  other  offices  in  Ripon,  and  repre- 
sented the  village  of  Winneconne  in  the  County  Board.  He  has  240  acres  of  land  in  his  home  f\irm,  and 
a  farm  of  146  acres  in  Clark  Co.,  Wis. 

I> WIGHT  B.  HEKKE9IA1V,  farmer.  Sec.  11;  P.  0.  Bellefountain;  was  born  Aug.  12, 
1835,  in  Euclid,  Cuyahoga  Co.,  Ohio  ;  son  of  William  Herreman,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  May,  1849, 
and  settled  in  the  town  of  Farmington,  Jefferson  Co.,  and  lived  there  two  years  ;  then  came  to  Columbia 
Co.,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Marcellon,  where  he  has  since  resided  ;  was  Postmaster  in  Marcellon 
eighteen  years,  and  resigned  in  October,  1879.  Dwight  B.  lived  at  home  until  he  was  20  years  old  ; 
then  went  to  Rice  Co.,  Minn.,  and  lived  there  one  summer,  returning  to  Marcellon  in  the  fall.  He  was 
married,  Nov.  11,  1857,  to  Polly  Aldrich,  who  was  born  June  29,  1839,  in  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter 
of  Gideon  P.  Aldrich,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  184!,  and  now  lives  in  Wyocena,  Columbia  Co.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Herreman  have  four  children — Warren,  Cara,  Prudy  and  Wallace,  all  at  home.  He  has  held 
the  offices  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Supervisor ;  he  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade  of  his  father,  when 
a  boy,  and  now  has  a  shop  on  his  farm  and  carries  on  that  business  in  addition  to  his  farming.  He 
enlisted  March  13.  1865,  in  the  49th  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  L,  and  was  discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war;  spent 
most  of  his  time  in  Missouri  hunting  "bushwhackers."     He  has  lost  two  children — Esther  Ann,  born  March 


TOWN    OF    MARCELLON.  951 

29,  1863,  and  died  Dec.  16,  1863;  Alvin  Eugene,  born  Feb.  11,  1872,  and  died  April  1,  1874.  He 
has  120  acres  of  land,  and  is  a  Republican. 

WILLIAM  HERREMAN,  merchant,  Marcellon  ;  he  was  born  March  21,  1803,  in  Liv- 
ingston Co.,  N.  Y.;  his  parents  removed  to  Meadville,  Pcnn.,  when  he  was  16  years  old,  and  he  started 
out  at  that  age  to  do  battle  with  the  world  on  his  own  account ;  spent  about  five  years  on  the  St.  Lawrence 
River  and  in  Canada ;  then  went  to  Meadville  and  stayed  three  years  ;  then  went  to  Ohio  and  lived  in 
Gi'auga  Co.  till  1849,  and  in  May  of  that  year,  came  to  Wisconsin  ;  lived  two  years  in  Jeflferson  Co.,  and 
in  the  spring  of  1851,  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled  in  the  village  of  Marcellon,  where  he  has  since 
resided  ;  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade  in  Ohio  when  27  years  old,  and  worked  at  that  business  till  1870, 
since  which  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  farming  and  selling  goods  ;  had  the  post  office  in  Marcellon  from 
1864  to  1879,  and  then  resigned  the  office.  Was  married,  June  12,  1828,  in  Geauga  Co.,  Ohio,  to  Caro- 
line Parsons,  who  was  born  June  27,  1811,  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  daughter  of  Warhem  Parsons;  have  nine 
children  living — "William  L.,  O.scar  H.,  Celia  M.,  Dwight  B  ,  Orlando  A.,  Cassius  M.,  Irvin  T.,  James  F. 
and  Alice  L.;  have  lost  three — t  hloe  M.,  Mvron  S.  and  Alonzo  A.;  had  five  sons  in  the  army  during  the 
rebellion.  Alonzo  A.  was  in  the  2d  W.  V.  C.  about  two  years,  and  died  July  25,  1865,  from  the  effects 
of  a  wound  received  at  Vicksburg,  while  in  a  scouting  party;  Dwight  B.  and  Oscar  H.  were  in  the  49th 
W.  V.  C,  Co.  I.;  the  last  nine  months  of  the  war,  Myron  S.  was  in  a  New  York  regiment;  Orlando  A.,  in  Gov- 
ernment service  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  Cassius  in  the  permanent  corps,  in  Madison  ;  also  had  a  son-in- 
law,  T.  M.  Lockwood,  in  same  corps  as  Cassius;  Alonzo  was  a  prisoner  about  two  mouths,  being  taken 
April  21,  1S64.  Mr.  Herreman  is  a  Republican  and  held  the  office  of  Town  Treasurer  five  years;  reads 
without  glasses  at  the  age  of  77.;  has  a  farm  of  120  acres  adjoining  the  village. 

JAMES  HODtJMAX,  fiirmer.  Sec.  2;  P.  0.  Bellefountain ;  born  iu  Rutland  Co.,  Vt.,  Oct. 
5,  1825;  son  of  Latt  0.  and  Mary  Hodgman  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1850  and  settled 
in  Lowville,  Columbia  Co.;  remained  there  till  the  spring  of  1866;  then  sold  out  and  purchased  the 
farm  he  now  owns,  and  where  he  has  since  resided.  Was  married,  March  16,  1856,  to  Sarah  Jane 
Evarts,  who  died  May  16,  1857,  leaving  one  child — Frederick  Lorenzo,  now  living  in  Lowville,  Wis. 
Was  married  the  second  time,  July  4, 1864,  to  Fanny  Lucina  Jerome,  who  was  born  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  Feb.  7,  1852,  daughter  of  Daniel  Jerome;  has  three  children  by  the  second  marriage — James  W., 
born  Jan.  1,  1867  ;  Emma  Viola,  born  Nov.  15,  1872,  and  Charles  Nelson,  born  Aug.  26,  1875  ;  has 
160  acres  of  land.     Republican. 

W.  H.  HORTOBf,  farmer.  Sees.  5  and  6 ;  P.  0.  Portage  City;  was  born  May  17,  1835,  in 
Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio  ;  son  of  Loren  Horton,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1847,  and  lived  in  the  town  of 
Herman,  Dodge  Co.,  till  his  death,  in  April,  1839;  was  killed  by  a  falling  limb  from  a  tree  he  was  chop- 
ping. Mr.  Horton  was  married,  Oct.  8,  1857,  to  Sarah  Whittaker,  who  was  born  Oct.  7,  1837,  in  Wor- 
cester Co.,  Mass.,  daughter  of  Robert  Whittaker,  a  native  of  England;  have  two  children— William, born 
Oct.  2,  1858,  and  Mamie,  born  Aug.  9,  1866;  the  maiden  name  of  Mrs.  Horton's  mother  was  Mary  H. 
Cheney,  and  she  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts.  Mr.  Horion's  parents  were  both  natives  of  Washington 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  his  mother's  maiden  name  was  Lucy  M.  Kingsley.  Mr.  Horton  is  a  Republican  and  has  153 
acres  of  land. 

DANIEL  JEROME,  Jr.,  farmer.  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain ;  born  Aug.  23,  1844,  in 
Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  son  of  Daniel  Jerome,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1847,  and  came  into  the  town  of 
Marcellon  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  and  is  still  living  in  the  town,  aged  80  ;  Mrs.  Jerome  is  also  living,  at 
the  age  of  71.  Mr.  Jerome  was  married,  Feb.  22,  1866,  to  Katie  Ann  Cobb,  who  was  born  Feb.  10, 
1847,  in  Canada  ;  daughter  of  Leonard  Cobb,  who  settled  in  Wisconsin  when  she  was  a  child  ;  have  two 
children — Nellie,  born  June  29,  1869,  and  Wallace  S.,  born  Feb.  6,  1877  ;  he  is  Republican,  and  has 
held  the  office  of  Constable  ;  has  160  acres  in  his  home  farm,  and  160  acres  in  Waushara  Co.  He  enlisted 
Aug.  15,  1862,  in  the  23d  W.  V.  C.  Co.  C;  was  with  his  regiment  one  year,  participating  in  four  battles 
during  the  time;  was  then  transferred  to  the  5th  V.  R.  C,  stationed  at  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  and  was 
discharged  July  5,  1865. 

E.  B.  LAKGrDON,  or  "  Uncle  Frank,"  as  he  is  called,  was  the  first  permanent  settler  in  the 
town  of  Marcellon  ;  ho  came  here  from  Tuscarawas  Co.,  Ohio,  in  the  fall  of  1845,  arriving  with  his  family 
on  the  3d  day  of  November,  having  selected  his  land  about  ten  days  before  ;  he  took  oflF  his  wagon-cover  and 
used  it  for  a  tent,  living  in  it  till  he  got  his  house  built ;  his  nearest  neighbors  at  that  time  were  Samuel 
and  John  McConochie,  of  the  town  of  Scott ;  has  lived  on  the  same  farm  ever  since ;  helped  to  organize 
the  town  of  Marcellon,  and  was  a  member  of  the  first  Town  Board  ;  he  was  born  Jan.  27,  1810,  in  the 
town  of  Wilbraham,  Hampden  Co.,  Mass.;  son  of  Christopher  Langdon,  who  removed  to  Geauga  Co., 
Ohio,  in  1814,  and  died  there  in  1822.     Mr.  Langdon  was  married  in  Tuscarawas  Co.,  Ohio,  on  Sept.  1. 


952  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

1833,  to  Lydia  Hamblin,  who  was  born  Nov.  !l,  1812,  in  Grand  Isle  Co..  Vt.;  daughter  of  Asa  Hamblin, 
who  removed  to  Ohio  when  she  was  7  years  old.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lanirdon  have  had  four  children,  but 
the  only  one  living  is  Rosellia,  who  was  born  June  11,  1834,  and  married  to  John  Braden,  who  died  in 
the  army  from  a  gun-shot  wound,  received  in  battle  in  Missouri  ;  he  belonged  to  the  14th  Iowa  V.  I., and 
his  deatii  occurred  Oct.  31,  1864;  he  left  five  children — Alma,  Julia,  Erwin,  Datus  and  Herbert;  she 
is  now  the  wife  of  S.  R.  Peck,  and  has  one  child  by  the  second  marriage — a  daughter,  named  Mandania. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Langdon  have  lost  three  children — Christopher,  enlisted  in  the  32d  W.  V.  I.,  was  under 
Sherman,  and  died  in  North  Carolina  in  the  27th  year  of  his  age;  Asa,  died  Jan.  10,  1862,  in  his  24th 
year,  and  Marinett,  died  Dec.  21),  1841,  aged  1  year.  Mr.  Langdon  has  191  acres  of  land  on  Sec.  24  ; 
P.  0.  Marcellon  ;  is  a  Republican. 

BARKEY  I^OVELL,  farmer,  Sec.  10  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain ;  born  Dec.  2,  1820,  in  Cayuga 
Co.,  N.  V.  Was  married  Sept.  11,  i842,  in  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  town  of  Sparta,  to  Elizabeth  Spicer, 
who  was  born  May  3,  1826,  in  Sparta,  daughter  of  Asa  Spicer;  Mr.  Lovell  came  from  New  York  to 
Michigan  in  1851,  and  lived  in  Cass  Co.  till  Augu-it,  1865,  then  sold  out,  came  to  Wisconsin  and  bought 
the  farm  he  now  owns  and  occupies;  have  four  children  living — Nathan  V.,  lives  in  Berrien  Co.,  Mich., 
Henry  C.  and  John  T.  are  living  on  Sec.  11,  in  ^larcellon,  and  Mary  Elizabeth  is  now  Mrs.  Alman 
Inglehart,  of  Cambria,  Wis.;  have  lost  one.  Prances  Adel,  died  March  6,  1875,  aged  16.  Nathan  V. 
spent  four  years  in  the  army;  belonged  to  the  7th  Mich.  V.  I.,  Co.  B,  almost  a  year;  was  taken  prisoner 
at  Murfre.sboro  and  taken  to  McMinnville,  Tenn.,  where  he  escaped,  and  reported  at  Camp  Chase,  Ohi); 
his  regiment  being  badly  cut  up,  what  there  was  left  of  it  was  disbanded,  and  he  re-enlisted  in  the  7th 
.Mich.  V.  C,  Co.  B;  spent  three  years  with  Sheridan  and  Custer;  was  with  Grant  when  he  took  Rich- 
mond, and  was  discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war;  had  nine  horses  shot  under  him,  and  was  once  shot 
through  the  heel,  but  never  left  his  regiment,  and  never  spent  a  day  in  the  hospital.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lovell 
were  both  members  of  the  Christian  Church,  in  New  York,  but  are  not  members  of  any  church  at  present  ; 
he  is  Republican,  and  has  80  acres  of  land. 

PELEG  L.  PEt'KHAM,  farmer.  Sec.  13;  P.  0.  Bellefountain;  born  May  24,  1819,  in 
Madison  Co  ,  N.  Y. ;  his  parents  removed  to  Monroe  Co.  when  he  was  in  his  16th  year;  he  remained  at 
home  till  he  was  21  years  old  ;  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  August,  1844  ;  lived  near  Columbus  till 
January,  1846,  then  came  up  and  located  the  land  he  now  owns  in  the  town  of  Marcellon,  and  has  lived  on  it 
ever  since.  Was  married,  April  19,  1846,  to  Minerva  Austin,  who  was  born  Oct.  4,  1825,  in  Mexico, 
N.  Y.  ;  daughter  of  Lyman  Austin,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  and  settled  near  Lake  Maria,  then 
in  Marquette  Co.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peckham  have  five  children — John  lives  in  Harrison  Co.,  Dakota  ; 
Lucretia  is  now  Mrs.  Thomas  Vining,  of  Faribault  Co.,  Minn.,  and  Elizabeth,  Charles  and  William  are 
still  living  with  their  parents;  lost  one  child,  which  died  in  infancy;  has  280  acres  of  land. 

E.  R.  PERRY,  farmer.  Sec.  29  ;  P.  0.  Pardeeville;  born  Dec.  28,  1830,  in  Riga,  Monroe  Co., 
N.  Y.;  son  of  W.  L.  Perry,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  and  lived  in  Dodge  Co.,  town  of  Clyman 
two  years,  then  came  to  Columbia,  and  lived  in  Randolph  ten  or  twelve  years,  and  died  in  Marcellon  May 
30,  1874,  aged  73  years;  Mrs.  Perry  died  in  June,  1835,  in  Riga,  N.  Y.,  aged  34.  E.  R.  Perry  was 
married,  Sept.  17,  1856,  in  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Mary  Richmond,  daughter  of  Joshua  Richmond  (see 
biography  of  H.  J.  Richmond)  ;  she  was  born  in  Ogden,  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  died  March  26,  1876, 
aged  43  years,  leaving  two  children — Charles  E.  and  Ella  D.  Was  married  the  second  time,  Nov.  27, 
1878,  to  Mrs.  Maria  Brown,  daughter  of  Killian  Hepler,  of  Pardeeville;  she  was  born  in  Medina  Co., 
Ohio,  April  28,  1845  ;  had  one  daughter  by  her  first  husband,  Addie  E.  Brown.  Mr.  Perry  is  a  Demo- 
crat, and  held  the  office  of  Constable  in  Randolph,  and  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  Marcellon  ;  hiis  160  acres 
of  land. 

A.  W.  RESHEGUIE,  farmer.  Sees.  1  and  12;  P.O.  Bellefountain:  born  Oct.  30,  1848, 
in  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn.;  son  of  Lewis  Resseguie,  who  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  Berlin  in  the 
spring  of  1850;  he  died  Jan.  15,  1879,  aged  69;  Mrs.  Ressequie  died  in  1151.  A.  W.  Resseguie  was 
married,  Oct.  29,  1872,  in  Berlin,  to  Miss  Lutie  Leonard,  of  that  place,  and  followed  farming  three  and 
one-half  miles  southeast  of  Berlin  till  March,  1877,  then  sold  out  and  removed  to  his  present  location ;  has 
216  acres  in  his  farm,  with  gnod  brick  residence.      In  politics.  Republican. 

H.  S.  RICHJIOND,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Marcellon;  born  Aug.  20,  1838,  in  Monroe  Co., 
N.  Y.;  son  of  Joshua  Richmond,  a  native  of  Vermont,  who  raised  a  family  of  fifteen  children,  three  boys 
and  twelve  girls;  all  grew  up  to  maturity  and  all  married  and  raised  families  except  one  girl  ;  his  first  wife 
was  a  Miss  Sprague,  the  second,  Nancy  Creasey,  and  the  third,  Nancy  True,  all  of  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
he  died  Dec.  13,  1868.  H.  S.  Richmond  was  married  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  23,  1858,  to  Mary  Rob- 
bins,  who  died  Aug.  16,  1870,  aged  35,  leaving  three  children — Harriet,  Nona  and  Riley.     Was  married 


TOVVX    OF    MARCELLON.  953 

the  second  time,  March  19,  1872,  to  Mrs.  Maria  Gibbs,  widow  of  Almoti  Gibbs,  and  daughter  of  R.  P. 
McGlashan,  a  native  of  Scotland  ;  Mrs.  McGlashan,  whose  maiden  name  was  Sarah  Holmes,  was  a  native 
of  Connecticut;  they  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  and  settled  in  Trenton,  Dodge  Co.;  he  died  in  1848, 
and  Mrs.  McGlashan  died  May  12,  1877  ;  they  left  seven  children— James,  living  in  Beaver  Dam;  Mary 
Ann,  now  Mrs.  John  Brown,  of  Beaver  Dam  ;  Sarah,  now  Mrs.  Ezra  Parker,  of  Dartfurd  ;  Edwin,  living 
in  Beaver  Dam  ;  Catharine,  now  Mrs.  Hiram  Hubbard,  Dakota ;  Maria,  now  Mrs.  H.  S.  Richmond,  and 
Frances,  who  married  Mortimer  Clark,  and  died  April  16, 1878;  Mrs.  Richmond  was  born  Aug.  3,  1839, 
in  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y.     Mr.  Richmond  is  a  Democrat  ;  has  160  acres  of  land. 

MERRIliL  H.  SMITH,  farmer,  Sec.  24  ;  P.  0.  Portage  City  ;  was  born  in  Danbury,  Grafton 
Co.,  N.  H.,  May  5,  1823;  son  of  James  and  Rachel  (Hoyt)  Smith;  in  1852,  went  to  California,  and  was 
gone  between  two  and  three  years;  then  returned  to  New  Hampshire.  Feb.  24,  1854,  was  married  to 
Rosanna  Sanburn,  who  was  born  Aug.  25,  1824;  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Mary  C.  Sanburn  ;  in  the 
fall  of  1855,  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  family,  and  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  Marcellon,  and  has 
since  resided  there  ;  was  a  locomotive  engineer  and  followed  railroading  while  in  New  Hampshire  ;  went 
South  during  the  rebellion  and  ran  an  engine  in  the  Government  service  during  the  last  year  of  the  war  ; 
altogether  followed  that  business  about  fourteen  years.  Has  five  children — Leonora  (now  Mrs.  Daniel 
Damuth,  of  Fort  Atkinson,  Wis.)  ;  Viola,  Winfield  S.,  Ulysess  Grant  and  Minnie  Eva  ;  all  at  home  except 
Leonora.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Assessor  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Has  615 
acres  of  land  in  Sees.  20,  21,  28  and  16. 

ABEL  STRONG,  farmer.  Sec.  20  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountaln  ;  was  born  Dec.  17,  1822,  in  Nova 
Scotia;  son  of  Stephen  Strong;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  worked  out  in  Walworth  Co. 
four  years  ;  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  in  November,  1847,  and  bought  160  acres  of  land  in  what  is  now  Mar- 
cellon ;  then  returned  to  Walworth  Co.;  and  in  the  fall  of  1848,  came  up  and  commenced  fencing  his 
land  ;  returned  to  Walworth  Co.  again  in  the  spring  ;  in  the  fall  of  1849,  located  on  his  land,  and  has 
resided  on  the  same  farm  ever  since.  Was  married  in  Portage  City,  Aug.  31,  1862,  to  Julia  Dee,  who  was 
born  May  1,  1844,  in  County  Tipperary,  Ireland;  daughter  of  Lawrence  Dee,  who  came  to  America  in 
1847,  and  settled  in  Milwaukee;  lived  there  one  year;  then  Portage  City  one  year  ;  then  five  years  in 
Marcellon  ;  then  removed  to  Fort  Winnebago,  where  he  died  Aug.  18,  1865,  aged  73.  Mrs.  Dee  is  still 
living  at  the  age  of  68.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Strong  have  three  children — John  Gaylord,  born  Aug.  14,  1863 ; 
Stephen  Eaton,  born  April  3,  1865,  and  Sarah  Jane,  born  March  11,  1867  ;  all  at  home.  Mr.  Strong 
enlisted  March  8,  1865,  in  the  194th  N.  Y.  V.  L,  Co.  B,  and  was  discharged  about  the  middle  of  May. 
Is  a  Republican.      Has  320  acres  of  laud.     Mrs.  Strong  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

HIRAHl  J.  STRONG,  carpenter.  Sec.  7;  P.  0.  Portage  City;  born  March  9,  1827,  in 
Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Amos  Strong,  who  came  to  Michigan  in  1831.  Hiram  Strong  was  married 
in  Michigan,  Aug.  28,  1851,  to  Mary  Morgan,  who  was  born  July  10,  1830,  in  Miami  Co.,  Ohio.  Mr. 
Strong  worked  at  carpenter  work  in  Michigan  ;  was  on  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  three  years,  and  was 
division  foreman  on  the  N.,  I.  &  S.  M.  R.  R.,  two  years  ;  in  August,  1855,  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and 
located  in  the  town  of  Buifalo,  Marquette  Co.;  lived  there  seven  years  working  at  carpenter  and  joiner 
and  millwright  work ;  in  March,  1862,  removed  to  his  present  location,  where  he  has  since  resided,  except 
one  year  in  Sparta,  Monroe  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1863;  still  works  at  his  trade.  Has  only  one  child — Carlton 
Delos,  born  April  13,  1859;  now  living  at  home  ;  one  daughter,  Emma  Amelia,  was  born  Feb.  19,  1855, 
and  died  Sept.  2,  1863.  Mr.  Strong  is  a  Republican,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  two 
terms,  and  some  school  district  offices.     Has  17  acres  of  land. 

CASPER  TURK,  farmer.  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Portage  City;  born  June  6,  1837,  in  Nassau. 
Germany,  son  of  Joseph  Turk,  who  came  to  America  in  1845,  or  thereabouts,  and  settled  in  Utica,  N  Y. 
He  died  Sept.  10,  1854,  aged  54;  was  run  over  by  a  train  on  the  New  York  Central  Railroad,  and  died  a 
few  hours  after  the  accident.  Mr.  Turk  learned  the  machinist  trade  in  Utica,  of  "  Hart  &  Munson,"  and 
worked  at  the  business  twelve  years ;  before  that,  had  worked  for  the  same  company  about  eight  years, 
running  a  stationary  engine  six  years  of  that  time.  He  was  married  Feb.  3,  IStil,  to  Mary  Harny,  who 
was  born  Jan.  8,  1835,  in  France,  daughter  of  Sabastian  Harny,  who  came  to  America  in  1836,  and  now 
lives  in  Utica,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Turk  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1869,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Marcellon,  where  he  still  resides;  has  ten  children — Mary,  Frank,  Samuel,  George,  John,  Louisa,  Clara 
and  Clarissa  (twins),  Joseph  and  William,  all  at  home.  Members  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  in  politics  , 
Republican.      He  has  160  acres  of  land. 

ANDREW  WAITE,  farmer.  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountaln  ;  was  born  June  25,  1831,  in  the 
town  of  West  Hawksbury,  Canada;  son  of  William  Waite,  a  native  of  Boston,  Mass.  Mr.  Waite  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1857,  and  lived  in  the  town  of  Buffalo,  Marquette  Co.,  about  three  years, 


954  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES  ; 

then  came  to  his  present  location  in  the  town  of  Marcellon.  He  was  married  in  September,  1862,  in  Port- 
age, to  Mary  Jane  Smith,  daughter  of  Harrj'  Smith  ;  she  died  Nov.  27,  1866,  aged  24,  leaving  three 
children — Rachel,  born  Aug.  7,  18()3  ;  Abigail,  born  Dec.  21,  1864;  and  Mary  Jane,  born  Nov.  27,  1866. 
He  has  160  acres  of  land.     Republican. 

SYLVESTER  WALKER,  farmer.  Sec.  11  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain ;  waa  born  in  the  town  of 
Truxton,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  20, 1821 ;  son  of  Phineas  Walker  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  and  lived 
in  Kenosha  Co.  till  the  fall  of  1850,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  has  lived  in  Marcellon  ever  since 
He  was  married  Dec.  31, 1848,  in  Racine  Co.,Wis.,  to  Magdelan  A.  Vandy.  Mr.  Walker  was  in  the  22d 
Wis  V.  I.,  Co.  C,  about  four  mouths,  in  1865.  Have  two  children — Clarence  D.,  born  April  18,  1861, 
and  Minnie,  born  Fib.  18,  1864,  both  at  home.     He  has  120  acres  of  land  and  is  a  Republican. 

ZADOCK  WAITE,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Portage  City;  born  Aug.  1,  1825,  in  Canada 
West;  son  of  William  Waite,  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York.  Mr.  Waite  left  home  when  lit  years 
of  age,  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  five  years  in  Walworth  Co.  ;  then  went  to  Marquette  Co.  and  bought 
land  in  the  town  of  Buffalo  ;  lived  there  till  the  fall  of  1874,  then  sold  out  and  removed  to  his  present 
location  ;  was  married  in  Walworth  Co.,  in  1858,  to  Emily  Jane  Carpenter,  who  was  born  July  8,  1831, 
in  Chautauijua  Co.,  N.  Y.;  daughter  of  William  Carpenter.  Have  only  one  child — Sarah  Jane,  born  Jan. 
1,  1850,  married  to  John  Cuff,  and  living  in  Butler  Co.,  Iowa.  She  has  six  children — Justin,  Ernest, 
Oscar,  Lillie,  Mertie  and  Elsie  Jane.  Mr.  Waite  is  a  Republican  ;  was  Supervisor  of  Marcellon  two  years, 
and  has  been  District  Clerk  and  Postmaster  several  years.  He  has  200-acre  farm  in  Marcellon,  and  a 
120-acre  farm  in  Butler  Co.,  Iowa. 

DANIEL  S.  WOODWORTH,  farmer,  Sec.  5  ;  P.  0.  Portage  City;  born  July  9,  1827, 
in  the  town  of  Essex,  Chittenden  Co.,  Vt.;  son  of  Jabez  and  Mehitable  Woodworth,  who  removed  to  Niagara 
Co.,N.  Y.,  in  1849  ;  lived  there  two  years,  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  nine  years  in  Racine  Co.  (now 
Kenosha),  then  in  July,  1854,  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  where  they  both  died — Mr.  Woodworth,  May  3, 
1867,  aged  83  ;  Mrs.  Woodworth,  May  15, 1868,  aged  79.  Mr.  Woodworth  has  lived  on  his  present  farm 
ever  since  he  came  to  the  county  in  July,  1854.  He  married  in  Marcellon,  Feb.  18,  1859,  to  Melissa  Hart, 
who  was  born  Jan.  6,  1841,  in  the  town  of  Forestville,  county  of  Norfolk,  Canada  West,  daughter  of  George 
and  Eliza  Ann  Hart,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1856.  Mrs.  Hart  died  July  18, 1864,  aged 
15  ;  Jlr.  Hartis  still  living  in  Lincoln  Co.,  Dakota, aged  64.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woodworth  have  five  children — 
Emma,  Albert,  Eliza,  Cora  and  Fannie,  all  at  home.  Mr.  Woodworth  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church 
and  a  Republican  ;  has  411  acres  of  land,  150  is  in  his  home  farm,  160  acres  in  Marquette  Co.,  one  and  a 
half  miles  from  home  farm,  and  101  acres  in  Sauk  Co.     Mrs.  Woodworth  is  a  Baptist. 


TOWN   OF    COLUMBUS.  ^55 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS. 

JOHN  Q.  ADAMS,  was  born  in  Franklin  Co.,  Mass.,  in  1816  ;  son  of  Charles  Adams,  who 
came  to  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1846,  where  his  wife,  nee  Mary  Howes,  died 
soon  after,  and  some  time  during  the  following  year  he  returned  to  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  where  he 
subsequently  died.  John  Q.,  our  present  subject,  received  his  education  in  the  common  schools 
and  academies  of  his  native  State.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844  and  located  on  a  farm,  in  the 
township  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbia  Co.,  and  made  that  his  home  for  about  twenty-three  years.  He 
then  removed  to  the  city  (then  village)  of  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  resided,  retaining,  however,  his 
farm  of  350  acres.  Mr.  Adams  was  elected  one  of  the  first  County  Commissioners  of  Columbia  Co.,  in 
1846,  and  was  re-elected  in  the  fall  of  1847,  serving  in  1848.  He  was  elected  Chairman  of  the  Town 
Board  of  Fountain  Prairie  in  1851  and  1852  and  has  several  times  been  re-elected  to  that  office.  He  also 
held  the  office  of  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools  of  that  town  in  1849-50,  and  was  one  nf  the  organ- 
izers of  the  town  in  1849.  Mr.  Adams  represented  his  district  in  the  Wisconsin  Assembly  in  1853,  and 
also  his  county  in  the  Senate  during  the  sessions  of  1854-55-56  ;  he  was  again  returned  to  the  Assembly 
in  1863.  In  1858,  he  was  elected  Superintendent  of  the  County  Poor,  and  has  ever  since  been  kept  in 
that  office.  He  has  been  President  of  the  Columbia  Co.  Agricultural  Society  several  terms,  and  has  held 
the  office  of  Treasurer  of  the  same  for  eleven  years.  Was  member  of  the  School  Board  of  Columbus  for 
seven  years;  was  President  of  the  same  for  three  years.  Politically,  Mr.  Adams  is  a  Republican,  and  was 
a  member  of  the  committee  on  resolutions  at  the  organization  of  that  party,  at  Madison,  Wis.,  in  1854.  In 
Massachusetts,  in  1846,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lucy  S.,  daughter  of  Erastus  Pomroy.  Their  children 
are  Louie  P.  (now  a  student  at  Ripon  College) ;  Clara  and  Lily  (at  home).  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adams  are- 
members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 

A.  T.  AUSTIN,  farmer;  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Grafton  Co.,  N.  H.,  in  1827, 
and  with  parents  in  1835  he  emigrated  to  Richland  Co.,  Ohio.  Ten  years  later  (^May,  1845),  he  came  to 
Wisconsin  and  located  on  a  farm  in  Jefferson  Co.  He  entered  a  farm  of  220  acres  in  the  town  of  Elba, 
Dodge  Co.,  in  1846,  and  settled  there  in  the  spring  of  1847.  Here  he  lived  for  twenty  years  and  devoted 
his  attention  wholly  to  agriculture.  Selling  his  interest  in  Dodge  Co.,  in  February,  1867  ;  he  bought  a 
farm  of  250  acres  on  Sec.  14,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  where  he  has  since  resided.  He 
was  married  in  1853,  to  Miss  Sarah  Hathaway,  of  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  but  a  native  of  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Their  children  are  Thaddeus  T.  (now  in  California);  Mercy  D.  (at  home);  Abraham  S.,Gracie  D.,  Frank, 
James  W.  and  Charity  S.      Mr.  Austin's  family  are  connected  with  the  Congregational  Church. 

CAPT.  CALVIN  BAKER,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Georgia,  Franklin  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1803; 
when  quite  young,  with  his  parents,  Remember  and  Cynthia  (Stannard)  Baker,  he  removed  to  Genesee 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  his  father  devoted  much  of  his  time  to  the  trade  of  millwright,  but  later  removed  to 
Michigan,  where  they  afterward  died.  The  family  was  composed  of  seven  children,  four  suns  and  three 
daughters — Calvin,  the  oldest  of  these,  devoted  much  of  his  time  with  his  father,  to  the  trade  of  a  mill- 
wright and  at  building  thrashing  machines — but  failing  health  forced  him  to  quit  the  trade  and  seek  some 
outdoor  employment.  He  followed  buying  stock  wool  for  the  New  York  markets  for  several  years.  In 
1834,  he  was  married  to  Mi.ss  Susanna  Blodgett,  of  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  who  died  in  1841.  His  second 
marriage  was  to  Mrs.  Ann  Scofield,  of  New  York  City,  a  daughter  of  George  and  Betsey  Hague.  Her 
father  was  a  native  of  England,  her  mother  of  France.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1857, 
and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  followed  farming  for  some 
time.  In  1862,  he  was  engaged  in  the  detective  business,  with  his  brother,  Col.  Baker.  He  was  appointed 
Captain  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  at  Washington,  in  1863,  a  position  which  he  held  till  the  fall 
of  1865.  Returning  then  to  his  farm  in  Fountain  Prairie,  he  devoted  his  time  to  farming  till  1872,  when 
they  removed  to  the  city  of  Columbus,  where  he  has  lived  a  more  retired  life.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker  are 
members  of  the  CongTegational  Church. 

HENRY  D.  BATH,  deceased;  was  born  in  Schenectady  Co,  N.  Y.,  in  1843;  son  of 
Levy  and  Agnes  Bath.  His  father  was  a  Baptist  minister  of  New  York,  and  came  to  Colum- 
bus in  1861,  where  he  was  Pastor  of  the  church  for  a  number  of  years.  He  died  in  this  city  in 
April,  1877,  leaving  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  one  of  whom  died  in  June,  1879,  one  having  died  in 
April.  1876.  Mr.  Bath  was  educated  at  the  Grass  Lake  Academy,  of  Jackson  Co.,  Mich.  In  1861,  he 
enlisted  as  private  in  Co.  B,  of  the  7th  Mich.  V.  I.,  under  Col.  Grovesnor,  with  the  army  of  the  Poto- 
mac ;  was  promoted  to  the  positions  of  Sergeant,  Second  and  First  Lieutenant ;  was  severely  wounded  at  the 

KK 


956  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

battle  of  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862,  after  which  he  came  home  for  four  months,  and  early  in  1863,  he 
rejoined  his  regiment  and  with  it  was  mustered  out  in  1864.  He  then  came  to  Columbus  and  read  law  two 
years  with  Cook  &  Chapin,  and  was  admitted  to  the  practice  at  Portage  in  1866.  He  went  then  to  Mil- 
waukee, and  was  city  editor  of  the  Daily  News  till  July,  1868,  when  he  returned  to  Columbus,  purchased 
the  Columbus  Transcript,  and  converted  it  into  the  Columbus  Democrat,  of  which  he  has  since 
been  editor.  In  March,  1877,  he,  with  his  brother,  W.  E.  Bath,  established  the  Portage  Democrat, 
of  Portage  City,  and  were  editors  of  the  same  till  the  death  of  his  brother,  which  occurred  in  June,  1879. 
Mr.  Bath  was  married  in  1866,  to  Louisa  T.,  daughter  of  Matthew  T.  D.  and  Theodate  Nowell,  of  Colum- 
bus.    Children  are  Paul  T.  and  Dane.     Mr.  Bath  died  June  8,  1880. 

RICHARD  BARROW,  deceased  ;  was  born  at  Hawkhurst,  County  Kent,  England,  in  1782, 
and  was  the  son  of  John  and  Susan  Barrow,  with  whom  he  spent  most  of  his  time  till  his  marriage,  in 
1818,  to  Miss  Lucy,  daughter  of  Humphrey  and  Mary  (Rogers)  Wickham,  a  native  of  County  Sussex, 
England.  After  marriage,  they  settled  on  a  farm  in  County  Kent,  which  was  afterward  their  home  till 
1839.  April  28,  of  that  year,  they  sailed  from  London,  and  landed  in  New  York  (as  emigrants  to 
America)  the  last  day  of  May  following,  locating  at  Oriskany  Falls,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  made  their 
home  there  for  three  years ;  then  removed  to  Chittenango,  Madison  Co.,  whence  in  June,  1845,  they  immi- 
grated to  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a  farm  on  Sees.  22,  23  and  27,  now  consisting  of 
181  acres,  and  11  acres  in  the  town  of  Elba,  Dodge  Co.  Here  Mr.  Barrow  died  in  1854.  Their  family 
consisted  of  themselves  and  nine  children;  the  latter  are  as  follows:  Richard,  born  1819,  and  now  lives  at 
Baraboo,  Wis.;  Frances,  born  1820,  now  Mrs.  John  H.  Valentine,  and  lives  at  Mason  City,  Iowa;  John, 
born  in  1825,  now  at  Merrimac,  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.;  Ann,  born  1827,  the  late  wife  of  George  McCafferty, 
now  deceased;  James,  born  1830,  now  at  home;  Seymour,  born  1832,  now  deceased;  Samuel,  born  1834, 
now  deceased;  Thomas,  horn  1836,  now  at  home;  Lucy,  born  1839,  now  deceased. 

JOHN  BEBOW,  farmer;  Sec.  16;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Mecklinburg  Schwerin, 
in  1828.  He  came  to  America  in  1852  ;  located  in  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  followed  farming  for  nine 
years.  In  1861,  he  came  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  purchased  a  farm  of  65  acres  on  Sec.  16,  where  he 
now  owns  125  on  Sees.  9  and  16,  and  also  a  farm  of  90  acres  on  Sees.  8  and  17.  He  was  married  in  1852, 
to  Miss  Dorothea  Minken,  a  native  of  Mecklinburg.  Their  children  are  Louisa,  now  the  wife  of  Fred 
Prieri,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  Leeds ;  Mary,  now  the  wife  of  Henry  Reider,  of  the  town  of  Columbus ; 
Matilda,  Frank  and  Charles  at  home.     They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

NELiSON  C.  BISSEIjIj,  merchant  tailor,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn., 
1823.  His  father,  David  Bissell,  was  a  native  of  Connecticut;  his  mother,  Hepsibleth  Reynolds,  was 
born  in  New  York.  When  15  years  old,  he  began  the  tailor's  trade  in  Montrose,  Penn.,  and  five  years 
later,  he  went  to  New  York  City,  where  he  continued  his  trade  a  year ;  returning  then  to  Pennsylvania,  he 
worked  three  years  at  his  trade  in  Tunkhannock,  Wyoming  Co.,  and  afterward  at  Lanesboro  for  a  short 
time.  Returning  then  to  Montrose,  he  clerked  in  a  hotel  for  two  years.  At  Dundee,  in  May,  1854,  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Ireton,  and  in  August  following  they  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  at 
Columbus,  where  he  has  still  continued  the  merchant  tailor's  trade.  They  have  one  daughter — Katie. 
Mr.  Bissell  was  a  member  of  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors  from  the  Third  Ward  of  Columbus,  in  1877 , 
Himself  and  family  are  connected  with  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

DEXTER  BliANCHARD,  farmer.  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Columbus;  this  pioneer  of  Columbia 
Co.  was  born  in  the  town  of  Rochester,  Windsor  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1826  ;  his  father,  John  Blanchard,  was  a 
tanner  by  trade,  and  he  worked  much  of  the  time  with  him  at  the  same  business  in  his  younger  days.  In  1 846, 
he  and  his  father  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  entered  a  farm  of  247  acres,  on  Sees.  28  and  29,  town  of 
Columbus,  where  they  built  their  log  shanty,  covered  it  with  prairie  hay  and  "  kept  bach"  therein  for  about  six 
months.  They  returned  to  Vermont  in  the  fall,  and  in  the  following  spring  (1847)  came  again  with  fam- 
ily to  Wisconsin,  and  located  on  the  farm  which  was  ever  after  their  home  till  their  death  ;  Mr.  Blanchard 
has  always  made  his  home  on  the  original  farm,  and  now  owns  83  acres  of  it  on  Sec.  28.  He  was  married 
in  1864,  to  Miss  Emma  J.,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  C.  J.  Sallsbee,  a  native  of  Ohio  but  an  emigrant  to 
Wisconsin  in  185G  ;  their  children  are  John,  William  T.  and  Marietta. 

HERMAN  M.  BLliaiENTHAL,  of  the  firm  of  Turner  &  Co.,  proprietors  of  marble 
works,  Columbus,  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1853,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  America  in  1868;  they 
located  at  Columbus,  Wis.,  where  he  began  his  trade  in  1870,  with  Miller  &  Graham,  and  has  since  con- 
tinued his  trade  in  this  city  ;  he  became  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  Turner  &  Co.  in  January,  1878.  He 
was  married,  in  May,  1878,  to  Miss  Mary,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  F.  Kluckhohn,  of  this  city ;  they  have 
one  son,  Edwin.  They  are  members  of  the  German  M.  E.  Church.  Mr.  Blumenthal  is  a  member  of  the 
I.  O   ()   F. 


TOWN   OF    COLUMBUS.  957 

F.  H.  BOIiTE,  of  the  firm  of  Bolte  &  Eckoff,  proprietors  of  the  Columbus  Foundry,  manu- 
facturers of  the  Eureka  Windmill  and  pumpg  of  various  kinds  ;  Mr.  Bolte  was  born  in  the  town  of  Col- 
umbus, Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  185G;  was  educated  at  the  Northwestern  University  at  Watertown, 
Wis.,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  1871 ;  he  entered  upon  an  apprenticeship  at  the  carpenter 
and  joiner's  trade  in  1872,  with  Charles  Breyer,  of  the  town  of  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  and  continued  with  him 
for  three  years;  he  invented  and  got  patented  the  Eureka  Windmill  in  December,  1878,  of  which  he  and 
his  partner  are  now  sole  manu,facturers  ;  he  also  invented  the  Economist  Churn  in  April,  1879.  In 
December,  1879,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Minnie  Eckoff,  of  Columbus,  Wis.  They  are  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church. 

PROF.  a.  M.  BOWEN^,  Principal  of  high  school  and  Superintendent  of  the  city  schools  of 
Columbus;  was  born  in  the  tuwn  of  Amsterdam,  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1847  ;  when  10  years  of 
age,  he,  with  his  parents,  M.  H.  and  Matilda  Bowcn,  removed  to  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on 
a  farm  near  Ripon  ;  three  years  laier,  they  removed  to  Auroraville,  Waushara  Co.,  and  settled  on  what  is 
known  as  the  '•  Indian  land,"  where  they  now  reside  ;  Mr.  Bowen  received  his  earlier  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Wisconsin.  In  1864,  he  enlisted  in  Co.  I,  of  the  7th  W.  V.  I.,  at  Auroraville;  was 
with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  May  12, 
1864,  receiving  two  wounds,  from  one  of  which  he  now  carries  a  ball ;  he  rejoined  his  regiment  at  Peters- 
burg, in  August  following,  and  was  with  it  in  all  its  principal  movements  and  at  the  surrender  of  Gen. 
Lee,  April  9,  1865  ;  was  mustered  out  at  Madison,  Wis.,  in  July,  1865  ;  returning  then  to  Auroraville, 
he  spent  two  years  attending  the  common  schools  and  teaching ;  he  entered  the  State  Normal 
School  at  Whitewater,  Wis.,  in  April,  1 868,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  with  the  firstclass  in  1 870 ; 
he  was  elected  Principal  of  the  West  District  of  Jefferson,  Jefferson  Co.,  in  the  fall  of  1870,  and  in  the 
following  year  was  elected  Teacher  of  Mathematics  in  the  Jefferson  Liberal  Institute;  in  1872,  he  was 
elected  Principal  of  the  Wausau  High  School,  and  re-elected  in  1873,  to  the  same  position  ;  he  was  elected 
Principal  of  the  Berlin  High  School  in  1874,  and  in  January,  1876,  he  was  elected  to  theprincipalship  of 
the  Columbus  High  School,  and  has  been  re-elected  to  that  position  for  four  successive  years.  The 
Professor  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  and  of  the  Universalist  Church, 

JOHN  A.  BOWEX,  farmer,  Sec.  36  ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  son  of  Joseph  Bowen  and  Catharine 
Allison,  natives  of  New  Jersey  ;  born  in  Morristown,  Morris  Co.,  N.  J.,  Sept.  13,  1812  ;  his  father  removed 
with  the  family  to  Seneca  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  May,  1833, and  in  November  following  went  to  Tompkins  Co.,  where 
his  mother  died  in  1834  ;  his  fiither  then  returned  to  New  Jersey,  and  died  there  in  1836  ;  John  A.,  the 
oldest  of  a  family  of  five  children,  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of  New  Jersey  ;  he  followed  teach- 
ing in  New  Jersey  for  ten  quarters,  and  then  returned  to  New  York,  and  continued  there  for  three  win- 
ters. In  December,  1836,  in  Morris  Co.,  N.  J.,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John  and 
Mary  (Todd)  McCord  ;  she  is  a  native  of  that  county  ;  they  removed  within  a  fortnight  after  marriage  to 
Tompkins  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  they  lived  on  a  farm  until  1842;  immigrating  thence  to  Wisconsin,  they 
located  in  the  town  of  Richmond,  AValworth  Co.;  six  years  later,  they  removed  to  the  town  of  Columbus, 
Columbia  Co.,  and  located  on  Sec.  10,  where  he  now  owns  280  acres;  nearly  twenty  years  after,  he  removed 
to  a  farm  of  80  acres  on  Sec.  36,  where  he  has  since  lived  ;  he  also  has  10  acres  in  the  town  of  Portland, 
Dodge  Co.  Mr.  Bowen  has  been  Assessor  of  the  town  for  ten  years,  and  member  of  the  Town  Board  for 
two  terms.  They  had  five  clnldren,  as  follows  :  Mary  C.  (now  deceased),  Edward  and  Mary  I.  (twins, 
the  latter  deceased;  the  former  now  lives  on  Sec.  10,  of  this  town),  Erastus  (now  with  his  brother  on 
the  farm)  and  Eliza  E.  (now  the  wife  of  Ezra  W.  Richmond,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.). 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bowen  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

A.  LiOUIS  BRAUCKLiE,  brewer,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Wurtemberg,  Germany  Feb.  2, 
1814,  and  is  the  son  of  an  extensive  farmer  in  that  country,  Thomas  Brauckle  ;  at  the  age  of  20  years,  he 
began  the  brewer's  trade  in  Wurtemberg,  and  continued  the  same  there  till  1845,  when  he  emigrated  to  Mil- 
waukee, Wis.,  and  there  worked  at  his  trade  for  Mr.  Brown,  till  1847  ;  he  then  went  to  Racine,  where  he 
followed  his  trade  till  the  fall  of  1848  ;  he  then  came  to  Columbus,  where  he  worked  for  Mr.  Jussen  nearly  a 
year;  then  bought  the  brewery  of  him,  and  has  since  been  its  proprietor.  He  was  married  March  1, 
1851,  to  Mrs.  Mary,  widow  of  John  Erhart,  and  a  daughter  of  August  Nussar,  a  native  of  Wurtemberg; 
they  have  one  son — Peter,  and  have  lost  three  children.     They  are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

(SllSTAVUS  BREUXINtir,  manufacturer  and  dealers  in  boots  and  shoes,  Columbus  ;  was 
born  in  Prussia  in  1843;  ho  emigrated,  in  1854,  with  his  parents,  Gotlieb  and  Henrietta  Breuning,  to 
America,  and  located  at  Watertown,  Wis.,  where  his  father  died,  about  four  weeks  after  their  arrival ;  his 
mother  soon  removed  to  Columbus  with  the  family,  and  made  it  her  home  till  her  death,  which  occurred 
in  1875.     Mr.  Breuning  entered  upon  a  three-years  apprenticeship  at  the  shoemaker's  trade,  with  Julius 


958  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Fox,  at  Columbus,  in  1858,  and  continued  with  him  a  year  as  a  journeyman,  after  his  apprenticeship.  In 
1866,  he  opened  a  shop  of  his  own,  in  tiiis  city,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  manufacture  as  well  as 
dealing  in  boots  and  shoes.  He  was  married  in  1866,  to  Miss  Louisa  Diamond,  a  native  of  Columbus, 
Wis.  Their  children  are  George  and  Carl.  Mr.  B.  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  his  wife  of  the 
Episcopal. 

WILLIA5I  BUTLER,  carpenter,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Wiltshire,  England,  in  1819  ;  he 
was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  country  ;  when  quite  young,  he  began  the  carpenter  and 
joiner's  trade,  with  his  father,  and  continued  the  same  there  till  1841.  He  was  married  in  1840,  to  Miss 
Hellen  Taylor,  with  whom  he  sailed  for  America  early  in  1841,  and  landed  in  New  York  City  in  March 
of  that  year,  continuing  his  trade  in  the  city  for  fourteen  years.  In  June,  1855,  they  emigrated  to  Wis- 
consin, and  located  in  the  village  of  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  followed  his  trade,  and  has  been  con- 
nected with  the  erection  of  many  of  the  prominent  buildings  of  the  city  and  surrounding  country,  among 
them  the  public  school  buildings.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Butler  have  seven  children,  as  follows  :  William  Thomas, 
James  and  George,  all  three  of  whom  are  now  in  Colorado  ;  Charles,  now  in  Nebraska  ;  Nellie,  now  the 
wife  of  Linton  McNeel,  and  lives  at  Neillsville,  Wis. ;  Sadie,  at  home  with  her  parents.  Mrs.  Butler  is  a 
member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

R.  W.  CHADBOtIRN,  banker,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  York  Co.,  Me.,  in  1819,  and  is 
the  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Ruth  Chadbourn,  with  whom  he  spent  his  earlier  life,  on  a  farm,  in  his  native 
county,  completing  his  studies  at  the  academy  at  Gorham,  Cumberland  Co  ,  in  1841  ;  he  then  went  to  the 
State  of  Virginia,  where  he  devoted  his  time  to  teaching  till  1846,  returning  then  to  Maine,  whence,  in 
1849,  he  emigrated  to  Columbus,  Wis.  For  the  first  few  years,  he  was  interested  in  making  land  entries 
for  emigrants,  and  otherwise  aided  them  in  securing  homes ;  he  gradually  worked  into  the  business  of 
money  loaning,  and  in  1855,  secured  a  charter  and  began  a  regular  banking  business.  He  was  married  in 
1866,  to  Miss  Catherine,  a  daughter  of  Thomas  C.  Atwater,  a  native  of  Catskill,  N.  Y.;  they  have  one 
son — Frederick  A.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chadbourn  are  members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 

EM510XS  E.  CHAPIX  was  bom  in  the  town  of  Venice,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  14,  1829, 
and  in  1837,  with  his  parents,  removed  to  the  town  of  Aurelius,  near  the  city  of  Auburn,  in  the  same 
county,  where  he  remained  until  October,  1854,  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  first  settling  at  Oconomowoc, 
and  removed  to  Columbus  in  January,  1856,  where  he  has  since  resided  ;  he  received  an  academic  edu- 
cation ;  he  is  a  lawyer  by  profession.  For  many  years,  he  was  a  member  of  the  Democratic  State  Central 
Committee,  and  in  that  capacity  has  frequently  entered  into  State  and  national  canvasses  with  speech, 
pen  and  purse,  to  reclaim  the  State  and  nation  from  the  theories  and  aims  advocated  by  the  Republican 
party  as  opposed  to  the  broad  Democratic  principles  of  government  early  established  and  advocated  by 
Jefferson  and  the  fathers;  he  attended  as  a  delegate  from  Columbia  Co.,  and  participated  in  every  Con- 
gressional and  State  Convention  from  1857  to  1879  ;  his  political  course  has  been  liberal  and  progressive; 
in  the  convention  held  at  Milwaukee  in  1869,  by  which  Hon.  C.  D.  Robinson,  of  Green  Bay,  was  nom- 
inated for  Governor,  Mr.  Chapin,  in  connection  with  a  number  of  other  prominent  Democrats,  insisted 
upon  and  succeeded  in  laying  down  a  platform  of  principles  indicating  the  new  departure  that  ultimately 
overthrew  the  Republican  party  in  Wisconsin,  or,  as  Mr.  Chapin  put  it,  "  With  these  principles,  and  these 
alone,  Wisconsin  must  and  shall  be  Democratic" — and  it  was  Democratic  for  the  next  four  years.  During 
the  war  of  the  rebellion  he  contributed  time,  money  and  efforts  to  sustain  the  Governnienr,  and  not  the 
political  party  in  the  ascendency,  firmly  believing  that  military  force  must  be  met  by  military  force,  and  a 
rebellion  against  the  Government  must  be  promptly  met  and  surely  suppressed.  He  was  opposed  to  any 
act  indicating  a  repudiation  of  the  national  debt,  or  of  an  assumption  of  the  rebel  debt,  or  any  part 
thereof,  by  the  United  States.  He  has  ever  held  an  aversion  to  the  present  mode  of  the  few  combined  to 
run  an  "available"  for  ofl5ce,  and  he  insists  that  the  country  wants  and  demands  intelligent,  straightfor- 
ward, honest,  good,  practical,  common-sense  business  men  for  official  position — or  that  "the  office  should 
seek  the  man  and  not  the  man  the  office."  Mr.  Chapin  has  seldom  permitted  his  name  to  be  placed  upon 
a  ticket  for  any  office,  although  often  nominated  and  urged  by  his  friends  to  do  so  ;  yet  he  has  held  vari- 
ous local  offices  of  a  non-partisan  character,  and  was  placed  in  those  positions  by  the  aid  of  Republicans ; 
he  was  one  of  the  Trustees,  and  also  Supervisor  of  the  village  during  the  years  1872-73.  In  the  fall  of 
1873,  when  it  was  determined  to  incorporate  the  city  of  Columbus,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Trustees  of 
the  village  to  draft  a  charter  and  procure  the  necessary  legislation  for  its  enactment.  The  city  charter 
was  drafted  by  him,  and  it  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  and  approved  by  the  Governor  Feb.  26,  1874, 
and  Columbus  thereby  became  a  city — but  not  without  some  opposition.  In  April,  1874,  he  was  appointed 
by  Gov.  Taylor  as  a  member  of  the  State  Board  of  Charities  and  Reform,  and  was  chosen  by  the  Board 
ita  Vice  President ;  he  held  this  office  till  May  1,  1876  ;  he  was  chosen  attorney  by  that  Board  to  conduct 


TOAVN    OF    COLUMBUS.  959 

the  examination  of  witnesses  in  the  investigation  of  the  management  of  the  State  Prison  and  the 
Institute  for  the  Education  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb,  in  behalf  of  the  State.  He  was  one  of  the  Commis- 
sioners named  by  the  Legislature  of  1874-75  to  consider  the  feasibility  of  the  removal  of  the  State  Prison, 
and  presented  a  report  in  opposition  to  such  contemplated  change ;  he  had  much  to  do  toward  inaugu- 
rating the  present  system  of  prison  management  and  discipline.  ^Ir.  Chapin  was  appginted  to  and  did 
represent  the  State  at  the  National  Prison  Reform  Congress  held  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  May  13  to  16,  1874r, 
inclusive,  and  prepared  and  presented  to  the  Governor  (of  Wisconsin )  a  report  of  the  proceedings  of  that 
Congress,  which  report  may  be  found  on  pages  54  to  78  of  the  ''Fourth  Annual  Report  of  the  State 
Board  of  Charities  and  Reform  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin."  March  5,  1875,  the  Legislature  of  Wiscon- 
sin enacted  a  general  law  authorizing  the  establisliment  of  free  high  schools  ;  the  city  of  Columbus  availed 
itself  of  its  privileges  under  the  act,  and  the  free  high-school  system  was  adopted  Aug.  9,  1875,  by  a 
vote  of  the  electors  of  Columbus;  Mr.  Chapin  was  elected  President  of  the  Board  of  Education,  and  in 
the  month  of  January,  1876,  the  Columbus  Free  High  School  was  fully  organized  and  running  under  the 
new  law  to  the  satisfaction  of  all.  The  first  class  of  seven  young  ladies  were  graduated  from  the  high 
school  into  the  university  grade  on  the  21st  day  of  June,  1878,  as  the  first-fruits  of  this  system,  and  at 
this  time  Mr.  Chapin,  as  President  of  the  Board,  in  presenting  the  diplomas,  took  occasion  to  make  a 
brief  speech,  which,  as  he  says,  was  the  best  and  happiest  efi'ort  of  his  life,  lor  his  heart  was  really  in  the 
work — and  having  been  a  teacher  in  his  early  life,  he  was  master  of  the  siiuation  ;  he  has  been  Corpora- 
tion Counsel  ever  since  the  city  of  Columbus  was  organized,  and  is  now  City  Attorney  ;  he  was  appointed 
Dec.  24,  1870,  United  States  Court  Commissioner,  and  still  holds  this  ofiice  ;  he  has  been  a  Free  and 
Accepted  Mason  for  over  a  quarter  of  a  century  ;  he  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Columbus 
Lodge,  F.,  &  A.  M.,  No.  75,  chartered  in  June,  1856,  and  subsequently  its  Worshipful  Master  ;  in  1875, 
be  was  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  and  in  1876  was  elected  one 
of  its  Trustees  for  the  term  of  three  years,  and  was  re-elected  in  June,  1879,  for  a  second  term. 

A  writer  for  the  "  History  of  Wisconsin,"  in  speaking  of  Mr.  Chapin,  says  :  ''  He  does  not  allow  his 
public  duties  to  interfere  with  his  professional  labors,  and  con.«equently  he  enjoyS  an  extensive  and  lucra- 
tive practice  as  a  lawyer;  he  stands  among  the  first  of  the  profession,  and  is  held  in  high  repute  as  a 
citizen."  He  is  often  invited  to  deliver  lectures,  orations  and  speeches,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  and 
complies,  if,  as  he  says,  "any  one  can  gather  any  comfort  or  happiness  therefrom."  Mr.  Chapin  was  mar- 
ried, Dec.  28,  1853,  at  Aurelius,  N.  Y.,  to  Miss  Emily  J.,  youngest  daughter  of  Nathaniel  and  Mercy 
Blanchard.  3Irs.  C.  is  a  sister  of  the  late  Col.  H.  W.  Blanchard,  a  pioneer  of  1836  to  Wisconsin,  and 
late  proprietor  of  the  Blanchard  Mills  at  Watertown,  Wis.;  Mrs.  C.  has  in  her  parlors  many  pieces  in  oil, 
crayon  and  pastel — the  work  of  her  own  hands — which  would  do  credit  to  a  more  pretending  artist. 
They  have  two  sons — Herbert  B.,  now  in  the  employment  of  the  C,  M.  &.  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co.,  and  Clarence 
E.,  at  home  attending  school. 

DR.  E.  CHIIRCHIL.L(,  dentist,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1836;  he 
received  an  academic  education  at  Springville,  Erie  Co.,  after  which  he  began  the  study  of  dentistry  with 
Dr.  Streight,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  later  he  continued  his  studies  with  Dr.  Main,  of  New  York  City, 
where  he  completed  them  in  1860  ;  he  practiced  his  profession  in  the  village  of  Concord,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y., 
for  nearly  two  years  ;  in  1861,  he  went  to  Washington  City  for  a  short  time,  and  in  February,  1862,  he 
located  at  Columbus,  Wis.,  where  he  has  since  practiced  his  profession.  In  1868,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Harriet  L.  Winch,  of  this  city  (Columbus).     The  Doctor  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

J0H:N  B.  CliEVELAND,  farmer.  Sees.  15  and  22;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Sara- 
toga Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1819;  he  spent  much  of  his  time  in  Schuylersville,  Saratoga  Co.,  till  9  years  old ;  then 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Sandy  Hill,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  lived  until  1837;  he  then 
removed  to  Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  trade  till  1856  ;  removing  from 
there  to  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  he  located  on  a  farm  and  followed  agriculture  there  till  1873  ; 
disposing  then  of  his  farm  in  Dane  Co.  he  bought  his  present  one  of  120  acres  on  Sees.  15  and  23,  town 
of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  married  in  1845  to  Miss  Julia  Coleman, 
a  native  of  Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  who  died  in  1865,  leaving  seven  children — Louisa,  Fannie,  Oliver  C. 
and  Horace  W.,  both  deceased;  Julia,  Nettie  and  Mary.  Mr.  Cleveland  was  Chairman  of  the  Town 
Board  in  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  for  one  term. 

CHARLEiS  A.  COLOl^IUS,  of  the  firm  of  George  Linck  &  Co.,  dealers  in  dry  goods, 
goods,  etc.,  etc.,  Columbus,  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1837.  He  came  to  America  in  1855  ;  worked  on  a 
farm  in  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,  for  nearly  a  year ;  in  1856,  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  enlisted  in  Co.  I  of 
the  6th  United  States  Infantry,  of  the  regular  army  ;  was  employed  most  of  the  time  for  five  years  in  the 
Quartermaster's  commissary  department,  and  in  the  Adjutant  General's  office  ;  was  mustered  out  at  Fort 


960  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

MpjavR,  Lower  California,  in  1861.  Returning  then  to  Germany  for  two  3'ears,  in  1864,  he  came  a  sec- 
ond time  to  America,  and  located  in  Watertown,  Wis.;  enijaging  in  the  commission  business  there,  with 
his  brother,  for  a  short  time,  and  in  the  winter  of  1867-68,  he  came  to  Columbus,  and  clerked  for  Fuller 
Brothers,  for  five  years.  He  then  began  business  for  himself,  but  in  January,  1874,  he  joined  as  a  part- 
ner in  the  firm  of» George  Linck  &  Co.  He  was  elected  a  member  of  the  City  Council,  fr.^m  the  Third 
Ward,  in  1874  ;  in  April,  1876,  he  was  elected  City  Treasurer;  re-elected  in  1877-78-79  and  '80.  He 
was  married,  1866,  to  Miss  Josephine  Brayer,  a  native  of  Prussia,  but  emigrated  to  America  with  parents 
when  3  years  old,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.  They  have  had  three  children,  all  of 
whom  are  deceased.  They  adopted  two — Josie,  deceased,  and  Jessie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colonius  are  mem- 
bers of  the  German  M.  E.  Church. 

BERNARD  CONLIN^,  deceased,  was  born  in  County  Sligo,  Ireland,  in  1811  ;  he  was  the  son 
of  Thomas  Conlin,  with  whom  he  lived,  in  his  native  country,  till  about  1830  ;  emigrating  then  to  Amer- 
ica, he  was  employed  in  the  construction  of  railroads  and  mining,  in  Massachusetts,  for  a  number  of  years, 
and  was  afterward  employed  on  the  Erie  Canal.  He  was  married  in  1848,  to  Miss  Hannah,  daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Mary  (  Hart)  Clark  ;  also  a  native  of  County  Sligo,  Ireland,  but  an  emigrant  to  America,  with 
her  parents,  in  1847,  and  located,  first,  to  Worcester,  Mass.,  later,  removed  to  Fitchburg,  Mass.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Conlin  came,  in  1848,  to  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a  farm  on  Section  25,  where 
he  first  bought  a  farm  of  100  acres,  and  afterward  increased  it  to  140  acres.  He  died,  at  his  home,  June 
22,  1876,  leaving  a  wife  and  seven  children.  The  latter  are  as  follows:  Mary,  now  the  wife  of  John 
Dargan,  and  lives  in  Mitchell  Co.,  Iowa  ;  Ella,  now  in  Dubuque,  Iowa ;  Catherine,  now  at  Emmettsburg, 
Md.;  Thomas,  Bernard,  Elizabeth  and  James,  at  home.  The  family  is  connected  with  the  Catholic 
Church. 

All  ASA  G.  COOK,  attorney  at  law,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Norwich,  Chenango  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1823.  His  father,  Sylvanus  Cook,  was  born  in  Rhode  Island  in  1787,  and  removed  to  Chenango 
Co.;  N.  Y.,  with  his  parents  in  1798.  His  mother,  Mary  Green,  was  also  a  native  of  Rhode  Island,  born 
1790.  Mr.  Cook  spent  his  earlier  life  on  a  farm  in  his  native  county,  with  his  parents ;  at  the  age  of  17, 
he  entered  the  Oxford  Academy,  and  later  the  academy  at  Norwich,  where  he  completed  his  studies  in 
1844.  He  then  began  teaching  in  the  public  schools  of  Honesdale,  Penn.,  and  afterward  taught  in  select 
schools  at  Laurens,  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.;  in  1845,  he  entered  upon  the  study  of  law,  with  Fuller  &  West,  of 
Honesdale,  Penn.,  and  pursued  his  study  as  much  as  circumstances  would  permit  while  teaching.  He  next 
read  with  Charles  A.  Thorp,  of  Norwich,  for  two  years,  and  later  with  Hon.  L.  S.  Chatfield,  of  Laurens, 
Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Cook  was  admitted  to  the  practice  of  law  in  September,  1849,  and  in  October 
following  he  removed  to  Wisconsin,  and  in  March,  1850,  he  located  at  Columbus.  He  soon  formed  a 
copartnership  with  Gov.  Lewis,  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  which  lasted  a  year ;  after  which  he 
continued  the  pra,;tice  alone  till  1862,  when  he  took  in  as  a  partner,  Mr.  E.  E.  (^hapin,  and  the  firm  was 
known  as  Cook  &  Chapin  till  May,  1869  ;  since  which  time  he  has  had  no  partner.  He  was  appointed 
District  Attorney,  by  Gov.  Dewey,  in  1850,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  3'ear  was  elected  to  the  same  office,  for 
a  term  of  two  years;  ho  was  Postmaster  of  Columbus  from  1856  to  1861,  and  has  held  various  other 
ofiices  in  the  city.  He  was  at  one  time  the  Democratic  candidate  for  the  Wisconsin  Assembly,  and  in 
1869  was  candidate  for  the  office  of  Secretary  of  State  ;  was  also  a  candidate  for  Congress  in  1870  and 
and  again  in  1874.  In  1853,  he  was  married  to  Sarah  J.  daughter  of  Ard.  S.  and  Betsey  Rockwell,  of 
Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.;  who  afterward  removed  to  Elkhorn,  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  where  Mr.  Rockwell  died  in 
1865.  Mrs.  Rockwell  afterward  died  in  the  city  of  Columbus.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cook  have  five  children — 
three  sons  and  two  daughters.  They  are  as  follows  :  Hobart,  (^a  graduate  of  the  State  University,  now  a 
law  student  with  his  father);  Henry  (now  at  home);  Charles,  Bertha  and  Mary  (^students  at  the  State 
University).  Mr.  C.  has  been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  for  nearly  twenty-five  years.  His 
family  is  connected  with  the  Episcopal  Church. 

HORACE  C.  COOPER,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1815,  and  is  the 
son  of  Chauncy  Cooper  and  Annie  Candee ;  his  grandfather,  Daniel  Candee,  emigrated  from  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  to  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  as  an  early  settler  ;  his  father  was  a  native  of  New  Haven,  Conn.,  also,  and  after 
marriage  removed  to  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  and  his  wife  both  afterward  died  ;  Mr.  Cooper  is  the 
oldest  son  of  a  family  of  four  children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  two  of  whom  now  live  in  Wisconsin. 
He  began  the  trade  of  a  cabinet-maker  at  Manlius,  Onondaga  Co.,  when  (juite  young,  and  continued  the 
same  there  till  20  years'  of  age ;  in  the  autumn  of  1836,  he  emigrated  to  Detroit,  Mich.,  where  he  worked 
at  his  trade  during  the  winter ;  in  the  spring  of  1837,  he  entered  a  farm  in  Macomb  Co.,  Mich.,  but  spent 
the  summer  at  Rome  in  the  grocery  trade,  and  in  the  fiiU  of  that  year  he  entered  some  land  near  Grand 
Rapids,  and  spent  the  winter  at  his  trade  in  Kalamazoo,  and  the  summer  of  1838  was  spent  at  his  trade  in 


TOWN   or    COLUMBUS.  961 

Niles,  going  to  La  Porte,  Ind.,  in  the  latter  part  of  1838  ;  he  was  there,  in  1839,  induced  by  a  friend  to  go 
to  peddling ;  this  he  continued  for  several  years  through  Indiana,  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  dealing  largely 
in  furs;  in  1841,  he  opened  a  store  at  Aztalan,  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  though  he  continued  his  peddling  wagon, 
and  in  the  spring  of  1843,  he  built  and  opened  a  store  at  Lake  Mills,  Jefferson  Co.,  to  where  he  afterward 
removed,  located  and  built  a  hotel ;  passing  through  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  the  autumn  of  1849,  he  made  a  trade 
with  Mr.  Eaton,  a  dry-goods  merchant,  and  exchanged  his  hotel  at  the  Lake  Mills  for  a  store  and  dwelling  in 
Columbus  ;  he  soon  removed  to  Columbus  and  began  merchandising,  which  he  continued  here  till  1865, 
and  was  in  the  trade  elsewhere  till  1872,  since  which  time  he  has  been  proprietor  of  the  Cooper  House 
of  Columbus.  He  was  married  in  1845  to  Miss  Julia,  a  daughter  of  James  Williams,  of  Le  Roy,  N.  Y.; 
their  children  are  Horace  C.,  William  (now  a  merchant  at  Streator,  111.),  Charles  F.  (now  at  Chicago), 
Alice  C.  (now  the  wife  of  C.  F.  Rogers,  of  Lake  City,  Minn.),  Etta  C.  (now  the  wife  of  Willard  Scott, 
Jr.,  of  Naperville,  111.),  Helen  (now  the  wife  of  H.  M.  Brown,  of  this  city),  Julia  A.  (now  the  wife  of 
H.  C.  Williams,  of  Chicago). 

O.  E.  CORNWELLi,  station  agent  for  the  C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co.,  Columbus;  was  born 
in  the  State  of  New  York  in  1840  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  parents  in  1848,  and  located  at 
Oconomowoc,  Waukesha  Co.;  in  1863,  he  was  employed  by  the  N.-W.  R.  R.  Co.,  and  stationed  at 
Watertown  for  two  years;  he  was  employed  by  the  C,  M.  <fe  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co.  in  1865,  and  stationed 
at  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  remained.  Mr.  Cornwell  was  elected  Mayor  of  this  city  (Columbus) 
in  1877,  re-elected  in  1878,  '79  and  '80.  He  was  married  in  1865  to  Miss  Katie  Atkins,  a  native  of 
Maine  ;  their  children  are  Ada  B.,  Ella  M.  and  Bessie  D.  They  attend  the  Congregational  Church.  Mr. 
Cornwell  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

LEONARD  G-.  CROSWEIiL,  farmer,  Sec.  36  ;  P.  0.  Columbus;  is  the  son  of  Harman 
and  Louisa  Croswell ;  born  in  Livingston  Co.  in  1835,  and  lived  with  his  parents  on  a  farm  in  that  county, 
till  his  marriage,  in  1860,  to  Miss  Delia,  daughter  of  William  and  Percilla  Rosenkrans,  of  Wayland, 
Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.;  in  1861,  they  emigrated  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  on  his  present  farm  of  124  acres,  on 
Sec.  36,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  80  acres  of  which  he  bought  in  1861.  Mr.  C.  was  a  member 
of  the  Town  Board  in  1877.  Their  children  are  Irene,  Emily,  Delia  and  Lois.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  and  two 
daughters  are  members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 

JOHN  CROUMBIE,  farmer.  Sees.  5  and  6,  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  and  Sees.  31  and  32, 
town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.;  P.  0.  Columbus ;  was  born  in  County  Westmeath,  Ireland,  in  1813, 
and  is  the  son  of  William  and  Esther  Croumbie,  with  whom  he  spent  much  of  his  early  life  on  a  farm. 
At  the  age  of  17,  he  began  the  stonemason's  trade,  and  continued  the  same  there  till  his  emigration  to 
America  in  1847  ;  he  worked  at  his  trade  on  Staten  Island  for  two  years,  and  in  June,  1849,  came  to 
Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  bought  a  farm  of  80  acres  on  Sees.  5  and  6,  town  of  York ;  he  devoted  most  of  his  time 
to  his  trade  for  the  first  eight  or  ten  years  after  his  settlement  in  Wisconsin,  but  since  that  time  has  strictly 
adhered  to  farming  and  stock-raising  ;  he  now  owns  160  acres  of  land  in  Sees.  5  and  6,  town  of  York,  Dane 
Co.,  upon  which  his  residence  is  built,  and  240  on  Sees.  31  and  32,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.  He 
was  married  in  1842  to  Miss  Esther,  daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Rooney,  of  County  Westmeath;  their 
children  are  William,  now  a  resident  of  the  town  of  Columbus;  James,  now  in  Topeka,  Kan.;  John  and 
Mary,  at  home.     They  are  members  of  St.  Jerome's  Catholic  Church. 

DATID  C.  DAVIS,  31.  D.,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Cardiganshire,  South  Wales,  Dec.  25, 
1833.  The  Doctor  received  his  literary  education  at  Newcastle,  Emlyn,  Wales;  at  the  age  of  18,  he 
entered  the  Bartholomew  Medical  College,  of  London,  but  owing  to  an  aversion  to  the  dissecting-room,  he 
gave  up  the  study ;  his  uncle,  being  then  a  member  of  the  British  Parliament,  secured  for  him  a  position 
in  the  Government  Printing  Office,  where  he  remained  two  years ;  during  a  three-months  vacation  given 
him  in  1854,  he  came  to  visit  America  and  an  uncle  at  Utica,  N.  Y.;  such  inducements  were  offered  him 
to  remain  in  America,  that  he  never  returned  to  Europe,  but  was  connected  with  the  Morning  Herald,  of 
Utica,  for  two  or  three  years ;  he  was  next  publisher  of  the  Mirror,  a  well-known  Welsh  paper  of  Utica, 
for  three  years;  in  18(31,  he  removed  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  and  was  there  connected  with  a  publishing 
house  for  nearly  a  year;  he  located  at  Cambria,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1862,  and  there  engaged  in  mer- 
chandising for  one  and  a  half  years;  there,  in  1863,  with  Dr.  J.  H.  Williams,  he  again  took  up  the  study 
of  medicine  ;  he  attended  lectures  at  Rush  Medical  College  during  the  terms  of  1865-66,  but  took  his 
diploma  from  the  Columbia  County  Medical  Society  in  1866,  and  from  the  State  Medical  Society  in  1868  ; 
he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  with  Dr.  Waterhouse,  of  Portage,  and  continued  there  from  1867 
till  near  the  close  of  the  year  1868  ;  he  removed  to  Columbus  in  November,  1868,  where  he  has  since 
successfully  practiced  his  profession.  While  in  Cambria,  he  served  as  Town  Clerk,  as  Justice  of  the 
Peace  and   Police  Justice,  and  was  at  one  time  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin   Assembly  from  that  district. 


962  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

and  was  the  author  of  the  bill  that  was  passed  by  that  body  and  the  Senate,  legalizing  dissection  ;  the 
Doctor  has  been  a  member  of  the  State  Medical  Society  since  1868.  He  was  married  in  1858  to  Miss 
Dorothy,  daughter  of  Richard  and  Gwen  Roberts,  of  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.  Their  children  are  Julia  M.,  now 
the  wife  of  the  Rev.  L.  H.  Mitchell,  and  lives  at  Portage  City,  Wis.;  Charles  M.;  John  H.;  Lemuel  T.; 
Robert  W.;  George  W.  The  family  is  connected  with  the  Congregational  Church.  The  Doctor  was  a 
charter  member  of  the  Masonic  Lodge  of  Cambria.  He  was  a  member  of  the  City  Council  of  Columbus 
in  1876,  1877  and  1878;  has  been  President  of  the  School  Board  during  the  years  of  1879  and  1880. 

URIAH  DA  VIES,  of  the  firm  of  Bassett  &  Davies,  dry-goods  merchants;  Columbus;  was 
born  in  Merionethshire,  North  Wales,  in  1823;  is  the  son  of  John  and  Mary  Davies,  his  mother  dying 
when  he  was  only  3  years  old  ;  in  1845,  with  his  father  and  stepmother  (his  father  having  married 
again),  came  to  America,  and  located  at  Union,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  where  his  stepmother  afterward  died  ; 
his  fatJier  now  lives  with  him  in  this  city.  Mr.  Davies  came  to  Columbus  in  January,  1840,  and  began 
clerking  for  Arnold  &  Bassett,  dry-goods  merchants,  and  remained  with  Mr.  Bassett  eight  years,  Mr. 
Arnold  having  sold  out  to  Mr.  Bassett  during  that  time;  May  1,  1855,  he  formed  a  copartnership  with 
Mr.  E.  P.  SiLsbee,  under  the  firm  of  Silsbee  &  Davies,  and  as  such  continued  the  business  till,  Aug.  20, 
1855,  Mr.  S.  Axtell  pureha.sed  the  interest  of  Mr.  Silsbee,  and  the  firm  was  then  Davies  &  Axtell  till 
1861,  when  he  bought  out  Mr.  Axtell;  continued  the  business  alone  four  years.  In  1865,  Mr.  Bassett 
became  an  equal  partner  with  Mr.  Davies,  and  in  1866  they  took  in  Mr.  J.  M.  G.  Price,  but  Jan.  1,  1873, 
Mr.  Bassett  bought  back  the  interest  of  Mr.  Price,  and  since  that  time  the  firm  has  been  Bassett  & 
Davies.  Mr.  Davies  was  married  to  Jane,  daughter  of  Ellis  and  Elizabeth  Roberts  ;  their  children  are 
Jane  A. — now  the  wife  of  Wm.  J.  Edwards,  and  lives  in  this  city — Mary  and  Luther.  Mr.  D.  and 
family  are  connected  with  the  Welsh  Methodis't  Church. 

JOHN  R.  OECKER,  proprietor  and  publisher  of  the  Columbus  Republican,  was  born  in 
Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1842  ;  his  father,  Stephen  Decker,  was  a  native  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  but  his  mother, 
Sylvania  Richmond,  was  born  in  Connecticut;  at  the  age  of  22  years,  he,  with  his  parents,  removed  to 
Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  his  father  followed  farming  till  1855,  when  they  came  as  emigrants  to  Wisconsin, 
and  located  at  Waupun,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  where  his  father  now  resides ;  Mr.  Decker  was  educated  in 
the  public  schools  of  Waupun,  and  in  that  city  in  1859,  he  entered  upon  his  apprenticeship  at  the  printer's 
trade ;  a  year  later,  he  went  to  the  city  of  Fond  du  Lac,  where  for  four  years  he  was  employed  in  the  job 
oflfice  of  which  Edward  Beeson  was  proprietor;  in  1867,  he  returned  to  Waupun,  purchased  the  Waupun 
Times,  and  was  its  editor  for  one  year;  he  came  to  Columbus  in  lS68,  established  a  printing  oflfice  where 
he  made  a  specialty  of  job  work,  and  where  he  has  since  edited  the  Columbus  Republican;  Mr.  Decker 
was  elected  Chairman  of  the  County  Board  of  Supervisors  in  1877  ;  was  re-electeid  in  1878  and  1879;  he 
was  married  in  1866  to  Miss  Harriet,  daughter  of  Abramand  Lucy  Shelmadine,  of  Waupun,  who  died  in 
1869,  leaving  two  children — Minnie  J.,  and  Ray — the  latter  of  whom  is  now  deceased;  he  was  again 
married,  in  1870,  to  Miss  Susan  Hawxhurs,  of  Columbus,  who  died  in  three  years  after;  his  third  mar- 
riage was  to  Miss  Emma  L.  Holms,  of  Portage  City,  Wis.,  in  1875;  Mrs.  Decker  is  a  member  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  ;   Mr.  D.  is  a  member  of  the  I.  0.  O.  F.,  P.  of  H.,  and   also  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

JOSEPH  1>ERR,  farmer.  Sec.  31  ;  P.  0.  Columbus ;  was  born  in  Bavaria  April  16,  1841 ;  his 
parents,  Joseph  and  Magdaline  (Schmidt)  Derr,  immigrated  with  their  family  to  America  in  1846;  they 
stopped  a  short  time  at  Detroit,  Mich.,  and  in  the  spring  of  1847,  came  to  the  town  of  Hampden,  Colum- 
bia Co.,  Wis.,  where  his  father  entered  one-half  of  Sec.  36,  and  made  that  his  home  till  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  August,  1879  ;  his  mother  died  in  June,  1877  ;  Joseph,  the  youngest  of  nine  children,  made 
his  home  with  his  parents  until  24  years  of  age  ;  he  then  bought  66  acres  of  his  present  farm,  which 
now  consists  of  2171  acres,  on  Sees.  31,  town  of  Columbus,  and  25  and  36,  town  of  Hampton  ;  he  was 
married  in  1864  to  Miss  Rosina,  daughter  of  George  A.  and  Dorothea  (Long)  Thine,  a  native  of  Bavaria 
but  an  emigrant  to  America  with  her  parents  in  1848,  and  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1849,  where  her 
mother  died  in  1862 ;  their  children  are  Mary  M.,  Matilda  B.;  Frank  J.,  John,  Anna  D.,  Lizza  A.,  Jose- 
phine R.,  Catharine  E.  They  are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church  ;  Mr.  Derr  has  been  a  member  of  the 
Town  Board  for  two  terms,  1879  and  1880. 

Cr.  T.  DODOE,  dry-goods  merchant,  Columbus;  was  born  at  Greece,  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept. 
22,  1834;  his  father,  Rev.  H.  B.  Dodge,  was  born  at  Hanover,  N.  H.;  graduated  at  Dartmouth  College, 
and  soon  after  at  a  theological  college  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  afterward  entered  the  work  of  the 
ministry  as  a  Baptist  preacher  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  his  mother,  Eliza  Beckwith,  was  a  native  of 
Plattsburg,  N.  Y.;  was  married  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dodge,  June  13,  1830.  Five  years  after  marriage,  they 
removed  to  Ohio,  where  Mr.  Dodge  continued  his  ministerial  labors  for  a  few  years,  and  then  returned  to 
Plattsburg,  where  he  died  Nov.  11,  1865.     Mrs.  Dodge  came  to  this  city  (Columbus)  soon  after  the  death 


TOWN   OF   COLUMBUS.  963 

of  her  husband,  and  made  this  her  home  till  her  death,  which  occurred  Nov.  3,  1878;  the  family  was 
composed  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  three  of  the  former  were  for  several  years  merchants  of  this  city. 
Harvey  K.,  was  a  soldier  in  the  1st  W.  V.  I.,  under  Gen.  Starkweather,  and  was  connected  with  the  gen- 
eral pay  department  of  the  army  from  1862  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Nellie 
Dudley,  of  Naperville,  111.,  who  died  in  six  months  after  marriage.  He  was  afterward  married  to  Miss 
Julia  Manning,  of  Columbus.  Rufus  S.,  was  in  the  16th  N.  Y.  V.  I.,  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Bull  Run, 
and  remained  with  and  engaged  in  all  the  principal  battles  and  movements  of  his  regiment  till  after  the 
second  battle  of  Fredricksburg  ;  he  came  to  Columbus  in  1863,  and  was  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Dodge 
Brothers  till  1879  ;  he  is  now  in  business  at  Sparta,  Wis.  He  married  Miss  Fannie  Cotton,  of  Beaver 
Dam,  Wis.;  they  have  one  daughter,  Nellie.  G.  T.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  came  to  this  city  (Colum- 
bus) in  1855,  and  has  since  been  engaged  in  the  dry-goods  trade.  He  was  married  in  186-4  to  Miss  Julia 
I.,  a  daughter  of  M.  Meade,  of  Columbus,  who  died  in  six  weeks  after  marriage.  His  second  marriage 
was  at  LeRoy,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  11,  1866,  to  Miss  Franc  P.,  daughter  of  Dorus  Hinkston,  a  native  of  Clark- 
son,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  Bessie  A.  and  Ruth  M.     Mrs.  Dodge  is  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

WILLIAM  W.  DRAKE,  farmer;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y., 
June  20,  1819.  His  father.  Col.  Jeremiah  Drake,  was  a  native  of  Ulster  Co.,  N.  Y.;  his  mother,  Lur- 
inda  Brockett,  was  born  in  Connecticut.  Mr.  Drake  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native 
county ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  June,  1843,  and  located  at  Columbus  in  September  following  ;  he,  with 
his  father,  rented  the  flouring-mill  at  this  place  (then  the  only  one  in  this  section  of  the  country),  and 
were  its  proprietors  for  three  years  ;  he  removed  to  a  farm  near  the  village,  and  there  followed  farming  for 
awhile  ;  returning  to  the  village  two  years  later,  he  began  the  wagon  manufacturing,  which  he  carried  on, 
for  nearly  twenty  years,  and  then  resumed  the  business  of  a  farmer,  which  he  has  followed  most  of  the 
time  since ;  he  now  owns  a  farm  of  200  acres  in  the  town  of  Columbus.  Mr.  Drake  has  been  Chairman 
of  the  Town  Board  for  several  terms ;  was  elected  Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co.  in  the  fall  of  1860,  for  a  term 
of  two  years,  and  re-elected  in  1872  ;  politically,  he  is  a  Republican.  Dec.  2-1,  1845,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Helen,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Marie  Miller,  a  native  of  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  but  who,  when  quite 
young,  removed  with  her  parents  to  Albany  Co.,  and  made  that  her  home  till  1843,  when  she  came  to  Col- 
umbia Co.,  Wis.;  they  have  two  children  —  Lurinda  M.  and  George  L.  Lurinda  is  a  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  Churi'h. 

ROBERT  W.  EARLL,  M.  D.,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  May, 
1823;  his  parents,  Marcus  and  Calista  Earll,  were  both  natives  of  that  county;  his  mother  died  there  in 
1839,  and  his  father  afterward  removed  to  Coldwater,  Mich.,  where  he  now  resides.  The  Doctor  received 
his  literary  education  in  the  Academy  of  Onondaga  Hollow  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1840  ;  he  pursued 
the  study  of  medicine  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  for  two  years,  attended  lectures  at  Rush  Medical  College  of 
Chicago  during  the  terms  of  1847—48,  and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  February,  1853;  he  located  at 
Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1851,  and  practiced  his  profession  in  company  with  Dr.  Axtell  for  three  years,  and  since 
that  time  he  has  continued  the  practice  alone.  He  was  married  in  August,  1850,  to  Miss  Angeline,  an 
adopted  daughter  of  Henry  Finney,  of  Lowell,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  who  died  in  April,  1872,  leaving  four 
daughters — Dora,  Coie,  Hattie  and  Ann.     They  attend  the  Congregational  Church. 

ABRAM  S.  ECKERT,  farmer.  Sec.  36  ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Ulster  Co.,  N.  Y., 
Feb.  14,  1815.  Mr.  Eckert  lived  with  his  parents,  Solomon  and  Margaret,  on  the  farm  in  his  native 
county  till  their  death,  and  afterward  remained  on  the  farm  till  1854;  emigrating  then  to  Wisconsin,  he 
settled  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  which  he  made  his  home  for  one  or  two  years ; 
selling  out  his  farm  in  1856,  he  returned  to  New  York  for  the  winter,  and,  in  the  following  spring,  came 
again  to  Columbus ;  in  1 868,  he  bought  a  farm  of  36  acres  on  Sec.  36,  which  he  has  since  made  his  home. 
He  was  married  in  1830  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  De  Graff,  of  Ulster  Co.,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  Sarah  M., 
now  Mrs.  Jeremiah  Marshall,  and  lives  at  Lanesboro,  Minn.;  Oliver,  now  at  Northwood,  Iowa ;  Solo- 
mon, now  at  3IcGregor,  Iowa;  Henry,  now  in  Winnesheik  Co.,  Iowa;  Emery,  now  at  Nortiwood,  Iowa. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eckert  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

J  AHES  ECKERT,  farmer.  Sees.  20  and  21  ;  P.  0.  Columbus ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Esopus, 
Ulster  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1837  ;  he  came  with  his  parents,  Hiram  and  Sallie  Eckert,  to  Wisconsin  in  1855,  and 
located  on  a  farm  of  80  acres  in  Sees.  20  and  21,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  where  his  father  died 
April  28,  1876  ;  his  mother  now  lives  with  him  on  the  farm.  He  was  married  March  16,  1876,  to  Miss 
Viola  Parker,  a  native  of  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  but  immigrated  with  her  parents,  William  and  Sarah  Parker, 
to  Wisconsin  in  1856 ;  they  have  three  children — James  C,  Troup  and  Adella. 

JOSEPH  EDWARDS,  farmer.  Sec.  9;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y., 
in  1804,  and  made  that  his  home  till  17  years  old,  then,  with  his  parents,  he  removed  to  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.; 


964  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

where  he  followed  farming  until  1837 ;  emigrating  then  to  Wisconsin,  he  located  at  Milford,  Jefferson 
Co.,  on  a  farm;  six  years  later  (June,  1843),  he  entered  a  farm  of  160  acres  in  Sees.  4,  9  and  17,  in 
the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  he  being  the  second  man  to  make  a  land  entry  in  this  part  of  the 
town;  he  moved  his  family  up  from  Milford  Jan.  18,  1844,  and  has  since  made  it  his  home;  he  now 
has  a  farm  of  280  acres.  3Ir.  Edwards  distinctly  remembers  of  being  summoned  as  a  juror,  at  Portage, 
in  an  early  day,  when,  upon  the  calling  of  the  court,  the  docket  showed  not  a  single  case  for  trial  ;  his 
house  was  used  for  the  church  and  schoolhouse  for  more  than  a  year  after  his  settlement  there ;  the  first 
minister  to  hold  service  there  was  the  Rev.  M.  Jones,  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Mr.  Edwards  was  married 
in  1824  to  Miss  Maria  Bill,  of  Delhi,  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  Mariette,  now  the  wife  of 
S.  S.  Loveless,  and  lives  in  Clark  Co.,  Wis.;  Olney,  now  in  the  city  of  Oconto,  Wis.;  James  J.,  Norfolk, 
Monroe  Co.,  Wis.;  Eliza,  at  home;  Lorilla,  now  Mrs.  Bennett,  of  Luddington  Mich.;  Antha,  now  Mrs.  C. 
S.  McKinzie,  of  Oconto,  Wis.;  Maria,  now  Mrs.  George  Butterfield,  lives  in  Oconto,  Wis.;  Joseph,  Jr., 
now  living  at  Waupun ;  Theron,  at  home  on  the  farm.  Mr.  and  Mr.  Edwards  are  mertibers  of  the  M. 
E.  Church. 

JOIUf  A.  EBHART,  manufacturer  and  dealer  in  harness,  etc.,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Sax- 
ony Sept.  1,  1834.  His  father,  John  R.  Erhart,  was  born  there  in  1805,  and  died  when  John  A.  was 
only  4  years  old  ;  his  mother,  Louisa  Erhart,  was  also  a  native  of  Saxony,  born  1808,  and,  after  the  death 
of  his  father,  she  married  Ferdinand  Baerholdt,  and  with  him  emigrated  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1856, 
where  they  now  live.  Mr.  Erhart  began  a  three-years  apprenticeship  at  the  harness  trade  when  15  years 
old  ;  in  1853,  he  emigrated  to  America  and  followed  his  trade  in  Milwaukee  for  a  year ;  in  1854,  he  went 
to  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  worked  two  years  in  a  shop  for  J.  R.  Decker;  in  the  spring  of 
1856,  he,  with  a  partner,  bought  Mr.  Hosmer's  harness-shop  at  Beaver  Dam,  and  conducted  the  business 
there  till  the  following  fall,  when  became  to  Columbus,  and,  in  copartnership  with  Edward  Vedder,  carried 
on  the  trade  two  and  one-half  years  ;  he  then  bought  out  Mr.  Vedder,  and  has  since  carried  on  the  business 
alone.  Mr.  Erhart  was  one  of  the  Town  Supervisors  before  the  organization  as  a  city ;  he  was  a  member  of  the 
Village  Board  for  two  terms,  and  was  elected  a  member  of  the  City  Council  in  the  spring  of  1880.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  October,  1858,  to  Miss  Caroline,  daughter  of  Andreas  and  Margaret  Liebing,  a  native  of  Germany, 
born  1838,  and  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1853;  their  children  are  Annie  A.,  born  Sept.  9, 1861  ;  IdaL., 
July  17, 1864  ;  Charles  A.,  born  August  4, 1866  ;  Oscar  T.,  born  April  20,  1870.  Mr.  E.  and  family  born 
are  members  of  the  Lutheran   Church  ;  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  since  1859. 

ELIJAH  FEDERLY,  farmer.  Sec.  35  ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y., 
in  1819  ;  his  parents,  Daniel  and  Margaret  Federly,  were  natives  of  Herkimer  Co.,  but  removed  to  Jeffer- 
son Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1815,  where  they  afterward  died.  Mr.  Federly  was  brought  up  as  a  farmer's  son,  and 
was  educated  at  the  district  select  schools  of  his  native  county ;  at  the  age  of  24,  he  began  the  ship-car- 
penter's trade  at  Clayton,  Jefferson  Co.,  and  continued  that  most  of  the  time  for  six  or  seven  years  ;  he 
next  turned  his  attention  to  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade,  at  which  he  worked  much  of  his  time  for  a 
number  of  years ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1848,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Concord,  Jeffer- 
son Co.,  and  in  the  following  year,  he  removed  to  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  where  he  lived  on  a  farm 
for  fifteen  years  ;  in  the  winter  of  1865,  he  located  on  his  present  farm  of  180  acres  on  Sec.  35,  town  of 
Columbus,  Columbia  Co.  He  held  the  offices  of  Town  Treasurer,  Constable  and  Depnty  Sheriff  while  a 
citizen  of  Dane  Co.  He  was  married  in  1842  to  Miss  Sarah  M.,  daughter  of  Edmund  and  Charlotte 
(Dickerson)  Ingalls,  a  native  of  Vermont,  but  an  emigrant  to  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  with  her  parents  when 
young ;  her  parents  afterward  came  to  Wisconsin  ;  both  are  now  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Federly  have 
four  children — Charles  M.,  who  enlisted  in  October,  1861,  in  Co.  B,  16th  W.  V.  L,  under  Col.  Allen,  of 
Madison,  was  taken  sick,  was  brought  home,  and  died  Jan.  11,  1863;  Charlotte  M.  (now  the  wife  of  F. 
W.  Oatman.  and  lives  in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.),  Albert  E.  and  Sarah  C,  at  home.  They  are  members  of 
the  M.  E.  Church. 

JOHN  FICK,  farmer.  Sec.  22 ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Mecklinburg  in  1827  ;  he  came  to 
America  in  June,  1855,  and  located  at  Watertown,  Wis.,  where  he  worked  on  a  farm  for  six  years;  he 
came  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  in  1861,  bought  a  farm  of  127  acres  in  Sees.  15  and  22, 
where  he  has  since  lived.  He  was  married  in  1855  to  Miss  Dora  Scheibers,  a  native  of  Germany  ;  their 
children  are  Henry,  Frank,  John,  Joseph  and  Mary.     They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

HENRY  C.  FIELD,  proprietor  of  livery  stable,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Onondaga  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1820  ;  his  father,  Stephen  Field,  was  born  in  Connecticut ;  his  mother,  Charlotte  Berry,  was  also  a 
native  of  Connecticut,  died  when  he  was  quite  young  ;  he,  with  his  father  and  family,  removed  to  Kala- 
mazoo Co.,  Mich.,  in  1833, and  lived  there  on  afarm  till  1848,  whence  they  emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  where  his  father  died  in  1852  ;  Mr.  Field  lived 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  9(35 

on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie  till  1876,  when  he  removed  to  the  city  of  Columbus,  pur- 
chased the  livery  stable  of  M.  D.  Misner,  and  has  since  been  its  proprietor.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Town  Board  of  Fountain  Prairie  for  a  number  of  years,  and  Chairman  of  the  same  for  four  years ;  he 
was  elected  a  member  of  the  City  Council  of  Columbus  in  1877.  In  March,  1850,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Theressa,  daughter  of  Asa  and  Mercy  Hicks,  nee  Robins ;  her  father  was  a  native  of  New  York  ; 
her  mother  of  Connecticut;  she  was  born  in  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1821,  and  removed  to  Kalamazoo  Co  , 
Mich.,  with  her  parents  in  1834,  where  they  afterward  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Field  have  five  children,  as 
follows  :  Carry  M.  (now  the  wife  of  S.  V.  Potter,  station  agent  at  Calmar,  Iowa),  William  (now  in  Red- 
wood Co.,  Minn.),  Charles  (now  on  the  farm  in  Fountain  Prairie)  Henry  (an  engineer  on  the  Iowa  Divi- 
sion of  the  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  R.  R.J,  Louis,  at  home  with  his  parents. 

WAL.DO  H.  FIELD,  farmer,  Sec.  30;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Cheshire  Co.,  N.  H., 
in  1796  ;  his  father,  Waldo  Field,  was  a  native  of  Bridgewater,  Mass.;  his  mother,  Mary  Atkins,  was 
born  in  Waterbury,  Conn  ,  and  removed  to  Cheshire  Co.,  N.  H.,a  few  years  before  the  Revolutionary  war.  At 
the  age  of  ten  years,  Waldo  H.  removed  with  his  parents  to  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  where  they  afterward 
died.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Lake  Champlain.  He  was 
married  in  1840  to  Miss  Lovisa,  widow  of  Zebina  Lyons,  nee  Carey,  and  daughter  of  Theodore  and 
Silence  (Cobb)  Carey,  a  native  of  Springfield,  Vt.,  but  removed  to  Brandon,  Vt.,  at  the  age  of  5  years  ; 
in  June,  1849,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Field  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  Sec.  30,  town  of  Colum- 
bus, where  they  have  since  lived,  and  now  own  31 }  acres  of  land.  Their  children  are  Martha  (now  Mrs. 
Colville),  Mary  (now  the  wife  of  J.  Folsom,  and  lives  in  Dane  Co.,  Wis.)— these  two  are  by  Mrs.  Field's 
first  marriage,"  and  by  her  second  marriage  they  have  two — Almira  (now  the  wife  of  Hugh  Twining,  and 
lives  in  the  town  of  Medina,  Dane  Co.),  and  Henry  (now  a  resident  of  the  city  of  Columbus).  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Field  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

RET.  ERNEST  FITZXER,  Pastor  of  the  German  M.  E.  Church,  Columbus ;  was  born  in  Prus- 
sia in  1839  ;  he  came  with  his  parents,  Charles  and  Christina  Fitzner,  to  America  in  1850,  and  located  on 
a  farm  at  West  Bend,  Washington  Co.,  Wis.,  and  made  that  his  home  for  eleven  years ;  Mr.  Fitzner  pre- 
pared for  the  profession  of  a  teacher  in  the  Academy  of  West  Bend,  Washington  Co.,  Wis.,  from  which 
institution  he  graduated  in  1861.  In  October  of  that  year,  he  enlisted  in  Co.  D,  12th  W.  V.  I.,  under 
Col.  Bryant,  of  Madison,  and  was  with  his  regiment  in  all  its  principal  movements  and  battles  for  one  and 
a  half  years;  he  was  then  detached  and  placed  as  member  of  the  board,  at  the  headquarters  of  Maj. 
Gen.  Howard,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was  mustered  out  of  service  at  Louis- 
ville, Ky.,  in  1865.  Returning  then  to  West  Bend,  in  August,  where  he  soon  entered  upon  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  he  was  assigned  to  the  Charleston  Mission,  and  at  the  division  of  the  mission,  1866,  he 
removed  to  Green  Bay,  which  was  then  added  to  the  portion  assigned  him ;  joining  the  Northwestern 
Conference  at  St.  Paul,  in  the  autumn  of  1867,  he  was  then  ordained  Deacon,  and  appointed  to  the  charge 
at  Oconomowoc  in  1868,  of  the  German  M.  E.  Church.  During  his  stay  at  Oconomowoc,  he  was  married, 
in  1868,  to  Miss  Lizzie  Horst,  of  Green  Bay,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  he  was  sent  to  New  Bremen, 
Cook  Co.,  111.,  where  he  remained  in  charge  of  the  church  for  three  years  ;  he  was  next  at  Plattville, 
Wis.,  for  two  years  ;  in  1873,  he  removed  to  Galena,  111.,  and  by  the  Bishop  was  appointed  Vice  Presi- 
dent of  the  Northwestern  German  M.  E.  Normal  School,  which  position  he  resigned  at  the  expiration  of 
one  year ;  in  1874,  he  was  appointed  to  the  charge  at  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.,  and,  in  1877,  to  Madison,  Wis;, 
and,  in  1878,  to  Columbus,  where  he  now  resides.  Their  children  are  Edwin,  Charles,  William  Ernest, 
John  and  Robert  Philip. 

WILLIAM  FRANZ,  farmer.  Sec.  7;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1831,  and  is 
the  son  of  Martin  Franz,  with  whom  he  came  to  America  in  1848,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of 
Lowell,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.;  eight  years  later,  he  purchased  a  farm  of  80  acres  in  Sec.  17,  town  of  Colum- 
bus, Columbia  Co.,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1864,  disposed  of  that  and  secured  his  present  one  of  208  acres  in 
Sec.  7,  of  this  township,  and  has  since  made  it  his  home  ;  he  devotes  his  time  to  farming  and  stock-raising, 
making  a  specialty  of  sheep  and  cattle.  He  was  married  in  May,  1855,  to  Miss  Christina  Schank,^  a 
native  of  Prussia  ;  their  children  are  Louisa,  now  the  widow  of  the  late  John  Boskil,  deceased  ;  Carrie, 
now  Mrs.  Rudolph  Bankie,  and  lives  in  Lowell,  Dodge  Co. ;  Charles,  Matilda,  Fredrick  and  Mena,  at 
home.     They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Cuhrch. 

JULIUS  FOX,  proprietor  of  the  Fox  House,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Prussia  Nov.  19,  1827  ; 
his  father,  William  Fox,  was  a  tailor  in  that  country ;  his  mother,  Wilhelmina  Kazloskie,  was  of  Polish 
descent,  her  father,  Carl  Kazloskie,  having  escaped  from  Poland  when  he  was  a  young  man,  and  afterward 
made  his  home  in  Prussia.  At  the  age  of  14,  Mr.  Fox  entered  upon  a  four-years  apprenticeship  at  the 
shoemaker's  trade  at  Reetz,  and  after  serving  his  time  at  the  trade,  he  traveled  in  the  interest  of  the  trade 


966  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

for  eleven  years  over  various  parts  of  Europe.  Jan.  26,  1855,  at  Reetz,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Wil- 
helmina,  a  daughter  of  Gotlieb  and  CaroUne  Breuning,  a  native  of  Prussia,  born  July  26,  1830  ;  May 
15,  1856,  they  sailed  from  Hamburg  for  America,  and  landed  in  New  York  Aug.  2,  following  ;  they  came 
thence  to  Watertown,  Wis.,  where  they  stopped  a  short  time  and  then  came  to  Columbus,  where  he  began 
and  carried  on  his  trade  for  nine  years,  as  a  manufacturer  and  dealer  ;  he  next  engaged  in  farming  for  a 
year  ;  then  in  the  grain  trade  for  a  short  time  ;  he  bought  the  Whitney  House  in  1868,  changed  its  name 
to  the  Fox  House  and  has  since  been  its  proprietor  ;  he  also  owns  a  farm  of  400  acres  in  the  town  of 
Columbus.  He  has  been  a  member  of  the  City  Council  for  two  years.  Their  children  are  Charles 
(deceased),  Clara,  Robert  (deceased),  Henry,  Bertha,  Laura  (deceased),  Hobart  and  Ozisia.  They  are 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

AUGUST  FRITZ,  farmer.  Sec.  34  ;  P.O.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1841;  his 
parents.  Christian  and  Regina  Fritz,  emigrated  with  their  family  to  America  in  1857,  and  located  at 
Watertown,  Wis.,  where  his  father  died  in  1862  ;  August,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  enlisted  in  Co,  E, 
W.  V.  I.,  in  1862,  under  Col.  B.  Pinkney,  and  partook  in  all  the  principal  battles  and  movements  of  his 
regiment  durinsr  the  war  ;  wa.s  mustered  out  at  Galveston,  Tex.,  in  August,  1865  ;  returning  then  to 
Watertown,  Wis.,  he  made  his  home  on  the  farm  till  1866,  when  he  sold  there  and  bought  his  present 
one  of  124  acres,  on  Sec.  34,  town  of  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  married,  March 
20,  1866,  to  Miss  Mary  Holsten,  of  the  town  of  Farmingham,  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  though  a  native  of 
Germany,  and  an  emigrant  with  her  parents  to  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1849  ;  their  children  are  Edwin, 
Annie,  Eleanora  and  William.  Mr.  Fritz  and  family  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  His  mother 
resides  with  him. 

DASflELi  S.  FULiLER,  of  the  firm  of  Fuller  Bros.,  dry-goods  merchants,  Columbus  ;  was 
born  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  13,  1834  ;  with  his  parents,  L.  and  Rachel  Fuller,  he  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1857,  and  located  at  Columbus;  he  soon  went  to  Berlin,  Wis.,  where  he  spent  one  year,  returning  to 
Columbus  in  1858,  and  in  January,  1859,  with  his  father,  in  the  firm  of  L.  Fuller  &  Son,  he  began  mer- 
chandising, and  continued  the  business  under  that  name  till  July,  1866,  when  his  brother,  Mark  R.,  took  the 
place  of  his  father,  and  the  firm  was  changed  to  Fuller  Bros.  In  the  fall  of  1866,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Frances,  daughter  of  Frederick  Ingersoll,  and  a  native  of  Attica,  N.  Y.;  they  had  three  children — 
Agnes  v.,  Alfred  H.  (deceased),  and  M.  Roosevelt.  Mrs.  Fuller  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational 
Church. 

liUSCIUS  FULiIiER,  retired,  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Kirkland,  Oneida  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  July,  1810;  is  the  s^on  of  Daniel  and  Cynthia  Fuller,  who  were  natives  of  Connecticut;  Mr. 
Fuller  devoted  his  time  to  fiirming  in  his  native  county  (excepting  five  years  which  was  devoted  to  saw- 
milling),  till  1857;  emigrating  then  to  Wisconsin,  he  located  at  Columbus,  March  31,  1857;  the  first 
year  after  his  arrival  here  was  given  to  saw-milling  at  Berlin,  Wis.;  returning  to  Columbus,  he  began 
merchandising  during  the  winter  of  1858-9,  and  continued  that  business  for  several  years;  disposing  of 
his  merchandise  in  1866,  he  has  since  spent  his  time  looking  after  his  farm  of  170  acres  in  the  town  of 
Columbus.  He  was  married  in  1833  to  Rachel  Sanford,  a  native  of  England,  who  died  in  Columbus, 
Wis.,  in  1873,  leaving  three  children — Daniel  S.,  now  a  merchant  of  this  city;  Mark  R.,  a  merchant  at 
Augusta,  Wis.;  and  Alice  V.,  who  died  in  September,  1877  ;  they  had  one  son  (Alfred  E. ),  who  enlisted 
in  Co.  G,  23d  W.  Y.  I.,  in  August,  1863,  and  was  with  his  regiment  in  all  its  principal  movements,  till 
March,  1864,  when  he  died  at  Milliken's  Bend,  La.  His  second  marriage  was  in  February,  1875,  to  Mrs. 
Mary  D.,  widow  of  the  late  E.  Grover,  of  Madison,  Wis.;  Mrs.  Fuller  is  a  native  of  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y., 
but  came  with  her  parents,  C.  H.  and  Mary  A.  Williams,  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1846.  She  is  a  member 
of  the  Connreirational  Church. 

ROBERT  GARNIDGE,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  0.  Columbus;  is  a  native  of  England.  His 
parents,  William  and  Jane  (Richardson)  Garnidge,  were  natives  of  Northampton  Co.,  England  ;  his  father 
was  born  in  1777,  and  died  there  in  1860  ;  his  mother  was  born  in  1787,  and  died  in  1836  ;  they  raised  a 
family  of  four  children,  of  whom  Robert,  the  second  and  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  at  Spratton, 
Northampton  Co.,  in  1S16,  and  removed  with  his  parents,  when  4  years  old,  to  Ravensthorpe, 
Northampton  Co.,  >vhere  he  lived  till  1845,  whence  he  emigrated  to  America;  he  stopped  first  at  Avon, 
Lorain  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  was  employed  at  farm  labor  for  about  a  year ;  April  2,  1846,  he  started  for  Wis- 
consin, and  reached  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  the  13th  day  of  that  month;  he  at  once  entered  a 
farm  of  40  acres  on  Sec.  22  of  this  town,  made  a  few  improvements,  and  sold  it;  he  next  bought  SO  acres 
of  his  present  farm  on  Sec.  23,  in  1848,  and  has  since  made  it  his  home;  he  now  owns  200  acres  in  that 
section.  In  1849,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  E.,  daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  Adler,  a  native  of 
Northampton,  England,  but  emigrated  to  Wisconsin  with  her  parents  in  1846,  where  they  afterward  died. 


TOWN   OF    COLUMBUS.  967 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garnidge  have  three  sons  and  two  daughters,  as  follows ;  Byron  R.,  now  in  Mason  City, 
Iowa;  Jennie,  at  home  with  her  parents;  William  H.,  now  at  Albion,  Boone  Co.,  Neb.;  Charles  R.,  at 
home;  and  Anna  V.,  at  home.     Mrs.  Garnidge  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Church. 

ROBERT  GRIFFITHS,  dealer  in  furniture  and  undertaker,  Columbus;  was  born  at  Holy- 
head, Anglesea,  North  Wales,  in  1829  ,  he  began  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade  when  18  years  old;  in 
1856,  he  came  to  America  and  located  in  New  York  City,  where  he  continued  his  trade  for  nearly  nine 
years ;  he  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1864,  formed  a  copartnership  with  J.  Colville  in  the  furniture  and 
undertaking  business,  and  continued  with  him  till  his  death  ;  since  that  time,  he  has  carried  on  the  business 
alone,  and  now  has  the  most  extensive  business  in  the  city.  In  1864,  he  was  married  to  Esther  Jones,  of 
New  York  City,  a  daughter  of  the  late  Richard  P.  Jones,  of  Columbus,  Wis.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Church. 

EUGEIVE  S.  GRISWOLD,  dry-goods  merchant,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Salisbury,  Her- 
kimer Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1833  ;  is  the  son  of  Amos  and  Phebe  (Sherwoodj  Griswold,  natives  of  Connecticut, 
but  Mr.  Griswold  was  educated  at  the  Academy  of  Fairfield,  N.  Y.;  completing  his  studies  there  in  1 853, 
he  went  to  New  York  City,  where,  for  the  next  two  years,  he  was  connected  with  the  Mercantile  Library 
Association;  he  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1855,  and  was  employed  as  clerk  by  his  brothers  in  the  mer- 
cantile trade  for  eighteen  months;  in  1861,  he  began  dealing  in  grain,  which  he  afterward  followed  for 
two  years,  and  then  began  the  dry-goods  business,  which  he  has  since  continued.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Hattie,  daughter  of  Dudley  Tyng,  a  native  of  Augusta,  Me.  They  have  three  children — Florence,  Ada 
and  Edith. 

WILLIAifl  M.  GRISWOLD,  Columbus,  was  born  in  Salisbury,  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y., 
in  1823.  His  parents,  Amos  and  Martha  Munson  Griswold,  were  natives  of  Connecticut.  Mr.  Griswold 
was  educated  at  Union  College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  1844 ;  he 
studied  law  with  A.  Loomis,  at  Little  Falls,  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  was  admitted  at  Schenectady, 
N.  Y.,  in  1850  ;  he  at  once  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  with  Judge  Loomis,  the  father  of  the  code, 
and  continued  with  him  for  three  years  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1853,  located  at  Columbus,  and  for  the 
first  few  years  he  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  trade  ;  he  next  devoted  his  attention  to  farming  for  seven 
years,  and  since  that  time  has  lived  more  retired  from  active  life.  He  has  been  Town  Supervisor  several 
terms;  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin  Assembly  in  1858,  re-elected  in  1859  and  1860  ;  in  1868, 
he  was  elected  to  the  Senate  from  Columbia  Co.,  and  filled  that  position  so  faithfully  that  he  was  again 
re-elected  to  the  same  in  1870.  In  July,  1868,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary,  daughter  of  Alfred 
Scofield,  of  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  William  E.  and  Mary  M.  Mrs.  Griswold  is  a  member 
of  the  Universalist  Church. 

GEORGE  GRISWOLD,  Columbus,  was  born  in  Salisbury,  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1816; 
was  educated  at  Union  College,  of  Schenectady,  under  Dr.  Nott  ;  read  law  with  A.  Loomis,  at  Little 
Falls,  and  later  with  Michael  Hoffman,  of  Herkimer,  N.  Y;  he  came  to  Columbus  in  the  fall  of  1850, 
and  for  nine  years  was  engaged  in  merchandising  ;  since  that  time  he  lived  a  more  retired  life. 

■  HARIIAN  R.  HANCOCK,  farmer;  Sec.  4;  P.  0.  Cdlumbus  ;  was  born  in  Jeflferson  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1833 ;  son  of  Isaac  B.  and  Sally  Hancock,  with  whom  he  emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  in  the 
spring  of  1846,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  where  they  lived  for  three  years  ;  his  father 
then  removed  to  Fall  River,  where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Hancock  was  married  in  1856,  to  Miss  Mary  R., 
daughter  of  Danforth  W.  and  Emily  Stiles,  a  native  of  Vermont,  but  an  emigrant  to  Wisconsin,  in  1847, 
and  located  on  the  farm  where  she  now  lives  and  where  her  father  afterward  died  with  the  cholera.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hancock  have  eight  children,  as  follows  :  Nellie,  Lydia,  Edwin,  Cora,  Matilda,  Herbert,  Willis  and 
Laura. 

JOHN  HASEY,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Londonderry,  Windham  Co.,  Vt.,  in 
1817  ;  is  the  son  of  John  and  Rhoda  Hasey,  who  emigrated  to  Genesee,  N.  Y.,  about  1828,  and  to 
Wisconsin  in  1844,  and  afterward  died  in  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.  Mr.  Hasey  came  to  Dodge  Co., 
Wis.,  in  1845,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Elba;  two  years  later,  he  removed  to  the  town  of  Columbus, 
Columbia  Co.,  where  he  entered  a  farm  of  160  acres,  and  made  that  his  home  till  1856  ;  removing  at  that 
time  to  the  city  (then  village)  of  Columbus,  he  began  dealing  in  produce,  and  continued  that  line  of 
business  for  nearly  20  years.  Mr.  Hasey  has  been  a  member  of  the  City  Council  of  Columbus  since  its 
charter  as  a  city.  In  1843,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Albina  S.,  daughter  of  F.  C.  Farnham,  of  Alexander, 
Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.     They  are  members  of  the  Universalist  Church. 

SAIHUEL  HASEY,  P.  0.  Columbus ;  was  born  at  Londonderry.  Windham  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1822. 
His  parents,  John  Hasey  and  Rhoda  Emmons,  were  also  natives  of  Vermont,  but  were  among  the  early 
settlers  of  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.;  they  came  with  their  family  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  in   1844,  and  later,  to 


968  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

Columbus,  where  they  afterward  died.  Mr.  Hasey,  our  present  subject,  came  with  his  parents  to  Dane 
Co.,  Wis.,  in  1844,  and  in  the  following  year,  removed  to  the  town  of  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  where  he  followed 
farming  till  1866,  returning  then  to  Dane  Co.,  and,  in  1868,  removed  to  Columbus  for  a  short  time  ; 
thence  to  a  farm  of  240  acres  on  Sees.  9  and  10,  town  of  Hampden,  and  made  that  his  home  for  eleven 
years,  and,  in  November,  1879,  returned  to  the  city  of  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  lived.  He  was 
married  in  1852  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Anderson,  a  native  of  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  James 
H.,  who  was  born  at  Danville,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1853,  and  lived  with  his  parents  till  his  marriage  in 
1879,  to  Miss  Alice,  daughter  of  Robert  and  Alice  McBurnie,  a  native  of  the  town  of  Hampden  ;  they 
now  live  on  the  farm  in  that  town ;  George  E.,  also  on  the  farm  ;  Mary  R.  Mr.  Ha.sey  was  Chairman  of 
the  Town  Board  of  Hampden  for  three  term.s,  and  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin  Assembly 
from  the  Second  Assembly  District  of  Columbia  Co.,  in  1874. 

WIIjL/IAM  K.  HOSKEN,  photographer,  Columbus;  was  born  in  London  iu  1836;  is  the 
son  of  James  and  Mary  Hosken  ;  when  about  7  years  old,  he  began  the  study  of  drawing  and  art  in  his 
native  city,  and  devoted  his  attention  to  that  study  more  or  less  of  the  time  there  till  1857  ;  emigrating 
then  to  America,  he  located  at  Altoona,  Penn.,  and  there  followed  various  kinds  of  business  for  awhile; 
he  next  resumed  bis  travel,  which  he  continued  over  many  of  the  States;  in  1862,  he  located  at  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  and  there,  in  1865,  began  work  at  photography;  in  the  latter  part  of  1866,  he  removed  to 
Oconomowoc  and  continued  this  business  there  till  1869,  when  he  removed  to  Milwaukee;  he  came 
thence  to  Columbus  in  1873,  opened  a  studio  and  has  since  continued  his  profession  in  this  city,  doing 
work  also  in  crayon,  water-colors  and  pastel.  He  was  married  in  1866  to  Miss  Angeline  Stowe,  of 
Sun  Prairie,  Dane  Co  ,  Wis.;  their  children  are  Charles  L.,  Edith  A.  and  Emma  J.  They  are  connected 
with  the  Universalist  Church. 

CHARIiE$4  HOTON,  farmer.  Sec.  9;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
1833  ;  is  the  son  of  Aaron  and  Nancy  Hoton,  with  whom  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1843,  and  located 
on  a  farm  on  Sec.  3,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  where  his  father  afterward  died.  Mr.  Hoton 
spent  most  of  his  time  with  his  mother  on  the  farm  til!  his  marriage  in  September,  1874,  to  Miss  Alice 
McBurnie,  of  the  town  of  Hampden,  this  county;  after  marriage,  he  located  on  a  farm  of  120  acres  on 
Sees.  3,  9  and  10,  town  of  Columbus,  which  he  bought  in  1859,  and  has  managed  and  controlled  since 
that  time  ;  they  have  one  son — Clarence. 

WILiLilAJl  K.  HURD,  farmer.  Sees.  7  and  18;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  at  Bridport, 
Addi.son  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1820.  His  father,  William  Hurd,  was  a  native  of  Connecticut,  but  his  mother,  Mary 
Kendall,  was  born  in  Vermont.  William  K.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  spent  his  early  life  on  a  farm  in 
his  native  State,  and,  in  1839,  removed  to  Akron,  Ohio,  where  he  was  engaged  in  a  flouring-mill  for  seven 
months,  and  then  clerked  in  boatyard  there  for  five  months.  He  was  married  at  Akron  in  1840,  to 
Miss  Jane  L.,  daughter  of  Calvin  May,  with  whom,  in  the  autumn  of  that  year,  he  returned  to  his  home 
in  Vermont;  after  spending  a  year  on  his  father's  farm,  they  removed  to  Randolph,  (Cattaraugus  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  where  he  worked  at  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade  for  four  years;  in  1845,  they  removed  to  the 
town  of  Richmond,  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  bought  a  farm,  built  what  was  known  as  the  old 
"  Gravel  House"  and  kept  tavern  in  connection  with  farming  for  three  years,  removing  then  to  the  town 
of  West  Troy,  Walworth  Co.,  where  he  kept  tavern  a  year,  after  which  he  continued  the  carpenter  and 
joiner's  trade  till  1854  ;  while  there,  he  built  twenty  miles  of  railroad  fence  for  the  M.  &  M.  road,  it 
being  the  first  for  that  company  in  the  State  ;  in  the  fall  of  1854,  he  bought  a  farm  of  120  acres  in  Sec. 
7,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis,  which  has  since  been  his  home,  and  where  he  now  owns  196 
acres  in  Sees.  7  and  18  ;  here  his  wife  died  in  March,  1855  ;  their  children  are  James  E.,  who  now 
resides  in  Schuyler  Co.,  Mo.;  Helen,  now  Mrs.  Alonzo  Chase,  and  lives  at  Wells,  Faribault  Co.,  Minn.; 
Achsa  L.,  now  the  wife  of  Monroe  Phi|lips,  and  lives  in  Brookfield,  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.;  Arthur  C, 
deceased;  Charles  M.,  deceased;  Reuben  S.,  living  now  at  Kasson,  Minn.;  Oscar  A.,  who  now  lives  in 
Iowa ;  his  second  marriage  was  in  August,  1855,  to  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Murphy,  nee  Curtis,  of  the  town  of 
Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  she  had  two  daughters  by  her  first  marriage — Frances  M.,  the  late  Mrs. 
J.  J.  Sutton,  now  deceased  ;  Sarah  A.,  now  Mrs.  Lsaac  Thompson,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  Columbus. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hurd  have  two  children  by  their  second  marriage — William  F.,  who  married  Miss  Eliza 
Baker  in  March,  1879,  and  lives  on  his  father's  farm,  and  Fred  W.,  at  home;  they  have  an  adopted 
daughter — Mary.     Mr.  H.  has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Notary  Public  for  several  years. 

ADOLPHIIS  W.  INGALSBE,  Columbus;  was  bom  in  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1822; 
he  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  county;  he  went  to  California  in  1849,  and  spent 
three  years  in  the  West ;  returning  to  his  home  in  New  York,  in  1852,  whence,  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  he 
emigrated  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  at  Columbus  in  February,  1853,  where  he  has  since  devoted  his  time 


TOWN   OF    COLUMBUS.  969 

to  farming  and  stock-raising;  he  now  owns  a  farm  of  600  acres  in  the  towns  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co., 
and  Elba,  Dodge  Co.  Mr.  Ingalsbe  was  a  member  of  the  Town  Board  for  several  terms,  and  Chairman  of 
the  same  two  years.  In  October,  1853,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Maria  Butterfield,  of  Washington  Co., 
N.  Y.,  who  died  at  her  home  in  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  July,  1876,  leaving  three  children,  as  follows:  Burr, 
now  living  in  Nebraska ;  Nora  and  Millie  at  home  with  father.  Mrs.  Ingalsbe  was  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  Church ;   Mr.  Ingalsbee  is  an  Ancient  Odd  Fellow. 

E.  E.  JOXES,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Flintshire,  North  Wales,  in  1828;  is  the  son  of  Edward 
and  Arabella  .Jones ;  he  was  educated  according  to  the  school  system  of  his  native  country,  and,  at  the  age 
of  14  years,  was  apprenticed  to  the  mercantile  trade,  which  he  continued  there  and  in  Liverpool  till  1848, 
his  father  having  died  when  he  was  not  yet  a  year  old  ;  in  1848,  he  with  his  mother  emigrated  to  Amer- 
ica, and  located  at  Columbus,  Wis.;  he  engaged  in  teaching  for  a  year,  and  then  began  clerking  for  Mr. 
Bassett,  in  the  mercantile  trade;  after  continuing  with  him  for  some  years,  he  next  became  a  partner  with 
Mr.  Hazelton,  in  the  business,  and,  in  1861,  he  and  Mr.  Johnson  bought  out  Mr.  Hazelton,and  continued 
the  business  for  three  or  four  years  ;  disposing  of  his  business,  he  soon  became  employed  by  Bassett  & 
Davies,  in  the  dry-goods  and  general  merchandise  store,  and  has  remained  with  them  since.  He  was  mar- 
ried, in  1853,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Jones,  of  the  town  of  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  but  a  native  of  Caernavonshire, 
North  Wales,  and  an  emigrant  to  Wisconsin  with  her  parents,  about  1845;  they  have  one  daughter — 
Katie.  They  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Church  ;  Mr.  Jones  is  a  member  of  the  Temple  of 
Honor. 

THOMAS  JONES,  farmer,  Sees.  23  and  26  ;  P.  0.  Columbus ;  was  born  in  Merionethshire, 
North  Wales,  Oct.  20, 1833  ;  his  father,  Thomas  Jones,  was  born  in  Merionethshire,  and  died  in  the  town  of 
Columbus,  Columbia  Co., Wis.,  Nov.  7,  1849  ;  his  mother,  Elizabeth  Gittings,  was  alto  a  native  of  that  shire, 
and  died  in  Wisconsin  in  August,  1862.  Thomas,  our  present  subject,  is  the  oldest  of  five  children,  with 
whom  his  parents  landed  in  New  York,  as  emigrants  to  America,  July  8,  1845  ;  they  settled  in  the  town 
of  Macy,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  for  nearly  a  year,  and  then  removed  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co., 
Wis.,  where  they  arrived  June  3,  1846,  where  they  located  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  27  ;  Mr.  Jones  made  his 
home  on  the  farm  till  his  marriage  in  1861,  to  Miss  Mary  J.,  daughter  of  Dan  and  Hannah  M. 
Tompkins,  a  native  of  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  but  an  emigrant  with  parents  to  Wiscon.sin,  in  1854,  and  located 
in  the  town  of  Otsego,  Columbia  Co.,  where  her  father  died  in  1876  ;  her  mother  still  resides  in  that  town. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  located  soon  after  marriage  on  a  farm  of  170  acres,  on  Sec.  22,  and  made  that  their 
home  till  Feb.  8,  1876,  whence  he  removed  to  his  present  farm  of  135  acres,  on  Sees.  23,  25  and  26.  He 
has  been  a  member  of  the  Town  Board  for  two  terms. 

JOHX  A.  KITZROW,  farmer.  Sees.  16  and  21  ;  P.O.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Mecklenburg 
in  1838;  he  came  to  America  in  1857,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  he 
now  owns  a  farm  of  160  acres,  Sees.  16  and  21.  In  1866,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Augusta  Prien,  of 
the  town  of  Arlington,  Columbia  County ;  their  children  are  Otto,  Edward,  Charles  and  Mary.  They  are 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

ALBERT  EUGENE  KOENIG,  Columbus  ;  was  born  May  2,  1848,  in  Berne,  Switzer- 
land, and  came  to  America  in  April,  1867  ;  located  in  Fayette  Co.,  Iowa,  and  was  in  the  law  office  of  Mr. 
Goodrich  for  about  nine  months,  and  then  went  to  New  Orleans,  and  to  Cuba,  and  was  there  till  Decem- 
ber, 1870;  then  he  went  to  California,  from  there  to  Shanghai,  China,  where  he  contracted  the  yellow 
fever,  and,  on  account  of  ill  health,  returned  to  California,  and  was  in  the  employ  of  his  brother  for  three 
years,  and  then  he  went  to  New  York,  and,  in  1876,  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  where  he  still  lives,  and  is 
now  in  the  employ  of  J.  Fox,  Esq.;  he  has  charge  of  the  livery  and  feed  stables  at  the  Fox  House. 

REV.  FREDRICK  KEUCKHOHN,  retired,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  North  Germany 
in  1820:  he  was  educated  in  the  common  and  select  schools  of  his  native  country  ;  at  the  age  of  14  years, 
he  became  apprenticed  to  the  blacksmith  trade,  with  his  father,  and  continued  that,  together  with  farming 
there,  till  1848  ;  emigrating  then  to  America,  he  located  at  Chicago,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  for 
nearly  a  year.  There,  in  1849,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Charlotte  Friday,  a  native  also  of  Northern  Ger- 
many, after  which  he  soon  settled  on  a  farm  of  160  acres  in  Cook  Co.,  111.;  two  years  later,  he  removed 
to  a  farm  in  Lake  Co.,  Ind.,  where  he  remained  two  years ;  during  the  time  of  his  residence  in  Cook  Co., 
111.,  and  Lake  Co.,  Ind.,  he  devoted  much  of  his  time  to  the  study  of  theology  ;  he  joined  the  Rock  River 
Conference  in  1854,  and  was  appointed  to  the  charge  of  Manitowoc,  Wis.,  for  two  years,  during  which 
time  he  built  the  first  German  M.  E.  Church  there ;  he  was  assigned,  in  1856,  to  Fond  du  Lac,  where  he 
also  built  the  first  German  M.  E.  Church,  and  remained  there  as  its  Pastor  for  two  years,  and,  in  1858, 
to  Wheeling,  Cook  Co.,  111.;  two  years  later,  he  was  appointed  to  the  German  M.  E.  Church,  of  Clybouriie 
avenue,  Chicago,  where  he  remained  for  two  years ;  in  1862,  he  was  sent  to  La  Porte,  Ind.,  and,  in  1864, 


970  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

to  Bremen,  Cook  Co.,  111.,  where  he  remained  three  years,  going  thence  to  Peru,  La  Salle  Co..  for  one 
year.  In  1868,  he  removed  to  Galena,  111.,  and  was  Presiding  Elder  of  that  district  for  four  years,  after 
which  he  was  Pastor  of  the  church  there  for  one  year.  At  the  time  of  the  division  of  the  Northwestern 
Conference,  in  1872,  at  his  request  he  was  transferred  to  Chicago  German  M.  E.  Conference,  and  by  it  was 
again  appointed  to  the  charge  of  Bremen,  111.,  for  two  years.  In  the  autumn  of  1875,  he  came  to  Colum- 
bus as  Pastor  of  the  German  M.  E.  Church,  and  remained  as  such  for  three  years,  when  failing  health 
forced  him  to  resign.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kluckhohn  have  six  children — Fred,  Louisa  (now  the  wife  of  L. 
Hersch,  and  lives  at  Lemars,  Iowa),  Mary  (^now  the  wife  of  H.  Blumenthal,  of  this  city),  Josephine, 
Henry,  Emma. 

DAVID  IjASKEY,  farmer,  Sec.  33  ;  P.  O.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Greene, 
Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1841,  and  came  with  his  parents,  Richard  and  Dorothy  Laskey,  to  Wisconsin  in 
1844  ;  stopped  one  year  in  Walworth  County  ;  in  1845,  came  to  the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  County, 
where  he  made  his  home  till  1865  ;  then  he  bought  a  farm  on  Sec.  30,  town  of  (!olumbus  ;  disposing  of 
that  in  1868,  he  bought  one  of  120  acres,  87  of  which  lies  on  Sees.  33  and  34,  town  of  Columbus,  and  40 
acres  on  Sees.  3  and  4,  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.  He  was  miirried  Nov.  1,  1870,  to  Miss  Susan,  a 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary  McNamara,  a  native  of  New  York  City,  born  in  1850  ;  her  parents  were 
natives  of  Ireland,  but  emigrated  with  her  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  when  .she  was  quite  young.  Their  children 
are  Albert  J.,  William  H.  and   Uri  D.     Mrs.   Laskey  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

RICHARD  IjASKEY,  deceased,  was  born  in  Leicestershire,  England,  in  1784,  and  lived 
there  on  a  farm  till  about  21  years  of  age;  he  then  joined  the  British  army  as  a  soldier  in  the  War  of 
1812,  and  served  most  of  the  time  in  Canada;  at  the  close  of  the  war,  he  deserted  the  army,  crossed  the 
Niagara  River  on  the  ice  into  York  State,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Greene,  Chenango  Co.,  where  he  made 
his  home  till  1844.  He  was  married  there,  Feb.  9, 1826,  to  Miss  Dorothy  Johnson,  a  native  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, where  she  was  born  Feb.  13,  1800,  but  emigrated  to  New  York  with  her  parents  when  12  years  old. 
In  1844,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Laskey,  with  their  family  of  twelve  children,  emigrated  to  Wisconsin,  and  located 
on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Lina,  Walworth  County;  a  year  later  (1845),  they  removed  to  Columbia  Co., 
and  located  in  the  town  of  Hampden,  where  they  were  among  the  first  families,  and  made  that  their  home 
for  about  twenty-two  years.  In  1867,  they  removed  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  and  settled  on  a  farm,  on 
Sec.  24,  where  he  died  in  1870,  and  his  wife  in  1875;  they  were  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Their 
children  are  Rhoda,  born  Nov.  1 2, 1826,  the  late  wife  of  Thomas  Smith,  now  deceased  ;  John,  born  Dec.  13, 
1827,  who  owns  a  farm  of  60  acres  in  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.;  Albert,  born  Nov.  30,  1828,  who, 
with  his  brother  John,  owns  a  farm  of  390  acres  in  the  town  of  Columbus ;  Lois,  born  Jan.  27,  1830,  now 
the  wife  of  Perry  J.  Kidder,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  Columbus  ;  Thomas,  born  Sept.  30,  1831,  enlisted 
in  Co.  K,  18th  W.  V.  I,  and  killed  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh  ;  Stephen,  born  April  13,  1833,  and  died  in 
the  town  of  Hampden  ;  Asenath,  born  Dec.  13,  1835,  now  Mrs.  Thomas  Smith,  of  Columbus  ;  Chloe,  born 
March  7,  1837,  now  Mrs.  L.  B.  Huntington,  of  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie;  Uri,  born  Feb.  14,  1839, 
enlisted  in  Co.  A,  7th  W.  V.  I.,  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Gainesville,  Va.,  died  at  Alexandria  ;  David, 
born  Oct.  23,  1841,  and  he  now  lives  in  this  town  (Columbus). 

PERRY  IjEE,  deceased,  was  the  son  of  Jesse  and  Jane  Lee  ;  born  in  the  town  of  Eaton,  Wy- 
oming Co.,  Penn.,  in  1816  ;  he  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  county,  and'  devoted  his 
time  to  farming  there  till  his  marriage,  in  1840,  to  Miss  Esther,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Polly  Mitchell, 
of  that  town  and  county.  After  marriage,  he,  with  a  brother,  turned  his  attention  to  milling  (having 
purchased  a  grist-mill  a  short  time  before  his  marriage),  and  were  its  proprietors  till  1844;  emigrating  then 
to  Wisconsin,  they  located  at  Milwaukee  for  fourteen  months,  and  in  December,  1845,  settled  on  a  farm  in 
the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  which  was  their  home  till  1850  ;  removing  then  to  Portage,  he 
was  proprietor  of  the  Wisconsin  House  for  two  years,  and  then  purchased  the  Lee  House,  of  which  he 
was  proprietor  till  December,  1859,  when  it  burned  down.  He  was  elected  Sheriff  of  Columbia  County  in 
1852,  and  served  in  that  office  during  the  years  1853  and  1854.  He  went  to  Denver,  Colo.,  in  1860,  and 
there,  with  a  company  of  men,  started  South  on  a  trip,  but  he  was  taken  sick  and  died  at  Abiquiu,  New 
Mexico,  in  November,  1860,  leaving  a  wife  and  five  children  to  survive  him.  The  children  are  as  follows: 
Wm.  D.,  who  now  lives  in  Texas;  Mary  M.,  now  the  wife  of  Thomas  Sanderson,  and  lives  in  the  town  of 
Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  Sarah,  now  Mrs.  J.  J.  Sutton,  of  this  city;  Esther  M.,  now  Mrs.  A.  H. 
Whitney,  of  this  city,  and  Lillian  E.,  at  home  with  her  mother.  Those  who  knew  Mr.  Lee  knew  well 
his  many  manly  qualities,  being  a  man  who  took  interest  in  public  aflairs,  and  whatever  seemed  to  be  for 
the  general  good  of  the  county  or  community  he  was  ever  ready  to  support.  His  acquaintance  through- 
out the  county  was  very  extended,  and  all  who  met  him  honored  him  for  his  courtesy,  his  kindness,  his 
manhood. 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  9^1 

JOHN  W.  L.EFFINGWEL.L,  farmer,  Sec.  33  ;  P.  O.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Riga,  Genesee  Co  ,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  16,  1832 ;  his  father,  Lemuel  Leffingwell,  was  born  in  Connecticut,  in 
1798,  and  was  a  grandson  of  William  Leffingwell,  who  emigrated  from  France  to  America  in  an  early 
day,  and  was  instrumental  in  rescuing  some  whites  from  the  hands  of  the  Indians ;  as  a  reward  for  which 
the  U.  S.  Government  granted  him  the  land  where  the  city  of  Norwich,  Conn.,  is  now  located  ;  his  father, 
Lemuel,  removed  with  parents  to  the  town  of  Camden,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  a  mere  boy.  There,  in 
February,  1820,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Ruth  Preston,  a  native  of  that  county,  born  April  13,1803. 
Four  years  after  marriage,  they  removed  to  Genesee  Co.,  and  made  that  their  home  until  1835,  whence 
they  emigrated  to  Monroe  Co.,  Mich.;  in  1837,  they  returned  to  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  settled  in  the 
town  of  Vernon,  whence,  in  1847,  they  came  to  Wisconsin  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  York, 
Dane  Co.;  he  having  come  in  the  fall  of  1846,  and  made  preparation  for  the  family,  which  arrived  in  the 
spring  of  1847  ;  he  afterward  purchased  land  near  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  to  which  he 
removed  and  made  his  home  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Sept.  6,  1877.  He  left  a  wife  and  four  children 
to  survive  him  ;  the  latter  are  as  follows :  Mary  A.,  now  the  wife  of  Francis  Smith,  and  lives  in  the  town 
of  Vernon,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.;  George,  who  lives  with  his  mother  on  the  farm  ;  John  W.  and  Orrissa,  now 
the  wife  of  Daniel  Peck,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.  John  W.,  the  third  and  subject 
of  this  sketch,  was  married  Nov.  12,  1855,  to  Miss  Amanda,  daughter  of  Orlando  and  Thankful  (  Parker) 
Wiseman,  a  native  of  the  town  of  Gainesville,  Wyoming  Co.,  N.  Y.;  her  grandfither,  Thomas  Wiseman, 
was  a  native  of  England,  and  came  to  America  as  a  British  soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  served  his  term 
under  the  King  and  then  joined  the  American  cause ;  he  was  one  of  the  men  who  watched  for  Maj. 
Andre  at  the  time  of  his  capture  ;  he  afterward  located  in  the  town  of  Gainesville,  Wyoming  Co.,  N.  Y., 
where  he  followed  the  weaver's  trade,  and  made  that  his  home  until  death  ;  he  raised  a  large  family,  of 
whom  Mrs.  Leffingwell's  father  was  the  youngest  but  one,  and  come  as  a  pioneer  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
located  in  the  town  of  York,  where  he  died  in  the  fall  of  1876,  and  his  wife  two  years  later.  Mr.  Leffing- 
well has  been  Assessor  of  the  town  of  Columbus  for  two  terms,  was  elected  Chairman  of  the  Town  Board, 
in  1878,  re-elected  in  1879  and  1880.  He  now  has  a  farm  of  230  acres.  Sec.  33,  town  of  Columbus. 
Himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Their  children  are  as  follows:  Luella,  now  the 
wife  of  Calvin  J.  Fairbanks,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  Hampden  ;  Ada  E.,  now  the  wife  of  Franklin 
Feelyater,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  Columbus  ;    Arthus  L.  and  Milton  F.,  at  home. 

HON.  JAMES  T.  LEWIS.  Searching  the  streets  of  Athens  with  a  lantern,  Diogenes 
illumined  a  truth  of  his  own  discovering,  namely,  that  honest  men  are  a  nation's  rarest  as  well  as  most 
precious  jewels,  and  we  have  discovered  that  of  those  who  shine  in  the  crown  of  the  republic,  none  have 
a  higher  worth  than  the  faithful  administrators  of  the  law.  Prominent  on  the  roll  of  true  and 
good  men,  we  find  the  name  of  James  T.  Lewis,  a  native  of  Clarendon,  N.  Y.  He  was  born  on  the  30th 
of  October,  1819,  and  is  the  son  pf  Shubaei  Lewis  and  Eleanor  Robertson.  His  grandfather,  Samuel 
Lewis,  lived  in  Brimfield,  Mass.  His  father,  a  native  of  New  England,  was  born  on  the  27th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1783,  and  grew  up  from  a  poor  boy,  with  a  spirit  of  self-reliance  and  strong  hope,  and  by  his  sterling 
qualities  commanded  universal  respect.  He  was  a  man  of  sturdy  enterprise,  and  acquired  large  estates 
both  in  New  York  and  Wisconsin.  He  was  thrice  married — first,  on  the  29th  of  January,  1815,  and  the 
second  time  on  the  15th  of  April,  1835,  to  Parna  Nichols,  who  was  born  on  the  10th  of  April,  1798. 
She  was  a  lady  of  the  truest  womanly  qualities,  a  devoted  wife  and  all  that  a  mother  could  be  to  the  chil- 
dren placed  under  her  care.  Her  pure  life  was  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  her  family,  and  to  the  influence  of 
her  teachings  and  example  the  subject  of  this  sketch  to-day  feels  himself  largely  indebted  for  the  success 
of  his  life.  His  third  marriage  was  to  Mary  Bugbee.  He  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  78  years.  The 
mother  of  our  subject,  a  lady  of  Scotch  descent,  died  on  the  8th  of  October,  1834.  Of  Mr.  Lewis' 
brothers  and  sisters,  William  L.  was  born  Oct.  19,  1815,  and  was  married  Oct.  7,  1842,  to  Miss  Eliza 
Ann  Martin,  of  Clarendon,  N.  Y.;  Shubael  R.  was  born  Nov.  3,  1817  ;  was  a  distinguished  soldier  in  the 
Mexican  War — the  first  to  scale  the  walls  of  Chapultepec,  and  for  his  gallant  conduct  on  the  field  was 
presented  with  a  sword  ;  married,  Aug.  18,  1839,  to  Mrs.  Sarah  Ann  (Nichols)  Brown,  widow  of  Harvy 
Brown,  M.  D. ;  died  in  August,  1856.  Hiram  W.  was  born  January  13,  1823  ;  married  Sept.  2,  1847, 
to  Miss  Melissa  P.  Tousley.  Mary  Jane  was  born  Sept.  6,  1825  ;  married  Oscar  A.  Harris.  Andrew  J. 
was  born  May  23,  1828  ;  died  January  20,  1840.  Lydia  A.  was  born  Sent.  22,  1831  ;  died  Oct.  12, 
1834. 

James  T.,  the  third  son,  after  receiving  a  common-school  education,  completed  a  course  of  English 
classical  study  in  Clarkson  Academy  and  Clinton  Seminary,  in  New  York,  and,  in  1842,  began  the  study 
of  law  with  Gov.  Selden,  of  Clarkson.  He  afterward  removed  to  Wisconsin,  and,  in  1845,  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  of  the  United  States  District  Court,  and  subsequently  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State. 

LL 


972  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

Declining  the  gift  of  an  elijiible  law  oflSee  offered  him  by  influential  friends,  if  he  would  settle  in  Clinton, 
N.  Y.,  he  decided  more  wisely,  and  established  himself  in  Columbus,  his  present  home.  At  the  age  of 
26,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Orlina  M.  Sturges,  daughter  of  a  prominent  and  successful  merchant  of  Clar- 
endon, N.  Y.,  and  by  her  had  four  children — Henry  T.,  deceased  at  the  age  of  16  months;  Selden  J., 
named  after  Gov.  Solden,  of  Clarkson,  N.  Y.;  Charles  R.,  named  after  Hon.  Charles  D.  Robinson,  of 
Green  Bay,  Wis.,  and  Anna  L.  Mr.  Lewis,  a  man  of  superior  executive  ability,  rapidly  rose  to  the  success- 
ive positions  of  District  Attorney,  County  Judge,  member  of  the  Constitutional  Convention  which 
formed  the  organic  law  of  the  State,  member  of  the  General  Assembly,  State  Senator,  member  of  the 
Court  of  Impeachment,  Lieutenant  Governor,  Secretary  of  State  and  Governor.  As  Secretary  of  State, 
it  was  truly  said  of  him,  "  He  has  been  prompt,  methodical  and  systematic  in  all  the  departments  of  his 
oflBce  ;  a  true  man  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  kind  and  gentlemanly  in  his  deportment  and  possessing 
great  executive  ability."  When  elected  to  this  office,  he  received  every  vote  cast  in  the  city  of  his  resi- 
dence, and,  when  elected  Governor,  in  1863,  received  a  majority  of  25,000,  by  far  the  largest  ever 
accorded  to  any  candidate  for  that  office.  The  nation  at  this  time  being  engaged  in  civil  war,  Gov.  Lewis 
felt  that  for  the  time  political  divisions  should  cease  ;  that  all  loyal  men,  forgetting  party  strifes,  should 
rally  around  our  country's  flag,  and  save  it  from  dishonor  ;  that  rebellion  should  be  crushed  by  hearty 
co-operation  and  earnest  sacrifice,  and  that  peace  should  be  restored.  Sincerely  impressed  with  this 
belief,  he  severed  party  ties  and  proclaimed  :  "  He  who  is  not  a  faithful  friend  to  the  Government  of  his 
country  in  this  trying  hour  is  no  friend  of  mine,"  and  spared  neither  time,  talent  nor  money  in  sending 
troops  to  save  the  national  capital. 

Especially  was  his  attention  engaged  in  caring  for  the  needs  of  the  sick.  He  repeatedly  visited  camps 
and  hospitals,  making  long  and  careful  tours,  and  finally  secured  a  special  order  from  the  Surgeon  General 
of  the  United  States  for  the  transfer  of  all  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  from  Wisconsin  to  hospitals 
within  their  own  State,  a  privilege  never  before  granted.  Under  his  administration,  hospitals  were  estab- 
lished, a  soldiers'  orphans'  home  was  founded,  and  families  of  soldiers  provided  for.  Through  his  influence, 
multitudes  of  suffering  "  boys  in  blue "  were  nursed  back  into  life,  in  hospitals  blessed  with  comforts, 
blessed  by  the  prayers  of  mothers  and  wives  at  home  ;  the  dying  hours  of  brave  men  were  soothed,  and 
men  who  had  risked  their  lives  for  a  great  principle,  and  bereaved  families,  were  provided  with  homes. 
The  marked  but  not  forgotten  graves  of  our  slain  heroes  dot  the  hillsides  of  the  South  ;  but,  had  it  not 
been  for  the  noble  work  of  Gov.  Lewis,  hundreds  who  are  among  the  living  to-day  would  live  only  in 
the  desolate,  sorrowing  hearts  of  those  who  loved  them.  By  personal  efforts,  he  obtained  credit  from  the 
Government  for  soldiers  fiirnished,  and  reduced  the  quota  of  Wisconsin  at  one  time  from  19,032  to  15,311, 
and  Wiis  especially  successful  in  securing  the  claims  of  his  State  against  the  Government,  amounting  in  all  to 
more  than  half  a  million  of  dollars.  In  1864,  by  his  wise  adjustment  of  affairs,  the  State  tax  was  reduced 
several  hundred  thousands  of  dollars  ;  and,  during  his  entire  administration,  he  did  not  use  one  dollar  of  the 
Military  Contingent  Fund.  At  his  request,  the  Legislature  declined  to  vote  the  usual  appropriation  of 
$5,000  as  a  general  contingent  fund  for  the  use  of  the  Executive.  He  worked  for  the  good  of  his  State, 
and  was  economical,  systematic  and  prompt  in  all  his  departments  of  duty.  His  large-heartedness  and 
sympathy  went  out  to  all  ;•  yet,  in  the  administration  of  justice,  he  was  inexorable.  As  a  man  and  public 
officer.  Gov.  Lewis  possessed  the  unlimited  confidence  of  the  people,  and  through  his  varied  career 
has  maintained  a  name  and  character  above  suspicion  or  reproach.  Figuring  little  in  proclamations,  orders 
and  telegraphic  communications,  he  performed  his  duties  quietly  and  without  ostentation ;  unselfish  and 
self-denying  in  all  his  actions,  he  labored  for  the  welfare  of  his  State  and  nation.  Standing  upon  noble 
principles,  he  felt  that  he  needed  no  other  platform;  the  ends  which  he  aimed  at  were  his  country's, 
God's  and  truth's.  A  marked  feature  in  the  character  of  Gov.  Lewis,  and  one  worthy  of  imitation,  is  his 
generous  benevolence.  Possessed  of  a  liberal  competence,  he  devotes  a  large  portion  of  his  annual  income 
to  the  building  and  support  of  universities,  colleges,  academies  and  educational  interests,  thus  exerting  a 
silent  but  lasting  influence  for  good  by  developing  the  minds  and  morals  of  his  country's  youtli.  He 
has  been  a  liberal  contributor  to  churches  and  benevolent  enterprises  of  various  kinds,  and  in  ail  that 
pertains  to  the  welfare  of  his  city,  or  the  good  of  his  fellowmen,  he  is  ready  to  lend  a  cheerful  support. 
In  1864,  Lawrence  University  conferred  the  degree  of  LL.  D.,  an  honor  which  was  just!}'  bestowed 
and  has  been  worthily  worn.  He  recently  received  a  dispatch  from  Washington  tendering  him  the 
office  of  Commissioner  of  Internal  Revenue ;  he,  however,  declined  the  h(mor,  owing  to  other  duties 
which  require  his  constant  attention.  Mr.  Lewis  has  been  .several  times  offered  similar  offices,  but  has 
uniformly  declined. 

WiLLiIAM  Ir.  liEWIS,  Columbus;  was  born  at  Clarendon,  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1815; 
he  is  the  son  of  Shubael   Lewis  and   Eleanor  Robertson,  who  are  mentioned  in  the  sketch  given  of  his 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  973 

brother,  Hon.  James  T.  Lewis.  Mr.  Lewis  received  the  greater  part  of  his  education  in  the  common 
schools  of  his  native  State.  In  1842,  he  began  merchandising  at  Bergen,  Genesee  Co.,  and  after 
continuing  there  two  years  he  removed  his  business  to  Clareudon,  Orleans  Co.,  and  there  continued  the  same 
and  also  milling,  for  several  years  ;  disposing  of  his  interest  at  Clarendon,  in  1853,  he  removed  to  Hawley, 
Orleans  Co.,  and  was  proprietor  of  the  Hawley  Mills  for  three  years  ;  he,  with  his  family,  emigrated  to 
Wisconsin,  in  the  spring  of  1857,  locating  at  Columbus ;  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  farming,  lumbering 
and  the  grain  trade.  He  was  employed  as  clerk  in  the  Secretary  of  State's  office,  in  18G3,  with  his 
brother,  during  his  term  of  office,  and  by  Mr.  Pairchild,  in  lSti4.  Returning  to  Columbus,  in  1865,  he 
has  devoted  his  time  to  superintending  his  farm  of  312  acres,  in  the  town  of  Columbus.  He  was  married 
in  1841,  to  Miss  Eliza  Ann  Martin,  of  Clarendon,  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  Martin  J.,  who 
now  lives  in  Dakota;  Adella,  now  the  wife  of  D.  M.  Inmann,  and  lives  in  Dakota;  Anna  E.  now  Mrs.  M.  D. 
Thomp.son,  of  Vermillion,  Dakota;  Jennie,  deceased;  Lillie,  now  at  home  with  parents.  Mr.  Lewis'  family 
is  connected  with  the  Baptist  Church. 

MATTHEW  LOWTH,  farmer;  Sees.  10  and  15  ;  P.O.Columbus;  was  born  in  County 
Meath,  Ireland,  May  (5,  1819  ;  when  7  years  old,  he,  with  his  parents,  Edward  and  Alice,  nee  McCabe, 
emigrated  to  America  ;  they  settled  in  Aug.  1820,  in  the  town  of  Tinmouth,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt.,  where  his 
mother  died  in  the  following  December  ;  his  father  followed  mining  tliere  for  a  number  of  years  ;  after  the 
death  of  his  mother,  he  and  his  brother  were  put  out  to  live  with  American  families  of  Vermont,  and 
with  them  he  made  his  home  until  21  years  of  age  ;  at  the  age  of  IS  years,  he  entered  upon  a  three  years' 
apprenticeship  to  the  molder's  trade,  in  the  Granger  Stove  Works,  at  Pittsford,  Rutland  Co.;  he  next 
came  to  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  awhile,  and  later  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  where  he  followed 
the  same  for  a  time  ;  he  emigrated  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  and  stopped  a  year  with  his  cousin,  John  Lowth, 
at  Troy,  Walworth  Co.;  Nov.  9,  1845,  he  removed  to  his  log  house,  in  the  town  of  Lowell,  Dodge  Co., 
Wis.,  where  he  made  his  home  until  the  fiill  of  1849;  disposing  of  his  interest  in  Dodge  Co.  at  that  time, 
he  entered  a  farm  of  120  acres,  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  and  returned  to  Troy,  N.  Y., 
and  continued  his  trade  at  INIechanicsvilie  for  two  years  ;  coming  again  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1851,  he 
settled  on  his  farm,  which  has  since  been  his  home  ;  he  devoted  the  winter  seasons  of  the  first  eleven  years  after 
his  permanent  settlement  in  Columbia  Co.,  to  teaching,  and  the  summers  in  farming.  Mr.  Lowth  was 
elected  Assessor  of  the  town  or  village  of  Columbus,  in  1856  ;  he  has  served  three  terms  as  Chairman  of 
the  Town  Board,  and  in  1879  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin  Assembly,  from  the  Second 
Assembly  District  of  Columbia  Co.  He  was  married,  in  1843,  to  Miss  Mary  Glavin,  a  native  of  Cork, 
but  an  emigrant  to  America  with  parents,  when  about  2  years  old,  and  settled  at  Troy,  N.  Y.,  where  she 
was  afterward  married  ;  their  children  are  Edward,  Alice  Francis,  Catharine,  Thomas  H.;  Josephine,  now 
the  wife  of  Charles  Hall,  and  lives  at  Spencer,  Marathon  Co.,  Wis.,  and  Emma,  at  home. 

OL.IVER  RODNEY  LIIEY,  farmer;  Sec.  20 ;  P.O.Columbus;  was  born  in  Windsor 
Co.,  Vt.,  in  1824  ;  he  had  the  advantage  of  the  common  school  in  his  boyhood,  where  he  received  his 
education  ;  he  devoted  his  attention  to  farming  in  Vermont,  until  1844,  whence  he  emigrated  to  Wisconsin; 
he  found  employment  at  farm  work  at  Mr.  James'  in  the  town  of  Richmond,  Rock  Co.,  for  two  summers  ; 
in  November,  1845,  he  came  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  bought  a  claim  of  160  acres  in  the 
southeast  quarter.  Sec.  20  ;  and  in  February,  1846,  he  obtained  a  deed  to  40  aci'es  of  it  and  pre-empted  the 
remainder  ;  he  at  once  built  his  pioneer  log  house,  at  first  only  16x10,  but  was  afterward  enlarged,  which 
was  his  home  for  fifteen  years  ;  his  farm  now  numbers  250  acres,  and  instead  of  his  log  house,  a  commodious 
residence  decorates  his  premises.  Mr.  Luey  has  been  a  member  of  the  Town  Board  for  two  or  three  years. 
He  was  married.  May,  1848,  to  Miss  Sarah,  daughter  of  Robert  and  Polly  (Berry)  Miller,  a  native  of 
Windham  Co.,  Vt.;  her  mother  died  there  in  1870  ;  her  father  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1876,  and  now 
makes  his  home  at  Mr.  Luey's.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Luey  have  five  children,  as  follows  :  Charlotte,  now  the  wife 
of  Frank  Hopkins,  lives  at  Gary,  Dakota;  Edwin,  now  at  Rochester,  Minn.;  Cheney  0.,  Walter  R.  and 
Cornelia,  at  home. 

ADAH  McCONSfEIiL/,  Deputy  Sheriff,  Columbus;  was  born  in  County  Armagh,  Ireland,  in 
1824;  he  is  the  sjn  of  James  McConnell,  who  came  as  an  emigrant  to  America,  in  1845,  and  located  at 
Columbu-',  Wis.,  where  he  afterward  died.  Mr.  McConnell,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  spent  four  years  in  a 
constabulary  in  County  Kildare,  Ireland,  and  was  on  duty  at  the  Clontarf  when  the  notice  was  given  by 
Daniel  O'Connell  to  bold  one  of  the  monster  meetings  at  that  place,  in  1843,  and  was  present  when  he 
was  arrested.  Remaining  there  in  that  line  of  duty  until  1847,  he  then  resigned.  May  3,  1847,  he  was 
married  in  the  town  of  Kilcock,  County  Kildare,  to  Miss  Anna  Walsh,  immediately  after  which,  they  sailed 
for  Americj,  and  landed  in  New  York  City  about  the  1st  of  July  following  ;  they  came  thence  to  the 
town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a  farm,  which  was   their  home  until   1805  ;  then 


974  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES:  ' 

removed  to  the  city  of  Columbus,  where  they  have  since  resided.  Mr.  McConoell  was  appointed  Deputy 
Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co.  for  two  years,  by  P.  P.  Pool ;  was  re-appointed  by  Mr.  H.  A.  Russell,  during  hia 
term  of  office,  and  again  appointed  by  Mr.  Jonas  Conklin,  which  position  he  now  holds  ;  he  was  a  member 
of  the  Town  Board  of  Supervisors  for  two  years ;  was  Village  and  City  Marshal  for  Columbus,  six  or  eightyears. 
Their  children  are  Anna  M.,  now  the  wife  of  R.  M.  C.  Turner,  and  lives  in  Philadelphii ;  Thomas  H., 
now  a  clerk  in  R.  W.  Chadbourn's  Bank,  at  Rochester,  Minn.;  Charles  H.,  a  clerk  in  the  First  National 
Bank,  at  Leadville;  Morris  J.,  now  in  a  store  at  Birds'  Island,  Minn.;  Jennie,  at  home.  Mrs.  McConoell 
is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Church. 

JAMES  McTIKKNAN  (deceased),  was  born  in  County  Leitrim,  Ireland,  about  1806  ;  he  was 
brought  up  as  a  farmer's  son,  in  his  native  county  ;  when  about  30  years  old,  he  emigrated  to  America, 
and  lived  in  Vermont  and  Massachusetts  for  several  years  ;  in  1847,  he  with  his  family  removed  to 
Columbia  Co,,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a  farm  of  GO  acres  on  Sec.  25,  which  he  bought  of  William  Drake, 
and  afterward  purchased  42  acres,  making  his  farm  102  acres  on  that  section  ;  here  he  made  his  home  till 
his  death,  Nov.  2,  1865.  He  was  married  in  1850  to  Miss  Mary,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Margaret 
Kelly;  a  native  of  County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  born  in  1828,  an  i  came  to  America  in  1849.  Their  children 
are  Maria,  now  the  wife  of  Edward  Lay,  and  living  in  Kansas ;  John,  at  home ;  Margaret,  at  home ; 
Bridget,  in  Chicago  ;  Thomas,  at  home ;  Annie  (deceased);  Katie  and  KUen,  at  home.  The  family  is 
connected  with  St.  Jerome's  Catholic  Church. 

JOSEPH  S.  JIANSTIWdr,  proprietor  of  flouring-mill ;  was  born  in  Plainfield,  N.  J.,  in  1819  ; 
his  father  dying  shortly  after  his  birth,  his  mother  soon  removed  with  him  to  Middletown,  Monmouth  Co., 
N.  J.,  where  he  spent  much  of  his  time  at  school  till  14  years  of  age  ;  he  then  went  to  New  York  City, 
and  began  with  an  uncle  as  clerk  in  a  dry-goods  store  ;  remaining  there  till  1844,  he  came  to  Wisconsin, 
and  located  at  Kenosha  (then  Southport),  where  he  clerked  in  a  dry-goods  store  for  three  years;  he 
removed  thence  to  the  town  of  Courtland,  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  followed  farming  for  two  years,  and  then 
came  to  Columbus,  purchased  the  Ludington  mill,  and  has  since  been  its  proprietor.  Mr.  Manning  was 
a  member  of  the  City  Council  for  three  years ;  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Ma,sonic  Fraternity  for 
twenty-five  years.  In  1847,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary,  daughter  of  James  and  Julia  Campbell,  of 
Southport  (now  Kenosha),  Wis.  ;  they  have  one  daughter,  Julia  M.,  now  the  widow  of  the  late  H.  K. 
Dodge,  dec'd.  Mrs.  Manning  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Church  ;  Mrs.  Dodge  is  a  member  of 
the  Episcopal  Church.  Mrs.  Manning's  brother,  Benjamin  Campbell,  enlisted  in  the  6th  W.  V.  I.,  at 
Milwaukee,  in  1861,  and  was  with  his  regiment  till  it  reached  Baltimore,  Md.,  where  he  died  from  physi- 
cal exhaustion  cauj^ed  by  the  measles. 

ISAAC  MEKRIAM,  dealer  in  lime,  coal,  brick,  plaster,  etc.,  etc.,  Columbus;  was  born  in 
Franklin  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1811  ;  he  is  the  youngest  of  a  family  of  seven  children,  whose  parents,  Benjamin 
and  Sally  (Kendall)  Merriam,  were  natives  of  Connecticut,  but  removed  to  Franklin  Co.,  N.  Y.,  about 
181(1 ;  his  father  dying  when  he  was  ((uite  young,  he  was  soon  compelled  to  earn  his  own  living  as  best  he 
could;  and  being  thus  early  in  life  deprived  of  his  home,  he  sought  employment  at  farm  work  from  friends 
and  neighbors;  coming  to  Wisconsin  in  1847,  he  located  at  Watertown,  where  he  followed  the  carpenter 
and  joiner's  trade,  to  which  he  became  apprenticed  in  his  native  county  at  the  age  of  21  years  ;  seven 
years  later  (1854),  he  removed  to  the  town  of  Lowell,  Dodge  Co.,  where  he  followed  agriculture  for  nearly 
ten  years  ;  in  the  spring  of  1863,  he  came  with  his  family  to  the  city  (then  village)  of  Columbus,  where, 
in  1866,  he  begah  dealing  in  lime,  coal,  etc.,  and  has  since  continued  the  same.  xA.t  Cornwall,  Addison 
Co.,  Vt.,  in  1847,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lucinda  S.  Goodrich,  a  native  of  that  county  ;  their  children 
are:  Mary  H.,  a  graduate  of  VVayland  University,  of  Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  and  now  a  teacher  in  the  public 
schools  of  Milwaukee;  Lucy  M.;  Sarah  I.,  a  teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  this  city;  Jesse  I.,  now  a 
printer  at  Alexandria,  Dak.     Mr.  Merriam  and  family  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

HEBfRV  510RSE,  firmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of  HalfmooDi 
Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1814.  Hi.s  father,  John  E.  Morse,  was  born  in  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y.;  his  mother, 
Rebecca  Palmer,  was  also  a  native  of  York  State.  At  the  age  of  18  years,  he  began  the  carpenter  and 
joiner's  trade,  which  he  afterward  continued  in  Saratoga  and  Genesee  Cos.  till  1859 ;  emigrating 
then  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  he  stopped  in  the  village  one  year,  then  located  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  24,  town  of 
Columbus,  where  he  and  his  son  together  own  240  acres.  He  was  married  in  1837  to  Miss  Minerva, 
daughter  of  F.  C.  Farnham,  a  native  of  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.;  her  father  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in 
1858,  and  died  here  in  1879.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morse  have  two  children — V.  C,  now  with  his  father  on  the 
farm  ;  Mary,  now  the  wife  of  Eli  Thaire,  who  lives  in  Minnesota.  Mr.  Morse  was  elected  Assessor  of 
the  town  in  1877,  and  re-elected  in  1878-80. 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  975 

STEI>MA1¥  S.  NEWTOX,  dealer  in  musical  instruments,  sewing  machines  and  jewelry, 
Columbus;  was  born  in  Tioga  Co.,  Penn.,  in  November,  1850.  His  father,  Lewis  Newton,  was  a  native 
of  Vermont ;  his  mother,  Emily  Egbert,  was  born  in  New  York  ;  his  father  and  grandfather  John  D. 
Egbert,  came  with  their  families  as  emigrants  to  Wisconsin,  and  landed  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Josiah  Fos- 
ter, in  the  town  of  Arlington,  Columbia  Co.,  in  April,  1854;  they  soon  located  in  that  town,  and  Mr. 
Egbert  was,  for  several  years,  a  prominent  citizen  of  that  town  ;  he  died  there  about  1862  or  1863  ;  he 
did  much  in  the  way  of  making  deeds  and  drawing  papers  of  various  kinds  for  the  early  settlers,  and  was  a 
man  to  whom  all  looked  for  counsel.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Newton  had  a  family  of  six  children — three  sons 
and  three  daughters;  three  of  them  now  live  in  this  County.  Stedman  S.,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
was  the  fourth  child,  and  spent  his  time  on  his  father's  farm  and  at  district  school  till  1868,  removing 
then  to  Poynell,  where,  in  1870,  he  began  clerking  in  a  drug  store,  and  also  had  charge  of  the  post  office 
at  that  place  ;  in  1871,  he  entered  the  State  University  and  completed  his  studies  there  in  1872  ;  return- 
ing then  to  Columbia  Co.,  he  taught  at  Dekorra  for  a  term  of  five  months;  in  the  spring  of  1873,  he 
began  dealing  in  machines  and  musical  instruments  at  Poynette  and  Lodi ;  in  the  fall  of  1876,  removed 
the  main  portion  of  his  business  to  Columbus,  though  he  still  continues  these  points  as  branch  houses  to  the 
business  here;  he  added  a  stock  of  jewelry  to  his  trade  in  the  tall  of  1878,  and  has  since  carried  on  the 
three  lines  of  trade.  In  February,  1877,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Delia,  daughter  of  Lewis  and  Eme- 
line  Cave,  a  native  of  Staten  Island,  but  an  emigrant  to  Poynette,  Wis.,  in  1854.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Newton 
are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  he  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

GERD  H.  XIEJIEYER,  farmer.  Sees.  22  and  27;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  at  Han- 
over, Germany,  in  September,  1820.  His  mother,  Dorothea  Rolls,  died  when  he  was  only  5  years  old, 
and  his  father,  Gerd  H.  Niemeyer,  when  he  was  8.  An  orphan  boy  at  that  early  age,  he  was  forced  to 
leave  off  his  studies  and  seek  some  employment  by  which  he  could  earn  his  own  living ;  he  went  to  live 
with  a  neighbor  farmer,  where  he  learned  that  honest  industry  is  the  true  source  of  wealth,  and  upon 
that  principle  he  has  ever  acted  ;  he  emigrated  to  America  in  1848,  and  located  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  where 
he  followed  laboring  for  five  years,  and  then  removed  to  Portage,  where  he  lived  two  and  one-half  years; 
he  next  removed  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  and  located  on  a  farm  of  40  acres  on  Sec.  16  ; 
a  year  later,  he  sold  that  farm  and  bought  one  of  120  acres  on  Sees.  17  and  20,  where  he  lived  for  two 
years;  disposing  then  of  that,  he  bought  another  of  100  acres  on  Sec.  — ,  and  made  his  home  there  till 
1876,  whence  he  removed  to  his  present  one  of  140  acres  on  Sees.  22  and  27,  where  he  has  since  lived. 
He  was  married,  in  1853,  to  Miss  Mary  Alfs,  a  native  of  Germany,  but  an  emigrant  to  America  in  1848; 
their  children  are   Eliza    IMary  and   Fred.     They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

ASA  PERKINS,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ira,  Cayuga 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1826;  he  was  educated  there  in  the  common  schools,  and  devoted  his  time  to  farming  there 
till  1849,  when  he  emigrated  to  Wisconsin,  and  entered  a  farm  of  120  acres,  on  Sec.  19,  town  of  Colum- 
bus, Columbia  Co  ,  in  June,  having  just  2  shillings  left  after  paying  the  purchase  money;  he  returned  to 
New  York  in  the  following  fall  for  tlie  winter,  and  a  year  from  that  time,  came  again  to  Wisconsin,  and 
located  at  Janesville,  where  he  worked  by  the  month  on  a  farm  for  two  years,  after  which  he  made  his 
home  there  most  of  the  time  for  another  year;  he  settled  permanently  on  his  farm  in  1853,  and  has 
increased  it  to  166  acres.  Mr.  Perkins  is  one  of  the  committee  on  the  extension  of  the  North-Westem 
Railway  from  Granville  to  Lodi,  Wis.,  and  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  enterprise  ;  in  1870,  he  took  a  trip 
to  California,  thence  via  the  coast  to  Portland,  Ore.,  and  up  the  Columbia  River  to  Waulula,  and  from 
there  by  stage  to  Walla  Walla,  Washington  Territory,  whence,  alter  a  fortnight's  sojourn,  he  returned  the 
same  way  to  his  home  in  Wisconsin.  He  was  married,  in  1853,  to  Miss  Sarah  C,  daughter  of  Reuben 
and  Nancy  George,  a  native  of  Indiana,  but  an  emigrant  to  Wisconsin  with  her  father  in  1847,  her  mother 
having  previously  died  in  Illinois ;  their  children  are:  Mary  A.,  born  in  1854,  and  married  to  Stephen 
B.  Marvin  in  November,  1875,  and  now  lives  at  Redwood,  Minn.;  Randall  K.,  born  in  1856,  and  now  at 
Redwood,  Minn.;  Francis  F.,born  in  1858,  now  at  home  ;  Charles  M.,born  in  1860,  and  Arthur  R.,  born 
in  1866.      Mr.  and  Mrs.  Perkins  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

JOHSf  PETERS,  farmer.  Sees.  22  and  15;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1817; 
he  came  to  America  in  1853,  and  lived  five  years  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  and,  in  1857,  he  came  to  the  town 
of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  where,  in  1857,  he  bought  a  farm  of  60  acres  ;  selling  that  in  1866,  he  bought 
his  present  one  of  120  acres  in  Sees.  22  and  15.  He  was  married  in  1850,  to  Miss  Louisa  Harms,  a  native 
of  Germany ;  their  children  are  Henry,  Charles,  William,  Mary,  and  one  adopted  daughter,  Emma.  They 
are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JOHN  PRIEN,  manufacturer  of  wagons  and  buggies,  and  agent  for  all  kinds  of  agricultural 
and  farming  implements,  Cjlumbus;   was  born  in  Mecklenburg  in  1824;  at  the  age  of  21  years,  he  began 


976  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

the  wagon-maker's  trade  in  his  native  country,  and  continued  the  same  there  till  1852 ;  eniigratinii  then  to 
America,  he  located  in  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  and  followed  his  trade  there  for  five  years ;  he  came  to  Columbus 
in  IS57,  and  has  since  carried  on  the  business  of  a  wagon  manufacturer.  In  1853, he  was  married  to  Miss 
P]rnestina  Kreutzfeld,  a  native  of  Germany.  They  have  one  daughter — Mary  Charlotte.  They  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Ijutheran  (church. 

JOHN  11.  tir.  PRICE,  of  the  firm  of  Price  &  Henderson,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Norfolk  Co., 
Upper  Canada,  in  1835  ;  he  received  his  earlier  education  in  the  common  schools  and  academiis  of  his 
native  country,  but  completed  his  studies  at  the  Lawrence  University  of  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1860  ; 
he  came  to  Heaver  Dam,  Wis.,  in  1856,  and  clerked  in  a  dry-goods  store  for  two  years  ;  then,  after  com- 
pleting his  studies  at  the  University,  returned  to  Beaver  Dam, and  continued  clerkin;;  for  two  years  longer; 
in  1862,  he  began  clerking  for  D.  E.  Bassett,  at  Danville,  Wis.,  and,  in  August,  1864,  came  to  Columbus, 
where,  in  January,  1865,  he  formed  a  copartnership  with  Bassett  &  Davies,  in  the  firm  of  Bassett,  Davies 
&  Price,  and  continued  business  for  about  seven  years  ;  he  removed  to  Milwaukee  in  1873,  and  for  three 
years  was  engaged  iu  the  wholesale  tea  trade  ;  returning  to  Columbus  in  1876,  he  formed  a  copartt.ership 
with  J.  T.  Henderson,  under  the  firm  naiue  of  Price  &  Henderson,  lumber  merchants.  Mr.  Price  has 
been  a  member  of  the  City  Council  for  two  terms.  He  was  married  in  November,  1865,  to  Miss  Frances 
A.,  daughter  of  Thomas  Eggleston,  of  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.;  their  children  are  George  W.  and 
Harry  A.     They  attend  the  Congregational  Church  ;   Mr.  Price  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

GRIFFITHS  ROBERTS,  of  the  firm  of  Roberts  &  Thiede,  manufacturers  of  wa-nns, 
farm  machinery,  etc.,  etc.,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Caernarvonshire,  North  Wales,  in  1845,  and  bejran  the 
black.smith's  trade  when  11  years  old.  He  came  to  America  in  1868,  and  located  at  Columbus,  Wis.,  and 
worked  at  the  trade  with  Owen  Jones  for  some  time.  In  1871,  he  formed  a  copartnership  witli  Mr. 
Thiede,  and  establi-shed  the  present  firm  of  which  he  is  a  member.  He  was  married,  in  1871,  to  Miss 
.Sarah  Williams,  of  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.  Their  children  are  Rece  and  John.  They  are  members  of  the  Welsh 
Calvinistie  Church. 

<]}EOR4tE  ROBINSOSf,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Worcester  Co.,  Mass.,  in  1824.  His 
parents,  John  and  Nancy  Robinson,  were  natives  of  County  Armagh,  Ireland,  but  were  early  emigrants  to 
Massachusetts,  where  his  father  afterward  died.  His  mother  died  in  Poriage,  Wis.  Mr.  Robinson  came 
to  Wisconsin,  in  October.  1843,  and  located  at  Kenosha.  In  May,  1844,  he  came  to  the  town  of  Columbus, 
Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  on  a  farm,  which  was  his  home  for  ten  years  ;  selling  his  farm  at  that  time, 
he  bought  another  in  the  same  town,  where  he  now  owns  240  acres  ;  this  he  made  his  home  most  of  the 
time  till  1878,  when  here' moved  to  this  city,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  is  now  one  of  the  three 
first  settlers  of  the  town  who  now  reside  in  this  city.  His  brother,  Isaiah  Robinson,  was  a  pioneer  lawyer 
of  Columbus,  and  died  in  New  York  City  in  1856,  while  on  a  visit  Kast.  Mr.  Robinson  was  elected 
Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co.  in  the  fall  of  1854,  served  during  the  years  of  1854  and  1856.  Politically, 
he  is  a  Republican.  In  September,  1855,  at  Wyocena,  Wisconsin,  he  was  married  to  .Miss  Elizabeth  R., 
daughter  of  Charles  and  Charlotte  Woodward  ;  she  was  born  in  Pembroke,  South  Wales,  and  died  in 
Columbus  in  March,  1878,  leaving  the  following  children — Nelson,  Frances  A.,  Berth  i  E.,  and  an  adopted 
son,  George  R.      Mr.  R.  and  family  are  connected  with  the  Congregational  Church. 

NEWTON  A.  ROBINSON,  Columbus;  was  born  at  Glens  Falls,  Warren  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Aug. 
19,  1828.  His  father,  William  Robin.son,  was  a  native  of  Rhode  Island,  but  removed  to  New  York  in 
an  early  day  ;  his  mother,  Lydia  Warner,  was  a  native  of  York  State.  Mr.  Robinson  began  clerking  in 
a  store  at  Glens  Falls,  when  15  or  16  years  old,  and  remained  there  in  that  business  till  1 850  ;  going  then 
to  Granville,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.,  he  clerked  for  five  years.  In  1855,  he  emigrated  to  Dodge  Co.,  Wis., 
and  stopped  at  the  village  of  Randolph  tor  the  winter.  In  the  spring  of  1856,  he  went  to  Danville, 
Dod'.e  Co.,  where  he  clerked  two  and  a  half  years  for  D.  E.  Bassett,  and  one  year  for  E.  H.  Silsbee  ; 
coming  then  to  Columbus,  he  began  clerking  for  Davies  iV  Axtcll  in  their  dry  goods  .store,  and  remained 
with  that  house  till  1869.  He  afterward  clerked  one  year  for  Fuller  Brothers,  and  three  years  for  Farn- 
ham,  Allen  &  Co.,  grain  dealers,  and  in  January,  1879,  he  began  as  bookkeeper  for  J.  S.  Manning,  with 
whom  he  remained  till  May,  1880.  Mr.  Robinson  was  Town  Treasurer  in  1869,  Town  Clerk  in  1872. 
He  was  married,  in  1860,  to  Miss  Frances  J.,  daughter  of  Daniel  Malls,  the  pruprietor  of  the  first  Colum- 
bus journal ;  she  died  Dec.  5,  1875,  leaving  one  son — Newton  F. 

REV.  FATHER  HENRY  J.  ROCHE,  Priest  of  St.  Jerome's  Catholic  Church,  Colum- 
bus ;  born  in  County  Wexford,  Ireland,  in  1834.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the  common  schools 
of  his  native  county,  and  when  14  years  old,  with  parents,  he  came  to  America,  and  located  at  Utica, 
N.  Y.;  three  years  later,  they  removed  to  the  town  of  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.  In  1852,  he  entered 
the  University  known  as  the  "  St.  Mary's  of  the  Lake,"  Chicago,  where  he  pursued  his  classical  studies 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  977 

for  three  years ;  after  which  he  took  up  the  study  of  philosophy,  physics,  and  also  theology  at  St. 
Francis,  of  Milwaukee,  where  he  completed  his  studies  in  1859.  He  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  by 
Bishop  Henni,  of  Milwaukee,  in  December,  1859,  and  in  18C0  entered  upon  the  work  at  Beloit,  Wis., 
as  Assistant  Priest  of  St.  Thomas',  Catholic;  remaining  there  one  year,  he  was  next  sent  by  the  Bishop, 
as  Priest  of  St.  Andrew's,  of  Delavan,  Wis.;  three  years  later,  he  came  to  Richmond,  Dodge  Co.,  where  he 
organized  an  entirely  new  society,  built  St.  Jo.seph's  Church,  and  remained  there  nine  years.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1872,  he  came  as  Priest  of  St.  Jerome's  to  Columbus,  and  has  since  supplied  the  parish  of  St.  Au- 
gustine's, at  Wyocena,  and  St.  Patrick's,  of  Doylestown,  and  also  St.  Mary's,  of  the  town  of  Calamus, 
Dodi;e  Co. 

^FiHIL  I,.  RUPNOW,  farmer,  See.  .34;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1819;  his 
parents,  John  D.  and  Regina  Rupnow,  both  died  when  he  was  quite  young.  Though  early  in  life  de- 
prived of  that  good  counsel  which  only  comes  from  a  parent,  he  resolved  to  gain  an  education  that  would 
fit  him  for  any  responsible  position  he  might  be  called  upon  to  fill.  He  began  his  studies  at  the  public 
schools,  and  continued  them  at  the  College  of  Neuzelle — the  State  institution  in  the  Province  of  Branden- 
berg — from  1837  to  1841,  when  he  graduated  in  the  teacher's  course;  he  was  then  a  teacher  in  the  Gov- 
ernment employ  till  1856,  when  he  resigned.  He  sailed  May  1,  1857,  for  America,  and  landed  in  New 
York  sixteen  days  later ;  coming  thence  direct  to  Watertown,  Wis.,  he  was  engaged  as  a  teacher  in  the 
Lutheran  School  there  for  nine  months.  In  the  spring  of  18G8,  he  went  to  Jefferson,  Wis.,  where  he 
was  Pastor  of  the  Lutheran  Church  for  six  years;  coming  then,  in  1864,  to  Columbus,  he  clerked  for  Mr. 
Whitney  in  the  hardware  store  for  five  years;  having  purchased  a  farm  of  132  acres  in  Sec.  34,  town  of 
Columbus,  in  March,  1863,  he  located  on  it  in  1869,  and  has  since  made  it  his  home.  He  was  married 
in  Germany,  in  1844,  to  Miss  Augusta  R.,  a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Caroline  Schultz,  and  their  children 
are  Mary  R.,  now  the  wife  of  Herman  Hehmeyer,  and  living  at  Lagrange,  Mo.;  Maximilian,  now  a  civil 
engineer  on  the  railroad  from  Chippewa  Falls  to  Spencer,  Wis. 

HEMAN  SHERMAN,  farmer,  Sec.  4 ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
1828.  His  father,  Amos  D.  Sherman,  was  born  in  Waterbury,  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  Oct.  17',  1789,  and 
made  that  his  home  till  about  25  years  old,  when  he  removed  to  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.;  he  was  a  soldier  in 
the  War  of  1812,  and  for  his  services  as  such,  now  draws  a  pension  from  the  Government;  he  is  now  90 
years  old.  His  mother,  Millie  Handy,  was  a  native  of  Pittsford,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt.,  and  came  to  Essex 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  with  her  parents  prior  to  her  marriage;  she  died  April  15,  1850.  Mr.  Sherman  is  one  of  a 
family  of  twelve  children — six  sons  and  six  daughters — -three  of  whom  now  live  in  the  State  of  New  York, 
and  one  in  Iowa.  He  spent  his  time  in  farming  in  Essex  Co.  till  1849,  when  he  removed  to  Steuben  Co., 
N.  Y.,  where  he  engaged  in  lumbering  for  three  years.  In  1852,  he  immigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
and  located  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  4,  town  of  Columbus,  where  he  now  owns  103  acres  on  Sees.  4  and  5.  He 
has  been  a  member  of  the  Town  Board  for  two  years.  He  was  married  in  March,  1851,  to  Miss  Laura 
E.,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Caroline  Loveless,  a  native  of  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.;  born  Dec,  15,  1836.  They 
have  five  children — Orlin  D.,  who  married  Miss  Marian  Link,  of  Randolphj  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  and  now 
lives  in  this  town  (Columbus)  ;  Albert  R.,  at  home;  Eliza,  now  the  wife  of  Charles  Oliver,  and  lives  at 
Winnebago  City,  Minn.;   Frank  and  Clinton,  at  home. 

T.  CLARK  SMITH,  farmer.  Sec.  3;  P.  O.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Seneca  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  Jan- 
uary, 1811  ;  when  a  mere  infant,  his  parents  removed  with  him  to  Yates  Co.,N.  Y.,  and  located  on  a  farm  near 
Seneca  Lake,  where  he  lived  till  near  31  years  of  age;  he  emigrated  to  Wisconsin  in  1842,  and  in  June 
of  that  year,  entered  and  located  on  a  farm  of  160  acres  in  Sees.  3,  7  and  8,  in  the  town  of  Columbus, 
Columbia  Co.,  and  in  the  following  September  he  went  t«  Illinois,  purchased  some  land,  and  in  October 
took  the  boat  at  Chicago,  was  joined  by  his  family  at  Milwaukee,  and  returned,  via  Bufl'alo,  to  Yates 
Co.,  for  the  winter;  he  came  again,  with  his  effects,  to  Columbia  Co.,  in  the  spring  of  1843,  and 
found  his  log  house  occupied  by  Mr.  Bushnell,  who  received  him  kindly,  and  soon  gave  up  his  possessions 
to  him  ;  he  at  once  began  to  make  improvements,  and  has  since  made  that  his  home  ;  his  farm  now  con- 
sists of  446  acres  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  and  40  acres  in  the  town  of  Calamus,  Dodge  Co.  ;  his  log 
house  has  been  exchanged  for  a  commodious  residence,  with  all  the  improvements  of  a  model  farm.  Mr. 
Smith  was  elected  the  first  Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1846,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year 
was  re.elected  for  another  term  of  two  years ;  he  has  also  been  Chairman  of  the  Town  Board  one  term. 
He  was  married  in  April,  1868,  to  Mrs.  Angeline  Carpenter,  nee  Compton  ;  they  each  have  two  children 
by  former  marriages. 

THOMAS  SMITH,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  County  of  Suffolk, 
England,  in  1809;  he  followed  farming  in  his  native  country  till  1832;  emigrated  then  to  America,  and  landed 
at  Quebec,  May  1st  of  that  year,  and  afterward  located  in  Upper  Canada,  where  he  worked  at  farm  labor  till 


978  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

1836;  coming  then  to  Michigan,  where  he  remained  but  a  short  time,  on  account  of  bavins,  unfortu- 
nately, lost  his  arm  ;  he  next  went  to  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  and  there  was  engaged  in  keeping  a  restaurant, 
from  1837  to  184(),  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Hampden, 
Columbia  Co.,  where  he  followed  farming  till  1861,  when  he  removed  to  a  farm  of  160  acres,  on  Sees.  14 
and  23,  town  of  Columbus.  He  was  married  in  1853,  to  Asenath  Laskey,  of  the  town  of  Hampden, 
Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  but  a  native  of  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.\  their  children  are  Jerome  H.,  Ellen  M.,  Jesse 
L.  and  Charles  T.     Mrs.  Smith  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

JACOB  SMITH,  merchant  tailor.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  May  20,  1815; 
son  of  Col.  J.  J.  and  Nancy  Smith;  his  father  was  a  native  of  New  York,  but  his  mother  was  bora  in 
Philadelphia;  when  16  years  of  age,  he  entered  upon  an  apprenticeship  at  the  tailor's  trade,  in  Eddy- 
town,  Yates  Co.;  one  and  one-half  years  later,  he  went  to  Dundee,  N.  Y.,  and  there  continued  bis  trade 
for  ten  years;  in  June,  1843,  with  his  brothers,  T.  C.  and  Lewis  Smith,  he  landed  at  Milwaukee,  as  an 
emigrant  to  Wisconsin,  and  came  thence  to  Columbus,  where  they  arrived  a  week  later  ;  he  invested  in 
real  estate,  and  located  on  a  farm  near  the  village,  and  for  three  years  devoted  his  time  to  farming  ;  in 
1846,  he  opened  the  first  merchant  tailoring  establishment  in  Columbus,  and  has  continued  that  business 
most  of  the  time  since.  In  May,  1835,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Catha- 
rine Ireton,  of  Dundee,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.;  they  had  an  infant  son,  deceased.  They  are  members  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church;    Mr.  Smith  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

JOHIV  SWARTHOUT,  druggist,  Columbus;  was  born  in  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1819;  he 
emigrated  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1843,  and  located  at  Kenosha,  and  a  year  later  (1844),  he  came  to 
Columbus,  Columbia  (then  Portage)  Co;  returning  in  September,  1848,  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  he  purchased 
the  first  stock  of  drugs  ever  brought  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  reaching  Columbus  again,  he  opened 
the  first  drug  store  of  this  place,  and  has  ever  since  continued  in  that  business.  He  was  elected  the  first 
Tax  Collector  of  Columbia  Co.  in  1847-48;  he  was  appointed  Postmaster  at  Columbus,  by  President 
Grant,  in  1872,  and  has  been  re-appointed  to  that  office  at  the  expiration  of  each  term  since  that  time. 
In  1853,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  A.,  daughter  of  Hiram  and  Sarah  Swift,  a  native  of  Vermont; 
they  had  one  daughter,  Eva,  now  deceased.     Mrs.  Swarthout  is  a  member  of  the  Universalist  Church. 

CHARLES  H.  THOMAS,  farmer  and  horse  farrier.  Sec.  8 ;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born 
at  Alabama,  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1840,  and  came  with  his  parents,  Merrit  A.  and  Julia  A.  Thomas,  to 
Wisconsin  in  1847,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  where  his  parents 
lived  till  1876,  and  then  removed  to  Albert  Lea,  Minn.,  where  they  now  reside.  Mr.  Thomas  made  hia 
home  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  till  18  years  old,  and  then  began  firming  and  trading  for  himself;  in 
1860,  he  began  the  profession  of  a  horse  farrier,  and  has  successfully  practiced  it  through  this  section  of 
the  country  most  of  the  time  since  ;  in  1863,  he  bought  a  farm  of  55  acres  on  Sec.  8,  town  of  Columbus, 
which  has  since  been  his  home.  He  joined  the  United  States  service  in  1864,  and  was  on  detailed 
duty  through  the  Southern  States  as  a  veterinary  surgeon  till  February,  1865,  when  he  returned  to  his 
home  in  Columbus.  He  was  married,  in  1859,  to  Miss  Martha  E.,  daughter  of  Charles  Loveless,  of  the 
town  of  Columbus,  but  a  native  of  the  town  of  Maria,  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  an  immigrant  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1851  ;  their  children   are — Merrit,  Clara  A.,  Edwin  S.,  Melvin  J.  and  Nellie. 

ALFRED  TOPLIFF  (deceased);  was  born  in  Wesifield,  Mass.,  Nov.  11.  1799;  he  was 
the  youngest  of  a  family  of  eight  children,  whose  parents  were  John  and  Susanna  (Jacobs)  TopliiF. 
Mr.  Topliif  devoted  much  of  his  earlier  life  to  teaching  in  his  native  State,  and,  in  the  spring  of  1844, 
he  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  but  soon  after  located  in  the  town  of  Hampden,  and  there  went  to  work  mak- 
ing improvements,  and  preparing  a  home  for  his  family,  who  were  then  East;  in  1846,  he  went  back  for 
his  fiimily,  consisting  of  a  wife  and  three  daughters,  and  when  he  returned  with  them  he  found  that  he 
had  been  elected  County  Surveyor,  an  office  which  he  held  till  the  year  1870,  when  he  resigned,  but  the 
instruments  which  he  loved  so  well  were  not  allowed  to  become  rusty  for  want  of  use  ;  many  were  the 
lines  run  and  the  roads  laid  out  by  him.  Scarcely  a  year  before  his  death,  did  he  give  up  the  profession 
that  he  had  followed  so  long  and  faithfully;  in  1851,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin  Legis- 
lature and  re-elected  in  1852,  proving  himself  to  be  an  active,  intelligent  and  honest  member  of  that 
body  ;  in  1855,  he  removed  to  the  City  of  Columbus  (then  village)  and  resided  here  till  his  death,  which  occur- 
red Nov.  3,  1879  ;  his  wife  having  died  eleven  years  before  him  ;  he  left  a  family  of  three  daughters — Mrs. 
Chadbourn,  Mrs.  Waterhouse  and  an  unmarried  daughter.  A  writer  who  knew  Mr.  Topliff  says  :  '■  It 
was  always  pleasant  to  meet  the  good  old  gentleman,  kind,  intelligent,  courteous,  a  good  word  for  every- 
body ;  always  appearing  to  look  on  the  bright  side  of  the  picture,  and  with  that  quaint  humor  of  which 
he  was  so  fond,  and  ever  at  his  command,  he  was  sure  to  dispel  the  gloom  which  might  be  upon  his 
auditor,  leaving  him,  for  the  time  being  at  least,  a  transformed  being,  feeling  better  for  having  conversed' 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  979 

■with  the  good  old  man.  He  was  a  religious  man  in  the  true  meaning  of  the  term,  nothing  egotistical  or 
Pharisaical  about  him,  but  a  true,  intelligent  belief  in  God  and  his  Savior,  guided  and  controlled  him  in 
the  latter  part  of  his  earthly  career." 

REY.  M.  Cr.  TODD,  Pastor  of  the  Universalist  Church  at  Black  River  Falls,  Elkhorn,  and 
the  parish  of  Wyocena  ;  was  born  at  Homer,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1821  ;  he  i^  the  youngest  son  of 
eleven  children,  whose  parents  were  Dan  and  Sarah  Todd,  natives  of  Connecticut,  but  were  among  the 
first  settlers  of  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  they  afterward  died.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Todd  completed  his 
studies  at  the  Cortland  Academy  of  Homer  in  1843,  and  afterward  removed  to  Geneva,  Kane  Co.,  111., 
where  he  engaged  in  teaching  for  five  years,  and  then  followed  farming  there  for  six  years.  Reduced  in 
health,  he  came  to  Wisconsin  for  recuperation  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of  Merrimack,  Sauk 
Co.  Regaining  his  health,  he  entered  upnn  the  work  of  the  ministry  at  Prairie  du  Sac  in  1856  ;  in  1857, 
he  preached  the  first  Universalist  sermon  at  Lodi,  Wis.;  organized  the  society  and  was  settled  as  its 
Pastor  for  five  years  ;  in  the  spring  of  1862,  he  removed  to  Mazo  Manie,  Dane  Co.,  where  he  organized  the 
society  and  was  Pastor  two  years.  He  was  called  to  the  chaplainjcy  of  the  23d  W.  V.  I.,  under  Col. 
Guppey,  in  186-1:,  and  remained  with  his  regiment  till  the  close  of  the  war.  Returning  then  to  Mazo- 
Manie,  he  resumed  his  ministerial  work  there,  and  also  organized  a  society  and  built  the  Universalist 
Church  at  Prairie  du  Sac  ;  in  February,  1866,  he  preached  his  first  sermon  at  Columbus;  organized  the 
society  and  was  settled  as  its  Pastor  in  the  following  spring.  After  a  successful  pastorate  of  twelve  years,  much 
worn  with  labor,  he  resigned.  Soon  forming  a  circuit,  including  the  parishes  of  Black  River  Falls,  Elk- 
horn  and  Wyocena,  he  has  since  supplied  these  places  with  regular  services.  At  Homer,  N.  Y.,in  1845, 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Margaret  Williams,  who  died  at  Geneva,  111.,  in  1849,  leaving  two  sons — Lew- 
ellyn  and  Willard.  His  second  marriage  was  in  1850,  to  Miss  Helen  Parker,  of  Geneva,  111.;  they  have 
three  sons  and  two  daughters — W.  E.,  a  graduate  of  the  State  University  in  1876,  and  has  since  been 
Principal  of  the  Lodi  High  School  ;  D.  Charles,  a  farmer  in  Sauk  Co.;  Miles  E.,  now  a  student  at  the 
Columbus  High  School  ;  Evelyn,  a  student  at  vocal  music  under  the  instruction  of  Miss  Fannie  Root,  of 
Chicago;  Myrtie,  a  student  in  the  public  schools  of  Columbus.  Rev.  Mr.  Todd  is  a  member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity  ;  also  of  the  Order  of  Good  Templars,  Temple  of  Honor,  and  S.  of  T.,  and  of  I.  0. 
0.  F.;  has  been  R.  W.  G.  Chaplain  of  the  Order  of  the  State. 

JOHN  TOPP,  of  the  firm  of  John  Topp  &  Bro.,  general  merchants,  Columbus;  was  born  in 
Mecklenburg  in  1 840  ;  he  came  to  America  with  his  parents,  John  F.  and  Anna  Topp,  and  located  at 
Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1852,  where  his  father  afterward  died;  his  mother  now  lives  with  him.  Mr.  Topp 
was  educated  at  the  public  schools  of  Columbus  ;  he  devoted  two  summers  to  forming  near  this  city,  and, 
in  1859,  began  clerking  in  a  general  store  in  Columbus  for  B.  Stern,  continuing  as  such  four  years;  he 
was  then  placed  in  charge  of  the  business  at  this  place  by  Mr.  Stern  ;  two  years  later,  he  formed  a 
copartnership  with  his  proprietor  in  the  firm,  John  Topp  &  Co.;  in  April,  1866,  his  brother  Charles,  who 
had  been  managing  the  farm,  formed  a  copartnership  with  him  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Stern,  and  they  have 
since  continued  the  business  as  John  Topp  &  Bro.  Mr.  Topp  has  been  a  member  of  the  City  Council 
for  one  term.  He  was  married  in  1864  to  Miss  Mona,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Louisa  Schwieson,  of 
Columbus,  but  anative  of  Mecklenburg  ;  their  children  are  Charles  J.,  Henry  J.,  Rudolph  0.  They  are 
meaabers  of  the  Lutheran  Church.     Mr.  Topp  is  also  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity. 

WILLIAM  T.  TL^RNER,  farmer  and  stonecutter;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Leeds,  Yorkshire,  England,  in  1819  ;  when  12  years  of  age,  he  entered  upon  an  apprenticeship  at  the 
stonecutter's  trade,  which  he  afterward  followed  in  Scotland,  the  Island  of  Jersey  and  other  British 
possessions  till  1847,  emigrating  then  to  America  and  landing  in  New  York  in  March,  1847  ;  he  worked 
at  his  trade  in  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  for  a  short  time  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  December  following,  stopped 
for  the  winter  in  Milwaukee,  and,  in  the  following  spring,  came  to  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.;  he  entered  a 
farm  of  160  acres,  part  of  which  lies  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  and  part  in  the  town  of  Courtland, 
Columbia  Co.,  and  devoted  his  time  exclusively  to  farming  till  1870  ;  removing  then  to  the  city  of 
Columbus,  he  opened  a  marble-shop  and  resumed  his  trade,  which  he  has  continued  most  of  the  time 
since.  He  was  married  in  1847  to  Anna  Marston,  of  Yorkshire  ;  they  have  seven  children — John,  now 
a  former  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  Joseph  M.,  now  Principal  of  the  High  School  at  Watertown,  Wis.; 
William  R.,  now  in  marble-shop  in  this  city  ;  Alice  A.,  at  home;  Mary  A.,  a  teacher  in  Dodge  Co.;  Ange- 
line  D.,  a  teacher  in  Columbia  Co.;  Emily  M.     The  family  is  connected  with  the  Universalist  Church. 

RICHARD  D.  VANAKEN,  architect  and  builder,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Ulster  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1830;  at  the  age  of  15,  he  became  apprenticed  to  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade  at  Kingston, 
Ulster  Co.,  and  continued  there  until  his  removal  to  Wisconsin  in  1856  ;  locating  at  Columbus,  he  has 
since  devoted  his  time  to  the  business  of  an  architect  and  builder,  and  has  had  the  contracts  for  the 


980  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

erection  of"  many  of  the  most  prominent  buildings  of  this  city  and  surrounding  country  ;  among  them 
are  the  Lutheran,  Episcopal  and  Universalist  churches,  three  store  buildings  for  Lueders  &  Krause,  two 
for  John  Topp  &  Bro.,  two  for  C.  Leitch,  two  for  E.  S.  Griswold,  one  for  H.  Brown,  the  Union  Bank; 
among  the  dwellings  are  those  of  P.  Farnham,  A.  Sexton,  L.  Fuller,  D.  Fuller,  —  Fay,  Allen,  Mr.  Erhart, 
Mr.  Brinkers  and  many  others  of  the  city,  several  fine  farm  residences  of  the  town  of  Columbus — not 
less  than  two  hundred  and  sixty  in  all.  Mr.  Vanaken  has  been  and  is  at  this  time  a  member  of  the 
City  Council.  He  was  married  in  1851  to  Miss  Charlotte  Echert,  a  native  of  Ulster  Co.,  N.  Y.;  their 
children  are  Wilson,  now  at  the  trade  with  his  fiither ;  Mary,  now  the  wife  of  Jefferson  Smith,  and  lives 
in  the  town  of  Columbus  ;  Richard,  a  student  at  telegraphy.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  V.  are  members  of  the  Uni- 
versalist Church. 

KEY.  HENRY  YOdrEIi,  Pastor  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  Columbus  ;  was  born  at  Hof, 
Bavaria,  April  2,  1842  ;  he  came  with  his  parents,  George  and  Christiana  Vogel,  to  America  in  1855, 
and  located  at  Dubuque,  Iowa  ;  in  the  following  year,  he  entered  the  Wartberg  College,  of  Strawberry 
Point,  Clayton  Co.,  Iowa,  from  which,  as  a  theological  student,  he  graduated  in  1863;  he  was  ordained 
to  the  holy  ministry  at  Toledo,  Ohio,  in  February,  18(54,  and  entered  upon  the  work  as  Assistant  Pastor 
of  St.  John's  Lutheran  Church,  of  Toledo,  soon  after  his  ordination  ;  in  the  fall  of  1864,  he  was  called 
to  the  Lutheran  Church,  at  West  Bend,  Iowa,  where  he  remained  till  1867,  when  he  accepted  a  call 
and  removed  to  Madison,  Wis.;  remaining  there  till  1875,  he  was  called  to  the  church  of  Charles  City, 
Iowa,  whence,  in  1876,  he  came  as  Pastor  of  Zion's  Church,  of  Columbus.  He  was  married  in  1865  to 
Miss  Augusta  Gropp,  of  McGregor,  Iowa  ;  their  children  are  Herman,  Sophia  and  Leonard. 

ENST  YON  BRIE^EN,  attorney  at  law,  Columbus  ;  was  born  at  Bromberg,  Prussia,  in 
1841.  He  was  a  soldier  in  guard  artillery  of  the  Prussian  army  from  1860  to  1868,  and  was  com- 
missioned First  Lieutenant  of  his  company  in  1866,  and  served  as  such  till  his  resignation  in  1868.  He 
sailed  from  Bremen  for  America  in  April,  1868,  and  landed  in  New  York  City  the  same  month  ;  sis 
months  later  (September,  1868),  he  went  to  Chicago,  where  he  followed  clerking,  and  various  kinds  of 
business,  till  June,  1869  ;  he  went  thence  to  La  Salle,  111.,  where  he  was  foreman  of  the  rolling  mills  till 
December  of  that  year  ;  returning  then  to  Chicago,  he  continued  clerking  till  1871,  when  he  removed  to 
Cambria,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  there  was  engaged  in  merchandising  till  April,  1873;  June  following,  he 
removed  to  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  resided.  In  April,  1874,  he  was  elected  Justice,  an  office  which 
he  has  since  held.  He  was  elected  City  Clerk  in  April.  1875,  and  has  been  re-elected  to  that  office  every 
year  since  that  time.  In  February,  1879,  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  Court  Commissioners  of  Columbia 
County  by  Judge  Alva  Stewart,  and  in  May,  1879,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  was  married  in 
1872,  to  Miss  Margarethe  Klappenbach,  of  Chicago,  but  a  native  of  Texas;  their  children  are  Elizabeth, 
Henrietta,  Ernst,  and  Richard.     They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

OKIN  D.  YONBrKCrH,  farmer.  Sec.  29  ;  P.  O.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ancram, 
Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1816;  is  the  son  of  Richard  A.  Vosburgh  and  Catharine  Thorapkins,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  both  died  there.  Mr.  Vosburgh  was  brought  up  as  a 
farmer's  son,  and  spent  his  time  at  that  vocation  in  that  county  till  1846.  He  then  emigrated  to  Lake 
Co.,  Ill  ,  where  he  leased  a  farm  for  four  years;  though  soon  after  he  arrived  there,  he  came  to  Columbus, 
Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  entered  his  present  farm  of  160  acres  on  Sec.  29  ;  then  returned  to  Illinois,  and 
in  1850,  came  again  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  on  his  farm.  He  was  married,  April  8,  1846,  to  Miss 
Mary,  daughter  of  Arthur  and  Sarah  (Jennings)  Holmes,  a  native  of  Greene  Co.,  N.  Y;  her  parents  were 
natives  of  Massachusetts;  her  mother  died  in  Clark  Co.,  Wis.;  her  father  now  lives  in  Columbus,  Wis. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vosburgh  have  eight  children — Henry,  born  June  7,  1847,  enlisted  in  Co.  C,  51st  W.  V.  I., 
in  1864,  under  Col.  Martin,  was  with  his  regiment  in  all  its  principal  movements  and  battles  till  the  close 
of  the  war,  and  is  now  at  home;  Charles  F.,  born  in  Lake  Co.,  III.,  Feb.  22,  1849,  and  now  at  Copake, 
Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.;  William,  born  March  28,  1851,  died  Nov.  18,  1869  ;  Cornelia,  born  April  8,  1853, 
married  Mr.  Daniel  Bath,  died  Aug.  23,  1878;  James  E.,  born  March  10,  1855,  now  in  Dane  Co.,  Wis.; 
Edgar  M.,  born  Jan.  21,  1857  ;  Fannie,  born  Feb.  3,  1859;  Martin  H.,  born  July  10,  1861;  Frank, 
born  July  4,  1863  ;  Everett,  born  Nov.  22,  1868,  died  Dec.  23,  1869;  George  W.,  born  Nov.  — ,  1871. 

HENRY  A.  WHITNEY',  hardware  merchant,  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Windham  Co.,  Vt., 
April  20,  1819;  is  the  son  of  Warren  and  Caroline  Whitney,  both  of  whom  died  in  Windham  Co.;  Mr. 
Whitney  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native  State,  and  at  the  age  of  14  years,  began  peddling 
Yankee  notions,  which  he  continued  a  few  years  through  that  State  ;  emigrating  to  Illinois  in  1839,  he 
located  on  a  farm  near  Peoria,  and  there  devoted  his  attention  to  agriculture  for  two  years;  removing  then  to 
Rockford,  111,,  he  continued  farming  another  year;  he  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1844,  built  a  small 
frame  house  where  the  Fox   House  now  stands,  and  began  merchandising  in  one  part  of  it,  and  keeping 


TOWN    OF    COLUMBUS.  981 

tavern  in  the  other ;  after  conducting  his  business  in  these  somewhat  cramped  circumstances  for  a  few 
years,  he  sold  out  his  hotel  and  erected  another  building  near  the  first  one,  and  continued  his  mercantile 
trade  and  livery  business  ;  about  a  year  later,  he  began  buying  produce  and  drawing  it  to  the  lumber  resiions 
of  this  State,  and  taking  in  exchange  therefor  lumber,  which  he  would  raft  down  the  Mississippi  to  St. 
Louis,  losing  nearly  all  his  lumber  by  the  breaking  of  his  raft,  one  day,  at  Alton,  111.,  where  he  beheld 
all  he  had  in  the  world  floating  down  the  river,  with  no  apparent  destination ;  returning  then  to  Columbus,  he 
began  drawing  provisions  to  Green  Bay,  and  trading  with  the  Indians,  he  next  bought  back  the  hotel,  and 
was  again  proprietor  of  the  same  for  nearly  three  years,  after  which  he  turned  his  attention  to  buying 
wheat  and  hauling  it  to  Milwaukee,  reluming  either  with  his  wagons  loaded  with  goods  for  the  merchants 
of  his  village,  or  emigrants  for  this  section  of  the  country;  much  of  his  travel  being  done  with  ox  teams, 
it  would  require  from  ten  to  fourteen  days  to  make  a  trip  to  Milwaukee  and  return  ;  a  few  years  later,  he 
began  dealing  in  live  stock,  and  shipped  the  first  car  load  from  this  part  of  the  country  ;  after  filling  Gov- 
ernment contracts  for  stock  two  or  three  years,  he  then  took  up  the  hardware  trade  and  livery  business  ; 
he  also  built  the  Whitney  House  (now  the  Fox  House),  the  roof  of  which  was  put  on  just  eighteen  days 
after  the  foundation  was  laid,  and  he  was  its  proprietor  for  the  next  eight  years  ;  disposing  of  the  hotel  at 
that  time,  he  has  since  continued  the  hardware  trade.  Mr.  Whitney  was  Postmaster  at  Columbus  in  an 
early  day  ;  he  has  several  times  been  a  member  of  the  Village  Board  and  City  Council.  He  now  owns  a 
farm  of  300  acres  in  the  town  of  Columbus  ;  four  farms  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie — one  of  280 
acres,  another  of  308,  a  third  of  130  acres,  and  the  fourth  of  120  acres  ;  he  also  has  three  farms  in  the 
town  of  Otsego — the  first  contains  300  acres,  the  second  260,  the  third  130  acres ;  two  in  Dodge  Co.— one 
of  200  acres,  near  Loss  Lake,  the  other  of  180  acres,  in  the  town  of  Calamus  ;  he  also  has  two  farms, 
of  120  acres  each,  near  Augusta,  Eau  Claire  Co.,  Wis.,  and  one  of  160  acres  at  Fairmount,  Minn.  Mr. 
Whitney  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  M.,  daughter  of  John  and  Nabby  Pierson,  of  Rockford,  III,  but  a 
native  of  Vermont.  Their  children  are  Alonzo  and  Orlina  (now  the  wife  of  Mack  Lee).  Mr.  W.  has 
been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  for  twenty-five  years. 

JOUIlir  WARNING,  farmer,  Sec.  28  ;  P.  O.  Columbus ;  wa.s  born  in  Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 
in  1838,  and  came  to  America  in  1854;  located  in  the  village  of  Columbus,  where  he  worked  four  years 
for  Mr.  Edson;  he  then  bought  45  acres  on  Sec.  8,  where  he  lived  till  1875,  when  he  bought  his  present 
farm  of  80  acres  on  Sec.  28,  and  has  since  made  his  home.  He  was  married,  in  1857,  to  Miss  Mena 
Reilkneck,  a  native  of  Germany  ;  they  have  one  daughter — Eliza.  They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church. 

JOHN  WILiIjIAMS,  druggist,  Columbus ;  is  a  native  of  Breconshire,  South  Wales,  born  in 
1842  ;  his  parents,  John  and  Mary  Ann  (Davis)  Williams,  had  a  family  of  sixteen  children,  of  whom  he 
is  the  sixth  ;  his  father  was  a  farmer  in  Wales,  but  John  early  turned  his  attention  to  the  drug  trade,  and 
has  since  continued  in  it ;  in  1860,  with  his  brother  Thomas,  he  emigrated  to  America,  and  located  at  Adrian, 
Mich.,  for  a  short  time,  and  in  1861  they  came  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  where  he  has  since  lived  and  continued 
the  drug  business  ;  his  brother  afterward  went  to  San  Francisco,  where  he  died  March  17,  1880.  Mr. 
Williams  was  married  in  1863,  to  Miss  Martha  B.  Smith,  a  native  of  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  born  in  1841,  and 
came  to  Columbus,  with  her  parents,  in  1843.  Their  children  are  Sidney  H.,  George  E.,  and  Charles  H. 
They  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

JOFiL.  WINCH,  retired;  Columbus;  was  born  at  Bethlehem,  Grafton  Co.,  N.  H.,  March  28, 
1808;  he  is  the  son  of  Joel  Winch  and  Sarah  Sessons,  natives  of  Massachusetts,  but  emigrated  to  Beth- 
lehem, N.  H.,  shortly  after  their  marriage,  at  Boston,  which  occurred  about  1806.  Mr.  Winch,  our  present 
subject,  was  the  oldest  of  a  family  of  eight  children  ;  he  received  an  academic  education,  after  which  he 
devoted  a  part  of  his  time  to  teaching,  from  the  time  he  was  20  until  30  years  of  age  ;  the  remainder  of 
the  time  he  devoted  to  farming  there  until  1847  ;  emigrating  then  to  Wisconsin,  he  located  on  a  farm  in 
the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  where  he  lived  until  1872,  when  he  disposed  of  his  realty,  and  removed  to 
the  village  of  Columbus,  where  he  has  since  lived  a  more  retired  life.  Sept.  29,  1835,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Louisa  Moore,  of  Lunenberg,  Essex  Co.,  Vt..;  they  have  three  children — George  D.,  born  May  19, 
1837  (studied  medicine  with  Dr.  Earl,  of  this  city,  and  graduated  from  the  Rush  Medical  College,  with  the 
class  of  1863-64,  but  during  his  course  he  was  commissioned  and  was  Assistant  Surgeon  of  a  Wisconsin 
regiment ;  he  subsequently  returned  to  college,  completed  his  studies,  and  was  commissioned,  by  Gov.  Lewis, 
Surgeon  of  the  36th  W.  V.  I.,  with  which  he  served  until  the  close  of  the  war;  returning  to  his  home, 
he  removed  in  1865,  to  Blue  Earth  Co.,  Minn.,  where  he  successfully  practiced  his  profession  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  July,  7,  1877  ;  he  was  a  man  whom  all  held  in  the  highest  esteem  professionally 
and  as  a  citizen)  ;  Harriet,  now  the  wife  of  Dr.  E.  Churchill,  of  this  city;  Mary,  born  Dec.  13,  1853, 
and  died  Sept.  24,  1868.     Mr.  Winch  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  School  Superintendent,  in  the  town 


982  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

of  York,  Dane   Co.,  for  teu  or  twelve  years.     Mr.   and  Mrs.  Winch   are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

B.  J.  Y^ULE,  former;  P.O.Columbus;  was  born  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1832  ;  in  1844, 
his  parents,  John  and  Elizabeth  Yule,  emigrated  with  their  family  to  Wisconsin,  lauding  at  Milwaukee, 
June  1  ;  they  came  thenoe  to  Watertown,  where  they  stopped  one  year;  in  1845,  they  removed  to  the 
town  of  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  and  located  on  a  farm  where  his  parents  afterward  died.  Mr.  Yule  was  educated 
in  the  common  .schools  of  New  York  and  Wisconsin,  and  has  always  devoted  his  attention  to  agricultural 
pursuits.  He  was  married  in  1856,  to  Miss  Lucy  Pomeroy,  a  native  of  Ohio,  but  an  emigrant  to  Dodge 
Co.,  Wis.,  with  her  parents  in  1850  ;  they  located  in  Calumet  Co.,  Wis,  soon  after  marriage,  and  made  that 
their  home  until  1800  ;  returning  then  to  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  he  resided  there  on  a  farm  until  1877,  when  he 
disposed  of  that  and  bought  his  present  one  of  213  acres,  in  Sec.  12,  town  of  Columbus,  Columbia  Cn., 
where  he  has  since  lived.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yule  have  five  children,  as  follows  :  Ella  H.,  William  H., 
Harvey  E.,  Nellie   May  and  Hobart.     They  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 


TOWN    OF    HAMPDEN. 

ROBERT  BELL,  farmer;  Sees.  10  and  11  ;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Brookfield,  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1845,  and  is  the  son  of  Francis  and  Mary  Bell,  natives  of  Ireland, 
but  emigrated  to  America  in  1838  ;  his  father  now  lives  in  Waukesha  Co.;  his  mother  died  therein  1853  ; 
Mr.  Bell  lived  with  his  father  an  the  farm  in  Waukesha  Co.  until  18(31,  when,  June  12  of  that  year,  he 
enlisted  in  Co.  B,  of  the  5th  W.  V.  I.,  under  Col.  Amasa  Cobb  ;  he  was  with  his  regiment  in  all  its 
movements  and  battles  (losing  only  one  day),  until  mustered  out  at  Madison,  Wis.,  July  28,  1804; 
reluming  then  to  his  home,  he  spent  a  year  on  the  farm,  and  in  18(36,  he  went  to  Nevada,  where  he 
engaged  in  various  kinds  of  businesses  until  June  28,  1868  ;  coming  then  again  to  Wisconsin,  he  with  his 
brother,  Stewart  C,  purchased  a  farm  of  182  acres,  on  Sees.  10  and  11,  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co. 
He  was  married  in  February,  1864,  to  Miss  Flora  M.,  daughter  of  Levi  and  Hannah  Nelson,  of  this  town. 
They  have  one  daughter — -Kittie. 

STE%VART  C.  BELL,  farmer;  Sees.  10  and  11  ;  P.  O.  Columbu'^ ;  brother  and  partner  of 
Robert  Bell,  whose  biography  appears  above,  was  born  in  Brookfield,  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1847  ;  he 
went  with  his  brother  to  Nevada  in  1866,  and  was  a  book-keeper  at  Austin  and  White  Pine,  Nev.,  until 
1868  ;  returned,  and,  with  his  brother,  bought  the  farm  on  which  they  now  live.  He  was  married,  Nov. 
15,  1869,  to  Miss  Merzia,  daughter  of  Eli  Phillips,  of  the  town  of  Brookfield,  Waukesha  Co.;  their 
children  are  Francis  E.  and  Alma. 

NICHOLAS  HE]VRY  BOCK,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Hanover 
in  1819;  his  parents,  John  Peter  and  Anna  Maria  Bock,  both  died  in  Germany.  Mr.  Bock  was  a  farmer 
in  his  native  country,  and,  in  1S54,  with  his  brother,  A.  T.,  came  to  America;  they  stopped  a  year  in  Mil- 
waukee, and  then  came  to  the  town  of  Hampden  ;  bought  a  farm  of  160  acres  on  Sec.  16,  where  they  now 
own  240  acres.  He  was  married  in  Germany,  in  1841,  to  Miss  Anna  S.  D.  Waltmann  ;  their  children 
are  Augusta,  the  late  Mrs.  F.  Duebore ;  Christopher  Henry ;  Matilda  Sophia,  now  the  wife  of  Fredrick 
Duebore,  and  lives  in  this  town  ;  Anna  Sophia  Dorothea,  now  Mrs.  William  Ladwig,  and  lives  in  Hamp- 
den, and  John  Peter  ;  they  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

WILLIAiU  BRADLEY,  farmer  and  stock-dealer,  Sec.  16;  P.O.Columbus;  was  born  in 
Yorkshire,  England,  March  4,  1826;  his  parents,  Ralph  and  Elizabeth  Bradley,  both  died  in  England. 
Mr.  Bradley  spent  his  time  at  farming  in  his  native  country  till  .1854,  whence  he  emigrated  to  America  ; 
he  stopped  for  three  months  at  Utica,  N.  Y.;  he  went  then  to  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  followed  fiirm 
labor  for  a  short  time,  and  afterward  followed  teaming  in  an  ironstone  mine  for  the  firm  of  Lee,  Sherman 
&  Welby  ;  he  came  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  in  1858,  thence  to  the  town  of  Columbus,  where  he  made  his 
home  with  T.  Clark  Smith  for  two  months,  removing  then  to  the  town  of  Hampden  for  nearly  a  year  ;  he 
next  went  to  the  town  of  Otsego,  where  ho  lived  til!  March,  1866,  when  he  returned  to  Hampden  and 
located  on  his  present  farm  of  245  acres  on  Sees.  16,  17,  and  21,  where  he  has  since  lived.  He  was  mar- 
ried, Oct.  10,  1859,  to  Miss  Lockey,  a  daughter  of  Levi  and  Lucy  (Force)  Nelson,  of  the  town  of  Otsego  ; 
their  children  are  William  J.,  Delbert  (deceased),  Martha  M.  and  Elizabeth. 

HE\R\'  R.  CLARK,  farmer.  Sees.  8  and  9 ;  P.O.Hampden;  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Springport,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  5,  1819;  his  parents,  Henry  R.  and  Sally  (Craft)  Clark,  were  also 


TOWN    OF    HAMPDEN.  983 

natives  of  New  York.  Mr.  Clark  is  the  third  of  a  family  of  seven  children,  and  with  his  oldest  brother, 
Albert,  came  to  Wisconsin  and  located  in  the  town  of  Darien,  Walworth  Co.,  where  his  brother  died  in 
1847  or  1848.  In  June,  1846,  he  came  to  the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  and  purchased  a  claim 
to  some  land  on  Sees.  6  and  7,  where  he  made  his  home  for  a  few  years  ;  then  removed  to  his  present  home 
on  Sees.  7,  8  and  9,  where  he  now  owns  600  acres.  Mr.  Clark  has  been  for  several  terms  and  is  at  present 
a  member  of  the  Town  Board.  He  was  married,  Sept.  28,  1850,  to  Miss  Lucy  J.,  daughter  of  Elias  and 
Elizabeth  Ives,  a  native  of  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  born  March  19,  1832,  and  came  with  her  parents  to  the 
town  of  Miltcn,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1845,  and  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1850  ;  they  now  live  at  Leeds  Center. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark's  children  are  De  Witt  C,  born  May  6,  1852,  died  Sept.  8,  1862;  Harriet  P.,  born 
May  12,  1854,  died  Nov.  24,  1854;  Elias  H.,  born  April  26,  1858,  now  married  and  lives  on  Sec.  8  of 
this  town;  Hattie  M.,  born  June  1,  186H ;  Albert  J.,  born  April  2,  1866  ;  Lucius  I.,  born  March  27, 
1868;  Ezra  A.,  born  Aug.  17,  1872. 

WILLIAM  H.  CURTIS,  farmer,  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Maria, 
Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1840  ;  his  father,  Austin  Curtis,  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts;  his  mother,  Polly 
Conn,  was  born  in  Vermont;  he  came  with  his  parents  in  1851  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a 
farm  in  the  town  of  Otsego,  but  soon  removed  to  the  town  of  Hampden.  Mr.  Curtis  enlisted  in  Battery 
M,  of  the  1st  W.  H.  A.,  in  August,  1864,  and  was  with  his  regiment  in  all  its  movements  till  mustered 
out  at  Milwaukee  in  July,  1865;  he  returned  then  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  in  1869,  he  went  to  Bremer 
Co.,  Iowa,  for  a  short  time.  He  was  married,  Jan.  24,  1868,  to  Miss  Emma  J.,  daughter  of  James  Ortha 
Montgomery,  of  this  town  ;  their  children  are  Elida  M.  and  Carrie  D.  Mr.  Curtis  owns  a  farm  of  76 
acres  on  Sec.  1,  town  of  Hampden,  and  38  acres  on  Sec.  6,  town  of  Columbus,  upon  which  he  settled  in 
the  spring  of  1870. 

JOHN  DERR,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.O.Columbus;  was  born  in  Bavaria  in  1828,  and  came, 
with  his  parents,  Joseph  Derr  and  Magdaline  Schmidt,  and  eight  brothers  and  sisters,  to  America  in  1845, 
leaving  three  in  the  old  country  ;  they  landed  in  New  York  in  November,  and  came  thence  to  Detroit, 
Mich.,  whence,  in  the  spring  of  1846,  they  removed  to  the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
located  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  36,  where  his  mother  died  in  June,  1877  ;  his  father  in  August,  1879,  leaving 
seven  children,  three  of  whom  now  live  in  this  county.  John,  the  oldest,  and  subject  of  this  sketch, 
made  his  home  with  his  father  till  28  years  old.  He  was  then  married,  in  October,  1855,  to  Miss  Mary 
R.,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Caroline  Rinck,  a  native  of  Bavaria,  but  came  with  her  parents  to  the  town 
of  Bristol,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1848,  where  her  fither  died  in  March,  1874;  her  mother  now  lives  there. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Derr  located  on  Sec.  36,  town  of  Hampden,  soon  after  marriage  ;  have  since  made  it  their 
home  ;  he  now  owns  a  farm  of  260  acres  on  Sees.  35  and  36.  Mr.  D.  has  been  a  member  of  the  Town 
Board  for  several  terms  and  has  served  as  chairman  of  that  body  for  four  or  five  terms  ;  he  has  been 
elected  to  various  other  minor  oflBces,  but  did  not  accept  them  ;  their"children  are  John,  at  home  ;  Annie, 
who  was  married  in  February,  1879,  to  Henry  Schey,  and  lives  in  this  town  (Hampden).  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Derr's  family  are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

IN<]rERRRI<]}T  EVERSOI^,  farmer.  Sec.  5;  P.  0.  Hampden;  was  born  in  Norway  in 
1833  ;  his  father.  Ever  Johnson,  was  also  a  native  of  that  country  and  afterward  died  there;  his  mother, 
Sarah  Halverson,  came  with  him  to  Wisconsin  in  1859,  and  made  it  her  home  till  her  death.  Mr.  Ever- 
son  began  the  life  of  a  sailor  at  the  age  of  18  and  followed  sailing  on  the  North  Sea  for  nine  years;  he 
came  to  America  in  1859,  and  located  in  Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.,  and,  in  1860,  he  came  to  the  town  of 
Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  and  located  on  a  farm  of  125  acres  on  Sees.  5,  8,  and  9,  where  he  has  since 
lived.  He  was  married,  in  1862,  to  Miss  Ingeborg  Holstenson,  a  native  of  Norway,  but  emigrated  to 
America  in  1857;  their  children  are  Hawkin,  born  in  1863  ;  Henry,  1865;  Sarah,  1867,  now  deceased  ; 
Gena,  born  1869  ;  Ida,  1871  ;  John,  1873  ;  Elizabeth,  1875  ;  Annie,  1877  ;  Herman,  1879.  They  are 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

EDWARD  PAIRRANKS,  farmer,  Sees.  24,  25  and  26,  290  acres  ;  P.  0.  Columbus. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  son  of  Reuben  Fairbanks  and  Lucinda  Fish,  natives  of  Massachusetts, 
but  removed  to  Clinton  Co.,  N.  Y.,  prior  to  tlie  war  of  1812,  where  his  mother  afterward  died ;  his  father 
afterward  removed  to  Iowa,  where  he  died.  Mr.  Fairbanks  was  born  in  the  town  of  Champlain,  Clinton 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1819,  and  spent  his  time  on  the  farm  there  till  1838  ;  he  then  secured  the  position  of  Over- 
seer of  the  Vermont  &  Massachusetts  Railway,  and,  after  serving  in  that  capacity  for  some  time,  he  became 
a  conductor  on  the  Ogdensburg  road.  In  1852,  he  emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wisconsin,  and  located 
on  a  farm  on  Sec.  25,  town  of  Hampden,  where  he  has  since  devoted  his  time  to  agriculture  and  stock- 
raising.  Mr.  Fairbanks  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Town  Board  for  four  terms.  He  was  married,  in  1850, 
to  Miss  Mary  J.,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Dolly  Long,  a  native  of  the  town  of  Champlain,  Clinton  Co., 


984  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

N.  Y.;  their  children  are  Ellen  M.,  now  the  wife  of  H.  Hall,  and  lives  in  this  town  ;  Calvin  J.,  who  mar- 
ried Miss  Ella  LeflSngwell,  and  now  lives  on  the  farm  ;  Florence  E.,  now  Mrs.  David  Jones,  and  lives  at 
home. 

IRA.  H.  fORD,  farmer,  Sec.  13;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Grranville, 
Addison  Co.,  Vt.,  in  18:i8;  his  father,  Capt.  Caleb  Ford,  was  born  in  Connecticut;  was  a  soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  was  among  the  first  settlers  of  Granville,  where  he  died  in  1852  ;  his  mother,  Roxina 
Lamb,  was  born  in  Addison  Co.,  and  died  in  1877.  Ira  H.,  our  subject,  went  to  California  in  1852, 
where  he  engaged  in  mining  a  short  time,  then  in  the  dairy  business  two  and  a  half  years  ;  in  October, 
1855,  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  bought  a  part  of  his  present  farm,  and  has  since  made  this  his 
home  ;  he  now  owns  320  acres  on  Sees.  14  and  27.  In  the  fall  of  1862,  he  raised  a  military  company  in 
his  neighborhood,  which  afterward  became  Co.  I,  18th  W.  V.  I.;  he  enlisted  as  a  private,  but  was  elected 
First  Lieutenant,  and  was  with  his  regiment  in  all  the  principal  battles  and  movements  until  taken  prisoner 
at  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  April  6, 18G2,and  taken  as  such  to  Memphis,  Mobile,  Montgomery,  and  to  a  place 
in  Georgia,  where  he  made  an  attempt  to  escape,  but  was  chased  down  by  bloodhounds,  and  kept  in 
chains  five  months;  was  taken  to  Andersonville,  Madison,  Ga.,  Columbus,  S.  C,  and  to  Libby  Prison, 
where  he  was  paroled  in  November,  1862,  and  at  once  rejoined  his  regiment,  though  did  not  receive  his 
exchange  papers  until  the  following  March  ;  he  was  promoted  Captain  of  his  company,  i«  February,  1863,  and 
served  as  such  until  August,  1864,  when  he  resigned,  came  home  and  enlisted  in  Battery  M,  1st  W.  H. 
A.,  was  elected  Captain  and  served  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was 
mustered  out  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  in  June,  18G5.  Mr.  Ford  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Wisconsin 
Assembly,  from  the  Second  District  of  Columbia  Co.,  in  1867,  and  re-elected  in  1868  ;  he  was  appointed 
to  fill  a  vacancy  in  the  County  Board,  from  his  district,  in  1869,  and  elected  a  member  of  the  Board  in 
1870  ;  member  of  Town  Board  and  other  minor  offices. 

DANIEL  J.  HAIIVS,  farmer.  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0.  Otsego;  was  born  in  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y., 
in  1831,  and  is  the  son  of  Sylvester  H.  and  Jane  Hains,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  New  York.  Mr. 
Hains  came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin,  in  September,  1839,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of 
Koshkonon;;,.Iefferson  Co.;Jn  1843,  they  removed  to  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  where  his  father  deeded 
the  first  ]jiece  of  land  in  that  town  ;  his  mother  died  there  in  January,  1850  ;  his  father  lived  there  for 
twenty-five  years,  now  resides  in  Turner  Co.,  Dakota.  Daniel  J.,  our  present  subject,  made  his  home  on 
the  farm  in  the  town  of  York,  until  1852,  when  he  to  went  Placer  Co.,  Cal.,  where  he  engaged  in 
mining,  until  1856;  returning  then  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  he  continued  fivrming  there  until  1863,  then 
removed  to  the  town  of  Hampden.  He  enlisted  in  1864,  Co.  M,  of  the  W.  H.  A.,  under  Capt.  I.  H. 
Ford,  and  partook  in  all  the  principal  movements  of  his  regiment,  until  mustered  out  at  Alexandria,  Va., 
in  June,  1865,  when  he  returned  to  Hampden.  He  was  married,  in  1858,  to  Miss  Mary,  daughter  of 
Hugh  Kclley,  of  the  town  of  Springvale,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis  ;  their  children  are  Alberto,  Viola,  Clarence, 
Marian,  Edith,  Ellen.  Mr.  Hains  has  held  the  office  of  Assessor  for  nine  years,  and  that  of  Justice  of  the 
Peace  for  fourteen  years. 

JAMES  liVtirLIS,  farmer.  Sec.  24  ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  '"  S-^lkirkshire,  Scotland,  in 
1828  ;  his  parents,  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Johnston)  Inglis,  died  in  his  native  country.  Mr.  Inglis  was 
apprenticed  to  the  weaver's  trade  in  Selkirkshire,  at  the  age  of  14  years,  which  he  followed  until  2 1  years 
old  ;  he  came  to  America  in  1849, and  landing  in  New  York,  he  went  thence  to  Amesbury,  Mass.,  where 
hecontinued  his  trade  in  the  woolen-mills,  until  July,  1852;  emigrating  thence  to  San  Francisco,  and  to  the 
interior  of  California,  where  he  engaged  in  mining  until  1856,  when  he  returned  to  Scotland,  and  in  March, 
1857,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Isabel,  daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Williamson,  nee  Hall;  they  started  the 
day  after  marriage  for  America,  sailing  from  Liverpool  and  landing  in  New  York  ;  they  came  thence 
via  Philadelphia,  to  the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  located  on  their  present 
farm  of  1.3(1  acres;  their  children  are  Mary,  Elizabeth,  Jessie,  Davina,  Olive,  Thomas,  Jennie  and  James. 

SAMl'EL  JOHNSON,  farmer,  Sec.  4;  P.  0.  Hampden;  was  born  in  Norway  in  1833. 
He  came  to  America  in  1845,  and  located  at  Chicago  for  nearly  ten  years;  he  then  came  ti.  the  town  of 
Otsego,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis,  whence,  in  1860,  he  removed  to  a  farm  on  Sec.  4,  town  of  Hampden,  where 
he  now  owns  120  acres.  He  was  married,  in  1854,  to  Miss  Caroline,  a  daughter  of  Olie  Oleson  ;  their 
children  are  John,  Matilda,  Annie,  Olive,  Martin,  Estella,  Caroline  S.  and  Henry.  Mr.  Johnson  and 
family  are  members  of  the  Ijutheran  Church. 

JOHN  KLUPEKDANZ,  farmer.  Sec.  35  ;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Bavaria  in  1816, 
and  is  the  son  of  George  F.  Kluperdanz,  a  farmer  of  that  county.  He  emigrated  to  America  in  1846  ; 
stopped  a  short  time  in  Chicago,  and  then  came  to  the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  located 
on  Sec.  35,  where  he  has  since  made  his  home,  and  now  owns  a  farm  of  320  acres.     He  was  married,  in 


TOWN    OF    HAMPDEN.  985 

1846,  to  Miss  Vasula  Derr,  who  died  in  1847,  leaving  one  son — John,  who  now  resides  on  the  farm.  His 
second  marriage  was,  in  1847,  to  Miss  Margaret  Scheingar,  a  native  of  Bavaria,  hut  emigrated  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1846.  Their  children  are  Magdaline,  now  the  wife  of  Anton  Naiser ;  Lawrence,  now  in  this  town  ; 
Henry  and  Andrew  Joseph,  on  the  farm  ;  Maggie,  now  the  wife  of  Fred  Fox,  and  lives  in  the  town  of 
Columbus  ;   Catherine,  Mary  and  Elizabeth,  at  home.     They  are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

ROBERT  MeBURNIE,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Soot- 
land,  in  1810.  His  father,  Wm.  McBurnie,  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  died  at  Glasgow  about  1805;  his 
mother,  Alice  Cleland,  was  also  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  died  at  Glasgow.  Mr.  McBurnie  was  apprenticed 
to  the  weaver's  trade  under  his  father  at  the  age  of  13  or  14,  and  continued  the  trade  at  Glasgow  till  21 
or  22  years  of  age.  He  went,  in  1838,  to  Galicia,  Scotland,  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  woolen 
goods  till  1849,  when  he  came  to  America,  and  located  on  his  present  farm  of  160  acres.  He  was  married, 
in  1839,  to  Miss  Asnes,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  Rea  Wilson,  a  native  of  Selkirkshire.  Their 
children  are  Mary  R.;  William,  now  a  resident  of  this  town  ;  Alice,  now  the  wife  of  Charles  Hoton,  of 
the  town  of  Columbus  ;  Thomas,  at  home ;  Agnes,  now  the  wife  of  Asa  Baker,  and  lives  in  Blue  Earth 
Co.,  Minn.;  Christina,  deceased;  Robert,  deceased;  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  James  Hasey,  and  lives  in  this 
town  (Hampdenl ;   Margaret,  deceased.     They  attend  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

ISAAC  MAURER,  farmer.  Sec.  1  ;  P.  O.  Columbus;  was  born  in  the  town  of  West  Beaver, 
Snyder  Co.,  Penn.,  April  7,  1822.  He  is  the  son  of  John  Maurerand  Elizabeth  Smith.  The  former  was 
born  in  that  town  and  county  in  March,  1794  ;  the  latter  was  born  in  Dauphin  Co.  about  1787  or  1788, 
and  died  in  Wisconsin,  April  13,  1857.  Mr.  Maurer  is  the  fourth  of  a  family  of  eight  children,  and  was 
brought  up  as  a  farmer's  son  in  Snyder  Co.,  Penn.;  at  the  age  of  11  years,  he  was  hired  to  work  for  the 
farmers  in  that  vicinity,  and  continued  the  same  until  24  years  old.  He  was  married,  Sept.  7,  1844,  to 
Miss  Polly,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Pontious,  a  native  of  Freeburgh,  Penn.,  born  May  7,  1822. 
Her  parents  were  natives  of  Union  Co.,  Penn.;  her  father  was  born  in  1809,  her  mother  in  1857.  Mr. 
Maurer  and  family  came  to  Columbus,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  on  Sec.  5,  May  18,  1850  ;  six 
years  later,  he  removed  to  his  present  farm  on  Sec.  1,  town  of  Hampden,  where  he  now  owns  200  acres. 
His  first  house  in  Hampden  was  of  logs,  without  doors,  window,  roof  or  floor.  It  has  long  since  been 
exchanged  for  a  more  commodious  one.  Their  children — Mary  A.,  born  in  1845  (married,  Feb.  8,  1865, 
to  Daniel  McKinley,  and  lives  now  in  Minnesota — their  children  are  William,  Carrie,  George  and  Ida)  ; 
Matilda,  born  in  1849  (married  Mr.  Benton  Sowards,  Jan.  15,  1864,  and  has  four  children— Darwin, 
Laura,  George  and  Wesley — they  live  now  in  Nebraska)  ;  Elizabeth,  born  in  1852  (married,  Sept.  20, 
1869,  to  Alexander  Bowen,  a  native  of  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,and  their  children  are  Harry  and  Arthur — they 
now  live  on  the  farm)  ;  Maria,  born  in  March  17,  1862  (married  Charles  Kopplin  Nov.  26,  1879),  and 
now  lives  in  Hampden. 

JAMES  MONTGOJIERY,  farmer,  Sec.  25  ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Washington 
Co.,  Vt.,  in  1820  ;  his  father,  Thoaaas  Montgomery,  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  was  the  son  of  a 
Mr.  Montgomery,  who  emigrated  to  Massachusetts,  from  the  Isle  of  Man,  in  a  very  early  day  ;  his  mother, 
Lucy  Blanchard,  was  born  near  Old  Haverhill,  Mass.,  and  after  marriage  removed  with  Mr.  Montgomery 
to  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  where  they  both  died — her  husband  about  1849  or  1850,  at  the  age  of  87  years, 
she  about  1855.  Our  present  subject  was  brought  up  as  a  farmer  in  his  native  county,  and,  in  1846, 
emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  settled  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  30,  town  of  Columbus,  and,  in  the  autumn 
of  1847,  he  removed  to  Sec.  25,  town  of  Hampden,  where  he  now  owns  127  acres  off  the  northeast  one- 
quarter.  Mr.  Montgomery  has  held  the  office  of  Town  Assessor  for  twelve  years ;  was  Deputy  Sheriff 
under  W.  W.  Drake,  and  member  of  County  Board  under  the  Supervisor  system;  that  of  Town  Treasurer 
three  years.  He  was  married  in  Vermont,  in  1842,  to  Miss  Orpha  M.,  a  daughter  of  Reuben  and  Adeline 
Stiles,  a  native  of  Washington  Co.,  born  1825  ;  their  children  are  Cyrus,  now  a  resident  of  the  town  of 
York,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.;  Mary  A.,  now  Mrs.  A.  Sanderson,  and  lives  in  this  town  ;  Sarah  A.,  now  Mrs. 
William  McBurnie,  of  this  town  ;  Ella  J.,  now  the  wife  of  Albert  Welton,  of  the  city  of  Columbus<; 
Emma  J.,  now  Mrs.  William  H.  Curtis,  of  Hampden  ;  Hannah  B.,  now  Mrs.  Milan  Brewer,  of  this  town  ; 
Adelia  M.,  at  home  ;  Armelia,  twin  with  Adelia,  now  deceased  ;  Henry  W.,  William,  Adeline  and  James 
W.,  at  home. 

liEVI  NEIiSON,  farmer.  Sec.  11 ;  P.  0.  Columbus  ;  was  born  in  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1823; 
his  father,  Levi  Nelson,  was  a  native  of  Massachusetts ;  his  mother,  Lucy  Force,  was  born  in  New  Jersey ; 
they  both  removed  to  York  State  when  young ;  Mr.  Nelson  spent  his  early  life  on  a  farm  in  his  native 
county  till  the  fall  of  1849,  when  he  emigrated  to  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  and,  in  the  summer  of  1S51,  to  the 
town  of  Otsego,  Columbia  Co.,  and  made  that  his  home  till  April  8,  1865  ;  he  then  removed  to  his  pres- 
ent home  on  Sec.  11,  town  of  Hampden,  where  he  now  owns  400  acres  of  land;  his  mother  died  in.  the 


980  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

own  of  Lowville,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  his  father  ia  New  York.  Mr.  Nelson  was  Assessor  and  also  a 
member  of  the  Town  Board  of  the  town  of  Otsego.  He  was  married,  in  1853,  to  Miss  Hannah,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Riley  and  Elvira  Monger,  a  native  of  Attica,  N.  Y.;  their  children  are  Flora,  now  the  wife  of  Robert 
Bell,  and  lives  in  this  town  (Hampden);  Elvira,  now  a  teacher  of  this  county  ;  Frank  and  Myrtie, 
at  home. 

JOIl\  E.  PERKINS,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  0.  Columbus;  is  the  sou  of  Francis  and  Alice 
(Kelley )  Perkins;  his  father  was  born  in  Bennington  Co..  Vt.,  and  removed  on  foot  to  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y., 
which  he  afterward  made  his  home;  his  mother  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  came  to  Washington  Co., 
N.  Y.,  when  only  7  years  old.  Mr.  Perkins,  our  present  subject,  was  born  in  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1830. 
and  spent  his  time  at  farming  there  till  1852,  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  located  on  Sec.  24,  town  of 
Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  in  1S54,  where  he  now  owns  150  acres  on  Sees.  13  and  24.  He  has  held  the 
oiEce  of  Town  Treasurer  one  term.  He  was  married,  in  1856,  to  Mi.ss  Laura  A.,  daughtsr  of  Loyal  and 
Rhoda  Morton,  a  native  of  Franklin  Co.,  N.  Y.;  she  died  in  Hampden  May  26,  1879,  leaving  three  chil- 
dren— Alice  A.,  Warren  M.  and  Ellen  G. 

CHARLES  REMUS,  farmer.  Sees.  14  and  12;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Prussia  in 
1842  ;  is  the  son  of  Charles  and  Louisa  (Hoffman)  Remus;  he  came  to  America  in  1862,  and  located  at 
Watertown,  Wis.,  where  he  followed  farm  work  for  two  years;  in  1865,  he  came  to  the  town  of  Hampden 
and  located  on  See.  15,  and  two  years  later,  he  bought  9(1  acres  of  his  present  farm,  which  now  numbers 
200  acres  on  Sec.  14  and  20  acres  on  Sec.  12.  He  was  married,  in  1862,  to  Miss  Augusta,  daughter  of 
William  and  Charlotte  Schulz,  a  native  of  Prussia,  but  then  living  in  this  town  (Hampden);  their  chil- 
dren are  Eddie,  Clara,  Annie,  Martha,  Paul,  Mary  and  Delia;  they  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

CIjA.REXDO\  ROY^S,  fanner  and  stock-breeder;  P.O.Columbus;  is  a  native  of  Berkshire 
Co.,  Mass.,  and  is  the  son  of  William  Roys  and  Mary  A.  Hicock,  born  Jan.  20,  1828;  his  father  dying 
in  the  East  about  1848,  he,  with  his  mother  and  four  brothers,  came  as  emigrants  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
and  located  on  a  form  of  160  acres  on  Sees.  29  and  3(1,  town  of  Hampden,  where  his  mother  died  Jan. 
18,  1879.  Mr.  Roys  now  owns  between  1,600  and  1,700  acres  of  land  in  this  town;  he  has  been  largely 
interested  in  the  importation  of  the  Percheron  stock  of  horses  into  this  county  ;  he  has  been  Chairman  of 
the  Town  Board  one  term.  His  brothers  are  Edwin,  born  Nov.  13,  1836,  and  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co. 
B,  16th  W.  V.  I.,  at  Waterloo,  Wis.,  in  1861,  was  elected  First  Lieutenant  of  his  company,  then  promoted  to 
the  captaincy  of  his  company,  in  which  capacity  he  served  till  January,  1862,  when  he  resigned  ;  he  now 
lives  on  the  farm  with  his  brother;  Theodore  was  born  in  1842,  and  makes  his  home  on  the  farm  ;  Martin 
D.  and  Tunis  V.  are  deceased. 

ARCHIBALD  SANDERSON,  farmer,  Sec.  1;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Selkirk- 
shire, Scotland,  in  1837  ;  his  father,  John  Sanderson,  was  a  weaver  by  trade,  and  was  born  in  Scotland  in 
1805;  his  mother,  Isabel  Trotter,  was  born  in  1815;  they  came  to  America  in  May,  1849,  and  located  in 
the  town  of  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  where  his  mother  died  in  1854  ;  his  father  now  lives  in  this 
town.  Our  present  subject  spent  the  first  twenty-one  or  twenty-two  years  of  his  life  with  his  parents  on 
the  farm,  after  which  he  began  business  for  himself  He  was  married  in  1863  to  Miss  Mary  A.,  daughter 
of  James  and  Orpha  Montgomery,  a  native  of  Vermont,  born  in  1846,  but  came  with  her  parents  to 
Columbia,  Wis.,  when  a  mere  babe.  Their  children  are  Ellen,  born  Sept.  6,  1865  ;  Jennie,  born  May  1, 
1868  ;  William,  born  May  23,  1873  ;  Thomas,  born  Feb.  7,  1875.  They  located  on  a  farm  of  164  acres, 
on  Sec.  1,  town  of  Hampden,  in  1868,  where  they  have  since  lived.  Mr.  Sanderson  has  been  Town 
.Assessor  for  two  terms,  Town  Treasurer  for  three  terms,  and  Town  Clerk  for  five  or  six  years,  and  was 
re-elected  to  that  office  in  the  spring  of  1880. 

SAMUEL  SMITH,  farmer.  Sec.  14;  P.O.Columbus;  was  born  in  the  County  of  Suftblk, 
England,  in  1822;  his  father,  John  Smith,  was  born  in  1798.  His  mother,  Rachel  Barber,  was  also  a 
native  of  that  county,  but  died  there  when  he  was  not  yet  2  years  old,  leaving  him  and  a  younger  sister; 
Mr.  Smith  was  brought  up  as  a  farmer's  son  in  England,  and  was  married,  March  21,  1846,  to  Miss  Ann, 
a  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Ann  Jennings,  with  whom  he  sailed  from  London  for  America  in  May,  1853, 
and  landed  at  New  York  after  a  five  weeks'  sail ;  they  came  thence  to  Hampden,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
and  located  on  Sec.  15  ;  six  and  one-half  years  later,  they  removed  to  Sec.  28  of  this  town,  and  in  1866, 
to  Sec.  14,  where  he  now  owns  200  acres.  Mr.  Smith  has  been  a  member  of  the  Town  Board  for  several 
terms,  and  Town  Treasurer  fur  one  term.  Their  children  are  William,  born  in  England,  Nov.  4,  1846, 
died  Nov.  24,  1853  ;  Alfred,  born  in  England  April  1,  1849,  now  resides  on  Sec.  6  of  this  town;  Thomas, 
born  in  England,  April  2,  1851,  now  resides  in  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.;  Julia  A.,  born  Sept.  27, 
1855,  now  a  teacher  of  this  county  ;  Francis,  born  Nov.  1,  1859  ;  John,  born  Sept.  3,  1861  ;  Celia  A., 
born  April  II,  1864. 


TOWN    OF    HAMPDEN.  987 

C1IARL.es  D.  stiles,  farmer,  Sec.  23  and  26  ;  P.O.  Columbus;  was  born  ia  the  town 
of  Waterbury,  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  in  August,  1834;  his  father,  Reuben,  was  the  son  of  Peleg  and  Eunice 
(Wyman)  Stiles,  and  was  born  in  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1799  ;  his  mother,  Adeline  Cobb,  was  born  at 
Montpelier,  Vt.,  in  1803.  Mr.  Stiles,  with  his  parents,  removed  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1844,  and 
located  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  where  his  parents  now  live  and  where  he  spent  most  of  his  time  at 
farming  for  fourteen  years.  He  was  married  in  August,  1858,  to  Miss  Margaret,  a  daughter  of  Ephraiiii 
and  Fannie  Baker,  a  native  of  Franklin  Co.,  Mass.,  born  in  March,  1839,  but  emigrated  to  the  town  of 
York,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  with  her  parents  in  1843.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stiles  located  on  a  farm  in  the  town  of 
Columbus  soon  after  their  marriage,  and  in  1861,  removed  to  his  present  home,  on  Sees.  23  and  26,  town 
of  Hampden,  where  he  now  owns  135  acres.  Their  children  are  an  infant  son,  born  September,  1862, 
deceased  ;  Minnie,  born  June,  1871  ;  Arlettie,  born  July,  1874  ;  an  adopted  son  George,  born  1862,  died 
February,  1867.      Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stiles  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  ChurcL. 

CHRISTIAN  STEINBACH,  farmer,  Sees.  23  and  24  ;  P.  0.  Columbus ;  is  the  son  of 
Charles  and  Susanna  (Scheifle)  Steinbach,  born  in  Baden  in  1831  ;  he  followed  farming,  and  worked  in 
a  vineyard  until  1853,  when  he  emigrated  to  America  and  located  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  worked  as 
a  laborer  until  the  fall  of  1855  ;  he  came  then  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  in  1861  bought  40  acres  of  his 
present  farm,  which  now  comprises  120  acres.  He  was  married  at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1853,  to  Miss  Chris- 
tiana, daughter  of  Gotfried  and  Carolina  (Pflum )  Of,  a  native  of  Baden  ;  their  children  are  Catharine, 
now  Mrs.  Fred  Siede,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  York,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.;  Charles  G.,  Mary  M.,  Joseph  C, 
Caroline,  Anna,  Clara.     They  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JAMES  H.  SUTTOX,  farmer.  Sees.  23  and  26;  P.  0.  Columbus;  this,  pioneer  of  Colum- 
bia Co.  was  born  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  at  Haverstraw,  Rockland  Co.,  N.  Y..  Dec.  29,  1812;  his 
father,  Noah  H.  Sutton,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Horseneck,  Conn.,  in  1770,  and  died  in  New  York  City, 
in  1835;  his  mother,  Rachel  Lent,  was  born  in  Westohester  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  died  in  New  York  City, 
about  1865,  at  nearly  100  years  of  age.  James  H.  is  the  eighth  of  a  family  of  nine  children — four  sons 
and  five  daughters,  only  one  of  whom  beside  himself  is  now  living,  that  is  Clarissa,  now  Mrs.  Quacken- 
bush,  of  New  York  City.  Mr.  Sutton  was  apprenticed  to  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade,  in  Rockland 
Co.,  at  the  age  of  14  years,  where  he  served  seven  years.  In  May,  1832,  in  New  York  City,  he  was 
married  ttj  Miss  Jane  A.,  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  (Wooding)  Bentley,  a  native  of  Dutchess  Co., 
N.  Y.,  born  in  1812;  her  father  died  in  1832  ;  her  mother  now  lives  in  that  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Sutton  settled  in  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y.,  some  time  after  marriage,  and  he  continued  his  trade  there  until 
1844,  when  they  emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  settled  on  Sec.  26,  where  he  made  a  claim  of  160 
acres,  built  a  pioneer  log  shanty,  and  covered  it  with  prairie  hay,  which  sufficed  for  a  home  until  1845, 
when  it  burned,  turning  them  out  of  doors  with  six  children  ;  he  next  built  a  log  house,  which  was  their 
home  for  many  years ;  he  has,  however,  exchanged  that  for  a  commodious  frame  house  ;  he  now  owns  36(1 
acres  on  Sees.  23  and  26.  Mr.  Sutton  has  been  a  member  of  the  Town  Board  for  three  terms,  and  was 
Town  Treasurer  for  three  terms.  Their  children  are  William,  deceased;  Abraham,  now  at  Cordova,  Le 
Sueur  Co.,  Minn.;  George,  deceased  ;  John  J.,  now  a  resident  of  Columbus  ;  Daniel  J.,  deceased  ;  Mary, 
deceased  ;  Frederick  and  Fletcher,  twins,  both  deceased  ;  Rachel  L.,  now  a  student  at  the  Normal  School, 
of  Oshkosh  ;  Ellen  M.  and  Tabor  G.,  at  home  ;  Clarissa  A.,  at  the  Norman  School,  of  Oshkosh  ;  also, 
Franklin  P.  and  Charles  H.,  at  home. 

GEORGE  S.  TILLOTSOX,  farmer.  Sec.  10;  P.  0.  Columbus;  was  born  in  Essex  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1828.  His  father,  Richard  Tillotson,  was  a  native  of  Connecticut;  his  mother,  Rosemond  Car- 
penter, was  born  in  Vermont.  Mr.  Tillot.son  was  brought  up  as  a  farmer's  son,  and  has  always  devoted  his 
time  and  attention  to  that  vocation.  He  emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1851,  and  located  on  a 
farm  in  the  town  of  Otsego  ;  two  years  later,  he  removed  to  the  town  of  Hampden  and  settled 
on  a  farm,  where  he  now  owns  240  acres,  80  of  which  is  on  Sec.  3,  and  160  acres  on  Sec.  10.  He 
has  been  Town  Clerk  for  one  term,  and  also  a  member  of  the  Town  Board.  January  1,  1851, 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Prudence,  a  daughter  of  Austin  and  Polly  (Conn)  Curtis,  a  native  of 
Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.  Her  father  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  and  her  mother  in  Vermont.  They 
emigrated  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tillotson  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1851  ;  her  mother  afterward 
died  in  this  town;  her  father,  in  the  town  of  Columbus,  in  May,  1878,  at  the  age  of  86  years. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  T.'s  children  are  Richard  R.,  born  in  March  13,  1852,  now  living  in  the  town  of  Otsego; 
Adelade  A.,  born  March  28,  1854,  died  Feb.  12,  1879  ;  James  R.,  born  May  17,  1857,  now  at  home  ; 
Coriothia  P.,  born  Sept.  17,  1860,  was  married  to  Mr.  James  Dowd,  in  January,  1879,  and  now  resides 
in  the  town  of  Wyocena;  Henry  S.  born  Nov.  9,  1866,  died  Deo.  19,  1869;  Hattie  J.,  born  Nov.  8, 
1870.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tillotson  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

MM 


988  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

WIIililAM  W.  TIL-LOTSON,  farmer,  Sees.  3,  4  and  10;  P.  O.  Columbus;  was  born 
in  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1834.  His  father,  Richard  Tillotson,  wiis  a  native  of  Connecticut;  his  mother, 
Rosemond  Carpenter,  was  born  in  Vermont.  Mr.  Tillotson  was  brought  up  as  a  farmer  in  his  native 
county,  and  in  1851,  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  lived  with  his  brother  George  in  the  town  of 
Hampden  for  four  years;  he  then  bought  a  farm  of  120  acres  on  Sees.  3  and  10,  where  he  has  since 
made  his  home  and  followed  farming;  he  now  owns  200  acres  on  Sees.  3,  4  and  10.  He  was  married  in 
1859,  to  Miss  Mary  J.,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Eliza  (Smith)  Sprague,  a  native  of  Essex  Co.,  N.  Y. 
Their  children  are  Ida  A.,  now  Mrs.  Elias  Clark,  and  lives  in  this  town  (Hampdenj  ;  Charles  S.,  Jessie 
M.,  Harry  J.,  and  Alta  M.,  at  home.     They  attend  the  M.  E.  Church. 

(^EORCiiFi  W.  TRIPP,  farmer.  Sec.  2  ;  P.  ( >.  Otsego ;  was  born  in  Tioga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
1821.  His  father,  Elisha  Tripp,  was  a  native  of  Vermont,  born  in  1783,  and  early  in  life  removed  to 
Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  he  learned  the  shoemaker's  trade,  and  continued  the  same  there  till  1818;  then  re- 
moved to  Tioga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  devoted  his  time  to  farming  during  the  summers,  and  to  his  trade 
during  the  winters;  his  mother,  Polly  Bebee,  was  born  at  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  in  1791.  In  1847,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Tripp  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  where  he  died  ia 
1856  ;  his  wife  now  lives  in  that  town,  and  has  reached  her  88th  year.  George  W.,  our  present  subject, 
began  the  blacksmith's  trade  at  the  age  of  175  years,  at  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  and  continued  there  until 
the  spring  of  1845,  when  he  emigrated  to  Wisconsin.  He  stopped  a  few  weeks  at  Columbus,  Columbia 
Co.;  then  settled  at  Beaver  Dam,  where  he  was  the  second  blacksmith,  and  the  only  one  from  July,  1845, 
to  March,  1846.  In  1847,  he  removed  to  Madison,  where  he  continued  his  trade  till  1854,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  eight  months  that  he  was  in  business  in  Columbus.  He  was  the  first  man  to  ring  the  first 
church  bell  in  the  city  of  Madison  (1852).  Removing  to  Columbus  in  1854,  he  continued  his  trade  till 
1856,  when  he  located  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  9,  town  of  Hampden,  and  followed  farming  for  twelve  years; 
removing  then  to  the  city  of  Columbus,  where  he  lived  (except  the  year  1870,  which  was  spent  in  St, 
Louis  Co.,  Cal.)  till  1879,  when  he  removed  to  his  present  farm  of  80  acres.  He  was  married,  in  1856, 
to  Miss  Louisa  C,  daughter  of  William  and  Polly  (Brown)  Alexander,  a  native  of  Windsor,  Ashtabula  Co., 
Ohio,  but  an  emigrant  to  Columbus,  Wis.,  in  1855. 


TOWN  OF  LODI. 


EDWARD  ANDREWS,  proprietor  of  Lodi  Mills,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Solon,  Cort- 
land Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1836  ;  he  came  to  Lodi  Jan.  1,  1858;  purchased  the  mills  in  1870.  He  was  married 
to  Miss  Sarah  J.  Palmer,  daughter  of  Judge  Palmer,  and  they  have  three  children — Henry  E.,  Edward 
P.  and  Helen  G. 

HORACE  M.  AYER,  Police  Justice  and  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Vermont 
in  1822;  he  removed  from  Vermont  to  Sauk  Prairie,  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1843;  came  to  Columbia  Co. 
in  the  fall  of  1846,  and  settled  in  what  was  then  Sec.  19,  town  of  Lodi,  now  West  Point.  He  resided 
there  till  the  spring  of  1851,  when  he  came  to  the  village  of  Lodi ;  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business 
till  1871  ;  was  Postmaster  from  the  spring  of  1853  until  the  spring  of  1861  ;  he  has  been  Justice  of  the 
Peace  since  1852,  except  two  years,  when  he  refused  to  serve  as  such.  He  was  married  to  Sarah  A, 
Rider,  who  was  born  in  Ashtabula,  Ohio,  in  1827.  They  have  had  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  are  liv- 
ing— Edward  A.,  Delia,  Minnie,  Susie,  Douglass,  George  W.,  Horace  M.  and  Nellie;  the  oldest  son, 
Albert  H.,  died  suddenly  in  Denver,  Colo.,  April  16,  1880,  in  his  31st  year. 

ARETAS  BAILEY,  Postmaster,  Okee ;  was  born  in  Trumbull  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1817.  He 
came  to  Columbia  with  an  older  brother,  April  8,  1854,  and  settled  at  Okee  ;  was  engaged  in  the  saw- 
mill here  for  some  time,  and  has  also  been  engaged  in  farming,  etc.  He  was  married  to  Margaret  Wolf, 
who  was  born  in  Trumbull  Co.,  Ohio.     They  have  two  children — Cordelia  M.  and  Mary  E. 

JAMES  BAIRD,  farmer.  Sec.  14  ;  P.  0.  Lodi  ;  he  is  the  son  of  Adam  Baird,  deceased, 
a  native  of  Scotland,  who  came  to  the  United  States  in  1850  ;  he  lived  in  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  about  five 
years;  came  to  the  town  of  Caledonia,  Columbia  Co.,  in  1855,  and  he  died  on  the  place  which  his  son 
now  owns,  July,  1879,  aged  56  years.  Mr.  Baird's  mother  and  sister,  Joanna,  live  with  him.  The  farm 
contains  160  acres. 

a.  M.  BARTHOLOMEW,  retired  farmer,  Lodi;  born  in  Clarke  Co.,  Ind.,  in  1812,  where 
he  lived  till  he  was  21  years  of  age,  when  he  removed  to  McLean  Co.,  111.,  where  he  lived  till  April, 


TOWN   OF    LODI.  989 

1845,  when  he  came  to  the  town  of  Lodi,  and  settled  on  Sec.  26,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  ;  Mr. 
Bartholomew  is  also  a  surveyor,  and  has  been  engaged  in  that  occupation  more  or  less  for  many  years; 
in  1875,  Mr.  B.  retired  from  farming,  and  has  since  resided  in  the  village  of  Lodi.  His  wife  was  Miss  S. 
C.  Hefner,  born  in  Virginia  ;  they  have  seven  children— C.  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  James  McCloud  ;  B. 
Jane,  now  Mrs.  George  Clegliorn,  resides  in  Nebraska;  Joseph  M.,  by  profession  a  lawyer,  of  Red  Oak, 
Iowa;  Mary  A.,  now  Mrs.  E.  B.  Wait;  Josephine,  now  Mrs.  W.  H.  Chapin,  resides  in  Nebraska:  Ellen, 
wife  of  L.  K.  Luse,  Esq.,  of  Dane  Co.,  and  James  I.,  a  student  at  Lawrence  University.  Mr.  Bartholo- 
mew has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  twentv  years. 

JOSEPH  M.  BARTHOLOjIIEW,  express  agent,  Lodi ;  son  of  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  one 
■  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  town  of  Lodi  ;  he  was  born  in  Lexington,  McLean  Co.,  111.,  Dec.  26,  1837;  he 
enlisted  at  Lodi,  June  12,  1861,  in  Co.  A,  7th  W.  V.  I.,  enlisted  for  three  years,  but  was  discharged  on 
account  of  disability  Oct.  30,  18G2  ;  he  re-enlisted  Feb.  8,  1865,  served  till  April,  1866.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Sarah  C.  Rathbun  ;  they  have  three  children — Harlow  L.,  Marston  A.  and  Molly.  Mr. 
Bartholomew  has  been  espre.^s  agent  since  1870. 

R.  N.  BARTHOLOMEW,  farmer,  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  son  of  M.  C.  Bartholomew,  who 
came  to  the  town  of  Lodi  in  the  spring  of  1845.  He  (M.  C.)  was  born  in  Clarke  Co.,  Ind.,  in  1806; 
removed  to  Illinois  in  1830  ;  then  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.  His  wife  was  Mary  Hopkins,  born  in  the  State 
of  Delaware.  R.  N.  was  born  in  McLean  Co.,  111.,  October,  1834.  He  was  married  to  Priscilla  Eells, 
born  in  Hanover,  Mass. ;  they  have  seven  children — M.  C,  Martha  E.,  Mary  D.,  Ransom  G.,  Albert  G., 
Nellie  M.  and  John  B.  *  Mr.  Bartholomew  now  resides  on  farm  of  T.  U.  Warren  ;  owns  farm  in  Sec.  22, 
now  occupied  by  Mr.  S.  Wells. 

W.  M.  BARTHOLOMEW,  druggist,  Lodi  ;  born  in  Indiana  in  1821  ;  he  removed  to 
Illinois  in  1831  ;  came  to  the  town  of  Lodi  in  February,  1849,  and  purchased  a  farm  of  M.  C.  Bartholo- 
mew in  Sec.  22,  which  was  the  first  farm  improved  in  the  town  of  Lodi ;  this  farm  Mr.  Bartholomew  still 
owns.  He  was  married  to  Frances  M.  Goddard,  born  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio  ;  they  have  six  children,  one 
son  and  five  daushters — Frances  E.,  born  Oct.  7,  1843;  Julia  B.,  Feb.  13,  1848;  William  A.,  Nov.  8, 
1851  ;  Annie  M.,  April  27,  1854;  Eva  L.,  July  17,  1856,  and  Angelia  D.,  March  5,  1860.  Mr.  Bar- 
tholomew engaged  in  business  in  Lodi  in  1864. 

REV.  A.  CONSTANTIIVE  BARRY,  Pastor  of  the  Ilniversalist  Church,  Lodi,  was 
born  in  Delaware  Co.,  l\.  Y.,  July  15,  1815.  His  parents  removed  to  Victor,  Ontario  Co.,  when  he  was 
2 J  years  of  age,  where  he  resided  until  1836;  his  preceptor  was  the  Rev.  Jacob  Chase,  of  Geneva;  he 
began  his  labors  in  the  ministry  at  Gaines,  Orleans  Co. ;  thence  to  Homer,  Cortland  Co.,  where  he 
preached  four  years  ;  thence  to  Fort  Plain  for  five  years  ;  thence  to  Racine,  Wis.,  in  1846,  which  was  his 
home  for  many  years.  Although  actively  engaged  in  the  ministry  of  the  church  with  which  he  is  identi- 
fied, yet  Dr.  Barry  has  long  been  engaged  in  scientific  pursuits,  and  prominently  identified  with,  the  edu- 
cational interests  of  the  country  ;  he  was  State  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  during  1856  and 
1857  ;  he  entered  the  army  as  Chaplain  of  the  4th  W.  V.  I.,  in  which  capacity  he  served  about  one  year; 
was  then  engaged  in  the  recruiting  service  for  about  two  years,  and  during  this  time  was  elected  to  repre- 
sent Racine  Co.  in  the  Legislature  of  Wisconsin;  he  served  as  Chaplain  of  the  19th  W.  V.  I.,  from  the 
spring  of  1864  till  Feb.  10,  1865,  when  he  was  made  Chaplain  of  the  United  States  Hospitals  by  Presi- 
dent Lincoln  ;  was  mustered  out  of  the  United  States  service  Aug.  15,  1865.  In  the  spring  of  1864,  Dr. 
Barry  removed  his  family  to  Fond  du  Lac,  which  was  his  home  for  four  years  ;  he  then  went  to  Elkhorn, 
Walworth  Co.,  where  he  established  a  church  ;  he  came  to  Lodi,  in  April,  1878.  He  was  married  in  the 
fall  of  1866,  to  Adelia  Robinson,  of  East  Bloomfield,  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  she  died  at  Elkhorn,  in 
May,  1877  ;  his  present  wife  was  Helen  Peterson,  of  Fond  du  Lac.  He  has  three  children  by  his  first 
marriage — Malon  P.,  who  is  in  the  service  of  the  N.  W.  R.  R.  Co.,  at  Chicago;  Melville  A.,  resides  in 
Lodi;  Bella  B.,  now  Mrs.  Frank  Warner,  of  Chicago.  He  has  one  child  by  his  present  marriage — 
Jennie  A.  Dr.  Barry  is  well  versed  in  the  natural  sciences,  and  enjoys  the  acquaintance  of  the  most 
eminent  naturalists  of  the  State  ;  has  been  for  many  years  corresponding  member  of  the  Academy  of 
Sciences,  of  Philadelphia,  of  the  "  Boston  Natural  Historv  Association  "  and  the  Buffalo  Scientific 
Association.  Dr.  Barry  and  wife  were  victims  of  the  "  National  Hotel  "  poisoning  on  the  occasion  of 
the  inauguration  of  President  Buchanan,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  has  never  fully  recovered.  He  is 
still  actively  engaged  in  the  ministry,  where  he  has  long  labored  to  make  men  better,  to  prepare  them 
more  fully  for  the  present  and  the  hii;her  life. 

SAMUEL  M.  BLAKE,  M.  D.,  Lodi,  born  in  Vermont,  Feb.  15,  1835;  he  began  the 
study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Ralph  Rugg,  of  Compton,  in  the  Province  of  Quebec  ;  entered  the  Eclectic 
Medical  Institute  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  the  fall  of  1859  ;  he  attended  a  course  of  lectures,  then  returned 


990  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

to  the  town  of  Cannon,  Vt.,  where  he  practiced  medicine  for  six  years  ;  he  then  went  to  Eaton,  Canada, 
where  he  remained  two  years;  he  returned  to  Cincinnati  in  the  fall  of  1867,  and  graduated  the  following 
spring;  he  then  returned  to  Eaton,  and  practiced  six  montlis  ;  in  October,  1868,  at  the  solicitation  of  Dr. 
A.  P.  Cummings,  he  came  to  Prairie  du  Sac,  Wis.,  and  practiced  with  Dr.  Cummings  for  some  time  ;  he 
came  to  Lodi  in  the  summer  of  1877.  He  was  married  to  Miranda  J.  Haynes  ;  they  have  two  sons — 
Wilbur  F.  and  Au.stin  M. 

REV.  JO.SEPH  BOWMAX,  retired  Baptist  clergyman  ;  resides  in  Sec.  4,  in  the  town  of 
Dane,  Dane  Co. ;  though  a  resident  of  Dane  Co.,  yet  Mr.  Bowman  has  long  been  identified  with  the 
interests  of  Columbia  Co.,  and  especially  of  Lodi,  which  has  been  the  field  of  his  labors,  for  many  years, 
in  the  ministry;  he  was  born  in  Leicester,  the  county  seat  of  Leicestershire,  England,  in  1816  ;  he  began 
his  theological  studies  under  Rev.  S.  W.  Wigg  and  Rev.  W.  Finn,  of  his  native  town ;  he  began  his 
ministry  in  England  ;  came  to  the  United  States  in  May,  1845,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Berry,  Dane 
Co.  ;  a  Baptist  church  was  organized  in  that  town,  in  1847  ;  Mr.  Bowman  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of 
this  church  in  1848;  he  was  ordained  1849  ;  he  continued  as  Pastor  of  the  church  in  Berry  till  about 
1852,  when  he  received  a  call  from  his  Baptist  friends  of  Lodi,  to  organize  a  church  at  that  place  and 
become  their  Pastor  ;  he  accepted  this  call,  and  remained  the  Pastor  of  the  Lodi  Baptist  Church  for  about 
nine  years;  afterward,  for  three  or  four  years,  was  Pastor  of  Middleton  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Bow- 
man was  married  in  England,  in  1814,  to  Miss  Ann  Sharman;  she  died  Jan.  15,  1873;  in  May,  1874, 
Mr.  Bowman  visited  his  native  land,  where  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  S.  Jordan  ;  returned  to  his 
home  in  September  of  that  year ;  he  had  eight  children  by  his  first  marriage,  only  three  of  whom  are 
living,  viz.,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  A.  Thomas,  Mrs.  Mary  Riddle  and  Joseph  J. ;  in  1875,  Mr.  Bowman  became 
Pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Mazo  Manie,  Dane  Co..  which  charge  he  held  for  two  and  a  half  years. 

JOIJ^EPH  BROWN,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey  in  1817 ; 
when  he  was  a  child,  his  parents  removed  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where  he  lived  till  manhood  ;  he  was 
engaged  in  steamboating  on  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  Rivers  for  about  nine  years.  He  went  to  the  State 
of  Illinois,  where  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emeline  Newburry  ;  she  was  born  in  New  Jersey  ;  her  parents 
died  when  she  was  quite  young  ;  she  lived  a  number  of  years  in  New  York  City ;  then  returned  to  New 
Jersey,  thence  to  Illinois,  where  she  was  married  to  Mr.  Brown  ;  after  he  was  married,  Mr.  Brown 
removed  to  Missouri;  returned  to  Illinois,  and  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  May,  1846;  lived  on  Sec.  25, 
town  of  Lodi,  for  two  years;  settled  where  they  now  live  in  July,  1848;  have  six  children — Cornelius, 
Richard  K.;  Maria,  now  Mrs.  John  Porter;  Edwin;  Emma,  now  Mrs.  Milton;  Freeman  and  Sylvester. 
Farm  contains  100  acres. 

REV.  N.  E.  CHAPIN,  Pastor  of  Baptist  Church,  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Washington  Co.  N.  Y., 
in  1815  ;  in  1833,  removed  with  his  parents  to  Wayne  Co.;  he  attended  Florence  Manual  Institute;  began 
his  ministry  in  Randolph,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  in  1837  ;  settled  in  Bradford,  McKean  Co.,  Penn.;  was 
ordained  in  1839;  removed  to  Belmont,  Allegheny  Co.,  in  1840,  where  he  remained  three  years;  thence 
to  Bennington,  Wyoming  Co.,  for  two  years;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845  ;  settled  in  Lancaster,  Grant 
Co.,  where  he  remained  till  1851 ;  he  settled  in  Beaver  Dam  in  the  spring  of  1852  ;  in  the  fall  of  1857, 
went  to  Darlington,  La  Fayette  Co.;  thence  to  Aztalan,  Jefferson  Co.;  in  1867,  settled  in  Merton,  Wauke- 
sha Co.;  thence  to  Lanark,  Carroll  Co.,  111.;  came  to  Lodi  in  the  spring  of  1877.  Mr.  Chapin  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Sara  L.  Goiny,  born  at  Rushford,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.;  have  two  children — Mary  L.  Lindlay 
and  George  B. 

JACOB  CHRISliER,  blacksmith  and  machinist,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y., 
February,  1837  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Chenango  Co.;  thence  to  Madison  Co.;  they  came  to  Wisconsin 
and  settled  in  the  town  of  West  Point,  Columbia  Co.,  in  1856  ;  Jacob  came  to  the  town  of  West  Point 
the  following  year,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  about  twelve  years  ;  he  settled  in  Lodi  in  the  spring  of 
1874.  He  was  married  to  Mary  H.  Leigh,  born  in  the  state  of  New  York  ;  tbey  have  had  eight  children, 
five  living — Alberta  L.,  Harriet  E.,  Margaret  E.,  Minnie  T.  and  Jesse  J.;   lost  three  daughters. 

WILLIAM  CROSS,  fiirmer.  Sec.  16  -.  P.  0.  Lodi  ;  was  born  in  England,  March,  1843;  he 
came  to  this  country  with  his  parents  in  1848;  they  lived  two  years  in  Racine,  Wis.;  came  to  the  town  of 
Lodi  and  settled  on  the  farm  where  Mr.  Cross  now  lives,  in  1850;  his  father  now  resides  in  Walworth 
Co.,  Wis.  Mr.  Cross  enlisted  in  February,  1864,  in  the  50th  W.  V.  I.;  .served  till  the  close  of  the  war. 
Married   Miss  Mary  Atkinson,  born  in  Wisconsin  ;  has  one  child — Thomas   F. 

JOHN  COLLINS,  harness-maker,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Wales,  January,  1846  ;  he  learned  the 
trade  of  a  tanner  and  currier,  which  business  he  followed  for  several  years;  he  came  to  the  United  States 
in  the  spring  of  1866  ;  he  lived  in  Albany,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  for  about  one  year;  then  went  to  Madison, 
where,  for  several  months,  he  was  engaged  in  driving  stage  between  Madison  and  Fort  Atkinson  ;  came  to 


TOWN    OF    LODI.  991 

Lodi  in  October,  1867  ;  was  engaged  in  driving  stage  till  October,  1870  ;  visited  his  native  land  in  1871i 
returning  in  the  spring  of  1872  ;  served  an  apprenticeship  to  the  harness-making  business  in  Lodi  I 
engaged  in  the  business  of  harness- making  in  the  fall  of  1876.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Anstis  A- 
Simons,  daughter  of  Freedom  Simons  ;  tHey  have  three  children — Mattie  E.,  John  F.  and  Richard  J. 

EVERET  DAVIS,  farmer,  Sec.  15  ;  P.  0.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Massachusetts  in  1830  ;  he 
removed  with  his  parents  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  of  New  York  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
spring  of  1859;  he  lived  in  Vienna,  Dane  Co.,  for  six  years;  located  on  his  present  farm  in  1865.  He 
was  married  to  Elizabeth  Haggard,  daughter  of  William  Haggard.  They  have  three  children — Amelia 
J.,  Edwin  N.  and  William.      Mr.  Davis'  farm  contains  180  acres. 

WILLIAI!!  DUNIjAP,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Trumbull  Co.,  Ohio, 
Dec.  6,  1806 ;  he  came  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1846,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dane,  in  18-17,  where  he 
lived  until  1853,  when  he  came  to  the  tovvn  of  Lodi,  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business,  at  Okee  ;  in 
1858,  returned  to  his  farm  in  Dane  Co.,  which  he  sold  in  1860,  and  purchased  farm  in  Sec.  22,  Lodi; 
bought  farm  where  he  now  lives,  September,  1865  ;  he  still  owns  his  farm  in  Sec.  22.  He  was  married  to 
Phoebe  Blachly,  born  in  Ohio  March  6,  1807  ,  they  have  five  children — Eben,  Oscar,  Sarah,  James  and 
William  M.;  lost  one  daughter,  Melissa. 

JOHN  B.  I»WINS[EL.L,  farmer,  Sec.  33  ;  P.  0.  Lodi  ;  was  born  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  in 
1827  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1850,  and  settled  in  the  village  of  Lodi  ;  he  established  a  stage  route 
between  Madison  and  Baraboo,  via  Lodi,  in  1853,  which  he  conducted  for  one  and  a  half  years  ;  this  was 
the  first  public  conveyance  running  between  Madison  and  Baraboo  ;  since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in 
farming;  he  bought  his  present  firm  in  August,  1856,  where  he  located  in  1868.  He  was  married  to 
Maria  C.  Stanley,  daughter  of  W.  D.  Stanley,  who  settled  in  Vienna,  Dane  Co.,  in  1847  ;  they  have  six 
children — Lizzie  L,  George  W.,  William  S.,  John  L.,  Mary  L.  and  Bessie  Y.;  lost  one  son,  Henry,  who 
died  July  17,  1879.  Mr.  Dwinnell  was  elected  to  represent  the  Third  District  in  the  Legislature,  in  the 
fall  of  1874  ;.  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Town  Board  for  two  years,  and  has  held  other  local  offices.  Is 
a  Republican  politically.     Farm  contains  280  acres. 

ADDISON  EATON,  merchant,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Auburn,  Mass.,  in  1821  ;  he  went  to 
Ohio  in  1844,  where  he  lived  three  years,  when  he  returned  to  Massachusetts ;  in  1856.  he  came  to  Lodi, 
and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  trade.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Emily  Garfield ;  she  died  February,  1869  ; 
his  present  wife  was  Miss  Julia  Palmer,  daughter  of  Judge  Palmer,  of  Lodi.  Mr.  Eaton  was  Chairman 
of  Town  Board  from  1872  to  1875  ;  has  been  County  Supervisor  since  1876,  and  was  elected  to  the 
Assembly,  in  the  fall  of  1879. 

JAMES  O.  EATON,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Sutton,  Mass.,  in  1818.  He  came  to  Walworth 
Co.,  Wis.,  in  1842,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  trade.  He  went  to  Racine  in  the  fall  of  1845,  where 
he  also  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  He  came  to  Lodi  in  December,  1848,  where  he  also  entered 
the  mercantile  business,  which  he  continued  till  1860.  Mr.  Eaton  was  Postmaster  at  Lodi,  during  the 
administration  of  Presidents  Taylor  and  Filmore,  also  during  the  first  administration  of  President  Lincoln  ; 
was  assistant  U.  S.  Assessor  for  about  five  years.  For  the  last  thirteen  years,  has  been  engaged  as  a  commer- 
cial traveler.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Mary  M.  Dwinnell,  born  in  Massachusetts;  she  died  in  March,  1802. 
His  present  wife  was  Mrs.  Judith  Fisk.  Mr.  Eaton  has  two  children  by  his  first  wife — Mary  E.,  now  Mrs. 
B.  S.  Lewis,  and  Harlow.  -  The  latter  was  born  May  24,  1854;  he  graduated  at  the  Wisconsin  State 
University  in  1878;  he  is  now  a  student  of  the  University  of  Leipsic,  Germany.  Lost  his  oldests  on, 
Herbert  E.,  born  June  3,  1844,  died  July  17,  1849. 

HENRY  R.  EATON,  Postmaster,  Lodi ;  born  in  Massachusetts  June  20,  1832.  He  first 
came  to  Lodi  in  April,  1853,  but  returned  to  Massachusetts  in  August  of  that  year.  He  settled  in  Lodi 
in  February,  1857,  and  engaged  in  the  shoe  manufacturing  business;  was  appointed  Postmaster  Feb.  18, 
1875.  His  wife  was  Miss  Harriet  A.  Cadwell,  daughter  of  Edward  Cadwell,  of  Sauk  Co.  They  have 
one  child — Fred  A. ;  lost  their  oldest  son,  Herbert,  who  was  killed  by  the  kick  of  a  horse  in  1871  ;  aged 
7  years. 

JOHN  FOOTE,  farmer,  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1820.  He  re- 
moved to  Lee  Co  ,  Iowa,  in  the  spring  of  1844,  thence  to  Hancock  Co.,  111.,  where  he  taught  school  during 
the  summer  of  1844  ;  in  the  winter  of  1844-45,  taught  a  school  in  Dane  Co.,  111.  ;  in  the  spring  of  1845, 
removed  to  Dane  Co.,  Wis. ;  engaged  in  farming  during  that  summer,  and  taught  school  the  following 
winter.  In  the 'spring  of  1846,  he  came  to  Lodi,  and  entered  80  acres  of  his  present  farm  in  June  of  that 
year,  where  he  settled  the  follo\fing  autumn,  and  where  he  has  since  resided.  His  wife  was  Miss  Elmira 
Fisher,  daughter  of  Willard  Fisher;  married  October,  1848;  wife  died  Aug.  15,  1868.  Mr.  Foote  has  had 
nine  children,  five  of  whom  are  living — -Laura  R.,  John  W.,  Emily  B.,  Frank  F.  and  Agnes  M. 


992  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

PETER  L.  FROLiAND.  farmer,  Sec.  25  ;  P.  0.  Lodi  ;  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of 
the  town  of  Lodi.  He  was  born  in  Norway  in  1802,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in  1837  He  lived 
near  Ottawa,  111.,  for  nine  year.s,  where  he  was  engaged  in  work  on  a  canal.  He  came  to  Columbia  Co. 
in  1846,  and  settled  near  Columbus,  where  he  lived  three  years,  when  he  settled  where  he  now  lives.  Mr. 
Frohind  is  unmarried.      His  farm  contains  70  acres. 

EDWIIV  W.  CirAKDXER,  insurance  agent,  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Panton,  Vt.,  in  1829;  he 
removed  to  Madison,  Wis.,  in  1853,  where  he  engaged  in  work  at  his  trade,  that  of  a  carpenter  and  joiner, 
where  he  resided  till  the  fall  of  1859  ;  then  engaged  in  farming  in  the  town  of  Dane,  Dane  Co.,  till  the 
spring  of  1867,  when  he  came  to  Lodi.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Lucina  Colburn,  niece  of  Zcrah  Colburn, 
the  mathematician  ;  the  latter  was  a  cousin  of  the  author  of  Colburn's  Arithmetic,  etc.  Mr.  Gardner  is 
Justice  of  the  Peace  of  the  village  of  Lodi ;  also  Secretary  of  Lodi  Agricultural  Society. 

CirEORGE  C  OESELL,  miller,  at  Lodi  Center  MilN,  Lodi;  was  born  in  the  Province  of 
Hanover,  Germany,  Oct.  17,  1834;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  the  spring  of  1861  ;  came  to  the 
village  of  Lodi  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  where  he  was  engaged  as  miller  in  the  Excelsior  Mill  for  thirteen 
years  and  five  months  ;  then  went  to  Wonewoc,  Juneau  Co.,  where  he  conducted  a  mill  for  one  year,  then 
engaged  in  the  grocery  business;  came  to  present  location  in  April,  1879.  He  was  married  to  Mary 
Kruegcr  ;   they  have  three  children — Hannah,  George  L.  and  George  C. 

WILLIAM  GOLDSPOHN,  lumber  dealer,  of  the  firm  of  Vanderpool  &  Goldspohn, 
Lodi ;  born  in  Germany  in  1828  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1849  ;  he  settled  in  the  town  of  Rox- 
bury,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  where  he  was  engaged  in  farming  ;  in  the  spring  of  1869,  he 
came  to  Lodi;  he  engaged  in  selling  lumber  for  Vanderpool  &  Clark  in  the  fall  of  1872;  in  the  fall  of 
1877,  he  bought  the  interest  of  Mr.  Clark  ;  since  that  time  has  been  associated  with  Mr.  Vanderpool. 
He  was  married  to  Frederica  Kohlmann,  born  in  Prus.sia,  Germany  ;  she  came  to  the  township  of  Spring- 
field, Dane  Co.,  in  1847  ;  the}'  have  four  children — Albert,  Mary,  Emma  and  William. 

CHARLES  GOODALL,  farmer.  Sec.  25;  P.  0.  Lodi;  born  in  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
1830;  his  parents,  Nathaniel  and  Fannie  Goodall,  removed  to  Ohio,  near  Cleveland,  in  1836,  then  to 
Illinois,  in  the  fall  of  1840  ;  the  family  came  to  the  town  of  Lodi  June  20,  1851  ;  his  father  still  resides 
where  he  first  settled,  Sec.  26  ;  when  the  ftimily  came  to  Lodi,  it  consisted  of  parents,  two  sons  and  two 
daughters  ;  youngest  daughter  now  deceased  ;  another  son,  L.  K.,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Lodi.  Mr. 
Goodall  was  married  to  Miss  Caroline  Taller,  daughter  of  John  and  Laura  A.  Tuller.  Mrs.  Goodall 
taught  the  first  school  in  the  town  of  West  Point;  they  have  two  children — William  Herbert  and  Eva  C, 
both  of  whom  are  now  students  in  junior  class  of  Wisconsin  State  University  ;  Herbert  was  born  in 
1857  ;  Eva  A.,  March  13,  1860.  Mr.  Goodall  has  been  Chairman  of  Town  Board  two  years,  and  mem- 
ber of  Side  Board  three  years;  he  resided  in  Crawford  Co.  from  1856  till  1861  ;  settled  on  his  present 
farm  in  1861.      Has  142  acres  of  land. 

SAMUEL  A.  HOLDRIDGE,  blacksmith,  Lodi ;  born  in  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  in  1847  ;  he  went  to 
Crawford  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1854  ;  went  to  Kansas  about  1856  ;  returned  to  Wisconsin  and  came  to  Lodi  in 
December,  1859;  he  enlisted  in  September,  1862,  in  Co.  G,  23d  W.  V.  I.;  was  at  the  battles  of 
Arkansas  Post,  Yazoo  Swamp,  Grand  Gulf,  Champion  Hills,  and  in  all  the  battles  in  which  his  regiment 
was  engaged  up  lo  the  time  of  his  discharge  for  disability  in  the  fall  of  1864  ;  he  returned  to  Lodi;  was 
sick  for  two  years  ;  after  his  recovery  engaged  for  his  uncle  in  the  blacksmith  business  till  1870  ;  when 
he  engaged  in  business  for  himself  He  was  married  to  Miss  A.  S.  Woodley,  daughter  of  John  V. 
Woodley  ;  has  three  children — Harry  L.,  Clarence  A.  and  Edith  Maud. 

E.  HOWARD  1RWI9f,  M.  D.,  Lodi;  bom  in  Mifflin  Co.,  Penn.,  July  1,  1833;  he 
studied  medicine  in  Pennsylvania,  came  to  Lodi  with  his  father.  Dr.  George  H.  Irwin,  in  June,  1854; 
he  practiced  medicine  with  his  father  in  Lodi  till  the  breaking-out  of  the  rebellion,  when  his  father 
enlisted  as  a  private  in  Capt.  Mansfield's  company,  2d  W.  V.  I.;  he  was  made  Hospital  Steward,  then  pro- 
moted to  Assistant  Surgeon  in  the  2d  W.  V.  I.;  he  was  wounded  in  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run,  in  the 
charge  of  the  Black  Horse  Cavalry;  he  resigned  from  disability,  and  died  at  his  home,  Lodi,  Jan.  31, 
186-1.  Dr.  E.  H.  Irwin,  in  August,  186i;,  under  authority  of  Gov.  Salmon,  raised  a  company  which  was 
mustered  into  the  United  States  service  as  Co.  H,  23d  W.  V.  I.,  Aug.  30,  1862;  he  resigned  to  take 
position  on  regimental  staff  as  As.sistant  Surgeon,  and  entered  on  duty  as  such  Nov.  19,  1862,  at  Louis- 
ville, Ivy.,  under  orders  of  Gen.  A.  J.  Smith,  but  was  not  mustered  as  such  till  Dec.  19,  1862,  at  Memphis, 
Tenn.;  he  resigned  on  account  of  disabillity  at  Milliken's  Bend,  La.,  April  25,  1863.  His  wife  was  Miss 
Sarah  Pashley,  daughter  of  Samuel  Pashley,  of  Vienna,  Dane  Co.;  they  have  had  six  children,  five  of 
whom  are  living — -Annie  E.,  now  Mrs.  Tim  B.  Lewis;  Harris  J.,  George  H.,  Samuel  P.,  and  William 
Russell. 


TOWN    OF    LODI.  993 

ERIK  KNUTSEN,  merchant,  Lodi ;  born  in  Norway  in  1834 ;  he  came  to  the  United 
now  lives  in  Minnesota ;  he  resided  in  Madison  for  four  years,  where  he  was  engaged  as  a  clerk  ;  he  came 
States  with  his  parents  in  1851 ;  the  family  settled  in  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  where  his  father  died ;  his  mother 
to  Lodi  and  engaged  in  business  in  1857.  His  wife  was  Miss  Annie  P.  Brunserg;  they  have  nine  chil- 
dren, one  son  and  eight  daughters  ;  Mr.  Knutsen  is  engaged  in  general  merchandising. 

JAHES  McCLiOUD,  merchant,  Lodi;  born  in  Gallipolis,  Gallia  Co.,  Ohio,  Nov.  27,  1822  ; 
his  father  died  when  he  was  about  3  years  of  age ;  after  the  death  of  his  father,  his  mother  removed  to 
Vermillion  Co.,  Ind.,  where  she  was  married,  and  removed  to  Joliet,  111.,  in  1830,  and  to  Van  Buren  Co., 
Iowa,  in  1837  ;  in  the  fall  of  1839,  he  entered  into  the  employment  of  the  American  Fur  Co.,  and  was 
engaged  iu  trading  on  the  frontier  till  1844  ;  he  came  to  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  in  August,  1844  ;  he  came 
to  the  town  of  Lodi  in  the  fall  of  1845.  He  was  married  to  Catherine  E.  Bartholomew,  daughter  of  G. 
M.  Bartholomew;  they  have  had  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  living — James  W.,  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs. 
R.  W.  Jones,  of  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.;  Joseph  B.  and  George  ;  their  daughter,  Clara  J.,  aged  19  years,  a  stu- 
dent of  Lawrence  University,  Appleton,  Wis.,  and  just  ready  to  graduate,  was  drowned  in  Lake  Buttes  des 
Mortes,  on  June  10,  1871.  Mr.  McCloud  has  been  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  since  1851  ;  he 
has  been  very  successful  in  business ;  has  been  in  the  lumber  trade  ;  is  also  a  large  land  owner,  and  has 
been  extensively  engaged  in  farming  for  many  years  ;  is  now  engaged  quite  extensively  in  stock-raising 
and  fish  culture. 

GILBERT  E.  lIcKEEBY,  M.  D.,  Lodi ;  born  in  1844 ;  his  parents  removed  to  Oregon, 
Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  when  he  was  2  years  of  age,  where  his  father  died,  and  where  his  mother  still  resides. 
The  Doctor  enlisted  in  August,  1864,  in  the  1st  W.  Heavy  Artillery  ;  served  one  year  ;  discharged  July,' 

1865.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  at  Evansville,  Wis.,  with  Dr.  Smith ;  he  was  a  student  of  the 
university  at  Madison  for  about  three  years  ;  in  the  fall  of  1865,  he  went  to  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  and 
attended  a  course  of  lectures  at  the  medical  department  of  the   university  of  Michigan  ;  in  the  spring  of 

1866,  he  resumed  his  studies  with  Dr.  Smith  ;  in  1867,  he  entered  the  Bellevue  Hospital  Medical  College, 
at  New  York  City,  where  he  graduated  in  March,  1868  ;  he  began  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Iowa  Co., 
Wis.;  came  to  Lodi  in  the  fall  of  1868.  His  wife  was  Carrie  M.  Ansdell,  daughter  of  P.  T.  S.  Ansdeli, 
an  early  settler  of  Sauk  Co.;  they  have  two  children — Fred  E.  and  Carrie  L. 

JOB  MILES,  farmer  and  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Lodi  Valley  Cheese  Factory,  Lodi ;  was 
born  in  Lancashire,  England,  in  1840  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  father,  William  Mills,  in 
1842  ;  they  came  to  New  York  City,  thence  to  Paterson,  N.  J.,  thence  to  Oswego,  and  to  Walworth  Co., 
Wis.,  in  1844,  where  the  family  lived  about  ten  years,  engaged  in  farming  ;  thence  to  Dodge  Co.  for  about 
two  years  ;  thence  to  the  town  of  Scott,  Columbia  Co.  Mr.  Mills  was  married,  in  1863,  to  Mary  A.  Dye, 
born  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  they  have  five  children — Josephine,  Mary,  Esther,  Albert  and  Elmer. 
Mr.  Mills  has  a  farm  of  300  acres  ;  residence  in  Sec.  26. 

R.  W.  MILLS,  Lodi,  grain-buyer,  firm  of  Mills  &  Albiston  ;  was  born  in  the  State  of  New 
York  in  1843;  he  is  the  son  of  William  Mills,  and  brother  of  Mr.  Job  Mills,  of  Lodi ;  he  engaged  in  the 
business  of  grain-buying  with  his  brother  Job  in  1871 ;  Mr.  Albiston  became  a  member  of  the  firm  in 
May,  1872 ;  the  firm  was  then  known  as  Mills  Bros.  &  Albiston  ;  the  firm  became  Mills  &  Albiston  in 
1876.  Was  married  to  Margaret  A.  Wells,  daughter  of  Mr.  T.  S.  Wells  ;  they  have  two  children — 
Nettie  and  Thomas  A. 

ROBERT  MOSS,  miller,  Lodi;  born  in  Sutton,  Isle  of  Ely,  Cambridgeshire,  England,  Feb.  22, 
1822.  Was  uianieJ  to  Sarah  Reed,  native  of  the  same  town  ;  she  died  in  England.  Mr.  Moss  came  to 
the  United  States  in  May,  1854  ;  lived  in  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  a  few  months  ;  thence  to  Fox  Lake,  Wis., 
in  the  fall  of  1854  ;  thence  to  Fairwater,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.;  lived  for  a  short  time  at  several  other  points 
in  Wisconsin  ;  came  to  Lodi  in  1864 ;  since  that  time  has  been  engaged  as  miller  for  Mr.  Andrews.  His 
present  wife  was  Mrs.  Charlotte  Haley,  whose  maiden  name  was  Case;  she  was  born  in  Herkimer  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1825.  Mr.  Moss  had  five  children  by  his  first  marriage,  two  of  whom  are  living — Alfred  E.  and 
Charles  W. 

EDWARD  NICHOLS,  of  the  firm  of  Wait  &  Nichols,  hardware  dealers,  Lodi;  was  born 
in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  7,  1820,  where  he  resided  till  July,  1853,  when  he  came  to  Wiscon.^in  ; 
lived  in  Janesville  till  the  fall  of  1854,  when  he  came  to  Lodi.  He  was  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools 
for  the  years  1856-57  ;  has  been  Town  Clerk  for  several  years.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Dun- 
ning, daughter  of  Samuel  S.  Dunning,  from  near  Ithaca,  N.  Y.;  they  have  one  son — Charles  E. — born 
March,  1866. 

CHARLES  E.  ODELL,  furniture  dealer,  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Ohio,  April,  1827  ;  his  father, 
William  Odell,  was  a  native  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  born  Feb.  9,  1793  ;  he  was  a  volunteer  soldier  in 


994  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

the  war  of  1812 ;  be  removed  from  Ohio  to  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1837,  and  to  Dane  Co.  in  1849  ;  he 
settled  in  the  town  of  West  Point,  Columbia  Co.,  September,  1855 ;  be  died  August,  1879 ;  his  wife  died 
in  Waukesha  Co.  in  1847.  Mr.  Charles  E.  Odell  was  engaged  in  farming  in  West  Point  Township  for 
about  twelve  years,  residing  on  Sec.  27  ;  he  came  to  Lodi  in  October,  1867,  and  engaged  in  his  present 
business  in  February  following.  He  was  married  to  Miss  E.  F.  Burnett,  of  Ohio  ;  they  have  two  chil- 
dren — Edna  (now  Mrs.  George  H.  Simons),  and  Edgar. 

I.  H.  PAL/HER,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Binghamton,  N.  Y.,  in  1809;  his  father  was  a  Presby- 
terian minister,  and  when  a  young  man  was  engaged  as  a  missionary  among  the  Indians,  and  elsewhere  in 
the  State  of  New  York  ;  he  preached  for  several  years  at  Binghamton ;  afterward  removed  to  what  is 
now  Fulton  Co.,  N.  Y.;  he  died  about  1850.  Judge  Palmer  came  to  Madison  from  Fulton  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
1837,  where  he  lived  till  the  spring  of  1846,  when  he  came  to  Lodi  and  settled  on  40  acres  of  land  in 
Sec.  27,  which  he  had  entered  the  previous  February;  in  March  and  April  of  that  year  he  entered  more 
land  in  this  section  ;  on  this  land  is  located  the  present  village  of  Lodi.  He  was  married  in  1836,  to  Miss 
Ann  Thompson,  of  Fulton  Co.,  N.  Y.;  they  have  had  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living — Elizabeth  (now 
Mrs.  John  Slightam) ;  Sarah  J.  (now  Mrs.  Edward  Andrews) ;  Mary;  Julia  (now  Mrs.  Addison  Eaton)  ; 
Helen  ;  Clara  (now  Mrs.  C.  Clemens)  ;  Hattie  and  Herbert;  has  lost  two  sons — Henry  and  Edward.  At 
the  organization  of  Dane  Co.  Mr.  Palmer  was  appointed  Probate  Judge  ;  he  was  elected  to  the  Legisla- 
ture in  1842,  and  served  several  years.  Judge  Palmer  has  always  been  actively  engaged  in  business,  and 
by  industry  and  economy  has  accumulated  a  fine  property  ;  he  is  a  worthy  representative  of  the  pioneers  of 
Columbia  County. 

JOSEPH  E.  PARKE,  farmer.  Sec.  26;  P.  0.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1821  ; 
his  parents  reniuved  to  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  he  was  about  3  years  of  age,  where  he  lived  till  1845, 
when  he  removed  t<p  Michigan  ;  in  the  spring  of  1846,  removed  to  Illinois  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
November,  1851,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dekorra,  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  lived  about  three  years; 
thence  to  the  town  of  Lodi  ;  in  1856,  he  removed  to  Winona  Co.,  Minn.;  returned  to  the  town  of  Lodi 
in  1863  ;  settled  where  he  now  lives  Sept.  25,  1877.  He  was  married  to  Marianna  Kingsley,  daughter 
of  Darius  Kingsley,  who  came  to  Lodi  and  settled  on  the  form  where  Mr.  Parke  now  lives,  in  May, 
1856  ;  Mr.  Kingsley  died  in  1878  ;  Mrs.  Kingsley  died  Oct.  6,  1875.  Mr.  Parke  has  two  children- 
Emily  M.,  now  Mrs.  Walter  Lamont,  of  Dane  Co.,  and  Harry  J.;  has  lost  two  children — Elisabeth  and 
Henry  D.;  when  the  parents  of  Mrs.  Park  came  to  Lodi  they  had  nine  children,  all  but  one  of  whom 
arrived  at  the  age  of  maturity  ;  of  these  nine  children,  only  Mrs.  Parke  and  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Pratt  are  now 
living  ;  farm  contains  140  acres.     Mr.  Parke  has  a  farm  of  110  acres  in  Sees,  29  and  32. 

S.  DANFORD  PRATT,  farmer,  Sec.  33  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Long 
Meadow,  Hampden  Co.,  Mass.,  in  1822;  when  he  was  10  years  of  age,  his  parents  removed  to  Onondaga 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  he  removed  with  his  parents  to  McHenry  Co.,  111.,  in  1843,  where  he  was  married,  December, 
1845,  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Kingsley,  daughter  of  Darius  Kingsley ;  they  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  January, 
1849,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dekorra,  where  they  lived  till  1853,  when  they  removed  to  the  town  of 
Lodi  and  settled  on  Sec.  25 ;  bought  present  farm  in  the  spring  of  1856  ;  has  two  children — Wolcott,  who 
married  Miss  E.  Walker  (they  have  one  child — Danford  W.);  Noah  D.,  married  Ada  M.  Thompson 
(they  have  two  children — CJeorge  S.  and  Lettie  M.).     Mr.  Pratt's  farm  contains  290  acres. 

JOELi  31.  PRUYN,  merchant,  Lodi;  son  of  Joel  Pruyn,  born  in  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y., 
March  28,  1843 ;  he  came  to  the  town  of  Lodi,  with  his  father,  in  August,  1858.  He  was  married  in 
1864,  to  Miss  Sarah  L.  Richmond,  daughter  of  Anson  Richmond;  born  in  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
October,  1843  ;  her  parents  came  to  the  town  of  West  Point  in  April,  1855;  her  father  died  in  the 
summer  of  1856  ;  her  mother  lives  with  Mr.  Pruyn.  Mr.  Pruyn  engaged  in  the  butchering  business  with 
his  father  in  Lodi  in  1868,  which  he  continued  until  Jan.  1,  1879  ;  engaged  in  the  grocery  business, 
March,  1880.  Mr.  Pruyn  has  had  three  children,  only  one  of  whom  is  living — Howard,  born  September, 
1865;  lost  son  and  dautrbter  in  infancy. 

GABRIEL  REEOAL,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Michigan  in  1833;  his 
parents  were  natives  of  England  ;  they  emigrated  to  New  York,  in  October,  1831  ;  thence  to  Michigan, 
in  May,  1832,  and  to  Illinois,  in  1837  ;  they  came  to  Columbia  Co.  from'  Illinois,. in  November,  1849  ; 
his  father  died  Sept.  22,  1863,  in  the  76th  year  of  his  age.  Gabriel  Reedal  was  married  to  Miss  Ellen  A. 
Marsh,  daughter  of  George  Marsh,  of  Portage;  they  have  three  children — Mattie,  Henry  and  Laura. 

SYLVESTER  REYNOLDS^  farmer,  Sec.  20  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Columbia  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1816.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Hannah  Elliott,  who  was  born  in  Sharon,  Conn.;  her  parents 
removed  to  the  State  of  New  York  when  she  was  but  1  year  old;  they  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in 
the  fall  of  1853.     Mr.  Reynolds  purchased   his  present  fiirm  soon   after,  though  he  lived  in  the  town  of 


TOWN    OF  LODI.  995 

West  Point  about  one  year.  Mr.  Keynolds  learned  the  trade  of  a  blacksmith,  at  which  he  worked  for  one 
or  two  years  after  coming  to  Wisconsin.  His  farm  contains  175  acres;  has  two  daughters — Ida  S.  and 
Cornelia ;  has  lost  two  children — Gilbert,  who  was  a  member  of  23d  W.  V.  I.  during  the  war  of  the  rebellion , 
was  afterward  engaged  on  the  police  force  of  Chicago,  where  he  was  accidentally  killed  by  the  discharge 
of  his  revolver  ;  lost  another  sun,  Albert. 

PETKR  RICHARDS,  editor  and  proprietor  of  Lodi  Vallci/  Neivs,  Lodi;  born  in  Ohio 
Feb.  2,  1828  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  March,  185.5  ;  he  located  in  Fond  du  Lac  ;  thence  to  Madison  in 
1856,  where  he  worked  at  the  printing  business  for  ten  and  a  half  years;  he  went  to  Baraboo,  in  April, 
1867;  he  was  for  sometime  engaged  as  local  editor  of  the  Jndependent,  of  that  city;  was  afterward 
associated  with  J.  C.  Chandler,  in  the  publication  of  that  paper  ;  came  to  Lodi  in  April,  1874  ;  his  wife 
was  Miss  Mary  Daniels  ;  they  have  two  children — Fred  and  Grace. 

JOSEPH  H.  RIDDLE,  farmer.  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Lodi;  was  born  in  New  York  City,  June, 
1839;  his  parents  removed  to  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y,.,  when  he  was  a  child;  they  settled  in  the  town  of 
Dane,  Dane  Co.,  about  1850,  where  they  still  reside.  Joseph  H.  married  Miss  Cornelia  A.  Simons, 
■daughter  of  Frederick  H.  Simons,  who  settled  in  Dane  Co.  about  1845,  from  Canaudaigua,  Ontario  Co., 
N.  Y.  ;  Mr.  Riddle  settled  where  he  now  lives  in  the  fall  of  1869  ;  has  four  children — Arthur  H.,  Ernest 
H.,  Corie  and  Bertie  E.      His  farm  contains  174  acres  ;  is  engaged  principally  in  dairying. 

REV.  R.  GILBERT  RILEY,  Presbyterian  minister,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Otsego  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1810;  he  began  his  preparatory  course  at  Hartwick  Seminary,  Otsego  Co.;  continued  under 
Dr.  Hazelius,  and  at  JeiFerson.  Schoharie  Co.,  under  Rev.  Wm.  Salisbury;  in  1831,  he  entered  the  soph- 
omore class  of  Williams  College,  graduating  in  1834  ;  entered  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  the  fall  of 
1834,  where  he  remained  one  year,  when  he  assumed  the  principalship  of  Oxford  Select  Seminary,  New 
York;  he  entered  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  New  York  City,  in  1837,  graduating  in  1839  ;  he  began 
the  ministry  as  Pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church  at  Hartwick,  N.  Y. ;  thence  to  Livonia,  Livingston  Co., 
in  1843,  where  he  remained  till  1855,  when  he  became  Principal  of  Genesee  Model  School,  Lima,  N.  Y.; 
resigned  on  account  of  failing  health  in  the  spring  of  1856  ;  thence  to  Horseheads,  N,  Y. ;  came  to  Lodi 
in  September,  1857,  where  he  was  Pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  six  years,  when  he  was  appointed 
Synodical  Missionary  of  Wisconsin;  he  served  in  this  capacity  for  thirteen  years,  resigning  in  July,  1877. 
Mr.  Riley  was  married  to  Anna  Farrell,  born  at  Detroit,  Mich.  ;  has  had  five  children,  three  of  whom  are 
living,  viz.,  Laura  E.,  Edward  F.  and  Dr.  Charles  P.  Riley,  of  Prairie  du  Sac;  Rlary  F.  married  Capt. 
George  M.  Humphry;  died  Feb.  29,  1880  ;  Ellen  S.  died  in  Livonia,  N.  Y.,  in  1849.  Mr.  Riley  began 
teaching  at  14  years  of  age,  and  has  always  been  an  earnest  worker  in  the  cause  of  education. 

CAPT.  WM.  RYAN,  Sec.  17  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  County  Kerry,  Ireland,  July,  1825  ; 
he  served  seven  years  in  the  English  army;  came  to  the  United  States,  August,  1849;  lived  in  Boston, 
Mass.,  two  years  ;  thence  to  Milford,  Mass.,  where  he  learned  the  business  of  boot-treeing  ;  thence  to  Wor- 
cester, Mass. ;  afterward  went  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  he  was  engaged  on  a  railroad  ;  came  to  Columbia 
Co.,  April,  1857.  He  was  married  in  London  to  Ellen  Sheehan,  born  in  Ireland  ;  Mr.  Ryan  served  in  the 
army  during  the  rebellion  as  a  gallant  and  faithful  Union  soldier  ;  he  enlisted  in  June,  1861,  in  the  7th 
W.  V.  I. ;  was  mustered  into  the  service  as  Orderly  Sergeant  of  Co.  A,  in  August  of  that  year;  was  pro- 
moted to  Second  Lieutenant,  January,  1862  ;  afterward  to  First  Lieutenant  and  Brevet  Captain,  com- 
manding a  company  in  several  engagements  ;  he  was  severely  wounded  at  Fitzhugh  Crossing,  October, 
1863,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  has  never  fully  recovered  ;  settled  where  he  now  lives,  April,  1872  ; 
has  five  children — John  T.,  Kittie  M.,  Margareta,  Wm.  W.  and  Edmond  E. 

FREEDOM  SIMONS,  retired  farmer,  Lodi;  born  in  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1813.  His 
father  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Cayuga  Co.  Mr.  Simons  was  mar- 
ried to  Elmina  E.  Dudley,  born  in  Cayuga  in  1817  ;  her  father  was  also  a  soldier  of  the  war  of  1812  ;  in 
September,  1842,  Mr.  Simons  removed  to  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.;  in  September,  1843,  he  settled  in  what  is  now 
the  town  of  Springfield,  Dane  Co.,  being  the  first  settler  in  that  town  ;  he  removed  to  the  town  of  Dane, 
Dane  Co.,  about  1845,  this  farm  is  on  the  line  of  Columbia  Co.,  in  Sec.  4  ;  he  leased  his  farm  and  removed 
to  the  village  of  Lodi,  in  the  fall  of  1874 ;  Mr.  Simons  built  a  part  of  what  is  now  the  Briggs  House  in 
1849,  which  he  conducted  as  a  hotel  about  two  years;  he  has  eight  children — Mary  L.,  now  Mrs.  M.  D. 
Mann,  lives  in  McLeod  Co.,  Minn.;  Lydia  J.,  married  E.  F.  Lee,  also  lives  in  McLeod  Co.;  Sardis  D., 
who  was  the  first  white  male  child  born  in  Dane  Co.,  reside.*  at  Lake  (Crystal,  Minn.;  Levantia  C,  wife 
of  E.  K.  Whiting,  of  Dodge  Co.,  Minn.;  George  F.,  McLeod  Co.,  Minn.;  Anstis  A.,  now  Mrs.  John 
Collins,  of  Lodi ;  De  Witt  C,  also  of  McLeod  Co.,  Minn.,  and  Elma  A.  ;  lost  one  daughter,  Emily  S. 

GEORGE  T.  SIMONS,  proprietor  of  Briggs  House,  Lodi;  born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1829;  he  came  to  the  town  of  Lodi  from  the  State  of  New  York  in  October,  1846;  the  following 


696  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

winter  he  engaged  in  the  business  of  rail-splitting  at  S6  per  month,  the  following  summer  as  a  farm  hand 
at  $10  per  month;  he  engaged  alternately  in  farming  during  the  summer  season,  and  in  rail-splitting 
during  the  winter,  till  the  fall  of  1850,  when  he  returned  to  the  Slate  of  New  York  ;  he  came  back  in  the 
fall  of  1852;  Mr.  Simons  has  been  engaged  in  various  occupations;  in  1854,  he  engaged  at  work  in  a 
cabinet-shop  in  Lodi,  which  he  continued  for  several  years;  went  into  the  livery  business  in  I860,  also 
kept  a  hotel  about  that  time  for  one  year  ;  was  Deputy  Sheriff  of  Columbia  Co.  for  twelve  years,  also 
Constable  for  many  years;  he  bought  his  present  hotel  in  18G5,  which  he  sold  again  in  1869,  and  re-pur- 
chased in  October,  1879.  His  wife  was  Miss  Melissa  Burroughs ;  they  have  three  children — HarleyN., 
Jessie  and  Ettie. 

W.  Cr.  SIlION$$,  farmer.  Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  I8I2  ; 
he  emigrated  to  Madison,  Wis.,  in  1837  ;  he  settled  in  Sauk  Prairie,  Sauk  Co.,  1839,  where  he  lived 
till  1845.  He  was  married  to  Caroline  L.  Skinner,  born  in  Ohio.  Mr.  Simons  has  resided  on  his  present 
farm  since  1845.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Simons,  Mr.  John  B.  Skinner,  removed  from  the  city  of  Columbus, 
Ohio,  to  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1830.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Siipons  have  had  fourteen  children,  nine  of  whom  are 
living — Caroline,  John  and  Mary,  the  first  named  (now  deceased)  were  born  in  Sauk  Co.;  those  born  in 
Columbia  Co.  are  Jennie  (deceased),  Ada,  Joanna  (deceased),  Sarah  (deceased),  William,  Clara  (deceased),' 
Harper,  Evelyn,  Jesse,  Margaret  and  Grace.       Mr,  Simons'  farm  contains  145  acres. 

SAMUEL  STAHJL,  farmer.  Sec.  16;  P.O.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Columbia  Co.,  Peon.,  in 
1811  ;  his  father,  Abram  Stahl,  died  in  Lycoming  Co.,  Penn.,  when  Samuel  was  about  7  years  of  age  ; 
he  was  brought  up  in  Union  Co.;  when  19  years  of  age,  he  returned  to  Lycoming  Co.,  where  he  served 
an  apprenticeship  to  wocilen  manufacturing.  He  was  married  to  Louisa  Rodgers,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Hannah  Rodgers.  Mr.s.  Rodgers  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey;  they  came  to  Milwaukee  in  the 
fail  of  1848,  and  to  Columbia  Co.,  Aug.  1,  1849,  and  settled  in  Sec.  5;  settled  on  present  farm  in  June, 
1854  ;  they  have  had  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  living — Benjamin  F.,  resides  in  California  ;  Harriet 
J.  Tallman,  of  Kossuth  Co.,  Iowa ;  Mary  E.  Grover,  of  Kossuth  Co.;  J.  C;  Almira  A.  Davi.son,  of 
Kossuth  Co.;  Catherine  R.  Streater,  of  Kossuth  Co.;  William  E.  and  Winfield  S.  John  F.,  third  child, 
enlisted  in  23d  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  mortally  wounded  at  the  charge  on  Vicksburg,  May  20,  1863;  lost 
youngest  child,  Louisa  A.,  who  died  September,  1876,  aged  20  y<5ars. 

REV.  O.  O.  STEARNS,  retired  Baptist  clergyman,  Lodi;  was  born  in  Monkton,  Addison 
Co.,  Vt.,  in  February,  1810;  when  about  11  years  of  age,  he  removed  with  his  parents  to  the  town  of 
Panton,  where  he  lived  till  21  years  of  age,  when  he  went  to  the  town  of  Newton,  near  Boston,  Mass., 
where  he  began  his  preparatory  course  ;  he  returned  to  Monkton,  Vt.,  where  he  continued  his  studies  ;  he 
entered  the  freshman  class  of  Vermont  University  in  1832,  where  he  remained  one  and  a  half  years  ;  then 
he  entered  Brown  University,  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  graduated  in  1837  ;  he  was  ordained  Pastor  of 
the  Baptist  Church  at  Sturbridge,  Worcester  Co.,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  about  three  years  ;  thence  to 
Hancock,  N.  H.,  as  Principal  of  Hancock  Literary  and  Scientific  Institution,  where  he  remained  two 
years  ;  resigned  on  account  of  failing  health  ;  was  afterward  Principal  of  Rockingham  Academy,  Hampton 
Falls,  N.  H.,  where  he  remained  one  year;  thence  to  Deerfield,  N.  H.;  thence  to  Milford  and  Manches- 
ter, N.  H.;  afterward  to  Thomaston,  Me.,  where  he  remained  about  three  years;  he  removed  to  Racine, 
Wis.,  in  1854,  where  he  remained  about  four  years  ;  thence  to  Winona,  Minn.,  for  about  three  years  ;  his 
health  having  failed,  he  settled  on  his  farm  in  Vienna,  Dane  Co.,  in  1862  ;  became  Pastor  of  the  Baptist 
Church  at  Lodi  in  1864,  where  he  removed  in  1867,  and  where  he  has  since  resided.  His  first  wife  was 
Miss  Ann  C.  Valentine,  born  in  Massachusetts;  her  father  was  for  many  years  steward  of  Harvard  Col- 
lege ;  she  died  in  1849  ;  his  present  wife  was  Anna  Ashman,  born  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  Mr.  Stearns 
has  five  sons  by  his  first  marriage,  all  of  whom  have  received  a  liberal  education  and  occupy  prominent 
and  responsible  positions  ;  John  W.,  now  President  of  the  Whitewater  Normal  School,  graduated  at  Har- 
vard College;  James  H.,  attorney,  of  Freeport,  III.,  graduat^^d  at  Harvard;  George  A.,  attorney.  New 
York  City,  graduated  at  Harvard  ;  Charles  A.,  of  Janesville,  Wis.,  graduated  at  the  Chicago  University  ; 
Edward  F.,  also  a  graduate  of  Chicago  University,  is  Principal  of  the  Collegiate  Institute  at  Burlington,  Iowa. 

THOMAS  STRA]V«EWAY,  farmer,  Sec.  29  ;  P.  O.  Lodi ;  is  son  of  James  H.  Strange- 
way,  who  settled  in  the  town  of  Dane,  Dane  Co.,  from  the  city  of  New  York,  about  1848;  Thomas  was 
born  in  New  York  Nov.  14,  1843 ;  he  enlisted  in  7th  W.  V.  I.,  Sept.  9,  1861  ;  re-enlisted  January  1,  1864, 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war  ;  was  at  .second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  where  he  was  wounded";  was  at 
Chancellorsville  and  Gettysburg  ;  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  latter  place ;  was  a  prisoner  about  two  months, 
then  exchanged  ;  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness,  and  again  in  the  siege  of  Richmond.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Eliza  Lester,  of  the  town  of  Dane,  Dane  Co.;  they  have  five-  children — Jessie,  Lewis, 
Marian,  Irene  and  Lynn.     Has  160  acres  of  land. 


TOWN   OF    LODI.  997 

E.  B.  WAIT,  of  the  firm  of  Wait  &  Nichols,  hardware  dealers,  Lodi,  was  born  in  Montpelier, 
Vt.,  October,  1828  ;  his  father  removed  to  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  when  he  was  2  years  of  age,  where  he  lived 
until  he  was  21  years  of  age  ;  he  went  to  Oswego,  N.  Y.,  where  he  lived  about  five  years  ;  in  the  fall  of 
1855,  he  came  to  Madison,  Wis.,  where  he  worked  at  the  tin  trade;  thence  to  Prairie  du  Sac,  for  one 
year,  when  he  returned  to  the  State  of  New  York  ;  he  came  to  Lodi  in  October,  1856,  where  he  has  since 
been  engaged  in  business.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Bartholomew,  daughter  of  G.  M.  Bartholomew  ; 
they  have  one  son,  Benson  E.,  born  July  5,  1861, 

J.  W.  WATSON,  merchant,  Lodi;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Arlington,  Columbia  Co.,  Sept. 
30,  1851  ;  he  is  the  son  of  Phineas  Watson,  who  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1844,  and  died  at  Poynett 
Nov.  5,  1876.  Mr.  Watson  engaged  in  business  in  Lodi  in  June,  1878.  He  was  married,  Oct.  17, 1874, 
to  Miss  Nellie  McKay,  of  Buffalo  Co.,  Wis. 

S.  H.  WATSON,  attorney,  Lodi;  was  born  in  England  in  1837  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States 
with  his  parents  in  1847,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dunkirk,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  where  his  father  still  resides  ; 
Mr.  Watson  attended  the  State  university,  at  Madison,  about  four  years;  studied  law  with  Richard  Lind- 
say, Esq.,  of  Lodi,  with  whom  he  began  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  May,  1876.  His  wife  was  Miss 
Margaret  Patton,  daughter  of  Mrs.  Patton,  who  came  to  the  town  of  Lodi  in  1848  ;  they  have  two  chil- 
dren— Ida  F.  and  Edward  J. 

SYDNEY  WELiLS,  farmer  ;  resides  on  farm  of  R.  N.  Bartholomew,  on  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ; 
Mr.  Wells  is  the  son  of  Mr.  T.  S.  Wells,  of  the  village  of  Lodi ;  he  was  born  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  in  1839  ; 
bis  parents  removed  to  St.  Charles,  111.;  then  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1846.  Mr.  Wells  enlisted  in  the  spring 
of  1861,  in  the  2d  W.  V.  I.;  served  three  years  and  two  months;  was  at  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run, 
Antietam  and  Gettysburg  ;  then  served  as  wagon-master  for  balance  of  term  of  enlistment.  He  was  married 
to  Margaret  Laughlin  ;  they  have  five  children— Orpha  L.,  Clara,  Pearley,  Addie  and  Amos.  Mr.  Wells 
owns  a  farm  in  the  town  of  West  Point. 

SAMUEL  WOODL-EY,  Okee  ;  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1829;  he  came  to  Columbia 
Co.  with  his  parents,  John  and  Mary  Woodley,  in  the  fall  of  1845;  his  father  settled  in  Sec.  7,  town  of 
Lodi,  where  he  died  June  2,  1860.  Mr.  Woodley  was  married  to  Helen  N.  Shunwey,  daughter  of  Jere- 
miah D.  Shunwey ;  they  have  two  children— George  W.  and  Lily  Belle.  Mr.  Woodley  was  engaged  in 
the  lumber  business  for  twenty-six  years,  and  in  the  mercantile  business  at  Okee  for  seven  years. 


TOWN  OF  OTSEGO. 

EDWARD  G09IER  DA  VIES,  M.  D.,  physician,  surgeon,  oculist  and  aurist,  Otsego ; 
born  July  5,  1846,  at  Glanelydog,  Llanidloes,  Montgomeryshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  David  and  Susan- 
nan  (Thomas)  Davies ;  arrived  here  April  14,  1865  ;  served  a  regular  apprenticeship  at  drugs  in  the  old 
country,  under  David  Williams,  of  Newtown  ;  on  his  arrival  here,  he  engaged  with  Dr.  Godfrey,  at  Brook- 
lyn, then  spent  some  time  at  Whitestown  Seminary,  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  fitting  himself  for  the  church 
by  wish  of  his  parents;  his  sister  (Elizabeth  Brown)  resided  there,  and  does  at  this  date,  teaching  music 
and  organist  at  Grace  Church,  Whitestown,  N.  Y.  (she  being  the  eldest,  as  the  Doctor  is  the  youngest, 
of  thirteen  children)  ;  then  went  to  West  Eaton,  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  studied  under  H.  P.  Mead,  of 
Morrisonville,  N.  Y.,  then  to  Clayville,  where  he  was  joined  by  his  promised  wife,  on  Aug.  12,  1868,  who 
was  born  May  16,  1846,  in  Radnorshire,  South  Wales,  at  Castle  Cottage,  near  Rhayadergwy  ;  on  Jan.  22, 
1869,  was  married  by  Rev.  W.  H.  Olin,  to  Jane,  daughter  of  William  and  Margaret  (Lewis)  Warrington. 
William  Warrington  was  an  oflficer  in  the  Crimean  war,  and  died  from  the  effect  of  wounds  received  at  the 
battle  of  the  Alma  ;  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Davies  died  at  Newtown,  in  Wales.  They  have  five  children — 
Alma  Victoria,  born  at  Clayville,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  7,  1870  ;  David  St.  Idloes,  born  at  Otsego,  Wis.,  July  14, 
1872  ;  Autie  Rose,  born  at  Chicago  Nov.  11, 1875  ;  William  Gomer,  born  at  Doylestown  Oct.  26, 1877  ; 
Susie  Matilda,  born  at  Otsego  April  20,  1880.  The  Doctor  got  one  of  Greeley's  books  on  farming,  and 
concluded  to  try  it  in  connection  with  medicine,  but  after  a  short  time  concluded  he  knew  enough  of  that 
and  not  enough  of  medicine,  so  gave  it  up,  and,  at  first  for  improvement,  but  now  from  necessity,  devotes 
his  whole  time  to  practice  in  his  profession  ;  he  graduated  at  Rush  Medical  College  Feb.  25,  1879,  after 
completing  a  course  under  Dr.  Wm.  Meacher,  at  Portage;  he  has  also  a  certificate  as  to  proficiency  as  an 
oculist  and  aurist,  from  the  Illinois  Charitable  Eye  and  Ear  Infirmary  ;  having  practiced  four  years 
before  graduating  (by  permission ) ,  he  has  acquired  a  reputation  for  proficiency  rarely  equaled  by  those  of  his  age. 


998  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

CHARIiKS  A.  DOY'LE,  Doylestown  ;  merchant,  was  born  June  24,  1845,  in  the  town  of 
Aimond,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y  ;  came  here  in  1866,  then  went  to  Nashotah  as  station  agent,  from  July  1, 
1867,  to  July  1 ,  1871 ;  then  traveled  six  months ;  then  to  Lyndon,  Juneau  Co.,  was  agent  there  from  January, 
1872,  to  Nov.  1,  1873  ;  then  returned  to  Doylestown,  where  he  has  been  station  agent  fi-om  that  time,  and 
Postmaster  since  Jan.  1,  1880.  Was  married  at  Lyndon,  Nov.  26,  1873,  by  Rev.  Wm.  Hamilton,  of 
Kilbourn,  to  Inez  E.  Wright,  who  was  born  Sept.  8,  1847,  at  Forestville,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y., 
daughter  of  R.  S.  and  Anna  W.  (Holmes)  Wright.  Mr.  Wright  was  born  Jan.  18,  1818,  in  Chautauqua 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  Ann  W.  Holmes  was  born  Dec.  6,  1828,  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.;  they  were  married  Oct.  6, 
1845,  at  Versailles,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  have  had  three  children — Charles  A.,  born  Aug.  31, 
1874;  Dora  Alice,  born  Feb.  24,  1876;  Grace  Elizabeth,  born  Jan.  14,  1879.  Mr.  Doyle  is  engaged  in 
mercantile  business  with  Niels  Rasmus,  from  Pari.sh  of  Gzerpen,  Norway;  became  to  Dodge  Co.  in  1844, 
and  here  in  August,  1876  ;  commenced  business  with  Doyle,  and  is  unmarried. 

WILLI  AM  HENRY  OASKILL,  farmer.  Sec.  5 ;  80  acres ;  P.  O.  Rio  ;  was  born  May 
30,  1829,  in  Fayette  Co.,  Penn.;  son  of  Morgan  and  Sabrina  (Lane)  Gaskili.  Mr.  Gaskill,  Sr.,  was 
from  Crawford  Co.,  Penn.,  and  Mrs.  Gaskill  from  Ohio.  William  came  here  July  13,  1854,  and  settled  at 
Rio,  where  he  followed  the  river  and  farming.  He  was  married  Dec.  14,  1859,  by  Justice  J.  W.  Stewart, 
to  Jane  A.  Stewart,  who  was  born  April  13,  1834,  in  Bradford  Co.,  Penn.,  daughter  of  Joseph  W.  and 
Calista  (Squires)  Stewart;  they  have  had  four  children — Stewart  M.,  born  October,  1860,  died  April  8, 
1864;  Helen  F.,  born  Feb.  23,  1865,  died  Feb.  11,  1867;  Stella  E.,  born  March  18,  1868;  Alice  J., 
born  June  16,  1871.  Mr.  Gaskill  has  been  Supervisor  and  Constable,  Lodge  Deputy  in  Good  Templars, 
Worthy  Patriarch  in  Sons  of  Temperance,  several  times  W.  C.  T.  in  Templar ■>,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Rio 
Farmers'  Club,  of  twenty  members;  he  is  a  Republican  in  politics,  a  Baptist  in  religion,  and  is  Treasurer 
and  Trustee  in  the  church;  an  ultra  Prohibitionist,  as  was  Mr.  Stewart,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Gaskill,  who 
was  born  Jan.  23,  1809,  at  Hartland,  Niagara  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  that  oouniy. 
Mr.  Stewart's  father  was  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  married  Calista  Squires  in  June,  1833;  came  here  in 
1851  ;  was  a  farmer,  and  an  active  Temperance  man  thirty  years  ;  was  a  liberal,  generous,  honest  man  ;  for 
years  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  died  Nov.  27,  1879,  of  heart  disease  ;  was  a  Republican,  the  father  of 
twelve  children  ;  they  all  survive  him  ;  two  of  them  were  in  the  Union  army ;  he  was  a  man  of  good 
principles,  and  respected  by  all.  Mrs.  Gaskill  was  a  teacher  in  New  York  and  Wisconsin  from  1852  to 
1859.  The  father  of  Mr.  Gaskill  was  Captain  of  the  "  Monongahela  Blues,"  and  was  commissioned  by 
Gov.  Joseph  Ritner,  of  Pennsylvania,  about  1836  ;  he  w.is  a  steamboat  builder  in  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio, 
and  owned  a  farm  and  steam  saw-mill. 

C.  C.  HOLLY,  farmer.  Sec.  8;  190  acres;  P.  0.  Rio;  born  in  Greenville,  Greene  Co.,  N.  Y., 
in  1829  ;  is  the  son  of  John  and  Irene  (Palmer)  Holly;  came  here  in  1852.  Married  at  home  in  1854  ; 
had  four  children— Frank,  born  July  5,  1853;  Japhet  Hull,  born  Sept.  8.  1855;  Charles  Irwin,  born 
Jan.  28,  1863;  Jessie  H.,  born  March  30,  1876.  Republican  in  politics;  attends  Baptist  Church. 
Was  in  Co.  K,  22d  W.  V.  I.;  was  out  three  years  ;  is  now  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Mrs.  Holly  was  born 
Feb.  28,  1834  ;  was  daughter  of  Henry  and  Hannah  (Palmer)  Blemis ;  her  father  died  here  December, 
1877,  aged  74  years,  and  her  mother  died  in  1865.  Mrs.  Holly's  parents  went  from  New  York  to  Mich- 
igan in  1844  ;  remained  there  six  years  and  came  here  ;  on  the  way,  at  Milwaukee,  after  taking  teams  off 
the  boat,  her  brothers,  John  and  William,  aged  24  and  IS  years,  were  both  drowned  in  the  lake  in  a 
strange  and  unaccountable  manner  ;  the  young  man  Hoisington,  who  was  with  them,  heard  them  struggling 
in  the  water,  and  got  a  lantern  on  the  wharf;  and  the  supposition  was,  that  the  pier-tender  had  something 
to  do  with  their  death,  as  he  soon  left  the  place  (as  also  did  a  boy  who  worked  for  him),  asserting  that  it 
(the  wharf)  was  haunted,  and  it  was  believed  he  confessed  the  crime  to  his  wife,  but  it  was  never  proven  ; 
the  pier-tender  soon  after  cut  his  own  throat  in  a  fit  of  delirium  tremens,  at  Waukesha. 

STEPHEBf  JAMES,  farmer.  Sec.  23;  220  acres,  140  acres  cultivated  ;  P.  0.  Otsego;  born 
Aug. 12,  1813,  in  Pembrookshire,  Wales;  son  of  Daniel  and  Dinah  (Lewis)  James,  came  here  in  1839, 
and  went  to  Erie  Co.,  Penn.,  and  worked  at  the  carpenter  trade,  thence  went  to  Waterford  a  short  time, 
and  went  sailing  on  the  lakes  four  or  five  seasons  as  fireman  and  engineer  ;  then  went  to  Racine  Rapids, 
wagon-making,  one  season  ;  then  made  a  wagon  for  himself  and  bought  a  yoke  of  oxen,  and  loaded  uji  his 
wife  and  their  effects,  and  started  to  this  town  ;  got  here  Aug.  15,  1844  ;  went  on  foot  and  alone  to  Green 
Bay,  to  enter  land;  struck  a  hollow  Indian  trail  and  old  military  route;  had  a  compass  to  steer  by.  and 
was  gone  nine  days  ;  entered  south  half  of  Sec.  23,  carried  on  farming  ever  since  (also  wagon-making), 
except  two  years  at  Beaver  Dam.  He  was  the  first  Treasurer  in  the  town,  and  made  the  first  wagon  in 
the  town  ;  at  that  time,  people  came  from  Columbus  to  get  wagons  repaired  ;  he  built  the  first  wagon  it> 
his  house  (where  be  made  a  bench),  and  when  they  went  up-stairs  had  to  put  a  chair  on  the  work-bench 


TOWN    OF    OT^iEGO.  999 

nd  then  climb ;  went  to  Beaver  Dam  and  sold  his  wagon  to  procure  some  grub,  as  they  called  it,  and 
umber  to  build  a  house ;  on  his  way  home,  he  pulled  stakes  out  of  the  fences  to  make  spokes  for  a  new 
wagon;  the  fence  was  at  a  spring  where  he  stopped  to  drink  (it  is  now  the  celebrated  mineral  springs). 
Mr.  James  is  a  Baptist ;  Republican,  naturalized  at  Green  Bay.  Was  married  April  13,  1843,  at  Erie, 
Penn.,  by  Rev.  M.  Brown  (Methodist),  to  Rachel  H.,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Jemima  (Fisk)  Henton, 
(see  Cyrus  Root) ;  wife  was  born  in  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  April  16, 1825  ;  their  children  are  Thomas  D.,  • 
born  Feb.  23,  1846,  married  Emily  Henton,  now  on  Sec.  23,  and  has  a  daughter  Mary,  aged  2  years  ; 
Benjamin  W.,  born  April  2,  1847,  married  Miss  May  Haines,  of  Lincoln,  111.,  now  lives  at  Wausaw, 
Wis. — two  children  were  buried  last  summer,  both  boys — -he  is  a  leading  lawyer  of  that  place  ;  Mary  J., 
born  March  7, 1850,  died  April  24, 1869  ;  Hannah  C,  born  Jan.  31, 1853,  died  March  5,  1863  ;  Stephen 
E.,  born  Dec.  7,  1854,  married  Miss  Etta  Haskin,  of  Fall  River. 

LEGRAND  liLOY^D,  farmer.  Sec.  36  ;  80  acres  ;  P.  0.  Otsego  ;  born  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y., 
Nov.  21,  1828 ;  is  a  son  of  Washington  and  Amy  (  Hungerford)  Lloyd  ;  came  to  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y., 
at  6  years  of  age,  and  six  years  after  to  Springfield,  Erie  Co.,  Penn.,  with  parents  ;  at  20,  he  came  to 
Westfield,  and  remained  three  years;  then  to  Erie  Co.,  Penn.,  two  years  ;  and  in  the  fall  of  1854,  to  Dodge 
Co.,  Wis.  On  April  3, 1856,  was  married  by  Rev.  Mr.  Smith,  at  Saybrooke,  Ashtabula  Co,  Ohio,  to  Miss 
Ellen,  daughter  of  Asa  and  Phila  (Cass)  Anderson  ;  wife  was  born  June  25,  1834  ;  had  four  children — 
Watson,  born  April  23,  1857  ;  Anice,  born  July  10,  1859,  wife  of  James  P.  Goodman,  of  Hampden; 
Burton,  born  Jan.  29,  1862  ;  Minnie,  born  June  10,  1866.  Mr.  Lloyd  is  a  Methodist  and  a  Republican ; 
has  been  Supervisor  two  years.  District  Clerk,  President  of  the  Otsego  and  Springvale  Insurance  Company, 
and  Secretary  of  the  Hampden  Cheese  Manufacturing  Association;  had  one  brother  (Albert),  died  in 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  during  the  rebellion;  also,  two  brothers  (Henry  and  Loammi),  in  navy  and  infantry, 
latter  in  Indian  service.  Mrs.  Lloyd  also  had  a  brother  (Charles  Anderson"),  in  army  three  years.  Mrs. 
Lloyd's  father  was  born  Feb.  15.  1804,  and  is  living  in  Brie  Co.,  Penn.,  and  her  mother  was  born  March 

2,  1811,  and  died  1872,  at  Geneva,  Ohio. 

JF.  R.  MORRIN,  of  the  firm  of  Morris  &  Co.,  Rio. ;  dealers  in  grain,  produce,  hides,  salt,  furs, 
etc.;  was  born  in  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  21,  1845  ;  son  of  Marshal  and  Sarah  (  Hoard)  Morris  ;  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1866,  settled  at  Tomah,  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  trade;  then  to  Arlington,  on  the 
"  Madison  and  Portage  road,"  where  he  engaged  in  the  lumber  and  grain  trade;  then  went  to  Texas, 
with  a  view  to  settlement;  came  back  in  April,  1878,  and  went  into  business  here  with  his  brother,  C.  M. 
Morris,  who  is  unmarried.  They  have,  in  connection  with  the  elevator, a  steam  "  feed  mill" ;  also  an  eleva- 
tor at  Doylestown.  The  father  of  Mr.  Morris  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Aug.  30,  1862,  being 
a  member  of  the  15th  N.  Y.  V.  I.  He  had  three  children — Harry,  born  Dec.  4,  1874 ;  Mabel,  born  July 

3,  1876;  Paul  Wm.,  born  Dec.  20,  1879.  His  wife  was  Elnora  Austin,  daughter  of  Wm.  Austin  ;  she 
was  born  Sept.  15,  1856,  at  Hannibal,  N.  Y.,  near  Syracuse,  and  married  at  Portage,  Wis.,  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Ritchie,  Feb.  2,  1873. 

REV.  HENRY  R.  MURPHY  was  born  at  Forge  Hollow,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  17, 
1852  ;  he  is  the  son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Roche)  Murphy,  who  were  from  the  County  Wexford,  Ire- 
land, and  came  to  America  in  1850.  He  resided  for  a  short  time  at  Elba,  and  went  from  there  to  St. 
Francis'  Seminary,  near  Milwaukee,  where  he  remained  eight  years,  when  he  took  charge  of  the  ''  Rocky 
Run  Church,"  in  Wyocena,  and  also  of  St.  Patrick's  Church  at  Doylestown,  where  he  resides;  orders 
conferred  June  24,  1877,  by  Archbishop  Henni ;  his  charge  embraces  125  families  (about  600  mem- 
bers), mostly  Irish.  Father  Murphy  is,  physically  and  mentally,  a  man,  and  a  genial,  •'  liberal-minded  " 
gentleman;  is  successfully  conducting  a  good  work,  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  all  alike,  regardless  of 
political  or  religious  faith. 

OLIVER  NOBLE,  farmer.  Sec.  8;  P.  0.  Rio;  140  acres,  80  cultivated;  was  born  in  Steu- 
ben Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Harvey  and  Sophia  (Ely)  Noble,  of  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.;  came  here  in  1850. 
He  was  married,  April  16,  1850,  by  Elder  Jarvis,  at  Richfield  Springs,  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Charlotte 
Ely  (born  in  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  25,  1823),  daughter  of  Gad  and  Lydia  (Bradley)  Ely,  and  had 
eight  children — Sylvester  E.,  born  Jan.  11,  1851  ;  Helen  L.,  born  Jan.  14,  1853,  died  Sept.  3,  1854; 
Martha  A.,  born  Oct.  14.  1855,  died  Sept.  14,  1857;  Frances  L.,  born  Dec.  29,  1857,  wife  of  Thomas 
Batty,  at  Rio;  Lydia  M.,  born  July  3,  1859  ;  Harriet  S.,  Sept.  23,  1861,  died  Jan.  11,  1879  ;  Elmore 
N.,  died  at  about  5  months  of  age;  Anna  A.,  born  Aug.  30,  1867.  Mr.  Noble  was  Supervisor,  Clerk, 
Treasurer  and  Director  several  years.     Gad  Ely  was  a  soldier  of  1812. 

OLSON  &  LARSON,  manufacturers  of  and  dealers  in  boots  and  shoes,  hides,  leather,  etc., 
etc.,  Rio.;  they  keep  a  varied  assortment  in  stock,  and  they  do  a  square  business,  as  their  patrons  can 
testify.    M.  D.  Olson  was  born  in  Bergen-Stift,  Norway ;  is  the  son  of  Ole  Olson  and  Sygnelde  (^Johannes- 


1000  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

son)  Olson  ;  was  born  March  3, 1849  ;  came  here  in  April,  1871  ;  lived  in  the  town  of  Leeds  three  years  ; 
worked  for  A.  Jones  three  years ;  then  worked  for  John  Peterson  four  years,  and  then  bought  hioi  out ; 
went  into  partnership  two  years  ago  with  Peter  Larson,  who  was  born  Aug.  10,  1842,  at  same  place,  as 
partner,  son  of  Lars  Asb  Jiirnson,  of  Stenehjem,  where  his  father  died  in  1849;  his  mother  is  now  at 
Otsego,  Wis.,  wife  of  J.  Johnson  ;  he  came  to  America  in  1873,  and  worked  for  John  Peterson  until  he 
went  into  partnership  in  1878;  married  at  his  birthplace  May  23,  1865,  to  Ingeri  Pederson,  and  had 
eight  children— Martha,  born  Jan.  8,  1866;  Lewis,  born  Sept.  29,  1867;  Peter,  born  Sept.  30,  1869; 
Andrew,  born  Dec.  15,  1871;  Edward,  born  June  26,  1874;  Emma,  born  Oct.  8,  1875;  John,  born  July 
20,  1877;  Anna  Maria,  born  April  23,  1879.  Mr.  Larson's  wife  was  born  July  12,  1841.  Both  mem- 
bers of  the  firm  are  Republicans,  and  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

GEORGK  ORMSBEE,  farmer,  Sec.  3;  P.  0.  Doylestown  ;  160  acres  in  Sees.  2  and  3  ; 
born  Jan.  15,  1829,  in  the  town  of  Wiodham,  Greene  Co.,  N.  Y.;  came  to  Wisconsin  twenty-four  vears 
ago,  and  to  this  town  in  1870.  Was  married  June  6,  1849,  at  Lexington,  N.  Y.,  by  Rev.  William 
Gould  (Methodist),  to  Harriet  Hosford,  daughter  of  Willis  and  Lucia  ( Osborn)  Hosford  ;  they  have  had 
five  children — Lafayette  W.,  born  Feb.  28,  1850,  married  to  Christina  Palmer,  now  in  Smith  Co.,  Kan.; 
Marion,  born  Dec.  18,  1851,  married  Mattie  Sage,  and  living  in  Smith  Co.,  Kan.;  Buel  S.,  born  Oct.  4, 
1853 — in  Smith  Co.,  Kan.,  unmarried;  Brazilla  B.,  born  Oct.  4,  1855,  died  Sept.  12,  1874;  Myron  H., 
born  Dec.  10,  1857,  married  to  Abigail  Parsneau,  who  was  born  in  Carleton,  Kenauwee  Co.,  Wis.,  March 
4,  1862.  Mr.  Ormsbee  has  a  good  farm,  and  wants  to  sell  it  and  go  West  to  join  his  children.  Brazilla 
B.  was  killed  by  the  accidental  discharge  of  his  gun,  he  having  carried  it  along,  as  usual,  to  shoot  squirrels 
while  driving  the  cows  from  pasture,  and  left  it  at  the  fence  while  milking,  which  being  done,  he  attempted 
to  pull  it  through  the  fence,  when  the  hammer  caught,  shooting  him  in  the  neck,  causing  instant  death  by 
severing  the  jugular  vein. 

ROSWELL  PAIillER,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  0.  Rio;  born  Jan.  18,  1821,  in  Lysander, 
Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Oliver  S.  and  Chloe  (Palmer)  Palmer,  who  were  from  Greene  Co., 
N.  Y.;  came  to  Wisconsin  May  29, 1842,  and  settled  in  Lisbon,  Waukesha  Co.,  then  came  here  ;  was  married 
Sept.  4,  1847,  in  Waukesha  (then  Milwaukee)  Co.,  Wis.,  by  Elder  Timothy  Palmer,  his  uncle,  to  Loretta 
M.  Pease,  who  was  born  Aug.  8,  1827,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Olivia  Pease  ;  her  mother  was  a  widow, 
and  married  Mr.  Phillips;  Mrs.  Palmer  died  Oct.  30,  1878.  They  have  had  four  children — Frances  0., 
born  Oct.  8,  1848,  wife  of  James  C.  Stewart,  of  Lowville,  and  has  one  child;  C.  Elmira,  born  July  15, 
1851,  died  April  23,  1871,  wife  of  C.  T.  Jobbins  ;  Clara  Nell  S.,  born  Dec.  19,  1854,  wife  of  C.  T.  Job- 
bins  (husband  of  deceased  sister),  married  June  29,  1873,  has  three  children,  viz.,  George  R.,  born  June 
22,  1874,  Clifford  L,  born  Feb.  21,  1877,  Loretta  E.,  born  Nov.  17,  1879,  now  on  farm  ;  James  R.,  bora 
Sept.  8,  1863,  died  Nov.  17,  1864.  Mr.  Palmer  has  been  Supervisor  and  Chairman,  and  five  years  a  Jus- 
tice  ;  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  as  are  also  his  two  daughters,  he  being  Deacon  ;  he  is  a  Repub- 
lican in  politics,  and  Anti-Mason ;  he  owns  120  acres  of  land. 

51.  D.  PARSWEAIT,  farmer.  Sec.  24;  100  acres;  P.  0.  Doylestown;  born  in  Vermont  Aug. 
22,  1828;  son  of  Gilbert  and  Mary  (Legisa)  Parsneau,  of  Canada;  came  to  Fall  River  tweuty-seven  years 
ago,  and  after  two  years  went  to  Kewaunee,  Mich.,  where  he  remained  twenty  years;  during  the  Peshtigo 
fire  he  lost  most  of  his  effects,  and  came  near  losing  their  lives ;  he  returned  to  Fall  River,  then  to  Doyles- 
town two  years,  and  then  to  this  farm.  Was  married  Oct.  4,  1853,  in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  by  Rev.  John 
Thomas,  Rev.  H.  Corbin  assisting,  to  Judith  A.,  daughter  of  Seneca  and  Abigail  (Brown)  Warner,  from 
Aldburg,  Vt.;  they  have  had  eight  children — Alfred  W.,  born  July  23,  1854  ;  Nelson  G.,  born  May  22, 
1856  ;  Mary  A.,  born  June  27,^1858;  Harriet  J.,  born  July  18,  1860  ;  Abigail  E.,  born  March  4, 1862, 
married"  to  Myron  Ormsby,  Sec.  3  (see  George  Ormsby,  Springvale)  ;  George  M.,  born  Oct.  16,  1863  ; 
Nettie  Bell,  born  Aug.  11,  1865;  Alpheus  S.,  born  Dec.  7,  1869.  Mr.  Parsneau  is  a  Republican  in 
politics,  and  a  Methodist.  He  had  two  brothers,  Jehial  and  William  V.,  and  several  nephews  were  in  the 
army.  Mr.  P.'s  father  was  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  in  jail  in  Montreal,  sentenced  to  be  hung,  when 
peace  was  declared,  and  he  was  exchanged.     Mr.  P.  had  three  brothers-in-law  in  the  army. 

WENDELL  A.  PULVER,  merchant,  Otsego  ;  (16  acres) ;  was  born  Jan.  3,  1827  in  Ontario 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  John  W.  and  Sarah  (Sharpsteen)  Pulver,  who  were  born  in  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y.;  came 
here  in  1847;  bought  land  and  commenced  farming  in  1848:  he  lived  on  his  farm  some  eighteen 
years,  and  then  went  into  the  mercantile  line  in  a  general  way,  which  he  has  followed  with  more 
than  an  average  success  up  to  the  present  time.  He  was  married  in  Niagara  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Miss 
Helen  M.,  daughter  of  George  and  Helen  E.  (MersaroU)  Van  Vleet.  She  was  born  on  Jan.  6, 
1827,  and  died  of  typhoid  fever  July  3,  1861  ;  left  two  children — Seward  F.,  born  Aug.  1,  1-848, 
married  Annie  McKay,  at  Rio,  on  farm;  Alice  M.,  born  May  28,  1853,  wife  of  M.  Tillotson,  Sec.  22, 


TOWN    OF    OTSEGO.  1001 

Otsego  Township.  Married  the  second  time,  May  4,  1862,  by  E.  Blaisdel,  J.  P.,  to  Emely,  daughter  of 
Abijah  and  Martha  (Bryan)  Stevens.  She  was  born  Jan.  25,  1839,  in  Lorain  Co.,  Ohio;  her  parents 
being  from  Litchfield,  Conn.;  she  had  four  children — ^Charles  L.,  born  June  11,  1865  ;  M.  Dell,  born  Feb. 
14,  1868;  Estella,  born  March  18,  1872,  died  Jan.  16,  1874;  Claud,  born  Sept.  21,  1873.  Mr.  Pulver 
attends  the  Baptist  Church,  as  there  is  no  other,  and  is  a  Republican,  and  has  done  his  share  of  office 
work  in  town,  but  is  not  an  aspirant  for  political  honors. 

JOHN  B.  PEASE,  veterinary  surgeon  ;  P.  0.  Otsego  ;  was  born  in  Columbia  Co.  Dec.  20, 
1853;  son  of  Wm.  C.  and  Angeline  ( McNett)  Pease,  of  Somerset,  N.  Y.  He  was  married,  June  25, 
1862,  to  Alice  L.,  daughter  of  Jotham  and  Martha  (Howarth)  Stone;  she  was  born  June  29,  1851,  in 
N.  Y.  They  were  married  by  Elder  Meredith,  at  Otsego,  and  had  one  child — Birdie  E.,  born  April  18, 
1865.  His  paternal  grandfather  was  a  Captain  in  the  navy  and  merchant  service,  and  his  maternal  grand- 
father was  a  Captain  in  the  war  of  1812  ;  his  brother,  W.  A.  Pease,  is  in  Rush  Medical  College.  Mrs. 
Pease  had  a  brother  (Emerson)  in  the  late  war  and  died  at  Baton  Rouge.  Mr.  Pease  has  followed  his 
business  four  years  at  this  place,  and  has  acquired  a  good  practice  and  a  first-class  reputation  ;  he  is  also 
agent  for  all  kinds  of  farm  machinery. 

N.  RASMUS,  President  of  the  Doylestown  Library  Association;  organized  Dec.  20,  1878,  with 
E.  C.  Stack,  President;  Mary  B.  Doyle,  Vice  President;  C.  A.  Doyle,  Secretary;  J.  S.  Morris,  Treas- 
urer and  Librarian.  Started  with  twenty-two  members;  has  now  twenty-seven,  and  owns  sixty-eight 
volumes.  Present  officers — President,  N.  Rasmus ;  Vice  President,  Mrs.  B.  Smith ;  the  others,  same  as 
above.  Life  membership  fee,  $1,  yearly;  dues,  $1,  per  year,  quarterly.  Books  purchased  of  E. 
Quinn,  of  Milwaukee,  who  earned  the  gratitude  of  members  by  his  generous  treatment  of  the  Associa- 
tion. 

C¥RUS  ROOT,  retired;  P.  0.  Otsego;  was  born  Sept.  26,  1811,  in  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
is  the  son  of  Cyrus  and  Esther  (Loveland)  Root;  was  married  in  Ripley,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  by 
Elder  John  Savin,  to  Hannah,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Jemima  (Fish)  Henton,  born  April  20,  1817,  at 
Venango,  Crawford  Co.,  Penn.;  they  had  six  children — Clarissa,  born  March  4,  1838,  died  an  infant; 
Mary  Helen,  born  July  23,  1840  (widow  of  John  Sickles,  and  has  two  daughters,  viz.,  Edith  May,  15 
years  of  age,  born  Aug.  9,  1879,  and  Jessie  C,  born  in  March,  1866);  Henry  Thomas,  born  May  24, 
1843  (married  Jane  Mitchell,  and  has  five  children,  viz.,  Oliver  H.,  Ralph  M.,  Harry,  Alma  M.,  Curry, 
Henry  Root  is  Postmaster,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  Clerk  of  School  District)  ;  Brastus  B.,  born  Dec. 
13,  1846,  died  in  1848  ;  Abbey  A.,  born  Jan.  7,  1851,  died  Jan.  17,  1852  ;  Charles  W.,  born  March 
2,  1854,  died  April  9,  1855.  The  following  was  written  by  Mrs.  R.  H.  James,  sister  to  Mrs.  Root,  on 
the  death  of  the  three  children  : 

The  chain  of  Love  that  bound  us  here 

•Stern  Death  has  three  times  riven  ; 
Why  should  we  mourn  ?     Those  three  bright  links 
But  form  three  ties  in  Heaven. 

Mr.  Root  came  to  Sec.  24,  and  bought  a  claim,  when  W.  B.  Dyer  was  the  only  man  in  the  town  ; 
farming  until  1853,  when  he  opened  a  store  on  Sec.  22,  followed  that  business  four  years,  and  returned 
to  the  farm ;  then  kept  stage  house  for  a  time,  and  was  the  first  Postmaster  in  town  and  held  it  eleven 
years  :  was  Justice  and  Treasurer,  etc.,  for  several  years.  Henry  was  in  the  32d  Regiment,  and  trans- 
ferred to  the  16th.  Mr.  Root's  father  was  a  minute-man  and  Fife  Major  in  1812,  and  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Root  was  also  a  soldier  at  that  time.  W.  B.  Dyer  kept  the  first  hotel  in  this  place,  in  a  log  house.  John 
Boutwell  built  the  first  frame  hotel,  now  the  Otsego  House,  kept  by  Fayette  Ashley.  Mason  Deming 
started  the  first  blacksmith-shop  about  1850.  The  first  Sunday-school  was  organized  in  1852,  in  the 
new  schoolhouse.  When  Mr.  Dodge  first  came  to  Otsego,  he  thrashed  300  bushels  of  wheat  by  driving 
oxen  over  it,  on  the  ground,  and  then  fanned  it  out  by  hand. 

MRS.  J.  W.  STEWART,  P.  O.  Rio  ;  80  acres  ;  was  born  March  16,  1815,  at  Chemung, 
Chemung  Co.,  N.  Y.;  came  here  May  29,  1852  ;  married  at  Factoryville,  Penn.,  Nov.  20, 1831,  to  Joseph 
Stewart,  and  had  twelve  children — -Jane  A.,  born  April  13,  1834,  wife  of  Wm.  H.  Gaskill ;  James  C,  born 
Oct.  11,  1836,  married  Frances  Palmer,  and  is  at  Lowville  ;  Joseph  E.,  born  July  16,  1838,  married  to 
Salinda  Lamphere,  now  at  Fillmore,  Minn.;  Harrison  H.,  born  May  24,  1840,  living  in  Montana;  Wm. 
Humphrey,  born  May  7,  1842,  living  at  Gordonville,  Minn.,  married  to  Mary  Jane  Doran  ;  Ann  Eliza, 
born  June  13,  1844,  wife  of  T.  Price,  of  Springvale;  Harley  D.,  born  March  30,  1846,  married  Libbie 
Learmonth,  of  Rio;  Charlotte  M.,  born  April  1,  1848;  Stella  C,  born  Feb.  8,  1851  ;  Sardius  D.,  born 
July  20,  1853;  Cynthia  B.,  born  Aug.  16',  1855;  Grant  S.,  born  Sept.  8,  1864.  Cynthia  is  a  teacher. 
Harrison  was  First  Sergeant  in  Co.  K,  51st  Mo.  V.  I.,  and  was  slightly  wounded.  Joseph  E.  was 
in  the  30th  Iowa  V.  I.,  and  at  Vicksburg,  Mobile,  Atlanta,  etc.     Both  were  in  the  army  about  four  years. 


1002  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES:  ^ 

HANS  HANSON  TONGEN,  fanner  and  merchant;  P.  0.  Rio;  born  Nov.  2,  1856, 
in  Saude-Prestfjjeld,  Norway ;  came  to  America  in  1850.  Married,  May  18,  1854,  by  H.  A.  Preus, 
at  Portaj;e,  to  Miss  Martha  Rustad  ;  had  five  children — Anna,  was  born  Oct.  22,  1855,  now  wife  of 
H.  6.  Wilson,  Sec.  16,  has  one  child;  Hans,  born  Sept.  30,  1857,  now  lives  at  Otsego,  married  Eunice 
Carney,  has  one  girl ;  Pauline,  born  May  13,  1860,  now  the  wife  of  John  J.  Baukuam  ;  Annie,  born 
Aug.  9,  1862,  single,  in  store  at  Rio  ;  Martha,  born  Aug.  9,  1866,  at  home  Mr.  Tongen  is  a  Repub- 
lican, and  a  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  is  by  trade  a  mason,  which  he  followed  in  the  old 
country,  and  over  in  this  State,  until  he  began  mercantile  business,  six  years  ago.  He  has  been  Super- 
visor, Chairman  and  Treasurer.     Owns  280  acres  of  land. 


TOWN    OF   WEST    POINT. 

AiriOS  F.  ABBOTT,  farmer,  Sec.  16  ;  P.  O.  West  Point ;  was  born  in  Lemington,  Essex 
Co.,  Vt.,  in  1822  ;  when  about  10  years  of  age,  he  removed  with  his  parents,  George  W.  and  Lucinda 
Abbott,  to  Lyman,  Grafton  Co.,  N.  H. ;  his  father  was  a  millwright  by  trade  ;  he  died  in  1852,  in  the 
town  of  Lyman  ;  when  17  years  of  age,  Mr.  Abbott  went  to  Montpelier,  Vt.,  where  he  learned  the  trade 
of  a  printer,  in  the  office  of  the  Patriot  of  that  city  ;  this  busiues.s  he  followed  for  seven  years ;  a  part 
of  this  time  was  engaged  in  publishing  the  Coo^  Democrat,  of  which  J.  M.  Rix  was  editor;  thence  in 
1846,  to  Pittsburg,  Coos  Co.,  where  he  engaged  in  farming;  here  he  also  represented  three  towns  of  the 
county  in  the  Legislature  of  Vermont.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  May,  1855,  and  settled  on  his  present 
farm.  He  was  married,  in  1844,  to  Miss  Emily  Elliott,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Susan  Elliott,  born  1822  ; 
they  have  three  children — Edna  A.  Bliven,  born  May  23,  1845  ;  Zoe  A.  Bliven,  March  18,  1848,  and 
Noel  G.,  May  14,  1853.  Mr.  Abbott  enlisted  Feb.  14,  1865,  in  49th  W.  V.  I.,  Col.  Fallows;  he  was 
mustered  into  service  Feb.  22,  1865,  at  Madison  ;  was  transferred  from  the  49th  to  the  50th,  and 
appointed  First  Sergeant  of  Co.  E;  he  was  discharged  Oct.  31,  1865,  at  Sioux  City,  Iowa. 

FRANK  B.  ABBOTT,  farmer.  Sec.  33  ;  P.  0.  Farrs  Corners;  son  of  Moses  S.  Abbott, 
who  was  born  in  the  town  of  Bath,  N.  H.,  Oct.  22,  1806;  his  father,  Josiah  Abbott,  removed  to  Leming- 
ton, Vt.,  when  Moses  S.  was  5  years  of  age  ;  he  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution  ;  was  an  Adjutant  in  the 
army,  and  served  five  years  in  the  war  of  independence ;  he  died  in  1837.  Moses  S.  Abbott  lived  in 
Vermont  till  1828,  when  he  removed  to  the  State  of  New  Hampshire  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  June, 
1854,  and  settled  on  the  farm  which  his  sou,  Frank  B.,  now  owns,  and  with  whom  he  resides  ;  his  wife 
was  Sophrona  Ladd  ;  she  died  in  1872  ;  he  has  had  seven  children — Sewell  W.,  Madalon  M.,  Adeline  D., 
Azro  G.,  Adalaide  A.,  Amanda  M.  and  Frank  B.;  the  latter  was  born,  on  the  farm  which  he  now  owns, 
Jan.  22,  1857.  He  was  married,  March,  1879,  to  Mattie,  daughter  of  Mr.  J.  Atkinson,  born  in  Door 
Co.,  Wis.,  in  1863.      Farm  contains  54  acres. 

WILLIAM  A.  BLACKMAN,  farmer,  Sec.  9  ;  P.  0.  Merrimac,  Sauk  Co.;  was  born  in 
Luzerne  Co.,  Penn.,  in  1842;  became  to  Columbia  Co.  with  his  parents  in  1858,  they  settled  in  the 
village  of  Dekorra ;  his  father,  a  Methodist  clergyman,  now  resides  in  Sharon,  Walworth  Co.;  Mr.  Black- 
man  enlisted  in  February,  1862,  in  thd  18th  W.  V.  I.,  and  serv.;d  till  the  close  of  the  war;  was  at  the 
battle  of  Shiloh,  siege  of  Corinth,  seijond  battle  of  Corinth,  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  in  all  the  campaigns 
and  battles  in  which  his  regiment  took  part  ;  after  the  war,  he  worked  at  his  trade,  that  of  a  carpenter  and 
joiner,  for  several  years.      He  was  married  to  Mary  Stanley.      His  farm  contains  120  acres. 

HUBERT  BOEH9IER,  farmer.  Sec.  29;  P.  0.  Prairie  du  Sac;  was  born  in  Rhine 
Pru.ssia,  April  30,  1834;  hi.s  father  died  in  Germany  ;  he  came  to  this  country  with  his  mother  and 
family  in  1852;  they  lived  three  years  in  Racine  Co.,  then  to  Dane  Co.,  where  they  lived  about  ten 
years ;  Mr.  Boehmer  bought  his  present  farm  in  18G7.  He  was  married  to  Sarah  Laraberty,  from  Ger- 
many ;  they  have  five  sons  and  two  daughters — Paul,  Mary,  Joseph,  Hubert,  John,  Mathias  and  Lizzie, 
his  farm  contains  180  acres. 

NELSON  G.  BURLINGAME,  farmer,  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  West  Point ;  born  near  Sandusky, 
Ohio,  October,  1829.  His  parents,  James  L.  and  Sophia  Burlingame,  rem  )ved  from  Chenango  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  to  Ohio  about  1825,  but  they  returned  to  the  State  of  New  York  about  1S30  ;  Mr.  Burlingame  came 
to  the  town  of  West  Point,  from  the  State  of  New  York,  October,  1850  ;  after  two  years,  he  returned  to 
the  State  of  New  York  and  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  Weatherby,  of  Madison  Co.;  his  first  settlement 
in   Columbia  Co.  was  in  Sees.  14  and  23  ;  he  bought  his  present  farm  in  the  spring  of  1854,  where  he 


TOWN    OF    WEST    POINT.  1003 

has  since  resided;  has  three  children — Mrs.  Mary  Farr,  Carrie  and  Nelson  D.;  lias  lost  four  children — 
Cynthia,  Leonard,  Edgar  and  Theresa;  his  farm  contains  120  acres.  Lery  Burlingame,  a  brother  of 
Nelson  G.  resides  in  Se3.  15  ;  he  was  born  in  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1833;  came  to  the  town  of  West 
Point,  June,  18.i5  ;  he  returned  in  18.57,  and  was  married  to  Arlina  M.  Slocum  ;  they  have  three  chil- 
dren— Everet  H.,  Ada   May,  and  Inez  E.;  lost  one  child,  a  twin  brother  of  Inez,  named  Ira  ;   105  acres. 

ENIAS  CARNCROSS,  farmer,  Sec.  14;  P.  0  West  Point;  was  born  in  Montgomery  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1817;  when  17  years  of  age,  removed  to  Oneida  Co..  where  he  lived  until  1850,  when  he  came 
to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  on  his  present  farm.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Chloe  Salisbury  ;  born  in 
Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  have  five  children — Lysander  W.,  John  E.,  W.  Irving,  Mary  A.  Hill  and 
.Martha  M.  Smith.  Mr.  Carncross  has  220  acres  of  land  ;  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Su- 
pervisors two  years. 

OTHIViEIi  €ARR,  farmer,  Sec.  25;  P.  0.  Lodi  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Plainfield,  Hamp- 
shire Co.,  Mass.,  in  1819.  He  lived  in  Massachusetts  and  the  State  of  New  York  until  1846,  when  he 
came  to  Wisconsin  ;  he  settled  on  the  line  of  Green  and  Rock  Cos.,  where  he  entered  205  acres  of  land. 
He  is  a  mason  by  trade ;  he  lived  in  Janesville  twenty-five  years,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade ;  he  settled 
where  he  now  lives  in  September,  1878.  He  was  married  to  Rebecca  A.  Howe;  born  in  the  State  of 
New  York.  They  have  had  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  living — Oliver,  Amanda  and  Emma.  His 
farm  contains  160  acres. 

WM.  B.  CHRISLER,  farmer.  Sec.  24;  P.  0.  West  Point;  was  born  in  Schoharie  Co.,  N.Y., 
in  1812.  He  went  to  Montgomery  Co.  when  a  boy,  where  he  lived  until  he  was  24  years  of  age  ;  thence 
to  Chenango  Co.,  where  he  lived  about  fifteen  years ;  thence  to  Madison  Co.,  where  he  lived  five  years  ; 
he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  the  fall  of  1856.  He  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Elizabeth  Carncross,  sister  of  Enias  Carncross;  she  was  born  in  Montgomery  Co..  N.  Y.,  in 
1813.  They  have  eight  children— Jacob,  Catherine,  John  W.,  Armina,  Austin,  James  A.,  Talcott  E.. 
and   Delia  D.;  lost  their  first  child — Mary  M.,  in  infancy.     Farm  contains  137  acres. 

CirlDEOBf  CEARK,  retired  farmer  and  lumber  dealer.  Sec.  7  ;  P.  0.  Okee  ;  was  born  in 
Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  October,  1813  ;  he  removed  to  Geauga  Co.,  Ohio,  when  21  years  of  age  ;  he  came  to 
Columbia  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1853,  and  purchased  a  part  of  Lis  present  farm",  where  he  settled  in  the 
spring  of  1854;  he  was  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  for  many  years,  from  which  he  retired  in  the  fall 
of  1877  ;  his  form  contains  360  acres.  His  wife  was  Miss  Louisa  Odell,  daughter  of  William  Odell;  she 
was  born  May  25,  1814  ;  they  were  married  Jan.  12,  1837  ;  they  have  had  two  children,  both  deceased — 
Harrison,  born  Dec.  25, 1837,  died  March  21,  1855  ;  Perliaett  F.,  born  July  4,  1844,  died  April  12,  1868. 

WIELIAlfl  H.  COOK,  farmer.  Sec.  16  ;  P.  0.  West  Point  ;  was  born  in  Boston,  England,  in 
1827;  much  of  his  life  has  been  passed  as  a  sailor  ;  he  began  this  business  when  but  a  boy;  was  for 
several  years  engaged  on  vessels  plying  between  England  and  America ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  to 
reside  in  1846  ;  went  to  New  Orleans,  which  he  made  his  home  about  two  years  ;  he,  however,  a  part  of 
this  time,  was  engaged  in  the  quartermaster's  department  of  the  American  army,  the  Mexican  war  being 
then  in  progress  ;  he  afterward  went  to  New  York  ;  thence  to  Milwaukee  in  1851  ;  he  was  then  engaged 
during  the  season  of  navigation  on  the  lakes  for  several  years  ;  in  the  mean  time  he  had  made  him  a  home 
in  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.;  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the  fall  of  1858,  and  settled  where  he  now  lives.  He 
was  married  to  Marion  Madison,  formerly  of  the  city  of  Lincoln,  England;  they  have  eight  children  — 
Francis  A.,  John  M.,  William,  Albert  H.,  Annie,  George,  Martin  J.  and  Sidney  C.  Mr.  Cook  is  present 
Chairman  of  the  Town  Board  ;  he  held  that  position  for  several  years  in  his  early  residence  in  the  county  ; 
his  farm  contains  160  acres. 

EEANDER  S.  DREW,  farmer.  Sec.  35;  P.  0.  Farr's  Corners;  son  of  Dr.  Leander  Drew, 
one  of  the  pioneers  of  Columbia  Co.;  Dr.  Drew  was  born  in  Corinth,  Vt.,  June  13,  1815;  he  was  a 
student  of  Hanover  and  Dartmouth  Colleges,  graduating  from  Dartmouth  when  23  years  of  age.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Alraira  Shattuck,  of  Manchester,  Vt.;  they  had  two  children — Leander  S.,born  Aug. 
23,  1842,  and  Frank  F.,  born  March  9,  1844.  Mrs.  Drew  died  when  her  younger  son  was  born.  Dr. 
Drew  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1846,  and  located  in  West  Point,  near  Crystal  Lake,  purchasing 
.of  the  Government  400  acres  of  land,  on  which  he  that  season  built  a  log  house,  which  was,  probably,  the 
first  house  built  in  the  town  of  West  Point ;  this  house  is  still  used  as  a  dwelling ;  here  Dr.  Drew  lived 
alone  for  two  years,  engaged  in  the  duties  of  his  profession,  among  the  sparsely  settled  regions  of  this  part 
of  the  territory  of  Wisconsin  ;  in  the  fall  of  1848,  he  went  back  to  Vermont,  and  returned  with  his 
mother,  her  daughter  Emily,  and  his  two  children  ;  the  Doctor  erected  a  new  house  nearer  the  lake,  in 
1850  ;  this  house  is  now  occupied  by  his  eldest  son  ;  here,  he  was  for  a  number  of  years  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  the  oil  of  wormwood ;    he  continued  actively  engaged  in  his  business,  and  in  the  duties  of 


1004  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

his  profession,  though  suffering  severely,  from  a  nervous  difiBculty,  during  the  last  years  of  his  life ;  he 
died  Oct.  30,  1857  ;  his  mother  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  a9  years.  Frank  F.  Drew  was 
married  to  Miss  Emma  ShurtlifF;  he  now  owns  and  occupies  half  of  the  orginal  homestead;  they  have 
two  children.  Leander  S.,  was  married,  March  15,  ISGlJ,  to  Miss  Harriet  Riddle,  adopted  daughter  of 
Gideon  Clark,  of  Okee  ;  they  have  two  children — Harry,  born  April  19,  1868,  and  Lois  A.,  born  Sept. 
IC,  1872. 

JONATHAN  L.  FAKR,  farmer.  Sec.  34  ;  P.  O.  Farr's  Corners;  was  born  in  the  town  ot 
Corinth,  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  23,  1817,  where  he  lived  until  the  spring  of  1841,  when  he  went  to 
Boston,  Mass.  He  was  married  in  Cambridge,  Mass.,  to  Sophrona  J.  Parker,  born  in  Vermont  in  1816  ; 
he  resided  in  Boston  until  August,  1855  ;  he  then  removed  to  the  city  of  New  York  ;  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  August,  1857,  and  settled  at  Prairie  du  Sac,  Sauk  Co.;  settled  on  his  present  fiirm  March,  1862, 
where  he  has  since  resided  ;  has  two  children — Albert  L.,  born  in  Boston  Oct.  12,  1850,  married  Mary 
E.  Farr,  daughter  of  Nelson  Burlinganic  ;  Henry  0..  born  at  Cambridge  Sept.  1,  1852.  Mr.  Farr's 
farm  contains  120  acres  ;    Albirt,  whose  farm  adjoins  his  father's  has  60  acres. 

DAVID  H.  FELLOWS,  farmer,  Sec.  14  ;  1'.  0.  West  Point ;  was  born  in  Rensselaer  Co., 
N.  Y.,  Feb.  15,  1827,  wliere  he  resided  till  spring  of  1857,  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  on  his 
present  farm,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  married  to  Amanda  Gardner,  daughter  of  John  and  Eliza- 
beth Gardner,  who  came  to  Columbia  Co.  from  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  the  fall  of  1856  ;  her  parents 
are  deceased.  Mr.  Fellows  has  five  children — Elbert,  Frank,  Herbert,  Sidney  and  Chester;  lost  three 
children  in  infancy.      His  farm  contains  285  acres. 

D.  P.  tritOW,  farmer,  Sec.  29  ;  P.O.  Prairie  du  Sac  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Newbury, 
Orange  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1813  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1850  ;  he  lived  on  Sauk  Prairie,  Sauk  Co..  from  May 
till  November  of  that  year,  when  ho  settled  on  his  present  farm,  purchasing  the  land  from  the  Government. 
He  was  married  to  Comfort  A.  Highlands,  born  in  Vermont;  they  have  four  children — (Jeorge,  Martha 
E.,  Mary  A.  and  Charles  F.  He  has  340  acres  of  land.  His  son  George  lives  on  Sec.  20  ;  he  was  born 
in  Vermont  in  1841.  He  was  married  to  Libbie  Sherman,  born  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  they  have  one 
child,  Albert. 

AMA'SA  HATHAWAY,  farmer.  Sec.  17  ;  P.  O.  Prairie  du  Sac  ;  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Adams,  Mass.,  in  1800;  his  father  removed  to  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  he  was  a  child;  thence  to 
Jefferson  Co.,  where  he  lived  till  25  years  of  age  ;  he  learned  the  trade  of  a  blacksmith  ;  worked  at  the 
trade  of  a  cooper,  also,  for  some  time.  Mr.  Hathaway  has  been  married  three  times  ;  his  present  wife 
was  Marcia  Berry ;  he  was  quite  an  early  settler  of  Wisconsin  ;  he  lived  in  Buffalo  Co.  about  sixteerv 
years;  thence  to  Sauk  Co  ;  he  settled  where  he  now  lives  about  1850.  His  f..rm  contains  about  140 
acres. 

JACOB  HENRY,  farmer.  Sec.  19  ;  P.  O.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Germany  in  1826 ;  he  came  to 
America  in  1849  ;  he  lived  in  the  State  of  New  York  about  five  years;  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  in 
1854,  and  settled  where  he  now  lives.  His  farm  contains  80  acres.  He  was  married  to  Theresa  Tropf, 
born  in  Germany  ;  they  have  five  children — Mary,  Emma,  Albert,  Anna  and  Isabelle  ;  Albert  became 
deaf  and  dumb  at  the  age  of  6  years,  from  scarlet  fever  ;  he  was  educated  at  the  asylum  for  the  deaf  and 
dumb,  at  Delavan,  Wis. 

LYMAN  HILL,  farmer.  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  West  Point;  was  born  at  Hyde  Park,  in  what  is  now 
Lamoille  Co.,  Vt.,  in  June,  1804.  Mr.  Hill,  though  not  an  early  settler  of  Columbia  Co.,  is  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin  ;  he  came  to  Milwaukee  via  Whitehall  and  Erie  Canals  and  the  great 
lakes  in  the  fall  of  1836  ;  he  located  in  Waukesha  Co.,  on  the  line  of  Walworth  Co.  Mr.  Hill  possesses 
an  excellent  memory,  and  it  is  both  amusing  and  instructive  to  listen  to  incidents  and  anecdotes,  as  re- 
lated by  him,  of  his  early  experience  in  the  wilds  of  Wisconsin.  His  home,  from  Milwaukee,  was  twenty- 
six  miles;  in  the  winter  of  1837,  being  short  of  provisions — a  not  uncommon  occurrence  in  those  days — 
he  repaired  to  Milwaukee  with  a  handsled,  and  returned,  after  an  absence  of  but  forty-eight  hours,  with 
flour  and  groceries  suflicient  to  subsist  himself  and  family  for  several  weeks.  Mr.  Hill's  first  wife  was  Edna 
Preston  ;  she  was  born  in  Vermont,  and  died  in  Waukesha  Co.  in  1852.  His  present  wife  was  L. 
Goldthwait,  also  born  in  Vermont.  He  had  five  children  by  his  first  wife,  only  one  of  whom  is  living — 
Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Lester.     Mr.  Hill  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  1868. 

WM.  H.  HILL,  farmer.  Sec.  23  ;  P.  0.  West  Point ;  son  of  Cyrus  Hill,  who  was  born  io 
Vermont  in  1813;  he  came  to  the  State  of  Wisconsin  about  1837;  he  came  from  Sauk  Co.  to  Columbia 
Co.,  and  settled  where  his  son  now  lives,  in  1850  ;  his  first  wife,  the  mother  of  Wm.  H.,  was  Miss  Rhoda  M. 
Hill ;  she  died  soon  after  the  birth  of  her  son,  Wm.  H.  His  second  wife  was  Betsy  Polly,  whom  he  married 
in  the  fall  of  1849.     He  has  two  children  by  his  first  marriage — Maria  Livermore  and  Wm.  H.;the  latter 


TOWN    OF    WEST  POINT.  1005 

was  born  in  1848.  He  was  married  to  Mary  Carneross,  dautiliter  of  Enias  Cariicross  ;  tliey  have  two 
children — Arthur  and  Harlow  H.  Lost  one  child — Cyrus  E.  Farm  contains  about  230  acres.  The 
father  of  Mr.  Hill  now  lives  in  Jefferson,  Greene  Co.,  Iowa. 

IIERRILL  JOHNSON,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  0.  Prairie  du  Sac;  was  born  in  the  State  of 
Maine  Sept.  V-^,  1827.  His  parents  removed  to  Northern  New  Hampshire  when  he  was  an  infant,  where 
he  lived  until  1850,  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  His  father,  Samuel  Johnson,  came  at  the  same  time; 
he  now  lives  at  Wyocena.  Mr.  Johnson  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  1860.  He  was  married  to  Hann  ih 
S.  Colby  ;  born  in  New  Hampshire.  They  have  three  children — Irving  N.,  Ernest  W.and  Nellie  I.  Mr. 
Johnson's  farm  contains  80  acres. 

REV.  WARREN  N.  KINCw,  Baptist  minister,  Sec.  36 ;  P.  0.  Farr's  Corners  ;  born  in 
Windsor  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1809,  where  he  lived  till  19  years  of  ape,  when  he  went  to  Boston,  Mass.,  and 
learned  the  trade  of  a  cabinet-maker.  He  was  married  in  1830  to  Cynthia  Pcnnock  ;  he  removed  to 
Canada  for  two  years;  returned  to  Chelsea,  Vt.,  where  his  wife  died.  He  was  married,  1833,  to  Jane 
Waldo;  he  began  the  ministry  in  Bridgewater,  Vt.  ;  in  1844.  enizaged  as  missionary  among  the  Brotlior- 
town  Indians  in  Winnebago  Co.,  Wis.;  settled  in  Racine  in  1840,  where  he  lived  tlirec  years;  he  started 
for  California  in  June,  1860,  but  stopped  at  Niearaugua,  whore  he  labored  as  mis.sionary  among  the 
natives  for  about  one  year,  returning  in  1862  ;  has  four  children  by  second  marriage — Walter  M.,  George 
W.,  Cynthia  J.  and  Sarah  A. ;  the  two  sons  were  soldiers  in  the  rebellion ;  Walter  M.  was  a  member  of 
3d  W.  V.  I.;  George,  23d  W.  V.  I.  Mr.  King's  present  wife  is  hit  third,  by  whom  he  has  one  son, 
Warren  ;  went  to  California  in  1869  ;  remained  two  years  ;  settled  where  he  now  lives  in  1878. 

J.  I.  NEWCOIUB,  farmer.  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Farr's  Corners  ;  was  born  in  Vermont,  but  his  parents 
removed  to  Manchester,  N.  H.,  when  he  was  a  child  ;  they  removed  to  Sank  Co.,  Wis.,  town  of  Prairie 
du  Sac,  and  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  on  preseiit  farm  in  1861  ;  his  father,  Bethure  Newcoinb, 
lives  at  the  homestead  with  his  son  ;  his  mother,  Hannah  C,  died  March  22,  1871.  Mr.  Newcomb  was 
married  to  Delia  Chrysler,  daughter  of  Wm.  B.  Chrysler;  they  have  three  children — W^m.  B.,  Lizzie  C. 
and  Rosella  M.      Farm  contains  160  acres. 

G.  H.  OSTRANDER,  farmer.  Sec.  10  ;  P.  0.  West  Pvint;  was  born  in  Albany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
1808  ;  he  afterward  removed  to  Montgomery  Co.  ;  thence  to  Denmark  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall 
of  1865,  and  settled  where  he  now  lives  in  the  spring  of  1866.  He  married  Polly  Hurning;  born  in  New 
York  ;  thev  have  five  children — Wilson,  Wilbert,  Mary,  Ann  and  Myron  ;  lost  two  children.  Farm  con- 
tains ill  acres.     Enos,  aged  6  years,  was  drowned  in  the  Black  Piiver,  N.  Y.,  at  Brownville. 

JUI..IITS  A.  PARR,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Farr's  Corners;  was  born  in  Franklin  Co., 
N.  Y.,  June  15,  1834  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  parents,  Wm.  H.  and  Catharine  Babcock  Parr,  in 
May,  1850  ;  his  parents  settled  in  the  town  of  Dane  Co.,  where  they  resided  till  the  death  of  his  father, 
December,  1857  ;  his  mother  resides  in  Eau  Claire  Co. ;  Mr.  Julius  A.  Parr  purchased  of  the  Government, 
a  farm  in  the  town  of  Maxwell,  Buffalo  Co.,  where  he  settled  in  1861.  He  enlisted  Aug.  7,  1862,  in  Co. 
E,  25th  W.  V.  I. ;  his  regiment  went  North  into  Minnesota,  after  the  Indian  massacre  of  1862  ;  went 
South,  March,  1863;  participated  in  seige  of  Vicksburg,  Sherman's  Atlantic  campaign,  where  he  was 
wounded  on  the  9th  ■  f  August,  1864  ;  he  came  home  on  leave  of  absence  ;  rejoined  his  regiment  Nov.  14, 
1864;  was  promoted  to  First  Sergeant,  May,  1863;  to  Second  Lieutenant,  August,  1863;  to  First  Lieu- 
tenant, September,  1864  ;  in  Sherman's  march  to  the  sea,  he  commanded  Co.  G,  and  commanded  Co.  D 
from  Beaufort  to  Washington.  He  was  married  to  Maria  Welch,  born  in  Canada  East.  Has  138  acres 
of  land  ;  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  the  fall  of  1867. 

DAL.TON  PECKER,  fitrmer.  Sec.  21 ;  P.  0.  Prairie  du  Sac  ;  born  in  Lynn,  Mass.,  Jan.  7, 
1810;  his  ancestors  were  from  Scotland,  but  came  to  Americi  over  two  centuries  ago;  the  house  in 
which  Mr.  Pecker  was  born,  was  also  the  birthplace  of  his  mother,  his  grandfather  and  his  greatgrand- 
father.  He  was  married  to  Sally  Bartlett,  of  Marblehead,  Mass.;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1861,  and  settled 
where  he  now  lives  ;  has  two  children — Abner,  who  resides  on  the  homestead,  and  Anna,  now  Mrs.  Chas. 
H.  Knight;  has  lost  three  children — ^Mary,  Sarah  and  Frances  Gardner.     Farm  contains  160  acres. 

SAMUEL  SCHRINER,  farmer,  See.  15;  P.  0.  West  Point;  was  born  in  Lycoming  Co., 
Penn.,  in  1834,  where  his  father  still  lives;  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1855;  in  the  fall  of 
1858,  he  went  to  Dane  Co.  where  he  lived  one  year,  then  returned  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  at  Okee. 
He  was  married  to  Miss  Melinda  Woodley,  daughter  of  Mr.  John  Woodley,  who  died  at  Okee  Jan.  2, 
1860.  Mr.  Schriner  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  the  spring  of  1866  ;  has  seven  children — Rachel, 
Samuel,  Emma,  Mary,  Frances,  George  and  John.     His  farm  contains  80  acres. 

JOHN  R.  SCOTT,  farmer.  Sec.  7;  P.  O.  Okee;  son  of  John  L.  and  Charlotte  Scott;  his 
father  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  his  mother  is  a  native  of  New  Jersey ;  the  family  came  to 


lOOti  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Wisconsin  from  Lycoming  Co.,  Penn.;  they  reached  Milwaukee  in  June,  1854,  where  the  father  died, 
three  days  after  their  arrival ;  the  remainder  of  the  family,  consisting  of  the  mother,  John  R.  and  his  sister 
Mary,  settled  at  Okee,  town  of  Lodi,  July  22  of  that  year,  where  Mary  died  on  the  27th  of  the  same 
month;  Mrs.  Scott  has  since  resided  at  Okee;  she  bought  the  farm  where  her  son  now  lives  in  October, 
1854.  He  was  married  in  1866,  to  Rebecca  Morter,  daughter  of  John  Morter,  of  the  town  of  West 
Point;  they  have  four  children — Winfield,  Lottie  J.,  John  M.  and  Seth  T.      Mr.  Scott  enlisted  Aug.  14, 

1862,  in  Co.  H,  23d  W.  V.  I.,  he  was  at  the  battle  of  Arkansas  Post  and  the  attack  on  Vicksburg,  from 
December  22,  to  the  night  of  Jan.  1,  1863;  discharged  for  disability  April  3,  1863;  re  enlisted  Aug. 
29,  1864,  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war.     Farm  contains  83  acres. 

JOHN  !*HARP,  farmer.  Sec.  30;  P.  O.  Prairie  du  Sac;  the  eldest  'son  of  Michael  Sharp, 
who  was  born  in  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1801  ;  the  family  removed  from  St  Lawrence  Co.  to  Illinois, 
and  then  to  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.,  in  February,  1845  ;  in  1847,  they  settled  in  the  town  of  West  Point ;  the 
parents  had  eleven  children,  ten  of  whom  are  living.  John  was  born  in  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  in  1824. 
He  was  married  to  Lydia,  daughter  of  Charles  Evans,  of  Prairie  du  Sac  ;  they  have  one  child — William 
Bertie  ;  he  has  1 32  acres  of  land. 

IKA  ^iMITH,  farmer,  Sec.  25  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  New  Lebanon,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y., 
July  4,  1831  ;  his  parents  are  Richard  and  Sarah  (Moshier)  Smith  ;  his  father  was  born  in  1795  ;  his 
mother,  in  February,  1797  ;  they  still  reside  in  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Smith  came  to  Wisconsin 
with  his  brother,  William  E.,  in  May,  1855,  and  settled  where  he  now  lives;  in  fall  of  that  year,  he 
returned  to  New  York  and  was  married  to  Lucinda  Moore;  she  died  in  March,  1876.  Mr.  Smith  has 
had  six  children,  five  of  vfhom  are  living — Isabella,  Eli,  Sarah  A.,  Theron  M.  and  Nellie  ;  lost  second 
child — Ida,  who  died  IMay  10,  1876;   farm  contains  105  acres. 

WILIilAM  B.  >>»MITH,  farmer.  Sec.  13;  P.  0.  West  Point;  was  born  in  Columbia  Co., 
N.  Y  ,  in  1847  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Rennselaer  Co.  when  he  was  a  child  ;  he  came  to  Columbia  Co. 
with  his  parents,  April,  1865;  his  father  now  resides  on  S;c.  24.  Married  to  Martha  M.  Carncross, 
slaughter  of  Enias  Carncross ;  they  have  two  children — Maurice  and  Edith.  Mr.  Smith  has  been  Town 
Clerk  since  April,  1874. 

WILLI A]!!I  E.  SMITH,  farmer.  Sec.  14  ;  P.  0.  West  Point;  was  born  in  Columbia  Co., 
N.  Y.,  March  2,  1829;  in  1855,  he  came  to  West  Point,  and,  with  his  brother,  Ira,  bought  a  quarter  of 
a  section  of  land  ;  his  half  of  this  land  he  still  owns  ;  he  returned  to  the  State  of  New  York  in  the  fall 
of  1859,  where  he  remained  two  and  one-half  years,  and  where  he  was  married  to  Miss  Amelia  Snyder; 
he  bought  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  in  the  spring  of  1864,  where  he  settled  in  1865  ;  his  present 
wife  was  Dolly  A.  Moore,  born  in  the  State  of  New  York.  Mr.  Smith  has  one  child  by  first  marriage — 
Emilv  v.;  also  one  by  present  marriaae — Walter  E.;  he  has  220  acres  of  land. 

MRS.  CATHERINE  Ml  STOXE,  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  West  Point;  formerly  Mrs.  Policy, 
widow  of  Mr.  Ira  Polley  ;  is  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York,  born  in  1822,  where  she  was  married 
to  Mr.  Ira  Policy,  from  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1846,  and  entered  the  farm  which  Mrs.  Stone  now 
owns;  his  family  came  in  1848,  and  have  resided  on  the  farm  since  that  time.  Mr.  Polley  died  in  1862. 
Mrs.  Stone  has  had  seven  children,  only  two  of  whom  are  living  ;  these  are  her  third  and  fourth  children, 
and  were  born  in  West  Point — Hiram  E.,  born  1855,  and  Etta  M.;  names  of  children  deceased  were 
Royal  H.,  Herbert,  John,  Ernest  and  Inez,  twins.  Mr.  Stone  is  also  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
Mrs.  Stone  has  about  300  acres  of  land. 

ISAAC  VAN  NESS,  farmer,  Sec.  19  ;  P.  0.  Lodi  ;  was  born  in  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y., 
in  1835  ;  son  of  Peter  and  Emma  Van  Ness;  came  to  West  Point  with  his  parents  in  1851.  He  was 
married  to  Adeline  Richmond,  daughter  of  Anson  Richmond,  who  came  to  the  town  of  West  Point  in 
the  spring  of  1855;  he  died  the  following  year.  Mrs.  Richmond  resides  with  her  son-in-law,  J.  M. 
Pruyn,  of  Lodi.     Mr.  Van  Ness  has  three   children — Walter   P.,  born  June,  1859  ;  Ella  Edna,  March, 

1863,  and  Richmond,  October,  1867.  Mr.  Van  Ness  works  part  of  the  homestead  farm;  also  owns  a 
farm  of  61  acres,  where  he  settled  in  March,  1859. 

WALTER  VAN  NESS,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Lodi;  son  of  Peter  Van  Ness,  who  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Chatham,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1801  ;  when  18  years  of  age,  he  went  to  Wash- 
ington, D.  C;  was  engaged  for  about  five  years  as  overseer  of  a  company  of  men  employed  in  preparing 
timber  for  the  United  States  Navy;  he  returned  to  the  State  of  New  York,  and  was  engaged  in  conduct- 
ing his  father's  farm  till  the  death  of  the  latter,  which  occurred  in  February,  1833;  he  resided  in  the 
State  of  New  York  till  the  spring  of  1851,  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
West  Point,  where  he  resided  till  the  spring;  of  1869,  when  he  removed  to  the  village  of  Lodi.  He  was 
Djarried  to  Emma  Reed,  born  in  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.   11,  1807;  they  have  four  children — Isaac, 


TOWN    OF    LEEDS.  1007 

Walter,  Martha  and  Mary.  Mr.  Van  Ness  has  been  entirely  blind  since  1878  ;  his  general  health  is  good 
for  one  of  his  age.  Walter  was  born  in  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  April,  1837.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Clara  Shurtliff,  born  in  the  State  of  New  York  ;  they  have  two  children — Frank  and  Leonard.  Mr.  Van 
Ness  resides  on  the  homestead,  where  his  father  settled  in  1851. 


TOWN    OF    LEEDS. 


CHARLES  L.  BROWN,  farmer.  Sec.  8;  P.  O.  Nonh  Leeds;  was  born  in  Rutland,  V't., 
September,  1826  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  hi.s  parents,  Charles  and  Alvina  (Sellick)  Brown,  June, 
1846  ;  in  July  following,  his  father  purchased  the  farm  which  hi.s  son  now  owns,  buying  the  claim  of  Nathan' 
Stafford,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  Feb.  5,  1850  ;  he  was  born  in  Connecticut  Nov.  3,  1781  ;  Mr, 
Brown's  mother  was  born  May  24,  1792,  and  died  Nov.  23,  1851  ;  Mr.  B.  has  one  brother — Justin  J. — • 
who  resides  in  the  town  of  Leeds,  and  a  half-brother — ^Andrew  Brown — living  in  Rockford,  III.  Mr. 
Brown  was  married  in  1852  to  Harriet  A.  Greene,  daughter  of  Abial  B.  and  Fanny  J.  (Howard)  Greene  ; 
they  came  to  Leeds  from  the  State  of  New  York  in  1849  ;  Mrs.  Brown  was  born  in  Washington  Co.,  N. 
Y.;  she  taught  the  first  summer  school  in  the  town  of  Jjeeds.  Mr.  B.  has  two  children — Alfred  L,  born 
April  4,  1856,  and  Charles  L.,  born  Oct.  23,  1865.  Mrs.  Brown's  father  died  Aug.  31,  1875 ;  her  mother 
still  lives  on  the  homestead. 

OLIVER  Ci}.  CMILSOX,  farmer.  Sec.  14;  P.  0.  Leeds  Center;  was  born  in  the  town  of 
New  Haven,  Addison  Co.,  Vt.,  Dec.  15,  1825  ;  when  he  was  about  7  years  of  age,  he  removed  with  his 
p.irents  to  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  the  family  lived  about  three  years,  when  they  returned  to  Vermont; 
his  father  died  suddenly  during  the  return  journey,  but  the  body  of  the  father  was  deposited  in  the  wagon 
of  the  returning  family,  taken  back  to  Vermont,  and  buried  in  his  native  town  ;  in  the  spring  of  1844,  Mr. 
Chilson  came  to  Wisconsin  ;  in  June  of  that  year,  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  located  his  present  farm, 
on  which  the  following  winter  he  erected  a  shanty,  near  the  site  of  his  present  dwelling  ;  Mr.  Chilson  is, 
therefore,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  town  of  Leeds  ;  in  fact,  he  is  the  earliest  present  resident  of  the 
town.  He  was  married  to  Lydia,  M.  Howard,  born  in  Vermont;  her  parents  died  at  the  residence  of  Jlr. 
Chilson  ;  they  have  one  son — William  0.,  born  Oct.  30,  1860  ;  have  lost  two  children — Henry  H.,  born 
Oct.  28,  1849,  died  Aug.  9,  1850  ;  Etta,  bora  March  28,  1857,  died  April  17,  1859.  Mr.  Chilson's 
farm  contains  230  acres. 

GEORGE  CHIPiHAN,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  0.  Leeds  Center;  was  born  in  Windham  Co., 
Vt.,  September,  1828  ;  he  came  to  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1849  ;  he  returned  to  Vermont  the  following  spring, 
came  back  to  Wisconsin  in  1852;  purchased  a  farm  in  Dane  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1853,  also  80  acres  in 
the  town  of  Leeds ;  has  been  a  resident  of  the  town  of  Leeds  since  1854.  He  was  married  October,  1860, 
to  Martha  A.  Saylor,  born  in  Vermont.  Mr.  Chipman's  mother  died  when  he  was  2  years  old  ;  his  father 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  resided  with  his  son  several  years  prior  to  his  death  ?  Mrs.  Chipman's  parents  came 
to  Columbia  Co.  from  Vermont  in  the  spring  of  1855,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Leeds;  they  are  still 
living — her  father  86  and  her  mother  78  years  of  age.  Mr.  Chipman  has  two  children — William,  born 
May,  1863,  and  Mabel  Inez,  born  March,  1867.     Mr.  C.'s  farm  contains  320  acres. 

JOSEPH  FAEBER,  M.  D.,  Sec.  21  ;  P.  O.  Leeds;  was  born  in  Austria  in  1839.  He 
attended  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  Vienna,  graduating  in  1862  ;  he  was  Surgeon  of 
the  navy  of  Holland,  from  Feb.  1,  1864,  to  March,  1866,  when  he  came  to  the  United  States.  He  came 
to  Portage,  where  he  remained  till  November  of  that  year,  when  he  located  where  ho  now  resides,  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  He  was  married  in  1869,  to  Emily  Koch,  daughter  of  G.  A.  Koch. 
They  fiave  two  children — Helen  and  Edward. 

JESSE  W.  HELDIN,  farmer.  Sec.  32;  P.  0.  De  Forest,  Dane  Co.;  was  born  in  Armstrong 
Co.,  Penn.,  in  1818.  He  removed  to  Pittsburgh,  thence  to  Steubenville,  Ohio,  thence  to  Cleveland  ;  loft 
the  latter  place  in  the  spring  of  1832  ;  took  part  in  the  Black  Hawk  war  ;  has  been  a  resident  of  Wis- 
consin since  1839  ;  he  passed  several  years  in  the  pinery  region.  In  1847,  bought  the  farm  of  Wm.  Law- 
rence, which  lies  partly  in  Dane  Co.  and  partly  in  the  town  of  Leeds,  on  which  he  has  since  resided.  His 
present  wife  was  Mary  J.  Borbridge  ;  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland.  Has  one  daughter  by  the  first  marriage, 
and  two  children  by  the  second  marriage ;,  the  names  of  the  latter  are  William  and  J.  W.  Present  farm 
contains  SO  acres. 

ALONZO  JONES,  former  and  breeder  of  imported  Spanish  merino  sheep,  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0. 
Leeds  Center;  was  born  in  Hubbardton,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt.,  Aug.  13,  1819.     He  was  married  Dec.  31, 


1008  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

1848,  to  Mar;li,i  M.  H  .w.inl;  1)  .rn  in  \Va5liin;;ton  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1829.  Mr.  Jones  came  to  Wisconsin, 
in  October,  1S47,  and  purciiased  his  present  farm,  where  he  located  in  the  spring  of  1849.  He  has  six 
children — Josephine,  wifuof  Jlr.  John  Lowe;  Norman  A.,  Edward  H.,  Fanny  C,  John  H.  and  Helen  M. 
They  lost  their  third  child — Evangeline  B.  His  farm  contains  200  acres  ;  he  makes  a  specialty  of  breed- 
ing merino  sheep  :  has  a  fine  flock,  a  part  of  which  are  the  pure  Hammond,  and  the  balance  are  descend- 
ants from  the  Jarvis  and  Humphnv  importations. 

G.  ADOLPH  KLEINERT,  farmer.  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Norc'i  Leeds;  is  the  son  of  August 
Kleinert,  who  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  in  1809.  He  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  family  in 
1853,  and  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  with  his  son  G.  A.  He  has  three  children;  G.  Adolph, 
who  now  owns  the  homestead  and  with  whom  the  parents  reside,  was  born  in  Prussii  in  1840.  He  was 
married  to  Frederica  Rennebolin;  born  in  Brunswick,  Germany.  They  have  sis  children — Adolph,  Will- 
iam, Alfred,  Edwin,  Otto  and   Herbert.      Farm  contains  280  acres. 

WILI^IASl  C.  KLEIWEKT,  farmer.  See.  29  ;  P.  O.  Leeds  ;  is  the  .son  of  Mr.  August  Klein- 
ert;  he  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1838  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  parents  in  1853.  He  was 
married  to  Miss  Louisa  Lubi°ns,  daughter  of  Mr.  Fred  Lubiens,  who  came  to  the  town  of  Leeds,  from 
Germany  in  the  spring  of  1849  ;  Mr.  Lubiens  was  the  first  German  settler  of  the  town  of  Leeds.  Mr. 
Kleinert  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Town  Board  for  six  years,  and  Town  Treasurer  for  three  years.  His 
farm  contains  8<l  acres. 

JOHN  McQueen,  farmer.  Sec.  9  ;  P.  O.  North  Leeds  ;  wa.s  born  in  Crawford  Co.,  Penn.,  in 
1818;  hi- came  to  Wisconsin  in  1842;  was  engaged  about  ten  years  in  the  pine  region  of  the  State, 
during  which  time  his  home  was  at  Grand  Rapids,  Wis.;  he  located  where  he  now  lives  about  185G.  He 
was  married  to  Catherine  Birch  ;  they  have  five  children  —  Ada,  H.  B.,  John,  Clarence  and  Martha.  His 
farm  contains  400  acres. 

WILLIAlfl  MORRISON,  farmer.  Sec.  22;  P.  0.  Leeds  Center;  son  of  James  Morrison  ; 
came  to  the  United  Stites  from  Scotland  in  the  fall  of  1842  ;  tte  family  lived  about  two  years  near  Mil- 
waukee;  thence  to  the  town  of  Windsor,  Dane  Co.,  where  he  resided  till  his  death  in  1877  ;  his  mother 
still  resides  at  the  homestead  in  Dane  Co.  Mr.  William  Morrison  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1829.  He  was 
married  to  Agnes  Dawson,  daughter  of  James  Dawson,  who  emigrated  from  Scotland  to  the  State  of  New 
York  in  1842  ;  thence  to  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.;  thence  to  Madison  in  1852  ;  her  father  died  in  1802  :  her 
mother,  in  1800.  Mr.  IMorrison  has  lived  in  Columbia  Co.  about  twenty-five  years  ;  he  settled  on  his  pres- 
ent farm  in  the  fall  of  1808.  Has  four  children — William  M.,  James  D.,  Annie  C.  and  Edwin.  Mr. 
IMirrison  has  040  acres  of  bind. 

A.  S.  PACK  ARI>,  farmer.  See.  15  ;  P.  0.  Leeds  Center  ;  was  born  in  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb. 
4,  1815;  his  father  afterward  settled  in  the  city  of  Albany;  in  the  spring  of  .1839,  Mr.  Packard  came 
to  the  town  of  Milton,  Hock  Co.,  Wis.;  in  June  of  that  year,  he  helped  to  raise  the  first  house  erected  in 
Janesville,  Rock  Co.;  he  resided  in  Rock  Co.  for  about  fifteen  years  ;  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled 
in  the  town  of  JiCeds  in  the  spring  of  1854.  He  was  married  to  Lydia  L.  Ives,  born  in  the  State  of  New 
York  Oct.  3,  1829  ;  she  is  the  daughter  of  E.  M.  and  Elizabeth  Ives,  who  came  from  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y., 
to  Rock  Co.,  AVis.,  in  the  spring  cf  1845,  where  they  lived  about  five  years,  and  then  settled  in  Sec.  15, 
town  of  Leeds,  where  they  still  reside.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ives  have  four  children — Norman  M.,  born  Jan.  4, 
1826;  Lydia  L.;  Lucy  J.,  now  Mrs.  Henry  Clark,  born  March  19,  1832;  Eunice,  wife  of  G.  Hall,  Rio, 
born  July  3,  1838.  Mr.  Packard  has  three  children— Elizabthe  F.,  now  Mrs.  M.  H.  Wright,  of  Ash- 
tabula. Ohio;   Euirene  M..  now  Mrs.  Anna  Boynton,  also  resides  at  Ashtabula,  and  Norman  Edward. 

JAMEJii  \\.  ROBINSON,  fermer,  Sec.  1;  P.  O.  Leeds  Center;  was  born  in  Castleton, 
Rutland  Co.,  Yt.,  Oct.  3,  1822,  where  be  resided  until  June,  1846,  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.;  his 
farm  now  contains  320  acres,  120  of  which  he  purchiwed  of  the  Government,  at  the  time  he  made  his 
location.  His  fir,-t  wife  was  Maria  Theresa  Flagg;  she  was  born  in  Rutland  Co.  Aug.  20,  1821,  and  died 
Dec.  2,  1855  ;  bis  present  wife  was  Sarepta  Sc  ville,  born  in  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Robinson  has  one 
son  by  first  marriage,  James  F.,  he  lives  in  Kansas;  has  two  children  by  second  marriage— Edward  M. 
and  Horton  B.  In  the  fall  of  1856,  Mr.  Robinson  removed  to  Columbus  and  engaged  in  the  produce 
business;  returned  to  his  farm  in  1861  ;   he  is  engaged  quite  extensively  in  stock-raising. 

THOMAS  SANDERSON,  former,  Sec.  33  ;  P.  0.  Leeds  ;  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England, 
in  1827;  be  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents,  Thomas  and  Francis  Sanderson,  in  September,  1851  ; 
his  parents  settled  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  Columbia  Co;  his  father  died  September,  1878,  his  mother 
died  in  1853.  Mr.  Sanderson  was  married  to  Mi.ss  Margaret  Stevenson,  daughter  of  Mrs.  Esther  Cald- 
well, of  the  town  of  Arlington;  they  have  one  child — Ettie.  Mr.  Sanderson  settled  in  the  town  of  Leeds, 
in  1862  ;  he  purchased  his  present  farm  in  1865  ;  he  is  one  of  the  largest  farmers  of  the  town  of  Leeds, 
has  G40  acres  of  land.     He  was  a  member  of  the  Assembly  for  1871. 


TOAVX    OF    NEWPORT.  1009 

$><>91ITH  J.  SCOTT,  farmer,  Sl-c.  5  ;  P.  O.  Lowville  ;  was  born  in  Chau'.auqua  Co.,  N.  Y., 
March  26,  1823;  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the  fall  of  I84."j,  and  made  a  claim  in  Sec.  28,  town  of 
Lowville,  where  he  lived  seven  years ;  located  where  he  now  lives  in  February,  1852.  He  was  married  to 
Mary  Corbet,  daughter  of  Mr.  A.  Corbet,  of  Chautauqua  Co.;  they  have  five  children — Luella  B  ,  now 
Mrs.  Ambrose  Eynon,  resides  in  Minnesota  ;  William  A.,  resides  in  Nebraska  ;  Elliott  C.,  resides  at  the 
homestead  ;  Helen  F.  and  Escella.  Mr.  Scott  is  one  of  the  prominent  farmers  of  the  town  of  Leeds  ;  his 
farm  contains  525  acres. 

C.  EDWIN  WOODFORD,  physician  and  teacher,  Sec.  36;  P.  0.  Keyser;  now  teaching 
district  school  No.  6;  born  in  ODonda;j;a  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1838;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of 
1860  ;  he  lived  at  Viroqua  until  the  fall  of  1862,  when  he  returned  to  the  State  of  New  York  ;  came 
back  in  1867  ;  since  that  time  has  been  a  resident  of  Leeds.  He  was  married  to  Celestia  Castner  ;  they 
have  three  children — Truman,  Walter  and  Edgar. 


TOWN    OF    NEWPORT. 

JOHN  L.  BAYERliEIN,  proprietor  of  '-Dell  Saloon,"  Kilbourne  City;  born  in  Bavaria, 
'Germany,  in  1850;  he  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents  in  1853;  they  lived  in  Schuylkill  Co., 
Pcnn.,  about  three  years;  thence  to  Adams  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1856;  he  engaged  in  business  in  Kilbourn 
City  in  1871  ;  his  wife  is  also  a  native  of  Germany  ;  they  have  three  children — Fldward,  Charles  and 
Anna. 

CAPT.  J.  BEIiL,  Kilbourn  City;  born  August,  1837  ;  came  from  St.  Clair  Co.,  Mich.,  to 
Newport,  Wis.,  in  1856;  has  resided  in  Kilbourn  City  since  1863.  Mr.  Bell  is  prominently  known  as 
Captain  of  the  Dell  Queen,  which  steamer  he  built  in  the  fall  of  1876,  and  was  the  first  steamer  of  any 
importance  that  navigated  the  Dells  of  the  Wisconsin  River  ;  this  boat  he  owned  and  operated  till  it 
•was  burned,  in  June,  1878;  the  boat  was  rebuilt,  of  which  he  is  still  in  command.  He  was  married  to 
Mary  Christie,  daughter  of  Col.  James  Christie,  of  Sauk   Co.;  have  two  children — Herbert  and  Ernest, 

HENRY  H.  BENNETT,  artist,  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  1843;  became  to  Kilbourn 
dity  from  the  East  with  his  parents  in  1857  ;  he  enlisted  in  1861  in  the  12th  W.  V.  I.,  served  three 
years,  was  at  the  siege  of  Vicksbura;  and  other  important  campaigns;  was  wounded  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  by 
the  accidental  discharge  of  his  own  gun  ;  was  discharged  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  service,  Nov.  5, 
1864;  he  engaged  in  the  photograph  business  at  Kilbourn  City  in  1865;  he  now,  however,  makes  a 
specialty  of  stereoscopic  views,  which  he  began  publishing  in  1868;  the  beautiful  and  romantic  scenery  ot 
this  part  of  Wisconsin  has  afforded  him  ample  opportunity  to  pursue  his  favorite  study,  and  the  hundreds 
of  beautiful  views  that  he  has  produced  attest  his  success  as  an  artist.  He  was  married  to  Frances 
Douty,  whose  parents  settled  in  Adams  Co.,  in  1858;  has  three  children — Hattie,  Ashley  and  Nellie. 

HON.  JONATHAN  BOWMAN,  attorney  at  law,  Kilbourn  City  ;  is  among  the  most 
prominent  of  the  early  settlers  and  those  who  gave  shape  to  the  future  of  this  section  ;  he  was  born  at 
Charlt'ston,  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y.,  May  16,  1828,  and  is  by  profession  a  lawyer;  he  first  read  law  in 
the  office  of  H.  &  T.  Fish,  of  Fultonville,  in  his  native  county,  and  afterward  completed  his  studies  and 
graduated  at  the  State  and  National  Law  School  of  that  State,  at  Ballston  Springs,  in  1850;  he 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  May,  1851,  and  settled  at  Delton,  Sauk  Co.;  soon  after  his  arrival,  he  opened  an 
office  in  Delton,  and  commenced  the  pra  tice  of  his  profession,  and  was  soon  enjoying  the  reputation  of 
being  one  of  the  best  lawyers  of  the  county;  in  1852,  he  started  the  village  of  Newport,  of  Columbia 
Co.,  in  company  with  the  late  Gen.  Joseph  Bailey,  who  achieved  notoriety  as  the  builder  of  a  dam  across 
the  Red  River  during  the  late  civil  war;  in  1853,  he  moved  to  Newport,  and,  in  1862,  he  again  changed 
his  residence  to  Kilbourn  City,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Bowman  has  occupied  several  positions 
of  trust  and  honor  ;  in  1860,  he  was  an  alternate  delegate  from  this  State  to  the  National  Republican 
Convention  held  in  that  year  in  Chicago,  which  resulted  in  the  nomination  of  Abraham  Lincoln  for 
President;  in  November,  1861,  he  was  elected  to  represent  the  First  District  of  Columbia  Co.  in  the 
Assembly  ;  he  was  elected  State  Senator  for  the  Twenty-fifth  Senatorial  District  in  1862,  which  office  he 
held  tor  two  terms,  or  four  years ;  in  1864,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  Presidental  Ele  ;tors  on  the  Republican 
ticket,  and  was  Chairman  of  the  Electoral  College  for  that  year  ;  again,  in  1874,  he  was  chosen  member 
of  the  Assembly  from  the  First  District  of  Columbia  Co.,  by  a  handsome  majority,  there  being  only 
twelve  votes  cast  against  him  in  his  own  township.     Mr.  Bowman  was  also  one  of  the  Directors  of  the 


1010  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

C,  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  Co.,  from  1875  tp  1879,  inclasive  ;  in  addition,  he  has  been  the  attorney  for  nearly 
all  the  different  corporations  which  have  been  formed  to  utilize  the  water-power,  both  at  Newport  and 
Kilbourn  City  ;  he  was  made  President  of  the  Bank  of  Kilbourn  soon  after  its  organization  in  1867, 
which  position  he  has  held  ever  since,  and  still  continues  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  In  1856,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  married  Miss  Hannah  J.  Davis,  of  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y.;  he  has  five  children — 
Ella  D.,  Abram  D.,  Asa,  Jennie  and  Emma.  Not  among  the  least  of  this  worthy  gentleman's  labors  is  the 
best  young  lawyers  he  has  sent  forth  from  his  oflBce  ;  the  first  who  achieved  any  note  was  James  C.  Edson. 
who  studied  with  Mr.  Bowman  at  Newport ;  he  commenced  the  practice  of  law  at  Glencoe,  Minn.,  at  the 
same  time  founding  and  editing  the  Gleneoe  Rcffister  ;  he  entered  the  army  and  returned  a  Colonel ;  he 
still  practices  his  profession  at  Gleneoe.  The  next  student  was  Isaac  A.  Fancher,  who  afterward  located 
in  Isabella  City,  Mich.,  where  he  still  continues  in  the  practice  of  the  law  ;  he  has  been  elected  to  both 
the  Assembly  and  Senate  of  that  State.  Then  follows  Michael  Griffin,  who  enlisted  as  a  private  in  the 
12lh  W.  V.  I.,  and  attained  the  rank  of  Captain  ;  at  the  close  of  the  war,  he  entered  the  office  of  Mr. 
Bowman  and  remained  there  till  his  election  to  the  Assembly,  in  1875;  then  commenced  the  practice  of 
law  at  Eau  Claire,  Wis.,  with  Judge  Ellis,  and  was  elected  to  the  Senate  in  1879.  Following  Mr.  Griffin 
was  Henry  P.  Barlow,  son  of  ex- Attorney  General  Barlow,  and,  at  the  present  time,  a  promising  younu 
lawyer  of  Baraboo,  Wis.  Charles  F.  Crosby  was  the  next;  he  first  began  to  practice  in  Rook  Co.,  Minn.;  he 
was  County  Judge  of  this  county  for  a  time,  and  also  a  member  of  the  Assembly  of  that  State;  Mr. 
Crosby  is  now  practicing  law  at  Wausau,  Wis.  W.  H.  Mybrea,  the  present  Postmaster  of  Kilbourn  City, 
is  another  of  Mr.  Bowman's  students.  About  the  same  time,  Thomas  J.  Connor,  son  of  Thomas  Connor, 
of  Kilbourn  City,  also  read  law  in  the  same  office,  and  has  since  located  at  Jenny,  Wis.  The  success  of 
these  various  students  indicates  the  excellences  of  the  teacher. 

JOHN  W.  BROW]«,  cashier  of  Bank  of  Kilbourn,  Kilbourn  City;  he  is  the  son  of  John  J. 
and  Esther  E.  Brown  ;  his  parents  removed  from  the  State  of  New  York  to  Milwaukee  in  the  summer  of 
1857,  and  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  ;  his 
father  was  appointed  Postmaster  during  the  administration  of  President  Buchanan,  which  office  he  held 
till  1865  ;  was  also  for  some  time  engaged  in  the  photograph  business ;  his  father  removed  with  his  family 
to  Minnesota  in  July,  1865,  returning  in  June,  1866;  he  removed  to  Chicago  in  1877  ;  the  other  chil- 
dren of  the  family  are  Robert  L.  C,  Clarence  T.  and  Francis  R.,  all  of  whom  reside  in  Chicago  ;  John 
W.  has  been  employed  in  the  Bank  of  Kilbourn  since  1869,  was  appointed  cashier  in  1870. 

JABfET  CO.\E,  widow  of  David  Cone,  Sec.  8;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City;  born  in  Albany,  N.  Y., 
in  1807.  Married  to  David  Cone,  also  born  in  1807;  after  marriage,  lived  in  Steuben  Co.,  three  yeais; 
thence  tt)  Wyoming  Co.,  and  to  New  Berlin,  Wis.,  in  June,  1849;  Mr.  Cone  went  to  California  in  April, 
1850,  returned  in  October,  1851  ;  purchased  and  settled  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Mrs.  Cone,  in  June, 
1852;  Mr.  Cone  died  in  August,  1877,  of  cancer  in  the  stomach  ;  Mrs.  Cone  had  ten  children,  six  of 
whom  are  living — Persis,  Janet,  Elizabeth,  Cornelia,  Daniel  and  Alvah  ;  Alvah  is  one  of  the  three  sons 
born  at  the  same  time;  the  other  two  died  in  infancy  ;  they  were  born  in  August,  1857.  Alvah  was 
married  to  Mary  Laffin,  born  in  Columbia  Co.;  has  three  children — Harvey,  Cora  and  Hubbard  ;  Mrs. 
Cone  had  five  children  at  two  births,  Elizabeth  being  one  of  twins.     The  farm  contains  160  acres. 

WILLIA.Tl  H.  FIXCH,  proprietor  of  Finch  House,  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  Greene  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1840  ;  he  enli.sted  in  the  fall  of  1862,  in  the  144th  N.  Y.  V.  I.,  served  till  the  close  of  the  war, 
came  West  in  1865,  and  located  at  Reedsburg,  Sauk  Co.,  where,  with  his  brother,  he  was  engaged  in  the 
harness  business  for  about  seven  years;  he  then  purchased  the  Mansion  House  at  Reedsburg,  which  he 
conducted  for  two  years  ;  he  sold  his  hotel  in  the  spring  of  1875,  and  purchased  his  present  hotel.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Mary  L.  Dwinnell,  daughter  of  S.  A.  Dwinneil,  of  Reedsburg  ;  they  have  three 
daughters— Eva,  Es.«ie  and  Marion.  Mr.  Finch  is  successful  and  popular  as  a  hotel  man,  and  the  repu- 
tation of  his  house  is  doinir  much  toward  making  the  Dells  of  Wisconsin  a  popular  resort. 

M.  H.  HASKINS,  farmer,  Sec.  6  ;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City  ;  born  in  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in 
May.  1887;  came  West  with  her  parents  in  August  1847  ;  lived  in  Beaver  Dam  some  time;  thence  to 
Le  Roy,  Dodge  Co.;  thence  to  Adams  Co.  He  enlisted  in  the  10th  W.  V.  I.,  in  1861,  served  three  years. 
Married  Julianiie  Woodworth,  native  of  Lower  Canada  ;   located  on  his  present  farm  March,  1869. 

FRANK  H1LI.I.  proprietor  of  livery  stable,  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1838;  came 
to  Portage  City  in  the  spring  of  1857  ;  was  for  some  time  employed  as  foreman  in  surfacing  on  railroad, 
between  Pardeeville  and  Portage  City  ;  went  to  Milwaukee,  and  was  engaged  one  year  on  what  was  then  the 
M.  &  M.  R  R.;  was  engaged  for  some  time  in  a  flouring-mill  at  Fulton.  Rock  Co.,  thence  to  Pardeeville  ; 
came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  1862,  where  he  was  engaged  in  a  flouring-mill  for  about  three  years  ;  engaged 
in  the  livery  business  in  July,  1864.       He  was  married,  in   1863,  to  Amelia   Bunnell,  a  native  of  Ithaca, 


TOWN    OF    XEAVPORT.  1011 

N.  Y.,  whose  parents  are  now  residents  of  Mauston,  Wis  ;  they  have  two  children — George  W.  and  Ida; 
May. 

JOH9f  HICKEY.  Kilboum  City;  was  born  in  County  Clare,  Ireland,  about  1829  ;  he  came 
to  the  United  States  in  1856;  went  to  Canada,  where  he  remained  one  year;  then  returned  to  Ireland, 
but  came  back  to  the  United  States  in  1866  ;  he  was  in  New  Orleans  and  other  parts  of  Louisiana  for  a 
few  months;  thence  to  St.  Louis,  and  thence  to  Kilbourn  City  Aug.  28,  186G,  which  he  has  considered  his 
home  since  that  time.     Mr.  Hickey  has  been  for  twelve  years  in  the  employ  of  the  W.  W.  R.  R.  Co. 

STEPHEN  HrN<iiERFORD,  farmer.  Sec.  .3;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City ;  born  in  Fulton,- 
Oswego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1818  ;  his  parents  moved  to  Syracuse  when  he  was  a  child;  he  lived. in  Onondaga 
Co.  till  he  was  about  17  years  of  age  ;  he  went  to  Livingston  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1835  ;  returned  to 
Syracuse  in  the  fall  of  that  year  ;  also  lived  about  two  years  in  Broome  Co.;  he  went  to  California  in 
1850,  and  engaged  in  mining;  returned  in  1854;  removed  to  Branch  Co.,  Mich.,  in  the  fall  of  that  year- 
He  was  married,  in  1843,  to  Miss  Lydia  M.  Root;  resided  in  Michigan  till  the  spring  of  1864,  when  he-' 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  where  he  now  lives  ;  he  has  seven  children — Mary  A.,  now  Mrs  Marcius  A. 
Rublee;  Henry  Clay,  resides  in  Iowa;  Orville  J.,  Charles  Sumner,  Fred  R.;  Frances  A.  and  Louis. 
Jlr.  Hungerford's  farm  contains  about  200  acres. 

G.  "W.  JEIVKINS,  II.  D.,  Kilbourn  City;  born  in  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  in  1824;  when  16 
years  of  age,  he  removed  with  his  parents  to  Schoharie  Co.;  in  1842,  he  engaged  in  teaching  at  Palatine 
Bridge,  Montgomery  Co.,  where  he  taught  about  three  years  ;  in  1846,  he  engaged  in  teaching  in  the  towo 
of  Glen,  Montgomery  Co.;  about  this  time,  he  began  the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Biggam  ;  he  gradu- 
ated at  the  medical  department  of  the  University  of  the  city  of  New  York  in  1851,  after  which  he 
practiced  for  some  time  with  his  former  preceptor.  Dr.  Biggam  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1851, 
and  settled  at  the  mouth  of  Dree  Creek,  afterward  Newport ;  he  located  in  Kilbourn  City  in  the  fall  of 
1861.  He  was  married  to  Mary  Markham,  daughter  of  Sidney  D.  Markham;  has  one  daughter,  Kaii', 
born  August,  1863.  The  Doctor  is  a  very  popular  and  successful  physician,  and  possesses  a  large  and 
valuable  practice  ;  he  is  President  of  the  Columbia  County  Medical  Society,  and  a  prominent  member  uf 
the  American  Medical  Association. 

<]}EORGE  P.  JLliSON,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City;  born  in  Norway  in  1840;  he 
is  a  brother  of  Hans  Peterson  ;  his  father  settled  on  the  farm  where  George  now  lives,  in  1849.  He  was 
married  to  Helen  Tofenson,  a  native  of  Norway  ;  they  have  four  children — Dene  M.,  Hans,  Andrew  and 
Ann.     His  fiirm  contains  119  acres.     He  is  a  member  of  the  Lutheran   Church. 

EDWARD  W.  KIIVGSLEY,  farmer.  Sec.  19  ;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City  ;  born  in  Venango  Co., 
Penn.,  in  1818  ;  he  came  to  the  pineries  of  Wisconsin  in  1837  ;  in  February,  1838,  be  went  to  Sauk  Co., 
where  Baraboo  now  stands;  he  a.ssisted  in  building  the  first  saw-mill  at  that  place,  where  the  first  lumber 
was  manufactured  in  the  summer  of  that  year  ;  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  he  made  a  claim  in  what  is 
now  the  town  of  Lyons,  where  he  located  in  1840;  he  came  to  his  present  location  im  the  fall  of  1851  ; 
his  home  has  been  within  a  radius  of  seven  miles  of  where  he  now  lives,  for  about  forty-two  years  ;  tl)r 
about  twenty-five  years  of  that  time,  he  has  been  engaged  during  the  summer  season  on  the  Wisconsin 
River;  Mr.  Kingsley  is  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  this  part  of  the  State;  his  most  intimate  associates 
during  his  early  residence  here  were  the  Indians,  who  formed  the  principal  part  of  the  population  of  this 
part  of  Wisconsin  at  this  time.  His  first  wife  was  Miss  Jane  Gibson,  who  died  in  the  spring  of  1857  ; 
his  present  wife  was  Martha  Ulson,  a  native  of  Norway  ;  he  had  seven  children  by  his  first  marriage,  five 
of  whom  are  living  ;  Jefl'erson,  the  oldest  son,  enlisted'in  Co.  K,  18th  \V.  V.  I.;  he  was  killed  at  the  battle 
of  Shiloh  ;   Mr.  Kingsley  has  eight  children  by  his  second  marriage.      He  has  180  acres  of  land. 

CHARLES  KLEMME,  merchant  tailor  and  clothier,  Kilbourn  City  ;  was  born  in  Germany 
in  1853  ;  came  to  the  United  States  in  1871  ;  lived  at  Franklin,  near  Milwaukee,  for  five  years,  engaged 
in  tailoring;  came  to  Newport  Township  with  his  parents  in  1876;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  and  engaged 
in  his  present  business  in  March,  1880. 

B.  KRECH,  proprietor  of  city  meat  market,  Kilbourn  City;  born  in  Saxony,  Germany,  in  May, 
1839;  he  came  to  this  country  in  1854;  lived  in  Beloit,  Wis.,  about  three  years;  tlience  to  Portage 
City,  where  he  lived  about  six  years;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  April,  1868;  has  been  established  in 
business  here  since  that  time.  He  was  married  to  Anna  Romal ;  has  six  children — George,  Cora,  Frank, 
Mary,  Christina  and  Effa. 

JULIUS  LEUTE,  proprietor  of  brewery  and  saloon,  Kilbourn  City  ;  born  in  Germany  in 
1830  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1853  ;  lived  in  Philadelphia  about  two  years ;  removed  to  Mineral 
Point,  Wis.,  in  1856  ;  thence  to  Newport,  and  to  Kilbourn  City  in  1858,  and  engaged  in  the  shoemaking 
business;  engaged  in  the  brewery  business  in   1861,  in  the  brewery  built  by  his  brother,  Andrew  Leute, 


1012  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

and  Joseph   Micliler.     He  was  married  to  Francisca  Stierley  ;  they  have  six  children — Charles,  Julius, 
Andrew.  Mex,  Fannie  and  Mary. 

MA  J.  CHARIjES  MOELiLER,  proprietor  of  saloon,  Kilboum  City  ;  was  born  in  Saxony, 
Gorniany,  in  1821  ;  served  tiie  army  of  his  native  land;  came  to  the  United  States  in  1852;  lived  in 
Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  two  years ;  removed  to  Milwaukee  in  1854.  Married  Elizabeth  Brahm  ;  lived  in 
Milwaukee  till  1857,  when  he  oame  to  Kilbnurn  City  ;  kept  hotel  till  1861,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  4th 
W.  \  .  I.,  and  was  made  Orderly  Sersjeant  of  Co.  D  ;  as  he  had  had  experience  in  military  service,  he  was 
soon  after  transferred  to  the  Louisiana  Artillery  as  Drill  Ser^'eant ;  was  afterward  promoted  to  a  lieu- 
tenancy in  the  brij^ade  of  Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman;  buino;  disabled,  he  resigned  in  January,  1864;  he 
returned  to  Kilbourn  City,  and  engafred  in  the  hap  hu.*iness,  which  he  followed  fur  many  years. 

(hEOKGE  C.  MeELROV,  M.  I>.,  Superintendent  of  the  "Kilbourn  Hygienic  Institute," 
Kilbourn  City  ;  was  born  in  Beaver  Co.,  Penn.,  in  September,  1841  ;  studied  medicine  in  Philadelphia  ; 
allcnded  lectures  at  the  "  Hygeo-Therapeutic  College,"  at  Florence  Heights,  N.  J.;  his  wife,  formerly  Miss 
Amanda  McMaster,  born  at  Jamestown,  Penn.,  Dec.  22,  1845,  is  associated  with  him  in  the  superintend- 
ency  of  the  institute,  she  having  received  the  same  preparation  for  her  profession  as  her  husband ;  they 
became  connected  with  the  institute  April  5,  1879,  and  assumed  their  present  position  in  February,  1880. 

CJ.  M.  JflARSHAlilj  &  SON,  founders  and  machinists,  Kilbourn  City.  Mr.  George  M. 
Marshall,  Sr.,  member  of  this  firm,  was  born  in  Canada  East  May  13,  1834,  though  his  father  was  a 
native  of  the  United  States,  and  a  cousin  of  the  eminent  Rufus  Choate ;  his  mother  was  a  native  of 
Scotland.  Mr.  Marshall  was  educated  at  Willistoii  Academy,  A'^t.,  having  removed  with  his  parents  to  that 
Stale  in  1842  ;  he  entered  as  an  apprentice  in  a  foundry  and  machine  shop,  at  Burlington,  Vt.,  in  1850, 
and  commenced  bu.siness  as  a  carriage  maker,  at  Shelbourne  Falls,  Vt.,  in  1856  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  iu 
1>^65,  and  settled  at  Big  Springs,  Adams  Co.  He  served  two  years  as  Chairman  of  his  town  ;  as  a  mem- 
ber of  Assembly  two  terms ;  he  was  appointed  by  Gov.  William  E.  Smith  one  of  the  Commissioners 
under  Chapter  273,  Laws  of  1877,  to  examine  and  test  such  steam  or  road  wagons  as  may  be  presented, 
to  compete  for  the  SI  0,000  reward  offered  the  State,  for  a  cheap  and  practical  substitute  for  the  use  of  horses 
and  other  animals,  on  the  farm  and  road.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  Chairman  of  the  Commission. 
Mr.  Marshall  was  married  to  Julia  A.  Hoyt,  a  native  cf  Vermont;  has  three  children — Frank,  Evaline 
and  Ruth  ;  lost  four  children  in  infancy.  Frank,  who  is  associated  with  his  father  iu  business,  was  born 
at  Shelbourne  Falls,  Vt.,  April  12,1856;  this  firm  is  building  up  a  fine  business  in  Kilbourn  City  ; 
they  are  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  Marshall's  patent  blacksmith  shears,  upsets,  power  corn  sheller, 
improved  Jonvil  turbine  water-wheels. 

CLARK  I>.  MUlVCwER,  deceased,  formerly  of  the  firm  of  Walker,  Munger  &  Co., 
Kilbourn  City  ;  was  born  in  Warsaw,  Wyoming  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1827  ;  he  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  185G. 
He  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  Pettibone,  of  Warsaw.  N.  Y.;  he  died  Nov.  17,  18  0.  Mrs.  Munger 
has  one  son  — Ellis  I).,  born  Oct.  30,  1858  ;   has  lost  three  children — Charlotte,  Frank  and  Henrietta. 

WILLIAM  H.  MVLREA,  attorney  and  Postmaster,  Kilbourn  City ;  son  of  Catharine 
Mylrea,  was  born  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  1,  1853;  his  father  came  to  this  country  from  the  Isle  of 
Man  in  1840;  he  returned  to  his  native  isle  in  1849.  He  was  married  and  returned  to  the  United  States 
in  1850.  Mr.  Mylrea's  parents  came  to  Kilbourn  in  1856,  where  they  still  reside.  They  have  three 
children — William  H.,  Charles  I-.  and  Susan  J.  William  H.  was  educated  at  Lawrence  University,  at 
Appleton,  Wis.,  which  he  attended  about  five  years ;  he  entered  the  law  school  of  Madison,  in  January, 
1878;  was  appointed  Postmaster  at  Killbourn  City,  in  March  of  that  year ;  prepared  himself  for  the 
practice  of  law,  in  the  office  of  Jonathan  Bowman,  Esq.,  of  Kilbourn  City  ;  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  at 
Portage,  Wis.,  May  13,  1879. 

ANDFEXI*  NELSOIV,  farmer.  Sec.  5;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City;  has  250  acres  in  farm  ;  born 
in  Norway,  October,  1828,  came  to  the  United  States  in  August,  1848  ;  he  lived  with  Mr.  Clark  Young, 
in  the  town  of  Leeds,  Columbia  Co.,  for  about  five  years  ;  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  1854.  Was 
married  the  same  year  to  Melinda  Cone,  bcjrn  in  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  May,  1835.  Mr.  Nelson  has  been 
Supervisor  several  years  ;  al.so  Treasurer  of  the  district  several  terms. 

GEORtliE  F.  i\OBLE,  retired;  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  Addison  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1818; 
ho  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1843,  and  settled  in  Walworth  Co.,  where  he  engaged  at  his  trade, 
that  of  a  carpenter;  he  removed  to  Newport  in  the  spring  of  1855  ;  he  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in 
December  of  that  year  ;  he  worked  at  his  trade  until  about  1860  ;  from  that  time  until  1873,  was  engaged 
in  the  stock  and  produce  business.  Mr.  Noble  was  the  first  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  Kilbourn  City  ;  has 
served  in  that  capacity  for  about  twenty  years ;  has  also  been  Town  Treasurer  and  As.sessor  of  Township. 
He  was  married  to   Miss  Angeline  Cornwall ;    they  have  had  three  children,  two  of  whom  are  living — 


TOWN    OF    NEWPORT. 


1013 


Andrew  E.,  resides  in  Iowa,  and  Frank  H.,  resides  in  Roseburgh,  Oregon.  Their  daughter,  Mrs.  Cornelia 
Maria  Sorrenson,  died  at  Portase,  December,  1875. 

CHARLEISi  A.  NOYES,  station  and  express  agent,  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  New 
Hampshire  in  1828.  He  removed  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  in  1847,  when  he  went  to  Two  Rivers  and  engaged 
in  the  lumber  business  ;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  December,  18fi3,  He  was  married  to  Bessie  Ely,  born 
in  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.;  her  father,  Ambrose  Ely,  settled  in  Milwaukee  in  1810.  Mr.  Noyes  has  two 
children — Lilly  an'i  Mary  P.,  now  Mrs.  Edward  Perry,  of  Kansas  City. 

GEORGE  OSWALiD,  proprietor  of  Oswald's  Beer  Hall,  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  Wur- 
tembcrg,  Germany,  in  1832  ;  came  to  the  United  States  in  the  fall  of  1865  ;  lived  in  Milwaukee,  where 
he  worked  at  his  trade,  shoemaking;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  February,  1867,  where  he  also  worked 
at  his  trade  until  May,  1879,  when  he  engaged  in  his  present  business.  Ho  was  married  to  Louise 
Gobi;   born  in  Germany.      Has  four  children — Wilhelm,  Gustavo,  Louise  and  Clara. 

WILLIAM  H.  PEABODY,  farmer  and  proprietor  of  stone  quarry,  Kilbourn  City;  born  in 
Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1812.  His  father,  Eliphalet  Peabody,  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812;  he  died 
in  1820  of  disease  contracted  while  in  the  army.  His  mother,  with  her  family,  removed  to  Otsego  Co. 
about  1826.  Mr.  Peabody's  first  wife  was  Miss  Sabrina  Strong;  they  were  married  in  1841  ;  Mrs.  Pea- 
body  died  in  1847.  In  1854,  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Harriet  Washburne,  formerly  Miss  Harriet  Hun- 
gerford,  born  in  Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1828  ;  they  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  June,  1857.  Mr.  Peabody 
has  one  son  by  his  former  marriage — Durant  B.,  who  resides  in  Paris,  111.  Mr.  Peabody  is  an  earnest 
champion  of  temperance,  and  a  sworn  enemy  of  intemperance,  which  he  has  been  fighting  all  his  life. 
His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

HANS  PETERSON,  farmer.  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  Norway  Feb.  15, 
1831  ;  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents  in  1840  ;  his  father  made  a  claim  in  Sec.  19  ;  his  father  died 
in  Dane  Co.  in  December,  1876  ;  his  mother  died  at  the  homestead,  now  owned  by  a  brother  of'Mr.  Peter- 
son, George  P.  Julson,  in  1870.  Mr.  Peterson  was  married  in  December,  1856,  to  Eliza  Tufson,  native 
of  Norway  ;  her  parents  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  and  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1853.  Mr.  Peterson  owned 
a  farm  in  Sec.  20  for  thirteen  years  ;  purchased  his  present  farm  in  the  fall  of  1872  ;  has  120  acres.  Ha.? 
seven  children  -  Peter  H.,  Mattie,  Mary  E.,  Hans  J.,  Emma  C,  Augusta  L.,  and  Norah  H.  Members 
of  tlie  Lutheran  Church. 

JOHN  J.  PURCELL,  telegraph  operator,  Kilbourn  City;  son  of  Joseph  Puroell,  native  of 
Ireland,  who  came  from  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  to  Milwaukee  in  1855,  and  to  Kilbourn  City  in  1857  ;  has  one 
son,  John  J.,  and  four  daughters  ;  the  former  was  born  May  31,  1856.  He  learned  the  business  of  tele- 
graphing in  the  office  where  he  is  now  employed,  beginning  in  January,  1873. 

WILLIAM  A.  RAMSAY,  hop-dealer,  Kilbourn  City  ;  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York 
inl832  ;  he  came  to  Adams  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1855,  where  he  resided  till  1857,  when  he  located  at  Kilbourn 
City ;  he  was  engaged  in  the  grain  business  for  several  years  ;  has  been  engaged  in  the  hop  trade  since 
1859;  also  owns  farm  near  town,  of  75  acres.  He  was  married  to  Margaret  A.  Fay,  native  of  Onon- 
daga Co.,  N.  Y.  They  have  seveu  children— Olive  C,  George  A.,  Minnie  A.,  Lillian  A.,  Wm.  A., 
Ernest  E.  and  Jennie  C. 

RICHARD  B.  ROSE,  proprietor  of  Farmers'  Hotel,  Kilbourn  City;  born  in  Jefferson  Co., 
N.  Y.,  in  1823  ;  came  to  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1841,  where  he  lived  till  1849;  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  lumber.  He  removed  to  Adams  in  1849,  and  engaged  in  farming;  went  to  California  in  1852 
and  engaged  in  mining  and  the  lumber  trade;  returned  to  Adams  Co.  in  1857  ;  enlisted  in  1864,  in  the 
37th  W.  V.  I.,  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war.  From  1872  to  1876,  was  Superintendent  of  the 
County  Poor  Farm  of  Adams  Co.  ;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  August,  1876;  had  charge  of  the  Commercial 
Hotel  for  one  year ;  built  the  Farmers'  Hotel  in  1877.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Pike,  a  native 
of  Ohio.     They  have  one  son,  Harrison,  who  resides  in  Kansas. 

GEORGE  SMITH,  grain  dealer  and  proprietor  of  elevator,  Kilbourn  City  ;  was  born  in  York- 
shire, England,  in  1818.  He  came  to  the  United  States  from  London  in  the  llill  of  1855.  He  resided 
in  Milwaukee  till  the  summer  of  1857,  when  he  removed  to  Kilbourn  City.  He  began  the  grain  business 
in  the  summer  of  1860,  which  business  he  has  since  followed.  His  wife  was  Miss  Susan  Hales,  also  born 
in  England. 

CHARLES  W.  SNIDER,  of  the  firm  of"  Hansen,  Snider  &  Co.,"  hardware  dealers,  Kilbourn 
City;  born  in  Fulton,  Co.,  111.,  in  1850  ;  married  Miss  Minnie  Dunker,  daughter  of  Henr,'  H.  Dunker.  They 
have  one  child— Harry.  His  father,  J.  R.  Snider,  of  Kilbourn  City,  was  born  in  Clark  Co.,  Ind.,  in  1822. 
His  parents  afterward  removed  to  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  thence  to  Steuben  Co.;  thence  to  Fulton  Co.,  Ill,  in 
1837.    Mr.  Snider  came  to  Newport  in  1850,  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  ;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in 


1014  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

1868.  llis  wife  was  Miss  Harriet  Kelsy,  born  in  Illinois.  They  have  four  children — Nettie,  now  Mrs. 
J.  G.  Wilraar;   Charles  W.,  Frank  R.  and  F.  B. 

WILliIAM  SNOAD,  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Police  Justice,  Kilbourn  City.  Mr.  Snoad  is  a' 
shoemaker  by  trade.  He  was  born  in  East  Kent,  England,  in  1812.  He  came  to  the  United  States  in  the  fall' 
of  1882.  He  lived  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  till  the  fall  of  1834;  then  removed  to  Rochester,  where  he  lived' 
till  1851.     He  then  came  to  Wisconsin;  lived  in  Waukesha  Co.  for  some  time;  thence  to  Dell  Prairie  in 

1854.  He  came  to  Kilbourn  City  in  1858;  was  elected  Ju.stice  of  the  Peace  in  1866,  which  office  he 
has  held  most  of  the  time  since ;  is  also,  at  present,  Police  Justice.  Mrs.  Snoad  is  also  a  native  of 
England.  Has  five  children — Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Armstrong.  Mrs.  Eliza  J.  Armstrong,  Harriet  E.,  William 
George,  resides  in  Texas,  Sirs,  Victoria  A.  Blodgett. 

ALOIVZO  B.  STEARNS,  farmer.  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City ;  was  born  in  Womstet 
Co.,  Mass.,  April  17,  1824  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Canada  when  he  was  a  child  ;  he  returned  to  Massa- 
chusetts when  17  years  of  age,  and  attended  school  in  Middlesex  Co.  till  he  was  21  years  of  age,  after' 
which  he  resided  in  Worcester  till  1848,  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin  ;  hp  lived  in  Iowa  Co.  till  the  follow- 
ing spring,  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  made  a  claim  of  his  present  farm,  which  he  purchaseci 
when  the  land  came  into  market,  in  the  fall  of  1853  ;  Mr.  Stearns  has  the  honor  of  being  the  first  settler 
of  Newport  Township  ;  his  parents  came  to  the  State  in  1851,  and  resided  with  their  son  ;  his  mother 
still  lives  with  him  ;  his  father  died  Feb.  5,  1877,  in  his  8Sth  year  ;  his  mother  was  born  1791.  Mr. 
Stearns  was  married  June,  1852,  to  Antoinette  M.  Calkins,  born  in  Steuben  Co.,  N.  V.,  in  1832;  her 
parents  removed  to  Illinois  about  1836  ;  thence  to  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1843  ;  they  have  had  eleven  chil- 
dren, eight  of  whom  are  living — Lorenzo  D.,  Levi  A.,  Isabella  M.,  Nettie,  Orra  R.,  Lorena,  Willie  N.  and 
Adelaide;  their  first  child,  John  W.,  was  killed  by  the  running-away  of  a  team,  when  11  years  of  age  ; 
the  others,  deceased,  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Stearns'  farm  contains  200  acres.  He  has  served  as  Asse.ssor, 
Treasurer  and  Collector  of  Newport  Township  several  terms. 

DR.  JOSEPH  F.  STILLMAN,  physician  and  druggist,  Kilbourn  City,  was  born  in- 
Ren.sselaer  Co.,  X.  V.,  Oct.  31,  1831  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Jeiferson  Co.  and  to  Lewis  Co.,  when  he  was- 
about  8  years  of  age  ;  he  pursued  the  study  of  medicine  and  received  his  diploma  from  the  Medical  Board 
in  the  fall  of  1855  ;  he  removed  to  Oxford,  Marquette  Co.,  Wis.,  in  the  spring  of  1856,  where  he  resided 
till  the  spring  of  1875,  when  he  came  to  Kilbourn  City.  He  conducts  a  drug  store  in  connection  witlv 
his  medical  practice.  His  wife  was  Miss  Susan  S.  Pierce,  native  of  the  State  of  New  York.  He  has  ftnir 
children — Elmer  A.,  Flora  A.,  Harvey  A.  and  Ernest  J. 

FRANKLI]^  C.  STRAW,  farmer  ;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  in  Orange  County,  Vt.,  in 
1832  ;  he  removed  to  Adams  Co.,  Wis.,  September,  1856,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dell  Prairie,  whore 
he  resided;  engaged  in  farming  till  the  spring  of  1878,  when  he  removed  to  Kilbourn  City;  Mr.  Straw 
still  owns  a  large  amount  of  land  in  Adams  Co.  ;  he  is  owner  of  the  ''  Kilbourn  Hygienic  Institute." 
Has  built  him  a  fine  residence,  and  made  other  valuable  improvements  to  the  village  of  Kilbourn  City. 
He  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Waugh,  also  born  in  Orange  County,  Vt.  ;  they  have  two  children — Cclia 
and  Frank  W. 

PERRY  ii.  STROliD,  attorney  at  law,  Kilbourn  City;  was  born  at  Clinton,  Oneida  Co., 
N.  Y.,  Nov.  30, 1834,  while  his  parents  were  temporarily  living  at  that  place,  his  flither,  Charles  Stroud,  at  that 
time  having  been  engaged  in  that  locality  as  a  contractor  with  the  State  for  building  the  canal  ;  the  actual 
residence  of  his  parents  was  at  Canastota,  in  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  they  have  ever  since  resided  ; 
Mr.  P.  G.  Stroud  was  educated  at  Oneida  Conference  Seminary,  at  Cazenovia,  N.  Y.  He  went  to  McHenry 
Co.,  111.,  in  1854,  where  he  married   Miss  Helen  M.  Bi.shop ;  he  came  to  Newport,  in  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.,  in 

1855,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  there  with  his  brother,  A.  B.  Stroud  ;  in  1857,  he  returned 
to  Kilbourn  City,  where  he  has  since  resided,  and  in  1858,  he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law,  in  which 
profession  he  has  ever  since  been  and  is  now  engaged  ;  he  has  two  children,  a  son  and  a  daughter  ;  his 
son,  Wni.  S.  Stroud,  is  about  23  years  of  age  ;  was  educated  at  Lawrence  University,  at  Appleton,  Wis., 
and  was  admittted  to  the  bar  at  the  May,  1878,  term  of  the  Columbia  Co.  Circuit  Court,  after  a  thorough 
examination  by  ex-Chief  Justice  L.  S.  Dixon,  ex-Attorney  General  A.  Scott  Sloan  and  Hon.  E.  E.  Cliapin, 
since  which  time  he  has  been  in  his  father's  office;  the  daughter.  May  D.  Stroud,  is  now  pursuing  her  studies 
at  Lawrence  University  ;  Mr.  Stroud  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  business  and  private  affairs  of  the  town  ; 
also  been  active  in  politics,  but  has  never  been  an  office-seeker;  he  was  a  strong  Republican  until  the 
Greeley  campaign,  since  which  time  he  has  acted  with  the  Democrats;  in  1876,  contrary  to  his  wishes,  he 
was  placed  in  nomination  for  State  Senator  on  the  Democratic  ticket;  at  the  election,  his  own  town  gave 
him  a  majority,  while  giving  a  majority  for  the  rest  of  the  Republican  ticket,  the  Republicans  carrying 
the  district  by  about  one  thousand  four  hundred  majority  ;  in   1878,  the  Democrats  again  placed  Mr. 


TOWN    OF    LEAVISTON.  1015 

Stroud  in  nomination  for  the  office  of  District  Attorney  of  Columbia  Co. ;  he  was  induced  to  accept  the 
nomination,  though  without  any  expectation  of  election,  the  regular  Republican  majority  in  the  county 
being  from  1,000  to  1,800  ;  again  his  own  town  gave  him  a  majority,  he  receiving  193  votes  to  his  oppo- 
nent's 60,  while  the  Republican  majority  in  the  town  was  47 ;  at  the  time  Mr.  Stroud  ceased  to 
.act  with  the  Republican  party,  the  town,  county,  assembly,  senatorial  and  congressional  districts,  and  also 
<the  State,  in  which  he  resided,  were  all  strongly  Republican,  in  which  party  he  had  a  good  standing, 
tiaving  frequently  represented  his  town  in  county  conventions,  and  his  county  in  congressional  and 
-State  conventions,  showing  that  political  preferment  had  no  influence  over  his  political  views  or  actions. 
Mr.  Stroud  has  a  good  reputation  as  a  lawyer  and  a  public  speaker  ;  enjoys  the  confidence  and  respect  of 
the  people  where  he  is  best  known,  and  is  highly  respected  by  men  of  all  political  parties  for  his  candor 
and  fairness  in  his  public  discussions  of  political  questions. 

<,MIiBERT  B.  VAIVALSTINE,  farmer.  Sec.  12;  P.  0.  Kilbourn  City;  born  in  Onon- 
-daga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  22,  1832  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Buffalo  when  he  was  a  child  ;  from  Erie  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  to  Erie  Co.,  Penn.  ;  thence  to  Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  and  to  Newport,  Wis.,  in  1853  ;  Gilbert  B.  went 
to  sea  in  1849  ;  he  was  engaged  in  a  coasting  vessel,  between  New  Orleans  and  Boston,  for  one  year  ;  in 
February,  1850,  shipped  on  board  the  Monongahela,  a  whaling  vessel  of  New  Bedford,  for  fo.ur  years  ;  in 
February,  1851,  landed  at  the  island  of  Juan  Fernandez,  where  he  remained  about  sis  weeksS  A  feeling 
of  dissatisfaction  existed  between  the  officers  and  crew  ;  Mr.  Vanalstine  engaged  passage  on  a  rdpanish  brig 
|to  Valparaiso,  Chili,  where  they  remained  about  two  months  ;  in  May,  1851,  shipped  on  boa  o  an  Amer- 
ican vessel,  Capt.  Wood,  bound  for  Europe,  which  vessel  Mr.  V.  and  comrades  left  at  Hong  K  ng,  China  ; 
shipped  thence  to  New  York,  where  they  arrived  September,  1851  ;  was  afterward  engaged  o"^  a  coasting 
vessel  between  Charleston,  S.  C,  and  New  York  ;  returned  home  in  December  of  that  year  ;  was  after- 
ward enga.ged  on  the  great  lakes  for  several  years ;  came  to  Adams  Co.,  Wis.;  enlisted  February,  1865,  in 
49th  W.  V.  I.;  served  about  a  year.  Was  married  to  Amelia  V.  Rea,  of  Adams  Co  ;  have  six  children 
; — Florence  E.,  Gilbert  E.,  Mary  C,  Byron  R.,  Walter  C.  and  John  F.,  the  last  two  twins ;  loeat  ed  on 
present  farm  in  1870;   number  of  acres  in  farm,  160. 

IVATHAIVIEL  VANALfSTIlVE,  wagon-maker  and  blacksmith;  born  in  Onondaga  Co., 
N.  y.,  in  December,  1826  ;  learned  his  trade  in  Erie  City.  Married  Nancy  Hawes,  of  Erie  City,  Penn.; 
'lived  in  Crawford  Co.,  Penn.,  for  six  years  ;  came  to  the  village  of  Newport  in  1854,  and  to  Kilbourn  City 
jn  1856  ;  was  burned  out  in  the  fall  of  1866.  Mr.  Vanalstine  has  three  children — -Eugene,  Gilson  and 
Lillian,  now  Mrs.  Frank  Durea,  of  New  York  City. 

JRVINIw  W.  VOKK,  of  the  firm  of  Walker,  Munger  &  Co.,  proprietors  of  flouring  and 
.plaijing  mills,  Kilbourn  City  ;  born  in  Brookfield,  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1833;  his  parents  removed  to 
Warsaw,  Wyoming  Co.,  when  he  was  6  years  of  age.  He  was  married  to  Eliza  C.  Munger,  of  Wyoming 
Co.;  came  to  Kilbourn  City  September,  1856  ;  all  the  members  of  the  firm  came  from  Wyoming  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  about  the  same  time  ;  they  were  associated  in  the  building  of  their  planing-mill  in  1858  ;  in  1860, 
.built  the  flouring-mill.     Mr.  York  has  three  children — George  E.,  Hattie  M.  and  Ernest  R. 


TOWN    OF    LEWISTON. 

OLE  M.  BEXDIXEIV,  farmer.  Sec.  20  ;  P.  0.  Lewiston  ;  born  in  Norway  in  1833  ;  he  came 
to  this  country  with  his  parents,  ToUag  and  Anna  Bendixen,  in  the  fall  of  1850  ;  his  father  settled  on  Sec. 
17,  where  he  still  resides;  his  mother  died  in  the  fall  of  1861  ;  Ole  is  the  only  child  of  his  jiarents  now 
living.  He  enlisted,  November,  1861,  in  Co.  D,  15th  W.  V.  I.,  and  served  three  years  and  four  months; 
he  participated  in  all  the  battles  in  which  his  regiment  was  engaged,  including  the  siege  of  I.sland  No.  10 
and  the  battle  of  Murfre&sboro,  till  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  where  he  was  wounded  and  sent  to  the 
hospital,  where  he  remained  about  ten  months,  when  he  again  rejoined  his  regiment,  and  was  mustered  out 
of  service  Feb.  13, 1865;  he  enlisted  as  a  private,  was  made  a  Corporal,  and  Second  Sergeant  December,  1862  ; 
in  consideration  of  his  gallant  conduct  as  a  soldier,  he  waa  breveted  Captain  at  the  close  of  the  war,  to 
date  Oct.  S,  1863.  He  was  married  to  Julia  P.  Scott,  a  native  of  Norway  ;  they  have  four  children — 
Anna  M.,  Josephine  T.,  Ellen. S.  and  Tollag  B.  L.  He  settled  where  he  now  lives  in  June,  1867  ;  he  has 
220  acres  of  land. 

DEN^N'IS  CANX'ON,  farmer,  Sec.  2  ;  P.  0.  Portage ;  was  born  in  County  Donegal,  Ireland, 
in  1812  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1827  ;  lived  in  Wilmington,  Del.,  for  about  four  years,  when  he 
returned  to  Ireland  ;  returned  to  the   United  States,  and  locating  in  Wilmington  resided  there  about  six 


lOKi  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

years;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  18i5.  He  was  married  to  Celia  McCurdy, 
born  in  Ireland  ;  they  have  twelve  children,  nine  sons  and  three  daughters.  Mr.  Cannon's  farm  contains 
120  acres. 

JAMES  AND  WILl^IAM  CLARK,  farmers,  Sec.  10;  P.  0.  Portage  City;  sons  of  Mr 
James  and  Ann  (  Bain)  Clark,  who  came  to  the  United  States  from  Scotland,  in  the  spring  of  1849  ;  Mr. 
Clark  made  a  claim  of  the  farm  now  occupied  by  his  sons,  James  and  William,  in  the  fall  of  that  year, 
where  he  remained  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  September,  1873  ;  his  widow  resides  at  the  homestead. 
The  parents  had  seven  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  living — Joseph,  Elizabeth  (now  Mrs.  McFarland, 
of  Dane  Co.),  James,  Mrs.  Ann  Bobbins,  William,  Susan  and  Mary  Ann;  James  was  born  in  Scotland, 
about  1840;  William  was  born  about  184G  ;  Susan  and  Mary  Ann  reside  at  the  homestead.  The  farm 
contains  240  acres.     They  are  members  of  tlie  Presbyterian  Church. 

J.  P.  COLBURN,  former  and  cooper;  P.  0.  Briirgsville  ;  son  of  A.  W.  Colburn,  who  came 
to  Columbia  Co.  from  Waukesha  Co.,  and  settled  on  Sec.  20,  Newport  Township,  in  the  spring  of 
1855;  he  was  born  in  Genesee  Co.,  N.  V.,  and  came  to  VVaukosha  Co.  with  his  parents  in  1846.  He 
enlisted,  Feb.  1,  18(j4,  in  the  23d  W.  V.  I.;  was  in  Banks'  Red  River  campaign,  at  the  battles  of  Sabine 
Cross  Roads,  La.,  Pleasant  Hills,  Cane  River,  Bayou  Sara,  Spanish  Fort,  etc.;  was  transferred  to  the  35tli 
Regiment,  and  made  a  corporal  of  Co.  C;  was  mustered  out  of  service  March  15,  1866.  Mr.  Colburn 
was  married  to  Lucy  C.  Jacobs,  daughter  of  Lester  Jacobs  :  have  four  children^Frank  L.,  Cora  M.,  Lester 
and  Lucy  May.      He  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  February,  1877  ;  he  has  115  acres. 

K.  B.  CRAltir,  farmer  and  stock-dealer,  and  owner  of  Menomonee  House,  Marquette  Co.,  Sec.  4  ; 
P.  0.  Briggsville;  was  born  in  Burlington,  Vt.,  in  1821  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Clinton  Co.,  N.  Y., 
when  he  was  about  12  years  of  age  ;  he  went  to  California  in  the  fall  of  1849,  and  engaged  in  mining; 
returned  to  Clinton  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  the  fall  of  1850  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1851,  and  settled 
near  Briggsville,  Marquette  Co.,  but  purchased  his  present  fiirm  at  about  the  same  time  ;  built  his  hotel  in 
1853,  which,  being  on  the  old  pinery  road,  did  a  large  business,  in  the  earlier  history  of  the  county  ;  the 
hotel  and  farm  have  been  successively  in  charge  of  L.  V.  Rich,  William  Robinson,  William  Treadwell  and 
the  present  occupants,  Jonathan  and  Asa  Douglass.  Mr.  Craig  has  resided  on  the  farm  since  1854. 
He  was  married  to  Harriet  Hayes,  born  in  Clinton  Co.,  N.Y.  Mr.  Craig  is  engaged  in  buying  and  selling 
of  stock. 

RICHARD  DEMPSIE,  student,  resides  with  his  brother  in-law,  Mr.  Joseph  Hay,  Sec.  26  ; 
P.  0.  Portage.  Mr.  Dempsie  was  born  in  Portage  in  September,  1  55  ;  his  parents,  Richard  and  Mary 
Dempsie,  came  to  Portage  in  1849;  his  father  was  thrown  from  his  wason  and  killed  by  the  running 
away  of  his  team,  October,  1864;  his  mother,  by  a  former  marriage  with  Mr.  John  McDonough,  had  four 
children  ;  of  these,  William  McDonough,  enlisted  in  1863  in  19th  W.  V^.  L,  served  one  year;  she  had 
five  children  by  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Dempsie,  all  of  whom  are  living.  George  Dempsie,  brother  of 
Richard,  enlisted  March,  1862,  served  three  years. 

D.  D.  EKiJHJUE,  farmer,  See.  2;  P.  O.  Briggsville;  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  July,  1838;  Lis 
father,  Daniel  Eighme,  native  of  the  State  of  New  York,  removed  from  Buffalo  to  Pennsylvania  ;  thence 
to  Illinois,  and  to  Lewiston  Township  in  1849  ;  he  is  now  a  resident  of  Adams  Co.,  Wis.  Mr.  Eighme 
was  married  to  Ann  Worden,  born  in  the  State  of  New  York ;  they  have  three  children  ;  settled  on  his 
present  farm  in  1874. 

DR.  JOHX  EWINW,  farmer.  Sec.  4;  P.O.Portage;  born  in  Vermont  in  1816;  he  removed 
to  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  with  his  parents,  in  1835.  He  was  married  in  1835,  to  Angeline  Needham, 
born  in  Vermont;  in  the  fall  of  1S49,  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.;  he  lived  in  Lowell  one  year  and  came 
to  Lewiston  Township  in  the  fiiU  of  1850 ;  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  the  spring  of  1854. 
He  has  four  children — Mariette,  Jasper,  Malvina  and  Edgar  A.;  he  lost  i  wo  children — Oscar  and  Malvina, 
aged  respectively  16  years  and  14  months.  Dr.  Ewing  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors 
one  year,  and  Town  Treasurer  one  term ;  his  farm  contains  160  acres  of  land.  Besides  attending  to  the 
business  of  farming.  Dr.  Ewing  has  practiced  medicine,  more  or  less,  for  many  years. 

JOSEPH  Cr.  HAY,  farmer,  Sec.  26;  P.  0.  Portage;  was  born  in  Nunda,  Livingston  Co., 
N.  Y.,  August,  1824;  removed  to  Pennsylvania  in  1849;  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1851,  where  his 
father,  Almon  Hay,  settled,  locating  on  Sec.  17,  Lewiston  Township.  Mr.  Hay  was  married,  March, 
1866.  to  Harriet  A.  McDonough,  whose  mother,  then  Mrs.  Richard  Dempsie,  came  to  Portage  in  1849. 
Mr.  Hay's  farm  contains  160  acres. 

ANDREW  ISAACSON,  farmer.  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Lewiston;  was  born  in  Sweden  in  1835  ; 
came  with  his  father's  family  to  the  United  States  in  1851  ;  they  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled  on 
Sec.  22,  where  they  now  reside;  his  parents  had  three  children,  Andrew  being  the  youngest.     His  wife  is 


TOWN    OF    l.EWISTON.  1017 

a  native  of  Norway  ;  has  six  children — John  A.,  Henry,  Charles,  Angu>t  A.,  Edward  and  Supan  A.;  lost 
one  daughter,  Mary  C. 

AlVDERS  JERTSOIV,  farmer,  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Lewiston  ;  born  in  Norway  in  1821.  Married 
to  Martha  S.  Jertson  ;  came  to  the  United  States  in  1850  ;  lived  a  few  months  at  Pine  Lake,  Wis.,  when  he 
came  to  Columbia  Co.;  he  settled  on  his  present  farm  about  186ii  ;  has  seven  children — Swen,  Hans, 
Nellie,  Ann,  Amelia,  Martha,  Sophia.  Mr.  Jertson  and  his  oldest  son,  John  Jertson,  enlisted  during  the 
war  of  the  rebellion  in  the  1st  Regiment  U.  S.  Heavy  Artillery;  John  died  at  the  hospital  in  Alexandria, 
June,  1865.     Mr.  Jertson's  farm  contains  190  acres  of  land  ;   his  improvements  are  good. 

JAMES  H.  JERTSOX,  carpenter  and  builder.  Sec.  22;  P.  0.  Lewiston  ;  born  in  Norway, 
1844  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  parents,  Hans  and  Aslang  Jertson,  in  1850  ;  his  parents 
soon  after  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled  on  Sec.  22,  where  th6y  now  reside ;  Mr.  Jertson  is,  by  trade, 
a  carpenter  and  builder.  His  farm  contains  160  acres;  his  improvements  are  good.  He  was  married  to 
Clara  C.  Isaacson,  daughter  of  liars  Isaacson  ;  has  four  children — Ann  M.,  Herman  L.,  Gi'orge  C,  and  an 
infant  son. 

E.  F.  LiE  WIS,  farmer  and  manufacturer  of  knit  underwear.  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Lewiston  ;  was  born 
in  New  London  Co.,  Conn.,  July  16,  1821  ;  he  removed  wiih  his  parents  to  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1830  ; 
then  to  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  in  183y,  where  they  resided  till  their  death  ;  his  father  died  in  1858  ;  his  mother 
died  in  the  spring  of  1874;  in  June,  1849,  Mr.  Lewis  came  lo  Columbia  Co.,  and  made  a  claim  of  the 
farm  which  he  now  owns.  He  was  married,  April  19,  1841,  to  Miss  Betsey  L.  Barrett,  born  in  Chautau- 
qua Co.,  N.  Y.,  March  29,  1819  ;  her  parents  removed  to  Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  when  she  was  a  child, 
then  to  Rook  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1888;  her  father,  Stephen  Barrett,  was  a  soldier  of  the  war  of  1812;  was  a 
member  of  M.  B.  Tubb's  company,  New  York  militia;  he  died  Oct.  24,  1877,  aged  86  years  ;  her  mother 
died  March  10,  1879  ;  they  died  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  Lewis  where  they  had  resided  since  March,  1875  ; 
Mr.  Lewis  has  had  seven  children,  tiiree  of  whom  are  living — Stephen  B.,  Franklin  F.,  and  William  L.; 
his  oldest  son,  Judson  A.,  enlisted  August,  1862,  in  Co.  C,  23d  W.  V.  I.,  was  made  second  Corporal  of 
the  company,  afterward  promoted  to  Sergeant,  and  was  killed  in  the  charge  on  the  enemy's  works  at  Vicks- 
burg.  May  22,  1863,  at  the  age  of  19  years  and  8  months;  Edward  B",  fifth  child,  born  Dec.  28,  1852, 
■died  June  4,  1872 ;  Charles  L.,  second  child,  and  George  W.,  sixth  child,  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Lewis, 
in  honor  of  whom  the  town  was  named,  made  the  third  settlement  in  the  town  of  Lewiston,  and  is  the 
earliest  present  resident ;  he  was  elected  Sheriff  in  1856,  and  has  served  as  Under  Sheriff  two  years  ;  has 
held  various  township  offices,  and  was  appointed  Deputy  Provost  Marshal  for  Columbia  Co.  in  July,  1863, 
served  till  the  close  of  the  war  ;  during  his  long  residence  in  Columbia  Co.,  Mr.  Lewis  Jjiy  his  sterling 
qualities,  has  maintained  the  respect  and  esteem  of  the  people,  and  is  a  worthy  representative  of  that 
pioneer  element  of  our  country,  which  laid  the  foundation  for  our  present  success  and  prosperity  as  a  State. 
Stephen  B.  Lewis,  born  July  12,  1848,  graduated  at  the  State  Normal  School,  Whitewater,  Wis.,  1875, 
married  Elizabeth  Church,  of  Whitewater.  Franklin  F.  Lewis,  born  Sept.  28,  1850,  married  Victorine 
Rockwell,  of  Whitewater  ;   has  one  child,  Mabel. 

WILIilAM  McDonald,  farmer.  Sec.  10;  P.  0.  Portage  City  ;  was  born  in  Wayne  Co., 
Ohio,  in  1824  ;  his  parents  removed  to  Jefferson  Co.,  when  he  was  about  8  years  of  age.  Mr.  McDonald 
was  married  in  1849,  to  Elizabeth  Cannon,  a  native  of  England  ;  they  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the  spring 
of  1851,  and  settled  on  Sec.  26,  Lewiston  Township,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  sons,  David  and  John  ; 
he  bought  his  present  farm  of  Hans  Osmundson  in  1854,  where  he  settled  permanently  in  1859;  has 
twelve  children — David,  John  E.,  Nancy,  Samuel,  William,  Ann,  Margaret,  Elizabeth,  James,  Abraham 
L.,  Ulysses  S.  and  Julia.  Mr.  McDonald  enlisted  in  the  1st  Heavy  Artillery,  September,  1864,  served 
till  the  close  of  the  war;  his  father,  David  McDonald,  was  a  native  of  Inverness,  Scotland  ;  he  came  lo 
this  country  and  settled  in  Columbiana  Co.,  Ohio,  about  1811  ;  he  died  in  March,  1870;  his  mother  was 
born  in  West  Virginia  ;  died  November,  1878.  His  farm  contains  484  acres  ;  his  improvements  are  second 
to  none  in  the  town  of  Lewiston. 

CARL  PHIEHLER,  fiirmer,  Sec.  32;  P.  0.  Lewiston;  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  in 
1825  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1850  ;  came  to  Lewiston  Township  and  settled  on  his  present 
farm  in  1851.  He  was  married  to  Wilhelmina  Myer;  they  have  five  children — August,  Carl,  Ernst, 
Gustaf  and  Lizzie.     His  farm  contains  200  acres.     Ho  and  wife  belong  to  the  Lutheran  Church. 

PETER  TEKNISOIV,  farmer.  Sec.  17  ;  P.  0.  Lewiston  ;  born  in  Norway  in  1842;  came  t . 
this  country  with  his  parents  in  1852;  his  parents  settled  in  Lewiston  Township,  but  now  reside  in 
Faribault  Co.,  Minn.  Mr.  Tennison  enlisted  in  1861  in  the  18th  W.  V.  I.;  served  till  August,  1865  ;  he 
entered  the  service  as  a  private ;  became  successively  Corporal.  Sergeant,  Orderly  Sergeant  and  Second 
Lieutenant,  receiving  his  commission  as  Lieutenant  in  the  spring  of  1865 ;  he  participated  in  many  of  the 


1018  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

severest  battles  of  the  war ;  was  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh  on  both  days  of  that  desperate  struggle  ;  at  the 
siege  of  Corinth,  battles  of  Corinth  and  luka  ;  was  wounded  at  Jackson,  Miss.,  and  taken  prisoner  Mav 
14,  1862;  was  a  prisoner  about  three  months  when  he  was  exchanged ;  he  was  also  at  the  battles  nf 
Chattanooga,  Altoona  Pass,  etc.;  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  service,  he  re-enlisted  and  served  till  the 
close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Tennison  bought  his  present  farm  in  1807.  He  was  married  to  Cornelia  C.  Olt- 
son,  born  in  Wisconsin ;  has  three  children — Becca  H.,  Oscar  T.  and  Carl  A.;  his  farm  contains  120 
acres. 

AliBERT  SHARF,  fiirmer,  Sec.  7  ;  P.  0.  Briggsville  ;  was  born  in  Germany  in  1833;  came 
to  the  United  .States  in  1851  ;  has  been  a  resident  of  Lewiston  Township  since  that  time;  he  settled  on 
Sec.  27  in  1*^57  ;  located  on  his  present  farm  April,  1877.  He  was  niairied  to  Lizzie  Hilderbrandt ; 
they  have  sis  children — Sophia,  Frederick,  Charles,  Henry,  William  and  Emma;  farm  contains  215 
acres. 

C  F.  SIEVVERT,  farmer,  Sec.  23  ;  P.  0.  Colburn  ;  was  born  in  Prussia.  Germany,  in  1825  ; 
he  came  to  the  United  States  in  the  fall  of  1850  ;  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  1851.  He  was  married 
in  1854  to  Henrietta  Hickithier,  born  in  Prussia;  they  have  nine  children — Wm.  Gustaf,  Elizabeth. 
Charles,  Julius,  Otto,  Ida,  Emma  and  Benjamin  ;  farm  contains  about  300  acres.  Mr.  Siewert  served  as 
a  soldier  in  the  German  army  for  two  and  <me-half  years  ;  also  served  in  the  Union  army  during  the  rebell- 
ion for  about  nine  months,  in  Co.  D,  46th  W.  V.  I.  Mr.  Siewert  came  to  this  country  with  his  parents, 
who  bad  seven  children  ;  his  parents  live  on  the  farm  of  their  son,  C.  F. 

DEWITT  €.  STEPHENS,  farmer  and  pilot  on  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers,  Sec.  17  ; 
P.  O.  Lewiston  ;  born  in  Lamoille  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1831  ;  removed  with  his  ])arents  to  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.. 
in  1842,  where  he  resided  till  1858,  when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.;  he  was  engaged  on  the  Fox  River, 
between  Portage  and  Green  Bay,  from  1861  till  about  1866  ;  from  1860  till  1871,  had  charge  of  a  boat 
running  between  Portage  and  Oshkosh  ;  since  that  time,  has  been  engaged  as  pilot  for  the  Government  ou 
tlie  Wisconsin  River.  Mr.  Stephens  purchased  his  present  farm  in  1858,  where  he  resides  during  the 
close  of  navigation.      He  was  married  to  Ella  R.  Bissell,  born  in  Vermont;  farm  contains  85  acres. 

B.  H.  WIIjMSEX,  farmer,  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Colburn  ;  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1822  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  the  spring  of  1854;  he  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  the 
fall  of  that  year.  Was  married,  June  4,  1854,  to  Elizabeth  Hebben,  born  in  Germany;  have  ten  chil- 
dren— Maria  L.,  John  G.,  Ernst  A.,  Albert  E.,  Matilda  A.,  Bertha  S.,  Napoleon  J.,  Herman  R.,  Charles 
:ind  Cecelia;  lost  one  daughter  in  infancy;  farm  contains  660  acres.  Mr.  Wilmsen  has  been  Town  Treas 
urer  two  years,  and  Town  Clerk  for  about  eight  years. 


TOWN    OF  ARLINGTON. 

nRS.  ESTHER  CALDWELL,  widow  of  the  late  John  Caldwell,  Sec.  7  ;  P.  0.  Poy- 
-nett.  Mrs.  Caldwell  w.is  born  in  Scotland,  where  she  was  married  to  James  Stevenson,  born  March  15, 
1808  ;  they  came  to  this  country  in  1853,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dekorra,  afterward  removed  to  the 
town  of  Caledonia,  where  they  lived  about  two  years ;  then  returned  to  Dekorra,  where  Mr.  Stevenson  died 
December,  1857  ;  his  widow  married  Mr.  John  Caldwell,  who  died  May,  1879,  in  his  72d  year.  Mrs. 
Caldwell  had  eight  children  by  her  first  marriage,  six  of  whom  are  living — Jane,  Ella,  Maggie,  Nettie. 
Andrew  and  Annie  ;  has  one  son  John,  by  second  marriage.  Andrew  Stevenson,  at  present,  has  charge 
of  his  mother's  farm  ;  he  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1849  ;  he  has  lived  (juite  a  number  of  years  in  the  town 
of  Leeds  ;  he  has  taught  eleven  winter  terms  of  school ;  taught  eight  terms  in  District  No.  5,  town  of 
Menna.  Dane  Co. 

WILLIAM  CALDWELL,  farmer,  Sec.  17  ;  P.  0.  Lodi;  is  the  son  of  John  Caldwell, 
who  came  to  this  country  from  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  1850  ;  the  family  consisted  of  father  and  five  children  : 
the  mother  having  died  in  Scotland  ;  they  passed  the  first  winter  in  the  town  of  Caledonia  ;  the  following 
year  removed  to  Arlington,  and  finally  settled  in  Sec.  6.  Mr.  Caldwell,  Sr.,  married  Mrs.  Esther 
Stevenson  ;  he  died  in  May,  1879,  in  his  72d  year  ;  his  children  by  first  marriage  are  living,  excejit  one 
daughter  Janet.  William  Caldwell  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1828.  He  married  Miss  Ann  Mclntyre,  also 
born  in  Scotland  ;  they  have  ten  children — John,  Ann,  William  A.,  Robert,  Peter,  Elizabeth  R.,  Samuel 
Jj.,  Margaret,  Jane  O.  and  Katie  May  ;  lost  one  son,  Andrew,  in  infancy.     Farm  contains  460  acres. 


TOWN    OF    ARLINGTON.  1019 

JOHIV  DUFF,  farmer,  Sec.  IG  ;  P.  0.  Poynettc  ;  was  born  in  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  in  June  , 
1S19  ;  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.  from  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.;  he  lived  in  the  town  of  Lowville  one  summer ; 
thence  to  the  town  of  Arlington,  Sec.  21,  wiiere  ho  lived  eight  years;  thence  to  his  present  location  Nov- 
'M,  1863.  He  was  married  to  Caroline  Warren,  born  in  England;  they  have  eight  children — Alexander, 
James  W.,  Arthur  E.,  George  A.,  John  A.,  Elizx,  Frank  E.  and  Edwin  ;  lost  their  fifth  child,  Charles  S., 
in  his  14th  year.     Farm  contains  280  acres.      He  is  engaged  principally  in  stock-raising. 

P.  H.  (jrUXlVISON,  farmer.  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Canandaigua,  Ontirio  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1832.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Frank  More,  born  in  the  State  of  Michigan;  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  January,  1856.  and  purchased  his  present  farm  of  Ephraim  Hazlet  April  17,  1856;  his  parents  still 
eside  in  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  on  the  farm  where  they  have  lived  for  fifty  years.  He  has  eight  children — 
Eilna  M.,  Irwin  L.,  Charles  N.,  George  H.,  Emma  A.,  William  N.,  John  H.  and  Alice  F.  His  farm 
contains  160  acres. 

IVEK  LARSON,  farmer.  Sec.  32  ;  P.O.  Lodi;  born  in  Norway  in  1829.  Married  Betsy 
Spoonam  in  1853  ;  came  to  the  United  States  the  same  year ;  bought  present  farm  in  1855  ;  have  nine 
children — Lars  M.,  Edwin  C.,  M.  Lena,  Clara,  Sarah,  Em'ma,  Adolph,  Herman  and  M.  Riber.  Mr. 
Larson  has  88  acres  of  land.     Members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

liOUIS  lilNTX ER,  farmer,  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Arlington  ;  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  in  1834  ; 
his  father's  family  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1848,  and  settled  in  Erie  Co.,  Penn.;  they  came  to 
Columbia  Co.  in  the  fall  of  1854;  settled  in  the  town  of  Randolph  in  1855;  afterward  removed  to  the 
town  of  Courtland.  Mr.  Louis  Lintner  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  in  the  fall  of  1867.  He 
was  married  to  Margaret  Mueler,  born  in  Hesse,  Germany  ;  they  have  six  children — Samuel,  Frances, 
Henry,  Benjamin,  Louis  and  Theodore.  Mr.  Lintner  has  324  acres  of  land  ;  they  are  members  of  Evan- 
gelical Church.      His  father  resides  with  him. 

OliEi  J.  IjIONE,  farmer.  Sec.  32  ;  P.  O.  Lodi;  was  born  in  Norway  in  1820;  came  to  this 
country  in  1847  ;  lived  in  La  Fayette,  Co.,  Wis.,  about  seven  years  ;  then  came  to  his  present  location.  His 
wife  is  also  a  native  of  Norway  ;  they  have  three  children — Magdalena,  John  and  Lars  ;  their  daughter, 
Martha,  married  and  residing  in  Minnesota,  died  Aug.  30,  1879.  Mr.  Lione  has  140  acres  of  land. 
He  and  family  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

HUGH  McFARLAXE,  farmer,  Sec.  10  ;  P.  0.  Poynette ;  born  at  Plumb  Bridge,  County 
Tyrone,  Ireland,  in  1875.  Mr.  McFarlane  is  not  only  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Columbia  Co.,  but 
also  of  Wisconsin  ;  he  came  to  the  Territory  in  1835  ;  he  was  for  some  time  at  the  lead  mines,  in  what  is 
now  Iowa  Co.;  he  first  came  to  Portage  in  1837  ;  he  is  one  of  the  founders  of  that  city,  where  he  located 
permanently  in  1843,  where,  for  many  years,  he  was  engaged  in  lumbering  and  merchandising.  He  was 
a  member  of  the  last  Territorial  and  first  State  Legislature  of  Wisconsin.  He  located  where  he  now 
lives  in  1859.  His  first  wife  was  ^^Sarah  Dunn,  born  in  Ireland;  she  died  July  14,  1862;  his  present 
wife  was  Ann  C.  Wells,  born  in  Berkshire  Co.,  Mass.;  he  had  eight  cliildren  by  first  marriage,  four  of 
whom  are  living — Mary  Ann,  now  Mrs.  0.  P.  Williams  ;  Matilda,  now  Mrs.  P.  L.  Knappen  ;  Sarah, 
now  Mrs.  T.  F.  Knappen  ;  Lizzie  D.,  now  Mrs.  A.  Arthur  Clark  ;  his  oldest  son,  Andrew  J.,  enlisted 
August,  1862,  in  the  23d  W.  V.  I.,  and  was  mortally  wounded  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg  May  19,  1863 ; 
he  enlisted  as  a  private  ;  when^wounded,  was  First  Lieutenant,  and  in  command  of  his  company  ;  he  was 
a  graduate  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin  ;  the  other  children  deceased  died  in  infancy  ;  has  two  children 
by  second  marriage — Clara  W.  and  Hugh.     His  farm  contains  300  acres. 

ANDREW  jflAIR,  farmer.  Sec.  15  ;  P.  0.  Poynette  ;  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  in  Jan- 
uary, 1835  ;  came  to  the  United  States  in  the  spring  of  1854  ;  lived  in  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  one  year  ;  thence 
to  Jefferson  Co.,  one  year  ;  came  to  the  town  of  Arlington  in  1857  ;  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  the 
spring  of  1861.  Married  to  Elizabeth  Wilson,  daughter  of  James  Wilson  ;  have  seven  children — Charles, 
Mary,  Agnes,  Margaret,  James,  Thomas  and  Robert.     Mr.  Mair's  farm  contains  240  acres. 

THOMAS  MAIR,  farmer.  Sec.  4  ;  P.  O.  Poynette  ;  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1821  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  in  April,  1849,  and  settled  in  Rock  Co.,  Wis.;  located  where 
he  now  lives  in  the  fall  of  1855.  He  was  married  in  Scotland  to  Agnes  Jemmison,  sister  of  Hugh  Jem- 
mison,  of  Poynette  ;  they  have  nine  children — Charles,  Janet,  Hugh,  Agnes,  Jeanie,  Mary,  Sarah  A., 
Minnie  and  Maggie  ;  lost  two  children  in  infancy  ;  the  two  oldest  were  born  in  Scotland.  Mr.  Mair  vis- 
ited his  native  land  in  the  fall  of  1874.     His  farm  contains  177  acres. 

MARK  MEDDOWCROFT,  farmer  ;  Sec.  1  ;  P.  O.  Poynette  ;  was  born  in  England  in 
1820  ;  his  father  died  in  England  ;  he  came  to  this  country  with  his  mother's  family  in  1840  ;  he  remained 
in  the  East  till  1847,  where  he  was  engaged  in  work  at  his  trade — that  of  a  mason  ;  in  June  of  that  year 
he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  on  his  present  farm.     His  wife  was  Sarah  Rowley,  born  in  England  ; 

00 


1020  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

she  died  in  February,  1867  ;  he  has  had  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are  living— Irene,  Amanda,  Jesse, 
Ann,  Reuben  and  Ransom  (twins),  Hannah  and  Sophia  (twins),  and  Millie ;  lost  oldest  and  youngest. 
His  farm  contains  315  acres  ;  it  lies  in  the  three  towns,  Arlington,  Dekorra  and  Lowville.  He  is  engaged 
quite  extensively  in  stock-raising.  His  mother  had  six  children  when  she  came  to  this  country  ;  only 
himself  and  a  younger  sister,  now  livins  in   Iowa,  survive.  • 

KEV.  CHARLES  NCHNEIDEK,  Pastor  of  Emmanuel's  Church,  of  the  Evangelical 
Association  ;  born  in  the  town  of  Girard,  Clayton  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1849,  where  he  resided  with  his  parents 
until  about  19  years  of  age,  when  he  entered  the  Northwestern  College,  at  Naperville,  111.,  where  he 
remained  about  four  years ;  he  entered  the  ministry  in  the  spring  of  1872,  at  Beloit,  Wis.;  thence  to 
Washington  the  following  year,  where  he  remained  two  years ;  thence  to  Madison  for  one  year  ;  thenc"  to 
Whitewater  for  three  years  ;  came  to  his  pre-ent  location  in  the  spring  of  1879.  He  was  married  to 
Emma  Thilke,  daughter  of  John  Thilke,  of  Prairie  du  Sac,  Sauk  Co.;  have  two  children — Cora  and 
Adda  ;   lost  second  child,  Reuben. 

HUGH  SLOAX,  firmer.  Sec.  15  ;  P.  0.  Arlington  ;  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  about 
181G.  He  came  to  the  United  States  in  1841,  and  lived  in  Whitewater,  Wis.,  till  about  1847,  when  he 
came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Dekorra,  Sec.  :{4,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Mr.  New- 
ton ;  he  purchased  his-  present  farm  in  the  fiill  of  18G8,  of  Mr.  R.  B.  Sanderson.  His  wife  was  Miss 
Marion  Freeland,  born  in  Scotland.  Mr.  Sloan's  farm,  consi-sting  of  160  acres,  is  one  of  the  best  of  the 
many  tine  farms  in  the  town  of  Arlington  ;  his  beautiful  grove  of  evergreen  trees,  containing  about  five 
acres,  is  unsurpassed  by  any  other  in  Columbia  Co,  if  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

LEWIS  H.  SMITH,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  O.  Arlington  ;  son  of  Augustus  P.  Smith,  who 
was  born  in  ("onnecticut,  but  removed  to  the  State  of  New  York,  where  his  son  Lewis  H.  was  born,  June 
14,  1835.  His  father  was  engaged  in  teaching  in  one  of  the  public  schools  of  the  city  of  Albany,  (or 
about  eight  years;  his  father's  family  afterward  removed  to  Herkimer  Co.,  thence  to  Oneida  Co.,  and  to 
Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  about  1848,  and  settled  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Arlington.  The  family  consisted 
of  father,  mother,  two  socs  and  two  daughters.  His  father  afterward  removed  to  Poynette,  and  built  the 
first  mill  and  store  of  that  town.  He  died  in  1870  ;  his  mother  died  in  1854.  L.  H.  was  marriei  to 
Adell  P.  Foster,  born  in  Pennsylvania  ;  they  have  four  children — Lydia  P.,  Lewis  H.,  James  E.  and 
William  F.  Mr.  Smith  has  been  Town  Clerk  of  Arlington,  except  two  years,  since  1861  ;  he  was  also 
Town  Superintendent  of  Schools  one  year.  He  is  a  Republican,  politically,  as  was  his  father.  His  brother, 
James  E.,  resides  in  Berlin,  Wis.;  his  sisters,  Sarah  J.  (now  Mrs.  William  Morton)  resides  in  Vernon 
Co.;   Frances  C.  (now  Mrs.  D.  Newton)  lives  in  Barron  Co.,  Wis. 

IIV<irLE  E.  SPOONAM,  farmer.  Sec.  29  ;  P.  0.  Lodi ;  was  born  in  Norway  Jan,  12,  1826  ; 
he  came  to  the  United  States  in  1850;  he  lived  in  Lodi  three  years,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade, 
shoemaking ;  he  bouirht  his  farm  in  the  spring  of  1854,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  married  to 
Ellen  Moe,  born  in  Nurway  ;  they  have  four  children — Carrie  C,  I.  Adelia,  Edwin  B.,  Ivor  C.  Mr. 
Spoonam's  farm  contains  173  acres.  He  has  been  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors  three  terms,  and 
Constable  seven  years.     He  and  familv  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church, 

WILLIAM  STEVEI^SOX,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P,  0.  Poynette;  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Set- 
land,  April,  1836  ;  he  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  parents,  John  and  Margaret  Stevenson,  in  1856, 
The  family  settled  in  Illinois,  and  lived  there  four  years  ;  his  father  died  there  ;  the  mother  and  six  chil- 
dren came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the  spring  of  1860  ;  hi-i  mother  and  four  children  are  still  living.  Mr, 
Stevenson  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  the  spring  of  ISGO,  His  wife  was  Agnes  Wilson,  daughter  of 
James  Wilson  ;  they  have  eight  children — John,  James.  Mary,  Clark,  Thomas,  William,  Margaret  and 
Alexander.       Mr.   Stevenson  has  440  acres  of  land.     He  is  engaged  quite  extensively  in  stock-raising, 

H.  VEEUER,  farmer,  Sec,  8;  P,  0.  Poynette;  was  born  at  Ogdensburg,  St.  Lawrence  Co., 
N.  Y,,  Sept,  22,  1819;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1836,  landins  at  Green  Bay  June  11  of  that  year, 
where  he  remained  till  July,  1837,  when  he  came  to  Portage,  thence  to  Mineral  Point,  thence  to  Wiota  ; 
in  February,  1839,  he  went  into  the  pinery  region  ;  returned  to  Portage  in  the  summer  of  1840,  where 
he  lived  till  1849,  when  he  located  where  he  now  lives.  He  was  married  to  Mary  Blood  ;  they  have  five 
children — Frank,  George,  Emma,  James  and  Lizzie,  Farm  contains  160  acres,  Mr,  Veeder  is  the  only 
member  of  his  father's  family  now  living. 

IRA  WITTER,  farmer.  Sec.  34;  P.  O.  Poynette;  was  born  in  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  his 
parents  removed  to  Allegany  Co.  when  he  was  6  years  of  age.  He  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Swain,  a 
native  of  England  ;  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1858,  and  settled  in  Poynette;  Mr.  Witter  is  a  mason  by 
trade,  which  occupation  he  followed  for  a  number  of  years  ;  he  settled  on  his  present  farm  in  the  spring  of 
1861  ;  his  farm  contains  90  acres;  he  has  five  children — Morris,  Minnie,  Annie,  Eddie  and  Nettie, 


TOWlSr    OF    (OURTLAXD.  1021 

ROBERT  WILSON,  farmer,  Sec.  9  ;  P.  0.  Poynette  ;  is  the  son  of  Mrs.  Janet  Wilson,  who 
was  horn  in  Scotland  in  ISltJ;  married  Robert  Wilson,  and  came  to  tins  country  in  June,  1849;  they 
first  settled  in  the  town  of  Dekorra,  near  Poynette;  afterward  removed  to  Buffalo,  Marquette  Co.;  he  after- 
ward returned  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  in  the  town  uf  Arliniiton,  where  lie  died  March  3,  1873  ;  he 
had  seven  children,  six  of  whom  are  living — ^James,  Hugh.  John,  Robert,  Janet  and  Margaret;  lost  one 
child.     Robert  resides  at  the  homestead  with  his  mother.     Farm  contains  100  acres. 

CliARK  M.  YOUNG,  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0.  Poynette  ;  i.s  a  pi-meer  of  Columbia  Co. ;  he  was 
born  in  Connecticut  in  1810  ;  his  parents,  Wm.  and  Clarena  Clark  Young,  removed  to  the  State  of  New 
York  when  he  was  a  boy  ;  Mr.  Young  traveled  about  considerably  when  a  young  man,  in  the  days  when 
railroads  were  unknown;  he  wa.s  at  Chicago,  or  rather  where  that  city  now  stands,  in  1832;  he  went  to 
Milwaukee  in  1836,  where  he  remained  some  time;  spent  a  winter  in  the  pineries  of  Wisconsin  more 
than  forty  years  ago;  he  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives  in  1838.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Janet 
Wilson,  a  native  of  Scotland  ;  they  have  four  children — James,  Robert,  Samuel  and  Mary  J.  Mr.  Young 
has  about  600  acres  of  land. 


TOWN    OF    COURTLAND. 

HENRY  W.  ACKERMAN,  farmer.  Sec.  27  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  born  Oct.  28,  1825,  in  the 
town  of  Franklin,  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn.;  son  of  Isaac  and  Elizabeth  Aekrrman,  natives  of  Westchester 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  when  13  years  of  age,  Henry  oommonoed  working  at  brickmaking  and  followed  it  in  Susque- 
hanna Co.  till  he  was  21,  then  went  to  Connecticut  and  followed  same  business  at  Watcrbury  till  Septem- 
ber, 1855;  he  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  where  he  has  since  resided. 
Was  married.  Dee.  31,  1849,  to  Louisa  Peck,  who  died  March  2,  1874,  aged  39,  leaving  two  children  — 
Ella  A.,  born  Oct.  8,  1853,  now  Mrs.  Charles  W.  Hinchliff',  of  Appleton,  Wis.,  and  Calvin  Leroy,  born 
Feb,  27,  1864,  living  with  his  father.  Was  married  second  time,  Nov.  2,  1864,  to  Mrs.  Maryette  Tobey, 
daughter  of  Dennis  and  Eunice  Wait;  she  was  born  .\ug.  30,  1831,  in  the  town  of  Rodman,  Jefferson 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  was  first  married  Dec.  25,  1849,  in  Jeffer-on  Co.,  to  Franklin  C.  Tobey,  who  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  1851,  and  died  Oct.  21,  1863,  aged  37,  leaving  throe  children — Charles  0.,  born  Jan.  13,  1853, 
lives  in  the  town  of  Courtland;  Harlow  D..  born  Dec.  13,  1859,  and  Frank  C.  born  Sept.  26,  1863,  both 
living  with  their  mother  and  stopfiither ;  Nettie  L.  Tobey  died  Aug.  22,  1855,  aged  3  years.  By  his 
second  marriage,  Mr.  Aekerman  has  one  child — .Myron  W.,  born  May  15,  1871.  Mrs.  Ackerman  is  a 
member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.     He  has  160  acres  in  hi-^  farm,  and  is  a  Republican. 

JAIVIES  H.  BELIi.  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  in  New  Bedford.  Lawrence 
Co.  (formerly  Mercer),  Penn.;  son  of  John  Bell,  who  is  still  living  in  Pennsylvania,  aged  85.  James  H. 
left  home  when  16  years  old,  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  in  Grani  Co.  some  time,  then  went  to  Sauk  Co. 
and  still  owns  two  farms  there  ;  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  that  county  and  helped  survey  it.  When 
the  Mexican  war  broke  our,  he  enlisted  in  the  2d  Dragoons,  participated  in  a  number  of  battles  and  was 
with  Gen.  Scott  when  he  entered  the  (  ity  of  Mexico.  For  the  last  thirty-five  years,  he  has  been  a  pilot  on  the 
Mississippi  River  a  good  share  of  the  time.  He  was  married  in  Magnolia,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  Dec.  7,  1854, 
to  Sarah  P.  Townsliend,  who  was  born  in  Covington,  Geuesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  March  24,  1835,  daughter  of 
Abel  B.  Townshend,  a  native  of  Windsor  Co.,  Vt.;  he  died  in  Mercer  Co.,  Penn.;  Mrs.  Townshend  is 
still  living  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  aged  69.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bell  have  six  children  living — Nettie  M., 
John  T.,  William  J.,  Cora  R.,  James  W.  and  Frank  E.;  have  lost  three — Mary  J.,  was  married  to  Geo. 
Hardy,  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Nov.  23,  1875,  and  died  April  5,  1876,  aged  19;  James  H.  T.,  was  acci- 
dentally killed,  Dec.  16,  1862,  by  a  barrel  of  ashes  falling  on  him,  au'l  George  Emory,  was  also  accident- 
ally killed  Jan.  6,  1876,  aged  5  years,  by  falling  while  at  play  and  running  a  stick  in  his  mouth.  Mrs. 
Bell's  great-uncle,  John  Townshend,  of  Vermont,  has  twenty-four  children,  all  living  when  last  heard  from. 
Mrs.  Bell  thinks  herself,  her  husband  and  little  girl  were  the  first  passengers  on  the  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R. 
from  Kilbourn  City  to  Randolfih.  Her  mother,  Mr-.  Townshend's,  maiden  name  was  Mary  M.  Tarington. 
Mr.  Bell  has  been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  about  thirteen  years. 

GEORGE  M.  BENNETT,  farmer.  See.  23;  P.  0.  Randolph;  born  Au-.  20,  1836,  in  Jef- 
ferson Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  James  Bennett,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1839  and  lived  in  the  vicinity  of 
Milwaukee  till  July,  1847,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland  on  Sec. 
14;  his  mother's  name  was  Elizabeth  McMillan;  she  died  in  Courtland  of  consumption  in  June,  1851, 
aged  49,  leaving  fourteen  children  (two  of  them  by  a  former  husband) ;    his  father  married  again  and  is 


1022  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

living  in  Kansas.  When  20  years  of  age,  George  N.  went  to  learn  the  joiner's  trade  and  worked  at  that 
business  nine  years,  then  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns  and  has  followed  farming  ever  siuce  ;  has  235 
acres  of  land.  Was  married,  Jan.  21,  18G4,  to  Samantha  R.  SheflFer,  who  was  born  March  13,  184G,  in 
Morrow  Co.,  Ohio  ;  her  parents  started  to  Wisconsin  when  she  was  5  years  old,  and  her  father  died  on  the 
journey  ;  her  mother  is  now  Mrs.  Allen  Gould,  of  Courtland,  and  is  again  a  widow.  Mr.  Bennett  has 
been  Chairman  of  his  town  four  years.  Side  Supervisor  several  years,  and  is  now  President  of  the  Farm- 
ers' Mutual  Insurance  Co.,  of  the  town  of  Courtland.  Has  three  children — Allison  E.,  Frank  H.  and 
Nellie  E.,  all  living  at  home.  Both  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Mr.  Bennett  has  been  Steward  and 
Trustee  in  th3  church  for  thirteen  years;   Republican. 

GKORGE  H.  BFiYEK,  hardware  merchant,  of  the  firm  of  Woodard  &  Beyer,  Cambria; 
was  born  Oct.  20,  1850,  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y ..  son  of  George  and  Catharine  Beyer,  natives  of  the  German 
province  of  Alsace.  His  father  died  in  the  winter  of  18G3.  In  1867,  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived 
in  Columbia  Co.  one  summer,  then  returned  to  Buffalo  and  lived  there  two  years;  he  then  came  West 
again,  and  was  employed  as  clerk  in  Portage  City  about  a  year,  part  of  the  time  in  a  dry-goods  store,  and 
a  part  of  the  time  in  flour  and  feed  store  ;  he  then  went  to  learn  the  tinsmith's  trade  when  19  years  old, 
and  has  made  Columbia  Co.  his  home  ever  since,  but  during  the  time  has  worked  in  the  States  of  Iowa, 
Minnesota  and  Nebraska.  In  January,  1878,  he  formed  a  partnership  in  the  hardware,  stove  and  tinware 
business  with  L.  Woodard,  under  the  firm  name  of  Woodard  &  Beyer,  in  which  business  he  still  con- 
tinues. Mr.  I?eyer's  brother  came  West  with  him  on  his  second  visit  to  Wisconsin,  and  is  now  living  in 
Cambria  with  him.     He  is  unmarried. 

PETER  BICKELHAIIPT,  grain  and  lumber  dealer,  of  the  firm  of  Myers  &  Bickelhaupt, 
Cambria;  was  burn  Dec.  18,  1830.  Hesse- Darmstadt,  Germany,  son  of  Peter  and  Mary  (Metzger)  Bick- 
elhaupt, who  came  to  America  when  he  was  only  1  i  years  old,  and  settled  in  New  York  City,  and  followed  gar- 
dening and  the  milk  business  for  about  twelve  years;  Peter,  Jr.,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1857,  and  worked 
on  a  farm  for  two  years;  then  returned  to  New  York  for  his  parents,  who  came  to  Cambria  with  him,  and 
he,  in  company  with  his  father,  started  the  first  brickyard  in  Cambria,  which  was  in  1859,  and  run  it 
about  two  years;  he  then  worked  for  John  ap  Jones,  buying  wheat,  until  Nov.  10,  1863,  at  which  time 
he  was  married  in  Cambria  to  Dorothy  Weisel,  daughter  of  Conrad  Weisel,  a  native  of  (jrermany ;  he  then 
started  a  confectionery  and  toy  store  in  Cambria,  where  he  continued  in  the  business  until  1870,  then  sold 
out;  he  then  bought  a  stock  of  dry  goods,  groceries,  etc.,  and  ran  a  general  store  until  1872,  then  sold 
out  again  and  removed  to  Austin,  Minn.,  and  started  a  wholesale  soda  and  mineral  water  factory,  the  first 
in  Austin;  in  the  fall  of  1875,  he  returned  to  Cambria  and  went  into  partnership  with  D.  D.  Jones  in  a 
general  store,  in  which  he  remained  till  April,  1879;  then  formed  a  partnership  in  the  business  in  which 
he  is  now  engaged.  He  has  five  children — William  G.,  Annie  M.,  Mary,  Emma  and  Ida.  He  has  been 
on  the  Village  Board  six  or  seven  years,  and  was  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  two  years  ;  he  is  a  straight 
Democrat  in  polities. 

LEWIS  BROWN,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  born  June  2,  1805,  in  Orange  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  son  of  Daniel  and  Susannah  Brown.  He  was  married,  Nov.  9,  1829,  in  Orange  Co.,  to  Elizabeth 
Greer,  who  was  born  Oct.  10,  1811,  daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Greer.  Mr.  Brown  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  184G,  and  lived  in  Dodge  Co.,  near  Fox  Lake,  till  the  spring  of  1847  ;  then  located  in  the  town  of 
Courtland  on  the  farm  he  now  owns  ;  he  has  179  acres,  worth  about  $6,000.  Has  been  Supervisor  two 
terms,  and  has  always  followed  farming.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  have  raised  a  family  of  twelve  children,  all 
living — the  old?st,  Harriet  K.,  is  now  Mrs.  E.  W.  Cady,  of  Cerro  Gordo  Co.,  Iowa  ;  Daniel,  in  Leadvilie. 
Hiram  L.  and  Oscar  in  Blue  Earth  Co.,  Minn.;  Mary  Frances,  now  Mrs.  Wallace  Griffin,  of  Denver,  Colo  ; 
Emaline,  now  Mrs.  Theodore  Griffin,  also  of  Denver;  Benjamin  W.  lives  in  Eau  Claire,  Wis.;  Luzern  in 
Beaver  Dam,  Wis.;  Lucinda  is  Mrs.  Charles  Coulter,  of  Courtland  ;  George  T.  is  traveling  for  a  boot  and 
shoe  firm  of  Milwaukee  (Atkins,  Ogden  &  Co.) ;  Emma  is  now  Mrs.  Frank  Rust;  her  husband  is  in  the 
emplpy  of  the  St.  Paul  Fire  and  Marine  Insurance  Co.,  and  Sarah  E.,  the  youngest,  is  still  at  home.  Mr. 
Brown,  although  nearly  75  years  of  age,  reads  and  writes  without  glasses  ;  has  carried  on  his  farm  himself 
till  the  last  two  years.     Both  are  members  of  the  Baptist  (]hurch,  and  he  is  a  Republican. 

OWEN  CORDY,  farmer.  Sec.  32;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  Aug.  16,  1839,  in  Gloucestershire, 
England;  son  of  I.  D.  Cordy,  who  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1851,  and  located  in  the  town  of 
Scott,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis. ;  his  family  came  the  next  fall,  and  the  next  spring  they  went  to  the  town  of 
Randolph  and  lived  one  year;  then  lived  nine  years  in  Springvale,  and  in  the  spring  of  18G1,  came  to  the 
town  of  Courtland ;  Mrs.  Cordy  died  April  4,  187G,  aged  75  j'ears,  and  Mr.  Cordy  is  still  living  with  his 
son,  Owen,  aged  79.  Owen  Cordy  was  first  married  to  Sarah  Mapson,  who  died  in  November,  1872, 
aged  23,  leaving  one  child ;  was  married  again  Dec.  25,  1 874,  to  Mary  Russell,  daughter  of  John  Russell, 


TOWN    OF    COURTLAND. 


1023 


of  Sussex,  Menasha  Co.,  Wis.,  and  has  two  children  by  the  second  marriage — Walter  J.  and  Franklin 
K.  Mr.  Cordy  has  230  acres  of  land  ;  is  a  Republican,  and  now  holds  the  office  of  Supervisor.  Both 
are  Episcopalians. 

PATRICK  CHESTSfUT  (deceased);  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Columbia  Co.  ;  was  born  in  the 
North  of  Ireland,  in  County  Donegal,  March  17,  1789;  son  of  John  and  Sarah  Montgomery  Chestnut, 
natives  of  Scotland  ;  he  came  to  America  in  1819,  and  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  wholesale  hardware  store  of 
Henry  C.  Delevan,  of  Alb  my,  N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  over  three  years.  April  12,  1822,  he  was 
married  in  Albany  to  Elizabeth  Schermerhorn,  who  was  born  Feb.  22,  1800,  in  the  city  of  Hudson,  N.  Y.; 
daughter  of  Abram  Schermerhorn,  whose  father,  John,  came  from  Amsterdam,  Holland,  and  was  one  of 
the  many  wealthy  Hollanders  who  were  the  first  to  settle  along  the  Hudson  River,  between  Albany  and 
New  York  ;  immediately  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Chestnut  removed  to  New  York  City,  and  engaged  in  the 
wholesale  hardware  trade,  which  he  continued  till  183G  ;  then  removed  to  the  city  of  Hudson,  where  he 
lived  about  five  years;  in  1841,  he  started  West;  came  as  far  as  Great  Bend,  Penn.,  remaining  there  till 
181:4;  then  on  to  Wisconsin;  he  first  located  in  Trenton,  Dodge  Co.,  and  lived  there  about  two  years; 
then  sold  out,  and  bought  400  acres  of  land  in  Courtland,  Columbia  Cn.,  when  there  were  but  few  families 
in  the  town;  here  he  resided  till  his  death,  which  occurred  Nov.  24,  1878,  of  pneumonia;  although 
nearly  90  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death,  Mr.  Chestnut  had  the  appearance  of  a  man  of  60,  his  furni 
erect,  and  his  mind  as  active  as  ever;  he  retained  all  his  faculties  till  the  last;  he  was  a  cheerful,  gener.us, 
public-spirited  man,  taking  a  lively  interest  in  politics  and  everything  pertaining  to  the  general  welfare  of 
mankind.  Was  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  a  Republican ;  in  Ireland,  he  was  in  the  coast 
trade,  and  owned  a  stock-farm  of  about  1,500  acres  ;  when  young,  he  was  in  the  P^nglish  army,  belonging 
to  the  cavalry  branch  of  the  service,  and  his  old  English  sword  is  still  kept  in  the  family;  he  had  a  remark- 
able business  talent,  but  never  became  a  first-class  farmer ;  could  scarcely  manage  a  team  when  harnessed, 
but  was  at  home  in  the  saddle,  and,  when  70  years  of  age,  could  place  his  hands  on  the  back  of  a  horse 
and  jump  into  the  saddle  with  ease.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chestnut  have  had  eight  children,  five  of  whom  are 
living— John  T.  lives  in  California  ;  Alexander  P.  and  Mrs.  James  Lang  live  in  Cambria,  Wis.;  Wm.  S. 
and  Anna  Maria  living  on  the  homestead  with  their  mother,  on  Sec.  3  ;   P.  0.  Randolph. 

JOHN.  W.  DAVIS,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Merionethshire,  North 
Wales,  Dec.  30,  1842;  son  ofWm.  Davis,  who  came  to  America  in  1851  ;  lived  in  Green  Lake  Co.  about 
a  year,  and  then  removed  to  Springvale,  Columbia  Co.;  he  is  now  living  with  his  son  (the  subject  of  this 
sketch) ;  his  mother,  Eleanor  (Jones)  Davis,  died  in  May,  1871,  in  Springvale;  John  W.  went  to  Colorado 
in  the  spring  of  1868,  and  followed  mining  and  teaming  there  for  three  years,  returning  home  in  1871. 
Nov.  27,  1872,  he  was  married  in  Courtland  to  Eleanor  Hughes,  daughter  of  Hugh  R.  Hughes,  the  pres- 
ent Treasurer  of  Courtland,  who  came  from  the  same  place  as  Mr.  Davis,  in  1851.  Mr.  Davis  has  three 
children— Maggie  Ellen,  born  Sept.  23,  1873;  Wm.  Centennial,  born  Oct.  18,  1876,  and  Mary,  born 
March  18,  1880.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  held  the  office  of  School  District  Treasurer.  Both  are 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JOHN  W.  DAVIS,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  in  Denbighshire,  North 
Wales  ;  came  to  America  in  1848,  and  lived  seven  years  in  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.;  then,  in  1855,  came 
to  Wisconsin,  and  has  lived  in  the  town  of  Courtland  most  of  the  time  since.  Was  married  in  St. 
Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1849,  to  Phebe  Humphrey,  from  the  same  place  he  was;  has  five  children — Wm. 
J.,  born  Feb.  15,  1851  ;  Catharine  J.,  Feb.  54,  1853;  Mary  Ann,  Oct.  26,  1861  ;  Margeret  Ellen,  Aug. 
15,  1865,  and  Hannah  Pilizibeth,  Nov.  24,  1870.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  both  are  members  of  the 
Congregational  Church.  Mrs.  Davis'  mother,  Mrs.  Ann  Humphrey,  is  now  living  with  them  ;  she  is  in 
her  72d  year. 

THOMAS  A.  DAVIS,  black.smith,  Cambria ;  was  born  March  19,  1842,  in  South  Wales  ; 
son  of  Thomas  Davis,  who  went  to  North  Wales  when  Thomas,  Jr.,  was  only  1  year  old  ;  when  18  years 
of  age,  Thomas  went  to  learn  the  blacksmith's  trade,  of  his  cousin,  John  Jones,  and  worked  in  Wales  and 
Liverpool,  and  Chester,  England,  till  the  spring  of  1877  ;  he  then  came  to  America,  settled  in  Cambria 
and  has  carried  on  business  here  since  in  partnership  with  his  brother,  Edwin  Davis  ;  shop  is  on  the 
south  side  of  Main  street,  just  west  of  the  Cambria  House.  Was  married,  Oct.  18,  1871,  in  Portage,  to 
Jane  Jones,  daughter  of  Robert  M.  Jones,  a  native  of  North  Wales,  and  now  living  on  a  farm  in  Court- 
laad  ;  have  three  boys — Robert  Thomas,  Elmer  and  Edgar  ;  lost  one  girl — Winnefred,  died  at  the  age  of 
1 J  years.     Mrs.  Davis  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican. 

THOMAS  W.  DAVIS,  farmer.  Sec.  13  ;  P.  0.  Randolph;  born  May  14,  1830,  in  Carnar- 
von.shire.  North  Wales;  son  of  Wm.  Davis;  he  came  to  America  in  1853,  and  settled  in  Utica,  N.  Y., 
where  he  lived  four  years.     Was  married  there,  June  17,  1856,  to  Mary,  daughter  of  Humphrey  Rees,  a 


1024  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

uiuive  of  iVIontL'Oineijsliiiv,  X.  rlh  Wulcs ;  she  was  born  April  22,  1820  ;  in  the  spring  of  1857,  he  went 
to  Dubu((ue,  Iowa  ;  lived  there  till  fall,  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  Cambria,  where  he  worked 
at  stone-cutting  five  years  ;  then  worked  a  farm  on  shaies  two  years,  near  Columbus,  and  in  the  spring  of 
1SG5,  removed  to  his  present  location,  where  he  has  KJij  acres  of  land;  has  eight  children — David,  John 
D.,  Elizabeth,  Rachel  E.,  Mary.  Nellie,  William  and  Th  .mas.  all  b^rn  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  except 
David,  who  was  born  in  Utiea.  X.  Y.;  they  are  all  living  at  home  with  their  parents.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Davis  and  six  of  the  older  children  are  members  of  tlu'  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  ;  he  once  held  the 
oflBce  of  Clerk  of  the  School  District,  and  is  a  Republican.  The  name  of  the  farm  on  which  he  was  born 
in  ^^'ales  was  'C'edrun." 

HLI91PHKEY  O.  EVAXS  (deceased);  was  born  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  May  3, 
1815  ;  son  of  Owen  Evans;  his  mother's  maiden  name  was  Elizabeth  Jones;  came  to  America  in  1849, 
landing  in  New  York  June  12  ;  came  direct  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  a  few  months  in  Marcjuette  ;  then 
came  (o  the  town  of  Courtlnd,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1851,  bought  the  farm  on  Sec.  16,  where  he  resided  till 
his  death,  March  (J,  18G9,  of  typhoid  pneumonia.  He  had  been  a  member  of  the  Welsh  Methodist 
Church  29  years.  He  was  married,  Jan.  8,  184 1,  in  Wales,  to  Bridget,  daughter  of  Evan  Robert  Evans; 
her  mother's  maiden  name  was  Jane  Evans ;  left  ten  children  living — Owen  H.,  lives  in  Cambria  ;  Jane 
A.,  is  now  Mrs.  Hugh  Lewis,  of  Washinaton.  D.  C.;  Bridget  H.,  Evan  R.;  Lizzie  A.,  now  Mrs.  John 
Keteham,  of  the  town  of  Courtland;  Ellen  A.,  Margaret  E.,  Mary  Jane,  Annie  J.  and  Martha  Ellen  ; 
they  lost  one  sou — Richard,  died  in  1842,  in  infancy  ;  four  of  these — Evan  R.,  Mary  Jane,  Annie  J.  and 
Maltha  Ellen — are  living  on  the  hnmestead  with  their  mother.     P.  0.  Cambria. 

REV.  REES  EVAXS,  See.  6;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  Oct.  24,  1817;  in  Cardigan- 
.shire,  South  Wales  ;  sou  of  Roderick  and  Catherine  (Jones)  Evans  ;  Mr.  Evans  spent  his  early  life  on 
his  father's  farm,  except  when  at  school,  till  he  was  24  years  of  age;  in  the  fall  of  1842,  he  came  to 
America  and  settled  in  Racine,  Wis.;  he  spent  the  first  few  years  of  his  residence  there  in  the  mercan- 
tile business,  in  the  hardware  line;  in  the  fall  of  1848,  he  entered  the  ministry  in  the  Welsh  Calvinistic 
Methodist  Church,  but  was  not  ordained  till  October,  1852  ;  he  removed  to  Chicago  in  185H,  and  for  four 
years  w.-is  Pastor  of  the  only  Welsh  church  in  that  city  ;  he  then  accepted  a  call  from  the  Welsh  Church 
of  Cambria,  and  remained  with  them  till  July.  1879,  being  their  first  and  only  Pastor  up  to  that  time; 
he  then  resigned,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  Europe,  but,  on  account  of  sickness  in  his  family,  postponed 
the  trip.  Mr.  Evans  was  married,  in  October.  1843,  to  Elizabeth  Jones,  daughter  of  Owen  and  Eleanor 
Jones,  who  came  from  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  in  1842,  when  she  was  about  20  years  of  age;  have 
had  seven  children  in  all  five  of  whom  are  still  living — Mary  J.,  Nellie,  Katie  (now  Mrs.  Richard  D. 
Jones),  of  Courtland,  Lizzie  and  Maggie;  have  lost  two  boys — Robert,  died  in  1852,  aged  1  year,  and 
Roderick,  who  died  in  August,  1847,  at  Yirginia  City,  Nov.,  aged  32  years,  leaving  a  wife  to  whom  he  had 
been  married  only  (me  year  ;  her  maiden  name  was  Jennie  Evans.  The  daughters  are  all  living  at  liome, 
except  the  one  married. 

€OKRAI>  ElTHRlN<i}.  farmer.  Sec.  14  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  was  born  July  28, 1808,  in  West- 
phalia, Prussia,  village  of  Bovnenburg;  came  to  America  in  the  summer  of  185ti,  and  settled  on  the  farm 
h"  now  owns,  and  where  he  has  since  resided  ;  has  80  acres  of  land,  worth  about  §2,000.  Was  married  in 
1836,  in  Prussia,  to  Gertrude  Puska,  who  was  born  same  place  as  her  husband.  May  14,  1811  ;  daughter 
of  Conrad  Ruska  ;  have  five  children — Margaret  (now  Mrs.  Jacob  Heidtj,  of  Los  Angeles,  Cal.;  Anton 
lives  in  Humboldt  Co.,  C'll.;  Bcrndina  (now  Mrs.  Fred  Bickelhaupt),  of  the  town  of  Ranc'olph,  Colum- 
bia Co.;  Joseph,  living  on  the  homestead  with  his  parents,  and  Helen  (now  Mrs.  August  BischoflF).  of 
Portage  Cu.,  Wis.:  have  lost  four — Ludwig,  Caroline,  John  and  Sophia.     Catholics  ;   Republican. 

JOHN  a'.  GII^9I0RE,  farmer.  Sec.  4  ;  P.  O.  Randolph  ;  born  in  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y., 
March  3,  1817  ;  was  married  in  1840,  in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Rachel  Livingston,  who  was  born  March 
12,  1823,  in  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.;  daughter  of  Daniel  Livingston.  Mr.  Gilmore  came  West  with  his 
family  in  the  fall  of  1843,  and  lived  in  Waukesha  Co.  till  1847,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  has 
lived  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ever  since;  has  154  acres  of  land,  valued  at  about  $6,000.  Has  five  chil- 
dren— Abram  L.,  lives  in  Randolph  Village  ;  Hiram,  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  Jane  (now  Mrs.  Hiram 
Willard),  of  Courtland  ;  Alice  ( now  Mrs.  Charles  Toby),  living  on  the  homestead,  and  Charles  Henry, 
at  home  with  his  parents.  Members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  Republican.  Mr.  Gilmore  was  one  of  the 
earliest  settlers  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  there  being  only  about  a  dozen  families  in  the  town  when  he 
came. 

NATHAN  <]rRIFFIN  (deceased),  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  the  town  of  Courtland,  was 
born  in  November,  1788,  in  East  Haddam,  Conn.;  son  of  John  and  Huldah  Griffin.  He  was  married 
Nov.  17,  1813,  in  his  native  town,  to  Sarah  B.  Gallup,  who  was  born  Feb.  6,  1794,  in  New  London  Co., 


TOWN    OF    C'OURTLAND.  1025 

Conn.,  daughter  of  Capt.  Gardner  Gallup.  Mr.  GriflBn  came  to  Wi-sconsio  in  1845,  and  settled  in  what 
is  now  the  town  of  Courtland,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  which  occurred  Aug.  28,  18(5(t,  leaving  ten 
children  living  at  the  time  of  his  death — John  Gardner,  Sarah  Ann,  Edwin  B.,  Betsey  B.,  He'nry  C, 
Albert  N.,  Carlos,  Phebe  S.,  Wallace  F.,  George  C.  and  Theodore.  Mr.  Griffin  was  one  of  the  first  Com- 
missioners of  Columbia  Co.,  and  was  Supervisor  and  Chairman  of  his  town  ;  was  a  Major  in  an  enlisted 
military  company  in  Connecticut  and  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  for  which  his  widow  now  receives  a 
pension.  John  G.  Griffin  was  born  Oct.  30,  1815,  in  East  Haddam,  Conn.;  was  married  March  27,  1841, 
to  Ursula  Mack,  who  was  born  Oct.  15,  1824  ;  he  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1857,  and  now  resides  on  the  farm 
formerly  owned  by  his  father  ;  his  mother,  at  the  age  of  86,  is  now  living  with  him.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  Assembly  in  the  Legislature  of  1876,  in  Wisconsin,  and  was  once  a  candidate  for  the  same  office  in 
Connecticut,  on  the  Free-soil  ticket ;  has  also  been  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  Connecticut.  He  has  three 
children — Kate,  Jane  and  Edith ;  Kate  was  born  in  Connecticut,  on  the  same  farm  where  her  fiither, 
grandfather  and  great-grandfather  were  born.  He  has  320  acres  of  land  ;  is  a  Republican  ;  both  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Church. 

ALiLE]V  GOULiD  (^deceased);  was  born  Dec.  12,  1825,  in  the  town  of  Clayton,  St  Law- 
rence Co.,  N.  Y.;  .son  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth  Gould.  He  was  first  married,  Oct.  27,  1847,  to  Jane  Lee, 
who  died  Dec  4,  1849,  aged  22,  leaving  one  child,  Henrietta,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Thomas  C.  Kune,  of  Wau- 
kefha  Co.,  Wis.  He  was  married  the  second  time,  Nov.  25,  1852,  to  Mrs.  Alma  Sheffer,  daughter  of 
Hiram  and  Betsy  Channel ;  she  was  born  April  2.  1825,  in  Richland  Co.,  Ohio,  and  was  married  Oct.  5, 
1843,  to  Henry  Shefler,  who  died  Ju]y  12,  1857,  aged  32,  leaving  one  daughter,  Samantha  (now  Mrs. 
Geurge  M.  Bennett),  of  the  town  of  Courtland.  Mr.  Gould  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  mother  and  step- 
father, James  Bennett,  who  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  in  July,  1847  ;  in  the  tall  of  1855,  he  went 
on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  his  widow  and  son,  Charles  W.,  on  Sees.  13  and  14,  and  resided  there  till 
his  death,  which  occurred  April  11,  1863,  of  smallpox;  ho  left  four  children  by  the  second  marriage^ 
Charles  W.,  who  was  born  Sept.  5,  1854,  and  married  Jan.  27,  1879,  to  Anna  L.  Link,  born  March  17, 
1855,  living  on  the  homestead  ;  Mary  M.  (now  Mrs.  W.  J.  Chapman),  of  Davidson  Co.,  Dakota;  Frank 
Herbert,  died  April  22,  1863,  aged  nearly  2  years,  and  Jennie  Luella,  the  28th  of  the  same  month,  aged 
11  years,  both  of  smallpox;  William  Henry  died  Sept.  3,  1853,  in  infancy.  Mr.  Gould  had  been  an 
active  member  of  the  Methodist  Church  since  1850,  and  had  been  Steward  a  number  of  years;  was  for 
a  long  time  Sabbath -school  Superintendent,  and  took  a  lively  interest  in  all  educational  matters.  He  lived 
a  consistent  Christian  life,  and  enjoyed  the  full  confidence  of  his  neighbors  and  associates.  The  homestead 
consists  of  100  acres  of  land,  occupied  by  Charles  W.  and  his  mother;   P.  0.  Randolph. 

G.  ii.  HOPKINS,  farmer.  Sec.  23  ;  P.  O.  Randolph  ;  born  Jan.  29,  1821,  in  Wind.sor  Co.,  Vt. 
Was  married,  Dec.  3,  1843,  to  Alzina  M,  Boyden,  who  was  born  Jan.  13,  1818,  in  Porafret,  Vt., 
daughter  of  Otis  Boyden.  Mr.  Hopkins  learned  the  carpenter's  trade  before  he  attained  his  majority,  and 
worked  at  it  about  twenty  years  in  Vermont;  came  to  VVisconsin  in  1862;  located  on  the  farm  he  now 
owns,  and  has  followed  farming  ever  since  ;  has  140  acres  of  land,  with  good  buildings  and  well  stocked. 
Has  two  children— Squire  E.  (who  married  Mary  Bergman,  of  Galena,  111.,  and  now  lives  in  Wichita, 
Kan.),  and  Alphon  W.  (who  married  Flora  Beebe,  of  Courtland,  and  lives  on  the  homestead).  Republi- 
can, first,  last  and  all  the  time. 

J  AlflES  I.  HOPKIIVS,  farmer.  Sec.  29 ;  P.  0.  Cambria ;  was  born  in  Gloucestershire, 
England,  i^ov.  12,  1843  ;  his  father,  Thomas  0.  Hopkins,  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1851,  and  his 
family  came  the  next  fall ;  they  came  direct  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  lived  in  the  town  of  Scott  one 
winter;  then  in  Randolph  two  or  three  years;  then  two  years  in  Courtland,  and  back  to  Scott  two  years, 
and  three  years  in  Springvale  ;  in  1861,  c^ime  to  the  town  of  Courtland,  and  has  lived  there  since.  James 
I.  was  married  March  9,  1871,  to  Anna  Cornfoid,  who  was  born  Jan.  9,  1850,  in  Columbia  Co.,  daughter 
of  John  and  Mary  Ann  Cornford,  natives  of  England,  who  came  to  America  in  1840.  Mr.  Hopkins  has 
three  children — James  Eugene,  Robert  Nel.son  and  Henrietta.      He  has  80  acres  of  land  ;  is  a  Republican. 

THOMAS  O.  HOPKIIVS,  farmer.  Sec.  32  ;  P.  0.  Cambria ;  was  a  son  of  William  and  Ann 
Hopkins,  natives  of  England,  who  had  been  staying  a  short  time  in  Wales,  and  he.  was  born  at  a  hotel  in 
Wales,  while  on  their  return  trip  to  England  ;  his  parents  were  born  and  lived  in  Wiltshire,  and  he  was 
christened  in  Lee  Church.  Was  married  in  Brinkworth  Church  in  March,  1842,  to  Ann  Collingborn, 
who  was  born  Nov.  18,  1818,  in  the  parish  of  Brinkworth,  in  Wiltshire,  England,  daughter  of  Isaac  Col- 
lingborn ;  her  mother's  name  was  Mary  (Dyer)  Clark.  Mr.  Hopkins  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of 
1851,  and  his  family  came  the  next  foil,  and  has  lived  in  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  ever  since.  Have  eight 
children,  of  whom  four,  viz.,  William  Thomas,  James  Isaac,  John  Nathaniel  and  Thomas  Cornelius,  were 
born  in  Edgeworth,  Gloucestershire,  England  ;  Mary  Elizabeth  (now  Mrs.  Wm.  R.  Jones,  of  CourtlandJ, 


1026  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

was  born  in  Brinkworth,  England,  soon  after  her  father  came  to  America ;  Ann  P.  (now  Mrs.  Ennis  Huff, 
of  Courtland  I  and  Robert  Caleb  were  born  in  Randolph,  Wis.;  and  Leonard  Washington,  born  in  Spring- 
vale,  Wis.,  and  named  Washington  after  the  vessel  in  which  his  father  came  to  America;  lost  three  chil- 
dren, one  in  England  and  two  in  America^ all  died  in  infancy  ;  John  N.  and  Robert  C.  went  to  England 
in  December,  1876;  Robert  came  back  in  Ma}-,  1877,  and  John  the  next  August.  Mr.  Hopkins  was  a 
'•master  farmer"  in  England  and  in  good  circumstances,  but  lost  his  property  by  a  dry  summer  and  a 
distemper  that  carried  off  bis  stock,  and  when  he  arrived  in  Wisconsin  had  but  four  dollars  and  fifty  cents 
left ;  he  now  owns  592  acres  of  good  farm  land,  which,  with  the  stock,  is  worth  from  810,000  to  $12,000 ; 
when  he  first  came  to  America,  he  thought  it  a  disgrace  to  work  on  the  highway,  as  none  but  paupers  did 
that  kind  of  work  in  England,  but  became  reconciled  to  it  when  he  learned  it  was  the  custom  here.  His 
family  came  over  on  the  Queen  of  the  West,  he  came  on  the  Washington,  both  American  vessels;  the 
Washington  bad  1 ,010  passengers  on  board  when  she  left  Liverpool ;  had  three  deaths  and  three  births  on  the 
passage,  and  was  .si.x  weeks  and  two  days  making  the  trip  to  New  York.      Mr.  Hopkins  is  a  Republican. 

DAVID  G.  HOWELLS,  farmer,  Sec.  19;  P.O.  Cambria;  born  Feb.  15,  1820,  in  Mont- 
gomeryshire, North  Wales  ;  came  to  America  in  1845,  and  lived  near  Utiea,  N.  Y.,  a  couple  of  months, 
then  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  and  settled  in  Columbus,  lived  there  two  years,  then  one  year  in  Dodge- 
ville,  Iowa  Co.,  wh^rc  he  was  married,  Sept.  17,  1848,  to  Margaret  Owens,  a  native  of  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales,  daughter  of  Owen  Owens,  who  came  to  America  in  1846,  and  settled  in  Springvale.  Imme- 
diately after  marriage  Mr.  Howells  returned  to  Columbus,  lived  there  six  months,  then  came  to  Columbia. 
Co.  and  lived  in  Springvale  four  years.  In  the  spring  of  1852,  he  came  to  Courtland,  where  he  has  since 
resided;  has  eight  cbildren — Kate  (now  Mrs.  Hugh  Owens,  of  Springvale )  ;  Griffith  D.,  Robert  R,. 
David  R.,  John  R.,  Ben  R  ,  Jennie  W. and  Maggie  Ellen  (all  living  at  home  except  Kate  and  Robert,  who 
live  in  Minneapolis.)  Both  are  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  of  which  he  has  been  a 
Deacon  eight  vears.     He  has  410  acres  of  land  in  his  farm  ;  he  is  a  Republican. 

MILO'HrFF,  farmer.  Sec.  23  ;  P.  0.  Randolph;  born  June  2,  1821,  in  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y.: 
son  of  Richard  and  Hannah  Huff;  he  spent  his  early  life  on  his  father's  farm,  and  was  educated  at  the 
district  school,  except  one  term  at  the  Albion  Academy.  At  the  age  of  22,  he  spent  one  winter  in  Can- 
ada, then  back  to  Orleans  Co.,  one  summer  ;  then  to  Michigan  and  Indiana,  then  back  to  New  York  a  few 
months  and  then  to  Illinois ;  in  December,  1846,  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  stayed  a  few  weeks,  in  what  is 
now  the  town  of  Courtland,  then  returned  to  Illinois  and  .spent  one  summer,  and  in  the  fall  of  1847,  again 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  bought  the  land  he  now  owns  and  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  married  Nov. 
15.  1850,  Caroline  M.  Kenfield,  who  was  born  Oct.  13,  1830,  in  Windham  Co.,  Vt.,  daughter  of  Ellas 
and  Susannah  (Streeter)  Kenfield.  Mr.  Huff,  has  four  children — Ennis  E.,  Estella  E.,  Chauneey  Alonzo 
and  Irwin  E.  ( all  at  home  except  Ennis  E.,  who  is  married ).  He  has  a  farm  of  200  acres  ;  has  been  raising 
grain  mostly,  but  is  now  working  into  stock.  The  first  school  in  District  No.  4.  was  taught  in  his  old  log 
house,  and  Elizabeth  Alwood  was  the  teacher.  Mrs.  Hufl'  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  he  is  a 
Republican. 

JAiHES  IN<wIiEHART,  retired  farmer,  Cambria;  was  born  Oct.  16,  18 — ,  in  the  town  of 
Phelps,  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y.,  removed  to  Ohio  in  1835,  and  lived  in  that  State  (most  of  the  time  in  Ashta- 
bula Co.)  till  the  f;ill  of  1845,  then  went  to  Boone  Co.,  111.,  and  in  the  spring  of  1846,  came  to  Wisconsin 
and  settled  in  the  town  of  Scott,  where  he  now  owns  a  160-acre  farm  on  Sec.  12.  He  resided  on  the 
farm  till  December,  1877,  then  came  to  Cambria  and  went  into  business  with  his  son  Alnion,  in  a  grocery 
and  restaurant.  When  he  came  from  Illinois,  he  moved  with  ox  teams  and  was  a  week  on  the  road  ;  there 
was  then  only  one  house  in  what  is  now  Cambria,  and  a  saw-mill  just  started  ;  there  were  only  about  half 
a  dozen  families  in  the  town  of  Scott.  He  was  married,  June  16,  1836.  in  Lake  Co.,  Ohio,  to  Rosina 
Streeter,  a  daughter  of  Truman  Streeter,  a  native  of  Massachusetts;  has  six  children — Clarissa  (now  Mrs. 
William  Bullock,  of  Chickasaw  Co.,  Iowa)  ;  Almon  (living  in  Cambria) ;  Edward  (married  and  living  en 
the  homestead  in  the  town  of  Scottl  ;  Mary,  Almina,  and  Susan  (living  with  parents  in  Cambria).  Mr. 
Inglehart  was  a  son  of  Henry  Inglehart,  whose  father  came  from  Germany,  as  (lovernor  of  the  province  of 
New  Jersey ;  served  through  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was  accompanied  by  his  son  Henry,  during  the 
last  four  years  of  the  war  ;  Henry  was  only  14  years  old  when  the  war  closed  ;  he  was  in  Washington's 
army  most  of  the  time.  Mr.  Inglehart  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  four  years,  Assessor,  three  or  four  years. 
and  has  been  Treasurer  and  Collector;  Republican  in  politics.  Almon  Inglehart  was  born  Aug.  24,  1848, 
in  the  town  of  Scott,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  remained  on  his  fathers  farm  till  21  years  of  age,  then 
went  to  farming  for  himself  which  he  followed  till  the  spring  of  1877  ;  Feb.  1,  1878,  went  into  business 
in  Cambria,  in  restaurant  and  fancy  groceries  ;  was  burned  out  April  26,  1879,  but  rebuilt  in  the  fall  fol- 
lowing, and  in  January,  1880,  took  his  father  (James  Inglehart)  in  with  him  as  a  partner;  their  place  of 


TOWN    OF    COURTLAND. 


1027 


business  is  on  the  south  side  of  Main  street,  in  Cambria.       He  was  married  in   1872,  to  Mary  Lovell,  of 
Marcellon,  daughter  of  Barney  Lovell. 

JOB  A.  JESS  (^deceased)  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  he  was  a 
native  of  Nova  Scotia,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1836  or  '37  ;  lived  in  Walworth  Co.  till  1845,  then  came 
to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  but,  being  unmarried,  spent  a  good  deal  of  his  time 
away,  being  in  California  from  1852  till  1858.  June  8,  1872,  he  was  married  in  Columbus,  Wis.,  to 
Eliza  Goodwin,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Jane  Goodwin,  who  were  among  the  oldest  settlers  of  Dodge  Co. 
After  marriage,  Mr.  Jess  resided  on  his  farm  on  Sec.  11,  till  his  death,  which  occurred  Jan.  7,  1878,  from 
injuries  received  a  few  days  previous,  by  his  team  taking  fright  and  running  away  with  a  load  of  lumber, 
while  he  was  driving  them.  He  was  a  son  of  J.  L.  P.  Jess,  who  came  from  Nova  Scotia  to  Wisconsin  in 
1845,  and  died  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  in  January,  1879,  in  the  93d  year  of  his  age.  Job  Jess  left  a 
widow  and  one  child,  Albert  A.,  born  March  7,  187G.  Mrs.  Jess  occupies  the  homestead,  240  acres.  P. 
0.  Randolph. 

DAVID  D.  JOXES,  merchant,  Cambria;  was  born  July  29,  1836,  in  Cardiganshire,  South 
Wales;  son  of  David  Jones,  of  Waukesha,  Wis.,  who  came  to  America  and  Wisconsin  in  1846,  when 
David  D.  was  only  9  or  10  years  of  a^e,  and  has  lived  in  Waukesha  since  that  time  ;  David  D.  remained 
on  the  farm  with  his  father  till  he  was  20  years  old,  then  went  sailing  on  the  lakes  one  year  ;  in  July, 
1860,  he  came  to  Cambria,  and  engaged  in  buying  wheat,  in  which  bu.siness  he  continued  till  1868,  then 
went  into  the  mercantile  business,  which  he  still  follows.  Was  married  Oct.  22,  1866,  in  Milwaukee,  to 
Miss  Maggie  Roberts,  daughter  of  Rev.  Wm.  E.  Roberts,  now  living  in  the  villasie  of  Randolph  ;  has 
three  children— Minnie,  Willie  D.  and  Kittle  B.  Mrs.  Jones  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Church, 
and  Mr.  Jones  Presbyterian,  and  is  a  Republican. 

EVAN  O.  JONES,  general  agent  for  Minneapolis  Harvester  Works,  Cambria;  was  born  March 
24,  1830,  in  Denbishshire.  Nortii  Wales;  son  of  Richard  Jones,  of  whom  mention  is  made  in  the  biog- 
raphy of  Elias  B.  Williams;  he  was  15  years  of  age  when  his  father  came  to  Cambria,  where  his  early 
life  was  spent ;  in  1852,  he  went  across  the  plains  to  California,  being  three  and  half  months  making  the 
trip  from  the  Missouri  River  to  Sacramento  ;  he  spent  about  two  years  in  the  mine.s  then  clerked  a  short 
time,  and  finally  went  into  business  for  himself,  keeping  a  general  store  till  the  spring  of  1856  ;  he  then 
came  home  and  engaged  in  selling  lumber  and  farm  machinery,  which  he  continued  about  ten  years;  the 
next  ten  years  he  spent  in  several  different  kinds  of  business,  fiirming  included,  and  for  the  last  four  years 
has  been  traveling  as  general  assent  for  farm  machinery.  Was  married  in  January,  1857,  to  Mary  Ann 
Roberts,  daughter  of  Robert  ap^Roberts,  a  native  of  Denbighshire,  North  Wales;  has  three  children — 
Richard  E.  6.,  Sarah  A.  and  Mary  R.  Has  held  the  office  of  Chairman  of  Supervisors  and  Clerk  of  the 
Town  several  years,  was  President  of  the  village  five  years,  and  has  been  Village  Clerk,  Justice  of  the 
Peace  and  Police  Justice;  was  a  member  of  the  Assembly  in  1866-67,  and  of  the  Senate  in  1873-74  ; 
he  drafted  the  village  charter  of  Cambria,  and  introduced  it  in  the  Assembly  of  1866,  and  was  the  first 
President  of  the  villase.  In  politics,  is  Republican.  Mrs.  Jones  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church ; 
Mr.  Jones  has  one  sister  in  Cambria,  Mrs.  E.  B.  Williams;  has  had  four  brothers,  of  whom  three  are 
living— John  R.,  in  town  of  Cumberland  ;  Daniel  R.,  is  an  architect  in  Madison,  Wis.,  and  Owen  E.,  iu 
Minneapolis  ;   Wm.  R.  died  in  Neenah,  Wis. 

GRIFFITH  S.  JONES,  farmer.  Sec.  2  ;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  in  Anglesey,  Wales,  in 
the  village  of  Llanerch-y-medd  ;  came  to  America  in  1858,  from  Liverpool,  England,  where  he  had  resided 
for  twenty-four  years  ;  arrived  in  New  York  May  24,  and  came  direct  to  Wisconsin  ;  lived  first  in  Spring- 
vale,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  and  in  the  fall  of  1860  removed  to  Courtland,  Columbia  Co.,  where  he  still  resides. 
Was  married,  Jan.  28,  1842.  in  Liverpool.  England,  to  Jane  Williams,  who  was  born  May  6,  1810,  in  the 
same  county  as  her  husband  in  the  parish  of  B.idedeyrn,  daughter  of  Joseph  Williams.  xMr.  and  Mrs. 
Jones  have  five  children — Joseph  S.,  born  in  Liverpool,  England,  now  lives  in  Milwaukee,  Wis.;  Jane  S., 
now  Mrs.  Richard  Griffiths,  of  Randolph  ;  Samuel,  Griffith  and  William  S.;  the  last  four  born  in  Birken- 
head, Cheshire,  England  ;  Griffith  is  married  and  lives  in  Randolph  Village  ;  Samuel  and  Wm.  S.  on 
the  homestead  with  parents  ;  in  1878,  Wm.  S.  took  a  trip  to  Europe,  leaving  New  York  Sept.  26,  arrived 
in  Liverpool  Oct.  5,  spent  the  winter  in  traveling  through  England  and  Wales,  left  Liverpool  for  home 
May  20,  1879,  and  arrived  in  New  York  May  30.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Con- 
gregational Church.     Mr.  Jones  and  all  his  sons  are  Republicans. 

^  JOHN  D.  JONES,  farmer,  Cambria;  was  born  Sept.  7,  1836,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North 
Wales,  near  Conwery  ;  son  of  David  Jones  (whose  father's  name  was  John  Rowlands) ;  his  father  died 
when  he  was  only  7  or  8  years  of  age,  and  his  mother  (Sydnah  Jones")  came  to  America  with  her  three 
children  in  1848,  and  soon  after  she  came,  settled   in  Springvale,  Columbia   Co.,  Wis.;  she  is  now  living 


1028  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

with  hor  son  John  D.,  at  the  advanced  age  of  "8  years,  and  in  good  health  ;  her  daughter  Catharine  died 
Dec.  G,  1861,  in  Sprinjrvale,  aged  23;  and  David  died  Jan.  20,  1866,  aged  31.  John  D.  was  married 
July  2,  1878,  in  Cambria,  lo  Mary  Bree.se,  daughter  of  Edward  Breese,  and  sister  of  Lieut.  Breese,  Ex- 
Secretary  of  State;  has  one  child — David  Breese,  born  Oct.  5,  1S79  (and  named  March  17,  1S80,  while 
this  biography  was  being  written  up).  Mr.  Jones  held  the  oflBces  of  Treasurer,  Side  Supervisor  and 
Chairman  of  the  town  of  Springvale.  Has  a  16(l-acre  farm  in  Springvale,  on  Sec.  27  ;  160  acres  in  the 
the  town  of  Arlington,  Sec.  10,  and  120  acres  in  Macon  Co.,  Mo.  Both  are  members  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Church,  and  he  is  a  Rejiubliean. 

•fOHN  AP  JOXES,  farmer  and  p-rain  dealer,  Cambria  ;  residence  and  farm  on  Sec.  5;  was 
born  Oct.  15.  1822,  in  Merionethshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  John  Daniel  Jones;  he  came  to  America  in 
1846,  and  arrived  in  Racine  about  the  1st  of  September ;  was  in  the  mercantile  business  there  two  years  ; 
he  then  returned  to  Wales,  being  gone  about  a  year  ;  in  the  fall  of  1 849,  went  into  the  mercantile  business 
in  Cambria  (then  called  Florence!,  continued  in  that  about  a  year,  then  went  into  the  milling  business, 
and,  since  1860,  has  been  engaged  in  buyin.'  grain,  stock,  &c.  Was  married  in  1849,  in  the  town  of 
Springvale,  to  Miss  Ellen  Evans,  daughter  of  Robert  Evans,  who  died  in  Wales  ;  her  mother  died  in 
Cambria.  Mr.  Jones  ha.s  six  children — Robert  E.  (in  company  with  his  father  in  the  grain  business); 
John  D.  (buying  wheat  in  Randolph);  Richard  ap  (at  home);  Mary,  Susan  and  Ellen;  has  lost  four — 
John  died  when  1  ■<  years  old  ;  Jane  died  same  age;  David  died  at  the  a'.ie  of  13,  and  one  die!  in  infancy. 
Mrs.  Jones  is  a  Calvinistic  Methodist,  and  he  is  a  Presbyterian  and  Republican. 

ROBERT  J.  JOIVE)^,  firmer.  Sec.  15  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  born  in  North  Wales  in  1820; 
came  to  Ameiica  in  1849  and  settled  in  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.;  lived  there  until  1859,  then  came  to  Wisconsin, 
and  .settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  where  he  his  since  resided.  Was  married,  Oct.  10,  1862,  to  Ann 
Hughe.s,  who  was  born  in  1834,  in  Wales  ;  daughter  of  Charles  and  Barbara  Hughes.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jones  have  five  children — ^Barbara,  John,  (!harles.  Margaret  and  Robert,  all  living  with  parents.  Has  80 
acres  of  land,  and  in  polities,  Independent. 

RI<JHARI>  O.  JOXE^J,  jfl.  D.,  Cambria;  was  born  July  14,  1850.  in  the  town  of 
Springvale,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  son  of  Owen  G.  and  Ann  (Roberts)  Jones,  natives  of  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales.  Tiie  name  of  his  farm  in  Wales  and  Springvale  is  "  Hendref."  Richard  read  medicine 
with  Dr.  O.  W.  Blanehard,  of  Delavan,  Wis.,  after  being  in  the  drug  business  in  Cambria  for  six  years 
as  clerk  in  the  store  of  his  brother  Griffith  0.  Jones ;  was  a'so  clerk  in  the  store  of  Dr.  G.  W.  Brigg's  in 
Delavan,  for  about  a  year  and  a  half;  he  then  went  inti  the  drug  business  on  his  own  account  in  Dodge- 
ville,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  in  company  with  James  Roberts,  firm  name  "  Roberts  &  Jones  ;"  also  practiced 
there  about  two  years;  he  then  attended  Ann  Arbor  University,  Mich  ,  one  full  term,  and  went  from  there 
to  the  Cincinnati  College  of  Medicine  and  Surgery,  and  graduated  June  19,  1876,  and  commenced  practice 
at  Cambria  the  July  following,  where  he  still  continues.  Dr.  Jones  has  been  awarded  prizes  by  the 
"  Eisteddfod,"  (a  Welsh  literary  society),  for  the  following  poems:  "  Paul  in  the  presence  of  Agrippa." 
"  Solomon,"  ■•  Destruction  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah."  and  several  other  poems;  his  nom  de  plume  is 
'•  Elewinfard, "  which  is  the  Welsh  fir  "Western  Poet." 

WIIjlilAlI  AP  JOXES,  depot  agent,  telegraph  operator  and  express  agent,  Cambria,  and 
a  member  of  the  firm  of  "  \Villiams  &,  Jones,"  who  own  the  only  grist-mill  in  Cambria;  was  born  in 
Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  June  26,  1833,  son  of  Rev.  William  J.  Jones,  who  came  to  America  in 
1845,  and  lived  in  the  State  of  New  York,  near  Utioa,  one  year  :  in  the  fall  of  1846  he  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  located  on  Government  land,  on  what  is  now  the  town  of  Courtland;  has  360  acres  in  his  farm, 
which  he  has  owned  thirty-four  years,  and  never  had  a  mortgage  on  it;  he  is  now  living  on  the  farm  at 
the  age  of  79,  and  his  wife  74,  both  in  good  health.  William  ap  Jones  remained  on  the  farm  with  his 
parents  till  his  marriage,  which  took  place  Jan.  31,  1862,  in  Cambria,  to  Miss  Ann  Williams,  daughter  of 
Gabriel  and  Jane  Williams,  old  residents  of  Cambria;  has  two  children  living — John  D.  and  Willie  G.  ; 
has  lost  two  (twins'),  died  in  infancy.  Afier  marriage,  he  worked  one  year,  buying  wheat  for  John  ap 
Jones,  and  since  that  time  (for  .seventeen  years),  has  been  ticket  agent  at  Cambria  for  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee &  St.  Paul  Railroad  Co.  Republican,  and  himself  and  wife  both  members  of  the  Calvinistic 
Methodist  Church. 

REV.  \VILL.IA:!I  J.  JOi\E8  (Snowden)  farmer  and  preacher.  Sec.  19,  P.  0.  Cambria; 
was  born  Aug.  15,  1801,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  in  the  parish  of  Dalyddelen,  son  of  John  and 
Ellen  Jones ;  worked  at  farming  some  when  young,  was  foreman  in  a  quarry  for  some  time  and  was  in  the 
mercantile  business  twelve  years  in  Wales.  He  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  lived  in  Rome, 
N  Y.,  till  July,  1846;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  on  the  farm  he  now  occupies;  he  has  been  in 
the  ministry  in  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  for  fifty-five  years,  and  has  preached  regularly  during 


TOWN    OF    COUKTLAND.  1029 

that  time,  in  addition  to  his  other  business;  still  preaches  in  Welsh,  as  he  has  never  learned  the  English 
language.  He  is  cmo  of  the  four  brothers  mentioned  in  the  biography  of  Elias  B.  Williams  ;  has  preached 
in  Courtland  ever  since  he  settled  here,  and  held  meetings  in  his  own  house  till  1860,  when  Carmel  Church 
was  built  on  his  land.  He  was  married  in  Wales,  Dec.  24,  1827,  to  Ann  Griffith,  of  Carnarvonshire; 
have  had  eight  children,  of  whom  three  only  are  now  living — William  ap  (whose  biography  is  given  in 
another  place),  Ellen,  born  Jan.  7,  1838  (living  with  her  parents),  and  Richard  D.,  who  was  born  Jan.  25. 
3852,  on  the  homestead  where  he  now  lives;  was  married  May  2,  1878,  to  Kate  B.  Evar;s,  daughter  of 
Rev.  Rees  Evans  of  Columbia  (see  his  biography) ;  had  one  child,  born  March  21,  1879,  and  died  March 
3,  1880  (not  named).  Both  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican.  Will- 
iam J.  Jones  has  lost  five  children  :  John  J.,  was  born  Dec.  25,  1828  ;  he  enlisted  at  Fulton,  111.,  in  the 
46th  111.  V.  I.,  and  went  tut  as  Colonel  of  the  regiment;  was  in  the  service  fcur  and  a  half  years,  and 
when  the  war  clofjed  was  a  Brigadier  General  ;  he  died  in  Chicago  Feb.  13,  1868  ;  Ellis  Fj.  was  born  Jan. 
13,  1831,  and  died  March  11.  1865  ;  Jane  was  born  Nov.  28,  1841,  and  died  Sept.  10,  1869  ;  Ann  wi.s 
born  July  3,  1835  and  died  March  2,  1855  ;  Mary  M.  was  born  May  6,  1847,  and  died  in  Wales,  Aug. 
15,  1872  ;  all  the  children  were  born  in  Wales,  except  the  two  youngest.  Mr.  Jones  has  365  acres  of  land 
and  is  a  Republican.  His  brother  John  Jones  (Tal-y-sarn )  was  considered  the  most  eloquent  pulpit 
orator  in  Wales,  and  is  known  wherever  the  Welsh  language  is  spoken  ;  another  brother,  David  Jones, 
(Carnarvon)  was  also  a  celebrated  preacher,  and  widely  known  ;  both  died  in  Wales. 

WILLIAM  R.  JONES,  ftrmer.  Sec.  32;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  Jan.  20,  1844,  [n 
North  Wales;  son  of  Robert  and  Martha  Jones,  who  came  to  America  when  he  was  only  6  years  old  ; 
lived  two  years  in  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  his 
mother  died  in  September,  1859,  and  his  father  is  living  with  him  on  the  farm,  which  consists  of  120 
acres  of  land.  Was  married  Nov.  19,  1872,  to  Mary  Hopkins,  who  was  born  in  England,  daughter  of 
Thomas  0.  Hopkins,  who  now  lives  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  has  three  children — Thomas  0.,  Robert 
M.  and  William.     Is  a  Republican. 

JAMES  W.  KELLY,  merchant,  Cambria;  was  born  July  24,  1821,  in  Jeflerson  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
came  West  in  1854  and  lived  in  Du  Page  Co.,  111.,  about  a  year  and  a  half;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and 
settled  in  Cambria  in  the  spring  of  1856  ;  the  next  fall,  he  bought  out  the  general  store  of  Daniel  Post. 
and  has  carried  on  the  business  most  of  the  time  since ;  previous  to  his  moving  here,  he  came  to  Cambria 
(in  1855),  and  bought  40  acres  of  land  on  Sec.  31,  in  Randolph,  adjoining  the  village,  and  platted  about 
30aoresof  it,  which  isknown  as  "  Kelly  s  Addition  to  Cambria."  He  was  appointed  Postmaster  at  Cambria 
in  the  fall  of  1856,  and  held  the  office  until  the  spring  of  1863.  Was  married,  Nov.  5,  1844,  in  Jeff- 
erson Co  ,  N.  Y.,  to  Isabel  Jane  Welch,  who  died  Nov.  4,  1863,  aged  38,  leaving  six  children — Emma 
Jane,  Mary  Ameliji,  Frances  E..  Clark  W.,  Ida  B.  and  Minnie  H.;  had  lost  two — Charles  J.  and  Carrie 
H.  Was  married  second  time  June  17,  1866,  in  Dekorra,  Wis.,  to  Mrs.  Fannie  W.  Irons,  daughter  of 
Luther  Calvin  Eastman,  of  Indiana,  and  widow  of  Francis  W.  Irons,  who  died  March  28,  1863,  in 
Dekorra,  leaving  two  children — Violettie  and  F.  C.  Irons;  have  had  one  child  by  the  second  marriase — 
Maud  S.,  died  Jan.  21,  1870,  aged  4  years.  His  store  is  on  south  side  of  Main  street,  and  he  keeps  a 
general  stock  of  dry  soods,  groceries,  boots  and  shoes,  crockery,  glassware  and  notions.     Is  a  Republican. 

NATHANIEL  KETCHLM,  farmer.  Sec.  20  ;  born  Feb.  18.  1816,  in  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
son  of  James  Ketchum,  who  removed  to  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  he  (Nathaniel)  was  a  boy.  He  was 
married,  Jan.  1,  1845,  to  Jane  Penney,  who  was  born  Jan.  20,  1826,  in  Westmoreland,  England  ;  came  to 
America  with  her  parents  when  5  years  of  age.  Mr.  Ketchum  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1851. 
and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  on  the  farm  he  now  owns  ;  has  five  children,  all  boys,  all  voters,  and 
all  Republicans;  his  eldest  .son,  George,  was  married  to  Edith  Griffin,  Nov.  26,  1874,  and  has  one  child 
living — Roy  Elwood,  and  lost  one  ;  Lena  Alfred  (the  second  son)  was  married  Feb.  27,  1877.  to  Eliza- 
beth Rust,  and  has  one  child — Henry;  John  (the  third  .son)  was  married  Nov,  27,  1878,  to  Lizzie  Evans  ; 
Wellington  and  Orson  Phelps,  both  living  with  their  parents  on  the  homestead,  and  those  married  all  liv- 
ing in  the  town  of  Courtland. 

EVON  W.  LIjOYD,  merchant  and  member  of  the  firm  of  Thomas  &  Lloyd,  Cambria;  was 
born  in  Racine,  Wis.,  Jan.  1,  1844  ;  son  of  John  E.  Lloyd,  a  native  of  Merionethshire,  North  Wales, 
who  came  to  America  in  1841  or  1842,  and  lived  in  Racine  till  1846 ;  then  came  to  Caledonia,  Columbia 
Co.,  and  is  now  living  in  Howard  Co.,  Iowa.  Mr.  Lloyd  remained  on  his  father's  farm  in  Caledonia  till 
1860,  then  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  dry-goods  house  of  N.  H.  Wood  &  Co.,  of  Portage  City,  till  March, 
1865  ;  he  then  went  to  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.,  and  clerked  for  C.  J.  Pettibone  till  the  last  of  August,  when 
he  returned  to  Cambria,  and,  on  the  31st  of  August,  1865,  formed  a  partnership  in  general  merehandisinc, 
with  H.  W.  Thomas,  which  business  connection  he  still  continues.     He  was  married  in  November.  1  865, 


1030  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

in  Bangor,  La  Crosse  Co.,  Wis.,  to  Maggie  Thomas,  daughter  of  William  W.  Thomas,  and  sister  of  his 
partner  in  business;  have  three  children — John  T.,  Willie  W.  and  E.  Omen.  Mr.  Lloyd  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Village  Board  several  years,  and  is  a  Republican.  Both  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvin- 
istic  Church. 

JOHN  J.  LEWIS,  farmer,  Sec.  11  ;  P.  0.  Randolph ;  is  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York  ; 
son  of  John  and  Laura  Lewis,  natives  of  Wales,  who  came  to  Wisconsin,  from  New  York,  when  he  was 
an  infant ;  his  father  died  April  7,  1877  ;  his  mother  is  still  living  in  Randolph  Village.  He  was  married, 
March  13,  1878,  to  Mary  E.  Thomas,  daughter  of  William  E.  Thomas,  who  lives  in  the  town  of  Ran- 
dolph. Mr.  Lewis  lived  in  Dodge  Co.,  near  Watertown,  till  the  summer  of  1876,  then  came  to  Columbia 
Co.;  has  72  acres  of  land  which  he  bought  in  1878  ;  has  one  child — Walter  C.,  born  May  10,  1879. 
Mrs.  Lewis  is  a  member  of  the  Welsh  Methodist  Church. 

JOHN  LLOYD,  farmer.  Sec.  II  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  born  Dec.  14, 1837,  in  Wales;  son  of  Evon 
and  Catherine  (Jones  i  Lloyd  ;  his  father  died  in  Wales  when  he  was  8  years  old,  and  a  year  after,  his  mother, 
with  her  three  children,  John,  Ann  and  Catherine,  came  to  America  and  lived  in  the  State  of  New  York,  near 
Utica,  till  the  spring  of  lS5(i ;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Emmctt,  Dodge  Co., 
where  he  made  it  his  home  till  the  fall  of  1875,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  bought  the  farm  he 
now  owns  in  the  town  of  Courtland  (lliO  acres'l.  where  he  has  since  resided.  Was  married,  in  the  fall  of 
1860,  to  Catherine  Lewis,  daughter  of  John  and  Laura  Lewis,  natives  of  Wales.  In  August,  1862,  he 
enlisted  in  the  29th  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  B,  and  was  in  the  service  three  years,  participating  in  fifteen  or  sixteen 
battles  and  skirmishes,  being  all  in  which  his  regiment  was  engaged  during  that  time,  except  one, 
when  he  was  prevented  by  a  wound  he  had  received  at  the  battle  of  Port  Gibson  ;  was  mustered  out  of 
service  at  Shreveport,  La.,  and  paid  off  at  Madison,  Wis.;  after  his  return  from  the  army,  he  lived  on 
his  farm  in  the  town  of  Clyman,  Dodge  Co.,  till  1875;  was  Supervisor  of  the  Town  and  member  of 
Assembly  in  the  Legislature  of  1875.  Republican,  and  has  nine  children — Ann,  Mary,  John,  Laura, 
Ellen,  Evan,  Esther,  GrifBth  and  Catharine.     Mrs.   Lloyd  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

WILLIAM  LLOYD,  farmer.  Sec.  2;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  was  born  May  5,  1848,  in  Lewis  Co., 
N.  Y.,  son  of  John  and  Sarah  Lloyd,  natives  of  Wales,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1866,  and 
settled  on  Sec.  2,  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  now  living  in  the  village  of  Randolph.  Dec.  15,  1875,  Mr. 
Lloyd  was  married  to  Miss  Lizzie  Roberts,  who  was  born  in  New  York  City,  Aug.  8,  1858,  daughter  of 
Joshua  Roberts,  now  of  Randolph,  Wis.,  and  whose  biography  appears  in  this  work.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lloyd  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Methodist  Church.  He  has  62  acres  of  land  which  he  bought  in  1876. 
Republican. 

RAXSOJI  H.  MEAD,  farmer.  Sec.  29;  P.  0.  Columbia;  was  born  Feb.  14,  1821,  in 
Whitehall,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1846,  to  see  the  aountry,  and  settle 
up  the  estate  of  his  brother,  Henry  Mead,  who  died  in  August,  1845,  which  was  the  first  death  in  the 
town  of  Courtland  ;  was  here  a  few  weeks  and  then  returned  to  the  East :  in  the  fall  of  1848,  he  again 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  has  resided  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ever  since,  and  followed  farming  most  of  the 
time.  Feb.  14,  1865.  he  enlisted  in  the  46th  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  D,  and  remained  in  the  service  till  October 
of  the  same  year.  Was  married,  Feb.  14,  1850,  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  to  Hannah  Conklin,  who  was 
born  Oct.  18,  1828,  in  the  town  of  Conklin,  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Samuel  Conklin  who  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1846,  and  died  in  1863,  in  Courtland.  Mr.  Mead  is  a  Republican  and  has  been  Chairman 
of  the  town  of  Courtland  ten  or  twelve  years  and  has  also  been  Side  Supervisor,  Treasurer  and  Justice 
of  the  Peace.  Has  five  children — John  F.,  Maggie  C,  Samuel  C,  George  S.  and  Mariette,  all  living  at 
home  ;  lost  one  child,  Henry,  died  Dee.  18,  1860,  aged  13  months.     Mrs.  Mean  belongs  to  the  M.  E.  Church. 

FREDERICK  MILLER,  dry-goods  clerk,  Cambria;  was  born  Feb.  26,  1853,  in  the  town 
of  Lean,  in  Kreiswetzlar,  son  of  Henry  Miller,  who  came  to  America  in  about  1855,  located  in  Columbia 
Co  ,  and  went  into  the  butchering  business  in  Portage  City.  His  family  came  in  1857,  and  joined  him  in 
Portage.  He  died  in  1859,  and  his  family  came  to  Cambria  in  1862  ;  lived  here  till  fall  of  1864  ;  then 
went  to  Columbus  and  in  the  fiill  of  1869  came  back  to  Cambria;  his  mother  (now  Mrs.  Christopher 
Heinz)  is  still  living  in  the  town  of  Randolph  ;  he  has  lived  in  Cambria  ever  since  1869,  except  one  year 
in  New  Orleans,  in  boarding  or  coffee  house.  He  was  married,  Oct.  11,  1877,  in  Randolph  to  Lizzie 
Weisel,  who  was  born  May  10,  1856,  in  Plover,  Portage  Co.,  Wis.,  daughter  of  George  Weisel,  a  native 
of  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany;  who  came  to  America  in  about  1854,  and  now  lives  near  Kingston, 
Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.  Mr.  Miller  is  a  Republican  and  has  been  clerking  for  Thomas  &  Lloyd,  of  Cambria, 
for  the  last  four  and  a  half  years. 

DAVID  D.  MORRIS,  farmer.  Sec.  16;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  July  25.  1825,  in  Montgomery- 
shire,  North   Wales,  son  of  Robert  Davis.     His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Jane  Morris,  daughter  of 


TOWN   OF    COURTLAND.  1031 

Davis  Morris,  and  he  was  christened  David  Morris  Davis,  as  shown  by  the  records  in  the  parish  of  Llan- 
wddyo,  Montgomerj'shire  ;  he  came  to  America  in  1850,  and  lived  near  Utica,  N.  Y.,  about  seven  years  ; 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1857  or  1858,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  where  he  now  resides. 
Was  married,  March  21,  I860,  in  Rome,  N.  Y.,  to  Jane  H.  Jones,  a  daughter  of  Humphrey  Jones,  a 
native  of  Wales;  has  five  children — John  D.,  Margaret  D.,  Jane  D.,  Robert  D.  and  Thomas  D.,  all  living 
at  home  ;  has  539  acres  in  his  farm  and  keeps  about  200  head  of  sheep,  60  head  of  cattle  and  9  horses. 
He  is  a  Republican  and  is  the  present  Chairman  of  the  town  ;  was  Side  Supervisor  fur  about  nine  years 
previous  to  his  election  as  Chairman  ;  both  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist    Church. 

G.  D.  MYERS,  produce  and  lumber  dealer,  of  the  firm  of  Myers  &  Bickelhaupt,  Cambria,  was  born 
Feb.  26,  1839,  in  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.  Was  married  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  28,  1860,  to  Miss  M.  E.  Kettell, 
daughter  of  John  A.  Kettell  ;  was  engaged  in  farming  in  Saratoga  Co.  till  the  fall  of  1858 ;  then  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  lived  in  Waupun,  Dodge  Co.,  eight  years  ;  was  engaged  in  the  butchering  business  two 
years,  and  part  of  the  time  was  buying  wheat,  in  March,  1867,  and  has  been  engaged  in  the  same  business 
ever  since ;  was  first  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Fairbanks,  Stanton  &  Co.,  then  John  ap  Jones  &  Co.,  Myers  & 
Jones,  and  now  Myers  &  Bickelhaupt.  Has  two  children — Fred  and  Daniel.  He  has  been  President  of 
the  village  of  Cambria  several  years,  and  is  now  one  of  the  Village  Board  of  Trustees,  and  in  politics  a 
Democrat. 

RICHARD  E.  OWENS,  farmer  and  carpenter.  Sec.  6  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  was  born  about  1821 , 
in  Montgomeryshire,  North  Wales,  son  of  Richard  Owens;  .came  to  America  in  1842,  and  worked  at  his 
trade  (that  of  carpenter  and  joiner)  for  ten  years  in  the  State  of  New  York,  in  Utica  ;  in  1852,  he  came 
to  Wisconsin,  and  lived  a  year  and  a  half  in  Waukesha  Co.,  then  came  to  the  town  of  Courtland,  Col- 
umbia Co.,  a"d  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  His  first  wife  was  Mary  Davis,  a  native  of 
Wales,  to  whom  he  was  married  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  and  who  died  Sept.  5,  1857,  aged  32  years,  leaving  four 
children — Charles  R.,  Edward  J.,  Eliza  Ann  (or  Lizzie  A.)  and  Mary  Jane,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  R. 
T.  Thomas,  of  Milwaukee.  Charles  was  accidentally  killed  by  his  team  running  away  in  July,  1868.  He 
was  married  the  second  time  July  8,  1871,  in  Cambria,  to  Mrs.  Ann  Jones,  widow  of  Richard  Jones,  who 
left  one  child,  Lizzie;  she  is  living  with  her  mother  and  step-father.  By  his  second  marriage  he  has  one 
child,  Richard  Charles.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Owens  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  is  a 
Republican. 

J.  liE  ROY  PARKINSON,  photographer,  Cambria,  was  born  Jan.  26,  1851,  in  the  town 
of  Kingston,  Marquette  Co.  (now  Green  Lake),  son  of  Joseph  Parkinson  (see  his  biography).  His  mother 
died  July  4,  1866.  and  soon  after  her  death  he  went  to  live  with  Judge  F.  B.  Hawes,  of  Ureen  Lake  Co., 
where  he  remained  four  years,  attending  school  part  of  the  time  ;  in  1869,  he  went  to  Missouri  with 
Judge  Hawes,  and  sta3'ed  two  winters  and  one  summer,  then  came  back  to  Wisconsin  in  company  with  the 
ague  with  which  he  had  been  acquainted  for  about  eight  months  in  Jlissouii  ;  in  1871,  he  went  into  the 
photograph  business  in  company  with  T.  Cross,  of  Marquette,  continued  with  him  about  four  months, 
and  then  dis.solved  partnership,  and  went  to  Ripon,  Wis.,  where  he  was  employed  as  clerk  in  the  dry-goods 
store  of  A.  N^Anstaed  for  three  or  four  months;  in  1872,  he  went  into  the  photograph  business  in 
Kingston  for  a  short  time  ;  then  went  to  Princeton  in  same  business  for  a  year  and  a  l|alf,then  sold  out 
and  worked  for  William  Lockwood,  of  Rijion,  in  the  picture  business  two  years ;  in  October,  1877,  he 
came  to  Cambria  and  opened  a  gallery  in  the  brick  block,  where  he  carried  on  business  till  Dec.  15,  1878, 
then  removed  to  rooms  in  Williams'  Block,  where  he  still  continues  business.  Jan.  1,  1879,  he  was  mar- 
ried in  Hersey,  Wis.,  ti  Carrie  A.  Smith,  who  was  born  Aug.  1,  1858,  in  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  Wis. 

ISAAC  PARY,  proprietor  of  the  Cambria  Hotel,  was  born  in  Denbighshire,  North  Wales, 
town  of  Llrlcthar ;  son  of  John  Pary,  who  was  a  farmer  and  tried  to  make  an  M.  D.  of  his  son  Isaac,  but 
only  succeeded  in  making  a  horse  doctor.  He  was  married  in  Wales  in  May,  1850,  to  Mary  Jane  Edwards. 
dau>;hter  of  William  Edwards;  immediately  after  marriage,  he  came  to  America,  and  lived  in  Lewis  Co., 
N.  Y.,  between  seven  and  eight  years;  his  first  labor  there  was  at  mason  work,  for  which  he  received  $11 
per  month  for  four  months,  and  took  it  in  store  pay;  in  the  fall  of  1857,  he  came  to  Wisconsin  (a  cripple 
from  rheumatism),  arriving  in  Cambria  the  25th  day  of  December  with  a  wife  and  three  children,  and  25 
cents  in  his  pocket;  he  moved  into  a  cabin  twelve  feet  square,  and  paid  out  his  last  25  cents  for  an  old 
log  for  fire  wood  ;  after  paying  one  man  for  it,  another  man  (and  a  wealthy  one  at  that  time)  came  along 
and  laid  claim  to  the  log,  and  actually  unhitched  his  team  from  the  wagon  and  hauled  the  log  away,  but 
was  afterward  obliged  to  return  it;  he  then  worked  at  mason  work  about  three  years  (having  learned  the 
trade  in  the  State  of  New  York),  and  made  about  $4  per  day;  since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in 
horse  doctoring,  dealing  in  stock,  butchering,  etc.,  and  for  the  last  eight  years  has  kept  the  Cambria  Hotel 
(in  addition  to  his  other  business),  which  he  has  owned  and  occupied  for  the  last  nineteen  years,  but  not 


10:32  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

kept  as  a  hotel  till  the  last  eight  years.  He  has  held  the  offices  of  Marshal,  Constable  and  Supervisor. 
Has  seven  children — William  H.,  .Mary  Jane,  John  D.,  Tillie,  Homer,  .Minnie  and  Frankie.  He  is  a 
Republican  in  politics.     Mrs.  Pary  died  April  9,  1S75. 

JOSEPH  PHIIiLIP.S,  farmer,  See.  34;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  June  6,  1821,  in 
Vorksliiri',  England,  in  the  parish  of  Fewston  ;  son  of  Joseph  Phillips.  Was  married  April  28,  1845,  in 
the  Parish  of  Fewston,  to  Martha  Phillips,  daughter  of  James  Phillips.  Ho  came  to  America  in  1855  ; 
came  direct  to  Wisconsin  ;  lived  two  years  in  Fountain  Prairie,  then  removed  to  his  present  location,  where 
he  has  since  resided.  Mrs.  Phillips  died  in  Courtland  July  17,  1804,  leaving  four  children — Elizabeth 
(now  Mrs.  Paul  Hanson,  of  Hall  Co.,  Neb.),  Mary  Hannah  fnow  Mrs.  Augustus  Denman,  of  Nebraska), 
Samuel  (living  with  Mr.  Denman  in  Nebraska),  and  Joseph  Alfred  Cat  home).  Was  married  the  second 
time,  Dec.  25,  1806.  to  Grace  Waterworth,  who  was  born  Nov.  29,  1841,  daughter  of  Thomas  Water- 
worth,  a  native  of  Yorkshire,  Enuland  ;  have  three  children  by  the  second  marriage — Sarah  Jane,  Andrew 
and  Gracie.  Mr.  Phillips'  mother's  name  was  Mary  Dagget,  and  his  grandfather  was  a  '.Welshman,  named 
Jonathan  Phillips;  his  great-grandmother  lived  to  be  over  1 00  years  old.  He  is  a  Democrat,  and  has 
been  Treasurer  of  the  school  district  nine  years.     Has  398  acres  of  land. 

JOH9f  <|UIXX,  farmer.  Sec.  32  ;  P.  0.  Doylestown  ;  was  born  Feb.  16,  1835,  in  County  Wex- 
ford, Ireland,  Parish  of  Gorey.  His  father  died  when  he  was  a  child,  and  his  mother  married  Mathew 
Shiilock  ;  they  came  to  America  in  1851.  He  was  married  in  November,  1855,  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  to  Har- 
riet A.  Welter,  who  was  born  Sept  12,  183S,  in  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  immediately 
after  marriage,  and  .settled  in  Columbia  Co.;  lived  in  Lowville  throe  years,  and  eleven  years  in  Otsego;  in 
the  fall  uf  1S09,  came  to  Courtland  and  bought  his  present  farm  ;  has  eight  children  living — John,  James, 
Dorothy,  Mary,  Eliza,  Kate,  Julia  and  Ellen;  have  lost  two — Martin  died  in  1868,  aged  4,  and  one  died 
in  1855,  in  infancy.  Has  93  acres  of  land,  and  although  a  Democrat,  has  been  elected  Assessor  in  a  town 
where  the  Republicans  outnumber  the  Democrats  7  to  1. 

JOHN  S.  RAX^DAIjIj  (deceased),  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  town  of  Courtland;  was 
born  May  17,  1799,  in  (lerman  Flats,  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.  His  parents  came  to  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y., 
when  he  was  about  17;  his  father  died  soon  after;  John  S.,  being  the  youngest  child,  remained  on  the 
farm  with  his  widowed  mother.  Was  married,  May  13,  1821,  to  Almira  Fanning,  who  was  born  in  Che- 
nango Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  22,  1804,  daughter  of  Joshua  Fanning.  Mr.  Randall  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
fall  of  1844,  and  lived  in  Walworth  Co.  two  years;  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  settled  in  what  is 
now  the  town  of  Courtland,  in  the  spring  of  1846,  and  resided  in  the  same  town  till  his  death,  which 
occurred  July  29,  1878,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  age.  He  was  for  years  a  Deacon  in  the  Baptist  Church, 
of  which  himself  and  wife  had  been  consisteiit  members  for  upward  of  fifty-five  years.  He  was  an  earnest, 
conscientious,  public-spirited  man,  and  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  neighbors  and  as^ociates. 
Was  Republican  in  politics,  and  held  several  town  offices.  Mrs.  Randall  survives  him,  and,  although  in 
her  77th  year,  her  mind  seems  as  active,  and  her  memory  as  good,  as  ever.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Randall  had 
ten  children,  three  of  whom  died  in  childhood,  and  seven  are  still  living — Allen  W.,  lives  in  Winona  Co  , 
Minn.;  Adalinc,  is  now  Mrs.  J.  W.  Peck,  of  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.;  Mary,  is  now  Mrs.  Jeremiah  Williams, 
of  Carroll  Co.,  Mo.;  Harriet  R,  is  now  Mrs.  R.  C.  Penney,  of  Courtland;  John  Jay,  lives  in  Washington 
Co.,  Kan.;  Caroline,  is  now  Mrs.  Joseph  Patton,  of  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  and  Joseph  H.,  who  was  mar- 
ried in  1804  to  Amanda,  daughter  of  George  Bliss,  of  Fountain  Prairie;  she  died  in  1868,  leaving  one 
daughter,  Mattie  A.,  born  Aug.  13,  1800.  He  was  married  the  second  time,  March  22,  1871,  to  Anna 
E.  Conklin,  who  was  born  in  Ohio  City  (  now  Cleveland),  Ohio,  Sept.  8,  1842,  daughter  of  Joshua  Conk- 
lin,  a  native  of  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.;  her  mother  (Rachel)  was  from  Oswego  Co.,  N.  Y.;  by  the  second 
marriage  he  has  three  boys.  Both  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Has  100  acres  of  land,  and  is 
Republican 

WILLIAM  RKES  (deceased);  he  was  born  in  Montgomeryshire,  North  Wales  ;  a  son  of 
Kichard  Rees,  who  died  in  Wales  at  the  advanced  age  of  104  years;  Wm.  Rees  went  to  Liverpool, 
Hngland,  before  his  marriage,  and  worked  at  carpenter  work,  which  trade  he  had  learned  in  Wales.  He 
was  married,  in  Liverpool,  to  Hannah  Williams,  a  native  of  Flintshire,  North  Wales.  Mr.  Rees  came  to 
America  in  1850,  and  lived  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  till  the  fall  of  1856,  then  went  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  lived 
there  till  the  fall  of  1861,  working  at  his  trade  up  to  this  time;  he  then  came  to  Cambria,  and  wei-t  into 
the  furniture  business,  in  which  he  continued  till  his  death,  June  1,  1878,  of  heart  disease.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Rees  had  in  all  four  children,  of  whom  two  are  still  living ;  one  died  in  infancy  in  Liverpool,  and 
Richard  died  in  Cambria  in  1874,  aged  about  35  ;  Thomas  is  living  in  Oshkosh,  Wis.;  William  was  born 
November  30,  1848,  in  Liverpool,  England,  and  is  now  in  the  drug  business,  and  has  been  about  fourteen 
years  in  a  store  on  north  side  Main  street.     Mrs.  Rees  is  still   living  with  her  son  William,  aged  68  years. 


TOWX    OF    COURTLAND.  1033 

DAVID  RICHARDS,  farmer,  Sec.  27  ;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  bcirn  Aus.  U,  1816,  in  the 
town  of  Radnor,  Radnorshire.  South  Wales  ;  he  is  a  son  of  Evan  and  Elizabeth  Richards,  who  came  to 
America  ia  1819,  as  stated  in  the  biography  of  Seaman  Richards,  a  brother  of  David  ;  he  was  engagjd  in 
farming  and  lumbering  in  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn.,  till  Christmas,  1854;  then  started  West,  and  arrived 
at  the  house  of  his  brother  Evan  in  Oak  Grove,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  Jan.  1,  1855;  he  soon  after 
came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  has  resided  in  the  town  of  Courtland  ever  since.  He  was  married,  Dec.  28, 
1859,  in  Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  to  Ruth  Bentley,  who  was  born  Jan.  23,  1826,  in  Kings  Co.,  Nova  Scotia, 
daughter  of  D  ivid  and  Abigail  Bentley,  who  came  to  \Viscnnsin  in  the  spring  of  1848  ;  Mr.  Bentley 
died  in  Courtland  May  13,  1852,  aged  62,  and  Mrs.  Bentley  is  still  living  in  the  village  of  Cambria,  in 
the  90th  year  of  her  age.  Mr.  Richards  has  two  children  living — John  Scott,  born  May  30,  1861,  and 
Martha  Ann.  born  April  21,  1866;  Lucy  Maud  was  born  Oct.  3,  1862,  and  died  July  28,  1864.  Has 
80  acres  of  land,  and  is  a  Republican. 

GRIFFITH  RICHARDS,  farmer  and  stock-breeder.  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Canbria  ;  was  born 
Nov.  13,  1844,  in  Racine  Co.,  Wis.  ;  son  of  Richard  Richards,  of  Racine,  one  of  the  oldest  stock-raisers 
in  the  State;  he  is  a  native  of  Merionethshire,  North  Wales,  and  was  a  member  of  Assembly  from 
Racine  in  1873.  Mr.  Richards  was  married,  Jan.  4,  1871,  in  Courtland,  to  Laura  A.  Williams,  daughtei 
of  William  R.  Williams  ;  she  was  born  July  24,  1850,  in  Courtland,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  her  hus- 
band ;  has  one  son — William  B.  Has  264  acres  in  the  farm,  which  is  known  as  the  "  Sunnyside  Stock 
Farm  ;  "  the  Welsh  name  of  the  farm  is  "  Fronhaulog;  "  he  is  breeding  short-horn  cattle,  draft  and  trot- 
ting horses,  Berkshire  hogs  and  Spanish  sheep.  Is  First  Vice  President  of  the  County  Agricultural 
Society,  and  was  last  year  Second  Vice  President.  He  is  a  Republican  ;  is  now  a  member  of  the  County 
Commissioners,  and  takes  an  active  part  in  politics;  has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor.  Mrs.  Richards  is  a 
member  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church. 

JOSEPH  li.  RICHARDS,  farmer.  Sec.  2;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  was  born  Feb.  4,  1845,  in 
Merionethshire,  Wal(?s ;  came  to  America  in  the  summer  of  1869,  and  stayed  a  few  weeks  on  the  Hudson 
River,  a  few  miles  below  Albany;  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  lived  in  the  tuwn  of  Courtland 
till  the  fall  of  1872,  when  he  went  to  Milwaukee  and  worked  at  the  carpenter's  trade  till  January,  1874  ; 
he  then  returned  to  Courtland,  and,  on  the  9th  of  that  month  (January,  1874),  was  married  to  Ann  Jane, 
daughter  of  William  R.  and  Ann  Roberts,  of  Portage  Prairie,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  natives  of  Wales,  and 
born  in  the  same  place  as  Joseph  L.  Richards,  as  were  also  his  father,  Edmund  Richards,  and  his  m'jther, 
Ellen  Lloyd.  Mrs.  Richards  was  born  in  the  town  of  Clyman,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  March  22,  1849.  Mr. 
Richards  spent  his  early  life  on  a  farm,  and  the  last  six  years  before  leiving  Wales,  worked  in  a  slate 
quarry.  Purchased  his  farm  of  120  acres  in  the  fall  of  1874,  and  went  on  it  in  the  spriug  of  1876.  Has 
four  children — AVillie  E.,  Ellen  Ann,  Maggie  and  Laura.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  both  members  of  the 
Welsh  Methodist  Church. 

THOMAS  RICHARDS,  farmer.  Sec.  29;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  Dec.  13.  1822,  in  Great 
Bend.  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn. ;  son  of  Evan  and  Elizabeth  Richards,  natives  of  South  Wales,  who  came 
to  America  in  1819,  and  settled  in  Great  Bend,  Penn.  He  was  married,  in  Great  Bend,  Sept.  7,  1848, 
to  Catharine  M.  Smith,  who  was  born  Dec.  25,  1829,  in  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  daughter  of  Samuel  and 
Martha  Smith  ;  immediately  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Richards  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  the  town 
of  Courtland,  in  which  town  he  has  resided  ever  since;  has  eight  children,  all  living,  and  seven  of  them 
boys — Theodore  S.,  Edward  J..  Maggie  Jane  (now  Mrs.  Thomas  Bradley,  of  the  town  of  Courtland), 
Frank  L.,  George  W.,  Charles  J.,  Thomas  L.  and  Fayette;  all  the  boys  are  living  at  home,  and  all  are 
Republicans  who  are  old  enough  to  vote.  Has  100  acres  of  land,  80  in  his  home  farm  and  20  acres  in 
timber. 

SEAMAN  RICHARDS,  farmer.  Sec.  27  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Colum- 
bia Co.;  was  a  son   of  Evan   and  Elizabeth  Richards,  natives  of  South  VVales,  who  came  to  America  in 

1819,  taking  passage  on  the  sailing-vessel  Importer,  from  Livurpool,  England — Capt.  Lee;  when  within 
three  days'  sail  of  New  York,  on  the  20th  day  of  July,  1819,  a  son  was  born,  and  the  first  mate,  who  was 
also  born  on  the  ocean,  named  the  new  arrival  Seaman,  after  himself,  and  gave  his  mother  a  guinea  to  be 
invested  for  his  benefit;  on  landing  in  New  York  City,  they  went  to  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  lived  about 
a  year  with  Richard  W.  Lewis,  of  the  town  of  Conklin  ;  they  then  went  to  Great  Bend,  Susquehanna 
Co.,  Penn.,  where  Mrs.  Richards  died  when  he  was  about  17  years  old.  Seaman  worked  out  by  the  month 
in  that  vicinity  till  June  1,  1839,  when  he  was  married  to  Hannah  M.  Aekerman,  who  was  burn  Sept.  18, 

1820,  in  the  town  of  Franklin,  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn.,  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Elizabeth  Aekerman, 
natives  of  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y.;  after  marriage,  he  worked  at  farming  and  lumbering  most  of  the  time 
for  several  years,  but  for  the  past  year  and  a  half  of  his  residence  there,  was  employed  as  foreman  on  the 


1034  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

N.  Y.  &  E.  R.  R.,  on  the  Summit  section,  east  of  Deposit ;  in  the  fall  of  1848,  bavins  a  severe  attack  of 
Western  fever,  he  started  with  his  family  for  Wisconsin,  coming  by  canal  from  Binghamton  to  Buffalo, 
then  by  steamer  Henry  Hudson,  from  Buffalo  to  Milwaukee  :  he  came  direct  to  the  town  of  Courtland, 
and,  in  the  spring  of  1849,  bought  the  farm  he  now  own-',  and  where  he  has  since  resided;  has  260  acres 
all  under  cultivation,  with  good  farm  buildings  and  well  stocked;  in  the  fall  of  1849,  he  left  his  wife  at 
home  with  their  three  children  and  worked  in  the  pinery  on  the  Eau  Claire  River,  in  Wisconsin,  during 
the  winter,  and  in  the  spring,  ran  the  Wisconsin  River  and  down  the  Mississippi  to  (jalena.  III.,  where  he 
■was  paid  oft',  and  came  home  on  foot,  after  being  away  five  months,  with  $160  in  gold  in  his  pocket  as  the 
result  of  his  winter's  work.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richards  have  had  ten  children,  of  whom  eight  are  still  living 
— Mortimer  F.,  lives  in  Worth  Co.,  Iowa;  Charles  Henry,  lives  in  McLeod  Co.,  Minn.;  Julia  Jane,  is 
now  Mrs.  Charles  F.  Chapman,  of  the  town  of  Courtland  ;  Carrie  M.,  now  Mrs.  Owen  F.  Jones,  of  tlu' 
village  of  Randolph;  Seaman,  Jr.,  living  at  home  with  his  parents;  Susan  E.,  now  Mrs.  John  Seckersoii. 
of  the  village  of  Randolph  ;  Melissa  A.,  now  Mrs.  Wm.  Tompkins,  of  the  town  of  Randolph;  and  Gram 
1j.",  the  youngest  son,  living  with  his  parents;  have  lost  two — Julia  Jane,  died  Oct.  11,  1843,  aged  7 
months,  and  Hannah  Elizabeth,  died  Jan.  11,  1851,  aged  nearly  2  years.  Mr.  Richards  cast  his  first 
vote  for  Gen.  Harrison,  and  has  voted  the  Republican  ticket    eversince  the  party  was  organized. 

THOMAS  R.  ROBERTS(Tunddarmen),  farmer.  Sec.  IS;  P.O.Cambria;  was  born  Jan. 
9,  1840,  in  Merionethshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  Robert  Roberts;  Thomas  R.  came  to  America  in  the  spring 
of  1865,  and  lived  the  first  year  in  Oshkosh,  Wis.;  then  came  to  Cambria  and  worked  a  farm  on  shares  till 
1874;  then  worked  on  a  farm  by  the  year  for  John  ap  Jones  two  years;  in  the  spring  of  1876. he  bought 
tl'C  farm  he  now  owns  (80  acres),  for  which  he  paid  $3,000.  Was  married  Nov.  20,  1869,  in  Cambria,  to 
Miss  Minnie  Davis,  daughter  of  James  T.  Davis,  a  native  of  South  Wah's.  Mr.  Roberts  has  five  children — 
Annie,  Maggie,  Robbie,  Jennie  and  John.  Both  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church.  He  is  a 
Republican. 

WILLIAM  J.  RORERTS,  deceased,  was  born  in  North  Wales  in  July,  1802  ;  son  of  John 
Roberts.  Was  married  in  Seplcuiber,  1841,  to  Elizabeth  Davis,  daughter  of  William  Davis;  she  was  born 
Feb.  13,  1817,  also  in  North  Wales  ;  came  to  America  in  1855,  and  lived  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  one  year  ;  then 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  where  he  followed  farming  till  his  death,  June  3. 
1S77.  He  left  one  daughter,  Maiy,  born  Dec.  31,  1842,  in  Wales,  and  married,  Feb.  27,  1863,  to  GiilBth 
Gee  Jones,  and  has  three  children — Ellen,  Owen  and  William.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roberts  lost  three  children  on 
the  passage  to  America,  who  died  of  cholera — Ellen,  aged  11,  Ann,  aged  7,  and  John,  aged  3 — and  one  in 
Utica  ;  William  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Roberts  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Church,  as  was  her  hus- 
band.     Has  40  acres  of  land,  and  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Jones,  is  living  with  her. 

HORACE  RUST  (deceased),  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Courtland,  was  born  Feb.  20.  179S. 
ill  Windsor  Co.,  Vt.,  town  of  Rochester.  His  first  wife  was  Lydia  French,  to  whom  he  was  married  in 
1821  ;  she  lived  only  about  two  years  after  her  marriage  and  left  one  child  (a  daughter")  that  survived  lur 
but  a  short  time.  He  was  married  the  second  time  in  Vermont  to  Roxana  Mills,  sister  of  Dr.  J.  C.  Mill.>. 
of  Walworth  Co.,  who  was  a  member  of  the  First  and  Second  Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  and  a  State  Sen 
ator  in  1858.  5Ir.  Rust  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fiiU  of  1844,  located  land  in  what  is  now  the  town  ol 
Courtland  in  September,  1845,  and  came  on  it  with  his  family  July  4,  1847  ;  he  resided  on  this  farm  till 
his  death,  April  7,  1879,  being  a  little  over  81  when  he  died.  He  was  the  first  Postmaster,  one  of  the 
first  Supervisors,  and  the  second  A.ssossor  in  the- town  of  Courtland;  the  first  caucus,  first  town  meeting, 
first  election  and  first  school  meeting  were  all  held  at  his  house  in  the  fall  of  1848  ;  his  first  commission  as 
Postmaster  was  from  Andrew  Jackson,  and  the  office  at  Rochester,  Vt.;  he  was  also  appointed  Postmaster 
at  Cambria  in  1863,  and  held  the  office  four  years;  was  also  appointed  by  Gov.  Dewey  as  one  of  the 
Commissioners  to  lay  out  a  State  road  from  Columbus  to  Princeton.  He  was  an  old-time  Jackson  Demo- 
crat, but  an  earnest  Republican  ever  since  the  party  was  organized  ;  he  took  an  active  part  in  politics  up 
to  the  time  of  his  death,  and  the  last  time  he  ever  went  outside  his  own  yard  was  to  attend  a  caucus.  Mr. 
Rust  had  in  all  eleven  children,  five  of  whom  died  in  childhood,  and  one,  Harvey  H.,  died  in  California. 
April  7,  1876,  aged  41  ;  there  are  five  still  living — Mills  lives  on  a  farm  adjoining  the  old  homestead,  and 
Henry  B.  is  living  on  the  homestead,  and  his  mother,  now  in  her  74th  year,  is  living  with  him  in  good 
health  and,  to  all  appearances,  good  for  another  ten  years  at  least.  Henry  was  married,  in  October,  1850, 
to  Julia  Cameron,  of  Walworth  Co.,  Wis.,  and  has  five  children  living — Frank  G.,  Elizabeth  A.  i  now 
Mrs.  J.  A.  Ketchum,  of  the  town  of  Courtland),  Harvey  H.  (now  now  in  Milwaukee,  a  printer  by  trade:, 
Cameron  R.  and  Flora  L.  He  has  been  Chairman  and  Assessor,  and  is  now  Secretary  of  the  town  insur- 
ance company.  In  the  spring  of  1860,  he  removed  to  Missouri  with  his  family,  enlisted  in  the  Home 
Guards  and  was  elected  First  Lieutenant;    afterward  eulisted  under  Gov.  Gamble's  proclamation  eallin.' 


TOWX   OF    COURTLAND.  1035 

for  six-months  men,  and  was  elected  Captain  of  Co.  C,  1st  Battalion  Mounted  Rifles ;  was  in  the  service 
about  one  year,  then  returned  to  Wisconsin  and  bought  the  homestead,  where  he  still  resides.  Charles, 
the  third  son  of  Horace  Rust,  is  now  in  Rochester,  Minn.,  in  the  produce  business  ;  Mary  P.  is  now  Mrs. 
Orlando  Ralph,  of  Brookfield,  Vt.,  and  Lucelia  is  now  the  wife  of  Geo.  C.  Griffin,  living  in  Colorado,  six- 
teen miles  north  of  Denver. 

ORANGE  D.  SCOFIEIjD,  farmer.  Sec.  1 ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  born  Oct.  25,  1827,  in  Sara- 
toga Co.,  N.  Y.  Was  married  Dec.  31,  1854,  to  Margaret  McDonald,  who  was  born  June  9,  1829,  daugh- 
ter of  Alexander  McDonald,  of  Scotch  descent.  Mr.  Scofield  came  to  Wisconsin  in  185fi,  and  settled  in 
the  town  of  Richford,  Waushara  Co.,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  which  he  continued  in  that 
place  about  five  years;  came  to  Pardeeville,  Columbia  Co.,  in  the  fall  of  1861,  and  carried  on  the  same 
business  till  the  spring  of  18(5(5,  then  sold  out  his  store  and  spent  one  year  traveling  with  his  family;  in 
the  spring  of  1867,  he  returned  to  Columbia  Co.  and  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns  in  the  town  of  Court- 
land;  has  70  acres  only  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  village  of  Randolp'>,  which,  with  the  buildings 
he  put  up  himself,  cost  about  $5,000.  Has  no  children.  Mr.  Scofield  and  family  are  Congregationalists  ; 
Republican.  His  father,  Harry  Scofield,  was  born  March  12,  1789,  in  the  town  of  Stamford,  Conn.,  and 
died  Jan.  10,  1875,  at  Hadley.  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y. 

JIYROT^  A,  SHAW,  JH.  D.,  Cambria;  was  born  in  Fairle^^  Orange  Co.,  Vt.,  March  11, 
1837  ;  migrated  to  Wisconsin  with  his  parents  when  18  years  of  age,  making  a  temporary  residence  in 
Leon,  Monroe  Co.;  he  then  entered  as  an  apprentice  in  the  printing  office  of  the  Sparta  Watchman,  com- 
mencing work  on  the  fourth  number  of  that  journal ;  in  the  spring  of  1856,  he  went  to  work  on  the  first 
number  of  the  Eau  Claire  Times;  the  following  year  he  went  to  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  study  medicine 
with  Dr.  E.  I  Baker,  where  he  stayed  one  year,  when  Dr.  Baker  went  to  Eau  Claire  Co.,  Wis.,  and  was 
soon  followed  to  that  place  by  Mr.  Shaw,  who  continued  his  studies  for  a  short  time;  but  in  1861,  went 
to  Durand,  Wis.,  and  commenced  the  publication  of  the  Home  Mirror  :  the  paper,  though  a  success,  as 
far  as  the  paper  was  concerned,  did  not  prove  a  very  profitable  financial  venture;  after  a  year's  experience 
in  this  enterprise,  he  sold  out  and  retired  from  journalism  ;  his  health  much  broken  down  by  hard  work, 
but  enlisted  soon  after  in  Eau  Claire,  under  the  call  for  hundred-day  men,  but  which  order  was  counter- 
manded before  any  of  the  troops  were  mustered  into  service;  in  1863,  he  enlisted  from  Eau  Claire  in  the 
16th  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  C,  then  commanded  by  Col.  Cassius  Fairchild ;  he  participated  in  the  battle  before 
Atlanta,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Lovejoy's  Station,  etc.;  voted  for  Lincoln  at  Marietta,  Ga..  went  through  on 
the  "  march  to  the  sea,"  and  was  severely  wounded  near  Savannah  ;  got  his  discharge  in  1865  ;  he  then 
edited  the  Durand  Times  one  year ;  after  that,  he  resumed  the  study  of  medicine  and  took  a  course  of 
lectures  in  Rush  Medical  College  in  1868-69,  and  in  1870,  located  in  Fall  River,  where  he  practiced  med- 
icine five  years,  then  removed  to  Cambria,  where  he  still  resides.  In  1866,  he  married  Miss  Blanche  E. 
Dyer,  daughter  of  Wayne  B.  and  Ursula  Dyer,  residents  of  Durand,  Wis.,  formerly  early  settlers  in 
Columbia  Co.;  has  three  children — Paul  Francis,  Herbert  W.  and  Edgar  M.  A.  Shaw.  In  religion,  lib- 
eral, and  still  holds  a  membership  in  the  Eau  Claire  Universalist  Society.  Voted  for  Horace  Greeley  in 
1862,  and  has  since  acted  with  the  Democratic  party.  His  parents,  Josiah  and  Elizabeth  Shaw,  are  now 
living  in  retirement  in  Eau  Claire,  at  an  advanced  age. 

HlKirll  W.THOMAS,  merchant,  Cambria;  was  born  Aug.  11,  1836,  in  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales  ;  came  to  America  with  his  father,  Wm.  W.,  in  the  spring  of  1843,  located  in  Oneida  Co., 
N.  Y.,  and  lived  there  till  1858  ;  Hugh  W.  left  home  at  18  years  of  age,  and  went  to  Utica,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  lived  two  years,  then  in  the  fall  of  1857  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  in  La  Crosse  Co.  a  year  and  a 
half,  then  in  Sparta,  Monroe  Co.,  about  four  years,  clerking  in  a  dry-goods  store;  in  1863,  he  went  into 
the  mercantile  business  in  Bangor,  Wis.,  which  he  followed  one  year,  and  then  again  went  to  clerking  in 
Portage  City,  Wis.,  till  1865;  then  came  to  Cambria  and  formed  a  partnership  with  Evan  W.  Lloyd 
(firm  Thomas  &  Lloyd)  in  the  mercantile  busine.ss,  keeping  a  general  stock,  where  they  are  still  doing  a 
flourishing  busine.ss.  Was  married  May  14,  1859,  in  Bangor,  Wis.,  to  Jane  P.  Mann,  daughter  of  Abram 
Mann,  of  Montpelier,  Vt.;  has  two  children — Hermie  and  Laura  ;  has  lost  four — Carrie,  Allie,  Willie 
and  Frankie.  Is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  Village  Board  several  years  at  different 
times  ;  both  Presbyterians. 

PETER  THOMAS,  farmer.  Sec.  10;  P.  O.  Randolph;  born  in  Flintshire,  North  Wales; 
son  of  Abel  and  Ellen  Thomas;  came  to  America  in  1841  ;  lived  in  Upper  Canada  till  fall  of  1843,  then 
returned  to  Wales  and  stayed  till  the  spring  of  1844,  when  he  again  came  to  Canada  and  followed  farming 
till  1854  ;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  located  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  where  he  has  since  resided  ; 
came  on  the  farm  he  now  occupies  in  August,  1854.  Was  married  in  Canada,  July  7,  1851,  to  Ellen 
Williams,  a  native  of  Wales,  daughter  of  Owen  Williams;  she  died  July  27,  1879,  of  pneumonia,  aged 

pp 


1036  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

57,  leaving  two  children — Edward  and  Ezra,  both  livinfi  on  the  homestead  ;  lost  five  children — Owen, 
Abel  and  Ellen,  all  died  within  a  weefs  time,  of  diphtheria,  in  June,  1863,  aged  respectively  8,  6,  and  2 ; 
in  1865,  another  one,  Ellen,  died,  15  months  old,  and  one  died  in  infancy  in  1863.  Although  having 
lived  in  Wisconsin  over  twenty-five  years,  Mr.  Thomas  has  never  ridden  a  mile  on  a  railroad  since  he  came 
here,  and  has  never  stayed  over  night  away  from  his  own  house  but  once  during  that  time,  then  stayed 
in  Portage  because  it  stormed  so  he  could  not  get  home.  Is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Church,  and 
a  Republican. 

ROBERT  B.  THOMAS,  farmer.  See.  21  ;  P.  O.  Randolph;  was  born  Sept.  31,  1816,  in 
Addison  Co.,  Vt.;  son  of  Isaac  and  Arathusa  Matilda  Thomas.  He  was  married,  in  Vermont,  May  31, 
1848,  to  Julia  Elizabeth  Wells,  who  was  born  June  10,  1822,  in  Hinesburg,  Chittenden  Co.,  Vt. ;  daugh- 
ter of  Manton  Wells.  Mr.  Thomas  came  to  Wisconsin  first  in  April,  1854,  and  bought  a  farm  in  the 
town  of  Courtland ;  he  then  returned  to  Vermont  for  his  family ;  came  on  in  June  of  the  same  year,  and 
has  resided  on  the  same  farm  ever  since.  Mrs.  Thomas  died  Aug.  29,  1879,  of  cancer,  after  an  illness  of 
seven  months,  leaving  five  children ;  Julia  Elizabeth,  Frances  R.  (now  Mrs.  Wm.  R.  Owen,  of  Randolph 
Village),  Hannibal  H.,  Isabell  I'la  and  James  Eugene,  all  at  home  with  their  father,  except  the  one  mar- 
ried. Mr.  Thomas'  ancestors  came  from  Wales  at  ao  early  day,  and  his  father's  uncle,  Isaiah  Thomas, 
founded  the  Boston  Spy,  a  paper  which  was  suppressed  by  King  George  III  for  disloyal  sentiments,  in 
1772;  it  was  afterward  removed  to  Worcester,  Mass.,  and  is  still  published  as  the  Worcester  Spy: 
he  also  founded  the  Antiquarian  Library  of  Worcester ;  his  father's  brother  John  was  a  Revolutionary  sol- 
dier; he  was  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  was  afterward  killed  in  the  service.  Mrs.  Thomas  (whose 
mother's  name  was  Clarissa  Boothe)  was  a  direct  descendant  of  the  Earl  of  Marl,  England.  Mr.  Thomas 
has  been  Chairman  of  the  town  one  year.  Supervisor  three  years,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  was  Treasurer 
six  years.  Has  223  acres  of  land,  and  is  a  Republican ;  Mrs.  Thomas  has  been  a  member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church  ever  since  she  was  18  years  old. 

WII^LIAjH  THOMAS.  JR.,  fiirmer.  Sec.  12  ;  P.  O.  Randolph  ;  born  in  Anglesea,  Wales, 
Feb.  12, 1847  ;  son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Thomas,  who  came  to  America  with  their  family  in  1849,  and 
settled  in  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  lived  till  December,  1874,  then  sold  out,  came  to  Columbia 
Co.,  and  lived  in  the  village  of  Cambria  a  few  months,  and  then  bought  a  farm  in  Courtland,  on  Sec.  12, 
where  they  still  reside.  William,  Jr.,  was  married,  March  24,  1870,  in  Oconomowoc,  Wis.,  to  Phebe 
Gudger,  who  was  born  in  1846,  in  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.  ;  daughter  of  John  and  Lydia  Gudger,  natives  of 
England;  Mr,  Thomas  has  two  children — Willie  and  Frankie.  Has  125  acres  of  land,  worth  $5,000. 
Republican. 

JESSE  P.  TOBEY,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Randolph;  born  July  28,  1821,  in  Rodman, 
Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  son  of  Philo  and  Polly  Tobey;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1849,  and  settled  on  the  farm 
he  now  owns  and  occupies.  Was  married,  Feb.  4,  1847,  in  Jefierson  Co.,  N.  Y,,  to  Mary  Kenfield,  who 
was  born  June  16,  1821,  in  Whitingham,  Vt. ;  daughter  of  Aseph  and  Susannah  (Streeter)  Kenfield; 
have  had  three  children — Carlton  D.,  born  Oct.  1,  1851,  married  Athalia  A.  Smith  Jan.  1, 1871  ;  Louisa 
Medura,  born  March  13,  1855,  died  Sept.  1,  1858,  and  Milon  J.,  born  Sept.  26,  1859,  still  at  home, 
Mr,  Tobey  is  in  his  59th  year,  and  has  never  been  sick  a  day  in  his  life.  Has  130  acres  of  land,  and  is 
Republican  in  politics;  Mrs.  Tobey  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Charles  F.  Chapman,  son  of  a 
sister  of  Mr.  Tobey,  came  to  live  with  him  when  he  was  8  or  9  years  old ;  remained  with  him  till  he  was 
19,  and  then  enlisted. 

JOHN  TrRNER,  farmer.  Sec.  35  ;  P,  0.  Fall  River;  was  born  Feb.  16,  1848,  in  Yorkshire, 
England  ;  his  father,  William  T.  Turner,  came  to  America  in  1849,  and  entered  land  in  Fountain  Prairie, 
Columbia  Co.,  Wis.  ;  his  family  remained  in  England  till  the  fall  of  1852,  when  they  joined  him  in  his 
Western  home;  he  remained  on  the  same  farm,  working  at  mason  work  part  of  the  time,  till  1872,  then 
removed  to  Columbus,  where  he  now  resides ;  John  remained  on  his  father's  farm  till  he  was  21  years 
old;  March  16,  1869,  he  w:is  married  to  Alice  Boxandall,  who  was  born  Sept.  12,  1846,  in  Yorkshire, 
England  ;  daughter  of  Phineas  Parkinson  Boxandall,  who  came  to  America  in  1860,  and  is  now  liviuir  in 
Fountain  Prairie;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turner  have  three  children — William  John,  born  May  30,  1872  ;  Eva- 
line  Jennette,  Oct.  17,  1874,  and  Joseph  Parkinson,  Nov.  8,  1879.     In  politics,  mixed. 

GEORGE  WILLARD,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.O.  Cambria;  was  born  Dec.  6,  1811.  in 
Lewis,  county  of  Sussex,  England;  son  of  Richard  and  Sarah  Willard ;  came  to  America  m  1832,  and 
traveled  through  a  part  of  Canada  to  Toronto  ;  crossed  over  to  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  in  July,  1833,  and  set- 
tled in  West  Sand  Lake,  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.  He  lived  there  until  1846,  then  went  to  the  town  of 
Schodack  (same  county),  and  followed  farming  eight  years.  In  the  spring  of  1854,  he  came  to  Wisconsin, 
lived  in  the  town  of  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  and  in  the  spring  of  1857,  came  to  the  town  of  Courtland,  where 


TOWN    OF    COUHTJ.AND.  1037 

he  has  since  resided.  He  learned  the  tailor's  trade  in  England  before  he  was  20  years  old,  and  worked 
at  it  till  1846 — -when  he  left  Sand  Lake,  N.  Y. — and  has  followed  farming  since.  In  addition  to  his 
farming,  he  is  now,  and  has  been  for  tho  last  twenty-three  years,  loaning  money  in  Wisconsin  for  Eastern 
capitalists.  He  was  married  in  1834,  to  Lydia  C.  Allendorf,  daughter  of  Henry  H.  AUendorf,  wlio  is  still 
living  in  Nassau,  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  at  the  age  of  95,  still  strong  and  in  good  health  ;  she  died,  Feb. 
24,  1877,  aged  68  years  1  month  and  24  days,  leaving  five  children — Henry  G.,  lives  in  Mower  Co., 
Minn.;  Cordelia  E.,  now  Mrs.  Ebenezer  Jones,  of  Dodge  Co.,  Minn.;  Sarah  Jane;  Hiram  and  George 
A.,  living  on  the  homestead  (Sarah  and  George,  with  their  f;»ther).  Mr.  Willard  was  married  the  second 
time,  Oct.  12.  1879,  to  Mary  Jane  Severance,  daughter  of  Herman  and  Sabrina  (Durkee)  Blodgett,  of 
Vermont.  He  has  218  acres  of  land,  20  acres  of  it  at  the  village  of  Randolph.  Is  a  Republican,  and 
has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace  two  terms  in  the  town  of  Courtland.  His  son,  Hiram  Willard,  enlisted 
Aug.  20,  1864.  in  the  1st  W.  H.  A.,  Battery  M,  and  served  till  discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war. 

THOMAS  WATEKWORTH,  former.  Sec.  35;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  Feb.  2,  1815;  son  of  John  Waterwurth.  He  was  married,  in  Keighley  Church,  in  Yorkshire, 
in  1837,  to  Sarah  Greenwood,  who  was  born  in  the  same  county  he  was;  daughter  of  Wright  Green- 
wood. Mr.  Waterworth  was  a  farmer  in  England  ;  came  to  America  in  1855,  and  settled  on  the  farm  he 
now  owns,  in  Courtlind.  He-  has  ten  children  living — Mary,  Grace,  Hannah,  Wright,  Thomas,  Sarah, 
Susannah,  John,  William  and  Jane  Elizabeth.  He  has  been  Treasurer  and  Director  in  the  school  district, 
and  Pathmaster,  and  is  a  Democrat.      Has  only  two  children  living  at  home.     Has  200  acres  of  land. 

DAVID  a,  WIIiLIAMS,  miller,  of  the  firm  of  Williams  &  Jones,  Cambria;  was  born 
Nov.  25,  1841,  in  Denbighshire.  North  Wales;  came  to  America  with  his  parents  in  the  spring  of 
1850;  lived  in  Delafield,  Waukesha  Co.,  till  the  fall  of  1851;  then  came  to  Cambria  and  has  resided 
here  since.  His  father,  Gabriel  \yilliams,  has  retired  from  business,  and  is  living  in  Cambria  ;  Mr. 
Williams  enlisted  Aug.  13,  1862,  in  the  32d  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  F.,  and  remained  in  the  service  till  1865, 
participating  in  all  the  battles  in  which  his  regiment  was  engaged  during  that  time,  and  went  with  Sher- 
man on  his  famous  "march  to  the  sea;"  July  8,  1865,  he  was  married,  in  Dodge  Co.,  Minn.,  to  Emma 
L.  Williams,  of  Waushara  Co.,  Wis.,  who  died  in  1870,  leaving  one  child — Eliza  L.;  was  again  married  in 
1871.  on  June  21,  in  i'ortland.  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  to  Sarah  Picket,  and  has  four  children  by  the  second 
marriage — Frank  G.,  George  David,  Jennie  and  Floyd  Evan.     Mr.  Williams  is  a  Republican. 

DANIKL  Iv.  WILLIAMS  ( Glyn),  farmer.  Sec.  7  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  born  Nov.  29,  1819,  in  Car- 
narvonshire, North  Wales  ;  son  of  Daniel  Williams  ;  came  to  America  in  1846,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Courtland,  on  the  farm  he  now  owns.  Was  married  in  1849,  to  Elizabeth  Jones,  daughter  of  Owen 
Jones,  a  native  of  Anglesea,  Wales;  have  five  children — Eliza  Ann,  Owen  J.,  Jepthah,  Mary  A.,  and 
Daniel,  all  living  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  aramembers  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church.  He 
is  a  Republican. 

ELIAS  B.  WILLIAMS,  deceased,  was  born  In  Llangernyn,  North  Wales,  Sept.  26,  1818. 
His  father,  John  Williams,  was  a  freeholdor,  and  he  remained  on  the  farm  with  his  father  till  he  was  28 
years  old.  In  the  summer  of  1845,  he  came  to  America  in  company  with  seven  other  Welshmen — most 
of  them  with  families — who  came  direct  to  Wisconsin,  left  their  families  in  Milwaukee,  and  came  up  to 
Columbia  Co.  to  '•  spy  out  the  promi.-ied  land;''  they  were  pleased  with  the  country,  selected  their  land, 
built  their  cabins,  and  returned  to  Milwaukee  for  their  families.  They  were  the  first  Welsh  that  settled 
in  this  part  of  the  county,  and  their  names  were  as  follows:  David  D.  Roberts,  John  R.  Rowlands, 
Robert  Closs,  Evan  Edw  uds,  John  Edwards,  Elias  B.  Williams,  Wm.  R,  Williams  and  Robert  Lloyd, 
and  they  came  Sept.  25,  1845.  Some  of  them  are  still  living  in  the  county.  They  were  Calvinistic 
Methodists,  and,  as  the  Sabbath"  drew  near,  before  they  had  any  of  their  cabins  built,  they  improvised  a 
"  temple  of  worship  ''  by  putting  up  four  posts,  with  poles  laid  across  the  tops,  and  covering  the  building 
with  brushes  and  marsh  grass  :  on  Sabbath  morning,  they  held  a  "  prayer  meeting  "  and  "  Bible  service  " 
in  this,  the  first  church  edifice  in  the  town  of  Courtland.  June  13,  1848,  Mr.  Williams  was  married  to 
Mary  A.  Jones,  daughter  of  Richard  Jones  (Tarrycastell),  a  native  of  Dolydclen,  North  Wales.  He  was 
one  of  four  brothers  who  were  all  noted  for  their  prominence  in  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  ;  he 
was  a  Deacon,  and  his  three  brothers  were  ministers;  he  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  settled 
in  Columbia  Co.,  town  of  Courtland  ;  he  took  an  active  part  in  organizing  and  sustaining  the  church  in 
this  county  ;  he  bought  a  section  of  land  and  divided  it  up  among  his  six  children  ;  he  died  in  Courtland 
ill  1850,  aged  51  years,  and  his  wife  died  in  1863,  aged  59.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  were  the  first  Welsh 
couple  married  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  if  not  in  the  county  ;  they  were  married  at  her  father's  home, 
and  the  parlor  in  which  the  ceremony  was  performed  was  about  half  full  of  wheat,  which  had  been  stored 
there  for  want  of  a   better  place ;  this  important   event   occurred  about  3   o'clock  in  the   afternoon,  and 


1038  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

immediately  after  the  ceremony,  sie  accompanied  her  husband  to  his  home,  and  helped  about  milkins;  the 
cows  and  taking  care  of  the  stock  the  first  night — plunging  at  once  into  the  stern  realities  of  married  life 
on  a  farm  in  a  new  tountry  ;  he  owned  a  farm  of  370  acres  in  the  town  of  Counland,  on  Sec.  8,  which 
he  occupied  until  his  death,  which  occurred  April  4,  1876,  of  pneumonia,  after  an  illness  of  only  four 
days  ;  he  was  58  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  left  no  children.  Mr.  Williams  was  a  prom- 
inent musician,  a  thorough  teacher  and  leader  of  the  choir  in  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  at  Welsh 
Prairie  and  in  Cambria  for  years ;  he  was  also  a  compo.ser  of  considerable  note,  and  published  several  of 
his  pieces,  which  were  well  received  by  the  public;  the  last  two  years  of  his  life  his  leisure  time  was  de- 
voted almost  entirely  to  writing  poetry.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  spent  several  years  in  Europe,  being 
there  from  1863  to  1868.  Mrs.  Williams  is  now  living  in  Cambria,  managing  the  estate  of  her  late  hus- 
band, which  consists  of  800  acres  of  land  divided  into  fine  farms. 

JOHN  Lil.  WIIjLIAMS,  M.  D.,  Cambria;  was  born  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  July 
15,  1826,  son  of  William  S.  Williams  ;  his  mother's  maiden  name  was  Jane  Owens.  His  parents  started 
for  America  May  24,  1847,  and  his  father  died  on  Lake  Michigan,  on  the  way  to  Wisconsin,  July  7, 1847  ; 
his  mother  died  about  a  montli  after  arriving  in  Springvale.  John  LI.  first  read  medicine  in  Llanrwst, 
North  Wales,  in  the  office  of  Dr.  William  Hughes  ;  attended  one  course  of  lectures  in  (jlasgow,  Scotland, 
and  received  a  licenie  to  practice  ;  when  he  was  20  years  of  age,  he  commenced  practice,  in  Cambria,  in 
1847,  when  it  was  called  Langdon's  Mills,  and  only  three  persons  in  the  village  ;  after  coming  to  Wiscon- 
sin, he  attended  lectures  in  Chicago,  and  is  a  graduate  of  Kush  Medical  ColleL,e.  Feb  28,  1854,  he 
was  married,  in  I'ortage  City,  Wis.,  to  Elizabeth  Evans,  who  was  born  Jan.  8,  1833,  in  the  same  county 
as  her  husband,  in  North  Wales,  daughter  of  Robert  Evans.  Has  three  children — Jane  E.,  William  E. 
and  Mary  Ann,  all  living  at  home.  He  was  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools  several  years,  under  the  old 
system,  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  After  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing,  the  Doctor,  with  forty-seven 
others,  visited  Chicago,  to  go  down  and  attend  the  wounded,  and  in  1864,  went  to  Vick.«burg,  and  had  charge 
of  all  the  hospitals  in  the  post,  for  four  months.  He  also  taught  the  first  school  in  Springvale,  in  a  "  dug- 
out," three  nights  in  a  wi-ek,  in  the  fall  of  1847. 

OWKX^  WIIiI.ilAMS,  carpenter,  Cambria;  was  born  Dec.  20,  1836,  in  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales,  parish  of  Penmanmawr  ;  son  of  Owen  Williams  ;  his  mother's  maiden  name  was  Margaret 
Roberts.  Came  to  America  in  fall  of  1856,  and  lived  in  Chicago  about  six  mimths  ;  then,  in  May,  1857, 
went  to  Portage  City  and  lived  there  almost  five  months,  then,  in  La  Crosse  till  the  spring  of  1859,  when 
he  went  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  resided  there  a  little  over  a  year,  then  back  to  Wisconsin,  and  lived  in  Cam- 
bria, four  years.  He  then  went  on  to  a  farm,  near  Lake  Emily,  in  the  town  of  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co., 
Wis.,  where  he  resided  fourteen  years,  still  working  at  his  trade,  which  he  had  learned  in  Wales.  In  June, 
1878,  he  removed  to  the  village  of  Cambria,  where  he  still  resides.  Was  first  married.  May  6,  1864, 
in  Fox  Lake,  to  Mary  Morris,  daughter  of  Henry  Morris,  of  that  place  ;  she  died  May  8,  1868,  leaving 
one  child,  Richard  0.  Williams,  born  June  11,  1865,  and  now  living  at  home.  Was  married  again  in 
Milwaukee,  April  3,  1871,  to  Ellen  Thomas,  of  Milwaukee,  daughter  of  Richard  Roberts  and  widow  of 
Joseph  Thomas,  who  died,  in  Randolph,  of  sunstroke.  Mr.  Williams  owns  a  farm  of  240  acres,  in  the 
town  of  Machford,  Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.;  one  of  156  acres,  in  Fox  Lake,  Dodge  Co.,  and  twenty 
acres  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  Columbia  Co. — 116  acres  in  all.     Independent  in  politics. 

MRtli.  PERRY  WILLjIAIIS  ( widow)  ;  is  a  native  of  North  Wales;  came  to  America 
in  1843  ;  lived  in  New  York  City  till  1SG5,  then  came  to  Cambria,  and  since  1869,  has  been 
carrying  on  her  present  business  ;  has  a  book,  stationery  and  toy  store  on  north  side  of  Main  street,  in 
Cambria.  Has  one  daughter,  Perrie.  Her  husband,  Morris  Williams,  died  in  New  York  City,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1865.     Mrs.  Williams  and  daughter  are  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church. 

PKTER  WIIiLIAMN,  Postmaster,  Cambria;  was  born  Dec.  17,  1831,  in  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales;  he  learned  the  tailor's  trade  in  Wales,  and  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1849:  he 
came  to  Courtland,  where  his  stepfather,  Owen  Richards,  had  located  in  1847,  and  worked  two  and  one- 
half  yt^ars  on  the  farm,  when  they  had  to  haul  wheat  to  Milwaukee  with  ox  teams,  taking  ten  to  twelve 
days  to  make  the  round  trip,  and  were  only  able  to  haul  about  thirty  bushels  to  a  load  ;  in  the  fall  of  1851, 
he  went  to  Beaver  Dam  to  get  employment,  and  arrived  there  with  only  25  cents  in  his  pocket,  and  Sat- 
urday night  at  that  ;  he  soon  engaged  to  work  for  Hiram  Booth  at  his  trade  for  $8  per  month  ;  he  stayed 
there  about  six  weeks,  then  worked  in  Fox  Lake  till  the  next  July,  at  SIO  per  month  ;  the  next  move 
was  to  Dodgeville,  Wis.,  to  drive  team  in  the  lead  mines,  but,  felling  to  get  employment,  only  stayed 
eight  days,  and  returned  home  penniless  ;  he  then  worked  for  his  stepfather  through  harvest  without  pay, 
and  soon  after  started  for  Beaver  Dam  again  without  a  cent ;  he  worked  on  a  farm  for  Judge  Green  seven 
weeks  at  $10  per  mouth,  then  worked  for  Booth  again  till  March  25,  1853  ;  he  then  came  back  to  Columbia 


TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH.  1039 

Co.,  and  opened  the  first  tailor-shop  in  Cambria,  and  has  carried  on  the  business  most  of  the  time 
since,  except  one  year  in  Beaver  Dam  and  one  year  in  Berlin,  eleriiing  for  Forbes.  He  was  married  in 
Cambria  in  185(5,  to  Ellen  Owens  ;  has  two  children  living — Jennie  M,,  now  Mrs.  R.  A.  Sanderson,  of 
Columbus,  and  Owen  C,  at  home  ;  have  lost  six — Grace  Ellen,  Clara,  Thomas  Grant,  and  three  died  in 
infancy.  Methodist  and  Republican  ;  has  been  Postmaster  at  Cambria  since  Jan.  1,  1879  ;  cast  his  first 
Presidential  vote  for  John  C.  Fremont. 

WIIiLIAM  AP  WILiLIAMS,  pumpmaker,  Cambria  Village  ;  was  born  in  November, 
1824,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  William  Williams,  who  came  to  America  in  1847,  settled 
in  Springvale,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  and  died  there  in  1863,  aged  75;  Mrs.  Williams  died  in  Wales  in  1837, 
aged  55.  William  ap  was  married  in  Wales  in  1845,  to  Margaret  Owens,  daughter  of  Owen  Pritchard 
(Beddgelert)  of  Carnarvonshire;  came  to  America  in  1849,  two  years  after  his  father  came,  lived  in 
Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  two  years,  «nd  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1851  ;  settled  in  Springvale,  rented  a  farm  six 
years,  then  bought  a  farm  of  240  acres  on  Sec.  9,  and  lived  there  till  the  summer  of  1867,  then  sold  out 
and  removed  to  Cambria  Village,  where  he  has  carried  on  the  business  of  pumpmaking  and  drilling  wells 
ever  since  Sept.  3,  1861  ;  his  first  wife  died  aged  37,  leaving  eight  children  (having  previously  lost  two, 
one  named  Gaing  and  one  infant,  unnamed) ;  of  those  living— Ann  is  now  Mrs.  John  Williams,  of  Empo- 
ria, Kan.;  Catharine  is  Mrs.  James  Pritchard,  of  Oakland,  Cal.;  William  lives  in  Emporia,  Kan.;  Gaing 
is  the  wife  of  Thomas  James,  a  molder  living  in  Honululu,  Sandwich  Islands;  Maggie,  single,  living 
near  Oakland,  Cal.;  Robert  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  on  a  sugar  plantation,  and  Richard  and  Rowland  at 
home  in  Cambria.  Mr.  Williams  was  married  the  second  time,  June  7,  1867,  to  Wright,  a  native  of  Scot- 
land, who  died  in  1874  ;  was  married  the  third  time,  Dec.  25, 1879,  to  Mrs.  Jane  James,  a  native  of  Wales 
and  widow  of  E.  James,  of  Columbus.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  he  is  a  Republican.  When  his  father,  William  Williams,  arrived  in  Milwaukee,  he  was  obliged  to 
stop  at  the  hospital  at  that  place,  with  his  son  Rowland,  who  was  taken  sick  on  the  Lake  ;  another  son, 
Robert,  was  taken  sick  on  the  road  after  leaving  Milwaukee,  and  died  a  few  days  after  they  arrived  in  Cam- 
bria in  July,  1847,  aged  25,  and  was  the  first  one  buried  in  the  Cambria  cemetery ;  Mr.  Williams  is  one 
of  the  company  engaged  in  mining  for  silver  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  just  south  of  Cambria. 


TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH. 

ADA^I  BLOCHWITZ,  farmer,  Sec.  5;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  June  22,  1834,  in  Bava- 
ria; son  of  Jacob  Blochwitz,  who  came  to  America  in  1839,  or  1840,  and  settled  in  Westchester  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  near  Sing  Sing;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1850,  and  is  now  living  in  Green  Lake  Co.,  aged  79  ;  Adam 
remained  with  his  father  till  1852,  except  about  six  months  in  Milwaukee,  trying  to  learn  the  shoemaker's 
trade,  without  success,  however,  as  the  business  did  not  agree  with  him ;  in  September,  1852,  he 
went  to  Portage  City  and  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  dry-goods  and  grocery  business,  at  which  he  con- 
tinued three  years  ;  he  then  went  into  partnership  with  George  Rapp  in  the  first  bakery  established  in 
Portage,  but  which  was  run  the  past  year  by  Rapp,  then  leased  by  Hutcher  &  Ranson  for  two  years, 
before  he  bought  an  interest ;  they  carried  on  business  together  one  year,  when  he  bought  out  the  whole 
concern  and  continued  the  business  alone  till  1862,  then  sold  out  to  A.  F.  Greene,  and  July  25,  1862, 
came  to  the  town  of  Randolph,  where  he  now  resides.  Was  married,  March  28,  1858,  to  Willhelmiene 
Burbach,  who  died  May  4,  1871,  aged  33  years  10  months  and  13  days,  leaving  five  children — Eliza, 
Phcebe,  Jacob,  Margaret  and  Peter,  all  living  at  home  ;  was  married  the  second  time,  March  16,  1872,  to 
Sophia  Keller,  by  whom  he  has  two  children — ^John  C.  and  Henry  A.;  she  was  born  May  12,  1837,  in 
Prussia,  daughter  of  Conrad  Keller,  who  came  to  America  in  1868,  and  now  lives  on  Sec.  17  in  Ran- 
dolph ;  Mr.  Blochwitz  has  been  Supervisor  and  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  in  politics  is  conservative  ;  has 
147  acres  of  land.     Both  members  of  the  Reformed  Lutheran  Church. 

FREDERICK  BICKELHAUPT,  farmer.  Sec.  10;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center;  born  Jan. 
21, 1836,  in  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany;  son  of  Peter  Bickelhaupt;  came  to  America  in  1 842,  with  his  pareqts, 
and  lived  in  New  York  City  about  twenty  years  ;  worked  a  part  of  the  time  in  a  soda-water  factory  and 
some  in  a  window-shade  factory;  in  1863  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  in  Cambria  until  1865,  then  went 
to  Fox  Lake  and  manufactured  soda  water  for  two  years  ;  then  back  to  Cambria  and  kept  saloon  until 
1872  ;  he  then  took  a  trip  through  Colorado,  Wyoming  and  New  Mexico,  and  returned  to  Cambria  in 
1874 ;    stayed  there  until  the  spring  of  1879,  then  came  to  the  town  of  Randolph,  where  he  now  resides. 


1040  15I0GRAFHICAL    SKETCHES: 

VVa*  first  married  in  New  York  City  in  1862,  to  Mar<;aret  Shoffer,  who  died  in  1875  aged  37,  leaving  three 
children — Fred,  Kmma  and  Peter ;  in  October.  lS7li,  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  John  Heidt.  whose  maiden 
name  wius  Beraadina  Furing,  daughter  of  Conrad  Furing,  of  Courtland.  (See  his  biography.)  Mr. 
Heidt  died  in  1874,  aged  86,  leaving  four  children^Frank,  I'aulina,  Joseph  and  Henry  ;  had  lost  three- 
John  M.,  Mary  and  Georgie.  Mr.  Bickelhaupt  lost  four  children  by  his  first  wife — William,  Charles 
George  and  an  infant  not  named  ;  has  one  child  by  the  second  marriage — Matilda.  Mrs.  Bickelhaupt  is 
a  Catholic,  and  he  is  a  Democrat. 

EDWARD  J.  BREEZE,  farmer,  Sec.  13  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  ;  was  born  in  Montgomeryshire, 
North  Wales,  August  ,1831  ;  son  of  Edward  Breese,  who  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  184(),  and  settled 
in  the  town  of  Randolph  ;  he  is  still  living  and  in  god  health  at  the  age  of  83,  Mrs.  Breese  (mother  of  Edward 
J.  1,  died  in  April,  1872,  or  1873,  aged  66.  Mr.  Breese  has  alwiiys  followed  farming  ;  was  married  in  the 
fall  of  1867,  to  Sarah  Jones,  daughter  of  John  W.  Jones,  of  Randolph;,  she  died  Oct.  1-4,  1874,  of 
apoplexy,  aged  35  years  and  8  months,  leaving  two  children — John,  born  July  14,  1868,  and  E  Iward. 
born  May  19,  1873.  Mrs.  Breese  was  a  member  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church;  Mr.  Beesc  is  also 
a  member  of  the  same  church,  and  is  a  Republican.     Mr.   Breese  is  a  brother  of  LI.  Br.;ese,  of  Portage. 

DAVID  CARSON,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  Dec.  9,  1823,  near  Montreal, 
Canada;  son  of  George  and  Mary  Carson;  when  about  1 1  years  old,  David  was  thrown  on  his  own 
resources,  and  commenced  the  battle  of  life  on  his  own  hook  Jan.  10,  1843.  He  was  married  in  Vermont, 
to  Polly  Allen,  who  was  born  Nov.  29,  1826,  in  Goshen,  Vt.,  daughter  of  Reuben  and  Polly  Allen,  natives 
of  Vermont,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1854.  Mr.  Carson  came  from  \'ermont  to  Wisconsin  in  Septem- 
ber, 1855,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  where  he  has  since  resided;  has  four  children  living — 
James  11.,  lives  in  Grand  Meadow:  Julius  A.,  at  High  Forest,  Minn.;  George  and  Bell,  at  home  with 
parents;  lost  one  child — Polly  died  April  4,  1872,  aged  14  years.  Mr.  Carson  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.      He  has  270  acres  of  land,  all  improved  but  80  acres  of  timber.      He  is  a  Republican. 

JAMES  P.  CHAPMAN,  farmer,  Sec.  7;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  March  9,  1836,  in  Tioga 
Co.,  Penn.;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1853,  and  settled  in  Plaintield,  Waushara  Co.  Was  married  in  1856, 
to  Julia  Chapman,  who  died  in  1863,  leaving  three  children — Joh'i  Earl,  Melis.sa  and  Louisa.  Oct.  6, 
1865,  was  married  to  Mrs.  Cornelia  Austin,  daughter  of  Stephen  A.  Cromwell,  a  native  of  Montgomery  Co., 
N.  Y.;  she  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1848  ;  have  one  child  by  the  second  marriage — Rose  H.  Mr.  Chapman 
enlisted  in  1862,  in  the  32d  W.  V.  L,  Co.  C,  and  was  in  the  service  about  three  years.  He  i-i  paying 
considerable  attention  to  raising  small  fruits,  and  was  almost  the  first  one  in  the  county  to  take  any  interest 
in  raspberry  culture.  Mr.  Chapman  has  a  great  variety  of  floral  plants,  and  they  have  purchased  the 
material  and  are  about  to  build  a  large  conservatory.  They  are  members  of  the  Seventh-Day  Adventist 
Church,  and  he  is  Republican. 

SAMUEL.  CLARK,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center;  born  Aug.  13,  1816,  in 
Go.shen,  Addison  Co.,  Vt.;  son  of  William  and  Betsy  Clark.  Was  married  in  Goshen  May  14,  1850,  to 
Julia  House,  who  was  born  Feb.  7,  1830,  in  same  place  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1856,  and  has  lived  in  the 
town  of  Randolph  ever  since  ;  lived  first  summer  on  Sec.  14,  at  AUen'.s  Corners,  in  a  room  12x16,  over  a 
blacksmith-shop,  and  used  a  chest  for  a  table  until  his  goods  came;  lived  six  years  near  Cambria;  and  in 
spring  of  1861,  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns  of  William  Richardson  of  New  York,  (being  the  only  farm 
left  on  the  prairie  not  fenced  and  improved);  came  on  the  farm  with  his  family  in  the  summer  of  1862. 
ILis  five  children — Nellie  R..  Samuel  B.,  Mary  J.,  William  T.,  and  Mattie  M.,  all  at  home  except  Samuel  B. 
who  is  married  and  lives  at  Randolph  Center.  (Sec  his  biography.)  Mr.  Clark  was  Chairman  of  his  town 
three  years,  and  Side  Supervisor  one  year.  Is  a  Republican,  and  has  190  acres  of  land  ;  160  acres 
improved  and  30  acres  timber. 

SAMUEL  B.  CLARK,  wagon-maker,  Randolph  Center;  was  born  July  23,  1854,  in  Rut- 
land Co.,  Vt.;  son  of  Sam  Clark  of  Randolph.  (See  his  biography.)  Samuel  B.  lived  with  his  father  on  the 
farm  till  the  spring  he  was  21,  then  went  to  learn  the  wagon-maker's  trade  of  John  Chamberlain,  of  Ran- 
dolph Center;  worked  with  him  till  the  fall  of  1879,  then  bought  the  shop  where  he  learned  his  trade, 
and  is  now  in  partnership  with  Archibald  Murray,  who  owns  a  blacksmith  shop  at  the  Center.  He  was 
married,  Ajiril  9,  1878,  to  Mary  A.  Williams,  who  was  born  Dec.  5,  1859,  in  the  town  of  Randolph, 
daughter  of  John  Williams,  a  native  of  Wales.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  arc  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
and  he  is  a  Republican. 

LEVI  DEXTER,  farmer.  Sec.  32;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  town  of 
Stone,  May  22,  1809  ;  son  of  John  Dexter,  who  went  to  Vermont  and  died  there  when  Levi  was  only  10 
years  old.  He  was  married,  Nov.  18,  1833,  in  Vermont,  to  Phebe  Pratt,  who  died  July  12,  1846,  aged 
30  years,  leaving  five  children — Alman,  lives  in  Grant  Co.,  Wis.;  Levi,  in  Cerro  Gordo  Co.,  Iowa;  Joseph 


TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH.  1041 

and  Myron,  are  in  Rockwell,  Cerro  Gordo,  in  the  dry-goods  business  together;  Freelove,  the  oldest  child, 
is  now  the  widow  of  Jonas  Adams,  and  lives  in  Minnesota.  Mr.  Dexter  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of 
1854,  and  June  8,  1856,  was  married  in  the  town  of  Randolph  to  Susannah  Miller,  and  has  since  lived  on 
the  farm  he  now  occupies ;  had  six  children  by  the  second  marriage  ;  five  of  them  living — John,  Lucy, 
Phebe,  Henry  and  Annie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dexter  are  Presbyterians  and  he  is  a  Republican.  His  son 
Myron  enli^ted  in  the  army  during  the  rebellion  and  served  about  a  year,  toward  the  close  of  the  war  was 
in  the  45th  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  B. 

LiEVI  B.  EAGER,  farmer.  Sec.  24;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  April  17,  1821,  in  Derby, 
Orleans  Co.,  Vt.;  son  of  Luther  Eager.  Was  married  in  Burke,  Caledonia  Co.,  Vt.,  in  1850,  to  Ann 
Ward,  who  died  Aug.  2,  1862,  at  Fox  Lake,  Wis.,  aged  38,  leaving  one  son,  Henry  L.,  now  living  in  Mil- 
waukee, who  is  a  telegraph  operator.  Mr.  Eager  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1851,  and  set- 
tled in  the  town  of  Fox  Lake;  lived  there  till  1866,  then  went  to  Randolph  Village,  and  lived  there 
about  five  years  ;  in  the  fall  of  1870,  he  removed  to  his  present  location  ;  has  170  acres  of  land  which  he 
purchased  in  1866,  and  rented  till  1870.  Was  married  the  second  time,  March  21,  1863,  at  Fox  Lake, 
to  Calista  C.  Preston,  who  was  born  May  28,  1840,  in  Goshen,  Addison  Co.,  Vt.,  daughter  of  Charles 
Preston;  has  two  children  by  the  second  marriage^Mabelle,  born  Feb.  18,  1867,  and  Carlos,  born  Feb. 
27,  1871  ;  one  daughter,  Annie,  was  born  Feb.  19,  1865,  and  died  Sept.  1,  1865.     Republican. 

WILLIAM  HARRIS,  farmer.  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center;  was  born  Feb.  13,  1820, 
in  Monmouthshire,  North  Wales  ;  son  of  John  Harris.  Was  married  in  Wales,  Sept.  15,  1839,  to  Alice 
Thompson,  daughter  of  William  Thomp.son  ;  she  was  born  March  15,  1820,  in  same  place;  he  came  to 
America  in  1842,  and  lived  one  and  one-half  years  in  Monongalia  Co.,  Va.;  then  went  to  Maryland  and 
lived  three  and  one-half  years  in  Alleghany  Co.;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1847,  and  settled  in 
the  town  of  Randolph,  on  Sec.  15,  and  removed  to  his  present  location  in  1855  ;  has  320  s.cres  of  land 
with  good  buildings  ;  Sarah  (now  Mrs.  Hugh  Williams,  of  Chicago),  John  lives  in  Dexter,  Mower  Co., 
Minn.,  and  Martha,  now  Mrs.  James  Carson,  of  Grand  Meadow,  Mower  Co.,  Minn.,  and  William  T., 
unmarried  and  living  at  home ;  Mr.  Harris  worked  in  a  tin  factory  when  a  boy,  but  worked  at  mining 
five  or  six  years  before  he  left  Wales  ;  also  followed  mining  in  Virginia  and  Maryland  ;  after  he  came  to 
Wisconsin  he  followed  farming  except  five  winters  he  worked  at  mining,  two  winters  in  Missouri,  two  in 
Illinois  and  one  in  Kentucky  ;  on  three  of  his  trips  to  the  mines  he  went  on  foot  to  Galena,  111.,  his  wife 
remaining  at  home,  with  her  three  children,  doing  her  own  work  and  hauling  her  wood  with  an  ox  team  ; 
in  the  fall  of  1861,  he  made  a  trip  to  Wales  to  visit  his  parents  and  was  gone  about  three  months ;  has  had 
two  birthdays  on  the  ocean,  in  1822  and  1842,  both  times  on  his  way  to  America.  Himself  and  son  are 
Republicans. 

AMOS  A.  HARTSON,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Randolph;  born  Dec.  23,  1819,  in  Mans- 
field, Conn.;  son  of  Elijah  and  Sabrina  (Utley )  Hartson  ;  when  18  years  old,  his  parents  removed  to 
Luzerne  Co.,  Penn.,  town  of  Scott ;  he  remained  with  his  parents  till  he  was  21  years  old ;  at  the  age  of 
22,  he  bought  a  piece  of  timber  land  and  commenced  clearing  it  up  for  a  farm.  March  29,  1842,  he  was 
married,  in  Luzerne  Co.,  to  Artemissa  Fellows,  who  was  born  Oct.  31,  1819,  in  Luzerne  Co.,  Penn.; 
daughter  of  Benjamin  Fellows;  she  died  June  16,  1867.  Mr.  Hartson  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of 
1849,  and  the  next  winter  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns,  and  where  he  has  resided  since  the  spring  of 
1850  ;  has  193  acres  of  land ;  his  second  wife,  with  whom  he  is  now  living,  was  Mrs.  Mary  Duley,  daugh- 
ter of  Michael  Roach,  to  whom  he  was  married  in  Portage  City,  Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  1871 ;  has  three  chil- 
dren living — Amos  E.,  lives  in  Butler  Co.,  Iowa;  Martha,  now  Mrs.  Ray  Beddow,  of  Minnesota,  and 
Alfred  H.,  living  in  Minneapolis,  Minn.;  lost  three — Harriet  (Mrs.  Frank  Gale),  Mary  and  Sarah.  Mr. 
Hartson  is  a  Democrat,  but  votes  for  the  best  man. 

HEIVRY  HENSIIi,  farmer,  Sec.  6  ;  P.  0.  Salemville,  Green  Lake  Co.;  was  born  June  26, 
1824,  in  the  city  of  Marienwerder,  West  Prussia;  son  of  August  Hensil  ;  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of 
1848  ;  came  direct  to  Wisconsin  and  located  some  land  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Randolph  ;  he  then 
went  to  Portage  City  (then  called  Gougeville),  and  worked  three  years  at  carpenter  work,  then  returned 
to  his  farm  in  Randolph,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  was  married,  Oct.  22,  1855,  to  Phebe  Hedrig, 
who  was  born  in  the  city  of  Braunfels,  Prussia,  in  the  Province  of  Rhine,  and  came  to  America  with 
her  parents  in  1855  ;  daughter  of  Conrad  Hedrig;  Mr.  Hensil  has  four  children  Jiving — Mina,  Lottie, 
Ellie  and  Sophia,  all  at  home ;  has  lost  one — Frances,  died  in  1863,  only  a  year  old.  Mr.  Hensil  learned 
the  millwright's  trade  in  Prussia,  but  has  followed  farming  since  he  came  to  America,  except  the  three 
years  he  lived  in  Portage  ;  has  held  the  office  of  Constable  and  several  school  district  offices ;  in  politics  a 
Reformer,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  for  the  last  ten  years  ;  himself  and  wife  both 
members  of  the   Lutheran   Church.     Mr.  Hensil  and  Charles  W.  Arch  were  the  first  German  settlers  in 


1042  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

the  town  of  Randolph,  and  located  their  land  at  the  same  time;  the  first  nisjht  they  stayed  on  their  land, 
they  turned  a  wagon  box  bottom  up, setting  a  stick  under  one  end  to  hold  it  up;  they  slept  on  the  ground 
under  the  box  ;  during  the  night,  Mr.  Arch,  in  turning  over,  knocked  the  stick  out  and  let  the  box 
down  on  the  ground,  catching  them  in  the  trap,  where  they  lay  till  morning.  Next  day,  they  built  a 
cabin,  by  setting  sticks  on  end  in  a  circle  and  bringing  them  together  at  the  top,  like  an  Indian  wigwam, 
and  covering  it  with  sods;  in  this  they  lived  about  four  weeks.  The  first  winter,  snow  fell  about  four  feet 
deep. 

ELA9I  D.  HEWITT  (deceased)  ;  was  a  native  of  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  William  Hewit, 
and  was  born  March  1,  1811:!.  Was  married,  March  29,  1840,  to  Almeda  B.  Holcomb,  who  was  born 
Jan.  14,  1817,  in  Vermont;  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Hannah  Holcomb,  who  removed  to  Saratoga  Co. 
when  she  was  only  5  or  6  years  old.  Mr.  Hewit  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  family  in  July,  1846,  and 
lived  in  Cottage  Grove,  Dane  Co.,  till  the  next  December,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  located  in 
what  is  now  the  town  of  Randolph,  when  there  were  but  few  families  in  the  town  ;  in  March,  1847,  he 
entered  IGO  acres  in  Sec.  34,  and  built  a  cabin  10x14  feet,  in  which  they  lived  about  a  year,  then  drew 
lumber  from  Milwaukee  with  ox  teams,  and  built  a  home  in  which  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days. 
He  worked  at  carpenter  work  for  fourteen  or  fifteen  years  after  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  hiring  the  work 
done  on  his  farm;  he  died  March  21,  1869,  after  an  illness  of  only  three  days,  leaving  a  widow  and  nine 
children — Mary  F.  (now  Mrs.  Henry  Bradshaw),of  Cookston,  Polk  Co.,  Minn.;  Jerome  B.,  Hannah  A. 
(Mrs.  William  H.  Hughes),  died  Dec.  3,  1879,  leaving  one  child  (HughieE.);  Albert  E.,  in  Black  Hills, 
Dak.;  George  W.,  William  W.  lives  in  the  town  of  Randolph  ;  Cecil  A.,  Henry  S.  and  Allie  L.;  Cecil 
A.  and  Allie  L.  are  living  on  the  homestead  with  their  mother.     P.  0.  Randolph  Center. 

ELOX  HOLiCOMB,  farmer.  Sec.  34;  P.  0  Cambria;  born  Feb.  17,  1833,  in  the  State  of 
New  York  ;  son  of  Isaac  and  Hannah  Holcomb,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1846,  and  settled  in  the  town 
of  Randolph ;  his  mother  died  June  23,  1873,  aged  85,  and  his  fether  July  8,  1876,  aged  88 ;  both  died 
on  the  farm  which  they  settled  in  1849,  where  they  lived  with  their  son,  Elon,  who  is  still  unmarried  and 
occupies  the  homestead.     Has  40  acres  of  land;  attends  the  M.  E.  Church  and  is  a  Republican. 

EDWARD  J.  Hll^GHES,  dentist,  Randolph  ;  has  been  practicing  dentistry  for  the  last 
two  years,  and  still  continues  to  practice  in  Randolph  and  vicinity  ;  he  was  born  Feb.  20,  1846,  in  Car- 
narvonshire, North  Wales  ;  son  of  Thomas  Hughes,  who  came  to  America  in  August,  1846,  and  settled 
on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  his  widow  and  two  sons  ;  he  died  June  30,  1879,  aged  64,  leaving  eight 
children — John,  Jane  (now  Mrs.  R.  S.  Richmond,  of  Randolph  Village),  Mary  (now  Mrs.  S.  W.  Hart- 
well,  of  Dexter,  Mower  Co.,  Minn.),  Edward  J.  (subject  of  this  sketch ),  Sarah  ( now  Mrs.  J.  K.  Salisbury, 
of  Renville  Co.,  Minn.),  Catharine  (now  Mrs.  A.  W.  Thornhill,  of  Mower  Co.,  Minn.),  Anna  (now  Mrs. 
Crippin,  resides  in  the  town  of  Randolph)  and  Oswald  R.,  on  the  homestead  with  his  mother,  a  native  of 
North  Wales,  and  65  years  old;  have  160  acres  of  land.  Edward  J.  was  married,  Oct.  23,  1876,  to 
Lettie  C.  Edwards,  who  died  Oct.  14,  1878,  leaving  one  child — William  T.,  born  Oct.  12,  1878;  she  was 
a  daughter  of  Daniel  Edwards,  of  Doylestown,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  now  of  McMinnville,  Tenn. 

JOHX  W.  HrCirHE^i,  farmer,  Sec.  3  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  born  in  Denbighshire,  North  Wales. 
April  28,  1812  :  son  of  William  Hughes.  Was  married,  in  Wales  in  1840,  to  Mary  Jones,  daughter  of 
John  Jones  ;  followed  butchering  in  Wales;  came  to  America  in  spring  of  1857,  and  lived  in  Rosendale 
and  Eldorado,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  Wis.,  thirteen  years,  and,  in  1870,  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  to  his  present 
location  ;  has  eight  children — John,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  William,  Robert,  Mary,  Ann  Margaret  and  Ezra, 
four  of  them,  Robert,  Mary,  Margaret  and  Ezra,  at  home ;  both  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist 
Church.     He  is  a  Republican  ;  has  120  acres  of  land. 

JOHX  K.  JOl^ES  (  Penllyn  ),  farmer,  Sec.  29  ;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Montgomeryshire, 
North  Wales,  parish  of  Cemmaes,  June  10,  1822  ;  son  of  Rowland  Jones  (Gwaliau)  ;  came  to  America 
in  1848  ;  stopped  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  about  three  months,  then  went  to  Pittston  Ferry,  Penn,  where  he 
resided  till  the  spring  of  1851  ;  he  then  went  to  California,  and  worked  at  mining  till  1854,  when  he 
returned  East,  and  was  married,  in  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y.,  by  James  Griffith,  to  Sarah  Parry,  a  native  of 
Merionethshire,  North  Wales  ;  he  then  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Randolph,  near 
Cambria,  and  in  the  spring  of  18(i7,  removed  to  his  present  location  ;  has  two  children — Rowland  Henry 
Jones  and  David  Oliver  Jones,  both  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Congre- 
gational Church  ;  he  has  160  acres  of  land.     Republican. 

JOHN  R.  JONES,  farmer,  Sec.  4  ;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  Dec.  29,  1825,  in  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales;  son  of  Richard  J.  Jones,  who  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1845,  and  entered  240  acres 
of  land  in  Sees.  4  and  5,  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  the  same  fall ;  lived  in  Columbus 
till  the  next  spring,  and  then  came  on  his  land  with   his  family,  and  remained  on  the  same  farm   till  his 


TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH.  1043 

death,  in  1850;  his  mother's  name  was  Ann  Owens.  Mr.  Jones  was  first  married  in  May,  1853,  to 
Hannah  Elias,  who  died  Jan.  29,  1877,  leaving  six  children — Hannah,  now  Mrs.  David  Evans,  of  Minne- 
apolis ;  Richard,  also  in  Minneapolis  ;  Hugh  lives  in  Eau  Claire  Co.,  Wis.;  Evan,  in  Minneapolis  ;  Annie  and 
John,  at  home.  His  second  wife,  to  whom  he  was  married  April  8, 1879,  was  Mrs.  Mary  Hughes,  daughter 
of  Hugh  R.  Hughes,  and  widow  of  Benjamin  R.  Hughes,  who  died  Dec.  9,  1873,  in  Cambria,  leaving  two 
children— Hugh  R.  and  Jennie  ;  both  living  with  parents.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  are  members  of  the 
Welsh  Calvinistic  Church.      He  owns  127  acres  of  land  in  his  farm,  and  is  a  Republican. 

THOMAS  F.  JONES,  former  ;  Sec.  24 ;  P.  0.  Randolph ;  was  born  in  Carnarvonshire, 
North  Wales,  in  1830  ;  son  of  John  Thomas,  who  came  to  America  in  1848,  and  died  within  a  week  after 
reaching  New  York,  and  Mrs.  Thomas  died  about  two  weeks  after  her  husband  ;  Thomas  F.  stayed  a  few 
months  with  a  brother,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State  of  New  York  ;  then  lived  in  TJtica  about  three 
years  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1856  ;  lived  at  Fox  Lake  five  months  ;  then  in  and  around 
Cambria  till  1866  ;  he  then  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns,  and  where  he  has  since  resided.  Was  married 
in  1865,  in  Cambria,  to  Margaret  Jones,  of  Rome,  N.  Y. ;  has  no  children.  Owns  160  acres  of  land,  and 
is  a  Republican.     Both  are  members  of  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church. 

ROBERT  E.  KELLOGG  (deceased);  was  among  the  first  settlers  in  the  town  of  Ran- 
dolph ;  he  was  born  Feb.  2,  1822,  in  Sheffield,  Mass.;  he  worked'on  his  father's  farm  till  he  was  21  years 
old  ;  then  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in  the  city  of  Hudson.  N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  two  years  ; 
then  came  West,  and  followed  the  same  business  in  Racine,  Wis.,  about  a  year  and  a  half;  in  the  spring 
of  1847,  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  took  up  120  acres  of  Government  land  in  the  town  of  Randolph, 
on  Sec.  26,  where  he  resided  and  followed  farming  till  his  death,  which  occurred  Oct.  27,  1864,  of  con- 
sumption. May  2,  1846,  he  was  married,  in  Racine,  to  Elizabeth  Hoffman,  who  was  born  Jan.  11,  1824, 
in  Columbia  Co.,  N.Y.,  town  of  Claverick  ;  she  was  a  daughter  of  Jacob  D.  and  Maria  Hoffman,  natives  of  New 
York,  who  emigrated  to  Wisconsin  in  1848,  and  both  died  in  the  town  of  Randolph — Mrs.  Hofi'man, 
May  12,  1854,  and  Mr.  Hoffman,  May  21,  1878  ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kellogg  have  had  four  children,  of  whom 
two  are  living — Alfred,  born  Nov.  57,  1847,  and  Anna,  born  Nov.  5,  1863;  both  unmarried,  and  living 
on  the  homestead  with  their  mother;  Sylvester  was  born  Jan.  9,  1850,  and  died  Oct.  27,  1853,  and 
Charles,  born  Feb.  24,  1861,  died  June  10,  1862.  Have  120  acres  of  land  on  Sees.  26  and  35.  P.  0. 
Randolph. 

WM.  KING,  farmer.  Sec.  31  ;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  about  1820  ; 
came  to  America  in  1840,  and  to  Caledonia,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.  in  1843;  lived  there  four  years ; 
then  removed  to  Portage  Prairie,  town  of  Scott,  on  Sec.  23,  and  lived  there  till  1857  ;  then  sold  out  and 
went  to  Portage  ;  lived  two  years  near  Portage ;  then  came  to  Cambria,  and  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns 
in  Randolph.  Was  married  in  1354,  in  Marcellon,  to  Janet  Weir,  a  native  of  Scotland  ;  have  five  chil- 
dren— Janet,  now  Mrs.  Matthew  Kerr,  of  the  town  of  Scott;  Agnes;  Wm.;  Robert  and  George;  lost  one 
— Marion,  died  at  the  age  of  13.  In  the  fall  of  1852,  Wm.  King  went  to  California,  via  Panama; 
remained  there  four  years ;  most  of  the  time  in  the  mines  ;  was  successful,  and  is  now  enjoying  the  fruit 
of  his  labors. 

PHILLIP  KITMBA,  farmer.  Sec.  5  ;  P.  0.  Salemville,  Green  Lake  Co.;  born  April  29, 
1821,  in  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany;  son  of  Phillip  Kumba;  came  to  America  in  1842,  and  lived  in 
Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y.,  till  1850.  Was  married  in  New  York  City,  Nov.  30,  1845,  to  Phebe  Bloch- 
witz,  daughter  of  Jacob  Biochwitz ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1850,  and  settled  in  Green  Lake 
Co.  ( then  Marquette),  town  of  Manchester  (then  called  Albany)  ;  removed  to  Columbia  Co.,  town  of 
Randolph,  in  about  1858,  and  has  since  lived  on  the  farm  he  now  occupies  ;  has  eight  children  now 
living — Magdalena,  now  Mrs.  Ferdinand  Heidt,  of  the  town  of  Randolph  ;  Catharine,  now  Mrs.  Geo. 
Sackman,  also  of  Randolph  ;  Peter,  married  to  Catharine  Biochwitz,  and  living  on  the  homestead ;  Jacob, 
married  to  Eliza  Scharf,  and  lives  in  Manchester,  Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.;  Margaret;  Phillip;  John  and 
Joseph  ;  last  four  at  home.  Mr.  Kumba  has  been  Supervisor  two  years,  and  Justice  of  the  Peace  ;  is  a 
Democrat,  and  belongs  to  the  Catholic  (Jhurch.  Has  348  acres  of  land.  Mrs.  Kumba  was  born  Nov.  21,  • 
1826,  in  Bavaria,  and  is  a  Presbyterian. 

JOHN  B.  LLOYD,  farmer.  Sec.  34  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  born  Aug.  11,  1850,  in  North  Wales- 
in  the  parish  of  Dolyddelen,  Carnarvonshire,  son  of  Bleddyn  Lloyd ;  his  mother's  maiden  name  was  Ann 
Owens.  His  father  is  a  farmer,  and  is  still  living  in  Wales  ;  he  also  has  one  sister  and  four  brothers,  al 
living  in  Wales.  John  B.  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1870,  coming  direct  to  Wisconsin,  and  has 
since  made  this  his  home.  He  attended  school  in  Cambria,  the  first  two  winters.  Oct.  11,  1879,  he  wag 
married  to  Miss  Jennie  Williams,  who  was  born  S<.pt.  5,  1852,  in  the  village  of  Cambria,  daughter  o 
Owen  and  Ellen  (Jones)  Williams,  who   were  the  first  settlers  in  the  village  of  Cambria.     Mr.  Lloyd 


1044  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

bought  the  farm  he  now  owns  in  the  spring  of  1874,  and  came  on  to  it  in  November,  1879  ;  has  130 
acres,  worth  abi)ut  $4,500,  and  has  about  $1,000  worth  of  stock.  In  politics  he  is  Republican,  and  both 
members  of  the  Welsh  Methodist  Church. 

GEOK<i}K  ii.  MARVIN,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  born  April  18,  1824,  in 
the  town  of  Lyme,  New  London  Co.,  Conn.;  in  the  fall  of  1846,  he  left  home,  taking  a  trip  through 
Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Alabama,  North  and  South  Carolina,  and  back,  via  Washinsr- 
ton,  to  Philadelphia  ;  then  went  to  Indiana,  and  spent  most  of  the  winter  in  that  Siate  and  Michigan  ;  in 
the  latter  part  of  the  winter,  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  lived  about  two  years  in  Beaver  Dam,  and  spent 
some  time  in  Walworth  Co.  In  1848,  he  located  the  land  on  which  he  now  lives,  and  came  to  Ran- 
dolph, with  his  family,  in  the  spring  of  1851,  built  a  house  on  his  land  and  moved  into  it  in  August  of 
the  same  year.  Was  married  in  Beaver  Dam.  March  29,  1849,  to  Harriet  J.  Stultz,  who  was  born  Oct. 
26,  J832,  in  Rockland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Sally  Ann  Stultz,  who  emigrated  to  Wisconsin 
in  1841  ;  lived  at  Fox  Lake  till  the  spring  of  1842,  then  located  in  Beaver  Dam,  when  there  was  only  one 
family  there  besides  his  own  ;  he  resided  there  till  1875,  then  removed  to  Hastings,  Minn.,  where  he  still 
resides.  Mr.  Marvin  held  the  office  of  Chairman  of  his  town  for  four  years  ;  was  Treasurer,  Superintend- 
ent of  Schools,  and  Side  Supervisor,  and  Member  of  the  Assembly,  in  1871,  and  is  Republican  in  politics. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marvin  have  five  children — Sarah  S.  (now  Mrs.  W.  B.  Shepard,  of  Randolph);  Frank  S. 
(lives  in  Zumbrota,  Minn. )  ;  Henry  S.  (lives  in  Green  Bay,  Wis. ) ;  William  D.  (in  Zumbrota),  and  Hattie 
L.  (now  Mrs.  S.  S.  Lockhart,  of  Portage  City,  Wis.)  Mrs.  Marvin  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 
He  has  160  acres  of  land,  just  outside  the  village  ol  Randolph. 

JUNIUS  MARVIN  (deceaaed),  was  born  in  the  town  of  Lyme, Conn.,  Oct.  2,  1820,  where  he 
spent  the  early  part  of  his  life.  He  was  a  son  of  William  and  Sophia  (Griffin)  Marvin.  Was  married  to 
Miss  Adaline  Raymond,  of  the  .same  place,  in  the  fall  of  1849,  and  soon  after  removed  to  Wisconsin  ;  he 
selected  at  that  time  the  farm  in  the  town  of  Randolph  which  he  occupied  at  the  time  of  his  death.  His 
wife  died  in  1862,  leaving  four  children — -Nellie  L.,  James  R.  and  Jennie  R.  (twins)  and  Addie,  all  living 
on  the  homestead.  He  was  again  married  in  1864,  to  Miss  Ellen  L.  Bennett,  who  was  born  July  31, 
1832,  in  Owego,  Tioga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Lucretia  Bennett,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
1846.  Mr.  Bennett  died  May  27,  1879.  Mrs.  Bennett  is  still  living,  in  Eau  Claire  Co.,  Wis.  By  his 
second  wife,  Mr.  Bennett  had  one  daughter,  Clara  E.,  who  is  also  on  the  homestead  with  her  mother. 
Mr.  Marvin  was  highly  esteemed  by  his  acquaintances  ;  was  an  earnest,  untiring,  whole-hearted  temper- 
ance worker  ;  a  charter  member  of  the  Temple  of  Honor  of  Randolph  ;  had  passed  the  chairs  once,  been 
Temple  Deputy  one  year,  and  held  the  office  of  W.  C.  T.  at  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  Feb. 
21,  1S79,  at  his  home  in  Randolph,  of  a  lung  difficulty  of  long  standing.  He  had  held  the  office  of 
Chairman  of  the  town.  President  of  the  Farmers'  Mutual  Insurance  Company  of  Randolph,  and  wa." 
President  of  the  Old  Settlers  Club  of  Fox  Lake,  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

HENRY  and  WILLIAM  MORRIS,  farmers.  Sec.  21;  P.  O.  Cambria;  Henry  was 
born  March  28,  1847,  in  the  town  of  Manchester,  Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.;  William  was  born  Jan.  12, 
1849,  in  same  place;  sons  of  William  Morris,  a  native  of  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  who  came  to 
America  in  1846  ;  settled  in  Manchester,  and  remained  on  the  .same  from  then  till  his  death,  Jan.  5,  1849. 
He  left  seven  children- — Mary  (living  at  Ripon,  Wis.),  Nellie  (now  Mrs.  John  Grant,  of  Ripon ),  Jennie 
(living  in  Manchester),  Libbie  (now  Mrs.  J.  Barrett,  of  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.),  Catharine  (now  Mrs.Ben- 
jamin  Evans,  of  Courtland ),  Henry  and  William.  About  two  years  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Morris,  the 
family  removed  to  the  town  of  Randolph,  Columbia  Co.  Mrs.  Morris  married,  for  her  second  husband, 
Rees  D.  Price,  a  native  of  South  Wales,  with  whom  she  lived  until  his  death,  Sept.  19,  1874,  aged  63. 
Henry  and  William  are  unmarried,  and  came  to  their  present  location  in  the  spring  of  1877  ;  have  2(MI 
acres  of  land.  Their  mother  is  living  with  theui,  and  has  an  adopted  daughter  (Ellen)  15  years 
old.  Mother  and  sons  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  and  the  sons  are  Repub- 
licans. 

JOHN  J.  OWENS  (Coedmor),  farmer.  Sees.  28  and  i8  ;  P.  0.  Columbia;  was  born  in  Car- 
narvonshire, North  Wales,  in  November,  1820  ;  was  a  quarryman  in  Wales;  went  to  Liverpool,  England, 
and  was  married  there,  March  3,  1845,  to  Jane  Roberts,  a  native  of  the  same  place  he  was  from,  in 
Wales.  He  came  to  America  immediately  after  marriage ;  landed  in  New  Orleans  in  June  ;  came  direct 
to  Wisconsin,  and  lived  in  the  town  of  Berry,  Dane  Co.,  till  June,  1855,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and 
lived  eight  years  in  the  town  of  Springvale,  and  ever  since  in  the  town  of  Randolph.  Has  seven  children 
— John  H.  (lives  in  Mazo  Manie,  Dane  Co.),  Thomas  J.  (lives  in  Cass  Co.,  Dak.),  Maggie  A.,  Sarah  E., 
Willie  J.,  Ira  and  Clara  Jane  (last  five  at  home).  Both  members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 
Republican.     Has  200  acres  of  land. 


TOWN    OF    RANDOLPH.  1045 

JOSEPH  PARKINSON,  farmer  and  groceryman,  Randolph  Center;  was  born  Nov.  7, 
1826,  in  Walcott,  Schoharie  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Joseph  Parkinson,  who  moved  to  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y., 
and  died  of  cholera  in  Canada  when  Joseph  was  about  4  years  old  ;  his  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Catharine  Slaght,  was  married,  about  three  years  after  the  death  of  her  first  husband,  to  Joseph  Marshall, 
and  removed  to  Greene  Co.,  Penn.,  soon  after.  Joseph  went  to  Erie,  Penn.,  and  attended  school  till  he 
was  16  years  old,  and  then  worked  in  a  printing  office  three  years  ;  he  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  located 
some  land  in  Kingston,  Marquette  Co.;  "then  returned  to  Erie  and  worked  another  year  in  a  printing  office, 
and,  in  1846,  again  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  in  Kingston  a  few  years;  then  came  to  Columbia  and 
lived  in  the  town  cf  Scott  four  years  ;  he  then  worked  at  wagon-making  in  Randolph  Center  two  years ; 
then  went  to  Marquette  and  worked  three  years  at  the  same  business,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1S69,  came  again 
to  Randolph  Center  aud  has  resided  there  since.  He  was  married,  in  Kingston  in  October,  1847,  to 
Elizabeth  Squier,  who  died  July  4,  1866,  leaving  eight  children — Elizabeth  A.  (now  Mrs.  John  Harris, 
of  Randolph),  Le  Roy  (married  and  living  in  Columbia),  Mary  E.  (now  Mrs.  Andrew  Sargent,  of  Mar- 
quette, Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.),  Jerry  E.,  Effie  C.  (now  Mrs.  Charles  J.  Newsberry,  of  Erie,  Penn.), 
Squier  C,  Margaret  E.  (now  Mrs.  Richard  Jenkins,  of  Green  Lake  Co.,  Wis.),  and  Susie  T.,  at  home. 
His  second  wife  was  Mrs.  Almira  M.  Plank,  to  whom  he  was  married  April  19,  1870,  in  Marquette;  her 
first  husband,  George  L.  Plank,  died  in  the  army  at  Uniontown,  Ala.,  Aug.  22,  1865,  of  fever,  two  hours 
before  the  arrival  of  his  discharge,  having  been  in  the  service  two  years  and  two  months  ;  he  left  one  son, 
Charles  A.  Plank,  who  is  living  with  his  stepfather.  Mr.  Parkinson  has  two  children  by  his  second  wife 
—  Harry  Oliver  and  Carrie  Maude.  Mrs.  Parkinson  was  born  Aug.  18,  1842,  in  the  town  of  Orleans, 
Jeff'erson  Co.,  N.  Y.;  daughter  of  Zenas  and  Polly  Oliver,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1849,  and  settled  in 
Columbia  Co.;  he  died  Nov.  17,  1864,  aged  54  years.  .Mrs.  Oliver  is  now  living  at  Randolph  Center, 
aged  65  ;  has  had  in  all  thirteen  children,  and  Mrs.  Parkinson  is  the  only  one  now  living.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Parkinson  are  both  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  he  is  a  Republican. 

EDWARD  PUdJH,  farmer.  Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Cambria;  born  March  22,  1845,  near  Utica,  N. 
Y.;  son  of  Hugh  E.  Pugh,  who  came  from  Merionethshire,  North  Wales,  in  the  summer  of  1842,  and 
settled  in  New  York  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  July,  1846,  and  located  in  Clyman,  Dodge  Co.,  near  Water- 
town,  and  died  March  1,  1858,  leaving  five  children — Hugh  (living  near  Lake  Emily,  Dodge  Co.),  Ann 
(now  Mrs.  William  M.  Williams,  of  the  town  of  Randolph),  Mary  (now  Mrs.  Edward  Owen,  of  the  town  of 
Scott),  and  Edward,  who  is  unmarried,  and  with  whom  his  mother  is  now  living;  her  maiden  name  was 
Jane  Peters ;  she  was  born  in  the  same  place  as  her  husband,  and  was  a  daughter  of  Richard  Peters. 
One  daughter,  Catharine,  died  in  the  fall  of  1871,  aged  21  years  and  8  months.  Mr.  Pugh  and  his 
mother  are  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church.  He  has  200  acres  of  land,  and  is  a  Repub- 
lican. 

FOULK  ROBERTS  (Blaen-y-Cae),  farmer  Sec.  12;  P.  0.  Randolph;  was  bor"  in  Febru- 
ary, 1820,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  Robert  Roberts;  came  to  America  in  1844,  and  set- 
tled on  the  farm  he  now  owns  Oct.  1  of  that  year.  Was  married  in  Wales  Aug.  20,  1844,  the  day 
before  he  started  for  America,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of  Griffith  Owens;  his  mother  and  two  brothers 
came  at  the  same  time ;  one  brother,  David,  died  in  California,  arid  Thomas  went  to  California,  but 
returned  and  is  now  living  at  Lake  Emily,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.  Mr.  Roberts  was  Supervisor  of  his  town  for 
several  years,  and  helped  lay  out  most  of  the  roads  in  the  town  ;  was  the  first  Welsh  settler  in  Randolph 
that  still  lives  in  the  town,  aud,  he  thinks,  in  the  county  ;  he  started  the  first  Welsh  Sabbath-school,  and 
was  a  member  of  the  first  Church  Synod  in  the  county  ;  went  to  Madison  with  an  ox-team  for  the  first 
barrel  of  flour  he  had  after  settling  here,  and  took  a  week  for  the  trip.  Has  five  children — Catharine 
(now  Mrs.  Wm.  Parry,  of  Milwaukee),  Elizabeth  F.  (also  in  Milwaukee),  Sarah  (at  home),  Ellen  (in 
Milwaukee)  and  Robert  F.,  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roberts  are  members  of  the  (Calvinistic  Methodist 
Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican,  and  has  200  acres  of  hind. 

JOHN  J.  ROBERTS  (deceased),  was  born  Feb.  10,  1808,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales; 
son  of  John  Roberts.  Was  married  in  Wales  to  Catharine  Thomas,  daughter  of  David  Thomas.  Mr. 
Roberts  was  a  farmer  and  hotel-keeper  in  Wales;  came  to  America  in  1845,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Randolph,  on  Sec.  11,  where  his  family  has  since  resided.  In  1850,  he  started  for  California,  and  died 
on  the  road,  at  Carson  Valley,  leaving  seven  children — Ann  (now  Mrs.  Robert  T.  Price,  of  Blue  Earth 
Co.,  Minn.),  David  J.,  John  J.  (living  in  Randolph),  Robert  J.  (who  died  Jan.  30,  1877),  Catharine 
(now  Mrs.  Albert  Stranch,  of  Chicago),  Ellen  (also  in  Chicago),  and  Jane,  who  died  Jan.  8,  1877  ;  had 
lost  five  children  before  the  death  of  Mr.  Roberts ;  two,  named  Robert  William  and  an  infant  not  named, 
died  in  Wales,  and  Hugh  died  in  America.  David  J.  went  to  California  in  1859  ;  went  on  foot  and  drove 
an  ox-team  all  the  way,  being  nearly  six  months  on  the  journey;  he  worked  at  mining  about  five  years, 


10-i6  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

and  came  home  via  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  making  the  journey  in  twenty-eight  days ;  he  now  owns  the 
homestead,  180  acres,  and  his  mother  is  living  with  him,  and  is  able  to  read  without  glasses  at  the  age  of 
71  ;  David  J.  is  unmarried;  John  is  married,  and  living  on  his  brother's  farm.  Both  of  them  Repub- 
licans. 

ROBERT  O.  ROBERTS,  farmer,  Sees.  18,  19;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Anglesey, 
North  Wales,  in  the  town  of  Llanddausant ;  son  of  Owen  E.  Roberts;  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of 
1855,  and  settled  in  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  has  lived  there  ever  since,  except  a  short  time  in  Milwaukee. 
Was  married  March  17,  1860,  to  Jane  Hughes,  daughter  of  Hugh  Hughes,  who  came  from  Carnarvon- 
shire, Wales,  and  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  the  town  of  Randolph  ;  he  died  Sept.  29,  1870,  at  the 
age  of  70,  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Roberts.  Mrs.  Roberts  had  only  two  sisters  when 
they  came  to  America  (having  lost  four  in  Wales);  one  of  them,  Margaret,  married  William  Owens,  and 
died  in  the  town  of  Scott,  and  Ellen  married  Hugh  J.  Hughes,  and  died  in  Randolph  ;  after  her  death, 
William  Hughes  went  to  Patagonia;  came  hoaoe  once  for  a  visit,  and  died  at  sea  on  his  return  trip  to 
Patagonia.  Mrs.  Roberts'  father  held  meetings  in  his  log  house  till  the  church  was  built  on  the  east  line 
of  Scott.  Mr.  Roberts  has  six  children — Thomas  H.,  Maggie  Ann,  Samuel  H.,  Mary  Ellen,  Lizzie  and 
Johnnie  H.;  lost  one,  Mary,  died  Jan.  4,  1870,  aged  1  year  and  10  months.  Both  belong  to  Calvinistic 
Methodist  Church.     He  has  540  acres  of  land,  and  is  Republican. 

REV.  THOMAS  H.  ROBERTS,  farm  on  Sec.  4,  north  line  of  Randolph,  60  acres  and 
90  acres,  with  residence  opposite,  in  Manchester,  Green  Lake  Co.;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  May  12, 
1825,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales;  son  of  Hugh  R.  Roberts;  his  mother's  maiden  name  was  Mary 
Jones.  In  the  spring  of  1844  (when  19  years  old),  he,  in  company  with  a  sister  (Gwen  Roberts"),  came 
to  America  and  located  in  Wisconsin  ;  he  stayed  in  Racine  about  two  months,  and  the  next  December 
(1844)  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  located  land  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Randolph,  on  Sec.  4  (^ItiO 
acres,  40  acres  of  which  he  still  owns);  his  uncle,  David  R.  Roberts,  located  land  adjoining  his,  and  they 
built  a  home  on  the  line  between  them,  which  they  occupied  together  till  May,  1845  ;  he  then  went  t<i 
Beloit  and  stayed  there  till  the  next  fall,  when  he- returned  to  Randolph  and  built  a  log  house  on  his  land. 
His  parents  came  from  Wales  the  same  fall  ( 1845),  and  all  lived  on  the  same  farm  till  the  death  of  his 
father,  Feb.  23,  1865,  at  the  age  of  78 ;  his  mother  died  in  0.shkosh,  Wis.,  at  the  home  of  a  daughter, 
in  March,  1875,  aged  87.  Mr.  Roberts  was  first  married  Jan.  7,  1851,  in  Marquette,  to  Mary  Parry, 
daughter  of  Griffith  Parry,  a  native  of  Wabs;  she  died  May  7,  1856,  leaving  two  children — Robert  and 
Benjamin,  the  latter  only  6  days  old  at  her  death;  he  is  now  living  at  hotne  with  his  father;  Robert  has 
been  in  school  for  the  last  eight  year.s ;  is  a  graduate  of  Ripon  College,  of  the  Class  of  1879  ;  is  now  at 
Lane  Seminary,  Cincinnati,  preparing  for  the  ministry  ;  has  been  licensed  to  preach  about  five  years,  but 
not  yet  ordained.  Mr.  Roberts  was  married  the  second  time,  June  30,  1858,  to  Jane  Hughes,  a  native 
of  Wales,  daughter  of  John  Hughes,  who  is  now  living  in  Blue  Earth  Co.,  Minn. ;  she  died  Oct.  19, 
1869,  in  her  30th  year,  leaving  three  children — Mary  Ellen,  who  died  Dec.  22,  1874,  aged  13  years; 
Jennie  and  Hugh  (both  at  home);  had  lost  three  previous  to  her  death — Mary  Jane  died  in  Racine  at 
the  age  of  2  years ;  Hannah,  aged  7  months,  and  Johnnie,  aged  5  months.  His  third  wife  was  Mrs. 
Mary  Hughes,  widow  of  Thomas  Hughes,  and  daughter  of  Thomas  Rowlands,  of  Springvaie ;  she  died 
April  3,  1878,  aged  47,  leaving  four  children  by  her  first  husband,  but  none  by  the  second.  Mr.  Roberts 
was  licensed  to  preach  Dec.  25,  1845,  by  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  or  Welsh  Presbyterian  Church,  but 
not  ordained  till  June,  1850.  In  the  fall  of  1853,  he  went  to  Lehigh  Co.,  Penn.,  and  taught  school  about 
two  years,  preaching  at  the  same  time ;  he  preached  in  the  vicinity  of  his  home,  in  Dodge  and  Colum- 
bia Cos.,  several  years  before  there  was  any  church  organization  there,  holding  meetings  at  private 
houses,  his  father's  home  being  one  of  them  ;  Proscairon  Church  was  organized  in  1848,  and  the  church 
building  put  up  in  1851  ;  Berea  Church  was  organized  soon  after  the  other,  and  the  house  built  in  1852  ; 
Mr.  Roberts  has  been  in  charge  of  both  churches  ever  since  their  organization,  but  preached  in  Racine  in 
1861  and  a  part  of  1862,  still  having  charge  of  the  home  churches. 

IVlIiLIAM  R.  ROBERTS,  farmer.  Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Merionethshire, 
North  Wales,  Nov.  13,  1811  ;  son  of  Robert  Richards,  whose  children  all  took  their  father's  given  name 
for  their  surname,  and  go  by  the  name  of  Roberts;  he  came  to  America  in  1840,  and  lived  six  years  in 
Utica,  N.  Y.  Was  married  there  in  1846,  to  Ann  Davis,  daughter  of  Hugh  Davis;  she  was  born  in 
Merionethshire,  Wales,  in  1818.  Mr.  Roberts  came  to  Wiscon.sin  in  1846  ;  lived  ten  years  in  Dodge  Co., 
near  Watertown,  and  in  March,  1856,  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  in  his  present  locati  in  ;  has  fmr 
children — Catharine  ( now  Mrs.  John  Roberts,  of  Fillmore  Co.,  Minn.),  Ann  Jane  (^now  Mrs.  Joseph 
Richards,  of  Courtland),  Elizabeth  and  William  H.  (^both  at  home)  ;  William  H.  was  married  in  January, 
1872,  to  Mary  Morris,  daughter  of  Owen  Morris,  who  lives  near  Columbus,  Wis.     Mr.  Roberts  is  a 


TOWN    OF    RAKDOLPH.  1047 

Republican,  and  himself  and  wife  are  members  of  the  Calvinisdc  Methodist  Church  ;  they  have  an  adopted 
son  named  Owen. 

JOSEPH  SANDERSON,  farmer,  Sec.  29  ;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  was  born  March  11,  1841,  in 
Slaidburn,  Yorkshire,  England;  son  of  Thomas  Sanderson,  who  came  to  America  in  1851,  and  settled  on 
the  fiirm  now  occupied  by  Joseph  ;  he  died  Sept.  14,  1878,  and  Mrs.  Sanderson  died  in  1853.  Joseph 
was  married  March  3,  1869,  in  Poynette,  Wis.,  to  Jane  Stevenson,  daughter  of  James  Stevenson,  a  native 
of  Scotland,  who  came  to  America  in  1854  or  1855  ;  Mr.  Sanderson  has  five  children  living,  viz.  :  James 
B.,  Frances  B.,  Joseph  A.,  Jennie  B.  and  Thomas.  He  is  now  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  is  a  Republican. 
Mrs.  Sanderson  is  a  Presbyterian.  The  Thomas  Sanderson  estate,  on  which  Joseph  lives,  consists  of  440 
acres. 

JACOB  SCHARP,  farmer.  Sec.  7  ;  P.  0.  Cambria ;  was  born  Jan.  24,  1825,  in  the  Province 
of  Rhine,  Prussia;  son  of  William  Scharf,  who  came  to  America  in  1851,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Ran- 
dolph on  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  son  ;  he  died  in  September,  18G7,  aged  75  ;  his  wife  died  in 
June,  1855,  aged  66.  Jacob  Scharf  was  married,  Feb.  7,  1855,  to  Kve  Blockwitz,  daughter  of  Jacob 
Blockwitz  ;  she  was  born  in  Bavaria,  and  died  Jan.  20,  1874,  aged  36  years  10  months  and  5  days,  leav- 
ing nine  children — Catharine  (now  Mrs.  Edward  Walslegel,  of  the  town  of  Randolph),  Henry,  Jacob 
(working  at  blacksmithing  in  Cambria),  Mina,  Charles,  William,  Phebe,  Maggie  and  Franklin  ;  all  at  home 
except  Catharine  and  Jacob.  Mr.  Scharf  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade  in  Prussia,  and  has  worked  at  it 
most  of  the  time  since  coming  to  America,  in  addition  to  his  farming  ;  from  1846  to  1849,  he  was  in  the 
Prussian  cavalry  service,  in  the  4th  Co.,  1st  Regiment  of  Lancers,  of  the  "  King's  Guard  ;"  the  present 
Emperor,  William,  was  then  General  of  the  Guard ;  Prince  Frederick  Charles  was  then  a  Captain,  and 
the  Crown  Prince  Frederick  William  a  Lieutenant  in  the  1st  Regiment  of  Infantry.  Mr.  Scharf  is  a 
Director  in  the  town  insurance  company,  of  Randolph,  and  has  been  in  it  since  it  was  organized,  and  is 
now  Side  Supervisor  of  the  town.  Is  a  member  of  the  United  Reformed  and  Lutheran  Church,  and  in 
poHtios  a  Democrat,  but  always  votes  for  the  best  man,  regardless  of  party.  Has  197  acres  of  land — 130 
acres  improved,  10  acres  of  marsh  and  balance  timber. 

JOHN  B.  SMITH,  farmer,  Sec.  21  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center ;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ogden, 
Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  21,  1830;  son  of  Francis  Smith.  Was  married  in  Ogden  Oct.  23,  1853,  to 
Clarissa  Richmond,  who  was  born  March  6,  1831,  daughter  of  Joshua  Richmond.  They  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  November,  1853,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Randolph  in  which  town  he  has  since  resided.  Has 
one  child,  Emma  A.,  born  July  12,  1859,  now  living  at  home.  Mr.  Smith  has  held  the  office  of  Super- 
visor, Town  Clerk  and  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  is  the  present  Chairman  of  the  town,  although  he  is  a 
Democrat  and  the  town  of  Randolph  is  a  Republican  town.      Has  80  acres  of  land  in  Randolph. 

THOMAS  W.  THOMAS,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P.  0.  Cambria  ;  born  Feb.  23,  1853,  in  Holly- 
head,  Anglesea,  North  Wales  ;  came  to  America  with  his  parents,  William  and  Elizabeth  Thomas,  in  1850  ; 
they  settled  in  Waukesha;  lived  there  till  1874,  and  now  live  in  the  town  of  Courtland.  Thomas  W. 
was  married  Feb.  15,  1871,  in  Waukesha,  to  Clara  Gauthier,  who  was  born  in  Waukesha  Oct.  22,  1848, 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary  Gauthier.  Mr.  Thomas  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  May,  1875,  and  lived 
with  his  father  till  October,  1878,  in  Courtland;  then  came  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  Has  160 
acres.     Has  one  child,  Joseph,  born  Nov.  9,  1875  ;  lost  two,  who  died  in  infancy.     Republican. 

SAMUEL.  S.  TORBERT,  former.  Sec.  15;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center;  born  March  16,  1821, 
in  Williamsport,  Lycoming  Co.,  Peun.;  son  of  Isaac  K.  Torbert,  who  removed  to  Ohio  in  1838 ;  lived  iu 
Pickaway  Co.  two  and  one-half  years,  then  went  to  McHenry  Co.,  111.,  where  he  died  in  1845,  and  his  wife  in 
1848.  Samuel  S.  was  married  in  Boone  Co.,  111.,  Sept.  23,  1845,  to  Eliza  M.  Streeter,  who  was  born  Sept.  5, 
1821,  in  Potter  Co.,  Perm.,  daughter  of  Truman  Streeter,  who  removed  to  Ohio,  then  to  Illinois,  where  the 
young  people  became  acquainted  and  concluded  to  make  the  balance  of  the  journey  of  life  together.  He  came 
to  Wisconsin  March  16,  1844,  and  located  on  the  southwest  quarter,  and  the  southwest  quarter  of 
the  southeast  quarter  of  Sec.  15  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Randolph,  which  was  the  first  land 
located  in  the  town.  He  lived  there  two  summers,  teaching  in  Illinois  during  the  winters,  and,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1845,  came  on  with  his  wife  and  has  lived  on  the  same  place  ever  since,  except  one  and  one-half  years  in 
Illinois  and  two  and  one-half  years  in  Iowa,  having  rented  his  farm.  At  the  time  of  his  settlement  in  Ran- 
dolph, there  was  only  one  house  beside  his  own  between  Fox  Lake  and  Ft.  Winnebago,  and  that  was  a  log 
house  called  "  Powderly's."  His  first  house  was  of  logs,  11x14  feet  inside,  and,  soon  after  he  came,  three 
other  families  moved  into  the  place,  and  with  true  Western  hospitality,  "  he  took  them  in  "  and  entertained 
them  till  they  could  build  for  themselves.  While  the  four  families  (seventeen  persons)  were  living 
together  in  this  house,  a  daughter  was  born  to  one  of  the  families  (James  Inglehart's),  making  eighteen 
persons  living  in  a  house  11x14,  and  all  happy.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Torbert  have  four  children  living — Isaac 


1048  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES  : 

J.  (married  to  Chloe  A.  Ross,  of  Randolph,  and  living  in  Baraboo,  Wis.>,  Theresa  M.  (now  Mrs.  E.  A 
Price,  of  Baraboo);  Willie  E.  and  Elmer  E.,  both  living  with  their  parents.  Mr.  Torbert  has  been  in 
office  of  some  kind  most  of  the  time  since  he  has  lived  in  Randolph,  having  held  at  one  time  and  another 
all  the  different  town  offices.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Torbert  are  both  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  he  has 
been  Superintendent  of  Sabbath  .school  for  nearly  twenty  years,  and  is  a  Republican. 

1»AVID  D.  WILLIAIVIS  (Tan-y-bwlch),  former,  Sec.  31;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  Dec. 
25,  ISl'J,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  in  the  parish  of  Dolyddelen  ;  son  of  William  Davis  (^of  the 
same  place),  whose  father  was  David  Williams,  but  himself  and  brothers  all  went  by  the  name  of  Davis. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  chose  to  take  his  grandfather's  name,  and  is  known  as  David  D.  Williams ;  he 
came  to  America  in  185G,  and  settled  in  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  lived  one  year  in  the  town  of  Springvale, 
and  since  that  time  in  Randolph  in  his  pre-sent  location  ;  was  a  farmer  in  Wales,  and  was  married,  in 
November,  1840  (in  Wales),  to  Ann  Evans,  who  was  born  in  Denbighshire,  North  Wales,  May  14,  1818, 
daughter  of  Robert  Evans  and  sister  of  Mrs.  LI.  Williams  and  Mrs.  John  ap.  Jones  ;  have  had  in  all 
nine  children,  of  whom  six  are  now  living— William  B.  (lives  in  Berlin,  Wis.);  Robert  E.  (at  home); 
David  D.  (in  Fox  Lake,  Wis.);  Mary  A.  (now  Mrs.  Thomas  Davis,  of  Minneapolis,  Minn.);  Griffith  D, 
(lives  in  Hutchinson  Co.,  Dakota),  and  Ellen  (now  Mrs.  A.  H.  Potts,  of  Fox  Lake,  Wis.);  Anna  died  in 
Wales  about  a  year  old;  Margaret  was  married  to  Owen  E.  Jones,  of  Cambria,  and  died  Jan.  1,  1876, 
aged  34  years  and  3  months,  leaving  two  children — Charles  Lincoln  and  Frederick  W.;  John  D.  Will- 
iams  died  Feb.  10,  1879,  aged  23  years  5  months  and  22  days.  Mrs.  Williams  is  a  member  of  the  Cal- 
vinistic  Methodist  Church.  He  has  191  acres  of  land,  and  is  a  Republican;  has  made  two  trips  to 
Wales  since  he  came  to  America,  and,  in  1859,  was  away  nine  months,  and  one  in  1867,  gone  only  five 
weeks. 

RDIVARI)  Ij.  WILiIjIAMS,  farmer.  Sec.  33;  P.O.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Carnarvon- 
shire, North  Wales;  sou  of  Thomas  Edwards,  but  takes  his  grandfather's  name,  Edward  Williams;  came 
to  America  in  1846  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Courtland,  and  has  resided  there  and  in  the  town  of  Ran- 
dolph ever  since.  Was  married,  in  1855,  to  Mary  Jones,  daughter  of  Owen  Jones,  of  Springvale  ;  has 
seven  children — Thomas  E  ,  Owen  J.,  John  T.,  Margaret  E.,  Elizabeth  J.,  Edward  L.  and  Mary.  His 
first  wife  died  in  1867,  aged  35  years.  He  was  married  again,  in  1869,  to  Maria  Jones,  daughter  of  David 
R.  Morris,  of  Utica,  Winnebago  Co.,  Wis;  she  is  the  mother  of  the  youngest  child  (Mary).  Has  310 
acres  of  land  with  good  buildings  nicely  located  ;  has  been  Treasurer  of  the  town,  and  was  Assessor  for 
about  ten  years  in  Courtland  and  two  years  in  Randolph,  and  is  a  Rejiublican ;  both  are  members  of  the 
Welsh  Calvinistic  Church. 

ElilAS  R.  WILiIilAMS,  harness-maker,  Cambria;  was  born  in  March,  1829,  in  Merioneth- 
shire, North  Wales;  son  of  Robert  Williams,  who  came  to  America  in  1845,  and  lived  in  Racine  till  the 
next  spring  (  1846);  he  then  .settled  in  Courtland  (then  called  Portage  Prairie),  and  died  in  1853;  Elias 
R.  remained  in  Racine  (where  he  learned  his  trade),  till  1848  ;  then  went  to  Louisiana  and  lived  in  Bayou 
Sara  about  six  mouths;  then  a  year  and  a  half  in  Natchez,  Miss.,  working  at  his  trade;  then  in  185(1, 
came  back  to  Wisconsin  and  stayed  on  his  father's  farm  till  the  spring  of  1854,  then  went  to  Waupun  and 
worked  at  his  trade  one  summer;  then  went  to  Watertown,  and  in  1845,  was  married  to  Ann  E.  Jones, 
daughter  of  Nathaniel  Jones,  a  native  of  Wales  ;  soon  after  marriage,  he  went  into  business  for  himself, 
and  continued  there  till  1864  ;  then  came  to  Cambria  and  still  continues  the  business;  was  a  member  of 
the  first  Village  Board  ever  elected  in  Cambria,  and  has  been  President  of  the  village  ;  is  now  leader  of 
the  choir  of  tbe  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  and  has  about  thirty  singers,  had  at  one  time  forty,  and  it 
had  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  choir  in  the  State  ;  he  also  gives  instructions  in  vocal  music  ;  has  throe 
children — John  E.,  Laurie  Ann  and  Sarah  Jane.     Republican. 

JIOKKIS  WILLIAMS,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  Dec.  2,  1823,  in  Car- 
narvons^hire.  North  Wales ;  son  of  Wm.  Morris,  whose  father's  name  was  Morris  Williams ;  he  came  to 
.\merica  in  the  spring  of  1845  ;  lived  in  Northampton  Co.,  Penn.,  three  and  a  half  years;  in  the  full  of 
1848  came  to  Wisconsin  and  setth^d  on  the  farm  he  now  owns.  Was  married  in  October,  1845,  in  Easton, 
Penn.,  to  Mary  Jones,  a  native  of  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales,  daughter  of  Griffith  Jones;  she  died 
April  30,  1879,  in  Randolph,  leaving  one  child,  George  Washington  Williams,  born  Feb.  22,  1858,  now 
attending  school  in  Milwaukee.  Mrs.  Williams  was  a  member  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  and 
Mr.  Williams  and  his  son  also  belong  to  the  same  church.  Both  Republicans.  Owners  of  240  acres  of 
land. 

SAJIUEL  l\  WILLIAMS,  farmer,  Sec.  21;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center;  was  born  in  the 
Lee,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  19,  1818  ;  son  of  Alexander  Williams.  Was  married  in  Oneida  Co.,  Jan. 
1,  1845,  to  Mary  J.  Kingsbury,  who  was  born  Oct.  2,  1819,  in  Hebron  Co.,  Conn.;  came  to  Wisconsin 


TOWN    OF    SCOTT.  1049 

in  June,  1849  ;  lived  in  Kingston,  Green  Lake  Co.,  till  .spring  of  1850  ;  then  removed  to  Caledonia,  Colum- 
bia Co.  where  he  lived  till  Januarj',  1852,  and  from  that  time  till  April,  1854,  he  lived  in  Ft.  Winnebago, 
there  being  no  garrison  there  at  the  time,  and  the  buildings  left  in  charge  of  Capt.  Wra.  Weir  when  he 
left  the  fort;  he  went  on  a  farm  three  miles  away,  and  lived  there  till  1863,  then  in  December  of  that  year 
came  to  the  town  of  Randolph  on  Sec.  24,  where  he  resided  till  ftlafch,  1870,  then  sold  out  and  removed 
to  his  present  location.  Has  170  acres  of  land;  has  four  children — Charles  S.  at  home;  H.  W.,  who  is 
married  and  in  the  hardware  business  in  Waupaca,  Wis.,  a  partner  of  J.  E.  Wells  &  Co.,  of  Portage  City, 
Wis.;  George  H.  and  Bugenis  H.  Mr.  Williams  and  sons  are  Democrats,  and  Mrs.  Williams  is  a  Repub- 
lican. 

WIL,L,IAMM.  WILLI A:VIS,  farmer,  Sec.  16  ;  P.  0.  Randolph  Center;  was  born  Feb. 
27,  1832  or  1833,  in  Carnarvonshire,  North  Wales  ;  son  of  William  Morris  ;  Mr.  Williams  came  to  America 
when  16  years  old,  and  lived  a  couple  of  years  with  his  brother  Morris  Williams,  and  then  made  his  home 
in  the  town  of  Scott  till  1876  ;  then  removed  to  his  present  location.  His  first  wife  was  Mary  Jones, 
daughter  of  Robert  Jones,  of  the  town  of  Scott ;  she  lived  only  about  two  years  after  her  marriage,  and 
died  in  1861,  aged  22  years,  leaving  no  children;  he  remained  single  till  June  20,  1879,  when  he  was 
married  to  Ann  Pugh,  daughter  of  H^enry  Pugh  ;  she  was  born  in  Utioa,  N.  Y.,  March  22,  1843.  Both 
are  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church.     He  has  175  acres  of  land.     Republican. 

CHARLES  M.  WILLIS,  JH.  D.,  Randolph ;  is  the  son  of  Anthony  and  Sabrina  Willis ; 
born  in  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  7,  1849  ;  his  father  was  a  cabinet-maker  of  Massena,  St.  Lawrence 
Co.,  whence  he  removed  to  Green  Lake  Co.  and  settled  on  a  farm  near  Ripon,  Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  1871  ; 
Charles  received  his  early  education  in  the  district  school  of  Green  Lake  Co.  after  which  he  attended 
Ripon  College  for  about  four  years,  teaching  part  of  the  time  during  the  winters  so  as  to  have  money 
enough  to  meet  his  expenses  at  college  through  the  summer  term  ;  in  1874,  he  began  the  study  of  medi- 
cine with  Dr.  Everhard,  of  Ripon,  and  attended  lectures  at  Rush  Medical  College,  of  Chicago,  where  he 
graduated  with  the  Class  of  1877  ;  he  at  once  began  the  practice  of  medicine  at  Randolph,  Dodge  Co., 
where  he  has  now  an  extensive  practice  in  this  and  Columbia  Cos. ;  as  a  citizen,  he  is  highly  respected, 
and  as  a  physician,  he  enjoys  the  confidence  of  all  who  know  him.  In  July,  1876,  he  married  Miss  Anna 
L.  Harrison,  of  Ringwood,  McHenry  Co.,  111.;  they  have  one  son,  Roy.  Mrs.  W.  is  a  member  of  the 
Congregational  Church. 


TOWN    OF    SCOTT. 


LOREXZO  M.  ALDRICH,  fiirmer.  Sees.  5  and  6  ;  P.  0.  Bellefountain  ;  born  March  4, 
1827,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.  Was  married,  Aug.  28,  in  same  county,  to  Miami  Specs,  who  died  in  Colum- 
bia Co.,  Wis.,  May  14,  1864,  leaving  six  children — Mary  Ellen,  now  Mrs.  Edward  Lee,  of  Plainfield, 
Wis.;  Isaac  Monroe,  lives  at  Eau  Claire,  Wis.;  Harriet,  now  Mrs.  C.  Behm,  of  the  town  of  Randolph  ; 
Alice  Jane,  now  Mrs.  Eugene  Chapman,  also  of  Randolph  ;  Anna  and  Ida,  at  home.  Was  married  the 
second  time,  July  3,  1865,  to  Mary  Lee,  widow  of  John  Lee,  who  died  in  the  army;  has  five  children 
by  the  second  marriage — Carrol,  Myron  and  Myra  (twins),  Frank  and  Gertrude.  Mr.  Aldrich  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1850,  and  located  on  the  farm  he  now  owns  and  occupies.  Is  a  Democrat,  and 
has  230  acres  of  land. 

MARCUS  BARDEX,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Pardeeville  ;  was  born  Aug.  12,  1822,  in 
Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Samuel  Barden,  who  removed  to  Michigan  with  his  family  in  1842,  and 
lived  in  Cass  Co.,  till  the  fall  of  1849;  he  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  Columbia  Co.,  town  of 
Scott,  where  he  died  March  23,  1858.  Marcus  Barden  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  of  1849,  and 
has  resided  in  the  town  of  Scott  ever  since.  He  was  married  first  in  Michigan,  July  5,  1846,  to  Lora 
C.  Loomis,  who  died  Nov.  5,  1847,  aged  18  years  and  4  months;  was  married  the  second  time,  in  1854, 
in  the  town  of  Scott,  to  Miss  E.  R.  Cook,  who  died  April  23,  1858,  leaving  two  children — Virgil  (living 
in  Marcellon),  and  Jacob  (living  at  home).  March  23,  1859,  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Olive  Maginnis, 
who  was  born  Feb.  12,  1S32,  in  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Daniel  Jerome,  and  widow  of  Will- 
iam Maginnis;  has  three  children  by  the  second  marriage — Marcus,  Jr.,  Frank  and  Clarence,  all  at  home. 
Mr.  Barden  was  Chairman  of  his  town  fifteen  years  in  succession,  was  also  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Town 
Clerk,  and  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  in  1860-61  and 
1874-75.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  494  acres  of  land,  240  acres  of  it  in  the  town  of  Scott,  and  254 
acres  in  Marcellon.     Mrs.  Barden  is  a  member  of  the  Free- Will  Baptist  Church. 


1050  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

DAVID  CLARK,  farmer,  Sec.  S  ;  P.  O.  Pardeeville ;  born  Dec.  29.  1819,  in  Geauga  Co., 
Ohio  ;  son  of  Freeman  Clark,  a  native  of  Massachusetts  ;  David  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1841,  and  lived 
in  Walworth  Co.  till  the  fiill  of  1847  ;  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.;  located  land  in  the  town  of  Scot', 
where  he  now  lives,  and  came  with  his  family  in  184S,  He  was  married,  June  27,  1844,  to  Marietti 
Barber,  daughter  of  Timothy  E.  Barber  ;  have  six  children — Martha,  now  .Mrs.  S.  Dodjre,  of  Scott  ; 
James  K.,  lives  in  Boone  Co.,  Neb.;  Mary,  now  Mrs.  Jacob  Breneman,  of  Clark  Co.,  Wis.;  Ida  A.,  now 
Mrs.  A.  Holloway,  of  Minnesota,  near  Rochester;  Viola  and  David  Eufiene,  both  at  home.  Vlr.  Clark 
has  been  Supervisor  of  his  town,  and  is  a  Republican.  His  first  wife  died  June  20,  1874,  aged  49,  and 
he  was  married  again  Dec.  30,  1S74.  to  Mrs.  R.  A.  Horton,  widow  of  Joseph  Horton  and  daughter  of 
Daniel  Smith,  of  Washington  Co.,  Wis.;  has  240  acres  of  land.  Mrs.  Clark  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church. 

JOHN  DODGE,  farmer,  Sec.  35;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  Dec.  16,  1816,  in  Hillsboro  Co.. 
N.  H.,  son  of  William  and  Lydia  Dodge;  came  West  in  1842;  lived  six  months  in  Iowa,  and  three  or 
four  months  in  Rockford,  111.;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  lived  in  Milwaukee,  working  in  a  livery-stable  ; 
in  October,  1844,  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  located  on  the  southeast  quirter  of  Sec.  35,  and  has 
resided  on  it  ever  since  ;  he  thinks  this  was  the  first  land  located  in  the  town  of  Scott.  Was  married,  in 
June,  1859,  in  Fox  Lake,  to  Mary  Bliss,  who  was  born  Feb.  25,  1841,  in  New  York  City,  daughter  of 
John  Bliss,  who  now  lives  in  the  town  of  Springvale ;  has  twelve  children  living — Fannie  A.  and  Lydia 
J.,  twins;   Lydia,   now   Mrs.  William  Andrews,   of   Cambria;   Wm.  W.,  John  P.,  Mary   Louisa,  Samuel 

C,  Rosella,  Jacob  B.,  Cora  A.,  Rachel  J.  and  Willard  A.;  has  lost  two — Myron  F.  died  at  6  months  old, 
and  one  infant  unnamed  ;  has  550  acres  of  land  in  Springvale  and  Scott.     Democrat. 

JOH\  D.  EVAXS,  fitrmer.  Sec.  22  ;  P.  O.  Cambria  ;  was  born  Aug.  26,  1853,  in  the  town 
of  Courtland  ;  son  of  Evan  J.  Evans,  who  came  to  America  about  1850,  and  lived  in  the  town  of  Court- 
land  about  six  years,  then  removed  to  the  town  of  Scott,  Sec.  22,  where  his  wife  died  Oct.  19,  1876,  aged 
48,  leaving  three  children — John  D.  (the  subject  of  this  sketch),  Mary  Jane,  who  was  born  Feb.  18, 
1858,  in   the  town  of  Scott,  and  Lizzie  M.,  who  was  born   Oct.  0,  1868,  and  died  Jan.  13,  1879.     John 

D.  and  Mary  Jane  are  unmarried  and  living  on  the  homestead  (120  afresj,  and  their  father  is  in  Wales. 
All  three  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  and  John  D.  and  his  father  are  Republicans. 
Mrs.  Evans'  maiden  name  was  Jane  Davis,  and  she  was  born  in  Wales. 

MELVIX  FULLER,  fiirmer,  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Marcellon  ;  born  July  22,  1840,  in  Greene  Co., 
N.  Y.;  son  of  Amos  Fuller,  who  was  born  and  raised  in  Greene  Co.,  in  the  Catskill  Mountains.  Mr. 
Fuller  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1855,  and  settled  in  Beaver  Dam,  lived  there  one  year,  then  came 
to  Columbia  Co.,  and  has  resided  in  this  county  ever  since  ;  came  to  his  present  location  in  the  fall  of  1879. 
Was  married,  Sept.  20,  1864,  to  Mary  Payne,  who  was  born  in  Dec.  9,  1848,  in  the  town  of  Scott, 
daughter  of  George  Payne  (see  his  biography  in  this  work);  have  five  children ^Henry,  Amos,  Alma, 
George  and  Frank  ;  one  daughter,  Ruth,  died  Feb.  22,  1872,  aired  5  years.  April  29,  1861,  Mr.  Fuller 
enlisted  in  the  1st  Minn.  V.  I.,  Co.  A,  for  three  years,  and  served  three  years  and  four  days;  his  regi- 
ment went  out  with  l,<(10men,and  when  mustered  out  had  (  nly  104  men  left  of  the  original  enlistment.  Mr. 
Fuller  was  in  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run,  and  the  day  after  the  battle,  while  •'  humping  it  '  for  Wash- 
ington, to  the  best  of  their  ability,  it  occurred  to  him  that  it  was  his  21  st  birthday  ;  he  said  to  his  com- 
rades in  misfortune:  "  Boys,  today  I  am  21  years  old.  I  am  a  man,  and  running  for  dear  life."  He 
was  never  wounded,  and  never  sick  a  day  wliil-^  in  the  service.  In  the  fall  of  1875,  Mr.  Fuller  went  to 
Nevada  and  worked  in  a  quartz-mill,  near  Carson,  about  twenty  months,  then  returned  to  Wisconsin  on 
his  farm,  four  miles  east  of  Portage,  in  the  town  of  Ft.  Winnebago,  where  he  lived  about  ten  years  before 
he  removed  to  his  present  location,  and  still  owns  a  farm  there  of  236  acres,  on  Sees.  1  and  36,  and  200 
acres  in  town  of  Scott.     In  politics.  Democrat 

JOH]y  HAIMILTOIV,  farmer.  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  May  7, 1801,  in  the  parish, 
of  Paisley,  Renfrewshire,  Scotland;  .sun  of  John  and  Margaret  (Stewart)  Hamilton;  learned  the  weaver's 
trade  when  young,  and  worked  at  it  seventeen  vears  ;  commenced  when  not  quite  11  years  old,  and  was 
foreman  in  a  Paisley  shawl  manufactory  fur  about  twenty-two  years  in  the  same  house.  Was  married, 
July  8,  1825,  to  Ann  Poison,  daughter  of  John  Poison,  uf  Paisley;  came  to  America  in  1849,  leaving 
Glasgow  on  the  18th  of  August ;  came  to  Milwaukee,  where  he  fell  in  with  Robert  McConojhie,  who 
induced  him  to  come  to  Columbia  Co.;  he  then  located  the  land  he  now  owns,  and  where  he  has  since 
resided.  His  first  wife  died  July  8,  1833,  in  Scotland,  leaving  one  child — Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Thomas 
Baillies,  of  Scott,  Sec.  33.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baillies  have  seven  children  living — Ann  P.  (now  Mrs.  Henry 
Sawyer,  of  Scott),  Jane  (now  Mrs.  J.  C.  Thomas,  of  Scott),  Thomas  (married  and  living  in  Scott),  John 
(married  and  lives  in  Springvale),  Maggie.  Pulson  and  Jessie  S. — the  last  three  at  home.     He  was  married, 


TOWN   OF    SCOTT.  1051 

the  second  time,  April  13,  1842,  just  before  he  started  for  America,  to  Margaret  Rueside,  daughter  of 
James  Rueside,  a  native  of  Ayrshire,  but  who  resided  in  Paisley  at  the  time  she  was  born  ;  her  mother's 
name  was  Margaret  Andrew,  daughter  of  Robert  Andrew,  a  landlord  in  Paisley  ;  had  no  children  by  the 
second  marriage  ;  lost  one  child  of  the  first  wife — Margaret,  died  when  only  1  year  old.  Mrs.  Hamilton 
is  now  in  her  8-lth  year.  Mr.  Hamilton  is  a  Democrat;  has  held  the  office  of  Town  Treasurer  two 
years  and  was  Assessor  at  the  same  time;  has  also  been  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  was  School  Superin- 
tendent several  years  ;  has  255  acres  of  land. 

JAIHEi^  HAMMOND,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  Oct.  9,  182U,  in  Stafford- 
shire, England,  son  of  John  Hammond,  a  potter,  who  brought  up  his  son  to  the  same  business.  James 
Was  married  in  October,  1844,  to  Martha  Floyd,  daughter  of  Henry  Floyd.  In  1843,  an  emigration 
.■■ociety  was  organized  among  the  potters  of  Staffordshire,  which  afterward  extended  through  England  and 
Scotland ;  Mr.  Hammond  was  one  of  a  committee  of  three  appointed  to  visit  Ameri.  a,  and  select  a  loca- 
tion for  those  of  the  society  who  wished  to  emigrate  ;  the  other  members  of  the  committee  were  John 
Sawyer  and  Hamlet  Copeland;  they  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1846,  visited  Iowa,  and  then 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  decided  to  locate  in  Columbia  Co.;  they  purchased  about  1,700  acres  of  land  in 
what  is  now  the  town  of  Scott,  and  commenced  making  improvements  ;  each  emigrant  was  to  have  20 
acres  of  land,  and  have  a  log  house  built,  and  5  acres  broken,  with  the  funds  of  the  society  ;  the  next  sum- 
mer, about  a  dozen  families  came  over  and  others  kept  coming  for  a  number  of  years.  Mr.  Hammond 
retained  his  official  position  in  the  society  till  the  spring  of  1848,  and  has  resided  on  the  land  then  located 
ever  since.  He  now  owns  40  acres  in  Sec.  27.  Has  six  children  living — John,  living  in  Watonwan  <'o., 
Minn.;  Rachel,  married  and  living  in  Minnesota;  George,  in  Leadville,  Colo.;  Mary,  now  Mrs.  Charles  Rat- 
liff,  of  Minnesota  ;  Henry  and  Elijah,  in  Leadville.  Has  lost  four — James,  Anna  and  Elizabeth,  and  one 
child  in  infancy.     In  politics,  a  Democrat.  ' 

BENJAMIN  HOPKINS,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  ii  Staffordshire, 
England,  May  28.  1806,  son  of  Isaac  Hopkins,  who  died  from  a  wound  received  while  at  work  in  a  pottery 
in  1811,  and  was  buried  the  day  that  Benjamin  was  5  years  old;  his  mother  died  in  November,  1841,  in 
England.  He  was  married  June  21,  1828,  to  Elizabeth  Whitmoro,  daughter  of  George  and  Elizabeth 
(Burrett)  Whitmore.  Mr.  Hopkins  served  an  apprenticeship  at  glass-blowing,  at  Long  Port,  England, 
and  at  earthenware  printing  at  Wood  &  Chalener's,  in  Staffordshire  pottery,  and  then  at  pawnbroking  in 
the  same  place  ;  in  1838,  he  commenced  to  do  business  for  himself  as  a  merchant,  and  failed  in  1845, 
through  sickness  of  himself  and  family ;  in  1 847,  he  sold  the  homestead  left  him  by  his  father,  where  he  was 
born,  and  where  his  eight  children  were  all  born  ;  came  to  America  with  the  Potter  Emigration  Society,  and 
settled  on  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  ;  when  he  first  came  he  hoed  corn  for  a  neighbor,  and  was  to 
have  1  acre  of  the  corn  for  hoeing  11  acres  ;  when  he  came  to  harvest  and  market  his  corn  he  found  he 
had  earned  just  6'i  cents  a  day;  being  discouraged  by  his  failure  in  business  in  England,  he  commenced 
drinking,  and  continued  his  dissipation  till  1865,  when  one  night  about  midnight  he  was  suddenly  aroused 
to  a  sense  of  his  degradation  by  a  dream  or  vision;  he  arose  in  his  half  intoxicated  condition  and  went  into 
the  cellar  where  he  had  a  whisky  jug,  which  he  called  "  Black  Bet;"  he  picked  up  the  jug,  and  address- 
ing it  said,  "  Black  Bet.  thou  hasi  deceived  me,  and  been  leading  me  on  to  ruin,  and  now  I  will  banish 
thee  from  the  lace  of  the  earth,  and  will  never  again  touch,  taste,  or  handle  the  accursed  poison  so  long  as 
1  live,  so  help  me  God  ;"  he  then  dashed  the  jug  on  the  cellar  bottom,  shivering  it  to  atoms,  and  let 
mother  earth  drink  the  contents ;  he  has  been  a  strong  temperance  man  ever  since,  and  was  the  means  of 
organizing  a  Good  Templars  lodge  in  his  neighborhood,  called  Rosedale  Lodge,  No.  481,  and  has  been 
Lodge  Deputy,  and  Representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge  ever  since  it  was  instituted  ;  he  is  now,  at  the  age 
of  74,  an  active  temperance  worki.T,  and  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Wyocena.  Mrs.  Hopkins 
died;  they  have  five  children  living  —  Isaac  (lives  in  the  South),  Mary  Ann  (now  the  widow  of  Charles 
Weyener,  living  on  the  homestead),  Richard  (lives  in  Leeds,  Columbia  Co.),  Hannah  (now  Mrs.  Samuel 
Smith,  of  Scott),  and  John,  living  in  town;   have  lost  throe — Aaron,  Benjamin  and  Elizabeth. 

ISAAC  HOPKINS,  farmer.  Sec.  28;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  Jan.  31,  1833,  in  Stafford- 
shire, England,  son  of  Benjamin  Hopkins,  who  came  to  America  in  1847.  (See  his  biography.)  Was  mar- 
riod  July  19,  1856,  to  Dorlisca  Connor,  who  was  born  May  19,  1832,  in  Ira,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,' daugh- 
ter of  Josiah  and  Sally  (Fox)  Connor,  natives  of  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Connor  died  in  Onondaga 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  April  17,  1863,  aged  68  years  7  months  and  12  days;  Mrs.  Connor  died  Dec.  6,  1844,  aged 
45  years  11  months  and  24  days.  Mr.  Hopkins  has  five  children  living — Sarah  L.  (now  Mrs.  William 
Ross,  of  the  town  of  Scott),  iieorge  Whitmore,  Charles  Joynson,  Hettie  Maria  and  Luelbert ;  have  lost 
two — Mary  Elizabeth  died  Nov.  19,  1863,  aged  6  years  1  m,onth  and  16  days,  and  an  infant  son.  May  5, 
1866.     Is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace  and  Town  Treasurer.     He  has  80  acres  of  land. 

QQ 


1052  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

EVAN  JONES,  farmer,  Sec.  24;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  March  29,  1826,  in  Merioneth- 
shire, Wales,  son  of  John  Daniel  Jones,  who  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1849  ;  came  to  Columbia 
Co.,  Wis.,  and  located  in  Scott,  where  he  died  in  1858.  Evan  was  married,  May  21,  1859,  to  Eliza  Will- 
iams, who  was  born  in  the  same  place  he  was  Nov.  13,  1827  ;  they  have  four  children— John  D.,  Susan 
Jane,  Morgan  and  Jane.  Both  are  members  of  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican, 
and  has  about  30(t  acres  of  land. 

UUCirH  R.  JONES,  fiirmer.  Sec.  36;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  March  14, -1836,  in  Angle- 
sea,  North  Wales;  son  of  Richard  Jones;  came  to  America  in  1857,  and  settled  first  in  Kane  Co.,  111.; 
lived  there  three  years,  then  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  was  married,  Dec.  29,  1860,  to  Laura  Williams,  who 
was  born  Feb.  24,  1840,  daughter  of  William  W.  Williams,  from  Carnarvonshire,  Wales,  where  she  was 
born.  Mr.  Jones  lived  near  Cambria  four  years,  then  removed  to  Colorado  and  lived  in  Denver  three  or 
four  months ;  then  went  to  Central  City  and  worked  at  the  trade  of  stonemason,  which  he  had  learned  of 
his  father  in  Wales,  till  the  fall  of  1869,  then  returned  to  Wisconsin  and  bought  the  farm  he  now  owns. 
Has  three  children — Richard  R.,  Mary  Jane  and  Emma,  all  at  home.  Both  members  of  the  Welsh  Cal- 
vinistic Methodist  Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican,  and  has  100  acres  of  land. 

Ci}EOR<]}E  C.  KEITH,  farmer,  Sec.  7  ;  P.  O.  Pardeeville,  born  April  24,  1830,  in  Geauga 
Co.,  Ohio;  his  father,  Charles  Keith,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  died  in  January,  1830,  before  George 
was  born  ;  his  mother  married  Joseph  Hewitt,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of  1841  ;  lived  in  Wal- 
worth Co.  till  1847,  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.;  now  living  in  Juneau  Co.  Mr.  Keith  was  married,  Oct 
16,  1852,  in  Walworth  Co.,  to  Ann  Turner,  who  was  born  May  20,1832,  in  New  York  City;  daughter  of 
William  Turner,  a  native  of  Ensrland,  who  came  to  America  in  1829,  and  died  Oct.  13,  1876,  aged  86;  he  had 
been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity  since  April  28,  1826,  when  he  joined  Philanthropic  Lodge,  No. 
568,  at  Leeds,  and  Mrs.  Keith  now  has  in  her  possession  hi  diploma,  granted  by  the  Duke  of  Ulster,  Grand 
Master.  Mr.  Keith  lived  in  the  town  of  Scott  three  years  after  his  marriage,  then  went  to  Marquette  Co. 
and  lived  in  the  town  of  Buffalo  till  March,  1868;  then  bought  his  present  farm,  and  has  resided  on  it 
since.  Has  six  children — William  and  Willard  (twinsj,  George  E.,  Henry,  Espa  and  Mary,  all  at  home. 
Mrs.  Keith  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Mr.  Keith  was  drafted  in  1861,  and  assigned  to  the  34th 
W.  V.  L,Co.A,  and  was  in  the  service  eleven  months,  and  discharged  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  ;  Nov.  18, 
1864,  he  enlisted  in  the  1st  Wis.  Heavy  Artillery,  Co.  G,  for  one  year,  and  was  discharged  at  the  close 
of  the  war,  June  26,  1865 ;  held  the  office  of  Corporal.  His  first  child,  Marinette,  was  born  Nov.  10, 
1863,  and  died  when  10  months  old.     He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  I'll  acres  of  land. 

UIL.es  LANtJDON,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  0.  Marcellon ;  born  in  Geauga  Co.,  Ohio,  Feb.  11, 
1825  ;  son  of  Martin  Langdon,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  who  removed  to  Ohio  in  1813  or  1814,  and 
from  there  to  Illinois  in  1839  ;  in  May,  1844,  Giles  Langdon  came  to  Wisconsin  in  company  with  his 
uncle,  John  Langdon,  for  whom  he  worked  some  time,  helping  to  build  a  house  for  him,  and  one  for  S.  S. 
Torber ;  the  one  they  built  for  Mr.  Langdon  was  covered  with  ba.sswood  bark  ;  he  took  up  a  claim  of  80 
acres,  where  Cambria  now  stands ;  he  then  went  to  Dodge  Co.,  and  worked  awhile  putting  up  hay,  then 
oame  back  and  made  a  bargain  to  sell  his  claim  to  his  cousin  Samuel  Langdon;  then  worked  in  Walworth 
Co.  two  months  ;  then  went  to  Portage  and  worked  for  Carpenter  and  Capt.  Low,  before  there  was  a  house 
built  where  Portage  now  stands  ;  then,  for  about  three  years,  he  worked  in  the  pinery  winters  and  ran  on  the 
river  summers;  in  the  summer  of  1848,  he  bought  a  part  of  the  land  he  now  owns,  and  has  added  to  it 
till  he  has  now  180  acres;  in  the  spring  of  1853,  he  started  across  the  Plains  for  California,  fell  in  with 
several  others  on  the  way  to  St.  Louis,  who  were  bound  for  the  same  point,  and  all  together  fitted  out  a 
team,  near  Jjeavenworth,  Kan.,  of  five  yoke  of  oxen  and  cows,  and  arrived  in  California  on  the  (llh  day  of 
September  ;  remained  there  till  1862;  worked  at  farming  and  mining  alternately  with  varied  success; 
would  lay  up  money  working  by  the  month  at  farming,  then  go  to  mining  and  lose  it.  After  he  returned 
to  Wisconsin,  he  was  married,  in  October,  1863,  to  Mary  E.  Stancer,  daughter  of  Charles  Stancer,  a  native 
of  England,  who  came  from  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Wisconsin  in  1848,  settled  in  the  town  of  Sco  t,  and 
died  in  May,  1870,  aged  56  years.  Mr.  Langdon  has  lived  on  his  farm  ever  since  he  was  married  ;  has 
seven  children— Niley,  Jessie,  Milo,  Frank,  Harvey,  Dora  and  Alice,  all  at  home.  In  politics,  Repub- 
lican. 

ROBERT  IflcCONOCHIE,  farmer.  Sec.  35;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Scot- 
land, March  7,  1821,  in  the  parish  of  Dalrymple  ;  son  of  Robert  McConochie,  who  emigrated  to  Canada 
in  1831  or  1832  ;  located  in  the  township  of  Pickering,  Canada  West,  and  followed  farming  till  his  death. 
Robert,  Jr.,  remained  on  his  father's  farm  till  April  28,  1847,  then  came  to  Wisconsin  in  company  with 
George  Lang  and  James  Allison,  young  men  about  his  own  age,  to  look  at  the  country  and  visit  his  two 
brothers,  Samuel  and  John,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  two  years  before,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Scott, 


TOWN    or    SCOTT.  1053 

Culumbia  Co.,  and  kept  what  was  known  as  the  "  Blue  Tavern;"  soon  after  his  arrival,  he  located  80  acres 
of  the  form  on  which  he  now  lives,  and  loaned  money  to  Allison  to  locate  another  80  near  his  ;  Lang 
returned  to  Canada,  and  never  came  back  ;  Mr.  McConoehie  broke  10  acres  on  his  80,  and  bought  another 
80  adjoining  his,  of  John  Dodge,  for  which  he  paid  $3  per  acre;  he  also  located  another  120 
near  by;  he  then  returned  to  Canada  and  worked  through  harvest,  coming  back  to  Wisconsin  in  Septem- 
ber, 1817  ;  he  boarded  with  his  brothers  about  two  years  and  worked  his  own  land  ;  has  resided  in  the 
town  of  Scott  ever  since,  but  made  several  visits  to  Canada  during  the  time.  Feb.  8,  1856,  he  was  married 
in  Portage  City  to  Marijaret  Robinson,  a  native  of  Ayrshire,  Scotland.  She  was  born  March  21,  1832, 
daughter  of  Robert  Robinson,  who  now  lives  in  Canada  ;  Mr.  McConoehie  has  six  children — Elizabeth 
(now  Mrs.  Stewart  Pasley,  of  Oiitario,  Canada),  M.irgaret,  John,  Marian,  William  and  Hugh;  lost  one, 
Robert' — was  born  Oct.  11,  13tl2,  and  died  when  4  years  and  2  weeks  old.  He  has  600  acres  of  land,  in 
three  farms ;  once  sold  the  home  farm  for  $.i0  per  acre,  and  traveled  through  Iowa,  Illinois, 
Kansas  and  Canada,  and,  being  unable  to  suit  himself,  returned  to  Wisconsin,  bought  back  his  old  farm  at 
$10  per  acre  more  than  he  got  for  it,  and  since  that  has  been  satisfied  with  his  first  love  ;  he  raises  grain 
principally,  but  keeps  some  stock  ;  has  been  successful  in  business ;  is  now  59  years  old  ;  has  never  had  a 
lawsuit.  Is  a  Democrat,  but  not  a  politician,  preferring  to  devote  his  time  and  energies  to  his  own  per- 
sonal affiiirs,  and  never  accepting  office  except  in  the  school  district,  when  he  considered  it  his  duty ;  has 
been  Clerk  of  District  No.  3  for  the  last  ten  years.     Both  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

JAIIEIS  MACKI\,  farmer.  Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Pardeeville ;  born  Oct.  9,  1827,  in  Syracuse,  N. 
Y.;  son  of  Eugene  Mackin,  who  died  in  Syracuse  when  James  was  7  years  old;  his  mother  then  married 
John  Smith,  and  they  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1855  or  1856,  and  settled  in  Columbia  Co.;  he  died  in  1879. 
James  was  married  in  1862  to  Rebecca  Jerome,  daughter  of  Daniel  Jerome,  of  Marcellon  ;  has  two  chil- 
dren—  Frances  Winona  and  Ella  Susan.     Republican  ;  and  owns  80  acres  of  land. 

V.  W.  ^tllLLEK,  farmer.  Sec.  4;  P.  0.  Cambria;  born  March  23,  1831,  in  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
son  of  VVm.  D.  Miller;  c.ime  to  Wisconsin  in  the  spring  after  he  was  21  years  old,  landing  in  Milwaukee 
on  the  1st  day  of  June,  1852,  with  two  cents  in  his  pocket;  he  settled  at  that  time  in  the  town  of  Scott, 
whore  he  has  resided  ever  since.  Was  married  in  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  he  was  18  years  old,  to 
Ema'ine  Egbert,  who  died  Dec.  19,  1874,  aged  48,  leaving  three  children — Jainey  (now  Mrs.  George 
Whitman,  of  Barron  Co.,  Wis.),  bora  March  19,  1853  ;  Alfred  and  Elbert  (twins),  born  May  31,  1858, 
and  living  at  home.  Mrs.  Miller  was  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  He  has  720  acres  of  land.  In 
politics,  Independent. 

C.  J.  ]lHUIiL.EXCUP,  farmer.  Sec.  29  ;  P.  0.  Marcellon  ;  he  was  born  in  Hohenhaslach, 
Gheramt  Vaihingen  Koningreich,  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  Sept.  14,  1829  ;  came  to  America  in  1848,  and 
settled  in  Huntington  Co.,  [nd.  ;  lived  there  two  years,  then  went  to  Ohio  and  lived  in  Preble  Co.  three 
years,  then  back  to  Indi.ma  ;  went  to  work  in  Wabash  Co.,  and,  Oct.  25,  1825,  was  married,  in  Columbia 
City,  Ind.,  to  Cynthia  Ann  Wells,  who  was  born  March  23,  1836,  in  Marion  Co.,  Ind.  ;  daughter  of 
Hugh  Wells,  a  native  of  Ohio.  After  his  marriage,  he  lived  in  Whitley  Co.  eight  years,  then  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  located  July  17,  1867,  on  the  farm  he  now  occupies.  He  has  ten  children  living — Emma 
A.,  Ellen  B.  (now  .Mrs.  Margaret  Thomas,  of  Scott),  Nancy  E.,  Dillie  H.,  L.  V.  D.  May,  Tolalind  Viola 
(twins),  Alzoa  A.,  Ida  L.  and  Otto  W. ;  lost  one  child — Hugh  W.,  died  Sept.  28,  1864,  aged  1  year  and 
5  months.      Both  are  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican,  and  has  a  farm  of  140  acres. 

WlIiLIAifl  OWEN^,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  0.  Cambria;  he  was  born  June  4,  1822,  in 
Anirlesea.  Wales;  son  of  Robert  Owen;  he  worked  in  a  slate  quarry  in  Wales;  came  to  America  in 
1846,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Scott,  Columbia  Co.,  and  has  resided  in  the  town  ever  since.  He  was 
■married,  Sept.  1,  1848,  in  the  town  of  Scott,  to  Margaret  Hughes,  of  Randolph;  he  thinks  he  was  the 
first  one  married  in  the  town  of  Scott,  and  this  was  the  third  marriage  recorded  in  Columbia  Co.  ;  Mrs. 
Owen  died  Sept.  3,  1866,  leaving  five  children — William  (lives  in  Dakota),  Maggie  (is  now  Mrs.  Richard 
Williams,  of  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.),  Ellen  (lives  in  Cambria),  Robert  and  Richard  (at  home) ;  had  lost  three 
— Evan  died  at  the  age  of  3  months;  Mary  Ann  died  in  her  17th  year,  and  Hugh  in  his  12th  year,  both 
in  February,  1866:  was  married  the  second  time,  June  29,  1859,  to  Mrs.  Hannah  Edmunds,  of  Milwau- 
kee; dau.'hter  of  John  Roberts,  from  Anglesea,  Wales,  where  she  was  born  in  September,  1821.  Both 
are  members  of  the  Welsh  Presbyterian  Church.      He  has  320  acres  of  land,  and  is  a  Republican. 

GEORGE  PAYIVE,  farmer.  See.  19;  P.  0.  Marcellon;  he  was  born  Dec.  4,  1818,  in  Madi- 
.son  Co.,  [II.;  son  of  Christopher  Payne,  a  native  of  Somerset  Co.,  Penn.,  born  in  1786;  he  lived  in 
Ohio,  Ld'ana,  Illinois  and  Wisconsin  while  they  were  Territories;  he  came  to  Geneva  Lake  in  February, 
1836;  had  land  deeded  at  the  first  land  sale  in  Wisconsin  ;  he  died  Feb.  18,  1872,  in  his  85th  year. 
George  Payne  remained  at   home  till   he  was  22  years  old.      He  was  married,  at  Duck   Lake,  Walworth 


1054  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Co.,  June  2,  1842,  to  Arvilla  Langdon,  who  was  born  July  15,  1825,  in  Tuscarawas  Co.,  Ohio;  daughter 
of  Sylvanus  Laugdou,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  from  Ohio  in  the  fall  of  1835,  and  settled  in  Walworth 
Co.;  he  died  May  1,  18G3,  at  about  61.  Mr.  Payne  remained  in  Walworth  Co.  about  four  years  after 
his  marriage,  and  in  August,  1846,  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  located  on  the  farm  he  now  owns  and  occu- 
pies. Has  had  three  children,  two  of  whom  are  living — Elizabeth  ( is  now  Mrs.  Stephen  Woodard,  of 
the  town  of  JlarccUon)  and  Mary  (  now  Mrs.  Melvin  Fuller,  of  Scott)  ;  his  son  William  was  born  May  4, 
1845;  enlisted  Jan.  5,  1864,  in  the  2d  W.  V.  C,  Co.  K,  and  was  killed  April  21,  1864,  in  a  skirmish 
with  the  rebels  near  Red  Bone,  Miss.  Mr.  Payne  is  a  Democrat,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Side  Super- 
visor, and  is  now  one  of  the  Directors  in  the  town  insurance  company  of  Randolph  and  Scott.  His  sister, 
Mrs.  Abigail  Utter,  was  killed  by  the  Indians  on  her  way  to  Oregon  in  1860  or  1861,  in  what  was  known 
as  the  Salmon  Falls  massacre.  Mr.  Payne  has  382  acres  in  his  farm.  He  drove  team  to  break  the  first 
furrow  ever  turned  where  Ruckford  and  Uelvidere  now  stand  in  Illinois. 

CHAUNCY  V.  ROBl!}KTS,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  0.  Bellefountain  ;  was  bom  in  the  town 
of  Springwater,  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  March  21,  1831  ;  son  of  William  Roberts,  who  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1845,  and  settled  in  Walworth  Co.;  lived  there  two  years,  and  then  came  to  Columbia  Co.  and  set- 
tled in  the  town  of  Scott,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Chauncy  F.;  he  died  about  1863,  aged  76.  Mr. 
Roberts  was  married,  April  30,  1853,  to  Alma  S.  Barber,  who  was  born  June  5,  1836,  in  Genesee  Co., 
N.  Y.,  town  of  Byron,  daughter  of  Hugh  Barber,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  and  settled  in  Wal- 
worth Co.,  and  died  in  Packwaukee,  Mar(|uelte  Co.,  about  1860;  her  mother  died  Oct.  17,  1854,  aged 
52.  Mr.  Roberts'  mother  died  in  August,  1864,  aged  75.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roberts  have  two  children — 
Mary  (now  Mrs.  John  Jarvis,  living  near  Portage)  and  Mark  W.  (single  and  living  at  home,  and  now 
holds  the  office  of  Town  Clerk).  Mr.  Roberts  has  been  Supervisor  and  Assessor  two  or  three  years  each; 
himself  and  son  are  Republicans.  Mrs.  Roberts  and  Mark  W.  are  members  of  the  Free-Will  Baptist  Church. 
Mr.  Roberts  has  233'.  acres  of  land  in  two  farms. 

FREKMAN  Jfl.  KOSS,  farmer.  Sec.  15;  P.  0.  Cambria;  was  born  Aug.  27,  1828,  in  Yates 
Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Morris  and  Mary  Ross;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1838,  and  settled  in  Walworth  Co., 
at  Geneva,  and  lived  there  till  1855.  He  was  married,  the  first  time,  on  Jan.  15,  1850,  to  Phoebe 
Herrick,  a  native  of  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.;  daugliter  of  Jacob  Herrick  ;  she  died  Nov.  6,  1853,  aged 
23  years,  leaving  two  children — Eunice  A.,  born  July  6,  1851,  and  is  now  Mrs.  J.  W.  Gorsuch,  of 
the  town  of  Scott ;  Mary  Alice,  born  July  26,  1853,  and  died  March  2,  1854.  He  was  married 
the  second  time  Nov.  14,  1854,  to  Mary  Louisa  Powell,  who  was  born  Feb.  3,  1824,  in  Chautauqua  Co., 
N.  Y.,  town  of  Sheridan;  have  four  children  by  the  second  marriage — William  H.,  born  Feb.  6,  1857, 
and  now  lives  on  Sec.  17  in  the  town  of  Scott ;  George  A.,  was  born  July  25,  1858 ;  Ella  L.,  born  May 
21,  1862;  the  last  two  are  living  with  their  parents.  Mr.  Ross  is  a  Republican,  and  held  the  office  of 
Town  Clerk  from  1857  to  1868 —  eleven  years;  then  Chairman  two  years,  and  since  that  has  been  Town 
Clerk  five  years;  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  1868-69.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ross  and  children  all 
belong  to  the  M.  E.  Church  ;  has  360  acres  of  laud,  40  acres  of  it  timber,  120  acres  under  the  plow,  and 
the  balance  meadow  and  pasture. 

JAMRS  A.  STKBBINS,  farmer.  Sec.  32;  P.  O.  Marcellon;  was  born  Feb.  24,  1823,  in 
Homer,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  James  Stebbins,  a  native  of  Massachusetts  ;  his  mother's  maiden 
name  was  Eunice  Field.  Mr.  Stebbins  commenced  working  at  the  carpenter  and  joiner's  trade  when  18 
years  old,  and  followed  it  till  he  was  25  ;  worked  at  Cortland  Village  some  time  and  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y., 
one  year.  In  the  fall  of  1845,  he  started  West  "  to  grow  up  with  the  country;  "  worked  at  Racine,  Wis., 
about  three  weeks ;  then  went  about  twenty-five  miles  west  of  Racine,  and  stayed  till  the  spring  of  1846, 
when  he  came  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  located  on  Sec.  32,  in  the  town  of  Scott,  where  he  has  since  resided. 
At  that  time  there  wore  only  three  dwellings  between  Fos  Lake  and  Portage.  He  worked  at  his  trade, 
after  locating  his  laud,  until  the  fall  of  1849  ;  then  went  to  Massachusetts,  and  spent  the  winter,  and, 
March  5,  1850,  was  married  in  Massachusetts  to  Mary  B.  Sherman,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Sherman;  she 
was  born  Aug.  11,  1823,  in  Brimfield,  Hampden  Co.,  Mass.  Soon  after  marriage,  came  and  seitled  on  his 
farm,  having  built  a  house  some  time  before.  Have  no  children  of  their  own,  but  adopted  two  boys  and 
one  girl.  Both  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  Town  Clerk 
and  Justice  of  the  Peace.      Has  200  acres  of  land. 

WILLI  AjU  STKBBIIVN,  farmer,  Sec.  32  ;  P.  0.  Marcellon  ;  was  born  Sept.  29,  1826,  in 
Homer,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  James  and  Eunice  (Field)  Stebbins;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall 
of  1850,  and  bought  the  land  he  now  owns,  and  has  resided  on  it  ever  since,  except  two  years  in  Pardee- 
ville  ( 1870  and  1871).  He  was  married,  April  16,  1854,  to  Sabrina  Beach,  who  was  born  Oct.  10,  1829, 
in  Luzerne,  Warren  Co.  N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Nathan   Beach,  now  living  in  California.     They  have  two 


TOWN    OF    SCOTT.  1055 

children — Joseph  Wayland,  born  Feb.  12,  1S55  (married  to  Katie  Elizabeth  Bezer,  of  the  town  of  Scott, 
and  living  in  Davidson  Co.,  Dakota;  P.  0.  Alexander,  Hanson  Co.),  and  Nellie  Eunice,  born  Dec.  3, 
1864,  and  living  at  home.  Mr.  Stebbins  is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  Supervisor  one  term.  He  has 
130  acres  of  land. 

HENRY  SL.Iiy(;;ER,  farmer.  Sec.  33;  P.  O.  Cambria;  was  born  in  Lancashire,  Eng.,  Feb. 
14,  1844;  son  of  Andrew  Slinger,  who  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1849  and  settled  in  Springvale, 
Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  died,  Nov.  19,  1849.  His  mother  is  still  living  on  Sec.  4  in  Springvale, 
at  the  age  of  67.  They  .came  into  the  county  with  a  family  of  eight  children  and  lived  in  a  board 
shanty,  12x16,  till  fall,  when  they  built  a  good  frame  house.  They  bought  a  cookstove  soon  after  they 
came,  but  not  knowing  how  to  use  it,  set  it  one  side,  and  did  their  cooking  through  the  summer  in  the 
open  air,  over  a  fireplace,  made  between  two  stumps.  Mr.  Slinger  was  married  Oct.  10,  1S63,  to  Rachel 
Smith,  who  was  born  July  2,  1841,  in  Staffordshire,  Eng.,  daughter  of  William  Smith,  who  came  to 
America  in  the  fall  of  1848,  and  died  March  1,  1851  :  have  two  children — Andrew  R.,  born  Jan.  8, 
1869,  and  Tempest  Hurry,  born  May  26,  1879.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  As.sessor  two  years, 
and  is  now  elected  for  the  third  term.     Has  155  acres  of  land. 

THEODORE  THOMAS,  farmer.  Sec  34;  P.O.Cambria;  was  born  in  Ottawa,  Canada, 
Dec.  4,  1825,  son  of  Solomon  Thomas,  a  native  of  Woodstock,  Vt.,  who  came  from  Canada  to  Wisconsin 
in  1843,  and  settled  in  Walworth  Co.,  and  died  March  20,  1854;  Theodore  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  the 
fall  of  1845,  and  bought  120  acres  of  land,  on  Sec.  34,  in  the  town  of  Scott,  which  was  the  second  piece 
of  land  bought  on  the  road  between  Portage  City  and  two  and  a  half  miles  this  side  of  Fox  Lake.  He 
then  returned  to  Walworth  Co.  and  remained  there  the  spring  of  1848,  then  come  back  to  Scott  and  broke 
10  acres  for  himself  and  87  acres  for  his  neighbors;  he  then  returned  to  Walworth  Co.  for  the  winter,  and 
in  the  spring  of  1849  came  up  and  broke  another  10  acres  for  himself  and  about  60  or  65  acres  for  others, 
running  a  breaking  team  with  Robert  McConochie.  In  the  fall,  he  .went  back  to  Walworth  Co.,  and  Sept. 
7,  1849,  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Connor,  a  native  of  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  town  of  Ira;  she  was  born 
June  18,  1827  ;  daughter  of  Josiah  Connor.  The  following  spring  he  came  on  his  farm  (having  built  a 
house  the  fall  previous)  and  has  lived  on  it  ever  since  ;  has  four  children  living — Maynard  (on  the  home- 
stead) ;  J.  C.  (on  Sec.  35  in  Scott)  ;  Mary  E.  (now  Mrs.  Thomas  Baillies  of  Scott,  on  south  line  of  Sec. 
34)  ;  and  Lillie  (at  home)  ;  he  was  four  days  making  the  trip  from  Walworth  Co.  to  Columbia  Co.,  with 
an  ox  team,  and  $5  in  his  pocket,  for  a  journey  of  seventy-five  miles,  got  here  and  paid  -$1.50  for  two 
bushels  of  potatoes  ;  50  cents  for  three  pecks  of  oats,  and  had  money  left.  Has  been  Supervisor  two  or 
three  terms,  and  is  a  Republican  with  strong  Greenback  tendencies.      He  has  151  acres  of  land. 

JONATHAN  N.  TRIPP  (deceased)  was  born  Jan.  17,  1820,  in  the  town  of  Windsor, 
Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  son  of  Thomas  Tripp,  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York.  Was  married  in  Bristol, 
Trumbull  Co  ,  Ohio,  June  12,  1844,  to  Mary  L.  Parish,  who  was  born  Feb.  4,  1817,  in  Orleans  Co.,  Vt.; 
daughter  of  John  Parish,  who  removed  to  Ohio  in  1834  and  died  in  1845.  Mr.  Tripp  lived  in  Trumbull 
Co.,  Ohio,  and  worked  at  wagon-making,  (lo  which  trade  he  had  been  apprenticed  when  17  years  old)  till 
June,  1853,  then  came  with  his  family  to  Wisconsin  and  located  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  his  widow, 
on  Sec.  29,  in  the  town  of  Scott,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  Dec.  30,  1867,  of  consumption,  with 
which  he  had  been  alBicted  for  several  years  ;  he  had  been  able  to  work,  however,  till  the  last  two  years 
of  his  life.  He  left  four  children — Julia,  Cornelia  E.  (now  Mrs.  Charles  Richards  of  Packwaukee,  Wis), 
Charles  Parish  and  Ida  Adelle ;  all  at  home  except  the  one  married  ;  Charles  is  a  carpenter  aud  joiner  and 
follows  that  business,  Julia  is  a  dressmaker,  and  Ida  a  teacher.  Mr.  Tripp  was  a  Republican,  and  once 
held  the  oflSce  of  Justice  of  the  Peace.  He  left  a  farm  of  120  acres,  which  now  has  good  buildings  and 
is  occupied  by  the  family ;   P.  0.  Marcellon. 

JOSEPH  W.  TURNER,  farmer.  Sec.  7  ;  P.  O.  Pardeeville  ;  born  May  6,  1849,  in  Wal- 
worth Co.,  Wis.;  son  of  John  Turner  (now  of  Portage  City).  Joseph  W.  was  married  Dec.  31,  1874,  to 
Lida  Elwood,  who  was  born  Aug.  28,  1854,  in  Fairwater,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  Wis.;  daughter  of  John 
Elwood.  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York,  now  living  in  Markesan,  Wis.  Mr.  Turner  remained  with 
his  father  till  ho  was  21  years  old,  then  worked  for  his  father  four  years,  for  40  acres  of  land,  and  bought 
60  acres  more  the  fall  before  his  marriage;  has  two  children — Edith,  born  Jan,  3, 1876,  and  Robert,  born 
April  29,  1877.      He  is  a  Republican  and  has  100  acres  of  land. 

JOSEPH  TURNER,  farmer.  Sees.  4,5  and  8  ;  P.O.  Pardeeville  ;  born  March  24,  1819,  in 
Yorkshire,  Eng.,  town  of  Leeds;  son  of  William  Turner,  who  came  to  America  in  1829,  and  died  Oct. 
13,  1876.  (See  biography  of  George  C.  Kietb.)  Mr.  Turner  was  married  in  1837,  to  Mary  Ann  Brier, 
who  died  Aug.  20,  1875,  leaving  five  children — Josephine,  Henrietta,  Frances  Amelia,  Viola  and  John 
Grant;  Josephine  is  now  Mrs.  C.  0.   Hubbell,  of  Lanesboro,  Minn.;  Henrietta  lives  with  her  sister  in 


1056  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

Minnesota;  Frances  Amelia  is  now  Mis.  D.  J.  Albee,  of  La  Crnsse ;  Mr.  Albce  is  a  conductor  on  tlie 
Cliit-ago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railroad  ;  Viola  is  Mr.*.  John  Keefe.  of  Waujiun  ;  John  G  lives  at  home. 
Was  married  the  second  time,  Oct.  1,  1879,  to  Mrs.  Mary  Clark,  widow  of  Almon  Chirk.  Her  maiden 
name  was  Sawyer,  and  she  was  a  native  of  England  ;  she  had  four  children  by  )iit  first  liusband — Adelbert, 
Alvah,  Nettie  and  Martha.  In  the  fall  of  1878,  he  wont  to  the  southern  part  of  Minnesota  and  spent  the 
winter  there,  and  again  the  next  fall  and  spent  the  winter;  he  has  940  acres  of  land  ;  is  a  Republican. 


TOWN    OF  CALEDONIA. 

%VII^L.IA]!II  BLACK,  farmer,  Sec.  8;  P.  0.  Alloa;  born  May  9,  1830,  in  Argylcshire, 
Scotland  ;  son  of  James  Black,  who  came  to  America  in  18l55  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  Sec.  10,  and  died 
Nov.  18,  1875,  in  the  80th  year  of  his  a^e ;  Mrs.  Black,  whose  maiden  name  was  Janet  Conk,  is  still  liv- 
ing in  Caledonia  at  the  age  of  82.  William  was  married  in  Scotland.  May  4,  1854,  to  Catharine  White, 
who  was  born  July  15,  1833,  in  Renfrewshire,  Scotland;  daughter  of  Peter  White,  who  died  in  Scotland 
when  she  was  only  5  years  old  ;  her  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Jessie  McN'air.  died  in  1854,  also  in 
Scotland.  Mr.  Black  followed  the  life  of  a  sailor  on  the  ''  briny  deep  "  from  April,  1848,  till  June,  1856, 
then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  where  he  has  since  resided,  though  he  has  sailed  on  the 
lakes  several  seasons- since  ;  has  eleven  children — James  W.,  Jessie,  Sarah  Catharine,  Minerva,  Isabella, 
Flora,  Mary,  William  C,  Maggie,  Katie  and  Violet  Ann.  Has  held  the  offices  of  Chairman  of  the  town. 
Assessor  and  Town  Clerk,  and  was  Justice  of  the  Peace  several  terms  ;  he  is  a  Democrat ;  owns  170  acres 
of  land  ;  none  of  the  children  are  married. 

JOHN  DOHiJLiAS,  blacksmith,  Sec.  3;  P.  0.  Alloa;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1868  from  the 
village  of  Crosshouse,  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  where  he  was  born  Aug.  18,  1846  ;  son  of  William  Douglas, 
also  a  blacksmith,  of  whom  John  learned  the  trade;  he  was  born,  lived  all  his  life  and  died  in  the  village 
of  Crosshouse.  John  was  married,  July  18,  1869,  in  Caledonia,  to  Mary  Hoyt,  daughter  of  John  Hoyt; 
she  was  born  in  Ochiltree,  Ayrshire,  Scotland,  March  25,  1838.  Mr  Douglas  has  three  children — Will- 
iam, born  June  5,  1870  ;  John,  born  March,  1875,  and  Anne,  born  Nov.  14,  1878.  He  is  a  Republican, 
and  owns  his  shop  and  residence  with  six-tenths  of  an  acre  of  land.  Both  are  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church. 

JOHN  GRAVES,  farmer,  Sec.  18;  P.  O.  Merrimack,  Sauk  Co.;  born  in  1817  in  Hunting- 
tonshire,  England  ;  son  of  William  Graves  ;  came  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1841  and  lived  near  Rahway, 
N.  J.,  about  three  years.  He  was  married  there,  in  1844,  to  Margaret  Fitzgerald,  who  was  a  native  of 
County  Watcrlord,  Ireland,  daughter  of  Patrick  Fitzgerald.  Immediately  after  his  marriage,  he  went  to 
Canada,  and  lived  in  the  county  of  Oxford  till  the  s])ring  of  1856;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled 
on  the  farm  he  now  occupies  in  Caledonia.  Has  four  children — Thomas,  Sarah,  William  P.  and  Maggie. 
Mr.  Graves  is  a  Democrat  in  politics,  and  all  the  family  are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church.  He  owns 
226  acres  of  land. 

HKBfRY  HAMIIiTON,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.  0.  Alloa;  was  born  April  23,  1829,  in  County 
Down,  Ireland;  son  of  George  Hamilton;  he  came  to  America  in  1851,  arriving  in  New  York  on  the 
11th  day  of  June;  lived  in  Dunkirk  awhile,  then  went  back  to  New  York  City,  and  from  there  to  Con- 
necticut, where  he  was  married  in  Stamford,  in  1856,  to  Elizabeth  Egan,  a  native  of  Kings  Co.,  Ireland. 
Hi)  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1858,  and  has  lived  in  the  town  of  Caledonia  ever  since;  has  eight  children  — 
Mary  Elizabeth,  Margaret,  Ellen,  Sarah  Jane,  Isabell,  James  Henry,  Lucy  and  Theresa,  all  at  home;  has 
been  Supervisor  three  years,  and  School  Director  and  Treasurer;  he  is  a  Democrat,  and  has  200  acres  of 
land,  160  acns  in  his  farm  and  40  acres  of  timber. 

ALIjKIV  J0H\S0N,  farmer,  Sees.  25  and  36;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  in  July, 
1841,  from  Galena,  111.,  and  made  a  claim  in  Caledonia  (same  land  be  now  owns)  in  the  spring  of  1842  ; 
then  went  into  the  pinery  at  Grand  Rapids^  and  remained  till  the  spring  of  1 843  ;  he  then  returned  to 
Caledonia,  built  a  cabin  on  his  land,  and  lived  there  till  the  fall  of  1853,  when  he  rented  his  farm,  and 
bought  property  in  Dekorra,  where  he  resided  till  November,  1800;  then  returned  to  his  farm,  and  has 
lived  there  since  ;  about  the  time  he  went  to  Dekorra,  he  purchased  a  quarter-section  of  pine  land  in 
Juneau  Co.,  and  followed  lumbering  in  winters,  till  he  returned  to  the  farm  ;  he  was  born  in  Ontario, 
Canada,  Nov.  9,  1820;  son  of  Kufus  Johnson;  went  from  there  to  Illinois  in  1837;  drove  stage  about 
fourteen   months  from  Joliet   to  Ottawa,  Spriugfield  and  Chicago  ;   then  followed  steamboating   on  the 


TOWN    OF    CALEDONIA.  1057 

Mississippi  about  four  months.  Was  married,  Nov.  27,  1843,  in  Dekorra,  to  Mary  Chalfant,  and  were  the 
first  couple  married  in  that  town;  she  was  born  May  11,  1826,  ia  Hif^hland  Co.,  Ohio;  daughter  of 
Aaron  and  Sarah  Chalfant.  Mr.  Johnson  has  eisjhc  children  living — Mary  Virginia,  Alice,  Ann  Eliza, 
Charles,  Jlmma,  William,  James  and  Lewis;  lost  three — Edward,  Henry  and  Edwin.  He  is  a  Democrat, 
and  has  240  acres  of  land.  Mrs.  Johnson's  brother,  Ansalem  Chalfant,  was  born  in  Dekorra,  Oct.  26, 
1842,  and  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  that  town,  and  was  also  the  first  death  in  the  town,  being 
drowned  June  11,   1845. 

EVAN  E.  JONES,  farmer.  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  born  Oct.  17,  1818,  in  Merionethshire, 
North  Wales;  son  of  Edward  Jones,  who  came  to  America  in  1842,  and  settled  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y., 
where  he  died  a  few  years  after,  and    two  years  after  the  death  of  his  wife.  '    Mr.  Jones  was  married  in 

1847,  in  Utiea,  N.  Y.,  to  Margaret  Roberts,  who  was  born  in  Montgomeryshire,  Wales,  May  7,  1818; 
daughter  of  Thomas  Roberts,  who  died  in  Wales.  Mr.  Jones  came  to  Wisconsin  in  July,  1849,  and  has 
lived  in  Caledonia  ever  since  ;  his  wife  died  Jan.  19,  1879,  about  60  years  of  age;  she  was  the  mother  of 
seven  children,  only  two  of  whom  were  living  at  the  time  of  her  death — Margaret,  born  June  16,  1850, 
now  Mrs.  Richard ,  Owen,  of  Caledonia,  and  Thomas  E.,  born  Sept.  16,  1858,  who  is  married  to  Lizzie 
Jones,  daughter  of  David  Jones,  and  living  in  the  homestead  with  his  father;  Catharine  was  born  Aug.  3, 

1848,  and  died   Dec.  31,  1869;  Mary,  born  June  25,  1852,  died  Nov.  18,  1862;  Ellen,  born  June  16, 

1854,  died  Dec.  20,  1862;  Edward,  born  Aug.  30,  1856,  died  Dec.  13,  1862,  and  Evan,  born  Aug.  2, 
1864,  died  Jan.  14,  1866  ;  the  last  four  of  diphtheria.  Mr.  Jones  is  a  Deacon  in  the  Calvinist  Church, 
of  which  he  is  a  member,  and  a  member  of  the  Bible  Society  of  New  York  ;  is  a  Republican,  and  has  185 
acres  of  land  in  his  farm.  His  father  was  a  Deacon  in  the  same  church  to  which  he  belongs  upward  of 
twenty  years. 

ROBERT  H.  JONEN,  farmer,  Sec.  16;  P.O.  Portage;  was  born  Dec.  27,  1830,  in  Merion- 
ethshire, North  Wales;  son  of  Hugh  Jones;  came  to  America  in  1851  ;  lived  in  Rock  Co.,  near  Janes- 
ville,  two  years;  then  in  the  village  of  Union,  same  county,  about  two  years,  and  in  December,  1855, 
came  to  Caledonia,  where  he  has  since  resided.  Was  married,  Aug.  26,  1860,  to  Catharine,  daughter  of 
Robert  Ellis,  who  came  from  Wales  to  New  York,  and  from  there  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he 
remained  till  his  death  ;  she  was  born  in  July,  1842,  near  Utica,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Jones  has  nine  children- 
Hugh,  David,  Mary  Jane,  John,  Robert,  Winnie,  Maria,  Catharine  and  Ruth  ;  all  at  home.  Is  a  Repub- 
lican, and  has  378  acres  of  land  in  his  farm.     Both  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  of  Portage. 

JOHN  LOCKHART,  farmer.  Sec.  9  ;  P.  0.  Alloa;  born  June  22,  1828,  in  Ayrshire,  Scot- 
land, parish  of  Tarbolton ;  son  of  Samuel  Lockhart.  Was  married  in  Scotland  in  1850,  to  Agnes  Gray, 
who  was  born  in  the  same  shire,  parish  of  Kirkeswald,  daughter  of  William  Gray  ;  came  to  America  in 

1855,  landing  in  New  York  on  the  1st  day  of  June;  resided  there  till  September,  1856,  then  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  has  since  lived  in  the  town  of  Caledonia.  Was  two  years  Supervisor,  during  the  war,  in 
1863  and  1864,  and  has  held  several  minor  ofiBces.  The  nine  children  are  as  follows  :  Samuel  S.,  of 
Portage,  William,  John,  James,  Janet,  Andrew,  Robert,  Maggie  and  Thomas — all  unmarried  but  Samuel 
S.  ;  have  lost  but  one — Maggie,  died  March  9,  1862,  aged  9  months.  Republican  and  Presbyterian. 
Has  259  acres  of  land. 

CHARLES  McLEISH,  farmer,  Sec.  20 :  P.  0.  Merrimack,  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.;  was  born  Dec.  8, 
1832,  in  Perthshire,  Scotland ;  son  of  William  McLeish,  who  came  to  America  in  1851  and  died  in  1854, 
in  Wisconsin ;  Charles  arrived  in  Wisconsin  in  June,  1851,  and  stayed  till  the  spring  of  1852  ;  then  went 
to  New  York,  and  worked  in  the  town  of  York,  Livingston  Co.,  till  the  fall  of  1855  ;  then  came  back  to 
Wisconsin  and  bought  160  acres  of  land  in  Sec.  21,  and  has  since  lived  in  this  town.  Was  married, 
March  9,  1859,  in  Portage,  to  Margaret  Roberts,  who  was  born  Dec.  2,  1842,  in  Lanarkshire,  Scotland, 
daughter  of  David  Roberts,  who  came  to  America  in  1857,  and  died  Jan.  22,  1876  ;  Mr.  McLeish  has 
nine  children — Jennie,  Maggie,  Willie,  Mary,  David,  Charles,  Alexander,  John  and  Isabella — all  at  home. 
Ha.s  been  Chairman  of  the  town,  and  was  School  Superintendent  under  the  old  system.  Democrat;  and 
has  595  acres  of  land  all  in  Sees.  20  and  21,  except  one  40  of  timber  in  Sauk  Co. 

DAVID  MARSHALL,  farmer.  Sec.  35;  P.  0.  Alloa;  born  Dec.  5,  1841,  in  Lanarkshire, 
Scotland  ;  son  of  John  Marshall,  who  came  to  America  in  1850,  settled  in  Caledonia,  and  died  Nov.  2, 
1864;  the  family  came  over  in  1851,  and  David  has  lived  in  Caledonia  ever  since  he  was  10  years  old. 
Was  married,  Nov.  21,  1862,  to  Isabel  Tennant,  who  was  born  Aug.  9,  1842,  in  Canada,  daughter  of 
Robert  Tennant,  a  native  of  Roxburyshire,  Scotland.  Mr.  Marshall  has  six  children  living — Mary,  John 
D.,  Robert,  William,  David  and  Janet,  all  at  home.  Attends  the  Presbyterian  Church,  but  is  not  a  mem- 
ber ;  Republican  ;  has  162  acres  of  land.  Mr.  Tennant  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1846  or  1847,  and  settled  in 
Caledonia,  on  what  was  known  as  the  "Indian  farm;"  he  died  Aug.  22,  1879,  in  Missouri,  where  he  had 


1058  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

removed  in  1868  or  1869;  Mrs.  Tenaant  is  still   living  in  Missouri,  and   Mrs.  Marshall  lives  in  Cale- 
donia. 

C.  F.  MOHR,  farmer,  Sec.  20;  P.  0.  Portage;  born  Dec.  31,  1846,  near  Hesse-Cassel,  Ger- 
many; son  of  William  Mohr,  who  came  to  America  in  1853,  lived  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  four  years,  and  in 
1857  came  to  Wisconsin,  settled  in  Caledonia,  and  died  July  6,  1874,  aged  67  ;  Mrs.  Mohr  is  still  living 
on  the  homestead.  Mr.  Mohr  was  married,  June  30,  1873,  to  Mary  Eikey,  a  native  of  Sauk  Co.,  born 
June  11,  1851,  daughter  of  William  Eikey,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Sauk  Co.  Mr.  Mohr  has  two 
children— Musa  A.,' born  May  22,  1874,  and  Maud,  born  Oct.  26,  1876.  Was  Town  Clerk  in  1877  and 
1878,  and  is  the  present  Chairman  of  the  town  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Is  a  Republican,  and  a  member 
of  the  M.  K.  Church.  Has  a  120-acre  farm  and  a  store  in  Portage,  which  he  owns  in  partnership  with 
his  two  brothers,  Charles  and  August. 

DAVID  OWEX,  farmer.  Sec.  21;  P.  0.  Portage  City  ;  born  May  13,  1828,  in  Merioneth- 
shire, North  Wales ;  son  of  John  Owen,  who  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1846,  settled  in  Caledonia 
in  September  of  the  same  year,  and  died  in  1865,  aged  42.  David  came  to  Caledonia  with  his  father,  and 
has  resided  in  the  town  ever  since.  He  was  married  Dec.  25,  1850,  to  Jane  Roberts,  daughter  of  Hugh 
Roberts,  who  came  to  Caledonia  in  1847  ;  she  was  born  in  1832,  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Owen  has 
seven  children — John  A.  (living  on  Sec.  17,  Caledonia),  Winnie,  Roger,  Maggie,  Sarah,  Owen  and  Anna; 
Roger  and  Winnie  live  in  Howard  Co.,  Iowa,  where  Mr.  Owen  has  a  240  acre  farm  ;  lost  three  children 
died  in  infancy.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Owens  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church  ;  he  is  a 
Republican,  and  has  held  the  offices  of  Supervisor,  Treasurer,  Assessor,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  several 
minor  offices,  and  represented  his  district  in  the  Assembly  in  1877  ;  has  480  acres  of  land  in  his  home 
farm,  and  a  240  acre  farm  in  Iowa.  When  his  father  came  to  Caledonia,  he  moved  from  Racine  with  ox 
teams  ;  had  a  covered  wagon  and  lived  in  that  till  they  had  time  to  build  a  house. 

JOHX  OWEN,  farmer,  Sec.  15 ;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  was  born  in  August,  1836,  in  Merionethshire, 
North  Wales;  son  of  John  Owen  (see  biography  of  William  Owen,  of  Caledonia)  ;  came  to  America  with 
his  father  in  1846,  and  has  lived  in  the  town  of  Caledonia  ever  since.  He  was  married,  May^  29,  1863,  in 
Caledonia,  to  Ellen  Lloyd,  who  was  born  in  Merionethshire,  Wales,  May  29,  1836,  daughter  of  John 
Lloyd,  who  came  to  America  in  1842,  lived  in  Racine  till  1848,  then  came  to  Caledonia,  where  Mrs.  Lloyd 
died  a  few  months  after  their  arrival;  Mr.  Lloyd  is  still  living  in  Howard  Co.,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Owen  is 
a  .sister  of  E.  W.  Lloyd,  of  Cambria.  Mr.  Owen  has  four  children — Jennie,  Edward  C,  John  L. 
and  Catherine  Ellen,  all  at  home.  He  is  a  Republican  ;  has  400  acres  of  land  in  his  farm  ;  has  for  years 
been  a  Deacon  and  Trustee  in  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  of  which  himself  and  families  are 
members. 

JOHN  A.  OWEN,  farmer,  Sec.  17;  P.  0.  Portage;' was  born  in  November,  1852,  in  the 
town  of  Caledonia,  on  the  farm  he  now  owns;  son  of  David  Owen  of  the  same  town.  (See  his  biography.) 
He  was  married,  March  22,  1876,  to  Mary  Ann  Jones,  who  was  born  May  31,  1854,  in  Sauk  Co.,  Wis., 
daughter  of  Thomas  and  Ann  Jones,  natives  of  South  Wales,  who  came  to  America  in  1847,  and  now 
live  in  Sauk  Co.  They  have  three  children — Ellen  Ann.,  born  Dec.  22,  1876;  David,  born  July  26,1878; 
Jane,  born  March  3, 1880.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Owen  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church, 
and  he  is  a  Republican  ;  has  167  acres  of  land. 

JOHN  T.  OWENS,  farmer.  Sec.  27  ;  P.  0.  Portage;  was  born  April  30,  1827,  in  Merioneth- 
shire, North  Wales  ;  son  of  Thomas  Owens,  who  came  to  America  when  John  T.  was  only  4  or  5  years 
old;  lived  in  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  till  1857  ;  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  died  in  Caledonia  in  1863, 
aged  62.  Mr.  Owens'  first  wife  was  Mary  Ann  Parish,  and  his  second  was  Ida  R.  Cappler,  who  died 
Feb.  20,  1878,  leaving  two  children — Friend  Augustus,  born  May  3,  1872;  and,  Jemima  J.,  born  Sept.  1, 
1873.  Mr.  Owen  came  from  Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to  Caledonia  in  1860,  and  has  made  his  home  in  that 
town  ever  since,  except  two  years  that  he  was  railroading  in  Minnesota  ;  while  living  in  New  York  State, 
he  followed  farming,  butchering,  and  dealing  in  stock.  In  politics,  he  is  Republican.  Has  160  acres  of 
land. 

ROBERT  OWEN,  farmer,  Sec.  23;  P.  O.  Portage;  was  born  in  Merionethshire,  North 
Wales,  May  13,  1803;  came  to  America  in  1841  ;  lived  in  Racine  Co.  nine  years,  and  in  1850  removed 
to  Columbia  Co.,  and  settled  in  his  present  location.  He  was  married  in  Wales,  in  1829,  to  Jane  Evans, 
who  was  born  in  the  same  shire  March  25,  1806,  daughter  of  Rees  Evans.  They  have  had  nine  children, 
of  whom  only  four  are  living — Ellen,  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  Jones,  of  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.;  Margaret,  is  Mrs. 
Hugh  Williams,  of  Caledonia  ;  Jane,  is  now  Mrs.  Thomas  Morris,  of  Caledonia.  The  only  son,  Evan  R. 
Owen,  was  born  March  3,  1848,  in  Racine,  Wis.,  and  was  married  May  4,  1874,  to  Kate  Humphrey,  who 
was  bom  Sept.  16,  1852,  in  York  Co.,  Penn.,  daughter  of  John  Humphrey,  a  native  of  Merionethshire, 


TOWN   OF    CALEDONIA.  1059 

Wales,  who  came  to  America  in  1849,  and  settled  in  York  Co.,  Penn.,  where  he  is  still  livino; ;  her  mother, 
whose  niiiden  name  was  Jane  Morris,  died  when  Kate  was  only  3  years  old,  and  when  4  years  old  she 
was  brought  to  Caledonia,  where  she  lived  with  her  grandfather,  Morgan  Morris.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robert 
Owen  are  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church,  and  he  and  his  son  Evan  R.  are  Republi- 
cans, and  have  200  acres  of  land. 

WILLIA^I  OWEN,  farmer.  Sec.  7  ;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  was  born  in  the  village  of  Llanelltyd, 
Merionethshire,  North  Wales,  Sept.  10,  182.5;  son  of  John  and  Margaret  Owen,  who  came  to  America 
in  1846,  and  settled  in  Caledonia  in  September  of  that  year,  being  the  first  Welsh  settler  in  the  town  ;  he 
died  in  1865,  aged  42  years.  Wm.  Owen  made  his  home  with  his  parents  till  he  was  27  years  old,  then, 
Jan.  1,  1853,  was  married  to  Margaret,  daughter  of  John  and  Laura  Jones,  who  came  to  America  in 
1851,  and  settled  in  Randolph,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.;  she  was  born  Feb.  24,  1829,  in  Bronyfoel,  Parish  of 
Llangelynin,  Merionethshire,  North  Wales.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Owen  have  ten  children — John  Gwylym, 
Edwena  Esellt  and  Edwyn  Caradoy  (twins),  Aneurin,  Wm.  Salsbury,  David  G-aronwy,  Owen  Jones, 
Meirion  Rhydderch,  Liura  Maggie  and  Edward  Grerat.  Mr.  Owen  was  the  first  School  Superintendent  in 
the  town,  and  has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace;  was  elected  Register  of  Deeds  in  1852  for  1853  and  1854, 
and  re-elected  in  1854  for  1855  and  1856,  and  was  a  member  of  Assembly  in  the  Legislature  of  1865  ; 
was  appointed  to  take  the  census  in  four  towns  in  1870,  and  has  the  appointment  again  for  the  same  bus- 
iness in  1880.  The  first  six  years  aft^r  his  marriage,  he  lived  in  Portage,  and,  in  the  fall  of  1858, 
removed  to  Cambria,  where  he  was  engaged  in  buying  wheat  in  compiny  with  John  ap  Jones,  also  deal- 
ing in  lumber  at  the  same  time,  and  was  d^pit  agent  at  Cambria  about  four  years.  In  1867,  he  removed 
to  the  town  of  Randolph  and  went  to  farming  on  Sec.  10  ;  sold  out  in  1873,  and  removed  to  his  present 
location.  He  is  a  Republican  in  politics,  aad  has  637  acres  of  land  in  his  farm.  Both  are  members 
nf  the  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church. 

JOHN  PATE  (deceased)  was  one  of  the  oldest  residents  of  Caledonia,  and  of  the  pioneers  who 
buffeted  the  hardships  of  a  new  country,  when  a  man  had  to  sacrifice  all  the  comforts  of  civilization  in  order 
to  start  a  home  iu  the  Far  West.  Mr.  Pate  was  born  Feb.  17,  1802,  at  Brown  Castle,  Parish  of  Cul- 
bride,  Lanarkshire,  Scotland.  Was  married  to  Agnes  Stewart,  April  25,  1837,  and  emigrated  to  America 
in  the  spring  of  1842,  sailing  from  Glasgow  on  the  26th  of  April  in  the  ship  Perthshire,  Capt.  Simpson, 
being  seven  weeks  making  the  voyage  across  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States.  He  went  to  Albany  by 
steamboat,  thence  by  canal  to  Buffalo,  then  by  steamboat  again  to  Chicago,  and  from  there  to  Columbia 
Co.,  Wis.,  by  team  ;  he  settled  oo  unsurveyed  land  in  what  was  then  Dekorra,  Portage  Co.,  Territory  of 
Wisconsin,  now  Sec.  30,  town  of  Caledonia,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.  Roads  and  bridges  were  then  unknown 
in  this  region  ;  the  nearest  grist-mill  was  ten  miles  west  of  Madison,  and  their  nearest  market  was  Mil- 
waukee. When  the  town  of  Caledonia  was  organized  from  Dekorra,  Mr.  Pate  was  its  first  Chairman  ;  was 
Supervisor  in  1852  ;  was  afterward  Assessor  and  Town  Clerk,  and  also  held  several  minor  ofiBces.  On  his 
farm  of  200  acres  in  Sees.  30.  31  and  36,  he  resided  from  1845  till  his  death,  which  occurred  Dec.  19, 
1879,  of  cancer  in  the  face.  He  had  been  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  from  his  youth  up  ;  was 
a  great  lover  of  music,  and  composed  several  pieces,  one  of  whicti  entitled  "  Caledonia,"  is  frequently  sung 
in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Caledonia.  He  left  five  children — John  S.,  Marian,  Robert,  Samuel  J. 
and  William.  Samuel  J.  Pate  was  born  April  22,  1850,  in  Caledonia,  on  Sec.  30,  and  was  married,  Feb. 
8,  1875,  to  Elizabeth  Pearson,  who  was  born  Nov.  4,  1856,  in  Carlisle,  England,  daughter  of  George 
Pearson,  who  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1871,  and  lives  in  Caledonia;  has  two  children — Mary 
Elizabeth,  born  Nov.  18,  1876,  and  John  George,  born  Nov.  9,  1878.  Mr.  Pate  is  a  Republican,  and  is 
the  present  Town  Treasurer,  which  office  he  has  held  two  years ;  has  been  District  Treasurer  five  years ; 
is  a  Presbyterian,  and  has   140  acres  of  land.  ' 

MOSES  PAQUETTE,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Portage;  was  born  March  4,  1828,  at  the 
old  trading-post,  about  one-quarter  mile  from  Ft.  Winnebago  ;  he  is  the  only  surviving  son  of  Pierre,  or 
Peter  Paquette,  who  was  employed  by  the  American  Fur  Company  at  Ft.  Winnebago  in  trading  with  the 
Indians,  and  also  in  the  transportation  of  their  Mackinaw  boats  between  the  Fox  and  Wisconsin  Rivers  at 
the  "  portage,"  and  who  was  shot  and  killed  in  1 836  by  an  Indian  named  Mazomanie,  which  event  has 
already  become  a  matter  of  history.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  Moses  was  taken  to  the  Catholic  Mis- 
sion School  on  the  Yellow  River,  and  afterward  to  the  mission  on  Turkey  River,  Iowa,  where  he  remained 
till  the  fall  of  1845,  and  was  then  sent  to  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  where  he  remained  in  school  two  years  ;  he 
then  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  was  employed  in  the  store  of  the  American  Fur  Co.  at  Prairie  du  Chien 
about  a  year,  and  then  returned  to  Columbia  Co.,  and  lived  about  a  year  with  his  mother  near  Portage  ;  he 
then  worked  another  year  for  the  American  Fur  Co.,  this  time  at  Long  Prairie,  Minn.;  he  was  then 
engaged  one  season  in  assisting  H.   M.  Rice  in  removing  the  Indians  from  Wisconsin  to  Long  Prairie, 


1060  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

Minn.,  then  traded  with  the  Indians  till  1857.  He  then  came  back  to  Columbia  Co.,  and,  in  1858,  was 
married  to  Madaline  Brisbois,  who  wa.s  born  in  1835  in  Prairie  du  Chien.  Since  his  marriage,  he  has 
followed  farming  in  Caledonia  on  the  farm  he  now  occupies.  His  mother  died  in  1804,  aged  about  70 
years,  leavinji  a  quarter-section  of  land  in  Sees.  27  and  28,  which  was  divided  between  him  and  his  only 
surviving  .sister,  Mrs.  Thomas  Prescott.  Mr.  Paquette  has  seven  children — Domitille,  St.  Clair,  Solomon 
J.,  Peter,  Daniel,  Mary  Ann  and  Moses.  Has  80  acres  of  land.  Republican  in  politics,  and  a  member 
of  the  Catholic  Church. 

REV.  TlIOMA^i  PHILililPS,  deceased;  was  born  in  Glamorganshire,  South  Wales, 
July  17,  1802;  sun  of  William  and  Jijaiia  Phillips.  Was  married  in  Wales  in  1839,  to  Miss  Gwenllian 
Thomas  (who  was  born  in  the  same  county  as  Mr  Pliillips ),  daughter  of  Howelis  and  Margaret  Thomas;  came 
to  America  in  1846;  first  preached  in  Danville,  Penn.,  and  then  in  Pottsville  ;  and  in  1851,  removed  to 
Wisconsin  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  where  he  continued  in  the  ministry  until  his  death,  Dec.  11,  1871  ;  he 
was  a  self-made  man,  zealous  and  energetic  in  his  work,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  had  been  in  the  min- 
istry of  Welsh  Methodist  Church  upward  of  forty  years ;  he  had  accumulated  quite  a  library,  and  had 
some  very  ancient  works  ;  among  them,  was  a  large  Bible,  printed  in  old  English,  which  was  in  use  in 
Wales  when  Bibles  were  so  scarce  that  only  one  could  be  afforded  to  each  parish,  and  this  one  was  hung 
by  a  chain  so  it  could  be  used  by  all,  but  not  removed  from  the  church.  He  left  six  children— Howell, 
(living  in  Lake  Crystal,  Minn.)  ;  David  (living  in  Milwaukee)  ;  George  (living  in  Hudson,  Wis.)  ;  Will- 
iam, Thomas  and  Mary  (living  on  the  homestead  with  their  mother).  Have  120  acres  of  land;  P.  0. 
Portage.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phillips  buried  five  children — Mary  in  Wales  ;  William  and  David  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  Joseph  and  John  in  Wisconsin. 

THOMAS  PRESCOTT,  farmer,  Sec.  28;  P.  O.  Portage;  born  in  Canada  Oct.  13,  1834; 
came  to  Marathon  Co.,  Wis.,  in  May,  1856  ;  lived  there  until  January,  18G2  ;  then  came  to  Columbia  Co., 
and  has  lived  in  Caledonia  since.  Was  married,  Nov.  25, 1866,  to  Mrs.  Theresa  Brisbois,  widow  of  Mitch- 
ell J.  Brisbois;  she  was  born  May  5,  1826,  at  the  old  trading-post,  opposite  of,  and  about  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  from  Ft.  Winnebago  ;  she  is  the  only  surviving  daughter  of  Peter  Pauquette,  a  native  of  St.  Louis, 
(see  biography  of  Moses  Pauquette,  of  Caledonia).  Mrs.  Prescott  is  a  grand- daughter  of  Joseph  Criee, 
who  died  at  her  house  the  1st  of  February,  1867,  supposed  to  be  in  141st  year  of  his  age  at  the  time  of 
his  death  ;  he  had  lived  in  the  Pauquette  family  the  last  sixty  years  of  his  life,  and  from  his  statements  and 
the  best  information  they  could  get,  his  age  as  given  is  supposed  to  be  correct.  Mrs.  Prescott  had  six 
children  by  the  first  husband  (  Mr.  Brisbois),  four  of  whom  are  now  living — Peter  Pauquette  Brisbois,  Julia 
Josephine,  Theodore  O'Neely  Brisbois  and  Abraham  Lincoln  Brisbois;  Solomon  Edwin  died  in  1851,  aged 
18  months,  and  Pauline  Theresa  died  in  1857,  aged  8  months;  she  has  three  children  by  the  second  mar- 
riage-— Mary  L.,  Lewis  Pauquette  and  Emma  Theresa.  Mrs.  Prescott  says  her  father  seemed  to  have  a 
presentiment  that  he  was  not  going  to  die  a  natural  death,  and  told  his  family  that  in  case  he  should  be 
killed  (as  he  expected  he  should  be  sooner  or  later),  he  wished  to  have  H.  L.  Dansman  appointed  as  the 
guardian  of  his  children;  this  was  done  in  accordance  with  his  wishes;  soon  after  her  father's  death  she 
was  taken  by  the  "  i'ellow  River  "  Mission  School,  in  Iowa,  where  she  stayed  some  time;  then  worked  for 
a  family  named  McDowell  in  Iowa,  about  two  years,  not  knowing  that  she  had  any  property,  and  suppos- 
ing herself  to  be  a  subject  of  charity  while  at  the  school  ;  she  was  found  in  this  situation  by  Henry  Rice, 
of  Minnesota,  who  knew  her  family  and  reported  ;  she  was  then  sent  to  school  three  years  in  St.  Louis, 
when  she  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and  has  lived  in  this  State  since  ;  she  says  that  her  father,  at  his  death, 
left  thirteen  sections  of  land,  and  that  the  heirs  have  received  but  little  benefit  from  it  as  yet ;  she  was 
brought  up  a  Catholic,  and  Mr.  Prescott  an  Episcopalian.  He  is  a  Republican,  and  they  have  120  acres 
of  land. 

ROBERT  PlIGH,  farmer,  Sec.  22;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  born  March  28, 1832,  in  Merionethshire, 
North  Wales;  .son  of  Hugh  Pugh  ;  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1852  ;  lived  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y., 
about  four  years  ;  in  the  spring  of  1856,  came  to  Wisconsin  ;  he  lived  in  Cambria  two  years,  and  in  the 
spring  of  1858,  came  to  the  town  of  Caledonia,  where  he  has  since  resided;  he  learned  the  carpenter 
trade  in  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  has  followed  that  business  since,  in  addition  to  his  farming.  Was  married 
in  Utica,  N.  Y..  Feb.  26,  1855,  to  Mary  Lloyd,  who  was  a  native  of  Montgomeryshire,  Wales,  daughter 
of  Watkin  Lloyd  ;  has  eight  children  living — Watkin,  Hugh,  Ellis,  Ann,  John,  Ida,  Ellen  and  Jane;  one 
son,  David  died  in  1875,  2^.  years  old.  Republican,  and  has  320  acres  of  land  in  his  farm.  Mrs.  Pugh 
is  a  member  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist  Church. 

REV.  THOMAS  J.  RICE,  ministor  of  the  First  Welsh  Church  of  Caledonia;  farm  of  80 
acres  in  Sec.  22  ;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  was  born  March  4,  1833,  in  Cardiganshire,  South  Wales;  son  of  Rode- 
rick Rice,  who  came  to  America  in  1846,  and  now  lives  on  the  farm  on  which  he  then  settled,  seven  miles 


TOWN    OF    CALEDONIA.  1061 

•west  of  Waukesha,  Wis.;  Mr.  Eice  was  educated  at  Carroll  College  in  Waukesha,  and  entered  the  ministry 
before  he  was  20  years  old,  but  was  not  ordained  till  1869  ;  was  first  stationed  at  Waukesha,  and  preached 
in  tliat  vicinity  about  seven  or  eight  years  ;  in  1859,  he  went  to  Milwaukee  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business,  in  which  he  continued  till  1865,  preaching  every  Sabbath  during  the  time;  then  removed  to 
Portage  and  carried  on  the  same  business,  still  preaching  nearly  every  Sabbath  at  that  place  and 
vicinity  ;  he  left  Portage  and  bought  a,  farm  near  Bangor,  La  Crosse  Co.,  on  which  he  lived  till  July 
5  of  that  year,  when  his  house  was  struck  by  lightning  and  totally  destroyed,  with  all  its  contents,  includ- 
ing his  library,  clothing,  etc.,  the  family  barely  escaping  with  their  lives;  Mr.  Rice  was  struck  on  the 
shoulder,  burning  a  place  the  size  of  a  man's  hand  ;  the  fluid  passed  down  his  right  limb  clear  to  his  foot ; 
they  were  carried  out  of  the  house  in  an  insensible  state,  by  a  friend  who  happened  to  be  staying  with 
them  over  night,  who  was  not  injured  ;  after  being  burned  out  he  lived  one  year  with  his  father,  at  Wau- 
kesha; then  returned  to  Bangor  Village,  and  remained  till  March,  1873  ;  then  removed  to  Columbia  Co., 
and  has  been  connected  with  the  First  Welsh  Church  of  that  place  ever  since.  Was  married,  Feb.  12, 1862, 
in  Caledonia,  to  Anna  Owen,  daughter  of  John  Owen  (see  biography  of  William  Owen ) ;  .she  was  born 
in  Merionethshire,  North  Wales,  Sept.  25,  1832  ;  they  have  five  children  living,  all  boys— Edward  Owen, 
GriflBth  Roderick,  John  Hugh,  George  T.  and  William  James  ;  lost  one— David,  died  March  28,  1873, 
7  months  old.     In  politics,  Mr.  Rice  acts  with  the  Republican  party. 

JOHN  S.  KICHMOXD,  farmer.  Sec.  9;  P.  0.  Alloa;  was  born  June  10,  1813,  in  Ayrshire, 
Scotland;  son  of  James  Richmond,  who  died  in  Scotland;  came  to  Canada  in  1830,  and  was  appointed 
District  Judge  when  only  19  years  old  ;  was  afterward  engaged  in  the  Canada  rebellion  ;  was  at  the  battle 
of  Prescott  and  was  taken,  and  tried  several  times  for  treason,  but  managed  to  escape  the  penalty  ;  after 
the  rebellion,  he  went  to  the  State  oi  New  York,  and  lived  two  years  at  Alexander  Bay ;  then  in  Water- 
town  two  years ;  then  traveled  five  or  six  years,  lecturing  on  phrenology  ;  in  1842,  he  rt;turned  to  Scotland, 
■where  he  remained  till  1844,  then  came  to  America  agam,  and  lived  two  years  at  Eagle  Prairie,  in  Wau- 
kesha Co.,  thirty  miles  west  of  Milwaukee;  spent  the  time  there  jhunting,  lecturing  and  working  a  little, 
bein'.;  in  poor  health  ;  in  the  summer  of  1847,  he  came  to  Caledonia,  entered  a  quarter-section  of  land  on 
Sec.  9,  and  Dec.  1  of  that  year  moved  in  with  his  family  ;  in  1851,  while  he  was  at  work  in  the  pinery, 
his  house  was  burned  ;  he  rebuilt,  and  has  lived  on  the  same  premises  ever  since.  His  first  wife,  to  whom 
he  was  married  in  1829,  was  Jane  Wallace,  a  descendant  of  Sir  William  Wallace;  she  died  in  1839,  leav- 
ing four  children— Sarah,  William,  Henry  and  Mary— all  living  in  the  State  of  New  York,  except  Williain, 
who  lives  in  Illinois;  his  second  wife  was  Mary  Young,  of  Paisley,  Scotland,  to  whom  he  was  married  in 
1843;  she  died  June  11,  1869,  in  Caledonia,  leaving'four  children— Mary  (now  Mrs.  John  Wilson,  of 
Dekorra),  Emily  (now  Mrs.  William  Muir,  living  on  the  Indian  farm,  in  Caledonia),  Lucy  ( now  Mrs. 
Rung,  of  Chippewa  Falls)  ;  Loveuie  was  the  first  wife  of  Mr.  Rung,  and  died  iu  1877  ;  his  third  wife,  to 
whom  he  was  married  May  1,  1872,  was  Miss  Urrle  Fuller,  of  Dekorra,  by  whom  he  has  three  children-— 
John,  Nettie  and  Jessie.  He  is  Republican;  has  been  Chairman  of  the  town  several  years,  and  Justice 
of  the  Peace.  He  lost  about  $10,000  in  money  and  lands  by  the  Canada  rebellion  ;  has  now  120  acres  in 
his  farm. 

HUGH  ROBERTS,  farmer.  Sec.  27;  P.  0.  Portage;  born  Feb.  7,  1838,  in  Oneida  Co.,  N. 
Y.;  son  of  Hugh  Roberts,  who  came  to  America  in  1830  and  settled  in  New  York  ;  came  to  Wisconsin 
June  7,  1847  ;  lived  in  Caledonia  till  1870,  then  removed  to  Howard  Co.,  Iowa,  and  died  there  in  18(39. 
Mr.  Roberts  was  married,  Nov.  10,  1858,  to  Margaret  Jones,  daughter  of  John  Jones,  who  came  to  America 
in  1842,  lived  a  few  years  in  New  York,  two  years  in  Racine,  Wis  ,  and  came  to  Columbia  Co.  in  1848,  and 
settled  in  Caledonia.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roberts  have  sis  children — John,  Winnie,  William,  Sarah,  Edward 
and  David  ;  have  lost  three — Roger,  Hugh  and  one  unnamed.  Is  a  Republican  ,  and  has  been  Supervisor 
two  terms.  Has  690  acres  of  land  on  his  farm.  Are  both  members  of  the  Welsh  Calvinistic  Methodist 
Church.  His  brother,  William  Roberts,  enlisted  in  August,  1861,  in  Co.  C,  23d  W.  V.  I.,  and  died  in 
May,  18(i3,  near  Vicksburg. 

THOMAS  ROBERTSON,  Jr.,  farmer,  Sec.  36;  p.  0.  Alloa;  was  born  in  Renfrew- 
shire, Scotland,  in  1839  ;  son  of  Thomas  Robertson,  Sr.;  came  to  America  with  the  family  in  1842,  and 
has  resided  in  Caledonia  ever  since,  except  from  the  fall  of  1871  to  the  fall  of  1872  in  Faribault  Co.,  Minn. 
Was  married,  June  3,  1868.  to  Janet  Dunlop,  who  was  born  in  Scotland  and  came  to  America  with  her 
parents  while  yet  a  mere  child ;  she  was  born  near  Paisley,  Aug.  26,  1849.  Mr.  Robertson  has  six  children — 
Thomas  Davis,  William  James,  Jane  Alice,  Janet  Mary,  Robert  Dunlop  and  John  McCulloch — all  at  home. 
He  is  a  Republican,  and  has  been  Town  Treasurer  one  year;  was  brought  up  a  Presbyterian,  but  is  not  a 
member  of  the  church.  Has  4472  acres  of  land  in  Caledonia,  and  a  160-acre  farm  in  Faribault  Co., 
Minn.     Thomas  Robertson,  Sr.  (deceased),  better  known  in  Columbia  Co.  as  "  Daddy  Robertson,"  was  born 


1062  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

in  December,  1800,  in  Renfrewshire,  Scotland,  parish  of  Neilston,  and  his  wife  was  born  in  the  same  par- 
ish, in  August,  1800  ;  her  maiden  name  was  Janet  Robertson,  dauj^hter  of  Robert  Robertson,  and  they  were 
married  in  1823;  he  came  to  America  in  1840,  and  with  his  son-in-law,  Alex.  McDonald,  now  of  Portage, 
were  the  first  settlers  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Caledonia  ;  he  made  a  claim  on  unsurveyed  land,  in  what 
was  then  the  town  of  Dekorra,  Portage  Co.,  Territory  of  Wisconsin  (now  Sec.  32,  Caledonia) ;  this  was  in 
the  summer  of  1840  ;  he  did  some  breaking  and  built  a  house,  and  in  1842  his  family  came  from  Scotland 
to  join  him  in  his  new  home;  they  sailed  from  Glasgow  in  the  ship  Perthshire,  Capt.  Simpson,  April  26, 
in  company  with  the  families  of  James  Wilson  and  John  Pate,  being  seven  weeks  on  the  voyage  to  New 
York  ;  Mr.  Pate  went  to  Chicago  to  meet  them,  and  when  he  returned  to  Caledonia,  found  the  prairie  fire 
had  swept  away  his  homf ,  so  his  own  family,  and  those  of  Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Pate,  making  in  all  twenly- 
one  persons,  lived  in  a  "  dug-out,"  which  he  had  made  for  a  sort  of  home  till  he  could  build  again  ;  the 
other  families  left,  and  he  lived  in  the  "dug-out"  all  winter,  and  it  was  called  "the  castle;"  the  next 
spring  he  built  on  Sec.  32,  and  lived  there  till  1851,  when  they  were  again  deprived  of  a  home  by  the 
prairie  fire,  which  made  a  clean  sweep  of  all  his  buildings ;  he  then  built  on  Sec.  36,  where  he  resided  till  his 
death,  in  November,  1872,  his  wife  having  died  in  April,  1870.  He  was  a  leading  politician  of  the  Repub- 
lican faith,  and  held  the  oflBce  of  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  was  several  years  Chairman  of  the  town.  Him- 
self and  wife  were  life-long  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  left  seven  children — James,  Robert, 
Janet.  Margaret,  Thomas,  Elizabeth  and  George — all  born  in  Scotland,  except  the  last  two.  He  left  500 
acres  of  land. 

JOHBf  ROWIjEY,  Sr.  (deceased)  :  was  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  his  parents  removed 
to  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  when  he  was  a  boy.  He  was  married,  in  Chautauqua  Co.,  Oct.  28,  1824,  to 
Sophia  Kllithorp,  who  was  born  in  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Deo.  11,  1807;  daughter  of  Henry  Ellithorp. 
Mr.  Rowley  followed  farming  in  Chautauqua  Co.  till  1838,  then  removed  to  Caldwell  Co.,  Mo  ,  wherf  he 
lived  one  year;  then  three  years  in  Kane'Co.,  111.,  and  five  years  in  Hancock  Co.,  same  State;  in  July, 
1847,  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  on  Sec.  26,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  March 
4,  1874,  in  his  75th  year;  he  left  a  widow  and  the  following  children  :  Celestina  (now  Mrs.  Harvey  Mar- 
ble), of  Arizona ;  Asa,  living  in  Freeborn  Co.,  Minn.;  Sophia  (now  Mrs.  B.  Johnson),  of  Caledonia  ; 
John,  Emily  (now  Mrs.  Harley  T.  Hoskin),  of  Sauk  Co.;  Henry  and  George  W.,  living  in  California. 
John  was  married.  May  7,  1879,  to  Martha  Farnsworth.  and  is  living  on  the  homestead,  as  is  Mrs.  Rowley 
and  Henry,  who  is  unmarried.  Have  200  acres  of  land  between  them.  P.  0.  Alloa.  John  and  his  wife 
belong  to  the  Free  Methodist  Church,  and  he  and  Henry  are  Republicans. 

WILLiIA^I  M.  SHAXKS,  farmer  and  Postmaster  at  Alloa  ;  was  born  Sept.  17,  1827,  iu 
Lanarkshire,  Scotland,  parish  of  Shotts :  son  of  David  Shanks,  who  died  when  William  was  only  5  years 
old.  Mrs.  Shanks  then  married  John  Marshall,  who  came  to  America  in  1850,  leaving  his  family  in  Scot- 
land till  1851;  he  settled  in  Caledonia,  and  died  in  November,  1864.  Mr.  Shanks  has  lived  in  Caledonia 
since  1851,  except  about  six  months  in  Summit  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1852.  Was  married,  Nov.  28,  1856,  to 
Agnes  Robb,  who  was  born  Nov.  16,  1829,  in  Stirlingshire,  Scotland,  parish  of  St.  Ninians,  daughter  of 
Ralph  Robb,  who  died  when  she  was  3  years  old  ;  her  mother  then  married  Duncan  Stewart,  who  came  to 
America  with  his  family  in  1852;  lived  awhile  in  New  York,  then  in  Ohio,  and  came  to  Caledonia  in  the 
spring  of  1856  ;  he  Wiis  the  first  Postmaster  at  Alloa,  and  kept  the  oflBce  till  his  death,  Sept.  15,  1876; 
Mrs.  Stewart  died  Nov.  30,  1870.  Mr.  Shanks  has  eight  children^David  John,  Jessie  R.,  John  S., 
Maggie,  Agnes  Lincoln,  Christianna,  Mary  and  Sarah  Maud.  He  held  the  office  of  Supervisor  two 
years,  and  is  the  present  Postmaster  at  Alloa,  which  office  he  has  held  since  November,  1876  ;  both  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbyterian  Church  ;  he  is  a  Republican,  and  has  240  acres  of  land. 

WIIiLIAiV  NHA:KKS,  farmer.  Sec.  3;  P.  0.  Alloa;  born  Oct.  26,  1838,  in  Renfrewshire, 
Scotland  ;  son  of  William  Shanks,  who  came  to  America  in  the  summer  of  1846,  settled  in  Caledonia,  on 
Sec.  3,  and  died  there  in  December,  1855.  William,  Jr.,  was  married,  Feb.  18, 1873,  to  Elizabeth  Robert- 
son, who  was  born  Aug.  19,  1843.  and  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  the  town  of  Caledonia  ;  daughter 
of  Thomiis  Robert.son,  Sr.  ( "  Daddy  "  Robertson  "  |.  [See  biography  of  Thomas  Robertson,  Jr.,  of  Cale- 
donia]. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shanks  have  only  one  child — Jennie  Louise,  born  May  23,  1874.  He  is  a  Repub- 
lican, and  has  187^  acres  of  land.  When  his  father  came  to  Caledonia,  he  made  the  trip  from  Milwaukee 
with  an  ox  team,  taking  about  three  weeks  for  the  journey,  Mrs.  Shanks  walking  nearly  half  the  way,  aud 
carrying  her  daughter  fsabella,  then  2  years  old,  on  her  back,  being  afraid  to  ride  over  the  rough  roads 
with  a  heavy  load  ;  the  first  summer  they  were  afflicted  with  the  ague,  there  being  fifteen  down  with  it  at 
one  time  at  the  house  of  James  Wilson.  They  built  a  log  house  in  the  fall,  b>it  did  not  get  it  finished 
before  winter  set  in,  and  lived  without  windows  the  first  winter  ;  lived  on  salt  beef,  corn  bread  and  tea, 
without  any  change  ;  the  snow  fell  at  one  time  about  three  feet  deep  on  a  level,  and  they  went  six  weeka 


TOWN    OF    CALEDONIA.  1063 

at  a  time  without  seeing  a  person  outside  their  own  family  ;  Mr.  Shanks  was  taken  down  with  rheumatism 
during  the  winter,  and  the  first  five  acres  they  got  cleared  Mrs.  Shanks  did  the  grubbing  and  the  boy  Will- 
iam (then  8  years  old),  hoed  it  up  with  an  old  Scotch  hoe. 

JOHN  G.  STAUDENMAYER,  farmer,  Sec.  8,  9  and  17;  P.  0.  Alloa;  born  April  21, 
1826,  in  Wurtemberg,  Germany;  son  of  John  Leonard  Staudenmayer  ;  came  to  America,  in  the  summer 
ol'  1853  and  located  in  Caledonia,  on  Sec.  10,  and  has  resided  in  that  town  ever  since.  Was  married  May 
29,  1855,  in  Caledonia,  to  Margaret  Naser,  from  his  native  place  in  Germany  ;  has  .seven  children  living 
— Theresa  (  now  the  wife  of  Jacob  Joss,  who  is  manufacturing  Swiss  cheese  at  Woodland,  Dodge  Co..  Wis.)  ; 
George,  Sophia,  John,  William,  Edward  and  Mary,  all  at  home,  except  the  oldest ;  lost  one  boy,  William, 
who  died  at  11  months  of  age.  He  held  the  office  of  Chairman  of  his  town,  five  years  in  succession. 
Town  Clerk,  eight  years  in  succession.  Supervisor,  one  year,  Justjce  of  the  Peace,  five  years,  and  is  at 
present  holding  that  ofiice.  In  politics,  Independent,  was  formerly  a  Democrat,  but  for  the  last  five  or  six 
years  nat  acted  with  the  Republican  party.     Has  350  acres  of  land  in  his  farm. 

JAjflES  STEWART,  farmer.  Sec.  1  ;  P.  0.  Alloa;  born  May  16,  1822,  in  Perthshire, 
Scotland;  son  of  Alexander  Stewart,  who  came  to  America  in  1852;  lived  in  Wyoming  Co.,  N.  Y.,  till 
the  fall  of  1856,  then  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  where  he  died  in  the  fall  of  1872.  Mrs. 
Stewart  died  in  April,  1863.  Mr.  Stewart  was  married  Jan.  5,  1871,  to  Elizabeth  King,  who  was  born  on 
the  same  farm  as  Mr.  Stewart,  in  1840.  Mr.  Stewart  has  three  children — Ellen,  James  and  Margaret. 
Has  been  Supervisor  one  year;  Republican  and  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Has  193J  acres  of 
land. 

GEORGE  STliEMPFIG,  farmer.  Sec.  35;  P.  O.  Alloa;  was  born  in  Wurtemberg,  Ger- 
many, March  26,  1817.  Was  married  in  Germany,  in  18-48,  to  Barbara  Naserin  ;  came  to  America  in 
1852  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  where  he  has  since  resided;  was  a  farmer  in  Germany  and  has  followed  the 
same  business  since  coming  to  America.  Has  five  children  living — George,  born  July  28,  1852;  Jacob, 
April  4,  1855;  Maggie,  Nov.  30,  1857  ;  John,  July  14,  1860,  and  Mary,  born  Jan.  21,  1867  ;  have  lost 
three,  Maggie  and  Barbara  died  in  Germany,  and  Jacob  in  America.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stuempfig  are  mem- 
bers of  the  "  Evangelical  Association."     He  is  a  Democrat  and  has  177  acres  of  land. 

JOHN  TOWERS,  farmer.  Sec.  19  ;  P.  O.  Merrimack,  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.;  born  March  17,  1827, 
in  Stirlingshire,  Scotland,  son  of  Walter  Towers.  Was  married  in  Scotland,  March  22,  1850,  to  Marion 
Shanks,  who  was  born  July  1,  1830,  in  Lanarkshire,  Scotland,  daughter  of  David  Shanks.  (See  biography 
of  William  M.  Shanks. )  Mr.  Towers  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1850,  his  wife  remaining  in  Scot- 
land till  1852.  He  worked  in  Columbia  Co.  till  May,  1852,  then  went  to  Ohio  and  remained  till  the  next 
fall,  when  he  returned  to  Wisconsin  to  meet  his  wife  ;  he  returned  to  Ohio  the  same  fall,  and  lived  there 
till  the  spring  of  1855,  then  came  back  to  Wisconsin  and  bought  land  in  Caledonia,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  Has  six  children— Walter,  James,  Sarah,  Maggie,  John  and  Robert;  all  at  home,  except  the 
oldest  son,  Walter,  who  is  married  and  lives  in  the  same  town.  Mr.  Towers  is  a  Republican  and  has  held 
the  office  of  Assessor  several  years,  and  also  that  of  School  Director,  which  office  he  now  holds.  Has  320 
acres  of  land  in  his  farm  and  40  acres  of  timber  near  it.  Mrs.  Towers  is  a  member  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church. 

THOMAS  WALKER,  Sr.,  farmer.  Sec.  20  ;  P.  0.  Portage  ;  born  in  London,  England, 
March  27,  1806  ;  son  of  William  George  and  Bennett  Walker  ;  when  13  years  old,  he  apprenticed  to  learn 
the  making  of  "  britannia  metal"  goods  ;  paid  100  guineas,  and  worked  five  years  to  learn  the  trade ;  after 
that  he  worked  at  making  tinfoil,  five  years  in  London  ;  in  1836,  went  to  Canada,  where  he  worked  at 
farming  three  or  four  years ;  then  returned  to  London  and  worked  five  years  more  at  tinfoil  making  ;  in 
1845,  he  came  again  to  America;  lived  in  Boston  a  few  months;  then  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  about  two 
years,  manufacturing  britannia  metal  goods  ;  he  then  went  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  he  got  the  fever  and 
ague,  which  he  says,  •'  shook  all  the  Johnny  Bull  out  of  him  and  made  a  Yankee  of  him ;"  from  Cleveland 
he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  in  his  present  location,  in  May,  1851,  where  he  has  since  resided  and 
followed  farming.  Was  married  in  London,  in  the  Parish  of  St.  Mary's,  March  14,  1836,  to  Rebecca 
Hurley,  who  was  born  Dec.  18,  1813,  in  London,  where  she  lived  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  her  future 
husband,  and  never  made  his  acquaintance  until  she  was  20  years  old  ;  have  eight  children  living — Eliza, 
Ellen,  Rebecca,  Henry,  Richard,  Thomas,  John  and  Sarah  ;  have  buried  four^Thomas,  William,  George 
and  Ann.     Is  a  Republican,  and  has  held  the  office  of  Supervisor.     Has  80  acres  of  land  in  his  farm. 

ROBERT  WHITELAW,  farmer,  Sec.  11;  P.  0.  Alloa;  was  born  March  26,  1819,  in 
Ayrshire,  Scotland  ;  son  of  James  VVhitelaw.  Was  married  in  Scotland,  Feb.  5,  1847,  to  Isabella  Reid, 
daughter  of  William  Reid  ;  she  was  born  July  8,  1823,  in  Lanarkshire,  Scotland  ;  came  to  America  in 
1848,  and  settled  in  Caledonia,  where  he  has  since  resided.     Has  ten  children  living — Jane,  Isabella, 


1064  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

James  and  William  (twins),  Mary,  Susan,  Robert,  Julia,  Asnes  and  John  ;  Margaret  died  in  1864,  at  the 
age  of  16;  William  is  attending  college  at  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  and  James  at  Beloit  College;  Jane  and 
Susan  are  teaching,  and  Isabella  at  Ann  Arbor,  Mich.  Mr.  Whitelaw  has  been  Chairman  of  the  town  the 
last  two  years,  and  President  of  the  Caledonia  Farmers'  Fire  Insurance  Company,  ever  since  it  was  organ- 
ized, which  is  about  six  yeisrs.  Republican,  and  has  175  acres  of  land.  Were  members  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  Scotland,  but  have  never  joined  here. 

HUGH  T.  WILL.IA.IK,  farmer,  Sees.  18  and  19  ;  P.  0.  Portage;  born  in  Anglesea,  South 
Wales,  in  1840  ;  son  of  David  Williams,  who  died  in  Wales  in  1863.  Mr.  Williams  cime  to  America  in 
1858;  settled  in  Caledonia,  and  has  resided  in  the  same  town  ever  since.  He  enlisted  in  August,  1862, 
in  the  23d  W.  V.  I.,  Co.  C,  and  was  in  the  service  three  years;  was  wounded  May  23,  1803,  at  the  battle 
of  Vicksburg,  while  on  board  a  monitor  boat,  by  a  piece  of  shell,  which  disabled  him  for  some  time  ;  he 
was  afterward  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps;  was  stationed  in  Milwaukee  from  November,  1864, 
until  .March,  1865  ;  from  that  time  until  the  next  July,  was  at  Mudison,  Wis.,  and  then  went  to  Indiana, 
where  he  remained  until  discharged  ;  was  employed  a  good  deal  of  the  time  while  stationed  iu  Indiana,  in 
escorting  prisoners  from  one  point  to  another.  Was  married,  March  17,  1866,  to  Margaret  Owens,  who 
was  born  in  Wales  in  1841  ;  daughter  of  Robert  Owens,  who  came  to  America  in  1841,  and  is  now  living 
in  Caledonia.  Mr.  Williams  has  seven  children — David,  Robert,  Sarah,  Evan,  Ellen,  John  and  Thomas, 
Republican,  and  has  135  acres  of  land. 


TOWN    OF     FOUNTAIN    PRAIRIE. 

EDWARD  BARXETT,  farmer.  Sec.  18;  P.  0.  Doylestown ;  118  acres,  70  acres  cultivated; 
40  years  of  age  ;  born  in  Ireland ;  son  of  William  and  Julia  Griffin  Barnett ;  been  in  America  twenty- 
five  years.  Married  at  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  by  Father  Edward  McGurke,  to  Bridget  Conners,  who  was 
born  in  1847,  daughter  of  John  and  Ann  Johnson  Conners  ;  had  six  children,  first  one  died  very  youns; — • 
William,  born  May  10,  1868;  John,  April  13,  1870;  Julia  Ann,  Aug.  7,  1872;  Mary,  May  24,  1875, 
died  May  24,  1877,  of  diphtheria;  Katie,  Jan.  15,  1878.  Mr.  Barnett  is  a  Democrat  and  member  of 
Father  Murphy's  Church  ;  was  drafted  into  the  army;  paid  commutation  money  and  remained  at  home  ; 
parents  of  Mrs.  Barnett  are  still  living  at  Elba. 

WILL.IAM  BARXETT,  farmer.  Sec.  19;  P.  O.  Doylestown;  220  acres,  200  cultivated; 
born  in  county  of  Waterford,  Ireland  ;  son  of  William  and  Julia  Griffin  Barnett;  came  to  America  thirtj- 
years  ago;  about  41)  years  of  age  (family  record  was  lost);  been  in  this  county  twenty-five  years.  Mar- 
ried, Jan.  10,  1859,  at  Beaver  Dam,  to  Ann  Kane,  daughter  of  Michael  and  Margaret  (Kane )  Kane  ;  had 
no  children  ;  has  adopted  three,  one  girl  and  two  boys,  to  whom  he  is  uncle  and  guardian.  Democrat  and 
Catholic;   rather  liberal;  parents  .still  living  in  this  town  ;  parents  of  wife  dead. 

SAMFORD  L.  BATCHELDER,  farmer,  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  Sept.  20,  1822, 
at  Stafford,  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  son  of  Hillard  and  Nancy  Stiles  Batchelder ;  settled  in  this  town  October, 
1866.  Married,  November,  1849,  at  Stafford,  by  Elder'Weeks,  to  Dolly,  daughter  of  Elias  Watson  ;  had 
three  children — Cara  M.,  wife  of  Wyman  Fisk,  has  four  girls,  Maudie,  Lottie,  Annie  and  Helen  ;  Edgir 
Willis,  single,  at  Springfield,  III.,  telegraph  operator  on  Wabash  R.  R;  Frink  C,  operator  in  general  office 
of  C  M.  &  St.  P.  R.  R.  Democratic  in  principle;  was  in  Co.  B,  7th  W.  V.  I.  until  JMarch  23,  1862, 
resigned  and  came  home;  was  Fir.st  Lieutenant;  then  organized  Co.  K,  and  in  August,  1862,  went  into 
32d  W.  V.  I  ;  was  at  Memphis  on  provost  duty  a  year,  then  with  Sherman  to  Meridian,  February,  1863; 
thence  to  Cairo,  Paducah,  Ky.,  and  Decatur,  Ala.;  about  one  year  guarding  bridges  and  supplies;  then  to 
Chattanooga,  Atlanta  and  Savannah,  and  to  gi'and  review  at  Washington,  May,  1865;  was  elected  Justice 
of  the  Peace  just  as  he  was  starting  for  United  States  service. 

ElilHH  A  A.  DEAN,  farmer.  Sec.  18  ;  P.  O.  Doylestown  ;  80  acres  ;  born  March  7,  1835,  in 
town  of  Vernon,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Ezra  and  Mary  A.  Yule  Dean;  his  father  was  from  Massachu- 
setts, and  his  mother  from  New  York  ;  came  to  Elba,  Dodge  Co.,  1855  ;  farming  five  years  ;  then  to  this 
town.  Married  Dec.  26,  1859,  by  Elder  F.  S.  Brown,  in  this  town,  to  Josephine,  dauirhter  of  Joseph 
Millick,  of  Baden-Baden,  where  she  was  born  March  18,  1838;  has  three  children — Hattie  Viola,  born 
Feb.  11,  1861  ;  Charles  Stimner,  July  11,  1867  ;  Carrie  Jcsephine,  Deo.  27,  1869.  Liberal  Republican, 
and  attends  the  Methodist  Church  ;  has  been  five  years  a  magistrate,  and  was  member  of  Co.  B,  7th  W, 
V.  I.,  enlisted  June,  1861,  in  State  service,  and  sworn  into  United  States  service,  September  after;  last 
two  years  of  time   served  at  Fifth  Corps   headquarters  and   was   present  when   R.  E.  Lee  sent  in    flag  of 


TOWN    OF    FOUNTAIN   PRAIRIE.  1065 

jtruce  ;  discharged  July,  1865.  Mr.  Dean's  mother  lives  at  Columbus,  and  is  the  wife  of  A.  L.  Hath- 
away ;  parents  of  Mrs.  Dean  are  both  dead. 

WILLIAM  J.  EVAIVS,  farmer,  Sees.  20  and  21  ;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  120  acre.s,  70  culti- 
vated; born  Deo.  15,  1820,  at  Shropshire,  England;  son  of  Jonadab  and  Margaret  (Jonesj  Evans;  came 
to  Waterbury  in  1844,  and  in  the  fall  of  1845,  to  Fond  du  Lac,  on  Sec.  30  in  Byron,  and  to  this  farm  in 
1874.  Married,  April  18,  1852,  at  Byron,  by  Elder  Benjamin  Harrington,  to  Delia  Simons,  who  was 
born  Sept.  29,  1828,  daughter  of  Orville  and  Emeline  (Welch)  Simons  ;  had  six  children — Margaret 
Emeline,  born  March  5,  1853,  and  wife  of  Joseph  North,  in  town  of  Trenton,  Dodge  Co.,  and  has  four 
children;  William  Benjamin,  born  Sept.  24,  1854;  John  Orville,  born  March  4,  1858;  Robert  Deloss, 
born  July  23,  1864;  Clara  Delia,  born  Aug.  2,  1866;  one  son  died  young,  no  name;  Mr.  Evans  was 
several  years  Director  of  School  District,  and  two  years  Magistrate;  Republican,  and  himself  and  wife 
members  of  Methodist  Church  thirty-five  years.  Only  brother  of  Mrs.  Evans,  Delos  Simons,  was  in  1st 
W.  C,  and  now  living  in  Idaho,  as  also  her  father;  Mr.  Evans'  father  died  in  Iowa;  his  mother  in  Byron, 
of  cancer  ;  has  one  brother  living  in  Iowa,  one  in  Fond  du  Lac ;   two  sisters  in  Byron  and  one  in  Fox  Lake. 

O.  W.  FIELD,  farmer.  Sec.  16;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  280  acres,  170  acres  cultivated;  born  in 
Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Stephen  and  Charlotte  (Berry)  Fields;  went  to  Michigan,  Kalamazoo  Co., 
at  the  age  of  5  years,  with  parents,  remained  there  sixteen  years  and  then  came  here.  Married  in  this 
town,  October,  1863,  to  Maria  N.  Smith,  daughter  of  Lewis  and  Sylvina  (_Webb)  Smith  ;  had  .six  children 
—Mary  E.,  born  Sept.  26,  1864  ;  Maud  E.,  born  April  6,  1866  ;  George  S.,  born  Dec.  8,  1868  ;  Oliver 
West,  born  Feb.  20,  1871  ;  Edwin  P.,  born  April  25,  1873 ;  Lewis  G.,  born  Sept.  10,  1877.  Mr.  Fields 
is  a  Republican  ;  seven  years  Supervisor,  one  year  Chairman  and  fourteen  years  Treasurer  of  his  School 
District ;  his  father  was  in  Springfield  armory  during  war  of  1812. 

WILLI  Alfl  E.  FIELD,  farmer  by  trade  and  doctor  by  profession  ;  P.  O.  Fall  River ;  born 
March  4,  1825,  in  town  and  county  of  Onondaga,  N.  Y.;  son  of  Stephen  and  Charlotte  (Berry)  Field  ; 
immigrated  in  1832  to  Kalamazoo  Co.,  Mich.,  where  he  lived  sixteen  years;  settled  herein  1848.  Mar- 
ried at  Schoolcraft,  Kalamazoo  Co.,  Nov.  27,  1841,  by  Rev.  William  Taylor  (Baptist),  to  Josephine, 
daughter  of  Abram  I.  and  Sarah  (Bishop)  Shaver,  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania;  wife  born  in  1831, 
June  23,  at  Prairie  Ronde;  had  five  children — Sarah  and  Eliza,  twins,  born  Jan.  17,  1851  ( Eliza  wife  of 
John  Pearson,  a  broker  and  capitalist  at  Ripon,  Wis.);  Jerome  E.,  born  Feb.  16,  1852;  Mary  E.,  born 
Sept.  5,  1854,  died  Aug.  2,  1876,  of  consumption  ;  William  H.,  born  March  10,  1857,  clerking  fur  Pear- 
son. Republican  in  politics;  Universalist  in  religion  ;  has  held  office  of  Supervisor,  Constable  and  Com- 
missioner of  highway  ;  parents  of  Mr.  Field  broke  the  first  ground,  and  sowed  the  first  grain  in  Kalamazoo 
Co.,  Mich.  (1828),  and  a  sister  of  Mr.  Field,  Celista,  now  on  old  homestead,  wife  of  T.  B.  Hicks,  was  the 
first  white  child  born  in  that  county  ;  when  a  child,  she  used  to  play  with  the  Indians,  and  one  day,  Sam- 
uel Houston,  of  Texas,  saw  her  and  supposed  they  had  stolen  her;  he  went  in  and  told  them  (Mrs.  Field) 
he  saw  the  prettiest  child  he  ever  saw  in  the  Indian  camp,  and  wanted  to  go  and  recapture  it ;  they  soon 
brought  her  home  and  all  had  a  good  laugh  at  the  expense  of  the  old  General ;  in  April,  after  the  twins 
were  born,  they  were  living  in  a  shanty  about  16x18  feet  and  had  the  babies  in  a  box  tied  to  the  rafters, 
so  as  to  make  a  swing  cradle,  and  during  the  night  a  hurricane  took  the  roof,  rafters,  babies  and  all  lOO 
feet  into  a  grove ;  one  struck  on  the  ground  and  the  other  in  a  tree,  where  she  was  still  hanging  when 
found,  with  a  small  limb  of  the  tree  sticking  in  her  head;  a  brother  of  Mr.  Field,  John  S.,  and  two 
brothers  of  Mrs.  Field,  were  in  the  army,  one  of  the  latter  died  of  the  measles,  and  the  other  was  wounded 
in  the  shoulder  ;  her  father  was  in  the  Black  Hawk  war  with  her  uncle,  William  A.  Bishop  ;  the  grand- 
mother of  Mrs.  Field  died  at  Green  Lake,  Wis.,  June  11,  1878,  aged  99  years  11  months  and  15  days,  and 
five  years  previous  to  her  death,  there  were  at  her  table  at  one  time,  representatives  of  five  generations. 
Mr.  Field  is  a  successful  cancer  doctor,  having  practiced  a  long  time  and  never  lost  a  case ;  he  does  not 
advertise,  but  has  a  large  number  of  testimonials  as  to  efficiency;  he  doctors  on  the  "no  cure,  no  pay"  plan, 
and  always  gets  his  pay  ;  he  studied  under  Judge  Bazil  Harrison,  a  cousin  uf  William  Henry  Harrison, 
who  was  believed  to  be  the  most  learned  and  successful  doctor  (of  cancer)  in  the  United  States;  he  died 
at  the  age  of  103  years  and  6  months  at  Prairie  Ronde,  Mich.,  Aug.  30,  1874. 

JAMES  HATTON,  farmer,  Sec.  9;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  300  acres,  all  fenced;  born  at  Brad- 
ford, England,  July  19,  1830;  son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Robertshaw)  Hatton  ;  settled  here  in  August, 
thirty  years  ago.  Married,  April  3,  1867,  at  Coui-tlani,  by  Rev.  William  Lithrop,  to  Hannah,  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Sarah  (Greenwood)  Waterworth  ;  Mrs.  Hatton  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  Oct.  10, 
1844;  had  five  children— Mary  Jane,  born  March  9,  1868;  Sarah  Elizabeth,  born  March  12,  1870; 
Joseph,  born  March  8,  1873;  Grace  Annise,  born  April  19,  1875,  died  March  9,  1879;  Nettie  Rebecci, 
born  April  1,  1878. 


1066  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES: 

NHELDEN  E.  HE  WIIVS,  farmer,  Sec  29;  P.  0.  Fall  River ;  born  in  Massachusetts  in, 
1834;  son  of  Elijah  and  Sabia  A.  (Wooster)  Hewins  ;  went  to  Lorain  Co.,  Ohio,  with  parents  at  18 
months  of  age,  where  he  lived  10  years;  then  to  Byron,  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  Wis.,  and,  at  14  years  of  age, 
came  to  this  town.  Married,  Jan.  15,  1856,  at  Byron,  by  Elder  Harrington,  to  AJolia  A.,  daughter  of 
Chestes  and  Olive  (Ingals)  Thomas;  wife  born  March  13,  1839;  had  four  children — Frank  K.,  born  Oct. 
0,  1850  ;  Wilbur  F.,  Dec,  21,  1863 ;  Mjrtie  A.,  March  4, 1871  ;  Homer  E.,  Dec.  5,  1872.  Republican 
in  politics;  Baptist  in  religion.  Has  a  well-cultivated  farm  of  216  acres.  His  brother,  George  W.,  wa.s 
in  Go.  E,  3d  W.  V.  I.,  and  had  his  arm  shot  off  at  the  shoulder-joint  at  the  battle  of  Beverly's  Ford  ;  be 
came  home,  and,  while  boarding  with  Mr.  McCoy,  in  the  Lower  Town  in  the  city  of  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis., 
was  accidentally  burned  to  death  on  the  night  of  Sept.  8,  1878,  the  house  being  totally  destroyed  with  its 
contents;  all  the  inmates  escaped  except  Hewins,  and  he,  being  disabled,  perished  in  the  flames;  strong 
suspicion.s  of  foul  play  were  generally  entertained  at  that  time  ( he  having  lately  drawn  his  pension),  but 
the  case  was  never  fully  investigated.  Hi.s  brother,  Edwin  M.,  wa.s  in  the  2d  Kan.  V.  C.;  was  wounded, 
now  lives  in  Chautau(|ua  Co.,  Kan.  Edwin  M.  and  Eliza  Shepard,  now  the  wife  of  Mr.  Sweet,  were, 
about  July,  1847,  lost  in  the  woods  in  Fond  du  Lac  Co.,  and  remained  three  dajs  with  nothing  to  eat, 
except  the  few  berries  they  could  find  ;  they  were  discovered  only  six  miles  from  home,  nearly  famished. 
The  father  of  Mr.  Hewins  kept  the  Crescent  House  at  Appleton  three  years,  and  went  to  California  April 
5,  1853;  returned  March  11,  five  years  later,  and  died  at  Pickett's  Station  three  days  after,  being  uncon- 
sciou.s,  as  reported,  from  the  effect  of  apoplexy ;  it  was  strongly  suspected,  however,  that  his  death  was  the 
result  of  other  causes,  as  he  was  in  po.ssession  of  considerable  money  when  he  left. 

JOHN  HICKS,  hotel-keeper.  Fall  River;  born  Nov.  27,  1817,  at  Dresden,  Seneca  Co.,  N.  Y.; 
son  of  Asa  and  Mercy  (Robbins)  Hicks;  settled  in  this  town  in  1847,  and  followed  farming  twelve 
years;  then  came  to  the  village,  and,  five  years  ago,  purchased  the  Fall  River  House,  where  he  devotes 
his  time  and  talent  to  the  entertaining  of  his  numerous  friends  and  the  public;  the  e.stimation  in  which, 
his  house  is  held  by  the  public  is  ample  evidence  that  he  is  a  square  man  and  knows  how  to  keep  a  hotel. 
He  was  married,  March  1(1,  1840,  in  Kalamazoo  Co.,  Mich.,  1840,  by  William  Taylor,  to  Eliza  Field  (see 
Wm.  E.  Field);  had  four  children  ;  none  now  living ;  has  one  adopted  daughtt-r,  15  years  of  age.  Was 
in  Co.  R,  11th  W.  V.  I.;  was  out  from  October,  1861,  to  Feb.  27,  1863,;  was  discharged  for  dis- 
ability. He  was  one  of  the  first  Constables  in  the  town,  and  occupied  the  position  for  many  years;  was 
Supervisor,  etc.  He  voted  for  the  constiiutiun  of  Michigan  in  1835,  and  of  Wisconsin  also.  His  son, 
Asa  Dallas,  enlisted  and  died  at  Milwaukee  in  the  United  States  Hopital. 

COL.  MARTIN  C.  HOBART,  farmer;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  was  born  in  Niagara  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1835  ;  when  about  a  year  old,  he,  with  his  parents,  John  S.  and  Enice  Hobart,  removed  to 
Addison  Co.,  Vt.,  where  they  resided  on  a  farm  till  1852;  emigrating  thence  to  Wisconsin,  he  located  on 
a  farm  in  the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbia  Co.  Mr.  Hobart  received  a  common-school  education. 
He  enlisted  as  private  in  Company  B,  7th  VV.  V,  I.,  at  Fall  River  in  1861,  under  Col.  Van  Dore  ;  was  elected 
Orderly  Serireant  at  the  organiza'ion  of  the  company;  was  commissioned  First  Lieutenant  in  June,  1862, 
and,  Aug.  28  following,  was  commissioned  Captain  of  his  company;  he  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle 
of  the  Wilderness  in  May,  1864,  and,  while  he  was  held  as  a  prisoner,  he  was  commissioned  Major  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  of  his  regiment;  he  was  paroled  Feb.  22,  1865,  exchanged  in  April  following,  and 
rejoined  his  regiment  at  Blacks  and  Whites  Station,  Va.,  and  remained  with  it  till  mustered  out  at  Jeffer- 
sonville,  Ind.,  July  2,  1865.  Returning  then  to  his  home  in  Fountain  Prairie,  he  has  since  devoted  his 
time  to  agriculture  and  stock-raising;  he  now  (jwns  a  farm  of  120  acres  in  Fountain  Prairie  and  20  acres 
on  Sec.  3,  town  of  Columbus.  He  was  married,  in  1866,  to  Miss  Sarah  A.,  daughter  of  Wayne  B.  Dyrc, 
of  Pepin  Co.,  Wis.;  their  children  are  Frances  M.,  Mary  V.  and  Burr  E. 

JAMES  H.  HOYT,  farnur.  Sec.  19;  P.  O.  Fall  River;  born  in  Ithaca,  N.  Y.,  March  6, 
1841  ;  son  of  Peter  B.  and  Glorane  (Malhews)  Hoyt;  came  here  at  4  years  of  age  with  p^irents ;  at 
Columbus  some  time;  then  six  years  in  Hampden  ;  then  here.  Married,  Dec.  22,  1864,  by  Elder  Fish 
(Baptist),  at  Fox  Lake,  to  Julia,  daughter  of  John  and  Clarrissa  (Lackey)  Bliss;  Mrs.  H.  was  born  at 
Owego,  N.  Y.,  April  23,  1845  ;  had  one  daughter  who  died  at  3  weeks  of  age;  has  two  living — Harvey, 
born  Jan.  21,  1869;  Myrta  Idella,  Oct.  2,  1872.  Mr.  Hoyt's  parents  were  born  in  New  York;  wife's 
father  died  July  16,  1873,  of  consumption,  aged  71  years  :  her  mother  is  living  with  her,  at  the  age  of 
82  years — a  smart,  active,  jileasant  lady  (apparently  about  65).  Mr.  Hoyt  is  Republican;  attends  Meth- 
odist and  Baptist  Churches  (Ids  wife  is  a  Baptist)  ;  Clerk  of  district.  His  father  started  the  first  black- 
sinithshop  in  the  t  jwnship  cif  Columbus;  set  anvil  undor  a  tree  and  than  built  a  shed  over  it;  when  he 
came  here,  there  were  only  three  log  houses  and  an  unfisished  grist-mill  at  the  village  of  Columbus.  Owns 
80  acres. 


TOWN    OF    FOUNTAIN    PRAIRIE.  1067 

AUGUST  FRRDI!VA\D  KIBTZKE,  farmer,  Sec.  17  ;  p.  0.  Fall  River;  born  Aug. 
29,  184t>;  son  of  William  and  Amelia  (Kunn)  Kietzke  ;  came  to  America  in  1874.  Married,  Nov.  5, 
1875,  to  Albertina  Johanna,  daughter  of  Fred  and  Louisa  (Gariie)  Gann ;  Mra.  Kietzke  was  born  Nov. 
5,  1852  ;  had  one  child — Louisa,  born  April  28,  1877.  Was  member  of  Co.  8,  2l8t  Regiment,  under 
Frederick  William,  in  Gernianj-,     Owns  140  acres. 

SAMUEL  LASHIEK,  wagon-maker  and  mechanic;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  at  Union, 
Broome  Co.,  N.  Y.,  April  22,  ISll);  son  of  Aaron  and  Mary  (Roe)  Lashier  (from  Germany  and  Con- 
necticut); settled  in  town  of  Columbus  June  12,  1846  ;  farming  four  years;  was  one  of  the  first  Super- 
visors in  the  town  of  Columbus,  and  has  held  all  the  ofiBces  in  town  at  different  times  since;  was  eight 
years  Treasurer,  and  several  years  Supervisor.  Married,  April  22,  forty-eight  years  ago  (then  22  years 
of  age),  at  Union,  N.  Y.,  by  Rev.  Oliver  Hill,  to  Mary  A.,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Peck)  Durfee ; 
had  five  children — Harvey  F.,  now  in  Todd  Co.,  Minn.,  where  he  has  been  County  Auditor  for  eight 
years  (he  married  a  widow  (formerly  Kate  Barr\),  and  has  five  children — Fred,  Ida,  Walter,  Sam  and 
Clara);  Ellen  L.,  wife  of  Walter  Slawso.i,  whi  owns  a  job  printing  office  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  Angeline  E., 
wife  of  W.  H.  Proctor,  has  six  cliildrcn— Nettie,  John,  Willie,  Walter,  Clara  and  Freddie;  Nettie,  the 
eldest,  died  at  17  years  of  age;  Mary  S.,  wife  of  John  E.  Stittman,  died  March  31,  1879,  left  five  chil- 
dren— Eddie,  John,  Arthur,  Mary,  Martha  (died  at  Orange  City,  Fla.)  ;  George  S.,  single,  in  store  at 
Fall  River,  where  he  keeps  a  uencral  stock  of  groceries,  etc. 

THEOnORE  AUGUST  CHARLES  MILLER,  farmer,  Sec.  16  ;  P.  0.  Fall  River; 
born  July  25,  1849,  in  Germany  ;  son  of  Charles  and  Rosina  (Shultze)  Miller;  came  here  eleven  years 
ago.  Married,  Jan.  16,  1873,  to  Minnie  Hine,  daughter  of  Michael  and  Anna  (Pralap)  Hine  ;  three 
children— Emma  Louisa,  born  Dee.  31,  1876;  Theodore  William,  Feb.  14,  1877;  Elizabeth  Mary,  Oct. 
10,  1878.     Owns  100  acres. 

WILLIAM  C.  IVASHOLD,  former.  Sec.  9;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  in  Schoharie  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  in  1818;  son  of  William  and  GertruJe  Nashold  ;  came  to  Wisconsin  May  3 — twenty-three  years 
ago.  Was  married,  Oct.  19,  1846,  in  Albany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Leffler,  to  Eva,  daughter  of  Philip 
and  Mary  (Sigsbie)  Christler,  born  Oct.  16,  1822.  They  have  had  thirteen  children — one,  Sarah  M.,died 
twenty  years  ago  ;  Demosthenes  D.,  37  years  of  age  Feb.  28,  1880,  married  Sarah  Waterworth,  living  at 
Otsego,  has  one  child.  Myrtle  ;  Jerome  R.,  35  years  of  age  Feb.  2,  1880,  married  Clara  Tyng,  and  lives 
on  Sec  8  ;  Egbert  D  ,  33  years  old  June  14,  1880,  married  Malvina  Linderman,  lives  at  Solomon  City, 
Idaho,  and  has  two  children  ;  Martha  E.,  31  years  of  age  July  25,  1880,  wife  of  Asbury  Kellogg,  of 
Moore  Co.,  Iowa,  has  one  child  ;  William  Mason,  29  years  of  age  Dec.  2,  1879  ;  Orpha  G.,  28  years  old 
July  11,  1879,  wife  of  John  J.  Keeley,  of  Columbus  ;  OrsivilleH.,  26  years  old  May  15,  1880,  wife  of  John 
F.  Rockwell,  of  Minnesota,  has  one  child  ;  Emma  J.,  24  years  old  July  20,  1880,  wife  of  William  J. 
Doherty,  of  Rio,  has  two  children  ;  George  W.,  22  years  old  May  2,  1880  ;  Charles  D.,  20  years  old 
May  2,  1880  ;  Ida  J.,  18  years  old  Sept.  11,  1879  ;  Homer  C,  17  years  old  Feb.  20,  1880.  Egbert  was 
Corporal  in  Co.  D,  53d  W.  V.  I.,  and  is  Sheriff  in  Idaho,  where  he  also  has  two  hundred  miles  of  mail 
route,  by  contract ;  also  succeeded  in  getting  a  military  post  established  at  Fort  Lemhi  (two  companies), 
after  repeated  attempts  had  failed;  Keeley  I  son-in-law)  is  a  teacher;  four  of  the  brothers  constitute  a 
band,  of  which  George  W.  is  the  leader,  and  they  play  all  over  the  State.  Mr.  Nashold  was  a  Lutheran 
and  a  Republican,  as  are  the  whole  family  ;  was  a  teacher  thirty-two  terms  ;  he  was  killed  by  the  accidental 
discharge  of  his  gun,  at  Cambria,  Sept.  4,  1864,  he  having  taken  it  along  to  shoot  ducks,  on  his  way  to 
mill  with  his  son,  Jerome,  holding  it  with  one  hand  and  driving  with  the  other  ;  the  dog  jumped  into  the 
wagon  and  so  discharged  it,  the  charge  entering  at  his  throat  and  lodging  in  the  brain.  He  owned  40 
acres  of  land. 

HEXRY  NEWl^HAM.  telegraph,  station  and  express  agent;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  at 
Summit,  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis,,  April  25,  1844  ;•  son  of  James  and  Eliza  (Prior)  Newnham,  of  Bexhill, 
Chathiini,  Sussex  Co.,  England  ;  came  to  this  town  in  1875  ;  was  night  operator  fifteen  months  at  (Lowell) 
Reesville.  Enlisted,  Sept.  1,  1864,  in  Co.  C,  43d  W.  V.  I.;  was  discharged  Aug.  5,  1865,  on  general 
order,  although  at  the  time  he  was  in  hospital  at  Prairie  Du  Chien,  with  lung  fever.  Mr.  Newnfam's 
father  was  ten  years  a  sailor,  and  five  or  six  years  of  that  time  was  a  signal  man  in  the  English  navy;  he 
is  still  liviiii;-  at  Oeonomowoc,  AVis, 

GEORGE  IVOLLER,  farmer.  Sec.  8  ;  P.  0.  Doylestown  ;  born  in  1821,  at  Wurtemberg; 
came  here  in  1847.  Was  married  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  to  Julia  Frey ;  they  have  four  children — 
Fred  G.,  born  Oct,  1,  1856  ;  Charles,  born  March  3,  1858;  Sophia,  born  March  3,  1860;  Julia  Louisa, 
born  Feb  3,  1864;  Fred  has  been  three  years  in  the  office  of  the  Columbus  Democrat,  and  has  just  quit 
to  work  on   the   farm  for  a  holiday.     Mr.   NoUer  sent  to  the  Province  of  Alsace,   France,  for  seed  wheat 

BB 


1068  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCHES: 

three  years  ago,  and  from  one  (|iuirt  raised  three  bushels,  the  next  year  forty-five  bushels,  and  last  year 
sold  two  hundred  and  fifty  bushels  at  84  per  bushel  (a  bushel  weighed  sixty-four  pounds).  Mr.  Noller 
owns  120  acres  of  land. 

WILLI AJI  H.  PROCTOK,  farmer.  Sec.  30;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  was  born  in  Windsor  Co., 
Vt.,  in  1827  ;  his  father,  Capt.  Asa  Proctor,  was  also  a  native  of  Wind.sor  Co.,  and  obtained  his  title  by 
being  Captain  of  a  State  militia  company  there  in  his  younger  days ;  his  mother,  Lorena  Proctor,  was  boru 
at  Mount  Holly,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt.;  Mr.  Proctor  is  the  second  of  a  family  of  five  children,  one  of  whom 
died  in  Vermont  in  infancy;  two  were  born  in  the  West;  in  1836,  his  father,  with  his  wife  and  two  chil- 
dren, emigrated  to  Michigan,  and  located  on  a  farm  in  Kalaiuazoo  Co.;  eight  years  later,  they  removed  to 
the  town  of  Fountain  Prairie,  Columbia  ( then  Portage)  Co.,  and  located  on  a  farm  on  Sec.  30,  where  his 
father  died  in  1848,  his  mother  in  1855;  his  father.  Col.  J.  Drake  and  James  C.  Carr,  were  the  first 
inspectors  of  the  first  election  of  the  Columbus  Precinct  of  Portage  Co.,  in  the  fall  of  1845  ;  William  H., 
our  present  subject,  made  his  home  with  his  parents  till  their  death,  and  now  lives  on  a  portion  of  the 
homestead;  he  owns  1(50  acres  in  Sees.  19  and  30.  He  has  been  a  member  of  the  Town  Boarji,  and 
Chairman  of  the  same  for  four  terms.  He  was  married  in  1857,  to  Miss  Angeline  E..  daughter  of  Samuel 
and  Mary  Lashier :  a  native  of  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y.,  born  in  1838,  and  emigrated  to  Columbia  Co.,  Wis., 
with  her  parents,  in  1840.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Proctor  have  sjven  children — Ellen  L.,  John  S.,  Willie  R., 
Mary  E.,  Walter  A.,  Clara  M.  and  Alfred  H. 

THOMAS  M.  ROBERTS,  miller,  Fall  River;  born  May  24,  1S58,  at  Oshkosh,  Wis.;  son 
of  David  A.  and  Anna  (Morgan)  Rol)irts ;  was  clerking  three  years  and  milling  three  years;  employed 
by  E.  Evans. 

FRAIVKLIN  RUSSELL,  farmer;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  was  born  in  the  town  of  Windsor,  in 
Windsor  Co.,  Vt.,  Aug.  28,  1805  ;  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Hartwell)  Russell,  of  Massachusetts  ; 
settled  in  Dodge  Co.  in  1855.  made  a  farm  and  ran  it  about  thirteen  years,  then  came  to  Fall  River.  He 
was  married  in  the  town  of  Stowe.  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  by  Daniel  Moody,  Esq.,  July  6,  1828,  to  Sylvia, 
daughter  of  Samuel  and  Betsey  (Bigf)rd)  Parcher;  they  have  had  twelve  children — two  died  young,  and 
ten  are  living,  as  follows  :  Cordelia  M..  wife  of  F.  H.  Coon,  of  Fall  River,  who  has  twochddren — Ada,  wife 
of  Charles  Taylor,  an  1  Nina,  wife  of  Arthur  Haughton,  of  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.;  Susan  J.,  wife  of  David  Ash, 
of  Dakota,  who  has  six  children — Adelaide,  Edward,  Clarence,  Lily,  Burt  and  Dora  (Adelaide  is  the  wife  of 
Charles  Wells,  of  St.  Lawrence,  N.  Y.;  Edward's  wife  was  a  Martin,  and  Lily  is  the  wife  of  W.  H.  Blanchard  ) ; 
A.  H.,  married  Mary  A  Brayton,  of  Portage,  and  has  three  children — May,  Jay  and  Inez;  R.  P.,  mar- 
ried Delia  Gilson,  now  at  Wrightstown,  Wis.,  and  has  six  children — -Betsey,  Ella,  Wilbur  and  Willard 
(twins),  Minnie  and  Rena  ;  Z.  B.,  married  Nov.  20,  181)5,  at  Fox  Lake,  to  Lizzie  Simpson,  formerly  from 
Ohio,  they  have  two  children,  Julia  and  Mattie  (Z.  B.  is  a  Republican  and  a  Methodist ;  was  several  years 
Treasurer  of  the  town  ;  lost  a  leg  at  South  Mountain,  and  is  drawing  a  pension  ;  runs  a  cigar  factory  and 
restaurant,  and  also  keeps  a  stock  of  groceries,  flour,  etc.;  the  parents  of  Mrs.  Z.  B.  Rus.sell  were  R.  C. 
and  Matilda  (Culver)  Simpson,  he  being  a  native  of  New  York  and  she  of  Pennsylvania  ;  Mrs.  Matilda 
Simpson  died  at  Wyocena  in  April,  1873,  aged  66  years,  and  R.  C.  Simpson  is  living,  at  the  age  of  77, 
with  his  daughter,  .Mrs.  Z.  B.  Russell,  at  Fall  River;  Mrs.  Z.  B.  Russell  was  37  years  old  Dec.  25,1879, 
and  has  three  brothers  and  two  sisters  living;  one  of  them  (Henry)  was  in  the  army  ;  Mr.  Simpson  came 
here  in  1849)  ;  Betsy  A.,  wife  of  E.  F.  Russell,  of  Dakota,  has  one  child,  Sylvia  (she  (Betsey)  was  the 
widow  of  (iilman  Eno,  by  whom  she  had  two  children,  Reuel  and  Derell)  ;  Philura,  wife  of  Charles  Thomp- 
son, of  Dakota,  she  has  two  children,  Jennie  and  Irving  ;  Franklin,  married  in  Minnesota,  and  has  one 
girl,  Cora;  Ezra  W.,  is  single,  and  runs  a  barber  shop  and  notion  store  at  Ashland,  Wis.;  Priscilla  A.,  died 
Sept.  8,  1864,  aged  16  years.  Mr.  Russell  has  seven  great-grandchildren — two  in  Adelaide's  family,  in 
New  York,  and  one  in  Edward's  family,  at  the  same  place*  Ada  Taylor  has  one  ;  Nina  Haughton  has  one; 
Betsey  has  one  ;  R.  P.'s  daughter,  Ella  Bradley,  has  one.  Mr.  R.  had  four  sons  and  three  sons-in-law  in 
the  army  ;  some  of  his  bro'hers  were  in  the  war  of  1812  ;  Mrs.  R.'s  father  was  a  captain  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  her  brother  a  soldier  ;  she  had  four  brothers  and  five  sisters.  Mr.  Russell  was  a  seventh  son,  a 
Republican,  a  Methodist,  and  a  radical  total  abstinence  man,  but  never  signed  a  pledge  ;  he  used  tobacco 
five  years,  and  then  quit  both  smoking  and  chewing. 

JAMES  RAIVDALL,  farmer.  Sec.  34;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  in  Stafford,  Genesee  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  July  17,  1844.  [See  Spencer  Randall.]  Married  in  Stafford  by  Rev.  Ambrose  Burlington,  to  Mary, 
daughter  of  Frank  and  Lucy  (  Deming)  Cash  ;  had  one  son,  died  five  years  ago  at  3  years  of  age  ;  he  came 
to  this  place  in  1862,  and  has  been  farming  ever  since;  he  owns  40  acres  and  works  homestead  of  200 
acres.     Is  a  Republican  ;  Baptist  in  religion  ;  prominent  temperance  and  Temple  of  Honor  man. 


TOWN    OF    FOUNTAIN  PRAIRIE.  1069 

SPENCER  RANDALL,  farmer,  Sec.  33;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  iq  Stafford,  Genesee 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  March  31,  1837  ;  son  of  Israel  and  Celia  (Watson)  Randall,  of  Vermont ;  came  to  this  town 
Oct.  )iS,  1860.  Married,  June  25,  1862,  at  Stafford  by  Rev.  Aaron  Parker,  to  Jane  E.  Kellogg,  who 
was  born  in  October,  1836,  daughter  of  Russell  and  Harriet  (  Miller)  Kellogg  ;  had  five  children  —  Fred- 
die E.,  died  in  fijll  of  1864;  Charles,  Hobart,  Orrin  W.,  all  at  home.  Mr.  Randall  is  a  Republican  ; 
attends  the  Baptist  Church,  and  is  at  present  Chairman  of  the  Town  Board  (brother  of  James  Randall) 
also  a  temperance  man  ;  owns  80  acres. 

BENJAJHIIV  A.  SAGE,  blacksmith.  Fall  River;  born  Jan.  17,  1834,  in  Rutland,  Vt.;  son 
of  Benjamin  and   Margaret  (Bassford)  Sage;  settled  at  Fall  River  in  spring  of  1844  ;  followed  farming 
about  twelve  years,  and  then  worked  at  this  trade  until,  nine  years  ago,  he   purchased   the  shop   he   now 
owns,  where  he  runs  a  general  wagon  and  blacksmith  repair-shop.    Married,  Jan.  1,  1859,  by  Rev.  Rosen- 
cranz,  of  Columbus,  to  Mary  L.,  daughter  of  Jonathan  and   Sally  A.  (Gale)    Chase,  of  New   Hampshire 
had  eleven  children — Mary,  died  young;   Frances  A.,  born  Feb.  4,  1860  ;   Elmer  E.,  born  Oct.  29,  1861 
Benjamin  A.,  born  March  7,  1864;  George  G.,  born  Dec.  28,   1865;  William  E.,  bore   Nov.   19,  18G7 
Susan  M.,  born  Feb.  4,  1870  ;   Edgar,  twin  to  one  that  died,  born    Aug.   20,  1872;    Herbert,  born   Oct 
21,    1S73;  Mary    L.,    born  Oct.    11,    1875;  Claude,   born   Aug.   18,   1879.     Mr.  Sage  is  a  Democrat 
Baptist,  and  ultra  temperance   man ;   was  United  States    blacksmith  in   the  army  until    he   had   smallpox 
and  was  discharged  (he  was  stationed  at  Memphis,  Tenn.)  ;  was  several  years  Town  Clerk,  and  from  1868 
to  present  time  Di-trict  Clerk,  and  for  nine  years  a  Justice  of  the   Peace,  in  a  Republican   town  ;  we  are 
indebted  to  Mr.  Sage  for  assistance  rendered  while  engaged  on  this  work. 

ANTHONY  SNOWI>EN,  fiirmer.  Sec.  17  ;  P.  O.  Columbus;  born  in  Yorkshire,  England, 
in  1830  ;  son  of  Anthony  and  Betsey  (Atchison)  Snowden  ;  came  here  in  1847  ;  had  three  brothers  and 
three  sisters,  all  dead  but  Thomas,  who  is  now  in  England,  raising  cattle,  sheep,  butter,  etc.;  lived  with 
Mr.  Pearson  and  Whitfield  until  he  built  a  house  two  years  later,  traded  at  Columbus  where  there  was  a 
mill,  tavern,  .store  and  one  house  ;  only  four  of  those  living  at  Columbus  at  that  time  are  now  living  ; 
never  married  ;    160  acres,  100  cultivated. 

WILLIAM  SUGDEN,  farmer.  Sec.  2;  P.  0.  Fall  River;  born  Nov.  28,  1824,  at  Lidget, 
Yorkshire,  England;  son  of  Abraham  and  Ann  (Riley)  Sugden  ;  came  from  birthplace  April  28,  1858, 
landed  May  12,  and